Is it important to have a bilingual estate agent in Spain?
In 2020, the British were the highest buyers of property in Spain by foreign buyers. You can understand why with their long, harsh winters and not-so-great summers, it’s no wonder they want to escape to the Spanish weather, spectacular scenery and a traditionally warm Spanish welcome. The Germans were second and the French third.
In 2021 this changed with the Germans leading the way, closely followed by the British with the French some way off in third. This is the first time the British have not been number one since records began.
Spanish property is very popular with foreign buyers. The need for bilingual and even multilingual real estate agents is more common than you think. You could have a German homeowner, an English buyer, with a Spanish bank and solicitor who all need to be able to communicate with each other effectively.
Poor communication can lead to your sale falling through.
English is the most spoken second language in Spain, followed by French and Portuguese. Estimates indicate around 27% or just over quarter of the population can speak English to some extent, but many of these cannot speak it fluently enough to easily express what they would like to say.
When it comes to selling or buying your property, you will need to find a real estate agent who can speak your preferred language to guide you through the Spanish Sales Process. There is a lot of communication in the course of a real estate transaction. The Real Estate Agent will manage everything from marketing the house, to conducting viewings, and finalising offers. If they can't communicate clearly, their expertise and experience are lost with the inability to be able to express their points clearly.
Using a translator can help to a certain degree, however they are mostly inexperienced in the selling process and often struggle to explain complicated terminology and processes accurately to the clients. When a Real Estate agent is bilingual, you can move through the transaction smoothly with clear communication to all parties involved.
With record low mortgage rates and lack of supply, sellers are likely to receive competing offers on their property. If your Real Estate Agent is not bilingual, your offers may not be communicated accurately, and possibly will fall apart. A bilingual Agent can help you navigate your offers, be clear on all the details about the offer and what is included etc and advise on how to win the best deal possible.
Real Estate in Spain can be complicated. See our blog How we sell your home, a step by step guide. Using the services of a bilingual Real Estate Agent will be highly beneficial when you need to understand complicated documents. Have you ever tried to translate an Escritura, AFO or Nota Simple??
Being able to communicate clearly and confidently in the same language builds trust. Trust is imperative for a great relationship, in any relationship, especially in one that will lead to your home being sold at the best price possible or getting your offer agreed on your next dream home in the sun.
Finding an agent who understands your language and culture is not only a huge benefit, it is fundamental to give you confidence to believe that what they are communicating to you and all other parties, is correct.
There are many advantages to hiring a bilingual or multilingual Real Estate Agent, here are some reasons why:
- They can connect you with other professionals who also speak your language
- They can network in both languages
- They will be able to communicate with you in your native language
- They understand the cultural differences in buying and selling homes
- They know the local market
- They know the right buyer and can communicate with them in their language
- Their knowledge is irreplaceable in the process of negotiation
- They have a deep understanding of the buying and selling process from both sides
Hiring a bilingual Real Estate Agent either to assist you with the sale of your property or with your search for a new property, is the first step to a successful sale. They can connect with sellers and buyers in their native language and understand cultural differences in buying and selling homes. Selling property in the UK for example, is very different to selling property in Spain. Having an agent who understands both systems is invaluable to both parties when bringing forward offers and negotiating them.
In addition, if you find a good bilingual Real Estate Agent they will be local market experts and have invaluable knowledge of the negotiation and sale process and will give you confidence with clear and concise communication. Check out their reviews online to see what both the locals and overseas buyers think of them.
Here at Mediterranean Homes, we are bilingual with experience of selling and buying properties not just in Spain but in the UK too. With over 35 years combined experience, we are confident that we can help you navigate the complexities of the Spanish Real Estate market here in Andalusia.
We cover Alhaurin El Grande, Alozaina, Coín, Guaro, Mijas, Monda and Tolox and anywhere else in and around the Guadalhorce Valley. Your home will be in safe hands with us and we can guarantee to sell it for you at the right price. Simply fill in our contact form or call us on (+34) 951 242 157 to make sure you get the best price for your property
