In my business I am not often surprised at the way some agents treat their property owning clients.  Just recently I became aware of someone who had bought a property and entrusted it to an agent to rent on their behalf.  Eleven months later no rental income obtained he decided to sell the property. It was then that another estate agent was appointed to sell the property and it was then that it became clear that the property had been lived in!!!!

This is not posted with the intension of causing un-necessary worry, but to raise awareness of this sharp and unprofessional practice which in my opinion is appalling and reflects poorly on those of us who do work hard to provide a professional service to our clients.

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We moved to Spain buying an apartment on Arenal Golf, Benalmadena Costa del Sol. We started a propertry management company offering all the usually services. Meeting clients on Arenal and discussing our services, we felt duty bound to point out the lack of security on many blocks on many phases. We point out that entry to the garages is easy, once in, access to the apartments is there for all. Adding to  this, few apartments are occupied. Proof is, that dispite portal doors shut (if they lock properly) these can easily be opened. The amount of junk mail found in the apartments indicates the ease of entry We have become vigilant in our own block, but cannot challange everybody.

      We have now added  our 'empty care' service, to our list of services, visiting their properties on a regulary basis during vacant periods. We report our findings to them via e-mail. They have pointed out the obvious advantage for them is that we are 'resident' in their neighbourhood

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_______________________

Maria L. de Castro, JD, MA

Lawyer

Director www.costaluzlawyers.es

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I agree with you Maria that development here has accelerated at such a rate that the companies offering such services are sometimes not on such a professional scale as one might hope for. I think also with the lack of overall regulation in the industry they are not answerable to anybody if they act with a lack of integrity - I am not levelling this accusation at the Spanish but more at non native providers. The problem as you so aptly put it is that the Spanish are lacking in initiative or commercialism to start these businesses themselves in the number that are required. This could perhaps be put down to the ethos in Spain which is very different to many other parts of Europe in that the Spanish firmly believe in work to live not live to work - hence I guess why so many North Europeans want to live in Spain. Moving to employment offices with many people looking for work - one of the big problems is that a fledgling business in Spain will have to consider the very stringent employment rules here in Spain. If someone is trying to establish a business here employing a Spanish National can become a nightmare under employment legislation, contracts, redundancy, social security etc. The marked difference is that North Europeans who perhaps a more familiar with working in a "results" driven situation (self employed/autonomo) and hence more likely to self motivate as they know they will only be paid if they are profitable - hence I think a new business is more likely to take that route.

Rgds  

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We also bought an apartment in Arenal Golf, Benalmadena Costa del Sol but are finding it difficult to find a good property managment company that is not just there for the money!

Its very difficult to find someone who is both professional and interested in keeping your apartment safe and rented.

Do any of you know property managment companys you could reccomend?

Possibily located in or around Arenal Golf??

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Hi Alfaman,

                thanks for your request; along with others; regarding our services particularly on 'Arenal Golf'.Benalmadena. I sent you the information, but unfortunately your e-mail address was unable to recieve. Perhaps if you tried again direct to my e-mail address we may get more success! If you outline your requirements, I will  formulate a 'package price' for you     brianali@hotmail.co.uk

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Hi Alfaman,

                thanks for your request; along with others; regarding our services particularly on 'Arenal Golf'.Benalmadena. I sent you the information, but unfortunately your e-mail address was unable to recieve. Perhaps if you tried again direct to my e-mail address we may get more success! If you outline your requirements, I will  formulate a 'package price' for you     brianali@hotmail.co.uk

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I have mentioned before that I live on Arenal Golf in Benamadena. I have had enquiries regarding properties for rent on Arenal. If Anyone has properties they might like to rent out. Please e-mail me: brianali@hotmail.co.uk. I may be able to help

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Hi,

Does anyone have a recommendation for Management Companies that cover the El Soto de Marbella area, pref that help out with bookings but not essential.

Thanks,

Amanda 

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Amanda,

Would love to help you out but don't stretch down that far. We do however work with a reciprical business and i will see if they are willing to help. I'm sure they can

BR

Darren

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Hi Amanda

I am useing Home Care On The Web in Elviria,an English company that I feel I can trust info@homecareontheweb.com

Not the cheapest but there again?

Say Jim Allen Sent You From Green Hills.

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Thanks Jim for the contact info & Darren, all help on this is gratefully received

Regards

Amanda

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Hi Amandah - I know a company that covers your area, not badly priced. email debbie@inderix.com and she will provide you with info. I know they handle all sorts of bookings from individuals to tour operators and have a 24hr service - vital for when clients get lost!

Good luck

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Thanks for the link Rixxy, I will contact Debbie for further info.

Regards

Amanda 

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Amanda,

just to say we used homecare for a year and they managed to get us zero bookings!

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Hi  all, anyone recomend any management company in Playa Flamenca area, please? Think you have to be so careful who you trust your keys with!?

John and Trish

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Amanda,

Have you tried C2Skymarbella.com They have an office close to the Kudu Bar in the village above the El Soto? You may know of them already but they originally spent lots of time supporting the Phase 1 development at El Soto before setting up their own business 2 1/2 years ago. They are very professional, well organised and provide , Cleaning, Maintenace and Management sevices in addition to local sales and project design/management services. They also have a great web site!

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Hi Mike,

Yes I did contact C2Sky but apparently they are not offering property Management at the moment, not sure why?

I have found that there are some quite pricey companies who also offer marketing, but being up in El Soto I think we may opt for an on-site manager, and do our own bookings, as this seems to be the most common method.

Thanks for the replies.

Amanda

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Hi John & Trish,

I am buying in Dream Hills, not far from Playa Flamenca and will be using OPI Rentals for property management. I have spoken with and met Angela Davis based at Los Balcones on the times that I have been over to check on how my property is coming on. Their service is very comprehensive and I felt quite reasonable in price - time will tell if I am right, but so far they could not be more helpful with advice on various issues and I haven't paid them anything yet! I you would like their details PM me and I will give you their contact numbers.

Julia

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Hi all,

Anyone requiring Property Management in the Costa Blanca Region, we ould welcome any enquiries and to be considered for these services. For info regarding us, you can access via the Residential Santa Ana del Monte Message Board on the main page to this Forum, we advertise throughout that Board alternatively see us on www.santaana-pm.com

Happy to help

Darren

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