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Once you have drawn up a shortlist of properties on lighthouse-spain.com, Lighthouse will allocate your list to the most appropriate property agent in Spain. Some of your selected properties, however, may be sold in the time in between first talking to your agent and visiting Spain to see the properties. But new properties for sale will also be added to the Lighthouse database. Your Lighthouse agent will base your updated shortlist on the most appropriate homes available when you visit Spain.
Lighthouse will select the most appropriate agent who deals with the area and properties you are interested in. They will guide you through this next part of the process and arrange your trip to Spain so you can tour the properties. Transport and accommodation can also be arranged.
When visiting properties, bear in mind:
Use a Lighthouse agent who knows the area well and can advise you intelligently on available properties. You can be confident that any Lighthouse member agent will adhere to a strict code of conduct.
Most people make a decision to buy on their first visit to Spain, so there is no reason to be frightened of making a commitment while you are there.
Check what utilities the property has such as electricity, water and gas. Find out what it is possible to install (eg. In many parts of inland Spain, there are no telephone cables. If you intend to work from home, can you manage without a landline and internet?)
Although in Spain it is not standard practice to get a survey to take out a mortgage, some people ask for one if they are buying an old property which is likely to be built to different standards from those in the UK and may be susceptible to structural problems. Your Lighthouse agent can recommend a builder or architect to carry out a UK-style survey for you. Lighthouse agents are bound by the Code of Ethics to enlist only reputable parties.
Think about whether the location is practical - do you need to be near public transport/schools/shops/medical services etc?
Have your legal advisor check ownership of the property and any outstanding debts before you sign anything.
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