Spanish Property News

Over the weekend I spent some time with two clients who are getting reading to complete on a property in Murcia. Not an unusual activity for us here at Dream Spain, however these clients did not buy through our company. Unfortunately for them, their agents made and charged for great big promises of fantastic customer care services that have disappeared leaving this lovely couple high and dry on their property purchase.

People who have not bought a Spanish Property often wonder why completing the buying process without an agent is a problem. Indeed some people actively seek to avoid Spanish property agents in the hope of making a saving.

I am the first to agree that not all Spanish property agents are equal, and unfortunately over the last few years there have been a number of big companies with booted and suited sales staff whose sole mission has been to sell and up-sell, not provide an invaluable service. Thankfully the recession has had the positive effect of either sending these companies running or at least making them rethink what they need to offer their clients.

So what does a good agent bring to the client? It should go without saying that they must have a good choice of properties to view, local experience of their property market and provide genuine advice on how to spot the property which suits your needs. They should be able to help you negotiate a great sales price on a resale property or payment terms on a new property.

They should have contacts in finance and currency exchange which help you save time and money on currency transactions and the financing of your property purchase.

Then they should be there to keep you updated throughout the sales process - offer advice on pre-sale tasks you need to complete and find the most economical ways for you to complete those tasks. When you complete on your Spanish property their advice on furnishing and fitting out your property ought to be focused on getting you the best dressed apartment for your budget.

In fact if you are just looking at the financials I know that we have been able to save our clients over 7,000 Euros per sale during the completion process by helping them with one simple task. I'm not even counting any other savings or the hours of work and worry we have saved them by being here on the ground in Murcia with the connections that simplify the buying process.

The couple I was with on Sunday considered pulling out of their property purchase when they found out their agent had disappeared. They were concerned about how they could cope with the process. Now however they are looking forward to their completion and spending time relaxing in the sun.

Wherever you are thinking of buying in Spain, choosing a good agent is an essential part of a successful purchase. Look for one that is well established, locally based, service orientated and of course recommended by people that have successfully purchased their own property in Spain.

Labels: Buying Property in Murcia, Discounted Spanish Property, Spanish Property Agents