problems with atlas

After doing a quick search I have just become a member of this forum and would love to compare notes with other people purchasing at Al Andalus. 

We purchased back in June 2005 and during this time did not hear very much at all from MRI I always seemed to chase them with my queries.  However, now that completion is coming up in May 2007 I am getting many calls either from MRI or CPF who are mortgage brokers recommended by MRI.  Has anyone used these people?  They want a fee of 479 euros for their services which is their 'Gold Standard' and will provide a financial adviser for life, obtain a mortgage, open a bank account and do all the relevant paperwork.  Any comments?

We have also been told that it may be difficult to rent due to the amount of building work still been done.  I have been assured that all the facilities will be in place before completing as I have already stated how are we expected to rent to holidaymakers if they have no facilities.  Does anyone know any different?

One more thing - we are thinking of going out in February to visit the site, although this does not seem to be encouraged!  Can anyone let me know the advantages, and will MRI be helpful on our visit?

we to have purchased with MRI and again have had to chase them for any info, we also have been approached by CPF- we have not taken up there service I wouldn't pay a fee to someone in England up front to sort a mortgage! what if you are not happy with the deal they come up with- we have used our financial advisor in the uk.

We are going out in February to see how progress is and will post info/photos on our return-from previous visits Key Mare sales office wiil tell you the 'official line' from the developer- however you may get better info from somebody who lives in an adjacent Key Mare development- we stay in one of these for that purpose.

Hello, we have a property in Al Andalus Hills (just down the Hill from Thalassa) and we completed July 2006.  We went out to 'snag' at Keymare's request and it was a waste of time as the site foreman had not completed our block.  It didn't help that I was on crutches . . . but we have had more luck 'viewing' by turning up unannounced and just walking onto the site.  If challenged, you can only leave and then turn up at the office so you won't have lost anything.  We rent our apartment so pm me if you are interested in staying during your next visit. 

Regarding mortgages, we found Rose Financial Services in Mojacar good but you could do it yourself via the Halifax in the UK if you want to avoid broker fees. Their rates are very good, you can transfer £ to E for free via a UK Halifax and a Banco Halifax Hispania (not competitive for large amounts - use Currency Direct - , but good for 'service' type charges).  Keymare will offer you the option to subrogate, ie take over their mortgage and your solicitor will tell you about whether that is a good deal.  Incidentally, Spanish solicitors do so much more than UK ones.  They are v good financial advisors and will organise the mortgage for you, as well as help with inheritance and other tax planning.  A subrogation seems to not be too strict on means testing so you are relying on rental income to some extent, this might be the one for you as Spain don't seem to do 'buy to let' mortgages yet.

I am sure you will be delighted with your purchase.  Despite a number of issues on AA Hills, we have fortunately (and fingers crossed) been lucky and are really enjoying our property.