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I don't know anything about relocation agents, I sold my house in July 2024 through the Inland Villas agency in Sax, Alicante, Mr David Fraser, proprietor.

This is what I have learnt:

Bring your own translator, use your phone. There are apps available that translate conversation and text. In house translators can not be relied upon.

Do not conduct any communication via WhatsApp. The sender can access your account and delete what they wish. Use email, you will have a copies that can't be meddled with.

The signing of the initial sale document is likely to be in the estate agent's office. Make sure you get a copy of the document. If there doesn't seem to be one, use your phone to translate and take a photograph. Better still - don't continue with the transaction.

Ideally, you want to meet the prospective purchaser/vendor. You need to ensure that the "sale" price and "purchase" price are the same.

Insist that you get the agreed deposit at the time of signing the initial sale document and use a bank transfer to send or receive the money, don't use cash.

Most properties are listed with multiple agencies, so if you don't feel comfortable with an agent, go to someone else. If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't right.

If you do at some point decide to buy, this information may be of value to you.

Good luck with your move. Spain is wonderful.

@Devonlass

Thank you very much for your response and for sharing your ideas as any and all information is useful.

James

@seamus452

I reckon you can do it all yourself using a big property site like Idealista, especially as you know which area you want to move to. It has lots of listings (both rentals and sales) all over Spain, so you can quickly see what kind of property you can get for your budget.

Thank you for the info and advice.

@seamus452

An agency called [link moderated] was recommended to me by an expat in central Portugal. This agency offers services such as assisting with VISA applicants and obtaining a Portuguese Tax Number (NIF) to open a bank account. You can check out their website and see if they have what you're looking for.

@seamus452

Hi, we used a reputable real estate agency (Engel Volkers) for a purchase in Madrid (and we're able to get a Golden visa). My parter and I moved 1.5 years ago.  Many times we have said, "my god, you would think we are the first American expats - ever- to move to Spain".  And that is WITH help from Tax specialists (US and Spanish) AND a consultant for all things related to the Golden Visa.  This is despite the fact one of us is a doctor and the other a financier and both well traveled and we lived in Mexico for 12 years.  We thought our life experience prepared us for any move.  For us buying the house in hindsight, was the easy part. Taxes, Health insurance (good care), Banking, GoldenVisa/ Residency and the dreaded conversion of the US drivers license to a Spanish license (yes..dreaded, unfortunately you will most likely find out what I mean) are the obstacles that are more a pain.  Anyway, good luck and enjoy the ride.