A Real Estate Agent (API) is a highly qualified professional who acts within the real estate sector, whose activity is regulated by Royal Decree 1294/2007. In order to work as an API, it is necessary to have the Official Degree issued by the Ministry of Public Works or a related University Degree, which guarantees the appropriate training to work professionally.

An API must be affiliated to a College of Real Estate Agents, which is a Public Law corporation, which ensures that the agent is subject to a framework of control and supervision that provides transparency and confidence to both buyers and sellers.

The performance of an API is key in real estate transactions, as it offers guarantees of success in the processes, being a professional recognised by the Administration that ensures that any operation is carried out properly and legally.

Advantages for sellers:

- Professional advice: The sale of a property is a complex process, where sellers can make mistakes if they do not have the support of a qualified and registered agent. The API offers the experience and expertise to manage this process successfully.

Advantages for buyers:

- The API conducts a thorough search to find a property that matches the buyer's needs and preferences.

- Mediation and defence of the buyer's rights: The API ensures that the buyer obtains the greatest benefit from the transaction.

- Compliance with legal requirements: Ensures that the property transaction is carried out in compliance with all current legal regulations, thus ensuring the legal security of the transaction.

In short, having an API in the process of buying or selling a property not only facilitates the transaction, but also provides security and confidence to all parties involved.

The importance of an agency being registered in the RAICV (Registro de Agentes Inmobiliarios de la Comunidad Valenciana) lies in several key aspects that benefit both the agency and the clients.

The main reasons for this are highlighted below:

1. Compliance with legal regulations:Being registered in the RAICV guarantees that the agency complies with the requirements established by law to exercise the real estate activity in a legal and transparent manner. This offers greater confidence to clients, as they know that the agency operates within the regulatory framework and under the quality standards established by law.

2. Professionalism and credibility: Registration in the RAICV ensures that the real estate agents working in the agency are qualified professionals who have fulfilled the required educational and training requirements. This adds a layer of credibility and competence that is essential to offer a quality service.

3. Transparency and trust: Being registered in the RAICV means that the agency is subject to constant supervision and regulation by an official body. This provides additional assurances to clients, both sellers and buyers, that real estate transactions will be conducted in a clear, ethical and legally compliant manner.

4. Access to training and updates: RAICV-registered agencies have access to ongoing training and up-to-date resources on the latest regulations, market trends and best practices in the real estate sector. This ensures that real estate agents are always up to date with legal and market changes.

5. Dispute resolution: In the event that problems or disputes arise during a real estate transaction, the RAICV acts as a mediator. The registered agency has the backing of a body that can intervene to ensure that clients' rights are respected and disputes are resolved fairly.

6. Better access to professional resources: Being registered in the RAICV offers access to a network of other professionals in the real estate sector, which can facilitate collaboration with lawyers, valuers, notaries and other specialised agents, thus improving the quality of the service offered.

7. Consumer protection: RAICV-registered agencies are bound by a number of ethical and legal responsibilities that protect consumers. This ensures that buyers and sellers receive a fair service, with all rights and guarantees properly protected.

In short, RAICV registration not only enhances the credibility and trustworthiness of the agency, but also ensures that its services are performed to the highest legal, ethical and professional standards, resulting in a better experience for clients.