Flat Hunting

Buying a property is always tiring and generates a lot of stress, even more so when you want to buy in foreign countries. Furthermore it is difficult to gain the right impression on the local property market when one does not live in the chosen city itself. More often than not people are influenced by "unscrupulous" (to put it mildly) real estate agents who's main purpose is to sell, whatever the consequences for the buyer.

One real life example of this is an investor, living in London, buying a small flat in Paris based on the real estate agent's promise that he would find a tenant within a week of the sale. Unfortunately for the buyer the flat was still empty after several month but the mortgage had still to be paid... In fact the level of rent needed to pay for the mortgage was far too high compared to the area and the condition of the flat. Our advice to the owner was to sell the flat, which he did within a couple of weeks allowing him not to lose any money in the end.

Of course in a city such as Paris, like in many other major cities throughout the world, the property market is quite volatile sometimes. This is particularly true for smaller apartments that are all the rage nowadays. Hence the most difficult bit is to find the right place at the right price!

Our task will be to assist you in finding the kind of property you are looking for based on a consultation where we will specifically determine what your wishes are.

We are also able to assist you in getting a mortgage, renovating the property and of course managing the property for short or long term rental if that is your wish.

Phase 1: the initial interview

This initial phase is utterly important because it will allow us to get a better understanding of what you like in terms of environment and atmosphere i.e. are you bothered by noise, does the place have to be sunny and bright, do you prefer a clear view, does the area have to be lively or not etc. The objective for us being to find a place that you will enjoy, or that you will be able to rent easely with a good ROI (Return On Investment).

Typically the phase 1 interview will last from 1 to 2 hours, taking place wherever you like in Paris or over the phone and/or by e-mail.

Phase 2: finding a property

We will select and visit a number of properties based on the information gathered during our initial interview as well as during follow-up conversations. We will send you pictures, via e-mail, as well as a description of each property outlining the positive and the negative points that we think are relevant thus enabling you to make the decision to visit or not. Of course we will accompany you for all of the visits we will organise for you .

Phase 2 is free of charge but we will ask you to sign a "mandat de recherche", which is a standard agreement, stating that should you buy a property recommended by us you agree to pay us the finder's fee.

Phase 3 finder's fee

Finder's fee is 4% ot the property's price, exclusive of the legal fee (Notaire) with a minimum of 3850 Euros.

Payment:

. 50% when signing the "promesse de vente", where the seller officially agrees to sell you the property .

. 50% when signing the "acte authentique de vente", in front of the Notaire, where you will become the official owner of the property.

Both are payable by cashier's check.

Of course should you need further assistance we will be happy to help you setting up your utilities at no charge.

In case you would like us to assist you further outside any initial agreement our hourly fee is 100 Euros with a minimum charge of 2 hours.

Of course every individual case is different, so if you wish to know more about us, or if you have an inquiry do not hesitate to contact us, you will find our details on our Homepage.