We specialise in finding, evaluating, and securing investment properties across all price ranges.
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THE FOUNDATION OF BUYING A HOME: UNDERSTANDING YOUR BRIEF
WHAT TRULY MATTERS TO YOU WHEN PURCHASING A PROPERTY?
Whether you’re buying your first home, a family home, upsizing, downsizing, seeking a holiday retreat, or investing, identifying your likes, dislikes, and distinguishing needs from wants is crucial for a successful purchase.
The Buyers Agent leverages extensive experience as property scouts to collaborate with you, delving into the details to uncover what’s genuinely important. The buyer’s agent’s ability to refine your brief forms the foundation for a successful property acquisition.
CREATING A SUCCESSFUL PROPERTY BUYING BRIEF
The Buyers Agent team collaborates closely with you to pinpoint exactly what you're looking for in a property. Our process begins with refining your needs and distinguishing between essential features and "nice-to-haves."
While knowing your budget and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms is a good starting point, we go further. By understanding your current situation and future aspirations, we help shape a buying brief that aligns with your lifestyle and long-term goals.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HAVING A WELL-DEFINED PROPERTY BUYING BRIEF?
Having a well-defined property buying brief is essential for navigating the thousands of properties available on the Costa del Sol, including on-market, pre-market, off-market, and post-market listings.
Each property is unique, so clearly understanding what you want in a property—and how it aligns with your lifestyle and financial goals, that will enable you to make informed decisions.
The Buyers Agent’s scouts have successfully assisted thousands of clients in setting and refining their buying briefs, giving us the insight needed to ask the right questions and identify the best properties for you.
HOW TO ELABORATE A PROPERTY BUYING BRIEF
The Buyers Agent has access to thousands of properties on the Costa del Sol, including on-market, pre-market, off-market, and post-market listings that may suit your needs. However, since each property is unique, it's essential to clearly define what you are looking for and how the property will support your lifestyle and financial goals.
GETTING STARTED WITH YOUR BUYING BRIEF
Your initial meeting with us will focus on establishing your buying brief. To set yourself up for a successful property search, consider the following questions:
✓ What type of property are you looking to purchase?
✓ Where would you like the property to be located?
✓ How many bedrooms, bathrooms, living spaces, and garages do you require?
✓ Do you need outdoor space, such as a garden, terrace, or balcony?
✓ If you're looking for an investment property, would you prefer to buy in an area you're familiar with, or are you open to exploring new locations, including interstate?
✓ If you will be living in the property, what lifestyle factors are important to you? For example, do you enjoy cooking and need a spacious kitchen with ample storage? Or perhaps you plan to expand your family and require additional bedrooms or the ability to renovate?
✓ Are you open to undertaking renovations? Would you prefer to build your dream home by knocking down an existing property, or do you want to move into a turnkey home that’s ready for you?
✓ Do you have any accessibility requirements for the property? For instance, should it be all on one level?
✓ What is your maximum budget?
✓ How does this property align with your long-term financial goals?
✓ Are there any architectural styles or features that you particularly like or dislike?
By answering these questions, you can create a comprehensive buying brief that will guide your property search and help you find the right fit for your needs.
FAQ
I’ll know the right property when I see it. Why should I waste time on a brief?
While browsing real estate listing sites can be enjoyable, lacking a clear understanding of your property needs can lead to wasted time evaluating unsuitable options and becoming frustrated with the search process. A well-defined property brief serves as a guiding tool, allowing you to focus on properties that truly meet your criteria, ultimately saving you time and energy.
How do I set a budget for buying a property?
Establishing a budget is crucial when purchasing a property. Consider both upfront costs and ongoing expenses. We recommend consulting with a financial planner to gain insights into your financial situation, as well as speaking with a mortgage broker to understand your borrowing capacity and repayment costs, especially given fluctuating interest rates. The Buyers Agent has a wide network of experts across the Costa del Sol that we can refer you to, ensuring a seamless property buying process.
I know the general area; do I need to do more research?
Conducting thorough research on the location where you plan to buy a property is essential. It's important to understand property values, school catchment areas, and public transport options. Additionally, consider factors like future developments, zoning regulations, and council rates. A buyer’s agent will gather all of this information and more to help you make informed decisions about your property purchase.
What is a buyer’s brief?
A buyer's brief outlines the key tangible and intangible requirements a buyer has when purchasing a property, whether as a home or an investment. Common requirements include price, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, garage space, proximity to shops, parks, and schools, as well as build quality, orientation, views, renovation potential, rental yield, and capital growth targets. The more detailed or unique the buyer's brief, the longer it may take to find a suitable property, especially if there's little flexibility or willingness to compromise. Ultimately, a well-crafted buyer's brief is designed to guide you in successfully sourcing and purchasing the right property in a timely manner.
Can I change my brief?
Yes, you can revise your buyer brief at any time. The Buyers Agent will adapt and optimize the brief as needed. We will explore opportunities and make recommendations to ensure your requirements are met, including incorporating more of the "nice to haves" you've outlined. For instance, if a family initially looking for a 3-bedroom house in Marbella finds their brief is not realistic due to pricing, we can adjust the budget and look at similar surrounding areas. This could lead to the purchase of a 5-bedroom house with a pool at a lower price in Benahavís instead. Before making significant compromises, we can source and recommend properties in comparable areas that meet or exceed your criteria, optimizing your brief to enhance your overall value.
Why do I need The Buyers Agent? Can’t I do this myself?
Buying a home or investment property can be a complex and overwhelming process. A reputable buyer’s agency offers valuable expertise, market knowledge, and negotiation skills to help you secure the best possible deal on a property that aligns perfectly with your brief. Working with a buyer’s agent can simplify the process and ensure you make informed decisions every step of the way.