Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Getting Ready to Buy a Yacht

Whatever your reason for wanting to buy a yacht, there are certain steps to take and things you should know about the process. These tips hold true whether you’re looking to buy a yacht or planning to buy a sail boat.

Research Your Choices

The more you know about yachts and sailboats, the better informed you’ll be when you start shopping. Research brands, builders, brokers, materials and everything else you can get your hands on. Read trade magazines, talk to boat builders and boat owners and just generally bone up on the various parts and systems of ships. That way you’ll know the general quality of the vessels you look at when you’re actually ready to buy a yacht.

Shop Around

As part of your research, do some shopping around. Get a feel for the market before you make the plunge into buying. The prices for luxury goods like yachts and sailboats can vary remarkably from one seller to the next, so it’s always a good idea to know the range of asking prices for the kinds of boats you’re considering. Keep in mind that condition, age and history all play a part in determining the price a buyer thinks he can get for his luxury sailboat or yacht.

Talk to a Broker

If you’re looking to buy a luxury yacht, you’re not likely to find what you want on Craigslist, though the local classified ads may help you locate a broker who deals in luxury boats. A broker is almost always a better choice than dealing directly with a private buyer when you want to buy a yacht. A broker is more likely to have specialized knowledge about yachts, and will make it his business to know everything there is to know about the boats he represents. In addition, an experienced broker knows that his reputation is on the line with every deal. That means he puts the buyer’s satisfaction high on the list of business priorities, which is a good thing for you. Make sure you research yacht brokers and their credentials before you decide to do business with one particular dealer or broker.

When you’re ready to buy a luxury yacht, contact the most reputable broker you’ve researched and get ready to enjoy your new vessel.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Choosing a Luxury Yacht Broker in Fort Lauderdale

Buying a yacht or luxury boat is serious business. It’s not the sort of bauble you pick up on a whim from listings in the Sunday classified ads. Today, most luxury yachts are for sale by private owner, but, just like high-end luxury real estate, the sales are most often handled by a luxury yacht broker. In Fort Lauderdale, there are many boat dealers and brokers who deal in luxury yachts and sailboats. How do you choose someone to fairly represent your interests as a buyer or seller of a luxury yacht in Fort Lauderdale?

Ask for Recommendations

Much of this advice will sound familiar, because in truth, buying a luxury sailing yacht is not much different than buying a house or a high-end luxury car. Ask other yacht owners where they bought their ship and who handled the details of the sale. Give special credence to advice from the officials at your local yacht club, who frequently deal with brokers and others who sell luxury boats.

Decide What You Want

It’s always easier to find what you want when you know what you’re looking for. Imagine your dream ship in detail so that you can describe it accurately to the luxury sailing yacht broker in Fort Lauderdale. Consider the materials and manufacturers that are important to you and look for dealers who have access to the kind of inventory you want to buy.

Check Credentials and Reputation

Before you agree to do business with a luxury yacht broker – or any other dealer in high-end luxury items – always check his or her credentials and reputation in the community. Make sure that the dealer has any required licenses and that he or she is actually associated with any professional bodies to which he claims membership. Check with the Better Business Bureau to find out about any complaints lodged against the broker and to see how he resolves complaints if there are any listed.

If everything checks out, talk to the Fort Lauderdale luxury yacht broker about the kind of vessel you’re looking for and work out the arrangements for a contract between you. With the number of luxury yachts and luxury sailing yachts on the market during these troubled times, you should be able to get quite a bargain.