Hi guys - I have moved these threads together as they both involved agents.

Regards

Alison

A good agent is one who is honest,reliable and won't sell what he himself wouldn't buy.
There are plenty of agents who jump onto selling any new development without knowing the full facts,any agent who isn't selective in what he is comfortable with selling is not trustworthy.
I have seen a couple of agents in a recently finished development walking around and
praising the finish which had some of the worst finishing I had ever seen.
These are the agents you need to keep away from.
Also the agents that continuously promote one type of development or area but have no reservations about selling something totally different.
Finally a good agent should always try and find out a little bit about the builder / developer just to make sure they are ok to deal with.
Simply be honest and let the buyer decide without any pressure if you find this agent you cannot go far wrong.

Does this include investigating land and building ownership by the developer by yourself or should the agent ascertain this for his client.

This is often difficult to do but many Developers now recognise the need for Due Diligence and this provides some reassurance for buyers.

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PROPERTY SHOP INC. International Property Brokers
EGYPT REAL - Your One Stop Shop for Hurghada Property

But do agents envestigate this or take the developers word for it?

As Brokers many of the agents we deal with insist on seeing these reports before they will send clients. This is more difficult in Egypt as many Developers have not been used to providing this information. However, as interest in the region grows they will come under increasing pressure to comply.

__________________
PROPERTY SHOP INC. International Property Brokers
EGYPT REAL - Your One Stop Shop for Hurghada Property

So basically speaking, an agent who knowingly recommended a dodgey developer would be ruined reputation wise?

It's not that black and white as many Developers are very astute at painting a good picture and it is sometimes hard to get at the truth. Even Due Diligence Reports are not foolproof as some Developers spend a lot of money with their lawyers and expect loyalty in return. But at least it is some measure in a field where previously there was none.

__________________
PROPERTY SHOP INC. International Property Brokers
EGYPT REAL - Your One Stop Shop for Hurghada Property

Sorry Peter this isn't a good response from the agents.......

Glen no matter how good your agent is this is no substitute for employing a competent lawyer to represent you. We can advise you on this and point clients in the right direction but most clients don't listen and do their own thing! Our job is to find you the best property currently available and to advise you of the best people to help you. No agent is an expert in all aspects of your purchase; thats why you need a competent lawyer.
Our advice is freely given and totally independent; its up to our clients to decide whether they take it. Some lawyers like Zeiad seem to be an exception but you have to judge for yourself.
However, our advice is based on years of experience; think of the potential pitfalls for buyers who decide to 'go it alone' without the benefit of good advice.

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PROPERTY SHOP INC. International Property Brokers
EGYPT REAL - Your One Stop Shop for Hurghada Property