Hi Shakeel
Forgive me as I am new to the forum,it was just that this is what was in the Costa del Sol newspapers just this week and I thought that some may not have read it.
Is it O.K to start at the bottom and play catch up and I expect you had to start somewhere.
No problem, I am sorry if I came accross rather abrupt.
Glassman, well come abroad. The fact is lot of people contribute to the forum to learn from one another, share their experience. Even lend a shoulder and at times thought provoking.
Some of us not professionally qaulified on a particular subject, but we have been there and add our penny’s worth. If one person can benefit from it than it is satisfying.
There are also people on the forum who have hidden agenda or representing a particular sector and I am sorry to say you came across one of them. I apologise all the same
Hi Shakeel
Thanks and that’s the problem sometimes with emails, they are very unemotional and do read what sometimes is not intended.
No hidden agenda, just have the same or similar problems as the rest of you all and the wife is simply totally fed up with me moaning about it so its either the bottle or share my frustrations (think I will do both if that’s O.K)
Had Andelusian Dream Homes on the phone earlier, chap called James so I thought I would string the line so?
I will keep it simple.
Marbella is the only place I want to be I said but because of the corruption situation and L.F.Os etc he wouldn’t be able to sell me anything, would he?.(silence)
I then had him on the phone telling me not to believe what the papers say and in the U.K because they had their best year to date and made 5 M euros last year and in any event Estepona is the place to be and guess what?
You guessed it that’s where the future growth and profit will be from <wait for it “ OFF PLAN”
Well I said tell me all about it and he did for about an hour rabbiting on about Disney etc.(not that’s where the biggest commissions are you understand?)
I was painting at the time and just kept shouting across yes or no replies
Think he started to get the message when he heard the bath water running and simply gave up.
Just would love to hear what he said about me when he put the phone down
Silly and childlike but I just loved it all.
Retribution is sweet>
Glad to see you held out – it is a bit of a minefield buying in Marbella at the moment. There are many good legal developments and resales are the best route to go down as you can get some good deals now.
Off plan is ok IF you buy from someone distressed wanting to get rid of their investment quickly, again you can do a deal.
Just to set your mind at rest, the majority of valuers insits on a valid LFO now and will report any valuation without it to the bank who will in most cases refuse to lend anyway.
This is what I did when I bought my first place in Spain. I rented a car and for the 7 days did nothing but drove around and went to all the developments.
On my 2nd trip, I bought a place. In those days it was very difficult to keep an eye on the market as new development/sales offices were springing up every six months.
By all means go with the Agents use their services, market knowledge, sit back and give yourself time and than go out and you may get a discount if you play hard.
No, shame in missusing an agent, they are not reincarnation of mother Teressa.
Katy, only if they are weak and surrender to sales pressure than they may pay a price.
I think if you have the facilty to use there knowledge etc. Then you should and as there is no deception. The agent is trying to sell, if you want to buy or not to buy is your choice.
As Harvey says “there seems to be no moral high ground anymore.” I fully agree with him
And what knowledge will the agents be passing on to the buyers?? Everyone knows that on an inspection trip you are actually prevented from seeing a true picture, you don’t get a feel for the market with the inspection sharks. Parador doesn’t exactly have a good reputation according to other forums. I also would keep clear of any of those agents advertising on UKTV. Planning your own trip could/would save you thousands of pounds. These agents are neither a friend of the buyer or seller.
Anyone heard of a company called Prestigious Properties as they appear to be on lots of U.K websites( will be popping in to see them in the next couple of days)
Perhaps wrongly but could it not be considered a good time to buy as we now have the benefit of the mistakes made in the past and some areas must be prime.
In the U.K the best time to always have purchased a property would have been during problem periods.
Put it this way I pity the poor agent that tries to sell me anything again.
Dont take to much notice regarding the forum name as rightly so taking a moral high ground is not whats intended,its just a case a few have alot to answer to so many.
Kate, heavens forbid I was not sugguesting that agents have a Phd on the
subject.
What ever knowledge that they have . it may be bais towards their commission etc. But for a novice that is a starting point.
The way you can use them:
1) Air port pick/drop off.
2) Subsidise accomodation.
3) Free luch/dinners.
4) Free visits to site
5) Free knowledge of towns villages around.
6) The sensation of being drivern around in the wrong side of the Road.
7) This tongue & cheek, but absolutely true, two female friends of mine were taken to poll dance club by the agent ( not a male pole dance)
Hi Inez
Can’t get the flights for what some of viewing trips cost
Think Shakeel has sussed what I am on about.
You use it; abuse it just like the estate agents developers and solicitors have done to so many.
The estate agent is a good place to start.
All the 8 < 10 < 12% + commissions that have been added to the price of the purchase price which puts most in negative equity before they even start.?
Then when they sell the estate agents takes this obscene % from the sale price and we see who makes profit from us all.
Estate agents waste their time the developers waste their money and the developers solicitors have their businesses hit by downturn in the letting the evil happen in pursuit of profit.
Silly .Childish but in my books its retribution.
So, time to share some grrrr agent 😈 inspection trip experiences with you lot this eve.
Clients can take the p!$$ on an inspection trip and expect free lunches, airport pick-ups at 3AM when they are delayed (or even better, a 3AM no-show because they can’t be bothered to call you to let you know), bacon sandwiches brought to them in the morning, getting completely drunk in Puerto Banus and not getting up in time for the day’s tour at 10:00am, vomiting in the car, dropping 40euros worth of McDonald’s on the leather car seats, lighting cigars even though you’ve asked them politely not to smoke….you want more??????
The agent/client professional relationship as far as I’m concerned should be exactly that – professional. Be very wary of the agent who tries to be your best friend in 10 minutes.
Don’t accept any offer of a heavily subsidised inspection trip. You will only be shown what the agent wants you to see and they will be under bosses orders to only show you the places where the company makes the most money.
My suggestion is to come to an arrangement with the estate agency you like the sound of that you will pay for your flights and accommodation youself and will tour with that agency during your stay. If you buy a property introduced to you by that agency then ask for the cost of your trip to be reimbursed at the point of completion in the form of vouchers to spend at a local furniture store. All above board, all legal, and you’ll get the cost of your trip back without the agent being beholden to show only their “exclusives”.
Well, that’s how we have done it in the past and it seems to work, also helps take the pressure off as the client feels under no obligation to the agent.
Still got stiffed by the client who didn’t tell me that him and his wife flew business class!!!!! 🙄
Happy tripping.
Love
Sarah
x (well, it is Valentine’s Day)
I would just not take an inspection trip at all. I would clearly arrange to see some agents but these guys are on the other end of the phone etc. and I would ask for information (agent taken real photos, prices etc) of properties they would want to show me, based on the specification I’d given them.
I really don’t see the point of an inspection trip paid for by an agent, after all you are going to invest a shed load of money in a property what’s £200 or so paying for your own and being able to call your own shots.
As for retribution, insist on driving in your own hire car and if the AE starts to mess you around leave him somewhere.
We dont do inspection trips at all. I have a 2 door sports car. I arrange to meet clients near to the property, they view, we have a chat, I give all information freely as and when asked (and honestly!)
They either buy or dont buy.
I think I have only collected a client from the airport once.
Clients do ask and we tell them they will get a certain amount of money given back if they buy and complete – its the best way.
I let the clients buy me coffee and even lunch if they offer. I supply water in the car and never let them drink alchol whilst viewing. I get rid of them as soon as I can and lot´s of them make my car smell horrible the next morning, why don´t they bring deodorant with them??? 😛
Hi Inez,
Naughty boy, I certainly am, but nice. I have a strategy in terms
a)What I buy.
b)Where is it.
c)Who is the developer.
d)I check their past developments.
e)Speak to current owners.
f) See how many for sale signs are there.
g)If the property i.e. off plan/new I also do an Experian search.
h)Finally, speak to Spanish friends who are in the business.
I,look at it as a business decesion. I dont bring emotions into it.
So, find me one, that tick these boxes and I will buy.
I love your style glassman, much of which makes sense, some of us have banged the same drum for years.
You hit the nail on the head when you said the 8%-10% commission immediately puts the purchaser into negative equity, in fact you’ll find your figures are quite ‘light’ often as commissions included in the price sometimes reach 30% or more for off-plan by some unscrupulous agents.
As a result, ‘Negative Equity for years and years’ and not forgetting up to 11% completion costs as well, and maybe another 10% or more by an agent, to add on if you want to re-sell. It’s a loser from the start, although the sharp tongued agent will say otherwise.
No-one should accept stage payments anymore either (funding the build) because no-one does this in the UK, so why In Spain etc? If you look there are developments which require 10% – 20% max deposit, nothing till completion.
I like the idea of taking as many cheap inspection flights from the rogue agents as possible with no end result, and, I like P800aul’s idea of hiring your own car and leaving the shark agents stranded in the country.
Hi Paul,
I agree with your posting however I disgree with paragraph 4. In Europe its common to fund the whole project from stage payments.
In, France the borrowers mortgage is agreed before you go to the notary and depending on the contract the instalments kicks in ( e.g breaking the ground, foundations, roof etc ) the Banks make those payments.
As we all know that there is no fee lunch ( except when you go on inspection flight & dont buy) If the Banks dont take instalments than the cost of raising finance will increase the price of your unit.
I hope that you are not one of them who goes around the world and feels that this is how its done in UK, so this is how it should be done else where.
😕
Sorry shakeel, but there are quite a number of off-plan new builds being marketed abroad now which require 10% deposit (sometimes 20%) and nothing until completion, as in the UK.
It’s probably being driven by slower markets, and I would not advise anyone now buying with stage payments abroad, you can walk away from these, it’s playing into the hands of dodgy Developers who can go bust without necessary Bank Guarantees.
I certainly do feel that Brits can alter the way it’s done abroad by not falling for this stage payment mentality, and I would strongly advocate the way we do it here. Why should we fund the build for the Developer whether he uses it or it’s lodged with a Bank?
Agree with you on this Paul. Too many developers just use these downpayments for their own cash flow.
And in our case (of no-build) the developer’s excuse why they ‘couldn’t’ return millions of euros of deposits to purchasers? – well, apparently they had spent it all on advertising, brochures, marketing and estate agents’ upfront commissions.
Shock, horror – they didn’t expect their building licence to get revoked for not being in accordance with the PGOU plan.
Poor developers, you have to feel sorry for them when ‘things don’t work out’ according to plan……… 😥
Arrived at airport with no passport control
No stands or anyone promoting property sales at the airport
Went around various areas with someone that lives down there(friend of a friend)
seems like thousands of properties are empty and whole developments
like ghost towns.
Recommended a an English solicitor to me and I had what I feel was an open
and honest appraisal of the situation and recall many of the forums regarding
various aspects of the property market .
1 I asked about signing without a L.F.O
She replied that you are not obliged to sign BUT what are the other options ?
Developers have completed the buildings /the bank guarantee has been fulfilled
and its not their fault that the Marbella Council have made such as mess of things.
What if the developer goes bust ?
2 Says that figures quoted are that 30,000 properties are affected and thinks its more
like 50,000
3 Apparently the Marbella Council are not to well off financially and what a nice way to
collect lots of revenue in creating this stalemate situation.
4 Made references to planning that are not considered in any forum I have read.
Town houses that that had planning before a date in the 1980s will automatically have
L.F.O s issued and it’s only when planning was changed to say apartments since that is
effected and this is where the corruption came in.
In many cases planning was approved after the 1980s but when developers went for the
L.F.Os the council would only take into account the previous application.(Los Lagos?)
5 The opinion of the Solicitors is that the property market is in for a very bad ride
mostly due to investors on multi purchases that will not or cannot complete and will
have their portfolios repossessed unless they sell cheap
6 They have had many clients that were happy to proceed with completions until they
have seen the press and these forums and have then embarked on the road to try to get
deposits back.
7 Their opinion not necessarily mine is that these forums,like the press are a potential
aggravation to the value of properties, that many will have to complete on in the future.
Many solicitors feel that some are perhaps not looking at looking at the bigger picture
and rightly or wrongly are putting forward information and recommendations in matters
that they really do not know what they are talking about.
8 With regards to the likes of Andelusian Homes that will not list without an L.F.O?
They apparently have developments of their own without them ?
Another reason is that its more competitive and harder work on resale’s and the 13% are
off plan further down the coast (had great fun in one of their showrooms where they
clearly felt very uncomfortable with my line of questioning
“Many solicitors feel that some are perhaps not looking at looking at the bigger picture and rightly or wrongly are putting forward information and recommendations in matters that they really do not know what they are talking about”.
Did any of these lawyers, out of interest, mention that there are many of their own profession who not only don’t know what they are talking about* but also let their clients down badly with their corrupt biased connections to developers?
* One of the best little gems I heard from one particular lawyer was: “I didn’t obtain you a Bank Guarantee because you only need one if the developer goes bust or runs away” ❓ 💡
Of course some lawyers object to purchasers becoming informed and knowing their rights (which is one of the superb results of being a member of this forum – with plenty of free legal advice from ‘resident’ lawyers) –
THEY JUST WANT THE CLIENT’S FILE CLOSED/COMPLETED AND FEE BANKED SO THEY CAN MOVE ON TO NEW CLIENTS AND MORE FEES.
Recommending to complete without an LFO in this day and age in Spain is easy when it is not your money your ‘gambling’ with.
There are also many estate agents and developers who are miffed at these type of forums – their vested interest is obvious to understand.
Personally speaking, without this forum – I would not have met my (replacement) lawyer and would not have my money back in my bank.
I’m sorry if some lawyers don’t like these forums, but there are many of us who are damn glad they do exist.
Draken/Claire
I noticed this comment last week and didn’t realize that it was a reference to me.
It clearly is so please explain.
I also noticed that someone has said the same about someone calling himself
Sunsurf or something similar on another forum by someone called Charlie and as far as I can see he was just asking for advice
7 Their opinion not necessarily mine is that these forums,like the press are a potential
aggravation to the value of properties, that many will have to complete on in the future. Many solicitors feel that some are perhaps not looking at looking at the bigger picture
and rightly or wrongly are putting forward information and recommendations in matters
that they really do not know what they are talking about.
The big picture IMHO is that all these developments will be legalised with the new P.G.O.U. hopefully early next year. As I’ve posted a dozen times only some very picked developments and illegal constructions (perhaps a hotel or two) will actually be demolished and it will be just as an exemplary measure.
Fine, we all know that.
The problem is recommending a client to complete on a development without L.F.O. and with a Building License revoked or impugnated. A bank will not grant them a mortgage against said property (except the developer’s bank of course). They will normally not have regular supplies of water and electricity only that of the developer’s which can be cut off at any time if he wishes and which is underpowered compared to that of the regular supply. If you turn on the oven, A/C etc… the fuse just blows because of the power surge!!
It really depends. In some cases if the client is actually intending to move in permanently it can be such a pain to live 1-2 years without a regular supply of either water and electricity.
On the other hand if the client only wants the property as a summer house then there is not such a problem completing and waiting until the dwelling is hooked up to the official supply as they do not actually live there and do not have to endure all that painstaking.
It’s no easy task for any lawyer to recommend what to do and every client and every development will be a different case alltogether and must be treated as such. In some cases it will be advisable to complete without a LFO and in some not. So giving general guidelines is always tricky and it is better to approach it in a case-by-case study.
Hopefully when the municipal elections are over and the P.S.O.E. have won (I’m sure they will do) every issue will be polished with the Junta de Andalucía and the new P.G.O.U. will be approved. The vast majority of the 30.000 illegal properties will be made legal after all, it’s only a matter of time. Some people will be able to afford to wait for completion and some won’t in dire circumstances such as a lack of regular water & electrical supply etc…
On the mid to long run Spain has always been and will continue to be a good investment and a wonderful place to live in. The vast majority of purchasers don’t experience serious problems such as these, it is really a minority that unfortunately the media etc… highlight and magnify in such a way.
Charley me to as I have said at the start of this forum.
Trust me this solicitor had no praise for her trade in the Costa del Sol and it was they that let so many down and she is picking up pieces of no Bank Guarantees etc and all the heartache its bought on so many people.
Apparently since found out that she has never and always refused any client to go ahead
without that in place.
She is hated by the big estate agents as she will not play their sick game and fights just like people on this forum do.
She is a good one if someone needs a straight solicitor.
Draken/Claire
I noticed this comment last week and didn’t realize that it was a reference to me.
It clearly is so please explain.
I also noticed that someone has said the same about someone calling himself
Sunsurf or something similar on another forum by someone called Charlie and as far as I can see he was just asking for advice
Forget it Glassman, it wasn’t a reference to you, we speak of someone else. I’m sorry if it wasn’t clear from my post.
Draken
What you say is very much what she said and cases should be viewed on an individual basis and a good solicitor will advise accordingly.
Its unfortunate she feels that some of her and other good solicitors advice are being ignored at times by what people read in papers and forums.
Thanks for putting it in a context that some may find beneficial that each case stands or falls on its own merits.
That’s exactly how I see it. In general terms, no it is not advisable to complete without a L.F.O., but I have completed many times without it when I find it justied or reasonable bearing in mind always the best interest of my client although my clients are fully aware that I dislike it.
It is ridiculous to delay completion for a year, for example, because a LFO is not being granted because there is something wrong with say some pipeline which is in the development but doesn’t affect directly my client.
One has to study and determine why exactly is the LFO not being granted by the Town Hall. Things have to be put in perspective naturally.
Sorry Drakan
You clearly share the same views as the solicitor my wife and I had the pleasure of her company and advice for a couple of hours ( put the world to rights regarding all the problems in the U.K while we were about it)
Dead right charlie, why should purchasers fund the developers/promoters build programme, and as you see on this site many people made stage payments for property not even built, it’s fraudulent.
Checked out http://www.eyeonspain.com re Spanish Estate Agents post about MRI, seems a few ‘happy’ clients have appeared by magic (methinks staff), some saying their property is not in negative equity in Duquesa etc, I don’t believe it in this market of few sales.
You may be surprised that Andelusian Dream Homes/Viva/ MRI etc don’t agree with you.
You may be surprised that this is where the future money is to be made buying off plan of course ?
Once Disney builds the theme park properties will be worth more that anywhere else in the Costa del Sol.
Now I know you will join me trusting the help and advice from Mr M. Mouse.and his trusty team.
Snow white and the 7 conmen etc.
Learning very fast at the expence of lots of unfortunate people.
Well, I have to tell you that Andalucian Dream Homes knows best. It is a fact that the stretch from Fuengirola to Calahonda is saturated. Duquesa is much greener and less built up. Apartments are much better value very luxury roomy apartments that cost much less. In fact it would be a great idea to buy more that one apartment because you would get fantastic rentals and your investment will grow so much that it will make your eyes water. This must be true, because I was told this by a very charming young man, a bit grease perhaps who could have been a car salesman or double glaze salesman in his former life or maybe even into time share. But what the heck. Morals, what morals?
I know, I know Im totally wrong! Duquesa is a wonderful oasis, greener than any part of Spain with wonderful low rise tastefully designed luxury blocks – every one southfacing with a sea view. And of course there is a golf course, the best one in Europe, all ready for Disney who have bought land, are constructing the roads and will have Disney part 3 up and running by the end of june….. nope no good, cant keep this c**p up.
Sorry pass the sick bag, Im really no good at sales!
I remember a guy, another agent at an exhibition I attended trying to give me his apartment in Casares to sell. I refused at the price and he insisted Disney would state in all the media in October that they would be building there!
If that were tha case, then why try to sell now! Oh gosh. Need a drink already! 😛
Joking apart, what really is upsetting when these cowboys get their hands on vulnerable people and get them to sign up for one or more of these off plans with promises to sell for them at a great profit and with promises that the apartment/s they keep will give them a great income from letting. They would say its business, others would say it is their own stupid fault to allow themselves to be dupet. It is not that easy. These salesman are well oiled and knows exactly how to convince people and they have no conscience whatsoever even when they know that someone is putting their life savings into it and will be in a terrible financial sitiuation if they can´t sell. These unethical practices should be more exposed to warn people. When it comes to after sale service and when you want to sell, they are gone, they don´t even know who you are anymore, and they call it Dream homes in Andalucia!
I think the most impressive piece of bovine excrement I’ve ever heard came on our recent abortive trip to the CDS, when discussing the rental potential of an apartment in the Fuengirola area.
We were told by a certain agent that if he had a dog kennel situated on the beach outside his office he’d be able to rent it out…
I had the unfortunate experience of working for Interealty in their hayday – I set up the management and rentals division (no sales!!)
Every day I have numerous sales guys wanting me to tell clients how much rent buyers could get and to basically lie to them.
It caused huge arguements as I would not do that and I know some sales were lost because I wouldnt say a 2 bed apartment in the hills of Calahonda would rent for 3000 euros per week!!! 🙄
Absolutely crazy! Needless to say I didnt last too long there
It is actually criminal when speaking to some people who have been led into the lions den by these second hand car salesmen! makes my blood boil actually. 😈
Heard that Interealty are back in town (different name). Could be a rumour. BTW An agent on another site is claiming to get rentals at La Reserva for 850 euros but I have seen many advertised for 700.