Are you intending to use an estate agent or developer when buying your property abroad? If so, it is of primary importance that you use a professional company with impeccable credentials – but how exactly how do you set about checking on that? Here are a few ideas I have put together for you:
Start by asking the developer or agent the following questions:
1. How long have you been in business? If it’s under 5 years, you might want to proceed with caution. The younger the company the higher the risk that they’re not able to
compete with the long standing companies and/or offer a complete service.
2. How many properties do you build or sell per year? From 1 – 50, they are a small developer/agent and the good developers offer a proper client service. Small companies
are easy to work with as you know exactly who to call if there is a problem. From 50 – 150, they are a medium sized developer/agent and for the most part the service is similar to the small company.
Regarding developers that build over 150 - they are considered large and can sometimes be a bit impersonal, but you can usually rest assured that they know what they’re doing! Just
make sure that you will be provided with someone that is responsible and accountable for your property and that you have their direct contact details.
3. Do you always finish your projects on time or, if a project does go past the completion date, what do you do to compensate the buyer? You don’t want a developer/agent that says the build will be completed in January and it actually finishes in May!
Make sure you investigate and find out if they stick to their word or, in the case of an agent, you want to make sure that they are recommending developers that do what they say they’re going to do. And find out how they will compensate you if timelines drag on!
4. Do you have testimonials or can I meet some of your past buyers? Ask for testimonials and/or any feedback you can from people that have already purchased from the
developer/agent.
5. What are the financial options? Most new builds start with a 5 -10% deposit and then you pay the rest in stages. Furthermore, many developers are flexible when it comes to
the amount you need to pay and when so it’s worth the time and effort to get a breakdown from each developer. When comparing different developers the financial element is
usually a key component to the decision making process.
6. What other services can you help us with? Can the developer/agent help you with mortgages, solicitors, furniture packs and so forth? And what about the after-sales package: do they help you to get your new property up and running?
Obviously the one thing that you need to do is to talk to a previous client\: chat to locals and see what the opinion seems to be. Ask them if you can speak to a previous client – and be very wary if they seem reluctant to let you do this.
I hope it all goes well for you.
Kim
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.Overseasbuyingguide.com
Thursday 16 December 2010
Wednesday 8 December 2010
Renting your holiday home out for some extra cash?
One of my blog readers dropped me a line a few days ago. She had been thinking of buying abroad but, with the current financial conditions, she has been thinking more and more of renting. Many people are feeling the same way: I chatted about decorating your rental home abroad – here are some vital tips to remember if you ARE going to be renting your property out:
1. Think about employing someone to make sure the gardens and the pool are kept immaculate. There is nothing more off-putting than a dirty pool and a messy garden. You will need to factor in an extra cost for someone to keep on top of maintenance if you are not there to do it yourself
2. It is essential that bathrooms and kitchens are clean and well stocked. Inexpensive and easy to replace cutlery, crockery and glassware are essential in the kitchen plus toilet paper and towels in the bathroom
3. If your property is suitable for families, most now expect there to be a washing machine - and a dishwasher is necessary too. Would you want to spend half your time washing by hand or washing up after each meal when on holiday?
4. Get a decent kitchen stove. My preference is for an electric stove – people can’t leave the gas on and cause an explosion
5. When renting out, remove all objects that are precious to you. Trust me, they will be the things that get broken first – sod’s law!
6. You know how many people can stay in the house – in fact, when you rent it out you will no doubt specify this. Make sure there are enough chairs, crockery etc for the number of people that will be renting.
7. Create an area and attractions guide. You’ll want to map out where the best pubs and restaurants are plus all the unmissable walks…This is just the sort of thing that makes people return time after time
8. Throw in a welcome pack for each visitor; supply basic essentials like milk and bread together with some details of nearby shops, doctors, garages etc. Adding a bottle of the local wine costs very little but it will really impress guests. Letting agents or helpful neighbours/friends can do this for you in you are not around
9. You need to make sure that you are fully insured for visitors in your rental property
10. Always ask for testimonials and feedback. That way you can correct any shortcomings and promote your property to prospective renters.
If you want a home with these qualities already built in, then I suggest you run them by your estate agent from the beginning of your search if you have not yet bought. And if you need any just call the OGC Resource Team 0207 898 0549 - there is no cost or obligation to use our recommendations.
Kim
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.Overseasbuyingguide.com
1. Think about employing someone to make sure the gardens and the pool are kept immaculate. There is nothing more off-putting than a dirty pool and a messy garden. You will need to factor in an extra cost for someone to keep on top of maintenance if you are not there to do it yourself
2. It is essential that bathrooms and kitchens are clean and well stocked. Inexpensive and easy to replace cutlery, crockery and glassware are essential in the kitchen plus toilet paper and towels in the bathroom
3. If your property is suitable for families, most now expect there to be a washing machine - and a dishwasher is necessary too. Would you want to spend half your time washing by hand or washing up after each meal when on holiday?
4. Get a decent kitchen stove. My preference is for an electric stove – people can’t leave the gas on and cause an explosion
5. When renting out, remove all objects that are precious to you. Trust me, they will be the things that get broken first – sod’s law!
6. You know how many people can stay in the house – in fact, when you rent it out you will no doubt specify this. Make sure there are enough chairs, crockery etc for the number of people that will be renting.
7. Create an area and attractions guide. You’ll want to map out where the best pubs and restaurants are plus all the unmissable walks…This is just the sort of thing that makes people return time after time
8. Throw in a welcome pack for each visitor; supply basic essentials like milk and bread together with some details of nearby shops, doctors, garages etc. Adding a bottle of the local wine costs very little but it will really impress guests. Letting agents or helpful neighbours/friends can do this for you in you are not around
9. You need to make sure that you are fully insured for visitors in your rental property
10. Always ask for testimonials and feedback. That way you can correct any shortcomings and promote your property to prospective renters.
If you want a home with these qualities already built in, then I suggest you run them by your estate agent from the beginning of your search if you have not yet bought. And if you need any just call the OGC Resource Team 0207 898 0549 - there is no cost or obligation to use our recommendations.
Kim
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.Overseasbuyingguide.com
Thursday 2 December 2010
Decorating your investment home abroad to maximum effect
Times are hard, but the fact remains that hundreds of thousands of Brits own homes abroad. And as times get harder, more people are looking to recoup some of the money spent on buying not only their investment property but also that lovely holiday home that they bought in the good times.
But this is presenting a problem of its own: with many more rental properties on the market, how do you set your property apart from literally hundreds of others?
The trick is to make your property a relaxing place to escape to – a place that soothes and restores the spirit in these restless times. And how exactly do you achieve this?
For many, the choice of décor revolves around where the house is situated, but my feeling is that where ever in the world your property is, holiday makers are looking for exactly the same thing – they are looking to escape their daily life and RELAX!
Colours should be restful and unobtrusive, with walls of a neutral colour. A common theme running through the entire home, with splashes of colour in cushions and pictures, gives a restful and comforting atmosphere. If you are near the sea perhaps you could introduce a few subtle (I repeat subtle…) touches such of driftwood or sea shells carefully arranged, sea paintings etc. A property near ski resorts needs to be warm and welcoming, one in a hot and humid climate needs to be airy and laid back – but they both need to be a restful retreat from the outside world.
Cut out clutter altogether and keep things neutral and classic – which is NOT the same as bland and boring! Small touches in the right colour can make a world of difference. I subscribe to the utterly beautiful magazine ‘World of Interiors’ – to me they are inspirational. For years I have been cutting out photos of the homes that excite and delight me. I have stuck them into albums – you’ve no idea how therapeutic this is! Then later on I just have to browse through my 14 albums (I kid you not – I have just counted) and I am utterly transported and inspired.
Human nature being what it is, if something is not their own, people will take less care of it. You need a property that is easy to look after, will not date and will always look smart. The last thing you need is a home that requires high maintenance, especially as you may be doing this and from a distance. Incidentally, lots of easy-to-use cleaning equipment – things like a good, sturdy, small vacuum cleaner – will mean a better chance that your property will be looked after.
Bear in mind that strong sunlight can damage fabrics. Salt or pool water walked into the house can be especially destructive if your furniture is covered in anything less than hardy fabrics. Couch and chair covers need to be easily laundered – best case scenario are covers that can be removed and dry cleaned or laundered. Don’t be tempted to go for cheap and nasty here – it shows very quickly.
Wooden floor surfaces are great as they are easy to look after. Stone tiled or ceramic floors work well too in hot climates - people may be walking in and out, sometimes dripping water all over the floors and a floor that is easily cleaned is essential. Carpets in my opinion are a bit of a no-no.
If the climate is hot and humid you will need air conditioning plus shutters for the windows are a good idea. They keep the room darkened, are low maintenance and great for keeping rooms cool for that afternoon lie-down! Blinds are a great choice too. I must confess that I have had cool cream blinds fitted throughout my flat and curtains now seem hot and messy! You need to weigh up the chances of them getting broken however…
Your beds must be of the very best quality – there is nothing that puts people off more than an uncomfortable bed. A good quality mattress with a mandatory mattress cover is what is required.
Repeat business is the best possible kind and, if you play your cards right, you will have reliable, dependable people coming back year after year - and that’s first prize in the rental stakes.
Good luck!
Kim
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.overseasbuyingguide.com
But this is presenting a problem of its own: with many more rental properties on the market, how do you set your property apart from literally hundreds of others?
The trick is to make your property a relaxing place to escape to – a place that soothes and restores the spirit in these restless times. And how exactly do you achieve this?
For many, the choice of décor revolves around where the house is situated, but my feeling is that where ever in the world your property is, holiday makers are looking for exactly the same thing – they are looking to escape their daily life and RELAX!
Colours should be restful and unobtrusive, with walls of a neutral colour. A common theme running through the entire home, with splashes of colour in cushions and pictures, gives a restful and comforting atmosphere. If you are near the sea perhaps you could introduce a few subtle (I repeat subtle…) touches such of driftwood or sea shells carefully arranged, sea paintings etc. A property near ski resorts needs to be warm and welcoming, one in a hot and humid climate needs to be airy and laid back – but they both need to be a restful retreat from the outside world.
Cut out clutter altogether and keep things neutral and classic – which is NOT the same as bland and boring! Small touches in the right colour can make a world of difference. I subscribe to the utterly beautiful magazine ‘World of Interiors’ – to me they are inspirational. For years I have been cutting out photos of the homes that excite and delight me. I have stuck them into albums – you’ve no idea how therapeutic this is! Then later on I just have to browse through my 14 albums (I kid you not – I have just counted) and I am utterly transported and inspired.
Human nature being what it is, if something is not their own, people will take less care of it. You need a property that is easy to look after, will not date and will always look smart. The last thing you need is a home that requires high maintenance, especially as you may be doing this and from a distance. Incidentally, lots of easy-to-use cleaning equipment – things like a good, sturdy, small vacuum cleaner – will mean a better chance that your property will be looked after.
Bear in mind that strong sunlight can damage fabrics. Salt or pool water walked into the house can be especially destructive if your furniture is covered in anything less than hardy fabrics. Couch and chair covers need to be easily laundered – best case scenario are covers that can be removed and dry cleaned or laundered. Don’t be tempted to go for cheap and nasty here – it shows very quickly.
Wooden floor surfaces are great as they are easy to look after. Stone tiled or ceramic floors work well too in hot climates - people may be walking in and out, sometimes dripping water all over the floors and a floor that is easily cleaned is essential. Carpets in my opinion are a bit of a no-no.
If the climate is hot and humid you will need air conditioning plus shutters for the windows are a good idea. They keep the room darkened, are low maintenance and great for keeping rooms cool for that afternoon lie-down! Blinds are a great choice too. I must confess that I have had cool cream blinds fitted throughout my flat and curtains now seem hot and messy! You need to weigh up the chances of them getting broken however…
Your beds must be of the very best quality – there is nothing that puts people off more than an uncomfortable bed. A good quality mattress with a mandatory mattress cover is what is required.
Repeat business is the best possible kind and, if you play your cards right, you will have reliable, dependable people coming back year after year - and that’s first prize in the rental stakes.
Good luck!
Kim
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.overseasbuyingguide.com
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