A Helpful Guide to Selling your Boat

LOCATION
Our offices at Belmont Bay Harbor Marina in Woodbridge VA, is located in a major boating area just off the Potomac River and close to several marinas, all of which provide a steady stream of prospects who are looking to purchase a vessel.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

Because Virginia Yachts offer boat sales and service we know boats inside and out.

With over 40 years of combined brokerage and new boat sales experience, our staff of professionals is available 7 days a week. We are members of the largest MLS database service which includes Yachtworld, Boatrader and Boats.com. In addition, we maintain our own first class website that uses the latest in social media and search engine tags to ensure your boat gets noticed right away. We maintain an in-house database of known buyers and sellers in the Mid Atlantic region.

Our service operations personnel are factory trained on all ship systems. We service all major boat and engine brands including Sea Ray, Maxum, Bayliner, Tiara, Chaparral, Volvo, Mercuriser, PCM and Crusader. Our unique Mobile Service Trucks offer service support direct to your location. We maintain ABYC and NMEA standards and are members of each.

Brokers Responsibilities

1) Broad Based Advertising

Utilizing the worldwide listing services of Yachtworld, Boatrader and Boats.com we ensure that your boat receives the largest exposure possible. Our relationship with other brokers and dealers in the area as well as in Florida and Maryland help us to make the connections necessary to find all buyers potentially interested in your vessel.

2) Response

We will keep you informed of changes in the market and activity on your boat on a regular basis. We subscribe to several industry reporting agencies that provide us with constant updates on sales activity across the region and country so we can monitor how your boat fits into that picture.

When we encounter qualified prospects, they are shown your boat only if accompanied by a qualify yacht broker.

Changes in price or in the listing can be made immediately using our MLS access.

3) Negotiations on your Behalf

Virginia Yachts will negotiate on your behalf helping to structure a deal by creating ways to reach an agreement that might not have been possible. Simply put, we can keep small obstacles from becoming insurmountable problems.

4) Complete the Entire Transaction
a) Preparing the Necessary Paperwork
b) Follow the tenants of the contract in order to ensure a timely closing
c) Assist the buyer with financing if needed and a list of recommended marine surveyors.
d) Arrange for the Haul-out /Launch and Sea Trial if specified
e) Address the survey issues and advice both parties an equitable solution.

5) Seller's Responsibilities

There are certain steps which, if taken, can maximize the sale of your boat.

a) Appearance: The first impression a prospect acquires is a lasting one. The entire vessel should be clean and tidy, inside and out. Any items that do not come with the boat should be removed promptly by the owner prior to showing. All of the storage areas, galley, bulge and head as well as living and sleeping areas should be in good order. The engine area should be clean for viewing. If you don't have the time for this process, our Service Operations division can provide weekly as well as annual maintenance programs which will keep your vessel in top mechanical and ready-to-show condition.

b) Liability: While the appearance and condition of the vessel are the responsibility of the owner(s), Virginia Yachts will do their part to ensure that your property is secure through the use of a key sign-out system or entry instructions from the owner. Notification of movement of the vessel or changes in its availability for showing is the responsibility of the boat owner.

c) Pricing: Settling the price is affected by many factors, therefore research is the only way to find the answers you are looking for. Here are some criteria to review with your Listing Broker:

1) Check the market for similar boats. Compare price, condition, and equipment as well as the time the boat has been on the market.
2) Review record sales of similar boats and what they sold for.
3) Use other sources such as NADA and Yachtworld to view past sales.
4) When settling on a price, be sure to leave room for negotiation.

A Final Note
You will find that when you work with a broker you can trust, you will build a lasting relationship. A professional broker will be available to answer questions and provide assistance even after the transaction is completed. We value your loyalty, anticipated referrals and future business; however, valued above all else, we find our fulfillment in having helped you realize your boating dreams.