I have already written here about my love of coffee and my habit of frequenting cafés when I'm abroad, to the point that some have become a regular meeting place or regular workplace when I'm in the city.
This Saturday too I went down to my regular café and sat in my regular corner. She sat at the table next to me, and a small glance at her computer revealed to me that she is Israeli. Drinking my coffee and playing on my phone and from time to time sneaking a look, it seemed that she was wandering through websites and social media pages dealing with real estate. After my phone call with the family she realized I was Israeli and turned to me and the conversation began to flow.
It turns out she is a real estate broker, and came to the city to study it in order to widen the opportunities for her clients who are looking for new investments or to spread risks. She had heard about the city and decided to come here and look for opportunities.
The conversation went on, and when she understood that I had knowledge of the real estate field and familiarity with the city, she began to show me properties she had seen. And I ask questions:
Why this property in particular?
What is the advantage of the surroundings?
What is the expected return?
Who is the property intended for?
How much will the renovation cost?
What about the furniture?
And she explains, presents a business plan she built for each property, while I make comments, try to shed light and present other aspects, a different angle so that she avoids mistakes. She writes down every word. Corrects business plans.
Quite quickly I realized that this is someone serious, who turns over every stone and does not try to sell properties abroad to Israelis “on the way”. She understands real estate, and asks the right questions.
Buying a property abroad is a complex transaction, requiring extensive professional knowledge and a deep understanding of the local real estate market. Choosing the right property marketer can ease the process significantly, increase the chances of finding a suitable property and save you time, money and even headaches.
Here are a few recommendations that will help you choose a property marketer abroad:
Experience and professional know-how: Make sure the marketer has proven experience in marketing properties in the country in which you wish to buy. Choose a marketer who focuses on the type of property you are looking for, whether an apartment, a private house, a plot or a commercial property.
Reputation: Research the marketer's reputation. Read opinions of previous clients, check online and in professional forums. Consult lawyers, accountants or other professionals in the real estate field abroad.
Professionalism: Make sure the marketer is versed in local legislation and regulation in the country, that he understands the tax aspects, that he can recommend the hive you will work with (lawyer, designer/architect, CPA, etc.) and that these are people versed in the field.
Service and availability: Make sure the marketer is available to you, gives a professional and efficient response to every question, and shows patience and accompaniment throughout the entire process.
Transparency: Make sure the marketer is transparent about all his fees and payments. Demand a detailed explanation of the process, the expected costs, and also of the properties offered to you.
Personal chemistry: It is important to choose a marketer with whom you feel comfortable, whom you trust and who understands your needs and wishes.
Stories are based on real situations, with identifying details changed. Not legal advice.
Translated from the Hebrew original. עברית