Thank you, Harlequin.
My point about yellow bird was that his postings on this forum, as opposed to the offers forum, seemed more like promotional material for new developments rather than prompting discussion. It wasn't a criticism of him or the developments.
As for jumping in with both feet, the new series which started on Channel 4 last night - "Selling Homes Overseas" - had some salutary lessons; buying a 'cave' dwelling in a country you've never even visited takes some beating !.
However, it was the last couple who were a classic example of how not to do it. They went on an agent's inspection trip, allowed themselves to be pressurised into making a very hasty decision, paid 50% up front (for an off-plan property) bought the worst location on the development (right next to a very busy road) and used the solicitor recommended by the agent - "Parador Properties". The solicitor didn't even check if the developer had planning permission - he didn't !. Two years since completion, roads not surfaced, no pavements, no streetlights and they've been burgled three times !.
The presenter's advice was to sell - but, to whom ?. It's because people keep making these basic mistakes and don't do due diligence, believing the agents' hype and glossy brochures that I regularly counsel caution in my postings. In a lot of cases people are risking their life savings, that's the worrying aspect.
Of course, some agents are more trustworthy than others. When orosurf was accused of being in cahoots with Peter Mitry (by others, not I) he vehemently denied it. In effect, he deliberately misled members of this forum.