In this month's issue I take a look at the pro's and cons of conducting your French property search using a local French agency and the option of going it alone, whether you are buying of selling French property.
Among the advantages of using an established local French estate agency are of course their in-depth knowledge of the local market, a list of properties on their databse showing what is available and to help you compare prices, and the agent's experience and expertise in helping you select and buy the property of your choice. A lot of work has to be done by both the agent and the Notaire handling the sale, including prearing the pre- and final sales contract, ensuring the payment of a deposit and that the funds have been transfered by the buyer to the Notaire's secure account.
You may of course choose to go it alone if you feel have have sufficient knowledge of the French property market and the legal processes involved in buying and selling. Your knowledge of French should be sufficient to enable you to handle viewings by propsective purchasers or dealing with vendors, and to understand the sales documents required. Not least are your skills at negotiating when it comes to deciding the final price. The choice is yours!
French Property News is available in newsagents or on subscription; www.french-property-news.com
Among the advantages of using an established local French estate agency are of course their in-depth knowledge of the local market, a list of properties on their databse showing what is available and to help you compare prices, and the agent's experience and expertise in helping you select and buy the property of your choice. A lot of work has to be done by both the agent and the Notaire handling the sale, including prearing the pre- and final sales contract, ensuring the payment of a deposit and that the funds have been transfered by the buyer to the Notaire's secure account.
You may of course choose to go it alone if you feel have have sufficient knowledge of the French property market and the legal processes involved in buying and selling. Your knowledge of French should be sufficient to enable you to handle viewings by propsective purchasers or dealing with vendors, and to understand the sales documents required. Not least are your skills at negotiating when it comes to deciding the final price. The choice is yours!
French Property News is available in newsagents or on subscription; www.french-property-news.com