Why it's important to choose an Agent, not an Agency

When you decide to look for a property, do you choose a specific agent or a specific agency brand?
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Brands...

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I must be honest; I love brands, I understand the power of brands and what lies beneath them. I choose the brands I buy consciously, knowing the benefits of engaging with that brand and with a clear picture of what it is saying about me.

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When we talk about products, you see what you buy, it is tangible. However, it is a little different when it comes to services. It is more about the experience and about creating a trustworthy relationship. Here it is important to ask oneself questions such as, what is it like to engage with this brand? Do they know what I am looking for and, most importantly, who are the people that represent this brand?

Real Estate Brands…
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The experience of buying a property is no different to this. Along with small boutique agencies, we also find nationwide agencies as well as international real estate firms, all of them branded with their own mission and values. And when we are thinking of acquiring a property, how well do we know the people who represent and are employed by those real estate agency brands? Would we rather know the brand or get to know the person I am going to trust with the purchase of my house? Who do we want to engage with, a brand or an individual?

Real Estate People…
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During my own house hunting process, I talked to numerous agents. Some of them were working for an agency, some were freelancers… and only one got it! And that one found the perfect place for me and my family. That person listened, understood, and delivered. Simple, clear, hassle-free. It was that one person who got the job done, no one else.

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The property market in Marbella is open which means that the properties for sale are accessible to most real estate companies and all of them share the same database. This makes Marbella home to many real estate companies and agents to choose from. With approximately 150 real estate agencies and over a thousand agents in Marbella alone, buyers are spoilt for choice.

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Irrespective of the brand they represent, there are great agents in Marbella and you have the options to go with one or the other. This is entirely your choice depending on your circumstances, requirements, and personality. Yes, it is important to choose an agent you resonate with and you feel most comfortable with. Don’t be in any rush to choose your real estate agent. In the process of buying a property, having a good agent by your side could make the difference between a successful job or a frustrating experience.

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But how do you choose the best one for you? There are many questionnaires on the Internet to ensure you find a good real estate agent. If you have the time and drive to go through those, it could be a great way to find “the one.” They will tell you to find out about their credentials, experience, market knowledge, negotiation skills, etcetera. While these skills are no doubt important, in today’s world, we want to know that if I am going to give my time to engage with a particular individual, there better be value in it for me.

Resourcefulness and Rapport…
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If you, like me, have a different approach to it and wish to get to the heart of the matter, I’m thinking that there needs to be a focus on 2 key things when looking for a great real estate agent: rapport and resourcefulness.

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Why are these important? If I’m going to trust someone with the search and purchase of my perfect house, I need someone first of all who is able to see the sale not only as a business transaction but as the chance to help me fulfill my lifestyle and/or investment objectives. It is key that we can understand each other's ideas, we speak the same "language" and we communicate well. I need to build a connection with that person.

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Furthermore, I also want a resourceful agent with the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties, to get things done efficiently, and who adapts to my personality and my circumstances. Ultimately, offering me a personalized service that is tailored to meet my specific needs, preferences, and expectations.

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The takeaway…

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Whether the real estate agent you choose is a freelancer or works for a particular brand, it is important you know them well and they become your ally.

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Having a good knowledge of the area and being driven by your requirements and by no other motive is a given! But, focus on the value that person brings to the table, make sure they have a customer-first approach by truly understanding you as a buyer, and remember that ultimately, we want to engage with a person, not a brand.

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Now it’s your Turn!

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‍Resourceful people, rapport and value… those are the names of the game for me in finding the right agent for a successful property purchase. If you are considering to look for a property in Marbella, it is now your turn to decide how to approach your house search and how you want to engage with your agent.

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Get in touch with me for a customer-first approach to find your ideal property or investment in Marbella.