Real Estate in Malta An Online observation!
Ever since I set out to look for an apartment in Malta four months ago I have finally managed to get one and I thought it could be a good idea to write an exposé after exchanging emails with some of the estate agencies. Here we go
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Doors Real Estate Services (Mr. Maurizio Cavallaro)
Out of all the estate agents I emailed This man is a cut above the rest. Mr. Maurizio Cavallaro is relentless; he works as if his life depends on it. (We even had a Skype chat a few times and his telephone manners are something to be proud of) He will send you countless emails and he will never ever fail to reply. Too bad that we couldn't find an apartment with my specifications but if I had to do it all over again. I would use Mr. Maurizio Cavallaro in a heartbeat. I didn't want this review to read like a slam dunk for Doors Real Estate Services, but if something is that good. You have to highlight the merits.
Maltese Island Properties & Marcelle Mintoff
These two were recommended by my currently Landlady Lucy before she becomes my landlord (Don't worry I will tell you how fate intervened) Despite limited website listings This 'little firm'', Sorry I am calling it little because I had never seen it mentioned anywhere until Lucy pointed it out. Hats off to Ms. Marcelle Mintoff she will send you an email at 01:00 am if she has too from her Samsung Galaxy. She is relentless and she won't give up no matter how many 'NOs'' you're going to dish out. Would I use their service if I had to? - YES.
Remax Real Estate
I first emailed them 4 months ago about some of their apartments on the website. Don't get me wrong, they have one of the best website among all the agents. The pictures on the website are enticing and it won't take you a minute to email them. I inquired on about 5 properties No surprise there, all the properties were unavailable. However, a lovely lady named Sue Carabott sent me an email to see if she can make a sale. After two emails, she realized I wasn't due to go to Malta sooner than she anticipated Email communication was subsequently terminated. Nonetheless, after three and a half months she had the nerve to email me two days ago (Thursday this week) inquiring if I still need an apartment. She sent me pictures of a proposed apartment, 100 euros off my budget despite clear instruction. I gave up after that.
Dhalia Real Estate
This is a snapshot of the email I received from Mr. Darren Abela. I don't know what to make of it but it was clear enough to indicate that they don't deal with online trollers unless you're in Malta. Basically don't waste your time with them because once in Malta you can look for a private Landlord.
' We don't usually take bookings unless yourself or a relative would come and see the property physically, the only reason being that we had some bad experiences in the past and we had decided not to do it anymore, unfortunately photos can be very deceiving. Also most of the owners would want to meet the actual tenant before committing themselves. I would really suggest that you book a hotel for 3 nights and I'll show you what we have available at the time and you can move in start away''
Simon Mamo Real Estate
Again properties listed on their website are never available but Jean Galea sent me an email inquiring if I was already in Malta. Once I said I wanted everything to be sorted out prior to my arrival hence the inquiry he/she seemed less interested. Emails dried up and nothing ever since.
ENGEL & VÖLKERS SARA GRECH
Sent them an email in the beginning of May This was the reply below form Mr Henri Barden and he has never updated me ever since.
' In relation to the apartments that we have available to show you, please be aware that the rental market is very liquid and so we will have the best chance of finding the right property closer to the time of rental. I will provide an
Update of the properties that are available mid-May which will give us plenty of time to find the right property for you and your wife '
Is the gentleman supposed to do a follow up or not? I believe in business if there is a potential client, the onus is on the service provider to chase you not the other way round.
Later on I received this email from Danika Formosa
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'' I hope this email finds you well. I believe my colleague, Henry Barden, has been in contact with you. However he is no longer associated with the company and hence your details were forwarded to me. Can you kindly inform me if you are still looking for property, please? If you are, I will be happy to show you around''
CLEARLY I HAVE LITTLE PATIENCE FOR SUCH DRAMA.
Frank Salt Real Estate
I sent them an email (4 5 weeks ago) They did send me an acknowledgement email (computer generated) saying someone would get in touch but I am still waiting. I don't know who is the manager or who operate this shadowy company but something has to change. Maybe they're too big to fall But so was Northern Rock and HMV!
FINALY I GOT MY LOVELY APARTMENT
I got my lovely apartment through one of the members here (mantonas (Toni) He is the cool Portuguese guy who supports Benfica FYI I hate Benfica. LOL) by a private landlord named Lucy. Everything went smoothly and all details were agreed within a week with no deposit to pay. The apartment is within budget and I am happy like a fat kid with a kit Kat.
Conclusion If you're looking for a house/apartment to rent in Malta this forum is your best bet. There is so much useful information here. You might not get what you want right away but if you ask and quiz some of the seasoned experts on this forum you won't be disappointed. (FYI These guys are seasoned and fragile, handle them with care, sometimes they might throw in a joke or two. But be patient with them We don't pay them and we have no right to ask what is beyond their means. They won't find you a football team nor buy you a ticket to the moon. But what they will do Is give you solid advice and sometimes offer to help you physically ( i.e. - toonarmy9752 & socialwhirl offered to go and check out the apartment I wanted to make sure it fits the bill) Seriously most of us are strangers here but some actions are plausible at best. Redmik (Another seasoned member) has contacts for a new Real Estate agency opening up soon with supposedly ethical morals As I said, if something is recommended by these guys best to give it a try. When I say quiz them, I don't mean hounding them, some of them might have pacemakers and we don't want to lose our valuable members yet.
NB: - This is an exposé after dealing with these agents online Their services might be different if you walk into their physical offices. However if online services are diabolical (maybe that is a bit harsh) Why would you go into their office? It's a no brainer!