Jim & Elizabeth Hilgendorf - The Matchmakers - in St. Cirq LaPopie, France
In the United States, most properties are listed through a realtor, and most of these are exclusive listings, which are added to a multiple listing service for everyone to look at and compare with similar properties in the area. The exclusive listing means that only this one broker has the right to sell the property for the owner, at a particular agreed upon price, and any other broker or private party interested in making an offer has to go through this one exclusive broker. The listing broker and the broker who brings in the buyer agree to split the agreed upon commission. This makes for a fairly orderly market.
In France, it is more like the Wild West, with every man or woman out for themselves. There are few exclusive listings. The norm is for an owner to put the property out to many agents to get as much exposure as possible. The owner's agreement with each individual agent can vary as to price, terms, and agent's commission. Add to this the fact that there is basically no multiple listing service, such as those in the U.S., through which a buyer can search for comparable listings and solds in the area. In addition, there is the notaire, who is required in every real estate transaction - who, for his services of research and legal work, will add on about eight percent to the purchase price.
Many French people buy homes and property without the services of a broker, while others do use a broker. For a foreigner, though, I would highly recommend the use of a agent. A good agent will know his area of expertise well. He or she will know the current value of properties, and will be able to guide the buyer through an intelligent buying process, in order to get the best deal possible, and can help with all the legal hurdles and other details of buying property in France.
When dealing with French agents, you should deal with one who is not only reputable and very familiar with properties in his or her area, but who will also provide excellent service throughout the entire buying process. Too many agents are lacking in this respect. Service is one of the key ingredients you should look for.
At The Matchmakers, we have established good relations with just a handful of French agencies - each dealing with a particular area of France - that we feel can provide this kind of solid background and excellent service. These agents generally have access to most of the properties currently on the market, and in many cases they also know of properties that are not actively advertised. They can be of great assistance, we feel, to a foreign buyer. We have a personal relationship with these agents, and we can help you establish a personal relationship with them also. It is this personal trust and connection we supply. We are not the usual faceless internet property portal. We get paid through referrals - a percentage of the agency's commission if a deal is completed - so it costs you nothing more to use our services.
You can find out more about The Matchmakers, and view a sampling of properties available in different areas of France, at our website. You can also view some short videos of these areas, to acquaint you with their beauty.
The Matchmakers website: http://www.thematchmakers.org
