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zeehag · 24-06-2011, 07:14

only driven on sundays by lil old lady sunday school teacher.....

Capt Phil · 24-06-2011, 08:02

Seling our last couple of boats, my wife gave me all kinds of grief saying the boat looked better than at any time we had owned her. Got within 10% of my asking price and both boats surveyed out well. Mind you we lived aboard and cared for them like they were our home which they were.
Pity so many sales go south because of cosmetic and cleanliness issues that can be fixed easily. A decent broker should give the seller advice in this area but that is expecting too much, I guess. Capt Phil

martinjrichter · 24-06-2011, 08:54

Most of the sellers I have seen in the past six months simply don't know how to market their boat. Pictures are an important part of the sales package, just as specs, price and location. That said why would you show pictures of all your junk, v-berth full of "crap" and dirty dishes in the galley? Or my fav, pictures so badly made it is hard to tell what you are looking at.
Another important part of the sales package, often missing, is a survey, when was it done, by whom, and where can I go to read it for myself.

If you want serious bucks for your boat, get serious about marketing it.

**sarafina** · 24-06-2011, 09:11

All the grumbling here made me chuckle... yeah it's annoying, and as the mod who *usually* does the house keeping in the classifieds it makes me a bit crazy when one of these minimalist posts comes in...

But really, you guys would be AMAZED at how often when I contact them the absence of pictures is because they either didn't know how to get a picture of the camera and onto the forum... gotta down load from the camera to the 'puter, and the upload to the internet... TRICKY business don'tcha know?

OR they were trying to be polite and not take up too much space... ; -D

Its sorta of sweet how happy they are to have help...

So it's worth remembering it ain't always because someone WANTS to be annoying... Feel free any of you, in my absence, to offer up a friendly post or pm suggesting pics and details and if you can answer the basic questions on how to post the pics even better...

*go to the little yellow mountain icon and.....*

captainKJ · 24-06-2011, 12:20

Another important part of the sales package, often missing, is a survey, when was it done, by whom, and where can I go to read it for myself.

If you want serious bucks for your boat, get serious about marketing it.

It does not cost that much for an insurance survey,,the seller should have a copy anyways for himself just to know how much the boat is worth,,,,,,never know,,might be worth more then you think

Capt Phil · 24-06-2011, 14:42

Great Advice, Capt KJ... CP

Curmudgeon · 24-06-2011, 15:21

It's a buyer's market, and if sellers want to shoot themselves in the foot and disadvantage themselves even further, it's not my problem. I'm a buyer at the moment. But if I ever become a seller again, I know what to do. In the real estate market, the call it staging.
Home Staging - Staging a House - Art of Home Staging

Capt Phil · 24-06-2011, 15:29

You know, I never looked at it that way, Curmudgeon... but you are dead right. When I pick up one of those glossy real estate mags at the supermarket, they are a lot better presented than boats for sale... cheers, Capt Phil

**sarafina** · 25-06-2011, 08:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Curmudgeon

But if I ever become a seller again, I know what to do. In the real estate market, the call it staging.
Home Staging - Staging a House - Art of Home Staging

You are SO right on here. I worked in the staging business for a number of years and our properties would sell thru when identical units just sat on the market.

When the time comes to sell we will be spit shining and dolling up like nobody's business. For starters no matter how experienced a buyer might be, sailing is SO about the romance.

And the distaff partner who is not so into sailing? Will be totally attracted by a charming dollhouse like ambiance...

Not that that staging is going to be the whole deal, just that all other things taken equally between two boats, the one with the fresh flowers and fruit in a basket and pretty linens IS going to sell faster, and for more...

And did I mention that we always had something subtle that smelled good around...? Just a good scented candle will do the trick!

sww914 · 25-06-2011, 08:41

So is a small scented candle more effective than old cats, greasy food and cigars?

I looked at one house back in the day when we thought that buying a house was a good move (2004) that had 3 overflowing trash cans in the kitchen, dirty dishes piled so high that they were touching the overhead cabinets, mold on the ceiling, and a blood stain on the carpet. I never saw a boat that was that bad but almost...

Capt Phil · 25-06-2011, 08:44

The last boat I purchased, the owner had his wife bake a bunch of cookies just before I arrived to check out the boat. The odor was fantastic and went a long way to put me in the mood to get serious about buying. I think my wife was sold as soon as she smelled the cookies! Capt Phil

sww914 · 25-06-2011, 08:45

BTW, what does it take to become a boat broker? I really think that I could do better than some of these clowns, if I ever finish cruising.

spostamento nobile · 25-06-2011, 09:15

I've never met a group of larger idiots & douchebags than boat brokers. Except maybe politicians. I gave up trying to use them a long time ago.

Capt Phil · 25-06-2011, 10:05

sww914, as long as you know the pointy end from the blunt end and can make it to work before 11:00am, you've got the job!
Seriously though, if I were hiring a broker I would look for several years of experience aboard power and sail, at least a Masters 100 ton license with sail endorsement, a fairly solid mechanical background and good understanding of marine electrical and electronics systems, outstanding people skills and a thorough understanding of marine contract, titling and vessel documentation. Honesty is a plus! Capt Phil