Benefits of Using a Property Buyer’s Agent When Purchasing Overseas Property

House hunting for luxury overseas property can be exciting and fun, but it’s easy to get wrapped up in daydreams of what a new life abroad will be like. Unless you have some who’s on your side, though, you’re essentially shopping blind – and you can easily get into trouble without even realizing it. A property buyer’s agent works on behalf of the client and works to find them their perfect home. They will then work with the buyer and guide them through the entire process, offering advice and support along the way.

Property Buyer’s Agent vs. Regular Real Estate Agent

Most often, a seller will hire a listing agent to market and sell their home. A buyer will hire a buyer’s agent to help them find the perfect home, make negotiations and complete the purchase. Listing agents have expertise in marketing and selling, and they work on behalf of the seller and their best interests. They may have the same skills as the buyer’s agent, particularly market knowledge and location expertise, but their priority is the seller, not the buyer.

You may hear additional terminology, too, like “selling agent” and “seller’s agent.” These terms sound the same, but they actually refer to two different kinds of agents. The selling agent is the same as the buyer’s agent; they gain the “selling agent” title once the buyer and the seller enter into a contract. The selling agent still works on behalf of the buyer, despite the confusing term. When it comes to the term “seller’s agent,” it’s simply interchangeable with “listing agent.”

There are also cases where a real estate agent represents both the buyer and the seller. Moving.com has a great explanation of what happens in this situation.

Benefits of Hiring a Buyer’s Agent

The property buying process varies from country to country, making it difficult to handle even if you’ve purchased property before. For example, France has especially strict regulations to follow, and navigating the buying process can be daunting, especially if you don’t speak the language yet. There are a number of benefits of hiring a buyer’s agent:

They know about hard-to-find properties.

Publicly listed properties are only part of what’s available. For privacy’s sake, high-profile sellers, like athletes, celebrities and wealthy businessmen, don’t always list their properties when they’re for sale. When it comes to luxury property in sought-after destinations, buyer’s agents will know about everything available in an area, including the hidden gems that others don’t have access to.

They have a vast network with prime connections.

The longer a buyer’s agent has been in the business, the more trustworthy connections they’ve made. When you’re ready to view or buy a property in Australia for example, your buyers agent in Brisbane can connect with listing agents, notaries, developers and anyone else you’ll need to work with in the city. This also means they’ll be able to uncover information about the property that could make or break your sale, like if the building has specific challenges (plumbing that needs a major overhaul, for example).

You don’t have to rush to learn the language.

One of the biggest perks of hiring a buyer’s agent is that they’ll be an expert in the area where you want to move, which includes being fluent in the language. You’ll probably want to learn the language of your new home country at some point, but until then, you don’t have to muddle through meetings, hoping you understand what’s going on.

There’s no cost to you.

Hiring a buyer’s agent doesn’t cost the buyer anything. The agent gets paid when the home is sold, and they take part of the sales fee, which is paid by the seller instead of the buyer. Technically, the listing agent is paid their commission, then the listing agent’s broker pays the brokerage for the buyer’s agent. It’s a little confusing and what’s most important to know is that the payment doesn’t come out of your pocket, but The Balance goes into it more in this article.

Overall, a buyer’s agent has one goal in mind: making the buyer as happy as possible. They’ll answer your questions, conduct extensive research and stick by your side from start to finish to make sure that happens.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

No results found

RE/MAX Launches First and Only Manhattan Office

RE/MAX’s latest expansion into the Manhattan market makes their brand-new office the first-of-its kind and only one in the borough. Headed by Broker/Owner Shoka Mamedov, the Manhattan office marks an exciting milestone for the international company traditionally known for its strong ties within the suburban market.

The office was launched earlier this month by real estate professional Shovkat Mamedov who, along with her rapidly growing team, will bring RE/MAX’s world-class services and brand name, known around the globe, to this competitive, new market.

“Our Manhattan office is in an ideal location to bring the RE/MAX brand to this thriving commercial and luxury residential market,” said Mamedov.  “The advanced technology and the international network that RE/MAX offers will allow us to make an immediate impact. We have already received a tremendous response from brokers, agents and clients, especially those looking to invest in Manhattan’s active hospitality market.”

With extensive experience in the New York real estate market, Shoka has sold hundreds of residential and commercial properties in all the boroughs of New York City. She and her team are leveraging both RE/MAX’s Commercial and Classic Collection brands to attract local customers and those from abroad. She has also partnered up with Carlo Seneca, Owner of C & A Seneca Construction who is one of the most sought after Hospitality Builders in NYC who along with Shoka made a turnkey office with Real Estate, Development, Construction, Architectural and Design services. And they together will spearhead a huge Hospitality division for RE/MAX in Manhattan.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

No results found

Listings are now Live for Waterline Square's Rentals

The new Upper West Side, luxury residential development to open this year, Waterline Square, launched leasing last month for its collection of spacious studio to four-bedroom rental homes and now you can see the home offerings and floor plans as listings just launched.

With architecture by Richard Meier & Partners, Rafael Viñoly Architects and KPF, plus interiors by Champalimaud, Yabu Pushelberg and Groves & Co., the rental residences at Waterline Square boast condo-level features such as high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the remarkable views, as well large kitchen islands, walk-in closets, wine refrigerators, fully-integrated appliance packages designed by Bosch, vented washer-dryers and five-fixture bathrooms.

All three towers offer a suite of curated amenities and resort-style services, in addition to each tower having access to tower amenities such as private dining rooms, media rooms, game rooms, residents’ lounges with gas-burning fireplaces, libraries and furnished terraces.

In addition, rental residents also have access to the extraordinary Waterline Club — the 100,000SF shared amenities space that is designed by Rockwell Group and connects the three buildings. Just outside their doors, the lush 2.6-acre park is present, as will be a dynamic hospitality program with concepts by Cipriani and Empellón.

Studios at the complex start $3,938/month; one-bedrooms at $5,425/month; two-bedrooms at $8,625/month; three-bedrooms at $9,933/month; and four-bedrooms at $15,000/month.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

No results found

Tips on Saying No to Your Friend with Benefits

While having a friends with benefits (FWB) relationship allows one to hang out and have fun with someone without any serious commitments, it can sometimes pose a challenge when it comes to saying “no.” It may be turning down a request for a while because you do not feel like doing whatever your partner is requesting. It could also be about ending the relationship.

So, how do you say “NO” to your friends with benefits effectively? Here are some tips on doing it:

Explain why you cannot make it or if they displeased you

You may not feel excited about having fun with your FWB at a given moment when they suggest that you hook up. It is critical to pause and reflect on why that idea may not be appealing to you at that time. It could be that you are tired, for example after a heavy workout, or you could be feeling sick, or you may have a school or work assignment that is almost due and you need to complete it. It may also be that your FWB did something to you, failed to do something, or said something that hurt you. You should let your partner know why you cannot manage to be there at that moment.

If you are busy wrapping up some assignments that are almost due, then tell them that. If you were offended by their actions or omissions, let them know that. You may tell them that you still value your friendship, but if you are to keep being friends, then they should know that they hurt you when they did what they did or said something that you felt was a bit unfair. Seek to straighten out things and continue enjoying each other’s company.

Promise to make up or give an alternative

After explaining your reason for saying “no” at that moment, you need to let your FWB know that it is not a blanket NO, but you still want to continue enjoying the “benefits” and keep the friendship. You can offer to hook up the next weekend or at another convenient time. Maybe it is a friend that you met on a dating site like Happymatches and have not yet got to know each other well, having hung out only a few times. Assure them that you are glad to have met them and wish to keep the friendship. You may give an alternative of doing a video call and chat for some time and exchange pleasantries. You can soften your NO at the moment by promising to spend a longer time with them next time or try new things.

Communicate clearly when saying no to end things

Unlike in official relationships in which breakups normally require a face-to-face meeting or phone conversation, friends with benefits relationships are casual. This can allow you to break up through an email, text message, or any other non-personal method. But you may also choose to respect the preexisting friendship and break up in a more personal way. If you decide to use non-personal ways, ensure that you clearly and concisely state your intention to end the friendship and leave no room for misinterpretation since you will not be there to clarify anything. You could choose to use a non-personal method when you fear that a face-to-face encounter could weaken your resolve, or your FWB is likely to try to manipulate you, or when meeting is a bit more difficult like in a long-distance relationship. You need to be ready to handle the breakup, and if you feel that there are chances of the friendship relapsing, you should cut any communications. Better still, if your FWB has no problem with it, you may agree to continue being friends but do away with the benefits.

You have to be able to say no to your friend with benefits and stand your ground. Whether it is a no for a moment or to break-up altogether, you need to be forthright and always seek your best interests. After all, you are just in it for the benefits and friendship without a serious commitment.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

No results found

Important Mortgage Tips for First-Time Home Buyers

When you’re purchasing your first home, there’s a lot to think about. In addition to finding the perfect location and coming up with a budget, you’ll also have to consider many factors regarding your mortgage. To keep your stress levels down and to be as prepared as possible, read our list of some of the most important mortgage tips for first-time home buyers.

Shop around

Settling for the first quote you get from a mortgage lender could cost you thousands of dollars in the long run. We suggest researching a variety of mortgage lenders and comparing at least three quotes before you make a final decision. Spending the time to shop around will be well worth it in the end.

Prequalify

Before making an offer on a home, you must prequalify for a mortgage. For you to prequalify, a lender will thoroughly examine your finances. After the inspection, you’ll receive an estimate of how much money a lender may be willing to give you based on your income, credit, and current debt. If you are an active or former member of the military, you can also look for a VA loan, this way the process to get your home might be considerably easier, take a look at Security America Mortgage to learn more about this kind of loan. It’s important to note that even though you prequalify for a mortgage from a specific lender, you’re not exclusively committed to them yet. You’re still free to shop around for better interest rates, but having that prequalification letter will significantly improve your chances of closing a deal on the property you want.

Get the right mortgage for your budget

There are two main types of mortgages: fixed-rate and adjustable-rate. The main difference between the two is the way their interest rates are determined. The interest rate for fixed-rate mortgage loans is determined when you take it out, and it will not change. An adjustable-rate mortgage, on the other hand, has an interest rate that may fluctuate after the introductory period ends. Fixed-rate mortgages allow for easier budgeting, but adjustable-rate mortgages offer more flexibility when it comes to refinancing. Ultimately, the type of mortgage that’s right for you will largely depend on your budgeting preferences.

Avoid 30-year mortgages

30-year mortgages attract many home buyers due to their lower monthly payments. In the long run, however, you’ll end up paying tens of thousands of dollars more in interest than if you choose a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage. As such, you should try to choose a mortgage option with a shorter timeline.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

No results found

Designing A Home That’s Inclusive And Stylish

A growing aging population and more awareness of disabilities has forced many home designers to think more inclusively. A home that anyone can live in is more sellable. This doesn’t have to mean sacrificing stylishness either – in fact many elements of inclusive design are becoming trendier and more practical for able-bodied people too. Here are just several features that can make a home both inclusive and stylish.

Go open plan

An open plan layout offers more space for freely getting around as there are no tight doorways or corridors to negotiate. It also has the added benefits of making a home more social, allowing easier communication between rooms. On top of this, it can improve ventilation and make a home brighter. If you’re renovating an existing home to make it open-plan, you’ll want to hire professionals to knock down any interior walls safely. Cut-outs can sometimes be a more economical option to knocking down entire walls and can usually have the exact same effect.

Get creative with ramps

Ramps can help to provide wheelchair access and are essential to inclusive design. When choosing a ramp, look beyond basic options and find a design that will match the décor of your property. A metal ramp could be great for a glossy modern home, while a wooden ramp could compliment a traditional home well. Incorporating a ramp naturally will make it feel less like a home for disabled people. Doing away entirely with stairs may not be possible in two storey homes, but some properties have accomplished it using only ramps (of course, a lift is sometimes the more convenient option – although this can sometimes make a home look a little too disability-focused).

Install a walk-in shower

Walk-in showers can be both a sign of inclusivity and luxury. Curbless walk-in showers can allow easy access suitable for those with disabilities, however you may have to spend a little extra wetproofing the room. Fitting a walk-in shower into a small bathroom can sometimes be difficult – you’ll usually have to sacrifice the tub to make it work. Alternatively, you may be able to keep a tub in your bathroom and find another space in your home to fit a walk-in shower such as a cupboard under the stairs.

Integrate smart technology

Smart technology is the future of home design. It can also be a useful technology for those with mobility issues, allowing remote-control of elements such as heating and lighting without having to physically move. There are all kinds of ways in which smart technology is being integrated into homes. Smart electrical sockets could allow you to turn sockets on and off remotely to save energy (useful for sockets in hard to reach locations). Smart security meanwhile can allow windows and doors to be locked and unlocked remotely. It could be worth looking into companies that deal with home automation to see what other creative ideas they can implement.

Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

No results found