FINDING THE RIGHT YACHT SALES BROKER
Buying a yacht is a huge investment. Finding the right broker to work on your behalf is a crucial step to securing your dream boat.
Yacht brokers work like real estate agents, and using an inexperienced one can cost you time, money, and put you at risk for huge headaches in the future that could easily have been avoided.
Here are 5 ways to find the right yacht sales broker for you.
RELIABLE EXPERIENCE
Ask the potential brokerage how long they’ve been in the industry. Learn about their unique strategy to get their customers results. You want a brokerage with a strong performance history and solid market knowledge. As an industry expert, they should be aware of past and current trends that can be to your benefit. A good broker will have strong industry connections and an extensive network which means more service for their customers and a wide range of vetted trusted vendors.
COMMUNICATION
A broker should communicate well. Make sure they keep appointments and respond promptly to you. If they aren’t doing so, they probably won’t do that with other buyers, sellers, or vendors that you’ll need to work with throughout the process.
A CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL YACHT BROKER
Look for a brokerage that has Certified Professional Yacht Brokers (CPYB) in their firm. This designation is gained by invitation only. Criteria to earn the title includes 3 years broker experience, passing a challenging exam, and acquiring third-party board approval. Brokers who hold the CPYB title are the cream of the crop and those who have earned the respect of their peers in the industry.
REFERRALS
Ask for recommendations from fellow sailors and yacht owners. Look for a brokerage where customers have positive things to say about their experience. Make sure to ask about service throughout and after the buying process as well as the brokerage’s negotiation skills. The right broker will be calm and logical, never rushing the process to find the suitable boat.
CHEMISTRY
Find someone who fits your personality. It’s essential to work with a broker who is approachable, and sincerely understands your needs. Find a brokerage who is happy to answer all questions about the process. Trust your gut. Your intuition will lead the way on this one.
