How the Seller Benefits from Listing with a Yacht Broker

Yacht brokers work much like real estate agents; they work hard to facilitate the sale of their listings and to protect and promote the interest of their clients. Some countries (and US states like California and Florida) require licensing of their yacht sales professionals. Many brokers prefer to sign a “Central Agency Listing”. As the central agent for the vessel, the broker will pro-actively promote the listing directly to their clients, and will also work cooperatively with other brokers who have clients of their own.

Yacht brokers charge a commission when the vessel is sold, and the commission amount will be set in writing when the seller signs a listing agreement with the broker. If another broker brings a buyer to the table, the total commission will normally be shared between the brokers.

Brokers often specialize in boat types, sizes and regions, so choose a broker who already represents boats similar to yours, and who operates his or her business close to where your boat is located. Search for a broker here. Tip: Locate a broker by country, province or state. Click on the link to view their homepage to learn about their company, and then view their list of boat listings. If you need help selecting a broker, email cs@yachtworld.com.

The Brokers Role for the Seller

• Determining a fair asking price – To ensure a timely sale, it is essential to ask a fair price. A broker can help establish fair-market value for the boat through access to actual sold boat data in www.soldboats.com, as reported by YachtWorld.com and Boats.com brokerage firms and dealerships. SoldBoats.com is not available to the public.
• Preparing an Advertising Strategy – The professional broker will outline a plan of how a boat is to be advertised in the most appropriate media. For example, the best means to promote a 27’ Catalina is vastly different than the strategy for a 63’ Sunseeker. The broker’s objective is to devise a strategy with the best chances of reaching the most interested and qualified audience for your boat.
• Preparing the listing for the Public - The broker will prepare the listing for distribution in various electronic and print media, for print and email distribution to clients and other brokers, and for distribution to prospects at boat shows, open houses, and walk-in inquiries. Sellers who have listed their boat for sale with a YachtWorld.com broker may see their listing advertised in www.yachtworld.com, www.boats.com and www.classifieds.yahoo.com and on the website of the YachtWorld broker.
• Prepare the listing for the broker-to-broker Multiple Listing Service – When you list your boat with a YachtWorld.com broker, your broker may also prepare the listing for viewing and presentation by other brokers using the private BoatWizard MLS. YachtWorld has over 1,750 member brokerage firms, with 2,500 offices and 5,000 individual yacht brokers and salespeople, all of who have password access to this MLS system.
• Prepare the boat – The broker will advise of any improvements that should be made to compete within today’s market, identify possible problems and solutions, and help organize upgrades & repairs. The broker may help locate easy-access moorings/storage for the duration of the listing.
• Professional Know-How – Professional brokers will understand the principals of the brokerage profession – such as certificates of ownership, security agreements, bills of sale and other documents needed to register and transfer titles to boats. They will understand maritime and admiralty liens for the type of vessels they represent, as well as mortgaging and transferring title to documented vessels. They will understand agency contracts, listing agreements, closing statements, deposit requirements and escrowed accounts to safeguard funds.
• Sea Trial and Survey – The buyer will usually request a sea trial and the services of a marine surveyor. Buyers pay for the surveys and for hauling the boat out of the water for inspection. Your yacht broker will usually attend the sea trial and marine survey and help you determine how any discovered deficiencies should be addressed in the purchase negotiations.
• The Art of Negotiating The Deal – The broker can use his position as a middleman to keep the negotiations between buyer and seller moving to a successful conclusion.

Find a Yacht Broker Now