Buyer's Agent?

X2 on Brett's suggestion. Part of the RV inspector's job is to find things that will cost a buyer money so the buyer can negotiate a better price. I've also been called to help a buyer figure out how to run their newly purchased rig. The most common phrase I hear is "Oh, I didn't know it did that".

Once you figure out your floor plan and the coach/trailer that will satisfy that need, find an RV inspector to have a pre-buy inspection done.

Thanks, Brett, your advice is good. I've pretty much continued researching and coming up with a "possibles" list to explore in more details.

After my original posting I pretty much came to the conclusion that any such broker would eventually become pretty close to the dealer community.

Thanks, but this looks like a wolf in sheep's clothing.

As one who does mechanical inspections on motorhomes, I believe your desire for a "buyer's agent" is flawed.

At least in the normal use of the term-- a salesperson working for the buyer. They would only get paid if you buy. Hence the more time they take showing you coaches, the more that are "close, but not purchased" the less money they make in a year of doing that.

My recommendation is to start shopping-- start ruling in/out coaches and make a short list. Then ask specific questions here or on one of the other on-line RV forums.

Choose a coach or coaches that meet your needs. Locate a specific coach that you like. Make an offer "contingent on inspection and test drive". If you are not familiar with both the chassis and house systems, find someone (a neutral 3rd party) who is to go over the coach WITH YOU (so your eyes see what their eyes see-- lots better than a written report).

Renegotiate deal if deficiencies.

Make friends with someone who already owns a motor hone and have them assist you. If they truly enjoy their motor home, they will probably be delighted to assist you, plus they have the experience you have not had yet.

I've never heard of an RV "realtor" before.

X2 on the mobile tech.

To me, a 'Buyers Agent' is just another name for a salesperson. Their main interest is to sell you something.

I think you have an interesting question. There are "buyers agents" in the automobile business, although a minimal number of them, and they generally operate regionally. How much would you think they should be compensated for their assistance and what would you think the scope of their services should be?

might look up a mobile tech in your area ,thats a service repair person that comes to you, ask them if they know some one. most techs are very knowledgeable about rv,s .

You're right. I don't have any concerns about assessing the quality and condition of the house systems, body, etc. and there are mechanics to evaluate the engine/drive train, etc.

My major concern is not overpaying. With all I've read about NADA, etc. determining a fair buying price for a used rig, in particular, is pretty much a crapshoot.

Thanks for the info on the buyer's agent, it looks like they don't exist.

I'll be posting another topic dealing with our needs for accommodating a wheelchair, which severely limits the number of suitable rigs (resulting in fewer opportunities for pricing comparisons and negotiations). We don't need full, ADA accessibility but we do need a minimum of 27" clear access at the entry door and in all passage ways plus reasonable (but not ADA) bed/toilet/bath access. I have a lift solution identified.

It's amazing how many rigs look like they'll work and then there's a 25" choke point somewhere. I've measured 10 to 12 30' - 33' motorhomes in the past week or so and only about 3 models will work.