This month we talk to Los Angeles born, real estate/financing guru and legal and tax consultant for Spain with an MBA in Finance and Strategy and a fearless zest for life:

How is your service different than other real estate and relocation offerings?

 I offer strategic real estate and relocation services to expats (I like to emphasize the word strategic).  I provide guidance to expats that live here and those that live abroad that want to do things right and protect their assets.  I´ve worked here a long time and have an American mindset so I understand both parts of the equation.  I can add a lot of value to my client´s situations because I prompt questions that expats may not ask or think about, essentially acting as their spokesperson or confidante.

Stacy gives a talk at a Real Lives expat event

How do you help expats that live in Spain?

Often times I work with expats that have already found their apartment or house and are ready to buy it but need assistance in getting the best financing and/or proper legal representation.    As I have purchased several homes in Spain and was the Relocation Director at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Spain (a Warren Buffett company), I have a very strong network of real estate agents, banks, mortgage companies and lawyers that I work with and trust.   

  Do you also help expats that don’t have the time to find their own property or live abroad and want to relocate here?

Yes, I have a Spanish partner and together we act as a Buyer´s or Renter´s agent.  We do a thorough analysis of our client’s lifestyle and requirements and recommend properties and areas that fit the criteria so as to not waste time.  Once we find the properties that fit, we do a full due diligence on the property to minimize any risk for our client.

Showing a keen sense of aesthetics at the Miró Foundation 

  Where do you see the best deals today?

I see the best deals in boutique hotels, office buildings and commercial properties both in Madrid and outside because often times, these are assets that belong to sole proprietors, families or are inheritances and the owners want out without appreciating the gem they have.

On the residential side, there are fewer deals but you can still find some in Madrid, just outside the most hotly-demanded neighbourhoods.  These fringe areas still offer an opportunity to buy a property for a good price especially if you´re prepared to do renovation work.    

Enjoying Spanish countryside in La Vera

Is there a secondary market besides Idealista?

Yes! It´s quite common for good properties to be sold between agents or with a direct contact to the seller, before ever coming onto the market.   The real estate business here is still very unregulated with a lot of misinformation so you need to move with caution.  That being said, there are still a lot of opportunities out there.   

What is the one piece of advice you would give to someone who lives here or abroad that wants a change?

Start early and have a plan.  Moving to a new country is not easy and requires proper planning from both a real estate and legal and tax standpoint and everybody´s situation is unique.  If you are already live here and you are ready for a change, (whether its buying or financing a property), reach out to me first so I can help you save time, money and headaches. 

Family time with 89 year young Mom

What have you come to appreciate through your personal and professional life?

Savouring the here and now! Cracking open that bottle of champagne gathering dust on my shelf! Making time for the people I really love.

Finding the right home is an art,  like this one from Merry ceramics

What´s Stacy´s magic mantra?

If you are kind,  open to new people  and walk with gratitude, everything else takes care of itself. 

For a complimentary consultation, please email me at stacy@spainlifeplan.com

 https://www.spainlifeplan.com/