I referred a "friend" to a broker who has helped me immensely. This broker works for both sellers/buyers, is honest, reputable, and is a walking university of knowledge/wisdom. After the sale, he continued to give me free advice that has saved me hundreds of dollars, even rolling up his own sleeves on my boat. (three years after sale!) My "friend" entered into a verbal agreement with the broker to find him a boat, he worked for hours on end, narrowing the search, negotiating prices, giving advice on good old boats, reputable new ones, price ranges, book values, needed extras, ect. My "friend" boat a boat from another dealer, without notifying the broker, without giving him a chance to match the price, the boat, or even to put a halt to this brokers search I apologized for the lack of courtesy my "friend" displayed, the broker is the type of person who just shrugs it off. What do you think my fellow sailors?
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Bought a boat!
Faux pas! My town is named after this buyer, common courtesy exist with sailors too!
Faux pas! My town is named after this buyer, common courtesy exist with sailors too!
Don't get me started
I met with a broker this past weekend who "accidentally" scheduled my showing the same time as another and then went so far as to say how there was a lot of interest in this boat. What a sham. I drove 4 hours to meet with this guy and he is hoping to get me into a bidding war. I am sick of brokers. I have met with 4 in the last 6 months and they all barely qualified to be a used car salesman. That being said, I am sure there are good broker/s out there and your friend's actions were out of line. Tim R.
I met with a broker this past weekend who "accidentally" scheduled my showing the same time as another and then went so far as to say how there was a lot of interest in this boat. What a sham. I drove 4 hours to meet with this guy and he is hoping to get me into a bidding war. I am sick of brokers. I have met with 4 in the last 6 months and they all barely qualified to be a used car salesman. That being said, I am sure there are good broker/s out there and your friend's actions were out of line. Tim R.
He shrugged it off
you should do the same. It's their business and they're familiar with it. They take that risk. However, I'm not excusing your friend's behavior, assuming it was intentional. I think that you should tell the friend that he put you in a difficult situation. Of course that a $1.50 will get you a cup of coffee....maybe he doesn't know how it works, more like real estate than cars. Say it, then go sailing.
you should do the same. It's their business and they're familiar with it. They take that risk. However, I'm not excusing your friend's behavior, assuming it was intentional. I think that you should tell the friend that he put you in a difficult situation. Of course that a $1.50 will get you a cup of coffee....maybe he doesn't know how it works, more like real estate than cars. Say it, then go sailing.
Two dealers
I've had good experiences, most recently with Dave Condon in Zebulon NC who performed as admirably as the dealer in the original post. I even wrote Hunter Marine to say so, explicitly. I had another great experience with Tony Tumas in Annapolis who has since gone out on his own. I would recommend either one highly to anyone in the market on the East Coast.
I've had good experiences, most recently with Dave Condon in Zebulon NC who performed as admirably as the dealer in the original post. I even wrote Hunter Marine to say so, explicitly. I had another great experience with Tony Tumas in Annapolis who has since gone out on his own. I would recommend either one highly to anyone in the market on the East Coast.
This is an easy one
Your "friend" seems to lack common sense, courtesy, and good taste. He put you in an awkward and embarrassing position and apparently never gave it, or anyone else in his life, a second thought. If he were my "friend," I'd let him know he failed at both maintaining the friendship with you and how do deal with other people in this world. He could either step up to his mistakes, or he could care less. At that point, you'll know what kind of "friend" this guy is.
Your "friend" seems to lack common sense, courtesy, and good taste. He put you in an awkward and embarrassing position and apparently never gave it, or anyone else in his life, a second thought. If he were my "friend," I'd let him know he failed at both maintaining the friendship with you and how do deal with other people in this world. He could either step up to his mistakes, or he could care less. At that point, you'll know what kind of "friend" this guy is.
My two cents on brokers.
I have done exactly what your friend did. Simply put, the first broker could not find what I wanted in a timely manner. I finally found what I wanted elsewhere. Best bang for the hard earned buck. The way I see it, There is one out there my name on it. Who's to say where it will be found. I did however contact the first broker to let him know I was no longer looking for a boat.
I have done exactly what your friend did. Simply put, the first broker could not find what I wanted in a timely manner. I finally found what I wanted elsewhere. Best bang for the hard earned buck. The way I see it, There is one out there my name on it. Who's to say where it will be found. I did however contact the first broker to let him know I was no longer looking for a boat.
Your "friend" is not your friend or else he would
not have emberassed you the way he/she did. You may want to teach your "friend" on proper behavior. Move your "friend" from your friend category and call him/her your acquaintance. Sorry this happened to you. abe
not have emberassed you the way he/she did. You may want to teach your "friend" on proper behavior. Move your "friend" from your friend category and call him/her your acquaintance. Sorry this happened to you. abe
"Buyers are Liars"
The reason some agents are very aggressive can be attributed to your story. Just as there is a wide range of salesment types... there is an equally wide range of buyer types. Similar types seem to find each other... Let go on this issue, then give your salesman another referral to show your appreciation.
The reason some agents are very aggressive can be attributed to your story. Just as there is a wide range of salesment types... there is an equally wide range of buyer types. Similar types seem to find each other... Let go on this issue, then give your salesman another referral to show your appreciation.
Not A Classy Guy
Sorry William, but if your seeking opinions on the behavior of your friend in reference to his switching tracks you get no positive response from me. The total lack of any professionalism (if your friend is a professional), courtesy and genuine concern regarding your friends disregard for discussing his options with the broker, leaves a bad taste in my mouth! The purchase of a boat behind the broker's back may be tossed out the door, as the "cost of doing business" on behalf of the broker, but it sounds to me that your friend short circuited the verbal bond and apparently has no regrets. Therefore, I have to wonder if your friend is the kind of guy who will not yield if I were on a starboard tack! Bob
Sorry William, but if your seeking opinions on the behavior of your friend in reference to his switching tracks you get no positive response from me. The total lack of any professionalism (if your friend is a professional), courtesy and genuine concern regarding your friends disregard for discussing his options with the broker, leaves a bad taste in my mouth! The purchase of a boat behind the broker's back may be tossed out the door, as the "cost of doing business" on behalf of the broker, but it sounds to me that your friend short circuited the verbal bond and apparently has no regrets. Therefore, I have to wonder if your friend is the kind of guy who will not yield if I were on a starboard tack! Bob
I wonder...
How binding was the "verbal agreement"? Would someone enter a verbal agreement with a real estate broker to buy an as-yet unlocated house whenever it did turn up? Most brokers/salesmen are used to tire-kickers and people who use them and their expertise to figure out what they really want, only to buy from someone else. It's one of the negative aspects of the job and pretty much accepted - if they can't deal with it, they won't last too long. Having said that, your "friend" was out of line not even to give the broker some kind of notice and a chance to match the deal, but there might have been some urgency to the situation, too. He also disrespected you by his treatment of the broker, but now you know his true colors if he hasn't given you a good explanation for his actions.
How binding was the "verbal agreement"? Would someone enter a verbal agreement with a real estate broker to buy an as-yet unlocated house whenever it did turn up? Most brokers/salesmen are used to tire-kickers and people who use them and their expertise to figure out what they really want, only to buy from someone else. It's one of the negative aspects of the job and pretty much accepted - if they can't deal with it, they won't last too long. Having said that, your "friend" was out of line not even to give the broker some kind of notice and a chance to match the deal, but there might have been some urgency to the situation, too. He also disrespected you by his treatment of the broker, but now you know his true colors if he hasn't given you a good explanation for his actions.
I wouldnt worry about it.
I'd just apologize to the broker. A sincere apology will mend the relationship with this broker. Anyone who has been in the 'sales game' for any length of time is well used to rejection, broken promises, misrepresentation, rip-offs, etc. ... "it comes with the territory" and you just learn to 'live with it'. That your 'buddy' didnt live up to his agreement is no reflection on you. Buy the broker a couple of beers, etc.
I'd just apologize to the broker. A sincere apology will mend the relationship with this broker. Anyone who has been in the 'sales game' for any length of time is well used to rejection, broken promises, misrepresentation, rip-offs, etc. ... "it comes with the territory" and you just learn to 'live with it'. That your 'buddy' didnt live up to his agreement is no reflection on you. Buy the broker a couple of beers, etc.
brokers
Is this a chance to rant against brokers? The one who handled my boat purchase several years ago never stopped whining, moaning, crying over how much effort, time, gas money, business cards, etc he was losing negotiating the deal with the PO, who lived out of state. He even tried to get me to meet the seller's demands for more money, just to close a deal that was close to falling apart. He was like a five-year old. It was annoying. I'd never use that guy again.
Is this a chance to rant against brokers? The one who handled my boat purchase several years ago never stopped whining, moaning, crying over how much effort, time, gas money, business cards, etc he was losing negotiating the deal with the PO, who lived out of state. He even tried to get me to meet the seller's demands for more money, just to close a deal that was close to falling apart. He was like a five-year old. It was annoying. I'd never use that guy again.
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