Being an API is no longer essential for the purpose of conducting real estate intermediation business. An API is a
registered real estate agent, but according to a ruling from the Spanish Constitutional Tribunal, selling properties
cannot anymore be exclusively allocated to registered agents. Therefore, the situation now is that an API will not
necessarily be more professional than a non-registered agent. In fact, and agent, registered or non-registered, will
simply put buyers and vendors in touch, who will reach an agreement as to price and conditions, whereas lawyers
will look after the legal side.
An API (qualified or registered REA) should provide you with a deeper knowledge of the legalities of the real
estate business, although a non-registered REA could have more developed marketing skills and therefore attain a
higher turnover. I am not able now to provide you with a facility to ckeck whether an agent is registered.
I recommend you employ a lawyer at all times as you will certainly not find distinction between registered/non-registered, qualified/non-qualified. The lawyer is always registered and backed by a professional
indemnity insurance.
