How to Find a Reliable Property Agent in Montenegro

Finding the right agent can make or break your Montenegro property experience. Here's how to find a good one.

Why Agent Choice Matters

A good agent will: - Show you appropriate properties (not waste your time) - Provide accurate information - Negotiate fairly on your behalf - Coordinate with lawyers and notaries - Support you through the entire process

A bad agent will: - Push unsuitable properties (highest commission) - Provide misleading information - Disappear after the sale - Create problems that cost you money

Red Flags to Avoid

1. Pressure Tactics - "Someone else is viewing tomorrow" - "Price goes up next week" - "Deposit required immediately"

Reality: Good properties sell, but genuine urgency is rare.

2. Vague About Details - Can't provide exact address - Unclear on ownership status - Evasive about building issues

Reality: Professional agents know their properties.

3. Cash-Only Requests - Wants payment to personal account - Discourages written contracts - Offers "special deal" for cash

Reality: Legitimate transactions have paper trails.

4. No Online Presence - No website or listings - No reviews findable - Operates only through WhatsApp

Reality: Established agents have digital footprints.

5. Unrealistic Promises - "Guaranteed 15% yields" - "Prices will double" - "No need for lawyer"

Reality: Professionals are realistic, not salesy.

Green Flags to Look For

1. Transparent Listings - Clear photos and descriptions - Accurate pricing - No "call for price" games

2. Local Knowledge - Knows the areas deeply - Can discuss pros AND cons - Understands local regulations

3. Professional Setup - Office presence - Website with real listings - Responds professionally

4. Happy to Wait - Doesn't rush decisions - Suggests viewing multiple options - Recommends thinking time

5. Works with Lawyers - Has lawyer recommendations - Doesn't discourage legal review - Coordinates documentation

Questions to Ask Agents

About the Agency - How long have you operated in Montenegro? - How many transactions did you complete last year? - Can you provide references from past clients? - Are you licensed/registered?

About Properties - Who is the current owner? - How long has it been listed? - Why is the owner selling? - Are there any known issues? - What are the actual running costs?

About the Process - What is your commission and who pays it? - Will you coordinate with my lawyer? - What happens if problems arise? - Do you assist after purchase?

Agency Types in Montenegro

International Agencies **Pros**: Professional standards, English-speaking, familiar processes **Cons**: Higher fees, may focus on luxury only **Examples**: Savills, Knight Frank representatives

Local Established Agencies **Pros**: Deep local knowledge, relationships, full price range **Cons**: Variable English, different service standards **Examples**: Various Budva/Tivat-based agencies

Individual Agents **Pros**: Personal service, often flexible on fees **Cons**: Limited coverage, no backup if issues arise **Considerations**: Check track record carefully

Developer Sales Teams **Pros**: Know their product perfectly, may offer incentives **Cons**: Only sell their own development, obvious bias **Best for**: If you've already decided on a development

Commission Structures

Standard Practice - Agent commission: 3-5% of purchase price - Usually paid by seller (not buyer) - Sometimes split between buyer and seller agents

What to Negotiate - If you're buying AND selling through same agent - If you're purchasing multiple units - If you're an investor with ongoing needs

What's Non-Negotiable - Agents need to earn a living - Rock-bottom fees often mean rock-bottom service - Pay for quality guidance

Using DOMA to Find Agents

On DOMA, every listing shows the representing agent or owner. You can:

1. Browse listings in your target area
2. Identify agents with properties you like
3. Check their full portfolio on their profile
4. Contact directly through the platform

This lets you evaluate agents by their listings before engaging.

Working with Multiple Agents

Pros - See more properties - Compare service levels - Not dependent on one person

Cons - May see same properties twice - Agents less motivated if not exclusive - Can get confusing

Our Recommendation - Start with 2-3 agents - Be transparent that you're working with others - Focus on 1-2 once you find good ones

Building a Good Relationship

Be a Good Client - Be clear about your requirements - Respect their time - Provide feedback after viewings - Make decisions in reasonable timeframes

Expect Professional Service - Timely responses - Accurate information - Honest advice - Follow-through on commitments

What If Things Go Wrong?

Minor Issues - Address directly with the agent - Document communications - Escalate to agency management if needed

Serious Problems - Consult your lawyer - Document everything - Consider formal complaint to tourism ministry - Leave honest reviews to warn others

Conclusion

A good agent is worth their weight in gold - they'll save you money, time, and stress. A bad one can cost you dearly. Take time to find the right partner for your Montenegro property search.

Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.

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Ready to start your search? Browse listings on DOMA and connect with verified agents.