Amber Star Real Estate | Vila Nova de Gaia

I am writing this review as a very successful real estate agent in California for 20+ years. Avoid Amber Star Real Estate in Porto, and their agent, Isabel. They are clearly only interested in their own best interest and not their clients. Sad, but true. The "rules" in Portugal say, very simply, that you must declare that you are working with your own agent if you speak to another company. We informed them twice that we already have an agent when we stopped in with a quick question, but because "it is not written in their notes", they refused to acknowledge this. That's clearly is not my issue, but theirs. Isabel and her teams mode of explanation and manipulation was to repeat the same untrue fact over and over and over and over again. It seemed like she thought if she said it enough times, it would become true. It also appeared to be her way of wearing down a client to give in. In the end, if we were interested in the property, which we very much were, Isabel would force us to work with her. It's not rocket science to realize that if I cannot trust her and her agency at the beginning, how could I possibly trust her to negotiate in my best interest when she's representing both the seller and the buyer. Sorry. Not doing it. As a buyer looking to spend a large amount of money for this property, I will not be manipulated or controlled as to who can represent me. Isabel and Amber Star, this is no way to conduct a business, and calling yourself a “professional with the highest level of integrity” does not make it so.

I would count my lucky star, to came cross Oleg when house hunting in Porto! the few agents I contacted before him, gave me the feeling that it was near impossible to find something for the short period of time I stayed in Porto - just ten days. Then I met Oleg! not only he is professional, he went above and beyond to accommodate me, and voila! I found my dream home! As a foreigner , who only knew two Portugese words, to handle all the paper work was a mountain's task, but Oleg helped every step of the way, from banking to getting water electricity connection.... this is beyond professional courtesy, this is big favours even from a friend. When I started to read about buying property in Portugal I came cross an English forum that recommended to just have one good agent, and work with him/her, instead of meeting many. This is actually a very true and practical advice. My experience with Oleg has been nothing but satisfactory! Many many thanks!

Excellent agency! They approached their work meticulously and responsibly! I'm glad I found them.