The prices keep on going down!?

The tendency is not changing. The latest data published by the Spanish Ministry of Housing show that the prices keep on going down. Although information on Benahavis is not included because the population is lower than 25.000, we can use and compare the information for Marbella and Estepona. We could feel that those were going to be the results but I was not expecting such a reduction. We have commented many times the situation internally and with other collaborating agents: we feel a lack of confidence on the buyers -- they see a lot of properties looking for the missing bargain but when they do not find it, they think they should wait some more for the prices to go down even more or even when they find what they were looking for, they think they should reconsider the situation. It is not easy for us, lots of work for the same results but the only way to survive in this market situation is to keep on working hard in the most professional way. When you achieve that, the results arrive.

What is going to happen in the future? I do not know if anyone knows it but I think we will need a little bit more time for the market to stabilize. For the private sellers, the situation is not the best one and it is really complicated but things may, or not, get even worse if the banks are obliged to sell their properties to market values or even lower than that. A lot of things may affect a really sensible market so it is quite difficult to predict even the near future.



My Professional Resume

Education

I do not come from the real estate world although I have a family background on the field. I received my Engineering degree as Naval Architect and Marine Engineer from the Polytechnic School of Madrid in 1992. Wanting to explore the world and looking for the best, I obtained two additional Master degrees in Naval Architecture and Material Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This engineering baggage gave me the opportunity to start on the Offshore Construction participating in huge projects. In just two years I was nominated as Engineering Manager of the Offshore Division of the Spanish building company Dragados. The engineering of two of the key projects for this company was conducted by me: the Snorre B Platform (a 23.000 tons semisub gas platform) and the Oresund Link (the connection between Denmark and Sweden via a tunnel, an artificial island and a bridge). 







Experience

After leaving the offshore business, I came back to Marbella, my birth town, to manage the family business. A real estate group of companies dedicated to the development of land in the area of Benahavis. The companies were quite successful in the early years of the last decade.

In 2008, I was approached by the brokers of RE/MAX Eralia, Leonardo Cromsted and Hector Tramullas, to join the company. The proven systems and the different working philosophy of the company that sells more real estate in the world attracted my attention. RE/MAX is about proceedings, marketing, customer service and formation. Since then, the partnership is working smoothly. I have been nominated as the best associate agent of RE/MAX Eralia in 2010, have been the third in the Spanish ranking (among 500 associate agents) and have been even invited as key speaker in the RE/MAX European (+10.000 associate agents) Convention. That is in just two years! A lot of things to come!





Professional Awards

  • Best RE/MAX Eralia agent in 2011
  • Member of the RE/MAX 100% Club
  • 2nd best RE/MAX Associate Agent of Andalucia -- 2011 
  • Key Speaker at the European RE/MAX Convention in Vienna 2010
  • Top 10 in the Spanish Ranking (among ± 600) -- 2012 
  • Council of Residential Specialist Designation (CRS) - 2013
  • 2nd best RE/MAX Associate Agent of Spain -- 2013
  • Panelist on the International Real Estate Market at the Real Estate Convention Inmocionate 2013.




Alfonso Lacruz at the RE/MAX Collection Group Meeting in Cannes

Some of the best RE/MAX Collection offices of Europe have constituted what we call the RE/MAX Collection Group to promote the collaboration among our RE/MAX Collection offices. The idea is having regular meetings at the offices of the members of the Group to show the other Group members the marketing strategies, the way of working and give an insight of the market on each of the different countries. The core of the Group has been formed by the offices of RE/MAX living in Munich, RE/MAX in Cannes, RE/MAX in Lugano and RE/MAX Eralia in Marbella.

The first meeting took place in Cannes where we had the posibility of learning from our friends of RE/MAX how the market is in the area, and I have to say that I was really surprised to realize that Marbella is three times cheaper than Cannes, and be aware of the type of property, location and qualities you can get in the area for a certain amount.

It was a really constructive meeting where a new date in February has been fixed for a new meeting. In this case, our colleague Nadine from RE/MAX Living in Munich is going to organize an exhibition of overseas properties to her clients. Not only properties of each of the countries but also some loacal food and wine will be offered. It is going to be a great experience.

Open House in a great villa at Puerto del Almendro


I am pleased to invite everybody to an Open House to be celebrated on October 26 between 11:00 and 17:30 at Villa Dagmara (plot 27/28), Puerto del Almendro (Ronda road), Benahavis, Marbella -- Costa del Sol.

Spaciousness is the feeling when entering this fantastic villa notable for the ample spaces and the brightness of all rooms. Specially lightly is the living and dinning room with large windows that give access to a generous plot offering fantastic sea and mountain views. The ample main bedroom incorporates an ensuite bathroom and dressing room. Four more bedrooms complete the lay out of the main house. But, not only that but also a guest apartment with two more bedrooms and a staff apartment with living room, kitchenette, two bedrooms and a bath make this house a real opportunity.

You can have a look to this outstanding property while enjoying a snack consisting of Exotic delicatessen with the company of friends and professionals of the real estate field.


The Bank of Spain has announced that they expect higher reductions in the price of the Spanish properties.

The Bank of Spain has announced that the price of the housing in Spain needs more adjustments. In an illustrative graphic, they show the tendency of the prices in this cycle compared to that of the previous real estate crisis of 1991 and 1979. If you follow that logic, there are still two years to reach the lowest level. Is that true? Probably no one knows what is going to happen but one thing is true, the actual tendency fits exactly on those previsions. That does not mean anything but people selling or thinking on selling in the near future have to consider seriously what the experts say when preparing their future real estate movements. There is also something important to be thought about by sellers: this report is on banking status and we all know that the banks, owners of a great number of properties, have a lot to say in this complicated real estate market. If the decide to go for it, they will break the market. It happened in the 1991 cycle, and it will happen again.


Still a complicated market. Closed Transactions chart for Benahavis.

The data published by the Spanish Ministry of Housing shows it. The number of operations closed per quarter has gone down heavily in Benahavis to half of that of 2010. Furthermore, the prices are still going down as was shown in the last July report also issued by the Spanish Ministry. What is going on? It is difficult to say but, according to a number of real estate agents I work with, the news does not help and we are facing a lack of confidence in our market/country. We had the Japanese earthquake and the Greek crisis at the beginning of the spring and those events ruined what has been usually the best quarter of the year. The situation, again based on our experience, has improved during the summer but it is tough to sell a property. The conclusion can be only one: if you do not need to sell, don’t even try but if you have to, go for it and fix the most competitive price in your area.


Alfonso Lacruz with RE/MAX Collection for the presentation cocktail of an amazing villa in Los Monteros

As part of our compromise when marketing our RE/MAX Collection properties, we have organized a presentation cocktail for friends, families and colaborators so we can have a nice time this evening as main porpouse and, at the same, enjoy with this spectacular property.

The property will be open for visitors between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM.

I hope I will see many of you there!



RE/MAX Eralia -- RE/MAX Collection at the 40º edition of the BMW Polo Championship organized by the Santa Maria Polo Club of Sotogrande

The prestige and recognition enjoyed by Santa Maria Polo Club and the International Polo Tournament have been key for RE/MAX Eralia to choose this sporting event to promote its collection of more luxurious properties located in the most sought after locations in the area.


RE/MAX Eralia part of the international real estate franchise sales leader in the world, wanted to join the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the prestigious Polo Tournament BMW International Santa Maria Polo Club, with the installation of a stand where all tournament attendees will learn firsthand the most spectacular homes in the area. During the month of August, the Santa Maria Polo Club celebrated the 40th edition of this tournament, which will be held the prestigious Gold Cup, Silver and Bronze, including the first, corresponding to the Cup Gold in the World Polo Tour international circuit.
With about 40 square meters, the select area was dedicated to The RE/MAX Collection a division of ​​RE/MAX Eralia devoted to properties of high standing. Under the name All those attending this prestigious tournament will learn about exclusive properties in Marbella that has this office in the area, and this is a unique place to meet this wide range of real estate.
This action of support and collaboration with sports on the Costa del Sol is in addition to those already made previously by RE/MAX Eralia, among which are sponsored by the National Competition Jumping Horse of Estepona, the Golf Tournament Golf Club Alferini, both held last year, including sponsorship of the Easter Tennis Tournament RE / MAX Eralia, held last Easter.


Corzo 7, Los Monteros Playa (Marbella - Costa del Sol)


Brand new contemporary villa in Marbella (Costa del Sol) elegantly designed, recently completed and built to the highest standards. It is located in the renowned area of Los Monteros area only 500 meters from the best beach club of the Costa del Sol, La Cabanne. Due to its distribution in spacious and open rooms, its south west orientation and the windows, the property gives off a special feeling of natural lighting. An elegant property at the perfect location.



Fantástica villa en Marbella (Costa del Sol) a estrenar de diseño elegante y contemporáneo, recientemente terminada y construida con las mejores calidades y todo lujo de detalles. Está situada en la prestigiosa zona de los Monteros y a solo 500 metros del mejor club de playa de la Costa del Sol, La Cabanne. Gracias a su distribución en grandes espacios y estancias abiertas, su orientación sur oeste y las ventanas, la propiedad transmite una sensación especial de luz natural. Una propiedad elegante en el enclave perfecto.

  • Beds/baths: 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms
  • Plot Size: 1.410,06 m2
  • Built Size: 683,08 m2
  • Price: 2.649.000 Euros

Ver folleto / View dossier







Villa Guadalmina Baja (Marbella - Costa del Sol)

First line beach unique villa in Guadalmina Baja. Due to its distribution in spacious and open rooms, its south orientation, its open sea views and the plethora of windows, the property gives off a special feeling of natural lighting. It is just 5 minutes walk from restaurants and a golf club and within distance of Puerto Banus and SanPedro de Alcantara with all services available.

Unica villa en un enclave privilegiado, primera línea de playa en Guadalmina Baja. Gracias a su distribución en amplias habitaciones, su orientación sur, su vista abierta al mar y el gran número de ventanas al exterior, la propiedad ofrece una agradable sensación de luminosidad. Situada a 5 minutos andando de restaurantes y el campo de golf y a corta distancia de Puerto Banus y San Pedro de Alcántara con todos los servicios al alcance.

















Open House in Monte Golf de los Almendros

I am pleased to invite everybody to an Open House to be celebrated on June 24 between 11:00 and 17:30 at Monte Golf de los Almendros, Puerto del Almendro (Ronda road), Benahavis, Marbella -- Costa del Sol.

Spaciousness is the feeling when entering this fantastic penthouse notable for the wonderful finishes in every detail and the brightness of all rooms. Specially lightly is the living and dinning room with large windows that give access to a generous terrace offering breathtaking views. High quality is all around and in its Poggenpohl kitchen with Bosch appliances. The ample main bedroom incorporates an ensuite bathroom and dressing room. The wardrobes are wooden finished and also includes a safe. The bathrooms are also made with the best materials: Travertine marble, big modern showers with wooden floor, under floor heating, Gröhe taps, instantaneous production system for heated water and wall-fitted toilets.

You can have a look to this outstanding property while enjoying a snack consisting of Mexican delicatessen with the company of friends and professionals of the real estate field.




Alfonso Lacruz reaches the top ten in the Spanish RE/MAX Ranking

In spite of the complicated times we are living in the real estate industry of the Costa del Sol, I have been able to reach again the top ten in the ranking of the RE/MAX Spain Associate Agents. I am quite proud of my team that is allowing me to be in the number ten of Spain among approx. 600 RE/MAX Spanish Associate Agents. It is just one big secret: hard, hard work.

RE/MAX cooperates with Aldeas Infantiles SOS -- RE/MAX for Kids

RE/MAX Spain and RE/MAX Eralia in Marbella are proud sponsors of the program RE/MAX for kids. RE/MAX is helping the fantastic work that Aldeas Infantiles SOS is developing all around the world. This extraordinary "All you need is love" video shows the magnific work Aldeas Infantiles SOS does in their farms for childs.

See the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbaJa0Yuvjg&feature=related

Alfonso Lacruz awardwd as one of the best RE/MAX Spain Associate Agents at the RE/MAX Canary Island Convention

Alfonso Lacruz was awarded with the Executive Club award as one of the best Spanish RE/MAX Associate Agents. The award was given at the Spanish RE/MAX Convention held in the Canary Islands on June 8-9. It was a great Convention with really interesting lectures by reknown coaches, lots of camaradery and plenty of networking. You can feel on these conventions that RE/MAX is a great company with outstanding professionals.


Villa La Resina 25 (Benahavís - Marbella - Costa del Sol)


A luxury contemporary villa very spacious and luminous, at only five minutes to some of the most prestigious golf courses of Marbella, Monte Halcones shopping center and very close to San Pedro de Alcántara and Puerto Banús. It is located in a privileged settlement with superb panoramic sea views.



Lujosa villa de estilo contemporáneo, muy espaciosa y luminosa. Con una ubicación inmejorable, se encuentra a situada a cinco minutos de los mejores campos de golf, del centro comercial Monte Halcones, con restaurantes, servicios, muy cerca de San Pedro de Alcántara y Puerto Banús. Ubicada en un enclave privilegiado con impresionantes vistas panorámicas al mar. 













Puerto del Almendro (Benahavís-Costa del Sol)


Fantastic Andalusian style villa recently built located in Puerto del Almendro. It enjoys stunning views to the sea, south oriented, ample rooms, really good qualities, storage, play room and garage for six cars. The urbanization is in a perfect place to enjoy the tranquility of the area but also very close to Los Arqueros and La Quinta Golf, San Pedro and Puerto Banús.


Fantástica villa de estilo andaluz y reciente construcción situada en Puerto del almendro. Disfruta de maravillosas vistas al mar, orientación sur, amplias habitaciones, muy buenas calidades, trastero, sala de juegos y garaje para seis coches. La urbanización es extremadamente tranquila pero a la vez muy cercana a los Arqueros y La Quinta Golf, San Pedro y Puerto Banús.

  • Beds/baths: 4 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms
  • Plot size: 711 m2
  • Built size: 280,54 m2
  • Price: 470.000 Euros

Your new home awaits.