READY TO RETURN
In the ensuing weeks, before your next visit, research the area more thoroughly via the web. Seek out reputable estate agents and view as many of their properties as possible over the internet. This will show you the power of your budget, what you can and – more importantly – cannot afford. Set a budget and stick to it.
Make enquiries via the internet for more information on a variety of properties to give you a wider picture.
If you need a mortgage to purchase in the Canaries, establish exactly how much you can borrow before you return.
Contact a number of estate agents and arrange an itinerary of property viewings.
Arrange to meet separate agents on separate days to avoid confusion and conflict.
Most should be happy to collect you and take you to view the property for sale.
Also while you are at home, you should prepare a house hunter’s tool kit to take with you. Items not to forget are listed here:
* Maps and itineraries
* Contact list
* Driving licence
* Notepad, pens, pencils and erasers
* Mobile phone with Canary reception – and don’t forget the charger
* Pocket-size digital camera with large memory card –and that battery charger
* Calculator with euro function
* A4-size document wallet
* 8 passport photos per person
Your A4-size document wallet will become your inseparable companion. From the outset you must use it to file passports, birth, marriage and death certificates, bank statements, tax records, car documents, credit references, insurance policies and National Insurance card while you travel.
MEETING THE AGENTS
Despite what you may have heard, all estate agents are different. While the high-volume sale of homes remains a common goal, the similarities between most end there.
Estate agents rely heavily on their own character to smooth the sales process. Their personalities are on show so it is sensible to work with those agents who make you feel comfortable and appeal to your own character.
And while the style of each agent may vary, the policies of different companies can be equally diverse. Some may operate large offices with multiple desks and expensive furniture, where others ply their trade in more personal, humble and comfortable surrounds.
Some may like you to use in-house lawyers and mortgage arrangements while others prefer to leave that work to you.
Once again, it is important to feel happy and comfortable with the company culture.
It is even more important to see evidence of the companies’ accreditation to trade as an estate agent. Also ask to know about affiliations with governing industry bodies.
And finally, ask to speak to two or more clients who have purchased through the company before taking contact details for everyone you meet. |
