Conned

Jain and Chris · #16 07-05-2008, 12:40 PM

I think it is quite important here to differentiate between "notary" and "lawyer".

Many people get confused between the two as there are countries which do not operate real estate transactions using a "notary".

In Bulgaria the notary is rather like a government functionary. Acting in the capacity of checking that the facts are correct (such as you really are the buyer - or vendor - the land being sold is owned by the person stated). BUT they do not act in the interests of either the buyer or the vendor - they just check the real estate being sold is what is stated in the contract and collect any necessary government taxes.

A lawyer on the other hand is hired by the buyer or the vendor and acts solely in the interests of the person hiring his/her services.

This is why it is so very important to have an independent lawyer acting for you - one you have hired yourself and acts only in your interests. Don't be blinded by the agents or developers saying that a 'solicitor' will be supplied. This means nothing, either it is a notary or a lawyer in Bulgaria. The word solicitor is misleading as, particularly with British buyers, agents and developers could be using this word on the basis that this word implies independent advice and someone acting for you. Remember, check out if they are actually recommending just a notary or a lawyer and if it is a lawyer, then it is more than likely that the agent is the one hiring their services, so who will the lawyer be acting for???

Take care out there !