 First Real Estate
When the decision to buy the property has been made, the second step would be to find a real estate agency, which will mediate in the purchase of the property; the right agency could be the key element for smart and successful purchase. Choice of Agency Newspapers and web pages are filled with advertise-ments for various real estate agencies, which do not make the search for a good agency any easier. Although it is strictly a business relationship, an assisting agency must be efficient, honest, kind and complaisant while its agent must be active, capable and trustworthy.
So, how to choose the agent and be sure that he will meet all your conditions? The agent’s job is not to convince the buyer that the offered property is the right one, but, quite the opposite, his primary task is to listen to the buyer’s wishes and conditions and to act accordingly, while the task of the agency is to ensure whatever is legally or administratively needed that would satisfy both the buyer and the seller. Furthermore, the agency’s job is to check whether a certain property has some easements, is it properly registered in the land register, how is the building maintenance solved and is the property insured. Of course, it
is the buyer’s task to ask all that from the agency if one wants to get the best service for the money he or she is paying. Of course, if the agency is professional it will perform all needed administrative work including even the transfer of monthly bills, repurchases and similar.
An agent must be communicative and responsible, but always fully aware that he or she represents the buyer. On the other hand, the buyer should approach the agent as a worker who needs to perform the task he is paid for. In short, an agent that does not ask questions on behalf of the buyer and which does not collect property information from the seller, which is ready to hide things from the buyer or not to warn him or her about some property faults – is a bad agent. This is why the buyers have a great responsibility to choose the agency and the agent, so it’s up to you to examine everything thoroughly prior to signing the contract with the agency. Many buyers are afraid of exclusive contracts and many do not understand what such contracts offer or guarantee. Agencies which operate on basis of exclusive contracts are very good because they guarantee fast and successful service, which could be a great advantage.
Which Property to Purchase?
Well, after the agency has been chosen, the real search for property can begin. In fact, purchasing a property should not last too long. One who clearly knows what he or she wants, will soon find it, because the real estate market is wide and rich and new offers come in regularly so the search should not be long and complicated. Notwithstanding the agent’s capability and activity, the buyer should be well informed, too. There are many things which many people consider insignificant, do not understand or for some reason forget to ask. Besides aesthetics, technicalities and architectural and legal issues, there are some “trifles” which are essential. It is clear that when moving into a property the buyer will reside in it, so it is desirable to make everything is as it should be. Let me point some things out. Apartments are being built progressively and every day some new apartment building arises. Still, such buildings also carry big problems with them. Regardless whether one is dealing with housing or apartment building, one should find information about maintenance and safety of the building.
Just imagine any serious roof, facade or pluming system damage because if the maintenance is not adequately solved the residents have to pay the damage from their own pockets. Repairing roof damage can cost up to 20,000 EUR, which is not a small amount of money at all. The second very important thing is water and electric power consumption meters, which one mustn’t omit. Do ask how this is solved in your building. Namely, all meters should be separated so that each apartment owner has its own meter assigned to his or her name. Avoid control meters at any cost! The reason is very simple. Control meters show consumption, but the main meter is assigned to one person. If only one resident does not pay his or her bill on time, the entire building could be cut off of electric power or water supply. So, be cautious when it comes to meters.
Finalizing the Purchase
If all conditions are satisfied and the buyer has decided to buy the property, the agency will collect all needed documents to prove that ownership is regularly registered and that the property has no easements. Every agency must hire a lawyer, who will guarantee that the papers are correct and that the sales contract is ready to be made. Even in this part of property transaction the buyer is the one that makes the conditions. The sales contract should be made so that both sides, the buyer and the seller, agree on terms and conditions of the contract. All verbal agreements must be stated in the contract, and if the seller has bound himself by some given promises relevant to the property, it should be stated in the written contract. When the contract is made, one must read it thoroughly and freely ask questions whenever something seems ambiguous. After signing the contract, the agency is obliged to get all paperwork done as quickly as possible; do not forget that those who are buying a property for the first time do not have to pay compulsory taxes. And, of course, good luck with your first purchase!
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Croatia Real Estate Market 
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