We bring you an interview with Petr Lukeš, Director of the Real Estate Division at Stone & Belter. Petr has extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of the real estate market, and he is eager to share his insights and views on working with real estate agents.

The main question of our interview is:
“Where do you see the added value of cooperating with a real estate agent?”

The Added Value of an Agent: Certainty and Peace of Mind

“To put it simply – the owner hands the keys over to the agent and meets them again only at the signing of the lease or purchase contract,” says Petr Lukeš.

An experienced agent works with trusted professionals and uses modern IT tools – for example, software for accurate property valuation or electronic document signing. Thanks to this, they can deliver the best possible outcome for their clients and ensure the entire transaction runs smoothly.

To use an analogy: a teacher teaches children, a real estate agent handles properties – everyone does their job.

The Buyer’s or Tenant’s Perspective

Petr emphasizes that the experience of the other party is equally important:
“The buyer or tenant feels much more at ease when they are contacted by a professional who is fair, reliable, and remains available for any questions not only during the process but also after the deal has closed.”

What to Watch Out for When Choosing a Real Estate Agency?

For most people, selling or buying a property is one of the most important transactions of their lives. That’s why it is crucial to entrust it to a reliable partner. According to Petr Lukeš, it is advisable to focus on:

• the quality of property presentation and the agent’s professional image,

• the quality of photos and listings,

• the agent’s communication style and knowledge of the market,

• their willingness to give advice without immediate commitment to further business.

“We want to cooperate with someone we can trust, someone who doesn’t just make snap judgments,” adds Petr.

The Ideal Real Estate Agent

According to Petr Lukeš, the ideal agent is someone who:

• always acts in the best interest of the property owner,

• does not cut corners and continually develops their expertise,

• demonstrates humility, professionalism, and approachable behavior,

• is a salesperson, diplomat, and passionate advocate in one,

• knows that details make the difference.

What Should a Professional Real Estate Service Offer Include?

A smooth property sale or lease requires dozens of tasks and services. According to Petr Lukeš, these should include:

• accurate property valuation and long-term market monitoring,

• professionally prepared and always up-to-date legal documentation,

• the option of electronic document signing,

• flexible and effective communication with prospects,

• high-quality photos, videos, and floor plans,

• thorough tenant background checks,

• cooperation with financing and insurance experts,

• transfer of utility contracts and the possibility to choose among providers,

• clear explanation of tax and legal implications of the transaction.

A real estate agent must also be able to represent clients in the opposite situation – when they are buying or renting a property. This includes searching for a suitable property, attending viewings, assessing the asking price, negotiating with the other party, reviewing contracts, verifying the seller or landlord, and checking the technical condition of the property.

Personal Motivation

“I’ve been working with numbers and real estate throughout my career. Helping people find housing is definitely not wasted effort,” says Petr Lukeš.

“At Stone & Belter, I work alongside colleagues I’ve known for many years. This creates an exceptional working environment that ultimately benefits our clients as well.”

Final Recommendation

“Don’t be afraid of working with real estate agents. Just choose them carefully and involve them early enough in the process, so they have sufficient time to deliver professional results.”

Note: In this article, any references to Czech crowns (CZK) would be converted to euros (EUR) using a fixed exchange rate of 25 CZK = 1 EUR.