Almost all of us have a moment in our lives when we need to find a place to live or an area for business and personal needs. And the first question that arises is whether you should use the services of a real estate agency, or try to search on your own.
Searching for real estate on your own is definitely a fairly common method, but it can be dangerous. On the Internet you can find a lot of ads for sale and rent of various objects — housing, offices, country houses and stores. However, among this multitude of ads there may be unscrupulous sellers and landlords who can cheat and cause financial damage. The possibility of encountering fraudsters is quite high, and the results of an independent search can be unpredictable.
Whereas contacting a real estate agency can save you a lot of time. In the modern world, many people do not have enough time for long searches and negotiations with the owners. An agency can provide you with several vetted options and you can choose the most suitable one for you.
Basic tips for choosing a real estate agency:
Check the reputation of the agency. Research information about the agency online, check their website for a permanent address and contact details. Read reviews and ratings about the agency on independent resources. Stable companies with a good reputation usually will not risk their reputation and will provide honest services.
Have a meeting with the broker. If you have no questions after checking the agency's reputation, meet with their broker. Discuss all the details and requirements about your future property. Make sure the agency has an office and can provide you with options for viewing.
Clarify the terms of commission. In Ukraine it is customary that a buyer or tenant pays a commission at the conclusion of the contract, even if the object was found independently. However, there are agencies working according to European standards, which do not take commission from buyers and tenants for the objects in their listings. Perhaps by choosing such an agency, you can avoid additional costs.
By following these tips, you will be able to choose a reliable real estate agency that will help you find the right property and ensure a safe transaction.