Hi
I just wondered how you can tell if an estate agent is genuine or just after your business, we have found an agent based in Mazzaron who appears to be very helpful and above board, then, on contacting another agent based in Lorca were warned off as he was “Bad News”, we have since been inundated with emails and phone calls from the Lorca agent and only hear from the Mazzaron one if we contact him first.He always replies promptly to emails and with what appears to be useful info.

What to do ????

Puzzled
Kevray

Recommendation I think is often the best direction, and I'm sure you'll get someone on here who will be able to do so. Just a bit out of our area I'm afraid otherwise I could recommend an excellent company.

WEll if you think that Agents make about 10-12% commission on any sale that they do, therefore the price is put up to include it. I would view them all out to get your business. Personally I wouldn't use them, there are many houses that are now sold via owners and in Spain you will often see Vende on houses or appartments and you may get a better deal. Also many Spanish don't use Real Estate agents they tend to advertise themselves, so get hold of a spanish newspaper and you will see them advertised. Then find a translator and off you go. If you agree a price with the Spanish it can often be a hand shake deal and they will expect you to honour it. By getting a spanish local paper you will probably also get some better deals and also live more in a spanish community.

But if you view most real estate agents as sharks you shouldn't go wrong... (as I sit back and wait for the back lash, lol)

The most important person you really need to find is a solictor and ask around for one, and if the same firm keeps coming up in a recommendation, go with it. It is how I found mine, and I never had any problems with them and only heard good things from various independent sources who had use them. In a small area you should be able to find out which are reputable and which are not, but take the recommendation from people who use them, not someone who may benefit in recommending them..

"Are all estate agents bad?"

Yes.

My estimation of agents are that good ones are few and far between. The rest vary between dubious and cretinous.
Good agents in Murcia? Not really sure about the Murcia region because although we rent in that area, we're not looking to buy there. I can put you on to the best one I've encountered in Spain, but he's in the Granada region.
Personal recommendation is definitely the best way....providing you can authenticate the source as having no connection with who they are recommending.

Agents are all sales people - and at the end of the day there are good sales people and some of varying ability.

First thing to remember is, as already mentioned, they earn commission from selling the property - this is paid by the vendor and therefore the higher the price achieved the more they earn.

For example i know of some brilliant agents here in UK that i would always use as if i was selling but no way would i buy through them - they are just too good at representing their client!

Do your research thoroughly - local papers, internet etc in order to check on the prices. It is not uncommon to see houses advertised at different prices with different agents. One thing some folks do is leaflet drop an area to see if anyone is thinking of selling.

Good luck.

I am not sure about the position on Urbanisations, but what you have to remember is that one off builds are often sold at different prices by different agents. In Spain the vendor will state what price he expects and the agent will then sell for whatever they can make on top. I saw the same house in Chiclana being advertised by another agent at Eu 40,000 higher. Shop around!! If there is a Corrida, a local go between who will often be a rep for people, especially in inland country areas, then prices can be higher still as there are more people taking a cut. There is an agent in the Jerez region who proclaims to be an advisor and expects a fee regardless of whether he sells or not..avoid!!

I agree fully with your points, however, I am in England and although we know a few people who live in Spain, none live in Murcia. So how do I get an unbiased opinion/ recommendation. I will take on board all the answers so far and have already started to search out a reputable solicitor.
Many thanks
Kevray

Mercedes

My concern is that if I was to purchase without an agent, ie direct with vendor, I have no comeback if I or my solicitor miss some details that an estate agent would be looking for. I except that I could save a fair amount but would not be confident enough to follow this route.
Maybe I'm a bit nervous , I've read some amazing horror stories on some forums

Kevray

Well I have to tell you I would never have found my place without my agent. We were on our last trip and were going to buy in the US if we ddin't see anything.

We told him what we wanted, and what we wanted to pay. When we got there he took us out for a day. He showed us 4 or 5 properties and one we liked. He stuck with us throughout the procedure, met us every time we went out at different stages, and even now 18 months later he always checks to see we're all OK and takes us for a drink when we're there. We weren't charged a penny by him, although I'm sure it was absorbed in the house price.

So they're not ALL bad.

Kev...don't confuse Estate Agents here with those in the UK. Cos it used to be said that every Brit who got off a plane in Spain was suddenly an experienced builder. Things have changed....they're now all Estate Agents, and many are knowingly or even unknowingly selling illegal builds, and ripping off buyers, sellers, and established legal agents in the process.
As I said....get personal recommendations for agents and solicitors....but make sure you verify the source first.

Heh heh .... just goes to show the Xtreme difference in experiences on here doesn't it. I gotta admit, I was probably lucky!

It's your Karma JJ!

Dear Kevray,
I would recommend avoiding the pushy guy. Particularly if he actually bad mouthed your first agent, who has not, as yet, given you cause for concern, and seems only to have behaved in a courteous way. Why does this pushy chap need to put someone else down? A real professional would not behave in this way.

Where is this wonderful agent, isn't it typical that he would be in the next region. but here's hoping his twin is working in Mazzaron as an estate agent.
But I do take the point that they (estate agents) can be from one xtream to another.
regards
Kevray