Karen Lucas

WELCOME | BEM VINDO | BIENVENUE | WELKOM

Are you struggling to find your ideal property in Lisbon, Portugal? 

Are you concerned about the purchase process or nervous about buying property in a place you don't know well? 

Are you looking for an Expat Buyer’s Agent who understands your needs, provides a first-class service, and has your best interests at heart, every step of the way? 

You’ve come to the right place. Hi, I’m Karen Lucas, an Expat Realtor living in Lisbon, specializing in helping expats like you navigate the Greater Lisbon real estate market with ease and confidence. Whether you're searching for a forever home, a buy-to-let property, a vacation retreat, or your first step on the property ladder, I’m here to make your dream a reality.

The best part? You don't have to pay a Buyer's Agent! In Portugal, it's the seller who covers the commission, usually 5% plus tax, which is shared equally between the Seller's Agent and Buyer's Agent. This means you get expert help finding your dream property at no extra cost to you.

Ready to start the property hunt for your future home or investment?

Step 1: Book your free, no obligation Lisbon Property Buyer’s Consultation

Let’s talk about your ideal property and how I can help you achieve your real estate goals. I work in Greater Lisbon, which includes several areas that are popular among expats, including Central Lisbon, Cascais, Estoril, Oeiras, Sintra, and the luxury golf estates of Belas Clube de Campo (Belas Country Club), Quinta da Beloura, Quinta da Marinha and Penha Longa. 

Step 2: Sit back and relax while I do the legwork

Once I have a clear understanding of your preferences and budget, I’ll research the market using a 3-pronged approach:

1. Off-market and bank properties
2. Real Estate Portals and Agencies specializing in your preferred area and property type
3. RE/MAX Portugal’s vast network of 10,000 estate agents

Within 7-10 days, I’ll present you with a selection of up to 10 well-matched properties for you to consider.

Step 3: Enjoy virtual viewings and honest, professional property evaluations

I’ll schedule the property viewings, which you can watch virtually from abroad (live or recorded). I’ll provide valuable insights on each property, including potential benefits and drawbacks, market value comparisons, and any legal considerations. This helps you make informed decisions and avoid properties with hidden issues. 

Step 4: Get expert guidance on Negotiating and Closing the Deal

After finding your ideal property, I'll guide you through the negotiation process to secure the best possible price and terms. I'll handle all the paperwork, coordinate with legal and financial professionals, and ensure that all contractual obligations are met, making the closing process smooth and successful.

Step 5: Get help setting up your new home after signing the deed

After you sign the deed (in person or proxy), I’ll conduct a property inspection and handover and compile a Property Status Report detailing the state of the property, how everything works, and my recommendations for updating/repairs. I’ll also help you to set up utilities and insurance, register with the necessary authorities, make any necessary repairs, and find a tenant if it’s a buy-to-let property. If you’re planning a full or partial renovation, I can connect you with recommended industry experts (architect, project manager, builder, etc.)

ABOUT ME

Why should you choose me as your Buyer’s Agent in Portugal when there are literally thousands of other agents to choose from?...

Because I’ve been in your shoes. I’ve experienced the challenges you face and overcame them. I did it and want to help you do it too.

My Story

We were expats in Singapore, with a dream to move to Portugal one day, and a plan to buy an investment property and get a foothold in the ever-increasing property market.  

I didn’t know any Buyer’s Agents in Portugal or where to find one that I could trust. There was so much I felt I need to know before I could make an investment decision...

• the financial, legal, and practical considerations of investing, moving to, and living in Portugal
• the areas which offered us the type of lifestyle and access to schools and services we wanted
• the type of property that would by easy to rent and give a good return on investment
• the process of buying a property in Portugal and the various pitfalls to be avoided

We moved to Japan during the pandemic, where I focused full-time on researching the Real Estate market in and around Lisbon until I knew how, where and what to buy. 

It took me almost a year of researching and scouring property websites daily, before I finally found the perfect apartment. And then, I almost didn’t buy it!

Why? A lack of trust... 

• in the property
• in the estate agent
• in the process

I was abroad and unable to travel. I needed a trusted local advisor to give me an honest appraisal and valuation of the property, and help me buy it.   

Fate (or God) stepped in.  

A chance conversation with a business associate connected me with a Buyer’s Agent in Lisbon who helped me evaluate the property, negotiate the price, and navigate the purchasing process and legalities. She also provided invaluable post-purchase support that I’d not anticipated and helped me find an excellent tenant.  

The funny thing is, once we owned that property, my husband and I started thinking...

“We want to move to Portugal. Why wait for retirement? We could go... now!”

So, we did.

We now live on a beautiful golf estate on the fringes of Lisbon, surrounded by nature, yet only 25 mins from the airport, central Lisbon and Sintra. It’s the perfect lifestyle for our active family and a great home to welcome visitors and friends.

I found my perfect place in the sun, and I would love to help you find yours too. 

MY MISSION

As your trusted expat realtor in Lisbon, my goal is to offer exceptional customer experiences that lead to repeat business and enthusiastic referrals. I aim to make your property journey smooth and to build lasting relationships with every client.

Real Estate is not just my passion, it's my platform for charitable giving. Together with my wonderful colleague, collaborator and mentor, Maria Assunção Andrade, we support our local community by donating a significant portion of our personal income from real estate commissions to charity. Through these contributions and our fundraising efforts, we hope to raise awareness and inspire others to make a difference by donating and volunteering. 

MY WORK ETHIC

My clients come first. They entrust me with an enormous responsibility, and I take it very seriously. Here’s what you can expect when you work with me:

• Professional, punctual, with clear and direct communication
• Prompt responses to calls and emails
• Regular updates and timelines
• Collaboration with other industry professionals, both within the RE/MAX network and with external agencies, always in the client's best interest
• Proactive problem-solving, demonstrating agility and tenacity
• Meticulous attention to detail, from property appraisal to contract signing
• Up-to-date advice based on the latest real estate market news and trends
• Continuous learning and improvement, applying Kaizen methodology, to provide the best customer experience for property buyers in Lisbon, Portugal

MY CORE VALUES

• Honesty
• Integrity
• Loyalty
• Respect
• Resilience
• Teamwork
• Philanthropy

FAQs

How do I find a trustworthy Real Estate agent in Portugal?

Word of mouth referrals

Most property buyers and sellers in Portugal know someone who knows someone in the real estate industry. Reach out to your personal and professional networks, or social media groups to see if you can find a recommended expat realtor who will understand your requirements and offer the additional support that foreign buyers need. 

AMI Licence

Anyone who helps you to buy or sell a property should have an AMI licence, which should be clearly displayed on their web page and marketing materials. I work for the Vantagem Group, a RE/MAX franchise whose AMI licence number is 7772. 

You can verify the legitimacy of a real estate agency’s licence by visiting the Institute of Public Markets, Real Estate and Construction (IMPIC) at https://www.impic.pt/impic/pt-pt/consultar/empresas-titulares-de-licenca-de-mediacao-imobiliaria You can search by company name or AMI number.