Advice please, drop broker and sell on my own?

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abaragones
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Joined: 9/26/13
Posts: 32
Advice please, drop broker and sell on my own?

All, Quick request for advice. Long story short, I have my C36 in the market since July, and my experience with the broker has been terrible, from lack on communication, to bad creating a posting, to withholding a counter offer for days etc. At this point I am trying to figure out if I should drop him and sell on my own (I understand the consequences of this i.e. having time to show the boat, etc). I wonder if anyone have experience selling on their own and perhaps and tips/suggestion.
Thanks! -Abraham

Sailing from Norwalk, CT
2002 C36 MKII, "Cataluna", Hull#2077

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Catboat Willy
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Joined: 12/22/14
Posts: 385

Abe;
I had a terrible experience with the selling broker when BUYING my boat. Every question I would ask reguarding the boat came with the response; 'I'll have to ask the owner'. He knew absolutely nothing about the boat and I was trying to figure out what positive contribution he was making to the sale.  This went on and on and I took the boat to survey for  which I had to arrange all of the details and that was OK.

In the end, I cancelled the sale sale due to the unresponsiveness of the broker and complained to the owner of the brokerage business. His response was even more infuriating than his sales guy: 'It's like that for boat's that sell for under 100k $ !
I walked away from the sale because I was annoyed at the selling broker and continued my search.
Then, only to be contacted directly by the boat's owner.
The boat's owner and I agreed that the unresponsive sales guy was a 'duffus' and agreed to have lunch. During lunch, I had all my concerns addressed, questions answered, discussed the survey in detail and made my offer directly to the owner. We agreed that we would pay the broker his fee and I bought the boat from the owner.
If I were you, I'd decide what the lowest price you'll accept for the boat, subtract 10% and at least try to sell it yourself. After all, you are in one of the greater sailing areas of the world and no one knows the boat like you do. Advertise the heck out of it and yes, you'll get some tire kicker's but...... The other part of this is make sure you can get out of your sales contract with the  broker.
Your insurance company can give you a fairly good estimate as to what boats similiar to yours are selling for.
(Sorry for the rant).
Bill
 

Bill Dolan 1990 Catalina C-36 MKI - Hull #1041  'Williwaw'
Std. Rig, Walk Through, Wing Keel
M35, Oberdorfer Conversion,
Home Waters; Charlotte  Harbor & The Gulf Islands of Florida
'You are never out of work if you own a boat'

 

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pkeyser
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Joined: 5/18/13
Posts: 659

Fire your broker.

I periodically get inquiries from brokers asking if I would be interested in listing my boat. They usually attach a list of C36's sold by year and price. Sorry, I just tossed the last one about two weeks ago. There is demand for these boats, and you have a newer C36 which sould be desirable.

It all depends on how much time you have and what your time is worth to you.

I've worked with Eastern Yatchs and Brewer Yatch Sales over the years and have had good luck with them both buying and selling. My suggestions:

  • Go with a name brand Brokerage
  • Select a Broker with at least 5-10 years of experience
  • Ask for references and recent sales examples
  • Our last Broker was certified by YBBA-Yatch Broker Association. I'm not sure how rigerous it is to get certified, but I would imagine it should build some baseline quality into the industry.
  • Pick a local Broker-one that can visit the boat easily and shows interest in it.

Paul & Wendy Keyser
"First Light"
Rye NH
2005 C36 MKII #2257
Wing, M35B

two-rocks
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Joined: 8/11/17
Posts: 74

Bought from a private sale this year (a 2005 boat).
Most brokers (all but ONE) were completely useless - at best they were a waste of time and at worst we needed a shower after the visit. And yes, were were in the 100K range.
As Bill said, "I'd decide what the lowest price you'll accept for the boat, subtract 10%" - the lowest price you accept will dictate how mutch traction you get in the markletplace, and how fast you'll sell.

Most sellers are not realistic on the bold point. 

 

abaragones
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Joined: 9/26/13
Posts: 32

All,
Thank you all for the quick responses. I hate to admit but agree I should not work with this broker anymore. We are in no way stuck to the asking price, and I consider mylself very realistic and open to negotiating the price, even when I think the boat is in pristine condition :)

The brokerage agreement only says that I cannot sell the boat to anyone that they showed the boat previously, for a year.

In terms of sites to list the boat, I wonder where you guys found your boats or look for, I know of saiboatlistings but that's it. Any others?

Thank you again
-Abe

Sailing from Norwalk, CT
2002 C36 MKII, "Cataluna", Hull#2077

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dejavu
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Joined: 11/6/08
Posts: 433

When you cancel the listing agreement, be sure to get a complete list from the broker of everyone they have showed the boat to. That way there are no misunderstandings later.

Deja Vu
1991 MK I # 1106
Marina del Rey, CA

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