Real estate brokers here are really nice. I’ve met four so far, and all of them have urged me to tell them exactly what I want in an apartment. Lots of windows? Kitchen in great condition? No crazy wallpaper and thick lacy curtains? Ok, bueno, good to know.
What I’m most proud of, though, is getting over my fear of calling landlords. I’d been pretty scared to cold-call anyone, convincing myself that they wouldn’t understand me, I’d seem like a dumb American, there’d be horrible gaps of silence where neither of us would know what the other was saying, etc.
Finally I was like: YOU HAVE TO DO THIS. And after two solid days of calling, I have perfected my spiel. I set up appointments and have freaking met brokers, people.
My spiel: “Hola, buenas tardes, estoy llamando sobre el departamento en la Calle X… todavía está disponible?”
Hi Lesley,
My husband and I relocated to DF a few months ago and were set up with an awesome, english speaking real estate agent. I think he works a lot with foreigners through our relocation company. Email me if you’d like his info. Good luck with the search!
Remember your ABCs when dealing with Brokers, Lesley. Alway Be Closing. And give them a solid GFY when they front on you.
Hi Alice: Thanks for the offer! Glad you’re reading. I think we may have found a place, but I’ll let you know if we need your broker’s info.