We have had a meeting with the French real estate agents we know and we asked them for their best advice to help create happy French property buyers.
We looked at all the responses and now offer you the top twenty tips.
This is part one with tips one to ten. Tomorrow you will have part two.
Number One
Know where you like
We know France is a beautiful country and its beauty varies region by region. The diversity can make it difficult for some people to decide. Some people love the buzz and activity of Nice and Cannes, other people prefer the more relaxed parts of France like the Canal de midi area and you can’t forget Paris.
The key to finding the right property for you in France is to know where you want to be and this is a lifestyle choice.
The best advice we can offer you is to make a few trips to different areas in France to find out what lifestyle you like. Once you know the lifestyle you like then start shopping for property.
Number Two
Shop When Other People are Not Shopping
To find the best opportunity in terms of price it is a great plan to shop in the winter months. This is when most seller’s are more negotiable with their pricing.
Number Three
Visit in All Seasons
Make sure that the property you buy in an area that appears calm and quiet is in fact calm and quiet all year round. This means you will need to visit your favourite area when it is sunny and not so sunny.
Number Four
Match the Property to your Lifestyle
If you like the idea of spending days cultivating your French land maybe growing vines and relaxing with a glass of wine as the sun sets then a property with land may be ideal for you.
If you prefer to be in the center of town people watching and in minutes to a bakery or coffee shop then a village home maybe ideal for you.
Remember just like you need to choose your region carefully your style of property must match your way of living.
Number Five
The Price may Not be Right
The least expensive properties that need lots of renovation be they barns or old apartments may seem attractive but are you willing to deal with renovations that often take much longer than expected.
Sometimes it better to buy a place that is livable, in a sense at least half way to where you would like it be once the full renovation is done.
Number Six
Know your Cost is more than the Price
Make sure you have a very good estimate of the cost of making your French property purchase before you start looking. Make sure you account for notary fees, agency fees and all the items in your budget to purchase.
Number Seven
Work with a Professional
When you are ready to start shopping for French real estate make sure the person you are working with is a registered agent working under a Carte Professionelle. Ask to see their registration card. You have the right to do so.
Number Eight
Be aware of Pricing Policies
Some agencies may charge different fees to other agencies and therefore have the same property for sale at a different price. Make sure you are working with an agent who will help you get the best price.
Number Nine
Know what you can Afford
Many transactions in France take place as cash purchases. If this is possible for you then you can use the fact you are paying cash to help get a better price on your French property. If this is not possible make sure you are working with a lender who can help you obtain financing for a French property.
Number Ten
Keeping Currency Aware
Make sure you are aware of how much exactly the cost and maintenance of your French property will cost in your home currency if the French property is your secondary residence. This is especially important if you are going to be paying a mortgage in Euros through a different currency like dollars or pounds. A currency service can save you a lot of money.
Tomorrow you will find tips eleven to twenty, see you then.
Meanwhile you can check out our guide 110 Tips for French property buyers
(Remember if you are looking for an English speaking French real estate agent in your favorite part of France we can help you connect. Contact us here.