The right estate agent can save you thousands

Most homeowners in Spain focus on two main questions when selling their property:

What commission is charged by the agent? “What’s the value of my home?”

Each seller is looking to maximize their profits while keeping costs low. The 1% fee option of 1 Real Estate offers a strong economic value because the wrong estate agent could cost sellers dearly.

Many homeowners in Costa Blanca experience the same frustrations. They are frustrated by unrealistic prices, poor marketing and communication. Their properties sit on the market without much activity for several months.

In many cases, the problem is not the property itself – it is the strategy behind how the property was brought to market.

The highest valuation may not always be the best value

Overvaluing a home to get a listing is one of the oldest tricks in the real estate industry.

Agents can easily promise an unrealistic figure in order to gain an instruction. It is only later that the problem arises, when there is little interest in the property, and few serious viewings, that it becomes necessary to reduce prices.

The buyers of today are well-informed. Buyers compare properties daily online and can quickly identify when a property is overpriced.

Overpriced property often loses momentum very quickly. Buyers lose confidence, sellers become frustrated and offers drop.

Ironically enough, houses that start too high often sell for less than those who begin correctly.

A professional estate agent will give you honest advice that is based on the real demand of buyers, comparable sales, and local market conditions.

Uploading photos is not enough to sell your property

Most homeowners believe that all estate agents provide a similar service. The difference between professional and average marketing can be huge.

Presentation, photography and buyer qualification are all important factors in a successful sale.

At 1 Real Estate we think listing and actively marketing a property are very different. We invest heavily in marketing and buyer reach, as well as local expertise.

1 Real Estate, as part of the larger Property Cloud Group, benefits from nine offices, over 40 full-time employees and more than 650 completed sales per year.

Sellers will have access to a much larger audience of active purchasers in both the Costa Blanca region and Murcia.

The importance of international exposure

Costa Blanca is a popular destination for international buyers. Therefore, successful marketing involves more than just local exposure.

A property may attract interest from buyers in the UK, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe and across Spain – many of whom begin their search online long before travelling.

It is for this reason that multilingual marketing and database matching are important.

Our team at 1 Real Estate works with international buyers every day to find villas, apartments and townhouses as well as investment properties in the Marina Alta area and Northern Costa Blanca.

Many times, the right buyer has already started looking. The trick is to get them to see your home before anyone else.

Fair fees do not mean compromise

One common misconception is the idea that lower commissions automatically equate to lower service.

1 Real Estate offers a competitive commission structure at 1% + IVA, while still providing professional marketing, expertise in the local market, and exposure to international markets.

An experienced estate broker protects you throughout the process. He or she will manage the negotiations professionally, and help ensure the sale moves forward efficiently.

Communication builds trust

Communication is one of sellers’ biggest complaints about estate agents.

Communication is an important part of 1 Real Estate’s service. The sellers receive regular updates, honest feedback and support.

Ask a few questions before signing a contract with an estate agent.

• Does the company truly understand my local market
• What is the basis for their valuation?
• How will my property be marketed internationally?
• Does the company have a track record of sales?
• Will they maintain a consistent communication throughout the process.

The sale of a house is one of the biggest financial decisions that most people will make. Choosing the right estate agent can make a significant difference — not only to the final sale price, but also to the overall experience.

Are you thinking of selling your home?

We offer free in-person, no-obligation valuations, backed up by local expertise and honest advice.

Call +34 865 798 373, or visit www.1re.es Request a free appraisal.