The Rise of the Real Estate Market and its Current Saturation
Since the recovery from the last real estate crisis in Spain, the market has become crowded with agencies and independent agents. On the Costa del Sol, this increase is a response to the constant demand and the income opportunity that the region offers. For many, being a real estate agent seemed simple and profitable. However, the real estate market, like other economic sectors, is cyclical. Today, this change affects both consumers and professionals.
Today’s Challenges for Buyers and Sellers
This change of cycle has made the market more restrictive and competitive. On the one hand, consumers, especially buyers, face a shortage of properties and rising prices, making access to housing more difficult. For many, high rental costs limit the ability to save, further reducing their purchasing options. On the other hand, sellers of second-hand properties see their properties accumulating in a limbo that is becoming increasingly difficult to get out of.
Two Approaches to Real Estate: Business vs. Service Profession
From an economic perspective, we can distinguish two types of real estate agents: those who see their activity as a purely transactional business and those who see it as a true service profession. In the first case, the focus is on selling more, with little attention to relationships and customer experience. Here, the primary objective is immediate profit, where people take a back seat to the interest of maximising sales.
On the other hand, agents who understand their work as a service profession prioritise people over transactions. In this model, profitability remains important, but it is not pursued at the expense of relationship and trust. It is an approach where ethics, commitment and careful attention are essential for long-term success, especially in competitive markets, where preparation and trust are differentiating factors.
The One-Stop-Shop Agency: A Full-Service Approach
This is where the concept of the ‘all-one-stop-shop’ proves its value. This model goes far beyond the traditional marketing and sales functions. It is a complete service that covers every aspect of buying or selling a property, from the initial consultation to the completion of legal formalities. In particular, an all-in-one agency offers support on key issues such as taxes, cancellations of registration and finance, removal of encumbrances, and corrections of urban planning situations, among others.
For a seller of a property in Benalmádena (or on the Costa del Sol), or for a buyer, the support of an agency that guides you through every step of the process, anticipating and explaining every aspect with professionalism, is synonymous with confidence and peace of mind.
Experience as a Guarantee of Trust
With over 15 years in the industry, I have seen a common fear of both sellers and buyers: losing money or being cheated. Many sellers have had bad experiences, with lack of clarity on costs or little support during the transaction. Buyers, on the other hand, are often wary of real estate intermediaries. To address these fears, it is essential that the agent is transparent and has a solid background.
Transparency and Professional Knowledge: Keys to Success
Transparency and knowledge are essential in the real estate industry. Client confidence depends on the agent’s ability to explain every aspect of the transaction clearly and in detail. This includes financial and legal issues, such as cost breakdowns and tax forecasts, allowing sellers and buyers to understand the net impact of the transaction.
The Value of a ‘One-Stop-Shop’ Agency in Today’s Context
In short, a ‘one-stop-shop’ real estate agency offers a model that responds to the needs of today’s market. This approach benefits both consumers and agents who see their work as a true profession. For those who see this role as a service, a ‘one-stop-shop’ and transparent service model is not only an effective strategy, but a way to dignify and strengthen the real estate sector in uncertain times.
