9.30 at the Clinic

An appointment was made and a nice young female doctor had a good feel and told me to relax. Easy for her to say. It was digagnosed as inflammation of the epydidimis and not as I feared testicular cancer.

11.30 at the Hospital

Even though this sort of thing is common and not dangerous, I was having them felt again by another very nice young female doctor at the hosptal in Villajoyosa. Diagnosis the same, but still, booked in one week later for an ultrasound and one week after that at the urologist at Benidorm.

Work is Damaging to Your Health

Trouble was I was due to work in the UK before the first appointment, so rang the UK doctor. ” Nothing to worry about, but come and see me when you arrive,” which I did and was duly similarly diagnosed. An ultrasound exam was requested and two weeks on, I am waiting for the appointment.Hope my balls don’t fall off in the meantime…

Mike Pick Ballsearch Costa Blanca

Great Expectations

The thing is, when you live here, you don’t really care if it rains, because you know it will turn bright sooner or later. Global warming seems to be messing things up a little, but whereas in the UK you can’t plan an outdoor barbecue, here you still can with reasonable odds for sunshine.

The Grass is Always Greener?

Every time I go towards Alicante itself, there seems to be more and more plant life on the previously dry and bare hillsides. Further up the line, you don’t get this so much and the land is more fertile. Maybe global warming will create opportunities for growing things, instead of replacing fruit groves with golf courses and concrete houses.

Don’t Leave Your Brains on the Plane

This is more common than you think. Buyers who when in the UK will get a full survey, employ a solicitor and consider the best areas they can afford to live in, often throw all that away and buy blind and unadvised, when they feel the sun on their backs.

Do It Right!

As in any country, if you do your homework and use professionals to safeguard your interests, you will end up as one of the 99% of ex-pats who end up with a house that isn’t falling down, isn’t going to be demolished or isn’t illegal or problematical.

Horse to Water

Some even take advice, then promptly ignore it when they find their “dream home,” offered to them by some unscrupulous agent.

The Old and The New

Details of legality, size of plots and heating matters are glossed over by agents in the case of the older properties, but you could buy “off plan” if you are lusting after a brand new spanking home.

Looks Good On Paper

These residences are often, at the time of signing up, just a bare plot in the desert or up the side of a mountain, complete with glowing, simulated pictures to entince. The tree lined boulevard on the publicity often ends up as piles of rocks with the odd washing machine, literally thrown in. They don’t tell you that your apartment block is going to be overshadowed by another apartment block, or that the small country house in front of you is being demolished, to make way for a three storey edifice, which will be the view from your lounge window.You may not actually get in the house on time, especially as things are relatively static, market wise, and they like to sell them all before completing to avoid paying taxes themselves.

When You Move In

If you do get in on time, chances are you won’t be able to get a phone for a while and some even move in (illegally) with a makeshift “builder’s supply” for electricity and water.

Now For the Good News!

All this need not happen. You need to sort the wheat from the chaff. You have decided to move to Spain to escape bad weather, bad politics and a country that is seemingly going down the nick. If you take the right moves, like in the UK, problems like these can be avoided.

Ten Simple Steps

Stick to this list and you have the best chance of success:

Find out about fiscal numbers, taxes, removals, pets, residencia, currency, healthcare, cars and available facilities.

10) Try to be objective and don’t let your heart rule your head

You could of course get help from a “one stop” company like mine who know good professionals, who look after your interests, who negotiate on your behalf to get the best deal and in the end, save you large amounts of money and heartaches…………

Mike Pick Homesearch Costa Blanca

There are still many northern european residents, itching to escape the cold weather and hoping to move to the Costa Blanca, as soon as their property is sold. Your Choice! Do you really want to wait?

At the moment, however, selling in most areas is difficult, so why not consider rentals as a first move? Let’s have a look at the pro’s and con’s to see what’s best for you..

You Can’t Sell Your House

You might be able to rent it out though. If you are not relying on your equity to see you through your life change, why not think about renting? Apart from new apartments and low end properties, the demand for quality housing in most areas is still there. In most cases, you will get more for your UK property than you would renting in the Valencia region, like for like. Don’t forget there are lots of empty properties here and many have bought off plan, expecting to sell and have not.

Those who want to sever all links with the UK, which I find totally understandable, might want to wait, but apart from in some exceptional areas, you may have to drop to sell quickly. This need not concern you too much as the same savings can be made here if you decide to buy. There is plenty of choice for both buying and renting, if you know where to look.

You Can Sell Your House

You may decide to wait a bit to see if prices drop further, in which case you can move out and rent for a while. You may get to know the area better this way and take time to buy your property

Finding Quality Properties

As with buying, you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince and there are many properties geared up for the holiday market that are not suitable for long term lets. Many are poorly furnished and badly maintained. Many are far to expensive; owners being reluctant to accept that there is a recession going on. Look long and hard and you will find something that suits you at prices from €400 per month upwards, but be prepared for the long haul. Don’t expect to find a gem on a three day visit, like buying you need to take your time and preferably have short listed properties to view before you arrive.

How Do I Do That?

You could go to a couple of agents that will show you a few properties on their books and if you are lucky, find one that suits you. You will pay them a month’s rent for the few hours you spend with them. You will waste a lot of time. Or you could use a home finding service like us, that will charge you the same, but pre-qualify and short list the good ones from all sources. Or, you could come to Spain four or five times instead of once and spend a few grand plus an agent’s fee.

You Know It Makes Sense

Your time is valuable, you want rent or buy as cheaply and effectively as possible. You need someone who knows the area and what is available. Full stop. You need somebody to do the legwork for you. That is what we do, so contact us, details on our website at www.homesearchcostablanca.com

Mike Pick Homesearch Costa Blanca Ltd.,

Please note, we do not do holiday lets!

Corruption? Surely Not!

The plans never got full council approval either and the Mayor and another councillor were banned from voting anyway as they previously sold properties for the company, Grupo Trampolin. Life has its ups and downs I suppose. They are to go to the Supreme Court if they don’t get their way apparently, some may say that they would be complaining that the bribes didn’t work, but I couldn’t possibly comment.

Get Some Help

If you don’t use a reputable, ethical company like ours to help you find your home in Spain, at least engage solicitors and do some research before you buy, particularly off plan. Somebody out their supposing to look after buyers’ interests have fouled up. You know it makes sense!

Mike Pick, Homesearch Costa Blanca

Despite the gloom and doom of the housing markets both here and in the UK, a large removal company has reported that the exodus to Spain has now re-started and they are doing more and more exportation, particularly to the Costa Blanca… This is good news of course, but on the other hand the knock on effect which affects other EU countries has bitten and a shrinkage of estate agent numbers has been in evidence.

Bargains to be Had

House prices here are more competitive and owners are slowly realising that they must price realistically. You can still get a four bed villa for the price of a three bed terraced house in the south east, so what are you all waiting for. Come on in, the water’s lovely!

Mike Pick Homesearch Costa Blanca

When calculating the cost of eating out now in the UK, France and Spain, Spain came out the most expensive, which as we all know who live here is a complete lot of bollocks.

Well Mr Paxman, get your facts right; if you want to eat cheaply, go to my local chinese and have a three course meal with half a bottle of wine for €4.50. Alternatively spend upwards of this somewhere else in increments that suit your budget. Get it right man.

On the same night we saw the usual idiots who sold up in the UK and neglected to translate the building permission from the Ajuntiamente. Surprise they had to wait six months to complete their house. Oh and of course the poor souls employed cowboys who didn’t build properly. That would never happen in the UK would it?

To make me even more frustrated, they went on by saying that if they had kept their big house in the UK they would have made another quarter of a million. Tough! The stupid woman then said she would rather live in a shed in the UK than in their villa near Alicante. Where do they get these people from?????

Mike Pick
Homesearch Costa Blanca

1. Live Longer and Healthier

- the best and healthiest climate in the world. It’s Official - the World Health Organisation say so. An absence of heavy industry ensures low pollution levels and blue skies keep the spirits high. Northern Europeans who move here usually live longer than in their native countries.

2. Lots to do, inside and out

- in this area you can plan a barbecue and have it, go cycling, walking, socialising and golfing without getting freezing cold or soaking wet. You can also get out of the sun or occasional bad weather and join one of the many clubs and associations that abound on this coastline. You need never be bored, or look out of your window at the pouring rain day after day. You can do outdoor things all year round.

3. There are lots of people like you here

- and they are more affable because they are happier and glad to be here. You will meet lots of friends with things in common. Mature people are more respected in Spanish society and the binge drinking culture so prevalent in the UK is rare here. (Apart from the odd English tourist!)

4. Your money goes further

- Even with the recent unfavorable exchange rate scenario, bills are lower with socialising and eating out much cheaper, you can do it more often.

5. Free healthcare

- If you live in the Valencian region, do don’t even have to wait until retirement age to benefit from the health system. Waiting lists are generally shorter and hospitals much cleaner! You can elect to go private or have a top up scheme for prescriptions etc., if you so desire.

6. Why Worry?

- Forget about stupid British politics and dumbed down TV programmes, do something else. Or watch them all on the numerous TV systems available here, if you must.

7. Wonderful Facilities

- You can use the many facilities offered by local authorities in every town. Take Spanish lessons at the Local Casa de Cultura, or use the reasonably priced sports centres, pools and gyms. Take advantage of the relatively traffic free roads and safe railway systems to explore the country and to strike out at others. No need to cross the channel so save on ferries!

8. Property is still good value

- and in a buyers’ market, bargains can be had. Nowhere else offers the facilities geared up to the expat as does the Mediterranean coast and in particular the Costa Blanca. You could buy a better investment in a developing country, perhaps, but you are interested in a second life, not in how much you will leave to your relatives! Rents are also cheaper, so you don’t have to buy or even sell your UK property to sample the life. Do your other countries of interest have the infrastructure now present in Spain, or are they still in the third world? Are they easy to get to? Islands can be expensive, restrictive and get boring after a while! Try a month on Malta! Arggghhh.

9.You could do something completely new.

- Try sailing, diving, bowls, horse riding, or start a small cottage industry from your home. Learn to play the guitar! Go mountain walking! Kick sand in bullies’ faces or laugh at fair haired people frying on the beach, it’s fun!

10. Home from Home

- You could stay at home in the UK and be a foreigner. Might as well be one here, it’s good to be a minority! Get your own back!

Mike Pick = Homesearch Costa Blanca

according to our sources at the currency exchange companies. We always recommend buying ahead when close to completion…Sometimes you just can’t win and when you have your money available, time can be critical. A recent client contacted a currency exchange company half an hour after we did, to confirm the deal. He lost £800 in that half hour.

Nobody has a crystal ball and many speculators and so called experts have gone bust playing the money markets.

On the bright side, if you are looking for property, then prices are falling and there is little activity, so you could probably recover any losses from exchanging currency if you are prudent. You could always rent for a while and see how things go.

Not all buyers are British and there are lots of euro toting foreign types who do not suffer from our British problem, so the property market here may not suffer as much as we Brits think. You need to know when prices are inflated, where the bargains are and how to find the best rented property in the area. That’s where we come in………

Mike Pick Homesearch Costa Blanca

Like any large or small investment, you need to be selective, employ the right people to advise you and take all possible precautions, so that you don’t pay too much, or end up with a property which gives you problems in the future.

Some People Don’t Like Paying

A parallel exists in the Financial Services Industry, where investors would rather pay commission often amounting thousands over a five year investment period, for advice, rather than paying a fee up front. Which do you think would be the most unbiased advice? Financial advisors are monitored by the FSA or similar bodies, so advisors should not in theory choose the products with the highest commissions. The same punters however, accuse advisors of doing so; even though this way of working is encouraged by them.

Don’t Come Crying to Me!

Although I may seem heartless, I have little sympathy with people who will not take advice unless it is free, or given to them in bars by barrack room lawyers, or by estate agents who are “really helpful,” only to find themselves in the dung. Those who refuse to pay for professional help ask for trouble, particularly in Spain, where regulation is minimal as regards property. It is true that the Notary now takes some responsibility to see that there are no outstanding bills etc., on your property, but they don’t really care if you get good value, pay excessive commission, or are told a crock of s**t about its letting potential or future value.

Leave Your Heart at Home

You may see a house which you or your spouse or partner really loves and it is decorated how you like it and you can just move in etc., Many people will buy, driven on this impulse. It is important to like your future home, but you have to stand back and investigate it properly. Look at others that meet your criteria and don’t rush. There have been buyers who come to Spain on a weekend visit and are pressurised into buying a new house on a development, without even checking what is available elsewhere.

Head Em Up and Move em Out

An acquaintance of mine was a part of this marketing machine in Denia and confessed to us that he had to keep his clients with him all the time, so that they did not walk down the road and see the same property for less money. So that’s why they are so hospitable and look after you so well! Not that there was anything wrong with these new properties, apart from the inflated price.

How Much!!??

You can also find widely differing prices for the same resale properties in different estate agents. Commission may be agreed at 5% but it is common for agents to “add a bit on,” that bit being sometimes more that a bit, if the market will wear it.

Exchange Rates

If we were in the euro, we wouldn’t have to pay for exchange and run the gauntlet of money market speculators. But there you are, blame Blair or whoever is the PM at the moment. ( I don’t think of such things). The recent drop in the pound’s value against the euro is not affecting any other european buyer, so the effect on prices here is minimal. What is affecting the market here is that less people are buying and it tends to be the people who want to live or holiday here, rather than the speculators, who have wandered of to Monrovia or Sciatica or some place in the desert. I am told that people in the UK are leaving in droves (The natives) and a favourite place to go is Spain, for reasons explained elsewhere. How do you get round the ER problem then?

Buyers’ Market

For the price of a one bed flat in London, you can still buy a three bed villa on the Costa Blanca, so what are you complaining about? If you now live in less affluent areas, you still have comparable buying power here. If you manage to sell your property in the UK for a reasonable price and then come here, you can shop around, make offers and benefit from the slow market. You should be able to find good value for money and if you only have 200,000 euros, don’t go looking at mansions on the headlands.

You Need Advice,

I would say that wouldn’t I? That’s what I get paid for. Yes, I charge for my services, because as they say on the adverts, “because I’m worth it.” You could save my fee and come here six times, before finding the right property after trawling through the misrepresented ones. You could spend more unneccessary time organising the purchase, negotiations and move. You could buy a dog, or a property with poor insulation, or a septic tank that doesn’t work. It’s up to you.

Mike Pick, Homesearch Costa Blanca