Getting to know Núria
If you’re new to Barcelona, the real estate process can be daunting but with a real estate consultant that speaks your language and understand the local culture…you’ll be well taken care of!
Tell us a little about yourself?
I’m Swiss and Spanish. My siblings and I grew up traveling back and forth visiting our extended family in Barcelona while growing up in Switzerland. I moved to Barcelona permanently in 2009. I speak five languages well (German, Spanish, Catalan, English, and French).
I received my university degree in Business Administration and my Masters in International Trade. I’m a licensed Real Estate Agent since 2016, where I lend my expertise in property management and solely help Swiss/German speakers purchase property.
I’m a hard working and open-minded person. I love to meet new people and help my customers in their real estate questions and help them navigate through the purchasing process. Being well versed in the German-speaking, Spanish business cultures and the ability to speak easily with others are my strong points. I’m also involved in many social groups in Barcelona and therefore well connected. Since I have an excellent understanding of Barcelona’s twists and turns and valuable knowledge of the local intricacies, I am a great asset to my clients.
What did you study?
Bachelor in Business Administration (Fribourg, Switzerland and Monterrey, Mexico)
Master in International Trade (Barcelona, Spain)
Postgraduate course as Real Estate Agent (API) (Barcelona, Spain)
What are the most usual things you help your clients with?
Due to the language issue, most of my North European and North American clients need help with translation and interpretation of the buying and renting process of their flat. Not only the language, but also the culture makes it very difficult process for foreigners and this where I’m most needed.
Besides the language, clients hire me to look after their second home in Barcelona. Property management includes sorting out any issues with the utility companies, ensuring their properties are running smoothly whether it’s an income property or personal second home. It provides peace of mind while they are away.
What are the top 3 things that your clients get surprised about when renting or buying in Barcelona?
CWhen renting a flat, most people don’t know about the tax ITP (Impuesto sobre Transmisiones Patrimoniales, Tax on Patrimonial Transmissions- the transfer tax), which has to be paid, and feel surprised.
(See the article on «Renting a flat in Barcelona: Important legal aspects to consider» for more information about this.)
Also often they don’t understand the difference between the legal deposit and additional securities the owner can ask for.
Once finished the rental agreement, the tenant doesn’t know that the owner needs to ask for the legal deposit back from the corresponding entity. The owner doesn’t have the money at his disposal right away. And they neither know that his process of reimbursement can take between 4 and 6 weeks
(You can read more about this in my article «Your rights as a tenant: Important aspects when renting a flat in Barcelona.»)
Owners of second homes are not always living in the apartment and they don’t check regularly their electricity, gas and water bills. That is the reason why often they don’t see that the invoices are based on estimated consumption. In that case, it’s important to call the companies and change the invoices to the real consumption and this is where my services are involved.
If you have any questions regarding the renting and buying process, feel free to contact me and set up a consultation.
I’m happy to help!
Núria Ventura Meyer