A: Most websites that advertise property for sale are far too filled with irrelevant information, which only confuse those trying to attain simple and direct responses to their queries. The battle to make a more complete website that competitors has gone out of hand, so every little detail is thrown into a website making it almost encyclopaedia-like, which (as a simple marketing tool) does not need to be.
What is the role of an agent selling property?
Typically the following is all there is:
- looking at and collecting information about a property, and arranging for photographs to be taken;
- visiting and talking to the sellers about their property and its special features;
- estimating the value of the property;
- marketing and promoting properties for sale;
- compiling home information packs, contacting qualified home inspectors to complete relevant sections;
- representing the sellers in negotiation with prospective buyers;
- monitoring sales as they proceed;
- advising clients and helping buyers to decide what they want to buy;
- making sure that a price is agreed that is acceptable to both buyer and seller;
- arranging conveyancing;
- arranging property viewings for potential buyers
- keeping up to date with trends in the local residential property market, as well as the commercial market.
- And specifically in the case of property abroad, ensure that local knowledge is used to ease the buying process on behalf of both seller and buyer.
Most people know this and if they don’t, well, there it is.
So to answer the question, we do all of the above as most agents do!
Q: Can I choose my own mortgage broker?
A: Yes, of course, you are free to choose any mortgage broker that offers mortgages for property abroad, but make sure that the broker meets the right standards, and bear in mind that their rates may vary greatly.
Q: Do I need to be approved for a mortgage before purchasing a property abroad?
A: For complete peace of mind while choosing an investment property, we would advise you to acquire approval in principle from a lender. This means that you can look at properties abroad with a more precise idea of your budget, and the confidence that if you find a property that you wish to purchase, there will not be any problems with financing.
Q: Is buying abroad safe?
A: There is nothing inherently dangerous about buying property abroad. However, because of differences in legal systems, language barriers, and the odd unscrupulous developer, it can seem like a minefield. In regards to the countries we specialize in, we are able to offer accurate advice about trends, laws, crime rates and economy.
Q: What fees are involved?
A: Buyers do not have to pay us for anything, since our commission is paid by the seller at a percentage between 5% and 10%
Q: Do I need a substantial amount of money to invest?
A: As a private buyer who wishes to purchase a second/holidays home, the answer is NO! Especially since the markets we deal in (Portuguese speaking markets) practice prices well below the UK’s property market. Usually, you pay a deposit between 5% and 10% of the property’s total price plus some fees which may add up to another 5% to 10% (check our countries’ buying process info for details).
However, if you are a property developer or business investor, the money in question is another matter and in proportion to the kind of investment in mind, as you are very well aware.
Q: Do I need to spend a lot of time to buy a property abroad?
A: Not really. We try to do things quickly and painless, but there is always some time to be spent. Each individual case is a particular one and it is surrounded by its own circumstances. So, what we do is to learn all that there is to learn about a specific property so we may assess the time necessary to complete it’s sale, and in that way we can inform potential buyers as accurately as possible about the time needed to complete the buying process.
Q: Do you offer financial investment advice?
A: That is not our field, so even though we can informally give you our opinion or share our knowledge, we rather have you consulting with independent professionals. We will be happy to point you in the right direction or even contact a few credible ones on your behalf.
Q: Can I choose my own solicitor?
A: Yes, of course. Just make sure your solicitor is versed in both English Law and the law of the country the property is going to be purchased at, and preferably, also with a sound knowledge and fluency of both languages. We do know reputable law firms in the UK, which specialize in English/Portuguese laws and property law, so we’d be happy to assist.
Can’t find what you are looking for? Please, email us with your question now…
