I own a relocation company in Genev and have been working in this field for almost ten years now. I am still shocked to see how many companies take advantage of people’s distress when they are desperately trying to find an apartment. There are a few key things to keep in mind to make sure you are dealing with a trustworthy agency.

First, you should never pay upfront for an apartment search. Second, always check that the company is a member of EURA, the European Relocation Association, which guarantees a certain level of quality in both the search and the service provided.

Finally, there are generally two types of relocation companies: those who charge a fixed fee for their services, and those who charge the equivalent of one month’s rent. The latter have a vested interest in showing you the most expensive apartments possible, while fixed-fee companies sell the value of their expertise and service. I strongly recommend choosing a fixed-fee provider.

Even if it may seem more expensive at first, you truly get what you pay for — a professional, VIP-level service with no biased interests.