4 Questions You Should Expect From Your Real Estate Agent

Following the fundamentals of the real estate market in Malta, in this article, we will delve deeper into what important questions a real estate agent will ask you real when selling or buying property in Malta or Gozo. 

Real estate profession in Malta

Before we begin by giving you some examples of questions, it is important to note and understand that, unlike in other countries, the real estate market on the Maltese islands is a profession. When hiring an estate agent like a RE/MAX Malta associate to help you buy a property for sale in Malta or sell your property, there is a process and honest hard work to provide a genuine service.   

A Malta estate agent work

The first job that an estate agent has to do when hiring him/her to help you purchase real estate, is to validate yourself and the vendor. During this stage, it is important to not hesitate and ask the agent any questions. 

The questions that are asked may or may not sound intrusive but it is important that they are answered honestly. If not, it is likely that miscommunication might occur and might dampen the relationship between yourself and the agent, or you might lose the property you have desired. Furthermore, answers not answered honestly throughout the property hunting process will waste your and the real estate agent’s time.  

Questions to expect from your estate agent

Here are some examples of some important questions you might be asked by an estate agent before buying real estate as a first-time, second-time buyer or property investor in Malta or Gozo willing to get on the property ladder.

1. Have you a property in Malta to sell?

The real estate agent in Malta needs to work out if you are a potential customer and most importantly if the purchase of a new property depends on selling your current home (this may only apply if you already own a residential property in Malta or Gozo).  Obviously, this gives the agent an indication of the strength of your position to buy real estate in Malta.

2. Are you a real cash buyer?

This question mainly relates to the vendor. However, prior to buying the real estate for sale in Malta that you are after, the vendor needs to know if you are able to purchase the property immediately. This is because if you are a non-cash buyer, there is no point for the agent to introduce you to a property for sale in Malta as you are unable to obtain a mortgage within a short period of time. 

Furthermore, if the agent showed you these types of properties and you are unable to buy them, you would definitely be unhappy with the agent. As a result, we have placed this question relatively at the top of this list.

A real cash buyer has the amount of money that is immediately accessible and equals the price of the property. The second type of cash buyer has nothing to sell but needs a mortgage to fund the purchase of his desired home in Malta or Gozo and to pay any unexpected expenses.

3. What stage is your property sale at?

If you are trying to sell your property in Malta but you haven’t had much interest from buyers there may be a reason. It could be because your property is overpriced or that you are not in any rush to sell. 

In this case it may also mean that there is no rush to buy a property in Malta which is an indicator for the agent to show certain properties to you. If you are really keen to sell but you are finding it hard to figure out why there isn’t much interest the agent may be able to value your property and provide you with some tips to sell your property or he/she may ask you to list your property with his company.  

4. Have you agreed or looked at obtaining a mortgage?

This question may sound intrusive; however, it is actually not. If you haven’t done your homework and figured out how much money the bank will mortgage you to buy the hot property for sale in Malta and you view other potential homes assuming you have a certain budget, you may end up disappointed. 

It happens often in the Malta property market whereby banks change their criteria for home loans. Buyers may assume that because a friend has received a certain amount of money for a home loan, they would also receive the same amount of money. But it is not always the case. 

Today, the banks are more careful than ever and it is recommended not only for your sake but also for the agent’s sake to speak to a bank first. You will save your time and you will be able to budget for the purchase.  And hell, you may realise that next year may be a better year to buy because you will be able to afford something more appropriate for your purpose.

Reputable real estate agent in Malta

Nevertheless, it is always recommended to speak to a reputable real estate agent in Malta, be honest with them, talk to the bank and then decide on what you are going to do. A real estate agent will always guide you in the right direction; he/she understands the market and may even assist you in speaking to the bank.

Explore more about how to get the best out of your estate agent in Malta.