Why do you need a realtor in Turkey?
The topic is hackneyed and discussed a million times. Someone argues “for”, someone “against”, arguments and eternal disputes never subside on the Internet.
Therefore, it's better to explain everything with a real example, so get comfortable :)
Last week, we closed a major and serious deal - commercial property in Antalya with a significant value, already occupied by a powerful tenant - one of the largest grocery store chains in Turkey, "BIM".
Let's say the deal was not easy and smooth, because properties of such value are not easily sold. And here, the involvement of a professional can not only save the entire deal but also ensure the best price for the client.
If a client, especially a foreigner, goes directly to the seller of Turkish real estate, whether it's a developer or an individual, they are already starting the game at a disadvantage, at least 0-2.
Unfortunately, it's not in their favor...
The Turkish seller sees a foreign buyer in front of them, and the first thing they think is, "How much can I sell my property to them for?"
Certainly, they are not thinking about the buyer's interests, right? It would be naive to think that's possible...
In other words, the buyer needs someone from the start who will ADVOCATE for their interests in this unfamiliar country.
To know the real value of the property, to understand the state of the market, whether it's going up or down, to understand the position of the seller or developer and the discount that can be negotiated.
Furthermore, if your realtor is a professional, they will enter the scene on YOUR SIDE.
They know how to communicate and negotiate with Turks correctly, to avoid getting stuck in the process but at the same time, achieve their own goals.
A realtor in Turkey acts as a BUFFER who takes the blows from both sides, softens them, conveys each party's position to everyone involved, and ensures that no one loses face.
So, this deal lasted at least a month. When we first approached the seller, the parties discussed the matter and talked about the possible discounts.
The seller made some concessions, but not much, while the buyer wanted a larger discount.
And that's when the most important and interesting part begins. As a realtor, you communicate with the seller, hinting that the client is considering many other options, that they don't have enough money, and therefore, a larger discount should be given.
You understand the limit at which your client wants to buy the property, and you do everything to bring the result to that figure.
The buyer goes back home, and the process of besieging the seller begins.
You have coffee and Turkish tea with him, have breakfast together, to talk about life, and at the end of the conversation, push him again towards the desired result.
He offers a small discount again, you laugh and say it's just not serious.
You pretend to fully agree with the seller but there's an unfortunate circumstance - the buyer is a difficult type, and what can you do about it?
Finally, after 20 days of behind-the-scenes struggle, the parties agree on a new discount and price.
The buyer returns to Turkey for the paperwork, and here's the problem - they want a little more discount again!
This is the final act. The curtains fall...
If the parties were left alone, they would have sent each other away long ago.
But once again, it's up to you to find a way out.
To come up with a pretext about the area of the property, to try and change the price for the SECOND time under the pretext of square footage.
In general, this is almost impossible in Turkey - after all, sellers are serious people too, each with their own pride, ambitions, and sense of self-respect.
And again, it is specifically you who acts as the lightning rod and the mediator, bringing together bridges that seemed to be permanently separated.
Again, you drink coffee and Turkish tea with the seller.
Again, you talk about life.
Again, you do everything for your client to make the deal happen.
The parties diverge, and everything needs to start over.
And then, once again, you take control in your hands and do what it takes for the Seller to finally give a discount. You reduce your already small commission a little so that the Buyer and the Seller find a middle ground and come to an agreement.
And finally, it works!
The Buyer receives a substantial discount of 300,000 lira, and the Seller agrees to it as well.
Of course, all the documents have already been checked in advance, and it's just a matter of completing the transaction.
Do you think it's easy when it comes to a considerable amount of money? Not at all!
To pay the secure portion through the bank, resolve the issue of cash payment, wait in the car with that money outside the entrance to the Tapu - because the parties, not fully trusting each other, simply HAVE TO trust someone else; otherwise, the deal just won't happen!
And, of course, they choose you.
To happily leave the Cadastral Office after signing and thank you for your work!
The Seller shakes hands and leaves, the Buyer gladly pays you your commission because they understand that you were on their side and saved them a lot of money.
That's how the services of a PROFESSIONAL REALTOR in Turkey look.
The most important thing is to find them among the vast number of people who try to engage in this without the necessary knowledge, understanding of two such different cultures, and, most importantly, without the necessary principles of work and business conduct.
That's why I know for sure that a true professional in Turkey will not only save you a lot of money and time but will also make sure that you are satisfied with your purchase not only immediately after it but for a long time to come.
Good luck to everyone, and see you soon!
Sergey Volchenkov,
Director of Development at TOLERANCE company.
