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Booking Inspection Visit
Some agents offer very cheap inspection visits
and you should take care here.
If you have decide that you will be viewing with just the one agent or
developer then the saving in cost makes it worthwhile.
However, take great care because lots of
agents employ extremely aggressive sales techniques. Most certainly
they will do their best to ensure that you don't visit other agents.
Some typical manoeuvres employed -
Providing accommodation that is miles from
anywhere.
"Sticking to you like glue", practically on
a 24/7 basis.
"Registering" you with other agents, in case
you slip their clutches.
The real test is the hire-car. If this is
included in the trip and it is previously agreed that you can visit
other agents then you would be free to do as you wish.
Whilst on the Inspection Visit
Prepare everything beforehand - you'll be
surprised how hectic and confusing can be visiting numerous
properties!
Start by establishing a short list before you depart for the trip, the
best way is to print the property descriptions and file them in a
ring-binder.
You will find that good properties, at the right price sell fairly
quickly and the timescale is important. If you started on your
shortlist months before the trip you should do it again a week or so
before departure because some properties would have sold and others
come on sale.
It is not even as easy as that. After viewing
the first few properties with one particular agent, he/she will be
getting a better idea of your requirements and offer some more. Print
and file these descriptions as well.
Make notes on these descriptions about any
particular features of a property. You will probably find that nothing
is perfect and, if you are working to a budget, your final choice will
be a compromise. After the first day or so, you would have seen
numerous properties, and may want to start backtracking.
Deciding and Firming up
on the Deal
The price may have a lot to do with your
decision. Spanish property really does come in a variety of "shapes
and sizes" and precise valuations are generally quite difficult.
Additionally, many properties are overpriced when they are first
listed and estate agents have to continually ask sellers to revise.
You may well have a number of properties on your final shortlist. Ask
the agent(s) concerned about making offers. An agent will know, for
example, if the seller has already reduced or is anxious to sell.
If your offer is accepted you would be asked
to immediately pay a holding deposit (typically €3,000) to take the
property off-sale. This deposit is not returnable if you decide not to
proceed. That is why it is so important to have your financing
resolved beforehand.
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