1. Choose your area. France is a very large
country, and many people mis-judge
distances on maps or even using their GPS
systems. Tell your agent what you are looking for
– climate, countryside, house style, etc – and build
in requirements for accessibility back to the UK if
needed. Having chosen an area, research it before
you start booking viewings. If you need help or
guidance, ask – we are here to help.
2. Maximise your viewing time. With a
‘wish-list’ you can draw up property to view,
but try to keep an open mind if an agent suggests
a special property, as this can often turn up
trumps. It is equally important to say what your
absolute deal breakers are, as that can rule out a
few properties, not immediately obvious from a
website description. Plan your viewings carefully,
and don’t try to fit in too many. Sometimes less is
more – so go for quality rather than quantity.
3. Work with your agent. It is amazing how
many clients try to keep their requirements
secret! The more we know about you and your
needs, the more we can help. Often we learn
more over a coffee and a croissant than we have
learned from several conversations and email
exchanges ahead of a face-to-face meeting. You
need to build a relationship with your agent to
work on a close basis, rather than a scattergun
approach, which can clock up considerable
mileage. Often, working this way, you may be
taken to a new property not yet on a website.
4. Use our additional services. Over more
than a decade in France, we have built up a
good network of contacts, including currency
dealers,insurance and mortgage services, English
speaking notaires, financial advisers and more. We
only recommend those we have tried and tested.
5. Be realistic. For several years now, France has
been a buyer’s market. However, financial
changes over the past year have brought back UK
buyers. Many French houses (not all) are now
priced very generously, and are achieving the full
asking price. This has not happened for several
years, and unless the property is considerably over
priced, then it is unlikely that an offer at 10-15%
below the asking price will be successful. Again,
working with your agent, they will often know
how receptive, or not, a seller may be to an offer.
Thursday, 9 April 2015
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