Has anyone used a buying agent?

We are very particular about the type of property we would like to buy in Spain (Andalucia), and are considering whether it would be worth using a "buying agent" rather than an estate agent to source it for us.

I have found two on the web already "the Property Finders" and "Integrated Relocation Spain".  Does anyone have any experience of these companies or know of any other reputable ones?

It would be nice to "spec" the type of property we want and then a company search property out that match our criteria and we get a shortlist to go and view.  Obviously there's a substantial cost involved in this that's why we need to know if they will do what they say they will!!

Thanks,

Claire.

We are dealing with Andaluz Homes at the moment. I know they do inspection trips.They have been around for about 12 years and  I have found them very informative and helpful.   

BB if you really want to waste some money. 

Along with a lot of others here, I would be happy to steal / opps, charge you a reasonable price, to help you spend your money !!!!!

Please note:   I can lie about a property just as well as any buying agent.

Ha Ha thanks Elaine,  this is our fear!! 

The charges are amazing.  A fee for signing up 500-900 euros. They then charge about 2.5% of the final purchase price of a property they find you which sounded fair enough for our budget, but I've been reading the small print and they actually make a minimum charge of 4500-5000 euros!!!

I think now I would only use one of these agents if they came very highly recommended.  5000 euros is a hell of a lot of money for doing something we can do ourselves!!

Claire.

Hi - you will find that most estate agents have relationships with many others and they can source properties from these collaborators.  The two agents then split their commission, so you don´t pay anything up front to get them to search for you.

I don´t work in the area you are looking for, but am sure you will find lots of agents in Andalucia who work in the same way as we do.  

If you are concerned about who you can trust, then just ask people on the forum if they can recommend agents for you, although you may have to narrow your area a little.

Happy hunting!

 I totaly agree with Claire.

We had the same experience, I think its is not smart do go without a profesional Real Estate Expert.

Regards,

Roy