What's the best way to choose a real estate agent in Nicaragua?

The best way to choose a real estate agent in Nicaragua is to ask expats who live in Nicaragua for their suggestions. In some areas of Nicaragua there are many agents to choose from and many who speak English. There are other parts of Nicaragua where there may only be one agent who specializes in that area and English speaking agents may be in short supply. 

 

Once you have located an agent, ask questions as to how long he has been in the area, what...

The best way to choose a real estate agent in Nicaragua is to ask expats who live in Nicaragua for their suggestions. In some areas of Nicaragua there are many agents to choose from and many who speak English. There are other parts of Nicaragua where there may only be one agent who specializes in that area and English speaking agents may be in short supply. 

 

Once you have located an agent, ask questions as to how long he has been in the area, what her qualifications are to be an agent and will he show you properties listed by other agents or only those listed by him or her company.

 

Another way to choose a real estate agent is to select one that is affiliated with an international real estate agency- like ReMax, Coldwell Banker and Century 21. These international agencies have completed due diligence on the local agent and agency before granting them the license to use the name. However, there are high quality local agencies that should not be overlooked. They often have more contacts locally and can offer customized service.

I suggest that, in Nicaragua, buyers should always work with an internationally recognized real estate company whenever possible. Currently in Nicaragua there are several franchises such as Remax, Coldwell Banker and Century 21 which have offices in most of the major towns such as Granada and San Juan del Sur.

 

In this way the buyer does have a certain level of legal recourse in the event that there is a problem with a transaction or a brokerage office. Most of these...

I suggest that, in Nicaragua, buyers should always work with an internationally recognized real estate company whenever possible. Currently in Nicaragua there are several franchises such as Remax, Coldwell Banker and Century 21 which have offices in most of the major towns such as Granada and San Juan del Sur.

 

In this way the buyer does have a certain level of legal recourse in the event that there is a problem with a transaction or a brokerage office. Most of these franchise offices report to a Latin American office and must maintain a high level of customer service.

 

 

Just like anywhere else in the world, in Nicaragua it is critical that your Agent understands your needs and is well informed about the properties in the area.  I recommend a brief phone call with your agent so you both can get a feel if there is a mutual understanding of your wants and needs.  

 

Just like anywhere else in the world, in Nicaragua it is critical that your Agent understands your needs and is well informed about the properties in the area.  I recommend a brief phone call with your agent so you both can get a feel if there is a mutual understanding of your wants and needs.  

 

In Nicaragua as in other parts of the world, only 20% of sales is technique. The other 80% is reputation and character.

 

When choosing a real estate agent in Nicaragua, I would recommend going with an agency that has been in the area and knows the area the longest. Choose an agency that has the longest track record and has a reputation that clients can vouch for.  Agencies that have been established for many years can offer a fountain of information that...

In Nicaragua as in other parts of the world, only 20% of sales is technique. The other 80% is reputation and character.

 

When choosing a real estate agent in Nicaragua, I would recommend going with an agency that has been in the area and knows the area the longest. Choose an agency that has the longest track record and has a reputation that clients can vouch for.  Agencies that have been established for many years can offer a fountain of information that just isn't available to someone who's been living here for just a few years.

 

Also, more personalized agencies are committed to clients and finding them the best property possible. 

 

Finally, find an agency that believes that their clients aren't only their clients, but rather neighbors being welcomed into their growing community. 

 

Being a real estate agent is one of the services that is not being regulated here in Nicaragua, so the process for buying real estate here is very informal. Essentially, anyone can sell real estate.
 
Personally, if I were looking for a real estate agent, I would tend to favor franchises that I recognize such as Re/Max, Century Twenty One, etc., which we see in Granada, San Juan Del Sur and I believe in Leon. The reason that I would go to them first is because they have a certain...

Being a real estate agent is one of the services that is not being regulated here in Nicaragua, so the process for buying real estate here is very informal. Essentially, anyone can sell real estate.
 
Personally, if I were looking for a real estate agent, I would tend to favor franchises that I recognize such as Re/Max, Century Twenty One, etc., which we see in Granada, San Juan Del Sur and I believe in Leon. The reason that I would go to them first is because they have a certain ethical standard. However, I would still definitely interview and ask for references. As a foreigner, I would ask for foreigner references. There are a couple of other national real estate brokers here that seem to be doing well so that means they are reputable and their integrity is of higher quality. But personally, I would start with a franchise that I recognize.

 

(Century 21's real estate logo of the marina office in Rio Viejo, Chinandega, north of Leon, Nicaragua, pictured.)

Choosing a real estate agent in Nicaragua can play a critical role in your investment search.  It's definitely a good idea to work with an agency that is reputable, values integrity and that has been based in the area for a long time, but it's also important to work with an agency that will show you everything on the market that suites your goals and budget.  Since there is no MLS in Nicaragua, many agencies will only show you their...

Choosing a real estate agent in Nicaragua can play a critical role in your investment search.  It's definitely a good idea to work with an agency that is reputable, values integrity and that has been based in the area for a long time, but it's also important to work with an agency that will show you everything on the market that suites your goals and budget.  Since there is no MLS in Nicaragua, many agencies will only show you their exclusive listings.  The best agencies know the entire market (not just a few developments or areas), know everything that is for sale within that market and will show you everything that will be of interest to you because they understand that the most important role they play is offering the best service to their clients, not the size of their paycheck.

 

Each area within Nicaragua typically has several main agencies that operate in that area.  I would recommend researching each of them and then jumping on a phone call to discuss details of what you are looking for in your investment with them.  Also, if you have any local contacts in the area or know anyone that has visited the area, it's always great to get personal references.

 

(Beach home Playa Popoyo, Nicaragua, pictured.)

What is the best way to choose a real estate agent in Nicaragua? A great question. Nicaragua is a country that currently has no MLS system, so most agents/companies use an open market approach to listings. So you will see the same listing on various websites with maybe different prices and or descriptions. Some agents in fact have not even seen the property.

 

Some agents will not provide correspondence between owner and buyer, which causes issues such as inflating...

What is the best way to choose a real estate agent in Nicaragua? A great question. Nicaragua is a country that currently has no MLS system, so most agents/companies use an open market approach to listings. So you will see the same listing on various websites with maybe different prices and or descriptions. Some agents in fact have not even seen the property.

 

Some agents will not provide correspondence between owner and buyer, which causes issues such as inflating prices or paying a higher commission than is the norm, meaning the seller and buyer both pay a commission to the Broker.

 

The best way to find a reputable agent is to find an agent that is member of CANIBIR which is the National Chamber for Real Estate Nicaragua.  Members abide by specific rules,ethics, and training. In addition, in Nicaragua there are currently only 10 "Realtors" that are members of National Association of Realtors. Only members of NAR can use the name "Realtor" in their advertising, email signature block etc. 

 

In addition, look for an agent that has further education, that shows he or she has the experience dealing with international clients.

 

Ask around and email as many agents until you are satisfied with the professionalism and experience you need. Also ask your agent back home to refer to an agent in Nicaragua.