SANTO DOMINGO.– For civil engineer Leandro Pérez, general manager of Punto de Inversión RD, the debate generated as a result of the complaints about real estate scams in the country, rather than affecting investments, strengthens them and makes real estate transactions more transparent.
The real estate agency representative understands that while it may initially cause panic, it is also true that these types of cases provide an opportunity to highlight the existing legal security in the construction and banking sectors.
“And most importantly, it gives us the opportunity to guide people who have saved their money with great sacrifice and want to invest in real estate safely,” he stated in an interview with El Inmobiliario.
Pérez argues that scams are mainly due to a lack of information and are not limited to a specific area, but can occur in any sector of life.
“Neither builders nor real estate agents are the problem; the problem is unscrupulous people in all areas of life. That's why we recommend seeking the help of an advisor, in this case, a professional real estate advisor,” he says.
The investment expert advises those in the process of acquiring a property to consult a specialized advisor, rather than an intermediary.
He emphasizes that while an intermediary only connects buyers with sellers, an advisor offers:
-Legal knowledge: Understands the relevant laws, ensuring transactions are within the regulations.
-Detailed verification: Thoroughly checks the product, guaranteeing its quality and authenticity.
-Customer focus: Work towards total customer satisfaction, not just to close a sale.
The professional assures that choosing an advisor provides security and peace of mind in the decision.
For those starting out in the real estate brokerage business, he suggests that an effective way to protect yourself from "real estate agent scammers" is to work with an agent you already know or who has been recommended to you.
“References from friends, family, or acquaintances can give you additional reassurance about the reliability and professionalism of the real estate agent.”.
He adds that when working with someone new or who has not been recommended, it is essential to adopt a more cautious approach, such as directly inquiring about key aspects of the property: "You should ask about the legal status of the property, the history of the construction company, and the permits it has.".
In both scenarios, he recommends, if the agent avoids or fails to provide the requested information, exercise caution and ensure that the property you are interested in has been properly reviewed and assessed before it is presented to you.
