“Why do I need an agency when there’s OLX and Otodom?” – we hear this question regularly. And we understand it. In the internet age, it seems everyone can buy or sell an apartment themselves. But can they really? Let us share a few stories from our 10 years of practice.
Story one: Negotiations that changed everything
The Kowalski family found their dream apartment in Salwator. Price? 1.2 million PLN. “Too expensive, but we fell in love” – they said. We took over. After market analysis and conversation with the owner, we discovered he was selling due to urgent cash needs. We negotiated 1.05 million PLN. Our commission? 25,000 PLN. Saved for client? 150,000 PLN. Simple math.
Story two: Disaster avoided
A young couple wanted to buy a “bargain” apartment in Czyżyny. Price 20% below market. Red flag immediately lit up for us. We checked documents – the apartment had an unpaid loan secured against it, which the seller “forgot” to mention. If they’d bought alone, they’d have a legal nightmare for years.
Story three: Time is money
A businessman from Warsaw needed to quickly sell an apartment in Kazimierz. He listed it himself. After 3 months – zero serious offers. We took over. Professional photos, targeted marketing, our client base. Sold in 3 weeks for 95% of asking price. Sometimes speed is more important than maximum price.
What do we actually do?
Market analysis – We know prices of every street, every building. We know what affects value. Recently a client wanted to overpay 80,000 PLN for an apartment “with a view”. We showed him identical one floor lower costs exactly that much less.
Network of contacts – We have clients who don’t yet know they want to buy. Owners thinking about selling. 30% of our transactions are offers that never hit the portals.
Negotiations – It’s art, not science. We know when to push, when to let go. We know psychology of both sides. On average we get 5-7% discount for buyers.
Legal protection – We work with lawyers, know the traps. Check land registries, debts, zoning plans. Boring? Yes. Crucial? Absolutely.
Time savings – Client views 5-6 selected apartments instead of 30 random ones. Doesn’t waste weekends on fruitless visits.
Emotional support – Sounds trivial? Buying an apartment is the second most stressful life moment (after wedding). We’re guides, advisors, sometimes psychologists.
What about costs?
Yes, we charge commission. Usually 2-3% of transaction value. But in 90% of cases client still comes out ahead thanks to:
– Better negotiated price
– Avoided mistakes
– Saved time
– Peace of mind
When DON’T you need an agency?
Let’s be honest. If you’re buying from family, know the market like your pocket, have time and nerves of steel – handle it yourself. We respect that.
But if you value your time, want to avoid costly mistakes and have certainty you got the best possible deal – we’re here for you.
Best compliment we’ve heard? “I thought agencies were unnecessary middlemen. Now I know it’s an investment that pays back.”
In our agency we don’t sell apartments. We help people find homes.
That’s a difference you feel in every transaction.
Eternel – Estate Agency
📍 al. Jana Pawła II 58, unit 2.1, Kraków
📞 +48 577 707 032 (WhatsApp, Telegram)
🌐 eternel.agency
📲 Telegram: @Eterneladmin