Overseas Estate Agent Gains Consumer Trust the Old-Fashioned Way
According to a survey carried out in Great Britain by consumer watchdog Which? last year, estate agents are one of the least trusted professions, with the only people trusted less being politicians.
"We are the first to acknowledge that estate agents worldwide have a less than satisfactory reputation for honesty and transparency," says Alan Nicolson, managing director of Clear Blue Skies Group S.L., an independent estate agent in the south of Tenerife.
Clear Blue Skies
"That is why every member of staff at Clear Blue Skies is required to sign our ethics statement which is our guarantee to clients of honest and straightforward dealings. This is our way of providing consumers with reassurance of the high standards they will experience when dealing with us."
The ethical statement is a ten point list which includes such features as a commitment to the provision of truthful, accurate and clear information; a promise not to pressurise clients or make them increase their budget against their wishes; and recognition of a responsibility to assist clients after the sale process.
"We pride ourselves on our level of customer care," explains Mr. Nicolson, "However, it's not just buyers who appreciate transparency; it's sellers too, that's why we endeavor to provide an honest service all round. We believe that our portfolio of properties, which currently exceeds 500, speaks for the success we've enjoyed with our work ethic so far."
Rather than claiming to be the biggest or the best estate agent in Tenerife, Clear Blue Skies has decided to let client testimonials and basic facts paint a picture of their business.
"When you visit Tenerife, you will see that many estate agents claim to be members of external bodies or associations, or have won prizes or awards," says Mr. Nicolson. "At Clear Blue Skies we make no such claims. Our opinion is that the only views that count are those of our clients. Anyone can read the testimonials on our website, or if they prefer, they can get in touch with us and we can arrange for them to chat to one of our clients to discuss their experience of buying through us."
In addition to this, Clear Blue Skies have a unique relationship with Kurt Konrad CIA SA, arguably south Tenerife's most prolific builder. The company is the only estate agent appointed by this builder to sell the prestigious Los Castaños, El Faro de Madroñal and Los Girasoles phase one and two complexes.
Luxury villa, Fanabe, Tenerife
"We returned the compliment by selling 10m Euros worth of property in these complexes," explains Mr. Nicolson. "As you can see, we deal in facts; no exaggeration, no false promises, just the truth, presented in an old-fashioned, straightforward way."
Clear Blue Skies also offer a service called 'La Crème de la Crème' which recognises the special needs of individuals who wish to purchase an elite, exclusive property in the south of Tenerife.
"Selling luxury property worth over 25m Euros per annum is no mean feat, but we have achieved this in only three years," says Mr. Nicolson.
"Our highly sophisticated sales team, led by one of our partners, helps buyers find the property of their dreams. We have a selection of around thirty villas and other luxury properties, priced in excess of 500,000 Euros, which works out at approximately £335,000."
With Tenerife enjoying favourable year-round temperatures, the Canaries largest island is still one of Europe's property hotspots to suit a variety of budgets.
"For all of its independence of thought and culture, Tenerife is still part of the economy of Spain, which is one of the most vibrant and dynamic economies in the European community, where investment in property is sound and sensible, with steady growth of around 10%, and no periods of stagnation or deflation," adds Mr. Nicolson.
Clear Blue Skies Group S.L. is an independent estate agent specialising in Tenerife property for sale.
Click here to view the company's range of properties
© PropertyIndex.com 2007 | Last updated: 17 September 2007