“FSBO” stands for “For Sale By Owner”, which means that the property is for sale directly by the owner of the property. Many people prefer to buy directly from the owner of the property. They believe that by doing so they may be able to buy at a lower price assuming that the owner does not have to pay the estate agents costs, which in Portugal are generally in the region of 6% (including tax).

Why should I sell my property using AlgarveHomesFinder.com FSBO services?

At AlgarveHomesFinder.com we realize the importance of showcasing your property directly to potential clients who are looking to purchase a property in Portugal and particularly in the Algarve. Most property portals are promoting properties in many different countries, of which only a very small fraction of the potential buyers are actually interested in a property for sale in the Algarve. AlgarveHomesFinder.com is specifically optimized for properties for sale in the Algarve with hundreds of property related keywords that are highly ranked and visible on the major search engines. When publishing your property for sale on AlgarveHomesFinder.com you are targeting THE right people, the active buyers looking to purchase property in the Algarve.

Additionally, it’s now a proven fact that the majority of potential buyers would prefer to purchase direct from the owner of the property. Buyers now understand that there is a very good chance that they can buy at a lower price when the seller is not obliged to add to the price 6% in Agent Fees. By advertising your property using our FSBO services you will receive more enquiries than you would do if an estate agent alone was advertising your property.

How much does it cost to advertise my property on AlgarveHomesFinder.com?

You can advertise your property on AlgarveHomesFinder.com for as little a Euros 99 + IVA. Please go to our property advertising Prices, Features and Services page for full information.

What types of properties can be sold on AlgarveHomesFinder.com using the FSBO services?

Any type of property can be sold through AlgarveHomesFinder.com’s FSBO Advertising Services, as long as the property belongs to you and is located in the Algarve. These properties include in the Algarve: Apartments, Villas, Houses, Townhouses, Building Land and Plots, Developments, Commercial Investment Properties such as Bars, Restaurants, Shops and various Businesses.

Do you offer discounts for listing properties in volume?

There are no special and reduced rates for listing more than one property shown on our Prices, Features and Services page. We would, however, be happy to discuss with you a tailored and discount package for multiple properties or developments. Please contact us for more information and see how we can help you.

What do I get for my money?

Your property will be advertised on AlgarveHomesFinder.com, which is a unique property portal specifically designed to sell and buy properties in the Algarve with maximum exposure to active potential buyers. Optimized using over hundreds of Algarve property related keywords, AlgarveHomesFinder.com is highly ranked in all the main search engines giving your property maximum exposure.

With the help of our FSBO services, your property will be promoted directly to potential buyers who understand that by purchasing direct from the owner they can get the best price possible, therefore you will receive much more interest and enquiries than standard property listings by Estate Agents.

Added to this AlgarveHomesFinder.com has negotiated Special Discounted fixed rates with lawyers across the Algarve to save you €1,000’s on your legal fees when you sell your property, which more than covers the cost of listing your property many times over.

If you seriously want to sell your property in the Algarve faster and save money, AlgarveHomesFinder.com FSBO services represent the best solution.

What are the steps to sell my property myself using your “For Sale By Owner” services?

It’s easy to sell your property using AlgarveHomesFinder.com FSBO services, just follow our simple Step by Step Guide in the Property Seller’s Guide.

What are the benefits of using your “Featured Property Listing” service?

The Featured Property listings are shown on every page of the site and are constantly changing, added to this we only allow a limited number of listings at any one time and whenever a property search is made the Featured Properties matching the search criteria will always be shown at the top of the search results page. By having your property “Featured” you are ensuring it receives maximum exposure on the portal and you are significantly increasing the chances of being contacted by property buyers. For more information please see: Featured Property.

Do you offer other services to help me sell my property in Portugal?

AlgarveHomesFinder.com offers additional services to help you sell your property faster, which include Property Write Up and Photographs, Featured Listing, Professional Photos, Multi-Agents Listing Service, Property Valuations and Surveys, for more information please go to our property Services, Features and Prices section.

What is your “Multi-Agents Listing” service?

This is a service whereby we collect all the information regarding your property before listing it with at least 5 professional Estate Agents in your area. This service not only saved you time and money but ensures that your property is presented at its best and listed with 5 best Estate Agents in your area. Give your property a much higher chance of selling rapidly. For more information please go to our Multi-Agents Listing Service section.

Do I have to pay you a commission?

No, there are no hidden costs or commissions, just a one off listing fee which is more than covered many times over by the savings you will make on your legal fees when your property is sold.

Is AlgarveHomesFinder.com an Estate agent?

No. AlgarveHomesFinder.com is registered in Portugal and specializes in the web based promotion of properties for sale in the Algarve. We dedicate to offering owners of properties in the Algarve with professional independent advice, and delivering unique services that assist sellers gain maximum exposure for their property, with the sole aim to sell their property faster and save money.

Can I use the services of AlgarveHomesFinder.com and an Estate Agent at the same time?

Yes, you can advertise your property with AlgarveHomesFinder.com while listing it with one or more Estate Agents. You are under no exclusivity obligation under your agreement with the Estate Agent(s) in Portugal, so you are free to sell your property in the Algarve in any way you want. By using both our FSBO services to showcase your property and the Estate Agent(s) in the Algarve you are giving yourself the best of both options and maximizing the chance to sell your property faster.

If I want to use an Estate Agent to sell my property as well as your FSBO services, how many agents should I register my property with?

In Portugal there is no official Multi-listing Service that the Real Estate Agents can use, therefore the Estate Agents don’t generally share their clients and property information with each other. This means by only registering your property with one or two Estate Agents, you are restricting your chances of finding a buyer; especially in the current market where there are many more properties for sale than people looking to buy.

Therefore if you want to list your property with an Estate Agent here in the Algarve we recommend listing it with at least 5 reputable agents in your area. For more information about how AlgarveHomesFinder.com can help you list your property with multiple professional Estate Agents, please go to our Multi-Agents Listing Service section.

How will my property be advertised on your site?

Your property will be advertised in the “For Sale By Owner” section on our home page, which receives more visits from prospective buyers than any other section on the portal due to the high demand by buyers to purchase a property direct from owners. If you want to give your property even more exposure we recommend you list it on the Featured Property section.

How to contact AlgarveHomesFinder.com?

Please go to our Contacts Page.

Advertising your property – Your Questions Answered

How do I price my Property?

If you already have your property listed with an agent then you will have an idea of the price, however we recommend that you do some research of your own to find out how much similar properties in the same location are currently for sale at. One way to do this is to search through our property portal and other property websites, alternatively you can request for a Property Valuation to be conducted by a licensed professional.

Please remember when pricing your property that the market can be slow, so if you are in a hurry to sell you will need to price your property favorably to entice interested buyers. Also if you have had your property on the market for some time and have reduced the price, it’s always good to highlight this in your property write up, so that potential buyers can see that the property has already been reduced. Visit “Decide on the Asking Price” in the Property Seller’s Guide for more information on pricing your property.

How important are photographs?

It is essential to have quality photos of your property on your property advert. We recommend to have at least 10 showing the front of the property, the interior of different rooms, garden, pool, facilities and any special features of your property. The more pictures you have and the better the quality of the photos greatly increases your response rate. There is some useful information on property photographs in the Preparation section of our Property Sellers Guide. AlgarveHomesFinder.com can also assist you with your property photos.

What information do I need to prepare before I can advertise my property with AlgarveHomesFinder.com?

You need to have the following information to advertise your property on AlgarveHomesFinder.com:

• Quality pictures of your property (both inside and outside)

• Property write up (description) including location, measurements, size of land (if applicable), asking price, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, etc.

Most of this information you will already know, so you will mainly need to have some good pictures to upload. Remember that pictures, write up and price are the first 3 main elements prospective buyers look at when searching for a property, so a good write up and good pictures are very important to help sell you property quickly. A full list of the information you need can be found on Documents Required When Selling Property in Portugal.

If you would like AlgarveHomesFinder.com can assist you with your property write up and also arrange for professional photos of your property, please go to our Services, Features and Prices section for more information.

How do I advertise my property?

With the help of our FSBO services it is very easy to advertise your property on AlgarveHomesFinder.com. All you need to do is have the basic information about your property and some pictures and fill out the form on the Advertise Your Property page. For more detailed information on advertising your property please visit our Property Seller’s Guide. Don’t worry if you initially don’t have all the necessary information as we will email you your username and password, so that you can update your property listing at any time once it’s been loaded onto the site.

How do I pay for my advert?

We use PayPal® for secure online payments. PayPal is one of the largest and most trusted Internet payment processors and is owned by Ebay®.

Can I make changes to my advert once I have uploaded it?

Yes, once you have paid the advertising fee and submitted your property information, we will create your account onto the site and send you your user name and password. This way you can log onto the site and update your property advert at any time.

Will my contact details be shown on my property advert?

No, your contact details will not be shown on your advert, prospective buyer will fill out the contact form which will automatically forwarded to your email address, then you can contact the prospective buyer directly. This stops you from receiving unwanted solicitation and junk emails.

How long will my property be on the website?

If you opt for the 6 or 12 months advertising packages you will be emailed before the period ends for you to decide whether you want extend or cancel your listing. Please remember to email us when your property has been sold, so that we can take the property off the portal and you will no longer receive enquiries.

Can I upgrade from the 6 months to the 12 months plan?

Yes, you can upgrade from 6 months to 12 months at the time of renewing your plan. Simply contact us with your client’s information and we will assist you upgrade your plan.

Will my email address remain private?

Your email address will remain private at all times, prospective buyers can only make contact with you through the contact form present on your property description sheet. All enquiries will automatically be redirected to the email address you gave us when you registered to advertise your property.

How will you prevent me getting emails from unwanted parties?

Your email address will not be shown to anyone, the only way a potential buyer can contact you is using the contact form associated to your property description sheet. For your protection, this form has a security code which prevents mass emailing from unwanted parties.

How do I find my property advert on AlgarveHomesFinder.com?

When we list your property we issue it with a Unique Property Reference Number which will be shown on your account page. By using the “Property Search” tool present on most left hand side columns of the site and entering this unique reference number, you will be automatically taken to your property description sheet on the portal.

How will people who are interested in my property contact me?

All they need to do is fill out the inquiry form present on your property description sheet and you will automatically be sent an email with all their contact details and any question they may have. You can then contact the potential buyer directly to answer their questions and arrange a viewing of your property.

How do I cancel my listing?

If you have sold you property and would like to cancel your listing all you need to do is send us an email, along with your property reference number and we will automatically cancel your listing within 48 hours.

For more information on Advertising your property with AlgarveHomesFinder.com, please see our Property Seller’s Guide.

Typical Property Selling Questions

Do I need to hire a lawyer in order to sell my property in Portugal?

Yes, you will need a lawyer to sell your property in Portugal. Your lawyer will handle the Promissory Contract, transfer of ownership and control the funds on your behalf. Most people who purchase property in Portugal normally leave all the legal documents with the lawyer they used when they initially purchased the property. Lawyers normally charge 1% plus IVA (VAT) for handling the sale of your property, however AlgarveHomesFinder.com has negotiated special low fixed rates for our clients, saving you €1,000’s when you sell your property even if you don’t sell through us. See Save €1,000´s on your Legal Fees for more information.

Why would a Real Estate Agent list my property if they may not receive a commission?

Real Estate agents have their own marketing channels, so they are normally happy to list your property even if it is being advertised through our FSBO services. When you list a property with a Real Estate Agent in Portugal you normally do not sign an exclusive agent agreement, so you are free to advertise your property with AlgarveHomesFinder.com and as many Real Estate Agents as you want to. If you are thinking to list your property with multiple Real Estate Agents, please read our section on Multi-Agents Listing Service for more information on how we can help you.

Who would show my property?

Most people who own a property in the Algarve have a Management Company who has access to the keys to your property and can open your property to a prospective buyer. There may be a small fee for this so it is best to check this directly with your management company.

If you are working with one or more Real Estate Agents you could also arrange for them to show the property for you and come to an agreement over a reduced commission.

Alternatively AlgarveHomesFinder.com can provide this service for you for an additional charge depending on the location of your property. For more information on this please visit our Keys Handling Service section.

How do I appoint a lawyer to represent me?

To appoint a lawyer you need to sign a document called “Power of Attorney” to give the lawyer the legal right to sell your property on your behalf and sign the necessary legal documents to transfer the ownership of your property.

AlgarveHomesFinder has negotiated special low cost fixed legal fees with professional lawyers across the Algarve for property owners who advertise their property with us. This is far below the normal 1% + IVA (VAT) that lawyers in Portugal normally charge.

Whether you sell your property directly through AlgarveHomesFinder.com or through an estate agent this special rate still applies, saving you many times over the cost to list your property with our FSBO services.

For more information on this please click on the following link Save €1,000’s on your Legal Fees.

What documents do I need to sell my property in Portugal?

To sell you property you need to have the following documents: Passport(s), Tax Number(s), Caderneta Predial, Certidao de Teor, Habitation Licence, last Escritura (Deeds), Floor Plans and an Energy Performance Certificate – EPC. Do not worry if you do not have all the above documents initially as your appointed lawyer can obtain copies for you. A full list of the documents you need can be found on Documents Required by Lawyer.

My property is a little run down, should I consider doing up my property before selling?

This is something you will need to decide, most buyers these days want a property that they can just walk into and use straight away, so new properties or refurbished properties normally sell faster and for a higher price. It does not have to be expensive as may just be a case of a coat of paint and some property dressing by an Interior designer, or you may want to have new bathrooms and kitchen to modernize an older property. AlgarvehomesFinder.com works with professional builders, decorators and interior designers who can advise you and give you quotations, feel free to contact us for more information.

My property is not furnished, if I furnish it will it sell faster?

Properties that are fully furnished with colour coordinated furniture and soft furnishings generally sell much faster than empty apartments or houses that have been cheaply furnished. The property needs to be inviting and homely which will make it more appealing to a potential buyer, resulting in you being able to command a higher price for your property and expect to sell it faster. Whether you are looking to buy furniture or rent it to help you sell your property AlgarvehomesFinder.com has negotiated special rates for our clients. Please feel free to contact us for more information.

Do I need a “Property Performance Energy Certificate – EPC” and how can I get one in Portugal?

Yes, you now need to have a Property Performance Energy Certificate – EPC when selling your property in Portugal. This document has to be presented at the notary at the time of signing of the deeds. To avoid any unnecessary delays, it is advisable to arrange this in advance. AlgarveHomesFinder.com can recommend approved companies to carry out the Energy Performance Certification for you, please contact us for more information.

What should I do if someone expresses serious interest in my property?

Respond quickly to their questions and try to give them as much information as possible about you property. Try to arrange for a viewing as soon as conveniently possible, don’t start negotiating on the price until they have viewed your property and expressed serious interest in buying. Please see the Dealing with Enquiries section in our Property Seller’s Guide.

How do I negotiate the sale of my property?

Negotiating the sale of your property is no different than buying any big ticket item such as a car or house except that you are on the other side of the negotiating table! Providing you follow some simple rules the negotiating process can be easy and stress free, for more information on how to negotiate the sale of you property, please go to the Negotiate the Sale section on our Property Seller’s Guide.

What happens during the closing process?

Once you have come to an agreement with the buyer, you need to obtain his lawyer’s contact details and pass these to your own lawyer along with the conditions of the sale which you have agreed with the buyer. This will include, the price, deposit amount, maximum completion date, whether fixtures and furnishings are included in the sale and any other conditions you have agreed with the buyer. Your lawyer can then draw up and sign the promissory contract and deal directly with the seller’s lawyer right the way through to the signing of the deeds. For more information please see go to the Closing section in our Property Sellers Guide.

Do I need an independent valuation of my property?

If you are confident that your property is priced well in the market compared to similar properties in the area, it is not necessary to have an independent valuation. However some sellers prefer to have an independent valuation to have confidence that they have priced their property well in the market, also if the valuation is higher than your selling price this can be used to show a potential buyer proving to him that he is making a good investment.

What is a “Property Survey” and how will it help to sell my property?

A property survey is a comprehensive survey of your property similar to the Home Information Pack introduced in the UK. This survey normally costs around €400 + IVA and will give you and the buyer a detailed analysis of the legality and condition of the property, thus giving the buyer complete piece of mind. By having an Independent Property Survey conducted, you can show it to any potential buyer. This will give them more confidence to buy and also speed up the sale process of your property.

What Would You Like To Do Next?

Advertise Your Property For Sale