There are very good reasons why most of the experienced boating community choose 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 that we all make throughout our lives. When buying or selling a boat, it is always worth seeking the services of an experienced broker who can guide you through the process and thus 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 other runners? A yacht racer! A professional brokerage has the necessary tools to ensure that 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 the marketing of your boat is performing. It is important to understand that market conditions can change rapidly, and if your boat is not keeping up with current market trends, good or bad, it can make it much more difficult to sell your boat.
  The result: Up-to-date information leads to reduced sales 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 saleability, but also the achievable price of your boat. These are key factors in selling your boat for the right price, fast.
  The result: Improvement of quality and price offers.
• Your broker knows when, where and how to advertise your boat for maximum results. Responses received from advertising are shortlisted so that only qualified prospects are shown about 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 get in the way of a successful sale can be carefully circumvented by your broker.
  The result: A quiet sale.
• Your Broker is a great help when it comes to closing the sale. Between the initial purchase agreement and the settlement, many questions often arise. For example, unexpected repairs required as an inspection discovery or at the insistence of an insurance company. Also, the required paperwork 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.
• Undoubtedly, a professional Broker is the most qualified person to advise on the best price achievable for the sale of your boat. Vendors often make the fatal mistake of setting their initial sales price too high, only to find that it keeps some interested parties away. Similarly, setting the price too low causes the seller to lose money. By consulting a professional broker, you are assured of getting the most up-to-date knowledge on the market as to what similar boats are selling for. Remember, the price that a similar boat is advertised for is not necessarily the price that the boat fetches when it is sold.
  The result: More inquiries, maximum price and less time on the market.
• Professional brokerages maintain an extensive client database of collected buyers looking for every possible type of boat. This gives your broker the ability to bring buyers and sellers together in a time efficient manner.
  The result: Reduced sales 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; transfer of ownership; VAT; entry fees; foreign currency; and foreign records. Additionally, each Marine Queensland accredited brokerage is required to operate a trust account to securely hold all money until settlement.
  The result: A piece of mind selling.
• 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, thus eliminating potential excitement between the seller and the buyer.
  The result: More buyers and less excitement 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 ocean brokerage businesses will be operated. These rules protect the interests of boaters when buying or selling a boat. Always deal through a reputable brokerage when you need the services of a shipping broker.
  The result: More buyers and less excitement and stress for the seller.

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