Method 1 - Organised itinerary
Once you have let us know the type of property you are seeking and the amount of time you will be in Spain, we will brief the agents in your chosen area(s). They will then confirm the availability of a number of suitable properties and we will book the amount of time necessary for you to view the selection. This can range from half a day to 2 full days, depending on the number of properties you wish to see.
We can then arrange your whole itinerary program into the most efficient travel, with reasonable journeys and good "value for money" accommodation waiting for you each night. We would then ask you to confirm that you are free to accept the appointments and, finally, firmly confirm your appointments with the agents concerned.
In order to organise the smoothest trip for you, please bear in mind that we need to know from the start if there are any days that you are not available for viewing properties due to other committments or "rest" days.
Method 2 - Organising the trip yourself
You can, of course organise your trip yourself. However, do bear in mind that we have years of expertise in organising many successful visits to Spain: we know the Agents and we know the travelling times. Few Spanish Agencies can handle "walk-in" appointments, so you would need to pre-book appointments. Trying to squeeze in 3 or 4 appointments a day, an hour late here, a missed appointment there might seem like the best way to cover ground - but mostly, that's exactly what you'll achieve - covering ground (Spain is a big country) skidding up and down the country exhausting yourself and you won't endear yourself to the Spanish agencies. Having numerous agencies tripping over each other, producing double bookings and cancellations, might seem like the best way of organising your trip but you really are reducing your chances of success and when you need to return to Spain for a second time, you may find you're not treated as seriously as you'd like.
Visiting Properties
1 - Keep your itinerary, phone numbers, mobile phone and map with you. Then you shouldn't get lost. However, if you loose your way or get delayed or find your ideal Spanish home before you finish the itinerary, you'll have all the relevant directions and phone numbers with you so you'll be able to advise all the agents accordingly.
2 - Equip yourself for the task.
Wear suitable clothes and take a pair of shoes.
Things to take:
- Torch
- Tape measure
- Compass
- Camera plus sufficient film (digital or video camera - for instant results)
- Camera chargers or spare batteries
- Mobile phone and charger
- Pen
- Notebook
- Refreshments
This will enable you to really investigate the properties, crawl into those haylofts, explore the land, climb any hills to check the views, peer into those dark corners, measure rooms and areas, note where the sun rises and sets, photograph those unusual features and make sufficients notes to help aid your decision later. It is wise to take refreshments with you to make the most of your viewing time - shop opening hours vary from area to area.
3 - Prepare a list of general questions beforehand, pertinent to all the properties you will see.
For example:
- How old is the property?
- How old is the roof?
- Is there a septic tank?
- Are services connected (water, electricity etc)?
- Is there a good plumber, carpenter, electrician etc nearby?
- How much are the local taxes?
- How long will the sale process take (is it a straightforward single owner sale or a multiple owner inheritance sale)?
- Where is the nearest village/town and how far away is it?
4 - Be honest with the agent. Tell them what you like and dislike about each property you view. That way, if you don't manage to find a property, the agent can fine tune your viewing list to you specific requirements.
