Why PETER KEATS BOAT SALES?
Do you deal with both power and sail boats?
Yes! Peter Keats is a true brokerage service with experience in all types of craft - whether that be sail or power.
Why is experience so important?
Finding a buyer, particularly in the current market, is perhaps the easiest part of the sale. Keeping the sale on track requires the ability to keep momentum going, overcome survey issues (see my opinion page for more on this) and create proper contracts to protect both yourself and your purchaser. Brokerage is not just knowing what to do, a broker needs to fully understand how and why - particularly when handling client monies.
What else can you do for me?
- We can advise you on a realistic asking price and show you evidence of sale prices achieved for your model.
- We will make recommendations on the presentation of your craft.
- Provide advice as to any tasks that may help ease the boat through survey.
- Viewings will always be accompanied, with particular care taken to leave the boat as it was found.
- Conduct "live" online viewings.
- Create "walk through" videos of your boat for our You Tube channel.
- Have the nerve to disagree; saying yes is always easy, but not always right.
- Arrange all the logistics for surveys and sea trials.
- Conduct and or attend sea trials where necessary.
- Employ our experience to reduce post survey re-negotiation to a minimum.
- Complete accurate transfer of ownership paperwork, including Part 1 registration.
What is a "Qualified Broker"?
With nearly a quarter of a century in new and used boat sales, we have a vast amount of experience and expertise. There is no such thing as “a fully qualified broker”, nor does any short training course prepare you properly for a career in which the protection of purchasers and vendors is paramount. That being said, Peter Keats has attended the ABYA yacht brokerage course and is one of the original holders of the British Marine Professional Boat Sales Certificate.
Will you run off with my money and what do you do to protect me?
No! Our aim is that in nearly all sales, we will only handle the deposit. Once we have reached completion of the deal, we will ask the purchasers to transfer the remaining balance directly to you, but only once we have received all the title documents and the Bill of Sale transferring ownership to the new owner. Exceptions to this rule will include the settling of any outstanding charges or mortgages .
Why do you spend so much time preparing sales details?
In our view, the sales details serve three functions..
- They help sell your boat - Our sales details for your vessel are prepared with a great deal of care, with as much information as possible about what she is and why people should buy her. Carefully taken photographs are selected to enhance the details and draw purchasers to your craft.
- They tell purchasers what they are, and are not buying (vagueness is the curse of any transaction). By taking the time to prepare a proper inventory we avoid the "I thought the Williams Jet Rib was included" conversation.
- They help re-assure purchasers that the broker you have selected is indeed a professional.
Do you prepare sale and purchase contracts?
An emphatic yes! Not only do we produce them, we understand them as well. The agreement sets out the terms of the sale, timings, lists the title documentation the purchaser can expect to receive and a comprehensive inventory. The sale and purchase agreement is one of the most important documents to protect both sellers and buyers.
I have found my own buyer, can you help?
If you have found your own buyer, both you and your buyer will find it re-assuring to have an experienced helping hand to guide and complete the sale. Peter Keats will provide the full brokerage service less of course, the marketing of the boat.
Why don't you have a marina based office?
Twenty years ago, a marina based office was essential. A broker could be nearly overwhemed during weekends with "walk in" customers looking for a boat to buy. The internet has dramatically changed this. It is a rarity now for people to walk in and generally ask what you may have listed that suits their requirements. Purchasers now scour the web listings, find a boat that they may like and call to arrange an appointment for a viewing. Marina based offices have, in our opinion, become an expensive and unnecessary millstone for brokers and we are able to transfer the savings to you with reduced fees.