polly flinders

I have a property which I bought as a ruin about 25 years ago. I've gradually ,as funds permitted,made it into a pretty weekend house with a lovely garden. Ive decided to sell but have no idea of how to value it.
I will be interviewing prospective estate agents soon before deciding which one to use.
My question is can anyone advise me on the most important questions I should put to each of them to help me decide.

mikelincs

The most important thing is to show that all alterations were done legally with the requisite planning permissions, as to the estate agents, have a look at their web sites to see how well they advertise properties and ask how much they will charge you, also that you have to approve the advert before it goes on-line.

polly flinders

Thank you, yes everything is legal but all initial building costings were in Escudos, I have the paperwork.
All of the estate agent's displays look professional. I think I need the equivalent of an interview plan so that I can compare candidates. I don't know any other way of deciding. They are all, potentially, going to take advantage if I don't at least appear to know what I'm doing. Eeek

Pulaski

I would be looking for an agent that markets to the UK, because most European markets are notorious for placing little or no value on renovations and upgrades even if you started with an agricultural ruin and turned it into a desirable country residence.

polly flinders

Ah ! But, Pulaski are there any U K residents going to throw caution to the wind during brexit insecurity. I foresee a nightmare ahead:

Pulaski

There are numerous questions every week on BE about moving or retiring to Spain or Portugal. .... And you don't need to find thousands of people, you only need to find one.

polly flinders

Yes you're right,never say never. That one is going onto my interview list, thank you.

lennox

Russell & Decoz in Moncarapache are very established. 25 years in business and their moto is there is someone for every house. Ask them to negotiate their fees. I did and they reduced them. Hope this helps

mfesharne

You may well find that it doesn't matter which agent you choose because it's quite likely that within a week or two of your chosen agent putting it on his site, at least some of the others will have pinched the pics & details & put them on their site as well.

polly flinders

Oh that's just great . So how do we deal with that then? Just when I was starting to get a bit of confidence , with everyone's help of course, now there's the possibility of my property being prostituted. Who eventually do I deal with

mfesharne

You won't be able to stop it happening but if you insist on only dealing with your nominated agent, you'll ensure they make their own deal with the unauthorised agents.

polly flinders

Aw mfesharne, sorry to be a pain but... If my details are sold on, who is responsible for showing prospective buyers around in my absence. Does everyone on the Algarve have access.

mfesharne

They're not sold on to other agents......... it's just that other agents steal the pics & details & post them on their own site.

The good news is that the authorised agent is VERY unlikely indeed to pass the key onto any third party.

When the pirate agents wants a viewing, he'll already have done the deal on split commission with your authorised agent & both the agents and the buyer will meet together for the viewing.

polly flinders

Thank you for your time and your help. I feel that I am a bit better armed now. I'll be hitting the agent's offices with a bit more heft next week.. Oh bloody hell that's something to look forward to. The weeping seething mass on the bridge could well be me. Thanks again

mfesharne

I prescribe regular doses of relaxative in the form of vinho tinto to ease your burden.