Quote:
Originally Posted by RalphJ
JM;
Given that all european agents aren't crooks and con-artists, but let me tell you something about Brazil....and I'm sure that most of you are well aware of this. First of all, you need to understand that I've been living in the same city in Brazil for 10 years, and started visiting numerous years before that. I speak fluent portuguese like a "nordestino"(northeasterner), matter of fact when I meet Paulistas and Gauchos they laugh and say they've never met an american with a "nordestino" accent when speaking portuguese. My only child was born and being raised here. I've been married and divorced here. Currently have two businesses and had another. I know a LOT of people, including many politicians in past and current administrations, as well as the people at the various markets, gas stations, telephone companies, etc, etc,etc.
The point I'm trying to make is that I am as much as a "local" as you will find being a "gringo". And unfortunately it took me numerous years to become known in the city where I live but most importantly to "learn the ropes", as they say, in not only doing business, but to "learn" the local rates on everything from taxicab rides to beachfront land, to construction and building costs, to fruit at the market during the different seasons.
The point I guess I'm trying to make, which is no big revelation, but is that when most here in Brazil see a gringo coming, they think we're all millionaires. And their 50 centavo agua de coco turns into 5 dollars. I just love it when people here start selling things in "dollars". Thank goodness this rarely happens to me anymore in Aracaju...but does still happen. And when I open my mouth and they think I'm a brazilian from the south, because of my appearance only, because my accent is one from the northeast, then the negotiation process takes an abrupt detour. So, although you may have honest agents in England, the chances of them selling for market prices that exist here in Brazil are slim to none and not necessarily because the agents are inflating the prices, but the prices are more than likely being inflated somewhere along the line. Either from the developer, or local agent, to the international agent, or elsewhere in the sales chain.
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I know exactly what you mean Ralph, I get the same thing when going back to Portugal. I speak Portuguese with a noticeable Madeiran accent (unless I force a Lisbon, Porto or Brasilian accent). I speak German with a Bayerisch accent and Spanish with an Andalucian accent.
I wasn't pitched any 5 dollar coconut water but at the start of our week in Brasil, the chap from sales was buying necklaces for 25 R$ whereas at the end of the week he was getting the same thing for 5$. But that happens to an extent everywhere around the world. A benefit for those of us who speak Portuguese is being able to check prices from a distance before meeting the people face to face to negotiate terms.
However there is a vast difference between offering product at inflated prices and intentionally loading the price with the intent of stealing money and swindling clients. All I'm reminding GW of, once again, is to have the slightest manners and be polite. If he has any factual evidence that an agent is intentionally misrepresenting clients then by all means, shout it from the rooftops. But the sweeping statements are childish and irresponsible.
You are European and work in real estate.