Real Estate Agents
by Josephine Quintero
The vast majority of property sales in Andalucía
are handled by estate agents (immobiliarias), particularly
those where overseas foreign buyers are involved. It's common for
foreigners in many countries, particularly Britain and Germany,
to use an agent in their own country who works in co-operation with
one or more Spanish agents or developers. Many agents here also
advertise abroad, and in expatriate magazines and newspapers in
Spain. Most, if not all, of the estate agents in Andalucía
have staff who speak English and other foreign languages, so don't
be discouraged if you don't speak Spanish.
It's a good idea to do some research and decide where you want
to live, what sort of property you want and your budget before
visiting Spain. Obtain details and photographs of as many properties
as possible in your chosen area and make a list of those you wish
to view. The quantity and quality of information provided by agents
varies considerably. Spanish agents who advertise in foreign journals
or who work closely with overseas agents usually supply coloured
photographs and a full description, particularly for the more expensive
properties.
Most agents and developers arrange viewing trips with cheap or
free accommodation for prospective buyers, and usually refund the
costs if you buy a property. By all means take advantage of inspection
flight offers but don't allow yourself to be pressurised into buying
on a viewing trip. Always allow yourself sufficient time to view
and compare properties offered by a number of agents and developers.
A long weekend isn't sufficient time to have a good look around,
unless you already know exactly what you want to buy and where.
Most experts advise buyers to travel independently and shop around
a number of agents.
It's important to see sufficient properties to form an accurate
opinion regarding price and quality, but don't see too many properties
in one day as it's easy to become confused as to the merits of
each one. It's a good idea to note both the good and bad features
and take lots of photos of the properties you like, so that you're
able to compare them later at your leisure.
The more you instantly like a property, the more
you should look for its drawbacks and faults. If you still like
it bearing these in mind then it may be the house for you! Most
agents in Andalucía do offer an after sales service which
includes all the legal advice, insurance, arranging utilities, such
as electricity and water and can even advise on interior decorators.
They also almost always offer a rental service for non-resident
owners, check their commission rate before making a commitment however.
If you are a seller, then the agent should be acting for you and
not the buyer. The commission charged by Spanish agents is paid
by the seller and included in the overall price. Foreign agents
located abroad often work with Spanish agents and share the standard
commission, so buyers usually pay no more by using a foreign agent.
However, always check in advance whether this is the case and how
much you are required to pay. On the more expensive properties an
agent's fee may be negotiable.
 Panorama - Marbella Real Estate Agents
Marbella's longest established Real Estate Agency, with three offices on the Marbella's Golden Mile, offering new and resale properties of all types in the Greater Marbella area.
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