What to look for in a broker?

[bobk]

The thread on selling without a broker involved has finally prodded me to start this thread.

I turn 81 this fall, have cruised between Baltimore (and once the Erie Canal) and Marathon many many times. Age plus some serious medical issues last year (seems all good now) have us thinking seriously about selling our 1981 Series I 48MY. The boat shows well, is in great shape, well maintained and never abused. So the question in my mind is how to sell her when I decide to pull the trigger. I'll certainly first try via the Boats Wanted and for Sale list here as well as T&T. But assuming that doesn't work out too well, what criteria should one look for in selecting a broker.

We are in Port St Lucie, FL and the boat is at our condo dock. There is a one man part time broker operation in PSL who has been very successful in selling many of the boats here, but he has limited knowledge of Hatteras' and Detroits. The closest large brokerage is less than 10 miles from here, but I have not been happy with what I have seen in their rep who seems to have had several listings from the condo over the past years. So my questions are how should I value proximity, size of operation, knowledge of these vessels etc.? How should I make a choice if the FSBO option doesn't work out? I know the HOF has some good, knowledgeable folks in the business and I'd appreciate your comments as well, here or off line . If I have to break my heart, I'd like it done with minimal pain.

Bobk

 

[Boatsb]

I worked for United for a while but being a part time broker is not fair to your customers.

I'd there a local United yachts office?

 

[bobk]

I worked for United for a while but being a part time broker is not fair to your customers.

I'd there a local United yachts office?

Yes, there is a United office in Stuart. Your thoughts about them?

Bobk

 

[SEVEN]

Honest, works on your behalf, isn't just interested in the almighty buck. Good luck.

 

[Boatsb]

Yes, there is a United office in Stuart. Your thoughts about them?

Bobk

A real class act. Very well organized and a good back office.

They have level of professionalism I don't see at a lot of other offices.

If you want I can ask a buddy who would be the best broker for you to contact there.

 

[bobk]

A real class act. Very well organized and a good back office.

They have level of professionalism I don't see at a lot of other offices.

If you want I can ask a buddy who would be the best broker for you to contact there.

Thanks Scott. I will check back with you when I pull that trigger.

Bobk

 

[racclarkson@gmail.com]

Honest, works on your behalf, isn't just interested in the almighty buck. Good luck.

My priority: Got to have a good personal relationship where you are confident he's in it for the long haul. I worked on and off with my guy for more than a year when I bought Aslan. My guy ingratiated himself so much so with the PO that PO tried to cut his guy out of the deal. I highly value that personal relationship because a strong working relationship can only be established if the broker knows his/her stuff. Even so, the BS meter has to on at all times. The test: Would you use that broker again?

 

[SEVEN]

Last sentence was perfectly stated. The person you would seek out each time you bought and sold.

 

[bobk]

Last sentence was perfectly stated. The person you would seek out each time you bought and sold.

The guy I bought Chateau de Mer through is 1200 miles from me. He was honest and a fairly good communicator and I have recommended him to others near Baltimore. But, that seems a bit far. I'd probably end up as the guy showing the boat etc. The only other broker I've been involved with has passed. WTD? How do you factor in distance?

Bobk

 

[Boatsb]

You dont work with distance. Similar to what made me drop my license.

It's a full time job, requires advertising and good pictures. Boats should be well staged before taking pics. A good broker is worth their cost because they work hard to represent the vessel in a positive manner and show it personally.

I could not give my customers the constant attention they needed and run my business properly at the same time. A part time broker like A discount broker is not a good idea.

 

[Mike36c]

I live in Palm City and Fritz Grell of United Yacht sold my 36 last year and I hired him as a buyers broker to purchase my 53. He's a straight shooter and doesn't mind working, class act.

 

[Bugsy]

Well.....I just spoke to Fritz as a customer interested in a boat he had listed. He might be a very nice fellow but he did not seem well-informed about the boat and did not evidence any sense of creativity....." thinking out of the box".
He is not someone I personally would retain as a selling broker.
One encounter and brief so should be put into the blender with more positive remarks.

Selling a 37 year old boat is not an easy undertaking no matter how skillful the broker and regardless of how well-maintained the boat.

As others have noted, financing is not readily available and a purchassr with cash has MANY options for newer vessels.

Personally, I suspect that creative financing will have to be acceptable to the seller and understood by any broker and so the broker has to be one who has a very broad perspective.....and a LOT of patience.

 

[Boatsb]

Bob,


Please pm me more information on your condo. I'd like to find a place like yours for my dad. He wants to move down with his boat and I remember you told me how you have a marina there.

Thanks