Avoid mistakes. Understand how the French real estate buying process works with ESREA France
Yes, even if you are selling your French property on your own without an agent you need to have the DPE (Diagnostique de Performance Energetique) before you begin marketing your French real estate.
The DPE must be done by an approved expert so potential buyers will have all the information on the energy consumption and emissions (plus other factor related to energy efficiency in your home) when they visit your French property.
It is a a legally binding French real estate document that allows a French real estate agency to market your French real estate.
There are several types of mandate de vente some give the agency you sign with exclusive marketing rights, some do not.
Make sure all the details on your property indicated in the mandat de vente are correct and that all owners of the property have signed the agreement.
Make sure you know the legal implications of what you are signing.
If you are not sure obtain legal advice.
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When you move into your new French home there are certain things you should do right away for peace of mind in your new home:
One
Change the locks
You do not know who has all the previous French property owner’s keys. Maybe an old cousin has one and does not even know the property is sold and he may come by for a surprise visit. Take the time to change the locks and take note of who you give new keys to your French home. Get professional help if needed.
Two
Change the batteries
Replace the batteries in the smoke alarms which are now required by law to be in each French home.
Three
Check the plumbing
Take the time to run the water and properly check all the plumbing in your French home and any other buildings you purchase (garage, swimming pool). You do not want a small leak to become a big leak while you are at the grocery store. Include in your check list the hot water tank. Get professional help if needed and make sure you check even if you have an apartment all the potential leak points.
Four
Check for roof leaks
Do not assume your French property’s roof is water tight. Have a professional check so when the first rain arrives you will not have a disaster on your hands.
Five
Clean out the cabinets
You do not know how clean your closest and cabinets are so to avoid soiling your clothes and food take the time to clean out the cabinets with the appropriate substance all your new storage areas.
Six
Clean deeply the floors
Whether your French property has tiles, wood or by carpet (which is rare) make sure you clean deeply to freshen up your new space.
Seven
Clean the vents
Check all the internal and external vents in your French home to make sure they are working. Perhaps you will need a professional for this. By cleaning them out you will make sure air circulates easily in your French property keeping the place fresh.
Eight
Clean the heating system
Perhaps you have electric heaters or even a wood chimney in your French home. When you move in take the time to clean whatever type of heating system you have so that when the winter comes you will be ready.
Nine
Learn where the hot water tank shut off is
You need to know how to shut off the hot water tank in terms of the electrical and water access just in case a leak arrives.
Ten
Confirm the location of the electrical panel and main water shut off
At some point in time in your French property you are going to need to shut off the electricity or water so it is best to know ahead of time.
Bonus: Make sure you have a battery powered hand held lamp just in case of emergency. Leave it in an easy to find place.
Finally take the time to introduce yourself to your new neighbors.
If you are planning to look for French real estate in Paris and even when you have the pleasure of owning French real estate in Paris France you will be delighted to know of CityScoot.
CityScoot is a new rental service that offers you the opportunity to rent an electric scooter and pay by the kilometer of usage.
Learn more here about this smart economical and ecological way of getting around Paris.
CityScoot details
When you have purchased your French real estate and you want to do a renovation there are four questions you need to ask yourself to help the French property renovation go smoothly.
One
Will you be renting your French real estate?
If you are renovating the property for you to live in you can apply your own personal taste, however, if the property will be rented out you need to consider the latest most desirable features in your renovation so you can maximize your rental return. At the moment Italian walk in showers are in vogue, in addition you may like washing dishes by hand, however, many renters will like a dishwasher so you will need to install one. Get advice from a local rental agent, if you wish.
Two
Have you planned your budget and checked out all the costs?
Many people make a mistake in deciding they want to renovate their French real estate without making an exact budget for the work to be done. You need to consider the cost of the work and the cost of the materials. Price both these out before you start your renovation and make sure you have a financial buffer for any unexpected surprises. Starting a renovation without a clear idea of budget and cost can become a financial nightmare. Take your time.
Three
Did you plan the time for the renovation?
If you do not live in France and you want to be present for the renovation you will need to plan a vacation to coincide with the work. If not, you will perhaps have to have a France based friend keep an eye on the work for you.
Also, note if you plan on vacationing in the property soon or renting it out make sure you also leave a buffer of extra time in case the work is not done on time.
Four
Do you know exactly who will do the work?
Perhaps you just got a sense of pricing for labor and a sense of pricing for materials without finding a particular contractor. You actually need to make sure you know exactly who will do the work to confirm the exact cost and get this cost in writing. You will also want to check the contractors references completely. Then once you make an agreement with the contractor you will also need to specify to the contractor exactly what materials you want them to use so the cost does not change.
If you need assistance finding a builder or designer to help you in English with your French property renovation we can assist you. Simply go to our Extra Services page and visit the appropriate service provider or contact us here.