There are very good reasons why most of the experienced boating community chooses to use the services of a brokerage to assist them in buying or selling a boat. Buying a boat is one of the biggest investments we all make throughout our lives. When buying or selling a boat, it is always worth consulting the services of an experienced broker who can guide you through the process and avoid the many potential pitfalls that can lead to a very costly mistake.

• An Accredited Broker is required to achieve maximum exposure for any and all Central Agency listings through the use of a variety of advertising and marketing methods. However, what is often overlooked is the percentage of sales that is achieved through cooperative sales between brokers. And who is better equipped to reach out to other runners? A yacht broker! A professional brokerage has the necessary tools to ensure your boat receives maximum exposure.
  The result: More qualified buyers on your boat.
• During the sales process, your broker will provide you with up-to-date information on the current market, as well as how your boat is selling. It is important to understand that market conditions can change quickly, and if your boat is not keeping up with current market trends, whether good or bad, it can make it much more difficult to sell your boat.
  The result: Up-to-date information leads to reduced selling times.
• Your broker is in the best position to advise and recommend any repairs, cosmetic work or presentation requirements that can significantly improve not only the salability, but also the attainable price of your boat. These are key factors in selling your boat for the right price, quickly.
  The result: Improvement of quality and price offers.
• Your broker knows when, where and how to list your boat to achieve maximum results. Responses received from advertising are pre-screened so that only qualified prospects are displayed on your vessel. You, the seller, can be free from worry about the safety of your property, as your broker accompanies prospects through this inspection process and beyond, and most importantly, has all the necessary insurance.
  The result: More free time and tranquility.
• Your broker will help you objectively evaluate each offer to purchase your vessel without compromising your business position. This initial agreement is just the beginning of a process of appraisals, inspections, financing and insurance. Many of the pitfalls that stand in the way of a successful sale can be carefully navigated by your broker.
  The result: A quiet sale.
• Your Broker is of great help when it comes to closing the sale. Between the initial purchase agreement and the settlement, many questions frequently arise. For example, unexpected repairs required as an inspection discovery or at the insistence of an insurance company. Also, the paperwork required can be overwhelming for most sellers. Your broker is the best person to objectively help you resolve these issues and bring the transaction to a successful settlement.
  The result: Less stress for the seller.
• Without a doubt, a professional Broker is the most qualified person to advise on the best attainable price for the sale of your boat. Vendors often make the fatal mistake of setting their initial selling price too high, only to find that it keeps some interested parties away. Likewise, setting the price too low makes the seller lose money. By consulting a professional broker, you are assured of getting the most up-to-date knowledge of the market regarding what similar boats are selling for. Remember, the price a similar boat is advertised for is not necessarily the price the boat fetches when it is sold.
  The result: More inquiries, maximum price and less time in the market.
• Professional brokerages maintain an extensive client database of paid buyers looking for all possible types of boats. This gives your broker the ability to bring buyers and sellers together in a time efficient manner.
  The result: Reduced selling time.
• It is vitally important to understand your legal obligations when selling a boat. Professional brokers understand all the legal requirements for a sale, such as: contracts; property transfer; VAT; entrance fees; foreign currency; and foreign registrations. In addition, each Marine Queensland accredited brokerage must operate a trust account to safely hold all money until settlement.
  The result: A piece of mind sale.
• There are many buyers in the market who will only negotiate the purchase of a listed vessel through a brokerage. Its main reasons are: security of the sales process; as well as the Broker acting as a buffer between the buyer and the seller. Buying and selling a boat can be a stressful and emotional process. The broker acts as a buffer, thereby removing potential emotion between the seller and the buyer.
  The result: More buyers and less emotion and stress for the seller.
• Marine Queensland has an accreditation program which has been sanctioned and funded by the Queensland State Government in conjunction with Marine Queensland. The accreditation program has identified minimum standards and procedures for how ship brokerage businesses are to be operated. These rules protect the interests of boaters when buying or selling a boat. Always deal through a reputable brokerage agency when you need the services of a shipbroker.
  The result: More buyers and less emotion and stress for the seller.

If you would like to discuss selling your motor yacht or boat, please contact us at Great Barrier Reef Boat Sales.