A journey of patience: Francois & Maria’s Benalmádena home

The challenge: a wide net and a remote search

When I first connected with Francois and Maria, they had a wonderful dream: to own a new, modern property on the Costa del Sol. Their challenge, however, was a common one. Their search area was a 100km stretch from the cliffs of Nerja to the beaches of Fuengirola.

For clients searching from abroad, this vast area can be overwhelming. My first priority wasn’t to just send listings, but to start a conversation.

The process: acting as their eyes on the ground

Before they ever booked a flight, our work began. Through detailed consultations, emails, and messages, we drilled down into what “perfect” really meant to them—not just the property, but the lifestyle, the community, and the non-negotiables.

I became their eyes on the ground, personally visiting properties I felt were a strong match and conducting live video calls with them. This allowed Francois and Maria to get a true feel for the space, the light, and the neighbourhood from the comfort of their home, building a crucial foundation of trust.

The first visit: the “almost” property

Several weeks later, they flew to Málaga for their first visit. We met with a highly curated list of viewings, focusing on new developments and modern resale properties in Rincón de la Victoria, Benalmádena, and Fuengirola.

After several days, they found a property they truly liked. It was a new build in Benalmádena with beautiful views and a great location. It felt… almost perfect. As their trip ended, they flew home to make a final decision.

A few days later, they called. They had thought it over and just weren’t 100% convinced. For me, this is a critical moment. My philosophy is simple: if it is not an enthusiastic “YES!”, it is a “no.” There was absolutely no pressure. We immediately went back to the search, now with an even clearer vision.

The second visit: the “aha!” moment

Our patience paid off. Several months later, Francois and Maria returned. We had a day and a half of focused viewings, and then, it happened. We found it. A new development right in the heart of Benalmádena. The location was amazing, the quality was superb, and it was secured at a great price. This time, it was an immediate and enthusiastic “YES!” from both of them.

The full-service experience: from sale to settled

Finding the property is just the first step. From that moment, I handled everything:

• Legal & paperwork: I coordinated with their legal team and the developer to ensure all contracts were reviewed and that the entire purchase process was flawless and secure.
• Administration: I assisted them in navigating the Spanish system, from setting up their NIE (tax identification numbers) and opening a bank account to ensuring all paperwork was in order for the notary.
• After-sales concierge: Our relationship didn’t end when they got the keys. I provided them with my trusted contacts for sourcing the perfect furniture package, set up their internet and utilities, and was their first point of call for every “what do we do now?” question.

After a six-month journey, Francois and Maria were able to move into their dream home on the Costa del Sol. It was a process built on trust, patience, and a shared goal: to not just find a house, but to find their home.

If it is not an enthusiastic “YES!”, it is a “no.” There was absolutely no pressure.

— Michael’s rule on the “almost” property