09 Jan 2007 4:47 PM:

Break-ins will be a fact of like where ever we live.  Common sense and good precautions will prevent the opportunist from getting in. 

When you complete on your new property get your snaggings completed and then get your front door lock changed before you put any belongings into your property.

When you complete on a re-sale have your front door lock changed as a matter of URGENCY. In both instances check all the external doors and windows to make sure that close and lock properly, that you do not have loose handles and latches, all weeknesses that thief will overcome to gain access.  

When you go out close all doors and windows. If you have a double lock on your front door use it.   If you have patio doors, have a good patio door lock fitted.  With all the locks and security of Fort Knox consider keeping a complete set of keys with a trusted friend, having made your home impregnable you will want to be able to get back in if the door closes behind you unexpectidly!!!

Changing locks is straight forward, but with a variety of locks on the markets getting the right one is important.  If I can help let me know and please do not be terrified.

 

Thread: Break-ins common in new builds?

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09 Jan 2007 10:37 AM:

Hi Liz  The quote that you have received seems expensive in my opinion. 

email me some details regarding what your requirements are I am sure that I can help. kcpropserv@hotmail.com

Keith

Thread: Who needs it?

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09 Jan 2007 12:00 AM:

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.

 

Thread: Property Management

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08 Jan 2007 4:57 PM:

We used Witham Brothers, who advertise on the front page of the Friday Ads.  We bought out various items in two separate consignments. the second included my Honda motorcycle which arrived without a scratch on it.

I believe that they were very reasonable, but we did all our own packing and they just collected and delivered our belongings. We did have a small claim and this was dealt with very quickly without any fuss.

 

 

 

Thread: shipping furniture from UK to Spain

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08 Jan 2007 4:46 PM:

Property break-ins in Spain are fairly common in my experience, due I believe to the way that new properties are build and sold. During the final build various tradesmen will need access to the property to complete building work, complete snagging lists etc.  Keys are NOT necessarily kept secure and are often duplicated.  So when you get the keys to your new property, it is not unusal that a lot of other people will also have a key as well.  Someone I know who did not change locks when they moved in found that someone had let themselves in (there was no sign of forced entry) and they took money, MP3 player and other small, high value items.  Obviously it was an opportunist but their task was made easier by them having the key to gain entry.

I could mention a number of stories where clients have asked me if its ok to leave windows / doors open???? 

All I would ask you to ask yourself is what do you do to secure property in the UK and take the same care with your home here in Spain.

 If I can assist please contact me.

Thread: Break-ins common in new builds?

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