Are you a Secret Real Estate Agent?

The expression “Secret Real Estate Agent” almost looks like it was borrowed from some action movie. In reality it is a little bit less spectacular but, without a doubt, equally exciting.

What is a Secret Real Estate Agent?

“Secret Real Estate Agent” – does not mean you do this profession without being registered. Of course, also a secret (real estate) agent has to be registered and fulfil everything that is required by law. By “secret” we mean, that the agent is not publicly advertising a specific property he or she was asked to sell. He/she may not even have a website or advertise the business and in many cases the main profession is another real estate related profession, such as architect or engineer.

They are usually approached by a client who asks if they may know someone who would be interested to buy one of their properties. And that’s the only way there are allowed to sell it, by offering it directly to someone.

This might seem strange at first, but among certain groups that is exactly what they want. The best to explain this is by giving an example.

Seller doesn’t want to look like he needs money

In many cases the properties in question are from rich families. Having a certain popularity and their place in society they like to give no reasons for gossiping.

Huge estates can cost a lot of money in maintenance, tax and so on… If they actually don’t use it anymore it makes sense to let it go. This is regardless of their financial situation – nobody likes to throw money out of the window, no matter how rich you are.

Of course, if people see the big family estate for sale, the first thing they may conclude is that the family is in financial difficulties – that’s how people start talking…

That’s why it is better to sell it secretly – through a secret real estate agent of course.

Or in another case, the seller might be having an apartment block for sale and he doesn’t want his tenants to find out. Also, he would approach such agent, who will then go and talk directly to investors who may be interested to buy.

How does a Secret Real Estate Agent sell?

The only way you are allowed to sell it, is by offering it directly to someone. Or in some cases you are allowed by the seller to advertise it in another country. Like this you can get a foreign buyer.

It is a far more difficult job than a regular agent. You need a pool of good contacts, including millionaires, investors … etc. But of course, it pays off big time as the properties that are sold this way usually have a high value. You can find foreign buyers by listing real estate internationally.

Are you one of those agents? Then drop us a line and let us know how did you get started? Do you have any advice?

Architect vs Real Estate Agent – who gains more?

If you are deciding your career and you like to know what’s the deal with architects vs real estate agents – maybe to decide whether you should be an agent now or study to become an architect than this article is for you.

Architects design buildings and carry a lot of responsibility – therefore one might think that an architect would gain more money. But this might not necessarily be the case. Of course, it depends on a few factors, such as the country you are working, how famous you are as an architect or how many social connections you have as an agent.

Who Gains More – The Architect or the Real Estate Agent?

Architects gain less on a house than real estate agents, and this is because they don’t get a commission on the sale of the house. They instead get paid by the hour or for their design.

Therefore, there is a sense of fairness in paying architects less than they would pay to an agent. Architects are rewarded for their creative skills that they put into the design of the house, whereas an agent may just be rewarded for negotiating skills.

In some cases, it might be that the architect gets as little as 1% of the house worth for his work whereas a real estate agent might get 3% or more to sell a property. Also, one house might be sold a few times over the years, giving more chances for agents to make money. If that’s the case it seems obvious that it is more profitable to be an agent rather than an architect.

You have to keep in mind though, that agents don’t sell all houses that they have on offer. This means they might be putting a lot of time and effort into some deals that will never give them anything in return.

Architect vs Real Estate Agent

An architect is the one who designs the building. They are responsible for the construction of buildings, buildings layouts, and more.

An agent is a person who sells real-estate property on behalf of the owner. They are also called property agents or estate agents. Their main job is to find clients and help them buy or sell their property.

Architects who are famous are more likely to make more money. They are the ones who design the big building, and they need to be paid for their expertise. On the other hand, real estate agents will always be needed in the process of selling and buying a property.

The Difficulty for Architects in Marketing Their Own Product

Architects face a lot of difficulty when marketing their own work. The architecture profession already suffers from low status and low pay, so it is increasingly difficult to get into marketing your work as well.

They must take on the role of artist, developer, manager, and marketer in order to market their work well. They must become a jack-of-all-trades in order to succeed in this industry.

What Are the Best Countries for Architects?

Architects are one of the most well-travelled professions in the world. They visit different countries for various reasons; such as to get inspiration, to network with other professionals, or even to find a better work environment.

While this is true for all architects, it is especially true for freelancers who have more flexibility in their schedule. Freelance architects often rely on connections with local firms abroad because they can’t afford to work without income for too long.

What is the Difference Between the Two Jobs?

Real estate agents are professionals who are responsible for the sale of properties. They market the property, show it to prospective buyers and negotiate the price of the property.

Architects are professionally trained in disciplines like design, construction, and engineering. They take up careers in building construction and design.

If you work as a real estate agent you would interact with clients on a daily basis who want to buy or sell their house or land. It is possible to work as an agent without any formal education. Although most people prefer experience over qualifications which is why it’s always better to start by working at another agency before branching out on your own.

Architects usually have graduate degrees in architecture from accredited schools/universities that take three years or more to complete.

Conclusion

Do real estate agents make more money than architects? Yes! While architects need to go to university and carry a lot of responsibility, real estate agents don’t need to go to university, and they make more money with less responsibility.

How to Start a Real Estate Investment Firm

Real estate investment is a great way to make a passive income with a lot of potential. But what should you do before starting your own business?

There are a few things that you should know before you start your own real estate investment firm. The first thing that you need to know is what kind of business model do you want to use? Do you want to work with investors as an information broker or as an investor yourself? If this is something that appeals to you, then it is important for you to understand the risks associated with both options.

The Current State of the Real Estate Industry

The real estate industry has been a longstanding and profitable industry that has been around for decades. The market has shifted over the years where more and more people are going to real estate investment firms to buy property because of their low capital requirements as well as the profitability of the trade.

Might sound like an oxymoron but a lot of people want to be a “real-estate agent” these days. They want to be an authority on all things real-estate, but what they don’t know is that there are many other ways for them to invest in the field without being an agent.

How does One Determine if they have Enough Funds or Credit Scores to Start an Investment Firm?

A strong investor with a successful track record is not the only requirement to start an investment firm. They also need to have enough funds or credit scores that are relevant for the type of investment they are starting.

There are many factors that one needs to take into account when considering investing in an investment start-up. One of the most important ones is your credit score and your ability to borrow funds for investment start-ups.

Introduction of Potential Investors in Your Real Estate Business Venture

The first step in getting potential investors is to have a plan. You need to write down all the risks, the benefits, what will the company look like after it’s been funded – basically everything that can go wrong and what could go right.

The next step is to find people who are interested in your project. This typically involves networking or reaching out on social media.

The third step is to create a pitch deck for potential investors who are thoroughly interested. A pitch deck typically includes financial information about your business, information about the team running it, and other important details about your company’s future goals.

Networking Strategies for Successful Real Estate Investors

Finding a network of people with the same interests and goals is one of the most important steps in becoming a successful real estate investor.

Networking is a broad term that means connecting with others to share knowledge, skills, and expertise. There are many different networking strategies for entrepreneurs who want to make connections with others in their field. In order to create successful connections, you need to be remarkably genuine and offer something of value in your interactions.

In addition, there are many ways for entrepreneurs to get started when it comes to networking. For example, you can go out and attend events that will allow you the opportunity to meet new people and potentially find potential connections in your field. You can also use sites like LinkedIn or Facebook groups for this purpose as well.

What are The Different Types of Property You can Invest In?

Owning property is an exciting prospect, but can also be daunting. There are many different types of property you can invest in, and the price ranges vary widely. To make it easier for you to narrow down your options, here are some of the most common.

There are four main kinds of properties that you can invest in: residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural properties. Residential properties are the most common type of property for people to buy because they require less work than other types when it comes to upkeep and they already come equipped with things like plumbing and electricity for your convenience. You may want to look for apartment blocks for sale.

Financing Your Investment Properties

Investing in property is not always the safest way to make money. However, it does offer a lot of investment opportunities and can be a great way to grow your wealth over time.

One of the most popular ways for investors to finance their properties is by taking out a loan from their bank. This option offers the simplicity of being able to get approved for up to 95% LTV on purchase or refinance transactions. The downside, however, is that you are not only securing your own house but also any other investments you have.

There are also many private lenders who offer financing options for real estate investors who have good credit scores and cash reserves set aside for their own down payment. As with any other investment opportunity, there are risks involved with private lending.

What Helps You Succeed as a Real Estate Investor?

It’s important to know that investing in real estate is not always an easy task. There are many ways to lose money and there are also many ways to make it. If you want to be successful as an investor, then the following tips will help you.

1. Do Your Research

Develop a game plan before you purchase your first property so that you’ll know exactly what you should buy and how much it will cost. You’ll also need to decide if you want the property for rental, flipping or long-term hold so that you can find the right place for your investment strategy.

2. Get Creative with Your Finances

It’s important that real estate investors have enough capital because their money is their most valuable asset in this business – they need enough of it to cover all ongoing expenses.

Do you have your Real Estate Investment for sale? List it with us for free.

3D Images – How They Can Help Sell Your Home

The Idea Behind Using 3D Images

3D images are used in a variety of industries but they are especially common in the entertainment industry. This is because 3D images add another level of realism to the experience and make the viewer feel like they are present in the scene.

3D images captured in 3D photography are not only conducive to the needs of the client, but also have a greater effect on the prospective buyer.

It can be viewed so that buyers can get a sense of feel at home.

How You Can Make Your Home Look More Appealing to Buyers

The real estate industry has been using 3D rendering to create photorealistic images of homes for a long time now. The sales of virtual staging software and services is on the rise as it saves the seller from costly home makeovers and repairs.

Virtual staging refers to presenting a property virtually, through either a 3D model or photo-realistic renders. It’s an affordable and timely alternative to physically staging your home for sale, which can involve expensive makeover jobs and extensive repairs. It doesn’t matter if you are selling a flat, house or apartment block, a 3D image can perfectly present what it can look like in the future.

Why You Should Consider Investing in Professional 3D Visuals

Professional 3D visuals for your real estate agency can make a world of difference in your online presence. It will make the process of staging and marketing the property much easier, attracting more potential buyers.

3D visuals can help you to showcase a property in a way that 2D photography cannot. They allow viewers to better see the scale and scope of a space, as well as any features that might be difficult to identify from afar. The immersive nature of 3D visualizations makes them perfect for showings and tours, letting viewers explore even the smallest details of a space with ease.

What are the 3 Major Benefits of Using 3D Imaging in Real Estate Marketing?

In this article, we will find out what are the 4 major benefits of using 3D imaging in real estate marketing.

1. It’s a low-cost solution. 3D technology is well established in the industry. It is a well-understood technology which costs less than other technologies.

2. It can offer a window into space. 3D models allow for a more immersive experience with a sense of depth and scale, giving viewers an idea for what to expect before they visit the property in person.

3. It can generate higher engagement rates. By making properties feel more real, 3D images can elicit stronger emotional reactions from viewers. It entice them to take action such as scheduling an appointment or visiting an open house.

Conclusion: how 3d images can help sell your real estate

There are three ways in which 3D images can help sell your house faster.

The first way is that 3D images are much more realistic than the 2D images present in websites. The second way is that they give prospective buyers a better idea of what their house will look like in your neighbourhood. The last way is that it helps prospective buyers to see the different options available, which increases the probability of them making a purchase decision because they can get an idea about what other homes in your area look like.

Image by 3dimages.eu

Healthy Building – A Post-Pandemic Office Reality

According to research conducted at the Census Bureau, 44.1% of employees earning between $75,000-$99,999 annually switched to telework because of the coronavirus pandemic, while 67.5% of the people earning between $150,000-$199,000/year did the same thing. For those earning anywhere between $50,000-$74,999/year, the percentage of telework employees increased by 32.1%. As you can see, more than a third of the United States population switched to online working this year. Telework has become the new routine, so how will going back to the office look like?

For most employees, going back to the office comes with many changes. Since this pandemic changed many variables, the office buildings will keep up with the “trend” and change accordingly. Convincing people to return to the office can only be done by challenging office buildings – the new offices must be redesigned to bring a level of comfort to each and every one of a company’s employees. That being said, let’s check how the post-pandemic office reality looks like.

Short-term changes

Many changes will take place throughout the next months. However, these are some of the short-term things that companies could think of for now.

Meeting spaces

How will employees gather together in one room and discuss important work-related issues? Will they agree? According to office building-developer Ben Tranel, companies will rethink meeting spaces. Employees won’t feel comfortable meeting in small rooms anymore, so wider conference rooms will be necessary. In the meantime, some of the employees might agree to attend meetings in person while others will prefer to join meetings from home.

New cleaning protocols

Without a clean workplace, people won’t return to work. Today, hand sanitizers and handwashing have become a widely discussed topic. Offices will want to make employees feel safe, so new cleaning protocols will be put in place. For example, desks will be wiped down with disinfected wipes every 30 minutes and every room will contain at least 2-3 hand sanitizer recipients. Conference rooms will be cleaned thoroughly after every meeting and reception desks will be sanitized correspondingly. Social spaces will also be cleaned several times throughout the day.

Indoor air quality

One of the most common ways of resolving the air quality issue is installing UV lights to any air handler within the building. This will improve the air quality and destroy any type of bacteria that might be circulating in the air. Purified air is a short-term solution of the present and could definitely be improved. With technology developing at such a fast pace, future solutions will be quickly found.

Better safety measures – displayed

Making employees feel safe is another important method of getting them back to work. This is why new safety measures should be displayed inside every building. The health-related information should be communicated via text or video in elevators or corridors. By being constantly exposed to the reassuring information, people will know that they’re safe within the workplace.

Long-term changes

The new office moves past the point of ‘trial’ to the point of implementation. This is when further changes will be promoted. The average expectation for such projects should be anywhere between one and three years.

New air-filtration systems

As I mentioned before, the air we breathe is extremely important when we’re talking about a pandemic. Looking at new ways to design the air-filtration systems within an office building is the next logical step. Technology allows us to bring more fresh air into the office by using operable windows. This new concept will be adopted by many companies.

Bigger outdoor spaces

Companies will also redesign the workplace to include more outdoor spaces. One option could be designing rooftops to offer employees wider spaces to disconnect or socialize. Another option could be redesigning terraces and expanding them to ensure that workers have enough space to social distance. These areas provide people with increased access to fresh air, which might determine employees to return to work.

Biophilic designs

Bringing more plants into the office will help increase positivity within the office. Plants create a safe space for employees and enhance creativity and imagination. Bringing plants indoors and thus, implementing a biophilic design can be of incredible help. Research has shown that such designs can decrease stress levels and fasten illness recovery. 

Rethinking floor plans

Another important aspect of the updated, post-pandemic building will be floor plans. While most offices have an open floor plan today, this concept will change. Building forms will be altered since most companies will strive to de-densify offices and reduce employee interaction.

Wrapping Up

Companies will always find great solutions for their employees. The most important thing is that people should return to the office. We are social beings and we’re in high need of communication. This can only be done in an in-person environment, where safety and security are well-maintained.

Author Bio:

Eliza Sadler is a professional journalist with extensive experience, 4 years. She also works as a freelancer for a professional writer service. She always focused on doing quality work to achieve her goals and objectives. Eliza is fascinated by the ability to create original works that meet high standards. Feel free to connect with her on email.

Image by Ylanite Koppens on Pixabay 

A Guide for Rent to Own Homes in Perth

The traditional route to homeownership requires enough stream of income to be eligible for mortgage and down payment. A new alternative has been launched since most people cannot afford to jump headfirst into property ownership due to financial reasons. Rent to own homes provide middle-class and working families with the opportunity to rent houses and then opt to buy the property before the lease expires. For this reason, there are segments within the contract for rent to own agreements.These include:

  • Standard lease formalities and conditions
  • Option for purchase

For your best interests, you’ll need a guide to assist you through the process. Our team has assembled a list of things you need to know as you progress through the stages of owning a home.

Things to know about Rent to Own Homes

Non-refundable Initial Costs

An upfront fee is paid to the seller at the beginning, which allows you to extend the date for purchase. The amount or percentage of this fee is negotiable, but it solely depends on the renter. There is no set value for the option fee. Typically, it is around 1% to 5% of the total offer price of the property. The option fee does not affect or add to the purchase price. It is entirely separate.

Types of Contracts 

There are two types of rent-to-own property contracts. These are:

  • Lease-Option
  • Lease-Purchase

As the name suggests, lease-option provides you with a choice to either buy the property at the end of the lease or to look for another. It poses no obligation to go through with the purchase. You do not have to keep renting or hustle to fully pay for the house. The offer for purchase expires as the lease ends. It ends your right of purchase, whereas lease-purchase legally requires you to buy the property after the lease expires.

To save yourself from legalities, you should get the document reviewed by your attorney. If you end up signing a Lease-Purchase, you will have to purchase the house even if you don’t financially afford it.

House Price Quote

These agreements sometimes lead to early price quotes at the beginning of the lease, which is higher than the market rate for the same rent to own properties nearby. On other occasions, the price for the property is quoted after the lease expires with respect to the popular listings at that moment in time. Many buyers try to lock the price initially for properties that have escalating values. 

Rent Price and Credit for Lease Term

The rent remains constant throughout the term of the lease without any hitches. You have to identify the percentage of rent that adds to the purchase price of the property. The rent for rent-to-own homes is kept higher to make up for the rent credit you’ll receive. Some sellers provide the offer to relocate the option fee towards closing costs.

Investment Factor

Traditional renting services put families in a financial loop without getting any closer to buying the property. The rent-to-own homes make you one step closer to a significant investment factor. Many companies assist in this transition without hassles. Similarly, experts at Stop Renting Perth create a roadmap for successful homeownership. Bringing in a medium of housing experts will help you save time and money in the long run. They will make your investment worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How much money do you have to put down on a rent-to-own home?

The upfront costs of a rent-to-own home range from 1% to 5% of the total purchase cost usually. It is a reasonable price and differs for every type of home. These prices are much higher than the general prices in the area because the upfront costs can be relocated in the end towards closing costs.

  1.  Is it better to opt for rent-to-own homes or to just rent an apartment?

Stop yourself from falling into the trap of traditional renting, where you won’t be able to save enough to buy a house because you’ll be too busy spending on living costs monthly. Stop Renting Perth is one company you can rely on to create a successful roadmap towards homeownership.

  1. Are rent-to-own homes legit?

Yes, rent-to-own homes are very legal and authorized. They are developed on state-recognized contracts such as lease-option and lease purchase. Before opting for rent-to-own, you should familiarize yourself with the process to avoid any legal issues.

Author: Harry Henrik

How to Find the Best Real Estate Deals Online

Finding the best real estate deals online is a lot easier than you might think.

1) Make sure your budget is realistic and that you have a plan for how to pay for the home.

2) Figure out where you want to live (city, state, zip code).

3) Figure out what type of home you want (single-family, condo, townhouse).

4) Find listings in your desired area.

5) Narrow your search based on price and other criteria.

6) Contact the listing agent with questions and set up an appointment to see the property.

The 3 Essential Principles to Follow When Looking for Properties Online

The five essential principles to follow when looking for properties online are:

1. Location: The first thing you should do when searching for a property is finding a place that is convenient for you. This may be close to your office, close to your children’s school, or close to the nearest airport.

2. Budget: It is important that you set a budget before looking for properties online because it will help you narrow down the listings and avoid spending more than you can afford on a property.

3. Type of Property: Now that you have decided where and what size of property would suit your budget, it is time to decide what type of property would suit your needs best. A good idea would be starting with a small apartment and moving up from there.

If you just can’t find the best real estate deals that fit all your needs because it’s just not out there: Have you considered to build your own? Like that you can have it exactly as you need it and like it. All you need is a piece of land for construction in your desired area and an architect who can look after the legal end of it. Once your project is approved a builder can finish your project.

Examples of Websites with Geographically and Price Specific Property Listings

Many websites have a property listing section that is only geographically specific. But there are some that are also sorting listings by price. Like this where you only see the houses for sale that you can afford. The site below is a great example of this.

All-Real-Estate.com – This site has a search function that allows you to see all of the homes on the market in a specific location and price range. Here you can also filter by many features that are important to you.

Image by Pete Linforth on Pixabay 

10 Essential Tips for Real Estate Investment from Professional Investors

The real estate industry is always competitive, and it is often really hard to make your mark and be known as a successful real estate investor. It takes years of experience and vigilance to ensure your success in this arena. Also, you can seek guidance from some successful real estate investors to understand the tried and tested tactics of successful investment. According to Dubai Real Estate Corporation, here are some essential tips for you that will help you with the basics of successful investment plans:

  1. Start with a Plan:

When you step into the real estate market, prepare to have a lot on your plate. You cannot manage it all without a plan, from keeping track of the latest listings to knowing about potential investment localities. You must pen down every detail, for example, how many properties you should own, when to upgrade, the estimated amount you get from rentals, how demographical changes can impact your investments, etc. Be the man with a plan!

2. Understand the Market:

Keeping an eye on the market is crucial. Which properties are in demand, which ones will get attention in the near future, what are the trends, residential or commercial properties are worth investing in currently, and there is a lot that you have to keep track of. This will help you get hold of potential properties timely before anyone else can lock the deal!

3. Honesty is the Best Policy!

The older this cliché gets, the more practically applicable it becomes. Although you do not sign an oath or are not required to follow any particular code of conduct, being honest with your clients adds to your reputation in the market. People prefer working with a broker who has transparent working strategies and abides by certain social ethics. If you want to win the trust of your clients, be honest with them!

4. Choose a Niche:

The real estate market is vast. You cannot be a jack of all trades. It takes time to build an understanding of the processes involved in making the deal. It would help if you chose a niche where you want to continue working. Choosing one particular area of the real estate market enables you to get in-depth knowledge about it.

5. Networking:

Having strong relationships and connections in real estate energy is essential for your success as an investor. Dealing with associates, clients, business partners, and fellow investors politely, professionally, and respectfully is necessary.  Try responding to every complaint or feedback of your clients to understand the demands better.

6. Keep Your Information Updated:

If you want to keep up with the momentum of the market, keep your information updated. Stay educated about the changing trends and legalities regarding the buying and selling of properties in your area. Keep yourself aware of everything that can impact your business directly or indirectly.

7. Beware of the Risks:

To simply put, you should not rely on advertisements regarding investment plans. The advertisers will give you the impression that there is no possibility of loss if you buy a property in a particular area. Still, you must rely on your sources to get accurate information. Once you know how the market works, it will be easy to reduce the chances of loss.

8. Get an Accountant:

Dealing with taxation is a significant part of being a real estate investor. Get a qualified, experienced, and reputable accountant on board. They can help you get through the complex process of calculating and paying taxes rather effortlessly.

9. Get Help:

If you are new to the market, do not shy away from seeking help from an experienced investor. You can also start your business by partnering with someone who has sound knowledge and a deep understanding of the real estate market and can help you have a good start.

10. Maximizing the Real Estate:

Try different ways of increasing your investments. For example, you can rent out a corner of your property to a bank for installing an ATM. Likewise, if you have an apartment complex, you can add services like garbage picking and an additional fee for it with the rent. Keep looking for new ways of making money from your currently owned properties.

These tips will surely help you with your career as a real estate investor.  

Author: Amber Roy

Top 5 Tips For Building Your Own House In Spain

You want to settle down in Spain and are hoping to build your own house. However, you don’t know how to go about it. This is a common scenario for many people, and in the quest to find how they can build their own house in Spain, they only get more and more questions. Questions about the cost, architects, other pitfalls, and dangers start to arise, which may be discouraging. Of a truth, it is pretty risky and also very daunting to go into building your house in Spain without knowledge of the regulations, landscape, and culture. So you may need to take your time before commencing the project. 

However, it is possible to achieve this goal. You may not do it personally, but you have the option to plan your home, design it, and also get the right people to help you build it. This is your most probable option, but there are a few tips you must note. 

1. Choosing the land 

You need to carry out several research to get the perfect plot of land for your new home. However, it is crucial that you can differentiate between the different types of land because there are some lands that you can’t build on. 

One common type of land you will come across in Spain is “suelo rustic.” These lands often lack necessary amenities such as drainage, water supply, electricity, etc., making them unsustainable for building. On the other hand, the “suelo Urbano” is the ideal land to build on. This is because it is urbanized and already has many basic provisions, and is also on the plan for urban development. Additionally, you must be paying attention to some of the other parameters like buildability (maximum m2 your house can occupy) or percentage of occupation (the part of the land that can be occupied with a building). 

2. Seek expert advice

After selecting the land plot for the building, the next step is to seek expert advice. For example, you may want to contact an architect to help you examine the land ‘in situ’ and check out the different possibilities – the orientation, land slope, good access, and if the surface is suitable to build on or it’s the ideal size, etc. 

The architect will give you a general estimate of the cost of the building, which can help you establish the initial contacts with banks so you can propose a mortgage. You will also be taking charge of the construction works. It is also recommended that you have a lawyer around for legal advice at different stages of the building process and before you take each step. 

3. Preliminary steps

A crucial preliminary step to take is visiting the Land Registry to request for “nota simple.” This is a brief legal report about the property (which may be a land plot, storeroom, garage, etc.) and will help you confirm that there are no previous debts or charges on the land before you purchase it and start building on it.

The next thing to do is contact the cadastre to get a graphic and descriptive cadastral certification. This will make it possible for you to check and confirm that the information on both registers is the same. One final step is to visit the town hall to consult and check with the town planning regulations. You must make this consultation because the design of your house can be affected, and you may need several variations (such as the number of floors, height, etc.) based on the legislation.

4. Financing

The general thing in Spain is that banks do not give mortgages for land purchases. So, the most appropriate thing to do is to remortgage your present home or apply to get a loan. However, it is also possible in Spain for you to apply for self-build mortgages, which you can use to finance the building of your house. 

A mortgage like this has three different sections:

  • The beginning stage (the first phase that ensures that work begins on the land).
  • The certification stage (this phase is for the construction to continue).
  • The completion stage (after completing the building).

Generally, these operations take up 80% of your budget if it is your first home and the repayment term never exceeds 30 years. 

It may also be worth noting that before the institution grants this loan, you must first show them the certificate of ownership as proof that you own the land, along with other things like the project, construction license, energy efficiency certificate, and execution budget. Additionally, you must comply with their solvency requirement before obtaining the loan. 

5. Planning 

The average time you need to execute your self-build project in this country successfully is about two years. However, it may go past that time frame too. To prevent this prolonged time and skyrocketing cost, you must execute and complete a detailed timescale and budget planning, along with careful coordination of all the professionals (builders, architects, etc.) involved in different stages of the project. 

Conclusion

The processes involved in building a home in Spain are different from how you have it in other European countries. This is because of the peculiarities of the country compared to other countries. This is why you need to take your time and reach out to experts and professionals during all the stages.  

Author Bio

Sherri Carrier is a professional writer at best essay writing services and a member of several writing clubs in New York. She has been writing her poems since she was a child. The young author gets inspiration from her favorite writers and people whom she loves. 

Top 5 Tips for Building Your Own Home in Portugal

When you are planning to build your own home in Portugal, you need to be aware of the documents and procedures that you need to undertake. The following will help you understand what documents you will need for construction permits to build your own home in Portugal.

There may be some cases where an application for construction permits is not required, such as when building with temporary materials or when reconstructing existing buildings.

1. Find the right location

Portugal is a small country and it may be more difficult to find a suitable location than you imagine. if you are thinking to be building your own home in Portugal you may already have a nice region in mind that you like most. But don’t overlook the hidden jems Portugal has to offer.

There are some regions that are more affordable than others, some are actually not far from the beach and mountains.

2. Apply for a planning permission

This is absolutely mandatory and will save you from potential problems later on. But don’t worry there is offices out there who are specialized in helping you in this process, such as an architectural office. Hiring an architect in Portugal is not as expensive as you might think. Depending on the size of your project it can cost you as little as 10 € per square metre.

3. Find and hire an architect

It might seem like an unnecessary expense, but it will make your life much easier in the long run by ensuring that everything gets done correctly, within budget and on time. Also, the architect in Portugal can design your home in a way that will actually save you money, in the end you probably pay the same that you would have without an architect.

4. Consider buying land

If you are only looking to build a home for yourself in Portugal, then make sure you look in the area that is right for you and have everything nearby that you will need. Also, it is important to check if the land is suitable for construction. If you buy a land in Portugal that is located in an estate make sure to check the estate rules – sometimes there are rules regarding colours of the house or windows or the roof needs to have a certain colour and angle… etc.

5. Speak to a solicitor

Better safe than sorry. Getting legal advice will help you to understand the procedure involved and be aware of potential pitfalls.

Conclusion: Building Your Own Home in Portugal

With these few simple steps you can be building your own home in Portugal and invest in the healthy and growing housing market of sunny Portugal.

Image by Steffen Zimmermann on Pixabay