Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California
I have read the finders fee questions and answers. I had taken photos of a yacht in a public marina. I posted on a public photo website. A person emailed me saying they want to buy the yacht (which I know to be for sale), and can I give them contact info (which I have). I am a retired firefighter, no other profession. 1. Can I legally ask the owner for a finder's fee by introducing this person (based on final sale)? Can I make my own simple finders fee form for this? I have reviewed some of the forms online.
1 Answer from Attorneys
The basic question is whether you need a boat broker's license to do this. As you are not doing anything as to the sale, you should be able to get a referral fee, but you need to ask the owner whether he has it listed with a broker who has an exclusive [gets commission even though did not find the buyer]. Written contacts do not require any set form; you need to include what the terms are. You should alsoask the potential buyer to keep you informed about what happens as to the sale as the owner may not. You could probably charge an up front fee.
Thank you for first reading the the other responses to questions in this area. Why don't you directly contact some of the attorney's who gave good answers to see if they will quickly answer yours.
Good luck.