Estate Agents in Turkey

Choosing the right Estate Agent

Once a decision has been made to visit Turkey with a view to buying a property there, 90% of potential buyers start their search on the internet and send enquiries to a number of estate agents in Turkey for properties that attract their interest.

Many of those properties will be advertised on portals which generally cover many countries and have a large number of estate agents advertising on them, meaning that for every 10 enquiries you send, potentially you could be contacting 10 different estate agents.

Initially, this is not a bad thing, but once you start making viewing appointments and actually arrive in Turkey, it could mean that you have overstretched your time and that each agent you contacted is likely to call you. If carrying a foreign mobile, this will cost you approximately £1 a minute, eventually costing you (and them) a considerable sum. Generally, this is not a good idea from either your point of view, or theirs. When an Agent realises that you have contacted every estate agency in the area, (and many work together so its highly probable), it is unlikely that they will give you their full attention. In all probability, just one or two agents will be able to show you a full range of suitable property as most agents in any area will have the same properties on their books. If they haven't, 9 times out of 10 they will find it.

If you see a particular property that you like, it is advisable to make appointments before you leave home. Agents do have to book viewings in advance - many property owners require at least 24 hours notice, and during summer estate agents are generally extremely busy and may not have time for last minute appointments. It has been said to me before by an irate client who phoned and requested a same day appointment 'if you want my custom you'll make time', but unfortunately there are only so many hours in the day and so many sales representatives, so pre-booked appointments have to be a priority. If you require a Turkish Mortgage, it is possible to get a 'loan in principle' offer before you go, which will give you an exact budget to work with.

It is important to realise that advertised prices and details may not be correct or up to date and it can be disappointing when visiting to find that you cannot afford to buy what you had your heart set on. I have noticed particularly on property portals that advertisers deliberately enter incorrect prices to be shown close to the top of search results which are based on price. This can lead buyers to believe that property in Turkey is much cheaper than it really is. Estate Agents can add 100's of properties to many of these sites at the original price when property first comes on the market and then do not keep them updated, which can be due to time constrictions, or a deliberate attempt to mislead potential customers and gain that initial enquiry.

With the currently fast moving market and availability rapidly changing, ‘armchair browsing’ can often lead to disappointment as your idyllic property may have been sold by the time you arrive. Photos in magazines and online are great for giving the 'general' picture, but often the reality is different - the photographer may have 'cut out' the tower block that looms behind that perfect villa you have set your heart on. It is therefore more important to visit the area with an open mind. In our experience, many eventually buy a totally different property to the ones that they have particularly liked the look of on the internet.

Choosing the right Estate Agent in Turkey

Many people complain that they send requests for further information to agents who either don’t bother to reply - send details of a totally different property way over their budget – don’t fully answer their queries etc.etc. If this is the case, move on to another agent. Choosing the right estate agent in Turkey and working together with an agent that has time for you and all your queries ensures that by the time you arrive in Turkey, you have your viewing schedule arranged and appointments set up with just a couple of agents who understand what you are looking for.

If you have built up a rapport with either one, or a couple of agents via email or telephone before you visit Turkey, they will (or should have) a very good idea of what you are looking for and between you will have built a portfolio of suitable properties to view. If your agent has got to know you, and understands exactly the type of property that appeals to you, it will save a lot of wasted viewing time and should avoid the extra hours looking at properties that are either way off budget or totally unsuitable. An agent who is not rushed for time because the client has to move on to another appointment, will be able to take the time to enable clients to get the 'feel' of a property rather than just looking round it, show you the area (which if you do not know it will be important), local facilities, and maybe even chat with the neighbours.

Often this is where a specialised viewing trip can be of great benefit. Clients then spend time with one agent who gets to know you and your requirements and will have the time to provide you with a comprehensive familiarity of the area in which you have chosen to buy. Although viewing, or inspection trips have had a bad reputation in the past, there are very few now that believe in the 'hard sell' tactics of old, they are generally relaxed affairs and are a good choice for someone who has no knowledge of the area, or maybe has never been to Turkey before. Remember, there is no such thing as a 'free lunch', the cost of a 'free' viewing trip will be tacked on to the price or buying costs somewhere! Most agents offer a refund of flights and/or accommodation on purchase which is much more realistic as then the cost is only free if you buy, with no additional extras added on.

Most estate agents in Turkey in any given area will have the same properties on offer. Varying descriptions and photos can make one property look very different depending on how it is displayed, and usually you have chosen your viewing schedule from properties advertised on a websites, which can mean that you could waste time by being shown the same property by more than one agent.

The estate agency business is a tough one, with an oversupply of agents in all countries and areas and each one relying on sales commissions to survive. It is also seasonal, so some months of the year agents may not make any money at all, at other times they are rushed off their feet with enquiries and viewing appointments.

We often find that having spent weeks, or even months, corresponding with clients, answering queries and sending property details, arranging viewings and booking all the appointments – the clients arrive in Turkey, look in Estate Agent windows/meet other agents/meet friends who know someone who knows someone…..(see 'Beware, the Turkish Real Estate Agent ) and never turn up for the viewings. Alternatively, they have made many appointments with many agents and simply run out of time. This can be very stressful for the client who often finds they are rushing between one appointment and another, and also for agents who have put the time aside for a particular client. It is also advisable that you check whether your mobile phone will work in Turkey and that you have the contact numbers for the agent(s). Many a time have we been unable to contact clients once they have landed.

When arranging appointments with different agents, it is important to leave enough time for travelling between properties and appointments. Some properties may be of particular interest and that viewing could take an hour, whereas another you walk in and know it's not for you within 5 minutes. With resales especially, appointments have to be made with the owners who may cancel when times run late (and blame the agent), some properties on the list may have been sold by the time you arrive, new ones on the market which the agent thinks you would particularly like may have been added to the list at the last minute. Many factors can affect appointment times and clients are asked to allow for this.

Our working life invariably involves a 7 day week with long working hours, and we don't all earn fortunes and drive expensive BMW’s! (Which are generally paid for by inflated commissions). Although we appreciate that clients on a weeks viewing trip do not have time to waste – neither do we, so on behalf of all hard working estate agents in Turkey – please clients, let us know in advance if you wish to cancel your appointments. :)

Using an independent Turkish lawyer , (as opposed to one recommended by your estate agent), is the best way to make sure your interests are represented fairly. Before you leave your home country, you can get an exact online quote from our team of associated lawyers who are authorised and regulated by the Law Society or get advice and information before you begin to view property. Not engaging theit services of a good lawyer can prove to be a costly mistake!