The Complete Buyer's Journey in Costa del Sol.
Initial Phase: Discovering Properties Online
The property buying journey typically begins online. You browse through listings on real estate websites, viewing the stunning Mediterranean villas, modern apartments with sea views, and charming traditional Spanish homes that dot the Costa del Sol landscape. While this initial exploration is exciting, it's only the beginning of what can be a complex process in a foreign real estate market.
Directimo’s goal: Helping you find the ideal property at the best price—while saving you the most time.
In foreign markets, the buying process can often involve numerous unproductive interactions—incomplete property descriptions or listings that are already sold but kept online to attract buyers. Using cutting-edge technology and a team of dedicated professionals, Directimo minimizes unnecessary interactions and presents only verified properties that closely match your requirements.
Why Choose a Buyer's Agent in Costa del Sol?
Before diving into the process, it's important to understand that in Spain, most real estate agents primarily represent sellers. When you contact an agency directly about a property, remember that their primary obligation is to the seller. This is where a dedicated buyer's agent could make the difference.
Key Advantages of Using a Buyer's Agent and a personalized real estate AI assistant:
- Unbiased Representation: Your agents work exclusively for you, prioritizing your interests throughout the entire transaction.
- Market Expertise: A buyer's agent and an AI assistant have extensive knowledge of the Costa del Sol market, including property values, neighborhood trends, and upcoming developments.
- Access to Off-Market Properties: They often have access to properties not publicly listed.
- Negotiation Power: Professional negotiation skills can potentially save you thousands of euros.
- Protection from Common Pitfalls: They help you avoid common legal issues specific to Spanish property law.
- Streamlined Process: Save time and reduce stress by having an expert guide you through all steps.
- Language Barrier Elimination: Communication with sellers, authorities, and other parties becomes seamless.
The Complete Buying Process with an AI Assistant and a Buyer's Agent
0. Your Personal AI assistant
Directimo introduces your dedicated AI assistant, designed to guide you seamlessly through the acquisition journey, whether you're buying property, investing, or navigating a complex transaction. Accessible through WhatsApp and our website, your assistant is ready to answer any question, big or small, immediately. From understanding initial steps to clarifying your requirements, you can get the information you need, precisely when you need it.
1. Your dedicated Real Estate Agent
When you have clear criteria about your acquisition, you will have assigned a dedicated buyer's agent. The agent will help you :
- Understand the market
- Decide on the location: areas within Costa del Sol that match your lifestyle and investment goals
- Get info about buying process in detail
- Connect with the bank if you need a mortgage
2. Property Search and Selection with AI
- Beside classical search with filters and alerts, you will have access to the newest AI technology to find your property.
- Directimo has built an AI system that will prioritize your finest requirements, focusing on all the key real estate features that are important for you (sea view, proximity to the beach, noise level, view intimacy etc).
- You will not have to spend weeks or months on unproductive research. You will assign weights to each feature and will get only properties that meet your criteria.
3. Arrange viewings of suitable properties
- You will visit only properties that meet your requirements, having rapid access to hot deals and reducing the time lost
- After visit you will grade each feature, providing feedback and benefiting and receiving a final grade for each property
- Unlike dealing directly with seller's agents, your buyer's agent will highlight both positive and negative aspects of each property, ensuring you have the complete picture.
4. Due Diligence and Evaluation
Once you've identified a property of interest, your agent will:
- Conduct thorough due diligence
- Verify the property's legal status in the Property Registry
- Check for outstanding debts, liens, or encumbrances
- Review community fees and regulations if applicable
- Ensure all necessary permits are in place
- Organize property inspections if needed
This crucial step is where buyer's agents truly prove their value, as they uncover potential issues that seller's agents might not disclose.
5. Price Negotiation
Your buyer's agent will:
- Research comparable properties to determine fair market value
- Develop a negotiation strategy
- Handle all communications with the seller or their agent
- Negotiate not just on price, but on terms, conditions, and timelines
Working without a buyer's agent often means you're negotiating against professionals who negotiate properties daily – a significant disadvantage.
6. Reservation Agreement
Once terms are agreed upon:
- Your agent will help prepare or review the reservation agreement
- You'll typically pay a reservation deposit (usually €6,000-€10,000)
- The property is temporarily removed from the market
- This gives you time to arrange the preliminary contract and conduct additional checks
7. Preliminary Contract (Contrato Privado de Compraventa)
Your agent together with your lawyer will:
- Help draft or review the preliminary contract to protect your interests
- Ensure all necessary conditions and contingencies are included
- Oversee the payment of the deposit (typically 20-30% of the purchase price)
- Coordinate with your lawyer throughout this process
8. Preparing for Completion
Your buyer's agent together with your lawyer will:
- Assist in obtaining your NIE (foreign identification number) if you don't already have one
- Help you open a Spanish bank account if needed
- Coordinate with currency exchange services to optimize your funds transfer
- Arrange for utility transfers
- Calculate all taxes and fees accurately
9. Completion and Signing (Escritura de Compraventa)
On completion day:
- Your agent and your lawyer will accompany you to the notary's office
- Ensure all documentation is in order
- Verify that the property is free of debts and encumbrances
- Oversee the final property inspection before signing
- Support you through the signing process
- Ensure funds are properly transferred
10. Post-Purchase Support
After completion, your buyer's agent and your lawyer will:
- Ensure the property is registered in your name at the Property Registry
- Assist with utility connections and administrative procedures
- Provide recommendations for property management if needed
- Remain available for any questions or concerns
11. The Cost of Using a Buyer's Agent and an AI Assistant In this development phase, the cost for the buyer is ZERO.
Chat with AI assistant to find out more
© Directimo