Testimonials

CASAS ESPANIA TESTIMONIAL

One of the best things we ever did was to visit the ‘Place in the Sun’ Exhibition, where we first came across Casas Espania.  What we liked was no hard sell, no pushing of viewing trips simply lots of advice, freely given.  We were wary of the numerous estate agents that very quickly involved themselves with us once we got to Spain on our own recce trips. 

It wasn’t until July last year that Casas Espania became really involved.  We had got in contact with them whilst actually looking at properties down in the Costa del Sol as we decided on that trip to drive up to the Costa Blanca for a second look at the Torrevieja area. Luckily for us we had brought a  Casas Espania brochure, given to us at the Exhibition and contacted Rachel who remembered us from that show.  She told us to make our way up to Torrevieja and whilst on route in a matter of four hours she had arranged for us to meet her dad and arranged hotel accommodation for us, such hospitality we could not believe. 

That first trip we packed in so much, looking at the many properties Casas Espania had to offer but it was all done in a relaxed fashion and we didn’t feel under pressure. Chris tried hard to tease out of us our wishes and wants but the trip was cut short because we had flights arranged back to the UK. The fact that we hadn’t bought anything didn’t matter, as Chris said to us “it is your move and what is most important is that you are happy.” 

We always kept in touch with Casas Espania and we were always prepared if necessary to go out again to look at properties but nothing was coming up as suitable until several months later during a discussion with Chris, he suggested looking at a new build.  It seemed daunting enough to buy a ready-made house in Spain, never mind getting involved with a Spanish builder and building a brand new home but we took Casas Espania at their word and eventually they contacted us with a builder and a block of land in mind. They knew our wish list and from that believed they had found something absolutely right for us.  Again Casas Espania arranged hotel accommodation.  The next day Gareth took us to the block of land.  We spent a lot of time there discussing its potential and also the style of home, also at that meeting was the builder and his Architect. 

What impressed us about that meeting was the level of knowledge that Gareth in particular showed and we felt very comfortable with all his explanations and how he acted as our intermediary.  It didn’t take us long to realise that this home was exactly what we wanted but there was still the daunting prospects of all the Spanish legalities.  This is where we found that Casas Espania came into their own.  One of the things that they say is that when they work for you, you become part of their family and this is shown up by how close everyone is in their office, it does feel like an extended family rather than a business and as the client we were made to feel at ease. We felt cossetted, in a little bubble, surrounded by a great deal of expertise. 

Once we had decided to go ahead Gareth got on his mobile phone and got the ball rolling for us.  We had nothing at all arranged in Spain but that didn’t seem to matter, Casas Espania dealt with everything.  One of the first documents you will need, to purchase anything in Spain is an NIE number (National ID), it identifies you in Spanish eyes, we hadn’t a clue but Gareth had it all in hand. The next morning he introduced us to a fantastic chap by the name of James who was an expert, well versed in the legalities of obtaining NIE numbers and he did it all for us, filled in the forms, took our photos, took us next door to the Public Office, introduced us to the officials who clearly knew him well, and within an hour it was done, no waiting involved or hassle, we had been told it can take days and days to obtain this document, so you can imagine our delight at it being done so quickly and efficiently and all above board. 

The next thing we needed was a bank account and Gareth took us to La Caixa Bank where we were introduced to the Manager, Javier who organised our bank account and cards and again nothing was too much trouble, everything in perfect English.  Now, we obviously had to pay for this home, so we were then introduced to Casas Espania’s contact, Terry from Currencies Direct.  They were a very easy company to deal with, Terry set up our account and all the paperwork was waiting for us on our return to UK.  The last person and I suppose in many respects the most important was getting hold of a good Solicitor to oversee the purchase, once more, Cases Espania did the introductions and our new Spanish Solicitor Sheila walked us through the legalities of the buying process.  Although the necessary forms were in Spanish we were provided with a full translation in English at every point.  We had several further meetings with the builder and Architect and to make sure we understood this process, we were accompanied by the lovely Yolanda at Casas Espania to help with translation. 

When Casas Espania say you become part of their family, it really is true, as they will not see anything go wrong for you.  They never boasted, pressurised or forced us into a decision that we may have regretted later on; they were simply there to find us our ideal home, whatever that was and to make sure that the buying process was made as simple as possible. Further it doesn’t stop there because as Gareth said on our last meeting with him, “if there is anything you need, and can’t find, come and ask us because we can, don’t be on your own.”  I don’t know any other estate agent that would take so much time, care and effort over a client as Casas Espania have with us and we are continuing to be supported UK end by Rachel who acts as a link between their agency in Spain and us, nothing is too much trouble for her.  All accommodation whilst with Casas Espania was at their expense.  We would not hesitate to recommend this company to anyone looking at buying in the Costa Blanca area.  WELL DONE CA!!!

It has been a pleasure to do this Testimonial and to contact us, our email address is nigelpatrick@gmail.com or kathpatrick@gmail.com                                                                                                                                               

Dated:  23/02/2103