Experiment for estate agencies and their clients

Portal TOP-CASA made the research to determine why the work of estate agents isn’t often profitable and can it be changed!
We made the research and found, that the large percentage of requests to rent and buy real estate, coming to real estate agencies are not treated promptly, for various reasons: the client didn’t give the necessary information, the client didn’t gave contact information, or price range, the price of the request doesn’t comply the actual price of the objects. In these cases, the agency doesn’t process the request or ignore it, or wastes time to complete the request, while the client has already made a deal with another agent. As a result, the agency loses time, money, and in the case of ignoring requests harms the reputation.

In this case, the portal TOP-CASA has created and implemented the unique system of processing requests to rent and purchase residential and commercial real estate.
The system works in test mode but allows agencies:

• monitor the status of the request from its receipt to payment portal commission;

• communicate with the customer through the internal chat (which allows you to see if the client online, to refine the details, solve problems and give advice in requests processing);

• expand the geography of work and increase the number of requests (the agency can process request from client who doesn’t speak his language, thanks to built-in user chat online translator, agent and client can understand each other and deal);

• to send more detailed description of the property, photographs, plans, presentations (history of sent messages is stored throughout the communication, any time you can go to correspondence and to clarify the stage of negotiations with client);

• to send the contract, invoice and receive back documents and receipts for payment of services;


• control all the requests from customers directly on site, sort by status, date, see the number of processed requests and pending;

• submit requests for another agency - communicate and receive real estate listings from other agencies represented on the portal, thus obtaining the percentage of commission on the transaction;

• work with other agencies and developers represented on the portal, thereby expanding the range of activities and spheres of influence;

Anyone who wishes to participate in the experiment and test the new system of portal can do it for free. To do this, just register on the portal and fill in your profile.

The experts presented the TOP 100 twitter profiles about real estate

Now social networks play important role not only in communicating with friends, colleagues but provide important stimulus for the development of any business. More and more companies are trying to present themselves in social networks, thus to obtain customers, partners, present their products and services. Real estate agencies increasingly use the services of social networks. As we know the best social networks today are Facebook and Twitter.

Therefore, experts of Property Week decided to analyze the best users of the Twitter, who write about property or interacts with the real estate market. User accounts were evaluated by the number of followers, the authority and the frequency of posting.
After analyzing experts presented TOP 100 twitter accounts about real estate. As it was expected, among them were mostly private citizens - journalists, realtors and investors, consulting companies and real estate agencies.

According to Property Week five of the best twitter profiles about real estate is as follows: The Royal Institute of Valuers (@ ricsnews), real estate consultant Coy Davidson (@ coydavidsoncre), investor John Corey (@ john_corey), realtor, Tracy Kellett (@ buyingagent) and architect Sue Butcher (@ subutcher).

As experts say, real estate agencies, banks and other organizations haven’t yet learned to take full advantage of social networks. Customers have more confidence in information written by man, not company. Hence the popularity of real estate companies is significantly lower in social networks than people who write about real estate. However, in the hundred of the best twitter profiles of real estate were real estate agencies. Among them, is the real estate agency Big Property List. As stated by spokesman for the agency, they are actively using twitter to attract new customers and partners.

Unique system of request processing on portal TOP-CASA

I've read one interesting research and found that the large percentage of requests sent by clients to various internet portals and real estate agents web sites don’t reach the addressee, or are neglected. If the client makes the request to rent property, and the agency is considering the application as the budget or impossible to implement, in most cases, the agency ignores the request without informing the client. As the result, the customer loses time waiting for answer, search for another agency, or portal, where the same situation can happen. These factors contribute to distrust of customers to the companies.

However on one portal i found really intrersting system of requests processing.
This unique system allows the client to control the entire process, from submitting of request to its completion.

Our unique system requests processing allows the client:
• see the status of the request throughout the process of its processing;
• choose real estate agency with whom to transact form the rating of agencies;
• see the number of agencies simultaneously processing the request;
• communicate with partners, real estate agencies through internal chat, and receive files (pictures, photo plans, presentations) in mode of real time;
• choose the best proposals of agencies that quickly responded to the request in accordance with specified requirements and price range;
• choose the agency with which to bargain;
• receive the preliminary contract and send the receipt of payment via the internal messaging in the portal and keep all the documentation;
• get additional support and assistance in dealing with controversial issues from portal (partner of portal sign the contract, which undertakes to implement the commitments to customers);

Advantages and disadvantages of investing in real estate

There are three main factors that control the investments in real estate. Therefore, the secret of successful investing is precisely in considering these three factors. Of course they don’t guarantee 100% success, but greatly increase the chances of success.
Therefore, before you invest consider:
-region
- economic potential of the region
- development of the real estate market in this region

The benefits of investing in real estate
Of course, every region has its own specifics, but all the same the general real estate investments show a great return on investment than, for example, interest rates are set for a mortgage loan. What does this mean? This means that even when taking mortgage as an investor, you can manage money by renting them, invest them in real estate. In this case, be sure that in the long term this investment will bring more profits than the loan costs. You can also raise the return on investment in real estate by refinancing. In addition, control real estate investment is much easier than investing in stocks.
Disadvantage of investment in real estate
The biggest drawback to investment in real estate is the slow return of investment compared to stocks. When you put your investments in stocks, the only thing you need is to call your broker and interest in how things are in the market. If you want to sell shares, he quickly sells them, and you immediately get your money. With real estate things are little differently. Here you may have to wait years to real estate has reached price that you desire. If you need money immediately, you have to sell the property at a lower price, while actual or potential cost could be much more expensive. But even in this case, you can earn by refinancing real estate.
Investments in real estate are very expensive. It requires careful consideration and guidance. You must take into account the number of facts related to the property and the factors that influence the market. In addition, real estate investments require active management. You can operate independently, although this is not always advisable. It is better to use the services of a professional Realtor. You may have to make repairs to increase property values and make it more attractive. Lack of proper management of real estate is one of the reasons why many real estate investments fail.
Investing in real estate is not only a big profit, but also a constant risk. And sometimes the property instead of more expensive it can be cheaper. But as history has shown, the price of real estate never drops below the point from which she took the start. Therefore, if investing in real estate in the early growth of prices, you can get 100% profit. And its size will depend on how you monitor the market and on your greed.

4 "wow" factors or how to sell property in Spain

This blog is mainly helps buyers select and purchase property in Spain and other countries. But today I decided to help sellers and tell them why one villa is sold immediately, but another some years can’t find the buyer. There are a few secrets how quickly pick out your property and sell it.

Many buyers viewing photos of property in Spain immediately exclaim: "wow, super, I like it, I want to buy it." But what causes such emotions? How to make sure the buyer to buy your property?

As the rule the majority decisions are taken under the influence of emotions and impressions. But what causes the buyer emotion that causes him to view the property? Of course photos. First of all, landscape and appearance of the building has the great impact on the buyer. So, photos should show landscapes from the window, as the sun sets behind the horizon, like the house is buried in verdure. When photographing the house outside, include swimming pool in photo, beautiful flowers and trees. Seeing the magnificent views the buyer immediately wants to see it live, he imagines himself in your villa.

The second factor, which always delights to the buyer is the bathroom. Photographs of the bathroom should be as much light as possible, bath necessarily have to be in the center of the photo, then the room seems larger. Try to photograph the mirror in the bathroom, they give the room shine.

Very important "wow" factor of course is the location of the apartment or house. If you sell your apartment in Valencia, make the photo from the window of your home with nice house or a fountain, not in any case take photos of the backyard. Nice view convinces buyers that your apartment is located in the heart of Valencia and that it suits the buyer.

This factor doesn’t always work, but very often delights customers. This is the modernist style. Buyers became estranged from classic houses, apartments and villas. Many buyers like to see houses with square shapes, many windows and interesting design solutions. Focus on the highlight of the building.

It seems I have not missed anything. These factors really 100% increase the chances of your property to be sold and uniquely distinguish it from other sets. You can be sure that if you present to the buyer such photos, he will not go away from you without purchase.

Even if I missed something, you can correct me or add. By the way, make sure that these factors work, real estate is really sold, and see the perfect pictures of property in Spain you can on the portal TOP-CASA.

Spanish real estate by the sea: the pros and cons

Today many people choose Spanish property, prefer real estate on the coast: property in Spain, Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, Costa Dorada, etc. Of course, the possession of such real estate has its undoubted merits. It allows you to enjoy not only a warm climate, but also the fresh sea air and beach holidays. Villa or house on the coast – it’s opportunity not to think about where to spend the next holiday. But don’t forget that the acquisition of property which is located in one of the coasts, has certain disadvantages, and they must be considered when purchasing.

The first of these - house in Spain near the sea or apartment in one of the resort towns, would cost more expensive for purchaser. However, not for all buyers of Spanish property savings when making purchase is important. But don’t forget that nimber of tourists in resort area increases significantly in the high season. So, overcrowded beaches, and crowds on the parking and stores, and the inability to eat in favorite restaurant. At the same time, in the end of the season, many restaurants and entertainment are closed, and it’s difficult to find opportunities for interesting leisure activities.

Today, many who love quiet beach holiday, find the compromise: buy real estate in resort areas, but at the distance from the sea. In this case, they don’t overpay for the proximity to the beach. But it’s very easy to get to the beach. The great option could be property in Spain - apartments or villas, which have their own pool. These apartments, in principle, can be purchased at the considerable distance from the sea, in one of the major cities. In this case, property owne can consider the fact that even if he decides to use it in the off-season, he can be sure about the fun and exciting holiday.

9 basic rules of viewing and buying apartment in Spain

The main purpose of this blog is to tell prospective buyers how to act and what to consider when viewing property in Spain, to avoid surprises and troubles in future.
1. View apartments at least 30 minutes.
Most buyers are trying to view all apartments in one day. And they do it, usually on weekends. Don’t do it! It takes minimum 30 minutes to view one apartment, view no more than 3 options per day and write all the details of each apartment.

2. View apartment only with the agency.
View apartment with only local agency you trust. They are doing it every day and won’t let you forget to ask about some important details.

3.View apartments with interpreter.
It is necessary to understand everything. Even the smallest detail can cause serious problems in the future.

4. View apartment not only inside.
Condition of the house, yard, the presence of shops play important role when purchasing property in Spain.

5. Visiting the apartment at second time make it in different time of day.
If you are viewing an apartment in Spain for the second time, do it at other times to appreciate the lighting of the apartment, the noise outside, and neighbors. Spain is known for its noisy nightlife, so during the day the street can be quiet but at night because of noise and fun, you can’t sleep.

6. Make sure that all communications are in excellent condition.
It is important for you that all pipes, roof and walls be ok and without defects. Repair the walls in Spain is very expensive.

7. Maintenance of the apartment.
Don’t forget to ask the seller, how much the maintenance of apartment per month if there are any additional expenses.

8. Unpleasant questions.
Don’t hesitate to ask why the owner is selling the apartment, when he repaired, etc.

9. Don’t hurry to show your interest to apartment.
The first view is just collection of information. Visiting the apartment second time ask for discount of 5-10% if you convince the seller, he must give you discount.

With these simple rules buying property in Spain will go smoothly and warn you from unpleasant surprises. To learn more about how to buy property in Spain you can in previous blogs, or directly on the portal TOP-CASA, where you will get comprehensive information from real professionals.

Purchase property in Spain - guarantee to get residence permit. Myth or reality?

Today I propose to consider very important question that interests most people who want to live in Spain.Many people think in order to get residence permit in Spain it’s enough to buy property here and the problem is fixed. However, the stereotype that buying property in Spain is the guarantee for permanent residence in this country is not always true.

If you are applying to the agency in your country to buy property in Spain, and it’s trying to convince you that buying property in Spain you surely will get the residence permit in this country, think about the professionalism and competence of the agency. Spanish agencies will never speak of this. They know that no one can guarantee that you get the residence permit in Spain if you buy property here. This issue is considered by public bodies, and only they can guarantee it. If you are the owner of the business or property in Spain it only increases your chances of getting in the future and is the significant advantage, but not the reason.

Buying cheap property in Spain is a very common mistake made by buyers. But most of them are very sorry about a couple thousand dollars they saved. Property prices in Spain have dropped significantly over the period of crisis. And there is a lot of affordable real estate on market. But if you are offered to buy real estate, which is much lower than its market price. Think about it, everything is okay with this property, may be vendors don’t have right to sell it, if there are any rights to the property from third parties, the state of this property, or if the property should be demolished. Often low price of real estate is hiding something behind. And as you know free cheese is only in a mousetrap.

Who pays the real estate agency for services, buyer or seller? You'll be surprised.

Most often, when we buy real estate, we are trying to find something themselves and to avoid attracting unnecessary estate agents. But after a long search, wasting time and effort, we understand that time was wasted and you will have to apply exactly to the professionals. So today, in the third part of the theme about mistakes of buyers when buying property in Spain, I suggest to consider the common stereotype as: better and cheaper to buy property without any agents.

And so, desire to buy property in Spain without any agents can give us. I'm probably going to surprise many when I say that in Spain, owner pays for real estate agency services when selling property, not the buyer. Because he wants to sell the property and find client, not vice versa. Therefore, if you go directly to the seller, you don’t save, but only expose you to additional risks, not knowing the whole procedure of buying property in Spain. Now Spain's offer of real estate far exceeds demand, so the sellers and agents are going to all sorts of concessions to sell the property. Therefore, buying property in Spain with the help of agencies (in one of the blogs I will tell you how agencies in Spain to be trusted, and how not) you get free set of services to support your transaction, and free yourself from unwanted knowledge, waste of time and nerves. Everything is done by professionals, and you will only need to come and look at real estate.
Another thing, don’t ask your friends who live in Spain or who bought an apartment there to help you. After all, they also bought it with the agency. And if suddenly they accidentally give you false information, or miss something, you can’t then ask them to claim, but your friendship will suffer.
When the question arises how to find good real estate agency in Spain, I advise you to refer directly to the Spanish agencies, rather than their representatives in your country. Employees of the Spanish agents speak English, Russian or German and it won’t be difficult to understand each other. It is best to look for such agencies at real estate portals, such as Spanish Portal TOP-CASA. There dozens of agencies are collected, you can see the size of the agency, how much property they sell, which regions cover and compare with others. You can also watch rating of agencies, which immediately tells what to choose.

Read Also:

How to choose the property in Spain?
Important advices to buyers when viewing real estate in Spain