Trust & Transparency: Avoiding Inflated 'Foreigner Prices'
What this is about
Most foreigners face two invisible risks:
- Not knowing who is getting paid in the background
- Not knowing the true price of land or construction
This guide is about making the whole process transparent and aligned with your best interest.
Why this matters in Bali
It’s normal (not malicious) for multiple people to take commissions:
- brokers
- agents
- “friends of the owner”
- fixers
- coordinators
- middlemen
The problem is when you don’t know:
- who is involved
- who is getting paid
- how much
- or why
This creates confusion, distrust, and inflated prices.
What can go wrong
- You pay significantly more than locals do.
- You don’t know the real landowner.
- There is miscommunication between agents and owner.
- Important information is hidden or only partially told.
- The seller’s agent is incentivized to close fast, not safely.
How Santiago handles this
Santiago is buyer-side only. He doesn’t take money from sellers, agents, or middlemen. This means:
- he negotiates in your interest
- he can tell you which fees are normal and which aren’t
- he identifies quiet markups
- he protects you from social-pressure sales
- he explains why a price is being asked, not just what it is
He’s paid directly by you, not by the seller — so incentives stay aligned.
What you should watch for
Ask:
- “Who is part of this deal?”
- “Who gets paid and how much?”
- “If I walk away, who loses money?”
- “Is there any markup added for foreigners?”
Transparency is not a luxury — it’s your first line of safety.