If you are looking at investing in Thailand real estate or land it is very likely that you will come across different types of sales agents along the way. The first type is an agent that works for a property agency, which will suggest a number of options to consider. The other is an agent that works directly for a property developer and usually focuses on selling just one property, project or development. What is important when dealing with sales agents is to consider and evaluate the potential interest they may have and also the potential benefits or things to look out for.
Typically in Thailand an agent will not charge any fee for using their service and basic advice is also free if they are knowledgeable on things such as legal issues and investment planning and analysis. Agents tend to only be paid commission by the owners or developers upon the successful sale of a property.
Going upon this factor, it is important that you can find and work with a real estate agency and a professional and ethical sales agent who will work in the interest of the buyer. If an agent does not have the buyers real interests at heart they may only glorify each of their suggested listings and not focus on whether they actually fit your specific personal requirements best. Additionally, they may try to sway you towards one and focus on their own financial gain instead of the buyers.
It is always good to find a property agent who will provide a number of properties lower than your stated budget as well as a little higher. The benefit of this is that it helps build your market knowledge and gives a comparison of what may be available at the time, which consequently provides an insight into value for money and different qualities. One thing that should be looked out for is a property developer that also operates a property agency with the sole intention of pushing his or her own product and not really focusing on your real aims. While this is not always the case it is worth keeping in mind as it does happen on many occasions. Views can be biased and you may not be provided the potential fall-backs as well as advantages.
Another essential point to consider is the actual service provided. Is the real estate agency one that seeks to support you from your initial investment research and planning stage right the way through to the purchase and also after sale support? Whilst it may be seen as the responsibility of the buyer to plan their investment and be sure about things such as legal issues or points of concern, it is good to find an agent that has a sound knowledge of the legal basics and provides support in order to make sure that the outcome is what you are aiming for. For example, it is the main responsibility of the buyer to carry out due diligence so an agent could perhaps overlook potential issues in hope that they do not appear and a sale goes through successfully. This level of knowledge and support is actually what really separates many of the usual agencies apart from the quality and ethical ones. While property agents may not specialize in Thai property law or construction it does give encouragement when they are educated on the main areas and they also offer to connect you with the specialists who can give the most accurate advice.
Overall, what should be emphasized is the buyer knowing what to be aware of and being able to differentiate between an agency and agent that has a good knowledge and their best interests at heart and those who do not. A buyer should always carry out due diligence and can check information with a lawyer to check that agents advice is correct and honest. In summary a real estate agent should be treated as an advisor for a number of aspects. Any information should be backed up with reason in order for them to justify their words and information. Going around a large number of agencies can be hugely time wasting but finding and focusing on a professional Thailand real estate agency is indefinitely the most important issue.