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Should I have a Buyers Broker?

3K views 10 replies 7 participants last post by  Brian Duff 
#1 ·
When buying a used boat is a buyers broker recommended? If I use one does the seller pay the commission as in Real Estate? I've located a boat already on Yachtworld and have been corresponding with the listing broker. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks.
 
#3 ·
In general I highly recommend building a relationship with a local broker and replying on the broker to find and vet listings before you travel to see them. It wont cost you a penny.

If you dont know boats real well, he/she'll have the experience to know which are likely to fit your selection criteria. He/she is also more likely to get the straight dope form the other broker as to boat quality and condition, so you dont waste time looking at pigs, unless that is a selection criteria (cost driven of course).

If you work with a broker and you dont find these benefits, move onto a different broker until you do.

The broker you work with is know as the selling broker...there is no role for a buyers broker in boat sales, although that is mostly terminology.
 
#4 ·
Yes..Someone who will understand what you want and tell you the truth. The boats seller pays the coimmission and your broker woill get some of the commisiion from the sellers broker, Be carefull and get recoimmendations about the broker you choose, because just as in any business there are scrupulous people and unscrupulous.

What area do you live in.

Dave
 
#6 ·
I have a similar question for all...
I have a broker I have been talking to while shopping for an upgrade. I have settled on a Catalina 320. I saw one on Yachtworld for a good price, so I emailed the broker, found out where the boat was, and a Sailnet member very kindly looked her over for me yesterday. He gave me a very positive report on her (thanks go out to Johnnyquest37).
Here's the problem-I have been dealing with a local broker here in Massachusetts. Since I contacted the Maryland broker on my own, my broker can no longer be involved. I'm worried about spending $60-$70k cash and do something wrong....do I need to worry? I know that I'll need agree on a price-contingent on survey and sea trial. I know I need to place a 10% deposit when I make an offer. What could possibly go wrong??????? (Gulp-the Admiral will keelhaul me if I blow the boat budget). Is it ok to do the transaction without a broker? Obviously, its been done many times before...just not by me-my Catalina 22 was an easy buy.....
 
#7 ·
.... Is it ok to do the transaction without a broker? Obviously, its been done many times before...just not by me-my Catalina 22 was an easy buy.....
If you want the boat, you dont have any choice. There is nothing overly risky about doing a deal directly with the listing broker, you should be able to get the same P&S provisions you'd get going through a selling broker...the only difference is you need to draw you own lines int he sand, so to speak.
 
#10 ·
You most certainly do not need a "buyers broker".

Unless, you have someone in mind that you trust and you are sure they know much more than you.

Boat brokers are like real estate agents, most of them simply open the door, let you in and act like they know what they are talking about.

If they knew more they would be surveyors or lawyers. (don't get me started on those..lol)

Spend your money on a lawyer and let them look over anything before you sign it.

That being said, there are a few out there that are honest AND knowledgeable. I've met two out of hundreds.
 
#11 ·
Hi Volfan,

as mentioned above, a buyers broker can be an excellent aide to you in your search IF you know that person has experience and knowledge that will be helpful to you (such as having owned boats, currently owning boats, having been out sailing as you intend to (race or cruise, family or what) and of course no matter if you inquired with a listing agent already or not, your broker (dubbed the selling agent if he brings the buyer) can always represent you - this is the way of the industry, and a listing agent that tries to block you or force you to work only with him, should not get the sale - and should probably be reported to YBAA and to Yachtworld as well.

As also mentioned, review any agreements carefully, the YBAA agreement is a very safe one to enter in a purchase on, as it defaults to no purchase should you not sign an additional paper later - and allows you a clear exit if you find out things are different than presented to you by the listing agent.

I do hope you get this boat, or another good boat, soon.
 
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