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Estate Agents in Crete |
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THE WHY’S AND WHEREFORE’S - THE DANGERS AND RISK |
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During the UK recession the boom in buying holiday homes in the sun dramatically vanished, as did well known
magazines catering for this buoyant property market.
But now the market has changed. With the drastic measures being taken by the UK government to bring down the
deficit in the economy, with pensions shrinking, with the rise in immigration and crime, it’s not only the
weather that is all doom and gloom.
Thousands of people born in the 40’s are coming up to pensionable age and beginning to question whether
they want to stay - or join the great escape to live in a
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place in the sun where they can afford to enjoy a better quality of life. Many are considering Crete. With
320 days of sunshine each year, no freezing cold winters, good healthcare that’s free for pensioners, a cheaper
cost of living than the UK, the lowest crime rate in the EU - and friendly and welcoming locals, what better
place is there to spend the rest of your life and enjoy a really affordable lifestyle?
More and more people are researching using the internet rather than pay for magazines such as A Place in the
Sun, but how reliable is the internet when it comes to finding property in Crete?
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1
UK adverts or internet?
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Full page advertising in UK magazines
such as A Place in the Sun is extremely
costly, but by doing so it gives an
advertiser credibility - and prospective
buyers confidence that they are dealing
with a bonafide company. Being able to
afford magazine advertising regularly,
every month, shows that an advertiser
has financial resources behind them.
Marketing on the internet is no proof of
a company’s standing. There is no
control on what is said and while
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you may hit upon a site in your research that appears to be top dog - it may well be operated by just one man, his dog and a lap
top. Buying a house is the biggest investment you make in your life. The public trust estate agents as much as
they do politicians. Are you prepared to take a gamble?
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Snobby is one of the leading advertisers in A Place in the Sun magazine and other UK publications. We build all our developments in the region of Kolimbari, western Crete and are proud of our claim that Snobbys are the lowest price you’ll find in Crete for new build detached homes. To find out more and to receive our Information Pack and DVD - go to
www.snobbyhomes.co.uk |
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2
Look for the AIPP mark
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Whether you research for properties via
the internet for estate agents - or in
magazines for developers, look for the
AIPP logo. It’s your mark of confidence.
AIPP is a UK consumer protection
federation guarding the interests of
those buying abroad. That means a
company displaying this logo has been
thoroughly vetted and approved, both
financially and in the way it does
business.
Buying property abroad is a huge
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investment of trust. You
need to be sure your money is protected, the
property you buy has clear title and you are
supported throughout the buying procedure by the
company you choose. In that way buying a home in
the sun becomes a pleasure.
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Snobby is one of the few building companies in
Crete to be recognised by AIPP. That tells you
that Snobby is a name you can trust and a
company that makes every effort to provide real
customer service. To find out more and to
receive our Information Pack and DVD - go to
www.snobbyhomes.co.uk |
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3
It’s the BUYER who pays
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Don’t think British! In Crete estate agents charge BUYERS around 2% of the cost of the house in sales commission. They also charge the seller too and if the vendor happens to be a local, they may want to swing this charge onto you as well. If you set your heart on a property of around
120,000€, that’s at least 2,400€ - and from 2011 all resale properties need an energy efficiency inspection certificate registered on the house. That can cost around another 400€ and it may mean you’ll end up paying for that too. You will
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also have to pay a lawyer, and the Notary, as well as property transfer tax. On a property for sale at 120,000€ that means you need to budget around 15,000€- 18,000€ on top of the house price to cover all the purchase costs.
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With Snobby there’s no need to worry about taxes, legal fees and purchase costs. We are the only builder in western Crete to include all these within our all-inclusive price - so you know precisely what to budget for. To find out more and to receive our Information Pack and DVD - go to www.snobbyhomes.co.uk |
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4
Correct information
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You may find estate agents in Crete tend
to ‘bulk’ up their property listings
with houses that have now been withdrawn
or have already been sold - in an effort
to gain your interest. You will also see
the properties on offer cover an
extremely wide geographic area. Thus,
when you make your shortlist for
viewing, the properties you will be
taken to are sometimes as much of a
surprise to you as it is to the agent.
Sadly, just as in the UK it is rare to
find an agent who has detailed knowledge
about the houses
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and the surrounding location. So don’t be surprised if questions go unanswered. You may also find yourself being pressurised as time is of the essence before you jump back on that plane! The British preference for not being pushed is not always recognised.
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With Snobby you are buying direct from the builder. Therefore you get 100% correct information on building criteria, specification and local information. With Snobby there’s no pressure - there’s no need - Snobbys sell themselves. To find out more and to receive our Information Pack and DVD - go to
www.snobbyhomes.co.uk |
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5
Eliminating risk
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If you are buying a derelict then allow double the estimated rennovation costs. Be careful. Owners of old houses in Crete
often do not have a contract, or boundaries which have been agreed upon by neighbours. Buying land? Planning in Crete
is strict. Have a structural engineer confirm
in writing that you are able to build and obtain both electric and water supplies. Your lawyer needs to confirm there are no
encumbrances on the land. Old houses and even relatively modern resales often do
not conform to current anti-seismic
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construction standards and therefore are not as
safe as new builds. Never be pressurized into handing over any money - even a deposit. Only ever
do so through your own Greek bank account and your lawyer - or it could cost you dear. Buying property in Crete is as safe as houses
- providing you know what you’re doing
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Snobby is probably the only developer in Crete without bank borrowings. Our financial strength means we do not accept stage payments and your deposit is legally secured. Buy a Snobby and it’s as safe as houses. To find out more and to receive our Information Pack and DVD - go to
www.snobbyhomes.co.uk |
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