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Two roles, two mandates:<\/strong> Seller\u2019s agent markets the seller\u2019s property; property hunter<\/strong> (buyer\u2019s agent\/property finder) represents you<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Who pays:<\/strong> Seller\u2019s agent \u2192 seller-paid commission<\/strong> (in the price). Property hunter \u2192 buyer-paid fee<\/strong> (flat or % agreed upfront).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Market coverage:<\/strong> Seller\u2019s agent = their listings\/network. Property hunter = whole market<\/strong>, incl. genuine off-market.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Negotiation:<\/strong> Seller\u2019s agent optimizes<\/strong> seller outcome. Property hunter negotiates for the buyer<\/strong> (price, terms, timing).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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When to choose each:<\/strong> Selling?<\/strong> Seller\u2019s agent. Buying (time-poor\/abroad)?<\/strong> Property hunter<\/strong> for shortlist, viewing plan, and buyer-side leverage.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Independence:<\/strong> No kickbacks; an independent lawyer<\/strong> handles legal due diligence (fees separate).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Roles & Mandates<\/h2>\n
Seller\u2019s agent (listing agent)<\/h3>\n
In Spain, a real estate agent signs a listing agreement<\/strong> with the seller and is typically paid a seller-side commission<\/strong> at completion. The mandate is clear: market that specific property<\/strong> (photos, portals, viewings), attract qualified buyers, and optimize price and terms for the seller<\/strong>. Listings can be exclusive<\/strong> (one agency controls the strategy) or non-exclusive<\/strong> (several agencies advertise the same home). Either way, incentives are seller-aligned and the agent\u2019s inventory is the starting point.<\/p>\n
Property hunter (also called buyer\u2019s agent \/ property finder)<\/h3>\n
A property hunter signs a search & representation agreement<\/strong> with the buyer and is paid a buyer-side fee<\/strong> (flat or % agreed upfront). The role is to cover the entire market<\/strong>\u2014agencies, developers, private sellers, and genuine off-market<\/strong>\u2014then shortlist objectively<\/strong>, benchmark<\/strong> (price\/sq m, pros\/cons, works), organize<\/strong> focused viewings, and negotiate in the buyer\u2019s interest<\/strong>. Agreements are commonly exclusive<\/strong> for a defined period so the advisor can prioritize<\/strong> your search and avoid conflicts. Best practice: no kickbacks<\/strong> from sellers\/developers (full independence); legal work is coordinated with an independent lawyer<\/strong> (fees separate).<\/p>\n
Why it matters<\/h3>\n
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Who pays:<\/strong> seller\u2019s agent \u2192 seller-paid commission<\/strong> (baked into price); property hunter<\/strong> \u2192 buyer-paid fee<\/strong> for whole-market coverage and buyer-side advocacy.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Exclusivity:<\/strong> makes responsibilities, timelines, and confidentiality explicit\u2014and aligns incentives with your outcome.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Clarity:<\/strong> one client, one fee, one mission\u2014so you know who is truly representing you<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Comparison \u2014 Seller\u2019s Agent vs Property Hunter (Buyer\u2019s Agent \/ Property Finder)<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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Real-estate agent (seller\u2019s agent) vs property hunter (buyer\u2019s agent \/ property finder) \u2014 key differences<\/caption>\n \n\n \nCriterion<\/th>\n Seller\u2019s Agent<\/th>\n Property Hunter (buyer\u2019s agent \/ property finder)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Client<\/td>\n Seller<\/td>\n Buyer<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Mandate<\/td>\n Listing agreement to market a specific property<\/td>\n Search & representation agreement to find and secure a property<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Fees (who pays)<\/td>\n Seller-paid commission (baked into price)<\/td>\n Buyer-paid fee (flat or % agreed upfront)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Coverage<\/td>\n Primarily the agent\u2019s own listings \/ network<\/td>\n Whole market: agencies, developers, private sellers, off-market<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Negotiation<\/td>\n Optimises terms for the seller<\/td>\n Negotiates in the buyer\u2019s interest (price, conditions, timeline)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Deliverables<\/td>\n Valuation, listing strategy, marketing, viewings, offer handling<\/td>\n Brief, market scan, objective shortlist & comparables, viewing route, negotiation plan, coordination with independent lawyer<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Best for<\/td>\n Owners looking to sell quickly and well<\/td>\n Buyers (especially abroad\/short on time) wanting full-market access & buyer-side advocacy<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Limits<\/td>\n Inventory-centric; incentives aligned with the seller<\/td>\n Buyer pays a fee; off-market not guaranteed; legal work billed separately<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n \n\nClient<\/h4>\n
Seller\u2019s Agent:<\/strong> Seller<\/p>\n
Property Hunter:<\/strong> Buyer<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nMandate<\/h4>\n
Seller\u2019s Agent:<\/strong> Listing agreement for a specific home<\/p>\n
Property Hunter:<\/strong> Search & representation agreement<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nFees (who pays)<\/h4>\n
Seller\u2019s Agent:<\/strong> Seller-paid commission<\/p>\n
Property Hunter:<\/strong> Buyer-paid fee (flat or %)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nCoverage<\/h4>\n
Seller\u2019s Agent:<\/strong> Own listings \/ network<\/p>\n
Property Hunter:<\/strong> Whole market incl. off-market<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nNegotiation<\/h4>\n
Seller\u2019s Agent:<\/strong> Favours seller\u2019s outcome<\/p>\n
Property Hunter:<\/strong> Buyer-side price & terms<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nDeliverables<\/h4>\n
Seller\u2019s Agent:<\/strong> Valuation, marketing, viewings, offers<\/p>\n
Property Hunter:<\/strong> Brief, shortlist & comparables, viewings plan, negotiation, lawyer coordination<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nBest for<\/h4>\n
Seller\u2019s Agent:<\/strong> Owners selling<\/p>\n
Property Hunter:<\/strong> Time-poor\/overseas buyers<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nLimits<\/h4>\n
Seller\u2019s Agent:<\/strong> Inventory focus, seller-aligned<\/p>\n
Property Hunter:<\/strong> Buyer fee; off-market not guaranteed; legal fees separate<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
When to Choose Each<\/h2>\n
If you\u2019re selling \u2014 choose a seller\u2019s agent (listing agent)<\/h3>\n
Best when you want maximum visibility<\/strong> and a coherent pricing\/marketing strategy<\/strong> to sell quickly and well. An exclusive listing<\/strong> brings valuation, media (photos\/video\/portals), a pipeline of qualified buyers, and offer management<\/strong> to optimize<\/strong> price and terms. Ideal if you prefer one accountable counterpart<\/strong>, need guidance on timing\/positioning, or are comparing offers.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re buying \u2014 choose a property hunter (buyer\u2019s agent \/ property finder)<\/h3>\n
Best when you need whole-market coverage<\/strong> (agencies, developers, private sellers, off-market), an objective shortlist<\/strong>, and buyer-side negotiation<\/strong>. A property hunter is perfect if you\u2019re short on time<\/strong>, based abroad<\/strong>, or want an advisor who benchmarks<\/strong> each option (price\/sq m, works, risks) and defends your interests exclusively<\/strong>. Also right if portals feel overwhelming, listings are duplicated, or you want a structured viewing schedule<\/strong> over 1\u20132 days.<\/p>\n
Rule of thumb<\/h3>\n
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Already own and want to sell<\/strong> \u2192 Seller\u2019s agent<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Want to buy<\/strong> and value independence, coverage and negotiation \u2192 Property hunter<\/strong> (plus an independent lawyer<\/strong> for due diligence).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Fees & Independence<\/h2>\n
Who pays what<\/h3>\n
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Seller\u2019s agent:<\/strong> paid via a seller-side commission<\/strong> typically baked into the asking price. Incentive: optimize<\/strong> the seller\u2019s outcome.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Property hunter:<\/strong> paid by the buyer<\/strong> on a flat fee or %<\/strong> agreed in the search & representation agreement. Incentive: find the best-fit home at the best price\/terms<\/strong> for the buyer.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
No-kickbacks policy (independence by design)<\/strong>
A true property hunter in Spain<\/strong> should refuse kickbacks\/referral fees<\/strong> from sellers, listing agents, developers or service providers (mortgage brokers, contractors, etc.). That\u2019s our policy: no commissions from the other side, ever.<\/strong> One client, one fee, one mission.<\/p>\nAlignment of interests<\/h3>\n
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Clear mandate:<\/strong> exclusive<\/strong> representation of the buyer<\/strong> for a defined period and scope.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Transparent pricing:<\/strong> fee, milestones and deliverables agreed upfront<\/strong>; no surprise mark-ups.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Separate legal counsel:<\/strong> due diligence by an independent lawyer<\/strong> of your choice; legal fees billed separately<\/strong> to preserve objectivity.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Disclosure:<\/strong> if any potential conflict arises (e.g., a listing within a partner network), it\u2019s disclosed and managed\u2014or the property is excluded.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>
Bottom line:<\/strong> the way fees flow determines loyalties. A seller\u2019s agent<\/strong> is paid to sell that<\/strong> property; a property hunter<\/strong> is paid to secure your<\/strong> property on your<\/strong> terms\u2014without kickbacks<\/strong>\u2014so you always know who\u2019s truly representing you.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
What You Actually Get<\/h2>\n
From a property hunter (buyer\u2019s agent \/ property finder)<\/h3>\n
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Objective shortlist:<\/strong> 6\u201312 candidates matching your brief, each with a summary, red flags, photos\/video, and a clear go \/ hold \/ drop<\/strong> status.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Benchmark pack:<\/strong> price-per-sq-m vs local comparables<\/strong>, estimated works (range), running costs (IBI<\/strong> \u2013 local property tax \/ HOA<\/strong> \u2013 homeowners association dues), and\u2014if relevant\u2014rental yield potential.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Visit schedule:<\/strong> 1\u20132 tightly planned viewing routes (or live video tours), travel-time matrix, checklists, and on-site questions to verify.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Negotiation plan:<\/strong> target price corridor, concessions & timing, protective clauses (deposit, conditions), offer templates; active negotiation in the buyer\u2019s interest<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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