Moving to Thailand? Here's Where Your Home Search Starts.

I felt a need to write this article after realising just how many, or should I say "few" foreigners moving to Thailand understood the residential leasing market and how it all works here. The good news is, it's a renters market. How so?

1) The agency commission is paid by the landlord. Aren't we off to a good start already?

2)There are plenty of real estate agencies to pick from and majority of these can be found on the internet.

3) Real estate agents offer their services for free, so you can engage as many agents as you want!

4) As an expat, you pay the same rental rates as a Thai national. In fact, majority of landlords prefer an expat tenant and go the extra mile (sometimes) to get you to sign on the dotted line.

Now that you know all that, here's what you wouldn't normally know unless you are an agent here in Bangkok!

In Thailand, anyone can be an agent! There is no governing body or an association (with authority) that regulates the activities of agents in Thailand. Walk into a bar and tell someone, anyone that you are looking for an apartment, and chances are there'll be a "freelance agent" somewhere in the midst to help you out. I don't think there is any real harm in that as long as they don't ask you to pay them for their services, but you may be limited to inferior housing options since these are not professionals who can show you an array of places that best suit your needs or budget. That said, I do occasionally hear of some lucky fellow who found a great deal through a friend's friend who happened to be a "part time agent.If you do not know already, anything is possible in the Land of Smiles!

Here's how I see it. A property agent's job is similar to that of a match maker's. He/She needs to match you to the "right" property, and preferably within 8 selected options. Seeing too many properties can actually overwhelm and confuse you. 6 - 8 well selected choices seen within a day or two, is much more gratifying than spending days stuck in the infamous Bangkok jams trying to hit the 25th property-viewed mark. Fact is, people don't usually have an array of favorites to choose from (since not all the best ones will be available at one time) and I don't think there is a "perfect" apartment or house when it comes to renting. The more fortunate ones will have 2 or even 3 favourites to choose from, but majority of people I've met usually settle for that ONE place that feels most like home to them in a foreign land.

The other thing you should know before you line up a dozen agents for your showing is that all agencies have access to the same apartment buildings. Condo and house listings may vary from agency to agency but landlords often contact more than one agency to promote their property so nothing is exclusive to an agency here. Or should I say, rarely. Just surf around and you'll find similar properties listed on multiple agency websites. Thus, arrange your viewing with one agency at a time. That way, if you feel that your appointed agent does not understand your needs, switch agency but tell them what you have already seen with your previous agent. It is only fair that only one agent represents you for each property. Bangkok is a small town, and many agencies practice co-broking to provide as many choices for their clients as possible, so your name will get around, especially if you've been agency shopping.

Another thing I've encountered is that some companies have what they call a "preferred agent" which they strongly encourage their expatriate executives to use. More often than not, these are agencies with relations in the HR department who may understand what HR wants but not necessarily what you want! What you and I call "Western standard" can be a totally different concept to some of them, so be sure to explain your requirements and needs to your appointed agent as thoroughly as possible to avoid wasting your time. You have the right to choose whichever agency that best understands your needs. You'd usually find that agents not appointed by your company tend to try a lot harder than these "preferred agents" because they don't think you are obliged to use them. They work very hard to make sure you choose them over your company's preferred agent!

There are many real estate agencies that are run by foreigners catering to foreigners, whom most expats prefer to go to. It makes ALL the difference when your agent has a very good idea of your taste and preferences; and know exactly what you mean when you say "bright and spacious" versus an agent who just does not get it no matter how much time you spend explaining. Remember that you do have to bridge cultural gaps here which means different standards and expectations!"

All apartments and agencies have pretty standard contracts. Should you decide on an apartment, they will provide their own contract, whilst the agency will prepare the contract for private owners i.e. condos and houses. International companies often ask for the addition of a Diplomatic clause, and sometimes another to say that the deposit belongs to them, should they be the ones paying your security deposit. All of which may be added to the lease, and it's your agent that needs to sort this out between your company and the apartment/landlord. Be discerning of "advise" that pushes you towards using a particular agent because they supposedly comply with company policies. It's just a matter of working out what each party requires in the lease agreement, which I believe is the same all around the world and any experienced agent should be able to do that.

Thailand is a great place to live and Bangkok, in particular has many superb housing choices for expats that are reasonably priced compared to neighboring countries i.e. Singapore and Hong Kong. Choose an agent who takes the time to understand your needs and house hunting becomes a fun and exciting experience! You can always contact me via www.BangkokFinder.com should you have any questions and I'll do my best to answer them within a day.