PARADOR ???
 

Hola, excuse, we have to move really fast on a particular property in th San Cayetano area, PARADOR property/ estate agency are keen to support us! any views from u guys?

Re: PARADOR ???
 

we bought through them, no problems, but there prices are probably a bit high.

Re: PARADOR ???
 

Cheers mikelincs, getting close now 6th July we fly out to sign we have to pick an agent soon. Everybody is offering different deals but as you know there is no such thing as a 'free lunch' but Parador do look like one of the favourites, Ta for the support. Stew.

Re: PARADOR ???
 

I am a little confused here. Have you already put a deposit on this property ? or Do you have a viewing tripped booked with Parador ?
If you are buying a resale then I wouldn't recommend buying through one of the large companies that offer viewing trips. They can put up to 25% on a resale. Much better to search around, you will probably find the same property with a small agent for alot less money.

Re: PARADOR ???
 

Hi, No we haven't bought yet but the intention is that we will purchase on the trip we have arranged for July 6th we are just looking at the best viewing trip deals and incentives. Vox

Re: PARADOR ???
 

Watch out for Atlas, they will NOT show you what may be the best deals as they do not sell any home that has a permanent resident. So a house like ours can't be on their books as we live here, our house is up wiht several agents, and they all have it at different prices.

Re: PARADOR ???
 

There is a 25 % mark up. so in reality you are being charged 25% more than the property is worth !!!

Re: PARADOR ???
 

What the agents do is to ask you want you want for the property, then they go away and price it at that, then add the amount they want on top, sometimes a percentage, othertimes a flat fee.

Re: PARADOR ???
 

No doubt Parador will provide you with a lovely viewing trip with some lovely free lunches thrown in. But please be warned they will charge you much more than other agents for the same house. Shop around!!!!and most importantly do not be pressured. I have heard horror stories of people being pressured by Parador.

Re: PARADOR ???
 

I'm confused:confused:


the OP said a 'particular property' so it sounds like they have picked one out & just don't know which agent to buy through

so is it up with several?

I'd just go for the one with the lowest price:thumbup:

Re: PARADOR ???
 

We went on one with Parador...... all very nice all very slick .......... told about all the beinifits ???
But when we looked at resales we saw what we could have had for the same money, the propertys we saw were almost 25% more than the resales.
Those free flights free hotels and lunches cost a packet on 100 grand 25 grand It just didnt add up with us.

Re: PARADOR ???
 

:eek:...I feel worried that you are saying you have to move really fast on a particular property..is this because Parador are saying you have too...I have read too many times on this forum of agents putting this kind of pressure on clients...I have also read properties in Spain are selling very slowly..the two don't seem to add up...I would suggest you probably as a buyer have the pick of very large bunch..unless it is something very special..a one off..please take care out there.......:eek:

Re: PARADOR ???
 

We have been on 3 viewing trips in the last 3 months, all funded by ourselves. I have arranged viewings myself with various estate agents through the internet. I have been lucky that they have only showed me properties within the price range specified and I have had no "hard sell" people have been living in the bulk of the properties viewed so have been able to ask questions about the area. One thing to take into account with a new property is that all prices say "from" whatever price and that is the basic property, you have to pay extra in most cases for security grills ect and they are usually unfurnished so everything is from scratch.. I have found the resales good value if you shop around and find an estate agent thats not too greedy. I have heard that on the viewing trips you don't get a minute to yourself cos they don't want you to see anyone else.. Don't limit youself to one company there are so many properties out there. good luck

Re: PARADOR ???
 

There are thousands of places for sale, as said before, if you see one you like chck out the prices on other agents.

Re: PARADOR ???
 

Buying a property in Spain should be a relaxed stress free experience
Using a good agent means that you will often see more of an area that you would yourself and they will help you with everything about your purchase
The people I dealt with do exactly this
I am a semi retired Chartered Surveyor and my wife and I bought in Almeria [near Huercal Overa] and cetainly Parador was not an agent for the builder...possibly because the commission was too low!
There are still certain developments where you have to be quick to reserve your plot
The big firms do seem to take the view.......get as many as you can on visits and for every 100 who go we should sell [with a little pressue] 25!!!

Most people in UK buy via agents and now in Spain it is best to do the same
Parador is a big firm and not everyone's cup of tea but many people have been happy with their service
Again in UK some people would rather deal with the independant Agents for a personal service others are happy with the big chains

Re: PARADOR ???
 

I used to work for one of the big agents and the only properties they sell are the ones where the builders pay them big commissions. Why is that ? If the builder is a good one and the development is selling well they don't need to pay big commissions to these companys. I think people are now realising they can get better service from the smaller agents and alot more choice. By all means go on a viewing trip, see areas and get a feel for the places but don't be pressurised into parting with any money. A good agent will allow you time to think and the reserve forms can always be sent via fax from the UK with a deposit. If you want any other advice please pm me

Mrs P

Re: PARADOR ???
 

Thanks to everyone for thier advice about agents. 'Parador' have not mentioned any add-ons to the price the developer is asking. I thought the agents commission was included in the developers price if 'Parador' is an agent for them? Confused now as the trip is comming up in 5 weeks! Help Vox.:confused:

Re: PARADOR ???
 

Yes, it should be. You should pay exactly the same price regardless of whether you go direct to the developer or via an agent (but check anyway as there are a few exceptions).

It is resales where the agents commission is often added on top.

Re: PARADOR ???
 

Thanks Keithwalters that was my understanding also, Cheers Vox.

Re: PARADOR ???
 

Believe me if you walk into the show house and negotiate with the developer you will get it alot cheaper than through any agent.
Like I have already said resales can have up to 25% commission added but you aren't looking at resales anyway.

Re: PARADOR ???
 

Unfortunately the developer 'Taray' in the Mar Menor area will not deal with anyone who is not represented by an agent unknown to them!!! Seems like 'Parador' and the likes of have got them in their pocket!

Re: PARADOR ???
 

I think that would be an exception.....I have never known any developer offer cheaper prices direct to the client. What if the agents found out? Could the developer really afford to fall out with the agents and lose all the custom?

The vast majority of people come to developers via agents so a big developer really couldn´t afford to fall out with the agents by under cutting them.

I went direct to the developer with one of my purchases back along....they wouldn´t even drop 10 measley euros.

Re: PARADOR ???
 

If you have already been there with an agent then the agent is still entitled to the commission so they wouldn't drop the price.
You don't need to use big agents to buy.

Re: PARADOR ???
 

Yes, that is correct about the agent still being entitled to their commission if you went their first with an agent (I didn´t).

But I still disagree about developers negotiating on the price of their properties...a few minority might, possibly smallish developers who are desperate for the custom......or the not too ethical ones who perhaps have one price for the Spanish and another price for foreigners. But the vast majority will not negotiate at all. It´s a bit like shopping in Tescos...the price is the price is the price, no discounts for anyone no matter who you are or how many you buy.

Re: PARADOR ???
 

An friend was shown a new property, by a well known promotion company, on a small site of now 10 residences. Unfortunately after giving a deposit was unable to continue at that time.
Several months later,still upset at losing both house and deposit:curse: friend returned and seeing another new house being built was introduced to the builder and bought direct from him at 30% less.
Don't think one has a chance to negotiate on the big complexes for they are all sewn up with promoters.
Just like to highlight the sort of disclaimers on many of these off-plan developements

Legal Notice: The perspectives presented here are an initial conceptual representation of the project and not definitive project plans. The appearence, design, number, and distribution given are only a guide and are not binding and are subject to modification due to technical or legal demands.

A great many people now seeking court action because they heard what they wanted too and were rushed into signing the contract thereby not having a chance to read the smallprint.

Re: PARADOR ???
 

Agree, I 've tried all that malarky of haggling with developers your right, no way will developers fall out with their agents who supply all the punters! Vox

Re: PARADOR ???
 

Thanks for the info, but why did your friend put a deposit on a property they could not afford to buy???? Vox

Re: PARADOR ???
 

This is what my original post was saying, developments that the big agents take you too are the ones to avoid. There are plenty of developers here that don't use the big boys, shop around and go to the show house yourself. You will get a discount.

Re: PARADOR ???
 

look at post 26! Vox

Re: PARADOR ???
 

I know he says developers won't cause aggro with their agents.
They don't all use agents.
I'm only trying to help you, I have worked for one of the big companies on the Costa Blanca and only telling you what I know from experience.

Good luck with your purchase :)

Re: PARADOR ???
 

Vox,

Sale of House in UK fell through at 11th hour. Lesson learned the hard way unfortunately. Decided not to risk continuing with property in Spain until money safely in the bank.
My point being that deposits from the BIG boys are rarely returned and commission they charge is well OTT.

Re: PARADOR ???
 

Parador will be the agents and will already have added their 'cut' to the price. They are among the more expensive in the amount they add, so your place COULD be available elsewhere at a lower price.

Re: PARADOR ???
 

I think vox is buying from a developer rather than a resale. In these circumstances the developer usually dictates to the agent how much commission they will pay them, rather than the agent adding the commission on top of the developer´s prices. Depends who the developer is of course.

Re: PARADOR ???
 

Hi Keithwalters,

If you go to John Howell Eurolaw in London for your conveyancing and ask them to source the property "do not give your particulars to developers or agents" then they will split the cocommission 50/50 which at several grand will pay your fees and then some.

Regards, ;)

John.

Re: PARADOR ???
 

I heard on the grapevine that some of the members of staff at the Fadesa sales office were doing something similar.....ie, you go direct to Fadesa, but the member of staff that you speak to tells Fadesa that you came via such and such agent, Fadesa pays the agent the commission and the agent splits it 50/50 with you.

However, I also heard that said member of staff got sacked for doing it and the agent struck off. Oops.:unsure:

Re: PARADOR ???
 

Unfortunately Mike the type & quality of build for the money we are paying just isn't available that is 3 Double Bed, 2 Bath Quad, master room with Balcony and french windows to other two bedrooms for under 200K Euro, Unless you know different my friend!!!!!!!! Vox

Re: PARADOR ???
 

Unfortunately this large Developer does only use agents! Vox

Re: PARADOR ???
 

I know someone who worlks for Paradore the mark up is 25% No one gets paid from the person that takes your name at the home show to the person you talk to on the phone and then the people who show you around, every one you have contact with from the start to the finish gets in on the commision so you imagine that being shared out. It has to be a large mark up makes sence. No one gets a penny unless you buy ...They are paid on commision only.
That makes any propety already 25% above market value.

Re: PARADOR ???
 

Vox,
Enjoy the trip but try not to commit until back in the comfort of your home and you can digest all you have been told and have read the small print!!!
No 7 day cooling off period and the agents job is to make you purchase before leaving.
Lots of property on offer in Spain. Especially on new developments and many resales on them are cheaper than off plan where your money might be tied up for years before your property finished.

Re: PARADOR ???
 

Hi vox populia,

At 200k thats 200x100/125=160k for the property and 40 k for the agent. If you know the exact property you want then why not give John Howell a call and see if they will split that 50/50 you could do a lot with 20k even after paying their conveyancy fees.

Regards, ;)

John.