20th Sep 2006
Hey guys,
Most of you are aware that I am actively growing my portfolio in the southern Costa Blanca/Costa Calida in Spain. It's all well and dandy (I cannot believe I used that word) that we sell lots of property but obviously once you own it someone has to look after it for you. For this I trust a company called "Property Hounds". After extensive research on the net and pounding the pavements in the local area I interviewed 13 different property management companies and "key holders". I think most agents didn't realise that I was a potential client because most just gave me a swag of brochures and ask for money upfront before they even gave me any confidence in their ability. I hate incompetence...
I stumbled upon PropertyHounds through another agency who said that he dealt with 4 different agents but these were the best. I love referrals... I called Lee and he came out that afternoon to meet with me and give me his thoughts. Since then I think we have referred over 20 properties to them.
I cannot speak highly enough about their professionalism and knowledge of the business. They have performed without a hitch throughout this past summer.
Perhaps what I have been most impressed with is despite the fact that things went wrong with the properties, the local council, holiday tenants, bomb threats and terrorism at Heathrow (boy did things go wrong!!!) they simply approached it as an easy to fix problem and went about fixing it. Nothing was too much of a problem. I love that quality in people.
Unlike so many people who move to Spain and attempt to setup a property management company, Lee and his wife Carol have been working in housing for over 25 years so when they moved to Spain and setup in 2003 it was an instant success (not discounting all the hard work which I am sure they put in the early years). They are clearly focused on maintaining the personal touch with their home owners and tenants. This is so essential to the success of your property.
So if you ever purchase a property through YourPropertyClub part of the commission goes directly to them to sort out:-
- A suitable furniture package for your property, not one of the builders 'crappy' packages that may sound good but is useless for the long term rentals.
- We pay your first years management charge valued at 330 euros.
- We will also make a contribution to PropertyHounds that will go towards the marketing of the property to secure a long term tenant. Normally around 1000 euros.
Lee and Carol are always available to have an initial chat about your property, although they are unable to begin marketing your property until you have actually completed on the property. Often times in Spain a completion date is set and this may overrun by many months so it is imperative that you complete the property before you begin marketing. A classic example is that the first property I bought in Spain in May 2005 should have completed in June 2005 I am only completing this week. Finally... but cross fingers as this is Spain.
So take a look at their website at www.propertyhounds.com
Live with passion,
Brett :-)