Risks of Non-legitimate Estate Agencies
          The Real Estate trade has gradually lead to hundreds of agencies (local & abroad) flawing in the market after allowing foreigners to purchase and own immovable property within the Republic of Turkey. Well the bad news is, fewer than 40 are legally licensed or registered nor have any qualifications what so ever to legally perform any property sales.
          
          We describe them as 'pirate agencies' that are bound to perform fraudulent actions or even simply disappear into the blue. In fact there has been numerous cases where inexperienced buyers thought they were getting a smooth deal, but on the contrary have been taken into a dreadful dead-end deal. The worst part of the scenario are the risks involved, where not only does the buyer loose a payable deposit, but never gets close in getting back their money or the property anticipated.
          
          Next to nothing, is a common advertisement method like 'we are members of... foreign associations...' that is believed for the purpose of just a worthily advertising attempt in trust, yet another misleading concept. Being a member of foreign organizations or bodies does not justify any law or relevancy of being a Certified Estate Agency in Turkey. It only reflects to a company that possibly exists.
           
          Important notice  
          If your plan to buy a property in Turkey it should be effected only through a Certified Turkish Agency. Being established local in Turkey has it's advantages to get required and legal services, that you the Buyer are paying for anyway.

           
          Assure yourself not to deal with an Agency that is located abroad along the fast track.
   
    Selling a property in Turkey from abroad, is like a Turkish agency selling property in Hawaii...? Would you go to an agency in another country to look for property in your home town? Beside the point of getting any after sales service or dependable property management, you end up having to pay extra for that third party from where they're sitting. If this doesn't bother you, then you shouldn't get worried taking care of your own business in any event either.
           
          By commercial law, companies in Turkey are bound to be registered to Turkish associations and bodies to their legal trade first, before any. If not then it's hardly possible to operate under a valid business tax number or even open up a business... Please make sure that the company you work is established local in the region where you plan to buy property. Selecting the right Agency for your circumstances will be an important part of the buying process.
           
          The information provided below should be your first concern on who are you dealing with that is seldom outlined by most agencies, so beware...and put your senses to work.  
            
          Advantages of Licensed Estate Agencies
          Licensed estate agencies are like lawyers and can not simply be taught from apprenticeship.

This means that they have gone through training taught by university professors and legal government officials to get the job done right. Upon completion of training to qualify for an Agency Title and become appointed, they must successfully pass the exams to be an estate agency or broker.
           
          Which agency to go with
          The only (right) way to buy real estate, and have your personal or company transactions handled correctly is by closely working with a Certified Estate Agent.
   
    .. for your benefit. So one day down the line you can claim against the governing body if you have any disputes or are dissatisfied in any way. If you choose to work with an unlicensed estate agent, the bottom line is that you will face the consequences and be on your own should anything go wrong !
           
          A recent circulation by the Real Estate Commission Board of Antalya announced that Real Estate Agency or Brokerage courses will not be provided by their authority in year 2006, because it has been shifted to a new department opening up (in our region) at the Akdeniz University in Antalya. Agency license grants and ID cards, will still be provided to (only) the estate agency owner (allowing the option of one more personnel by consent of the owners signature) through the Real Estate Commission Board of Antalya (ANEKO). These grants are only to those who complete the 4 year education and successfully pass the training exams.. So with the actions listed above you can now clearly understand that being an estate agency or broker in Turkey involves strict and serious stuff.
           
          Setting higher standards for a new way of life  
          Being a candidate country preparing to join EU membership, the turkish parliament is progressively continuing efforts on passing new law reforms, that is crucial to help level in lieu with 'EU standards'. The better news is that from January 1st 2005 any estate agency or broker is legally entitled to register to the nearest Real Estate Commission Board body in their regional jurisdiction, forcing to legally operate under a registration number. In Antalya province it must be the 'Real Estate Commission Board of Antalya'. Additionally, a new governing law has specially been prepared to coincide with EU standards for the real estate trade in Turkey.
          
          The adaptation has been established for estate agency businesses to comply under (Turkish Standards Institute) TSE 11816 and applies to every single real estate agency and broker in Turkey helping dust away the old fashion style - into a modern yet professional legal practice under a new set of regulations and standards.
           
          Quality of assurance  
          Estate Agencies that are in tact with TSE 11816 are controlled periodically to be qualified to protect property buyers who are now better protected. At the minimum estate agencies or brokers must have available all times: a regional map on the wall, a separate customer seating area, fire extinguisher, related legal and law books, compass, video or tv set, minimum a pc, a vehicle legal real estate forms, separate kitchen area, bathroom, TSE electrical items and completed wiring's, certificates and ID cards etc...
           
          Always an ANEKO Certified estate agency or broker
          In the province of Antalya, so far 1700 realtors out of 3200 that comply have been traced respectfully. Therefore ANEKO is frequently seen, and should be recognized as gateway to a risk free property purchase, assuring guaranteed work handled by a Certified Estate Agency or Broker on your behalf. The main rule of ANEKO is having estate agencies comply to TSE 11816 and making property buyers aware of the displayed bright orange sticker that must be visible at the business entrance. Inside the business, if not limited - but to the most should identify (1) the owner's certified degree certificate stating: name of company, registration number and name of the qualified person, (2) business tax license, (3) real estate tariff of charges for various transactions, (4) local business confederation certificate, (5) ID card on PIC. If you don’t see them identified - move on!
           
          Who are you dealing with  
          We the TurkStay Group Real Estate Architecture& Construction are a certified, licensed and ANEKO registered Agency, membership number 1031 of the Real Estate Commission Board of Antalya - bound by the strict codes of practice. Members of Antalya Business Confederation and Antalya State Tax Department.
           
          Make standards your procedure
          All licensed agents will have ID cards issued which will carry their photograph. Ask to see your agents ID card. If you choose to work with an unqualified person or company you will have no help or legal redress should anything go wrong. Buyers should protect themselves, so be aware...
           
          You should always ensure to see if the estate agency you deal with holds a current ANEKO license, and ask to see the name of the individual who holds the pictured ID. Look for this logo.ANEKO is a proud Member of European Property Agents Group.