What is a Real Estate Personal Shopper, and When Should You Consider Hiring One?

In many real estate markets worldwide, it’s common for buyers to work with a dedicated agent to find the right property. But in Spain and France, things work a bit differently—especially for those looking to buy in sought-after regions like Girona, Costa Brava and the South of France. Here, many real estate agencies don’t cooperate with one another, which means they may not share their commission with an agent representing the buyer. As a result, buyers are often left to navigate the market on their own, or they have to rely on the listing agent, who ultimately represents the seller’s interests.

This approach can create some challenges, which is why Solena Global Realty offers a Personal Shopper service for buyers. Our goal is to make your property search in Spain more seamless and successful by providing expert support and advocacy.

Why You Might Think a Personal Shopper is Unnecessary—and Why We Think You’ll Change Your Mind

For international buyers especially, paying for a buyer’s agent can feel like an unusual idea. In many countries, it’s customary for the seller to cover both the listing and buying agent’s fees. However, hiring a Personal Shopper can be a game-changer when navigating France and Spain’s competitive and sometimes complex markets, where the structure of real estate transactions can be a bit unique. Here’s why it’s worth considering:

1. You Don’t Have to Rely on the Listing Agent Alone: While the listing agent can provide some property information, their primary responsibility is to the seller. This means their goal is to achieve the highest sale price and terms favorable to the seller—not necessarily what works best for you. When you work with a Solena Personal Shopper, you have an advocate who represents your interests and focuses on finding the best value, property, and terms for you.
   

2. Access to a Broader Property Selection: When navigating the Spanish or French market alone, buyers often miss out on valuable listings simply because not every listing is marketed publicly. Our Personal Shopper service expands your access to off-market and exclusive listings. We also stay on top of properties as soon as they’re available, giving you an edge in a fast-moving market.
   

What Our Personal Shopper Service Offers

Here’s what you can expect when working with Solena’s Personal Shopper service:

• Property Sourcing with Precision: Based on your unique needs and lifestyle, we conduct a comprehensive property search tailored to your preferences. We take the time to understand your budget, desired location, and must-have features, ensuring that every property recommendation is worth your consideration.

• Video Tours to Bring Properties to You: Especially helpful for international buyers, our Personal Shopper service includes video tours of shortlisted properties. This lets you explore each property in detail from afar, so you can feel confident in your decisions before even setting foot in Spain.

• Advocacy During Every Step of the Purchase: Negotiating with sellers and navigating local regulations can be challenging without local expertise. We handle every step of the transaction with your interests at the forefront, from securing the best price to ensuring the final paperwork is in order. Our goal is to take the stress out of the buying process, giving you peace of mind from start to finish.
  

Why Solena Global Realty?

At Solena Global Realty, we believe that buying a property in Spain should be an exciting and enriching experience. Our team brings decades of international real estate expertise to help you find your perfect home, whether you’re looking for a primary residence or a holiday escape. We prioritize trust and ease, so you can feel confident knowing you’re supported by knowledgeable professionals who understand what’s at stake in a major international move.

Ready to see how a Personal Shopper can transform your property search? Contact us to discuss your goals, and let’s start this journey together!