Buying your first home is supposed to be an exciting milestone, but when I made my first offer on a house in Spain, I faced a harsh reality: it got rejected.

After weeks of searching, visiting properties, and dreaming about what life would be like in my new home, the rejection hit hard. The worst part? It wasn’t just the rejection—it was realizing how unprepared I was for the process.

But as tough as it was, that rejection became a turning point. It taught me some hard lessons that I wish I had known from the start. From navigating Spain’s unique real estate market to managing unexpected costs, the experience was a steep learning curve.

In this article, I’ll share the 10 most valuable lessons I learned after my rejected offer, from avoiding common pitfalls to negotiating smarter and staying resilient. If you’re thinking about buying a home in Spain, especially as a foreigner, these insights could save you time, money, and heartache.

Here’s what I wish I had known before I started this journey. Let’s dive in!

1. Act Quickly in a Competitive Market

One of the hardest lessons I learned was the importance of moving fast. When I first saw a gorgeous house in one of my top areas, but I hesitated to make an offer because I wanted to “think it over.” Two days later, it was gone. In Spain, especially in Barcelona where I am based, the market can be very competitive, and properties can disappear overnight. Now, I keep all my documents ready and make offers as soon as I’m sure about a property. It’s a game of speed and confidence.

2. Be Insistent About Viewing the Property

Getting a viewing isn’t always as easy as calling and setting up an appointment. For one property, I had to call ten times, text the agent, and email before they finally gave me a time slot. It was frustrating, but it paid off—I got to see the house and realized it wasn’t right for me (the pictures hid a lot of flaws). Be persistent and don’t be afraid to follow up multiple times. Sometimes, agents or sellers prioritize easier buyers, but a little push goes a long way.

3. Get Your Paperwork in Order

As a foreigner, navigating the paperwork was a steep learning curve. The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is non-negotiable—you can’t buy property without it. I also had to provide proof of income and bank statements, which took some back-and-forth because my income comes from multiple sources. My advice? Start gathering documents early, even before you start house hunting. It’s stressful to scramble when you’ve already found your dream home.

4. Investigate Additional Costs

One flat I loved came with unexpected costs: a high comunidad fee, a valor catastral tax that I hadn’t budgeted for, and even an upcoming €10,000 renovation project for the building. I only found out because I asked for the Inspección Técnica de Edificios (ITE) report. Always dig deep. Ask about community fees, pending repairs, and additional taxes like Impuesto de Bienes Muebles (IBI). It’s better to know now than to get hit with surprises later.

5. Negotiate the Agency Fee

This was a surprising one for me. I always assumed agency fees were non-negotiable, but during one deal, I simply asked, “Can we reduce the fee a little?” and they dropped it from 3% to 2.5%. That saved me over €1,500. Agencies don’t advertise that you can negotiate, but in a competitive market, they want to close deals too. Be polite but firm—it’s worth it.

6. Shop Around for a Mortgage Broker

At first, I trusted the agency’s mortgage broker because it felt convenient. But after comparing their offer with other banks, I realized I was overpaying by thousands. One bank offered a lower interest rate, and another waived some administrative fees altogether. Shopping around took a bit of effort, but it saved me a significant amount in the long run. Moral of the story? Never settle for the first option—your wallet will thank you.

7. Budget for Additional Costs

I’ll admit it: the first time I calculated my budget, I was way off. I hadn’t factored in the extra costs like property transfer tax (ITP), notary fees, or the agency’s commission. These add up fast—think 10–15% of the property price. For example, I found out I needed to pay a gestor to handle some paperwork and a compulsory insurance policy linked to the mortgage. It felt overwhelming, but now I know to budget for these upfront. A tip? Write it all down: the taxes, fees, and even a cushion for unexpected expenses. You'll feel way more prepared.

8. Everything is Negotiable

When I first started, I thought things like agency fees or notary costs were set in stone. Turns out, they’re not! During one negotiation a friend of mine managed to knock €5,000 off the asking price just by being persistent. They even asked the seller to cover part of the notary fees, and to their surprise, they agreed. The key here is to ask—you’d be amazed at what’s possible when you simply try to negotiate. Worst case, they say no, but at least you’ll know you did your part.

9. Set a Deadline for the Owner’s Response

When I made my first offer on a house, I was so excited I didn’t even think about setting a deadline for the owner to respond. Big mistake! Days turned into weeks, and I later found out that they were using my offer as leverage to get a higher price from another buyer. It felt like a punch in the gut. Now, I make sure to set a clear deadline for responses in any initial contract. Not only does this give me peace of mind, but it also prevents unnecessary delays and gamesmanship. Trust me—waiting and wondering isn’t worth it.

10. Don’t Give Up

This one’s personal. After getting my offer rejected, I felt disheartened. I started questioning whether I’d ever find my dream home. But I’ve learned that persistence pays off. Each rejection taught me something new, and I feel more confident with every step. If you’re going through the same thing, remember: every “no” gets you closer to a “yes.” Keep pushing forward, and don’t let rejection stop you.