Raf is our local independent partner in Barcelona.
Raf is active in Barcelona since 2001 and is the Founder & CEO of a boutique real estate buyer advisory firm and will help you with his team with everything related to buying and investing in Barcelona.
He is an economist, specialized in finance, member of the Board of Directors of the Spanish Association for Property Finders/ Buyer Agents, ex management consultant, and known from his radio shows and international seminars on the property market and buying in Spain. Raf is a guest lecturer for a university Real Estate Master Programme. Originally from Belgium, Raf lives in Barcelona with his wife and two daughters. In his free time you find him enjoying a glass of good Spanish wine or behind his piano (or both).
Allow us to introduce ourselves
Our MISSION is to make buying in Spain easier for you and to save you time, money and surprises. As a company our extended mission is to make the non-controlled real estate sector in Spain a safer place for buyers and represent their interests, unlike the selling agencies who work for the owner/seller (your counterparty as a buyer) and who -in general- do not require qualification to operate. So: You dream – We take care of the rest!
Our WHY: We experience daily how complex buying in Spain can be and how different it is from your home country. Agencies work differently and can be aggressive in their approach, but also: what contracts to sign, when to pay, language barriers, is this a good property and a good location, is the price not too high, etc. Therefore buying can be a hard-to-understand journey through a minefield and requires expert navigations skills to complete a purchase unscathed, specifically for international buyers. This can be done better, and that´s why we do what we do, that is what energises us every single day: truly help buyers & investors in Spain with everything, finding and buying, with all your doubts, before, during and after your purchase in Spain! We translate a complex process into easy-to-understand language and steps and we make it happen for you. We want that you feel safe and that you can take an informed buy-decision, knowing it is the right decision.
Our HOW: Our team is daily in the market and helps you from A to Z with everything that is related to buying in Spain.
1. Before you buy: we make sure it is a good start and we have the end in mind: feasibility assessment and realistic expectations regarding the properties, locations, investment parameters, the bank, your NIE, timings,… and clarity on the process and way of working.
2. Finding & Buying: We visit with you only the best properties that we have previously selected (big time saving for you and no frustration from wasting time on properties that are not as advertised), we negotiate the price for the property of your choice so you never pay too much, we perform all the checks to be sure that everything is OK, and we take care of the contracts (in your home country the notary might do this, but not in Spain). Remember we´re independent from the sellers, so we give you our honest opinion about the good and bad things of each property to help you evaluate and decide. And on the big day of going to the notary, we obviously plan everything and go with you. You are never alone!
3. After your purchase: we make sure that everything is perfectly in order, that all administration is done so you don´t have to wrestle with the Spanish bureaucracy, and if needed, we help you with renovating or decorating, or renting out your new property.
… And because we are really good at what we do, we have no problem making commitments to success.
That ´s a lot of work and responsibility and therefore we have a team of not only property finders but also financial advisors, lawyers, architects, investment strategy advisors, interior designers, builders, administrative support, etc.
So WHO are we helping? Truly global buyers & investors. Many are from Europe, many other are really “long distance” buyers. People like you who dream of a second (or maybe primary) home to upgrade their lifestyle, or people who want to make a financially intelligent property investment.
What COUNTRIES are our clients from? A snapshot: United Kingdom, the United States, Belgium, China, Germany, France, Sweden, Poland, Italy, Ireland, Russia, South Africa, Australia, Singapore, Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina, India, Malaysia, Spain, the Netherlands, …
What AREAS of Spain do we cover? Barcelona and Catalonia (Costa Brava, Sitges, inland,…)
What our clients say about us:
“It is absolutely impossible to achieve this [finding and buying our apartment] on our own. There are so many things that you need to know and take into account. Very pleased with the professional help and ongoing support in taking care of our new property.”
Oh, and we forgot to mention:
• You will spend less money in total and you get more value for your money compared to what you can achieve alone.
• We have great properties that you can impossibly find yourself.
• You won´t have stress and you ´ll sleep a lot better than doing this on your own.
• You don´t waste time with viewings. We only show you the best properties.
• It´s one of the most important decisions in your life, outside your home country… let´s make it a success and celebrate!
• We strongly believe that a small detail can make a big a difference.
• Our core values: your interests first, rigor, quality, passion for your dream, pragmatism, pure honest independent advice.
Languages: English, French, German, Dutch, Spanish, Catalan, Arabic and Russian.
Here are the different articles written by Raf or for which Raf did collaborate:
Where is the Spanish property market heading for in 2019?
Real estate city trip to Barcelona – Feedback
Barcelona property investment: a Case study
Barcelona apartment renovation Case study
Looking for a general article on the many avantages for buying your Spanish dream home with a property finder?
6 essential reasons for loving your property finder in Spain