How to find a buyer's broker

NDM · 02-05-2018, 10:21 AM

Does the list have some wisdom on how to choose a buyer's broker? Does it have to be close to where I live? I am in the Annapolis, Maryland area if that matters, and I am interested in a MY around 42' in the 10 to 15 years old range.
Until now, I would scan Yachtworld and find a listing that I like and call the listing broker to visit. I would love to leave that initial screening work to the professionals so I need to only consider the real candidates.
Any suggestions?
On a related subject, I am going to the Miami Boat Show next week. Does anyone know good brokers for the type of boat I mentioned above.

RT Firefly · 02-05-2018, 10:38 AM

Tucker Fallon. TF member Trawler Forum - View Profile: yachtbrokerguy

Daddyo · 02-05-2018, 10:47 AM

Call me. It's what I do.

Chrisjs · 02-05-2018, 10:50 AM

We had a decent experience with a "buyer's broker" who showed us several vessels, of which we actually eventually bought one. We also looked at quite a number of boats on our own. I think reality is a "buyer's broker" can help with lining up a bunch of appointments, knowing where the vessels are located (how many back yard dock are there in the Ft. Lauderdale district??), and with transportation. BUT, ultimately there is really no such animal as a "BB" because the commission is split with the listing broker and the motivation to sell a boat is just the same. The difference is the BB will show you vessels they do not have listed and help with comps., but likely most listing brokers will do the same if asked. By the way, we did not use Tucker because we had not met him at the time, but IMO he is a good guy and very knowledgeable.

Chrisjs · 02-05-2018, 10:50 AM

Yes, and Mark is good guy as well. He helped sell my boat!!

Oldersalt · 02-05-2018, 11:19 AM

Talk to several brokers who are experienced with the type of vessel you are interested in. Then pick the one you like and trust the most. Anything more than that is pure lottery.
Good Luck!
Oldersalt

tiltrider1 · 02-05-2018, 08:09 PM

You will know you found the right buyers broker when he is more interested in knowing how you plan to use a boat and what your expectations are than showing you boats.

dmooch · 02-06-2018, 12:53 AM

Hi, we are in process of purchasing a GB 42' Classic through our broker, Haywood May, through Zimmermanmarine.com. Steve Zimmerman owns several boat yards from Maryland- south. I've attended many courses with Steve and he is one of the most knowledgable guys I've every met when it comes to boat. Haywood works with him directly. you may want to check out Zimmermanmarine.com for the services they provide, and buyer broker is one of them. Feel free to call Steve @ 804-725-3440. i can't say enough good about how knowledgeable, friendly, and responsive Haywood is with his clients.
Good luck!

danderer · 02-06-2018, 10:24 AM

Here is an interesting take on the process: Thinking About Buying a Used Boat? | Zimmerman Marine

dmooch · 02-06-2018, 11:18 AM

Danderer, that's the program we are in now. haywood may is our rep in the process.
Thanks
Dmooch

danderer · 02-06-2018, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmooch

Danderer, that's the program we are in now.

Missed seeing your post. Sorry.

LongJohn · 02-06-2018, 01:54 PM

My broker experience from 4 years ago; I talked to several, but once a broker found out that I was planning to spend <$200K, interest waned to zero. One tried to sell me his listings whether they met my needs, two tried to refer me to someone "more suitable", one ignored calls or email after the initial contact. Obviously, not a good experience.

**Larry M** · 02-06-2018, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NDM

Does the list have some wisdom on how to choose a buyer's broker? Does it have to be close to where I live? I am in the Annapolis, Maryland area if that matters, and I am interested in a MY around 42' in the 10 to 15 years old range.
Until now, I would scan Yachtworld and find a listing that I like and call the listing broker to visit. I would love to leave that initial screening work to the professionals so I need to only consider the real candidates.
Any suggestions?
On a related subject, I am going to the Miami Boat Show next week. Does anyone know good brokers for the type of boat I mentioned above.

When you’re at the boat show, look for Curtis Stokes, in the industry he has a very good reputation. I know 3 brokers in his firm and they are all knowledgeable. He also has a MD office so the firm maybe a possible choice for a buyers broker also.

Woodland Hills · 02-06-2018, 02:10 PM

Ask on the owners forums of the brand or type of boat you are looking for, many owners are happy to make recommendations based upon their experience. For example, Eric Horst is very knowledgeable on Hatteras as well as others and has offices in Fla and the Chesapeake Bay Area. He has been helpful with our boat search.....