What real estate egents in France won't tell you (even the English-speaking agents!) - Key highlights!
Ever wonder if real estate agents in France are telling you everything you need to know about purchasing property in France? Spoiler alert… NO!! Even the English speaking realtors, brokers and estate agent’s won’t freely reveal everything! And it’s not because they are “bad”!…
When searching for your dream property in France, relying solely on real estate agents – even English-speaking ones – can lead to costly mistakes. As experts with experience in both American and French real estate markets, we've seen countless American and international buyers struggle with misaligned expectations (or perhaps unrealistic expectations based on a different system and cultural approach)!
“We’re revealing our key highlights to help American and international buyers TRULY understand the different cultural context, market framework, and expectations that impact so much of YOUR French property search! ”
Why your French property search feels frustrating as an American and international buyer!
Many of our clients come to us after experiencing:
Unanswered inquiries to French agents
Vague or incomplete responses to basic questions
A lack of attention despite being serious buyers
Insufficient information to make confident decisions
You might wonder: "Why won't French real estate agents give me complete, accurate information? Even the English-speaking estate agents, realtors and brokers won’t give me more information!”
The answer lies in fundamental differences between French and American real estate markets.
“Many of our clients are frustrated by their interactions with real estate agents, brokers and realtors in France - French and English speaking agents alike! You’re not alone! ”
It’s tempting to conclude that “all estate agents in France are terrible"! But that is simply not true!
Just like any other profession in any other country, real estate agents, brokers and realtors in France have a wide variety of experience, knowledge, motivation and capability!
But more often than not, your frustration as an American or international buyer in France has more to do with not understanding the French real estate market framework within which real estate agents operate!
6 Critical differences you need to understand as an American / international buyer in France!
1. Lower Housing Turnover
Properties change hands much less frequently in France than in the U.S., meaning agents have fewer listings and often cover wider geographic areas.
2. Non-Exclusive Seller Contracts
Unlike in America, French sellers typically work with multiple agents simultaneously and can sell privately. This limits an agent's willingness to invest time in educating potential buyers.
3. No MLS System
France has no Multiple Listing Service, meaning each agency only works with their own listings. Buyer representation agreements are rare – most agents are contractually working for sellers, not you.
4. Hyper-Local Knowledge
Though French agents are licensed nationally, most operate in extremely limited geographic areas. If you're exploring multiple regions, you become a high-risk, low-reward client.
5. Competing Priorities
French buyers require less education about the process, making them easier clients. For busy agents, international buyers who need extensive guidance often become lower priority.
6. The 40% FSBO Market
Approximately 40% of French properties sell without any agent involvement. Agents have little incentive to educate you on navigating these opportunities.
We’re sharing just the key highlights here!
Keep your eyes peeled for our full comprehensive guide coming soon that delves deep into all these issues which are so critical to understand for you as an American or international buyer in France!
The “Independent” property advisor / property consultant / real estate agent myth
That "independent property consultant" you found? In France, "independent" often simply means "self-employed" rather than truly unbiased. Most are still affiliated with specific agencies and incentivized to focus only on their listings.
Even dedicated "buyer's agents" in France operate differently than in America. Without exclusive agreements, they're still in a race to close rather than a partnership to educate.
“It’s your French property search, your investment, your risk, your peace of mind! Our advice? Get yourself the right tools and expert knowledge to move forward with more joy and less stress! ”
Take Control of Your French Property Journey
This is precisely why we created our truly independent advisory service. We provide:
Genuine Independence - No commission incentives tied to specific properties
Cross-Cultural Expertise - Deep understanding of both American and French systems
Complete Market Access - Including strategies for approaching the 40% of FSBO properties
Transparent Education - Even if it means suggesting you don't buy at all
“Do your homework! Get yourself educated on how to avoid costly mistakes, nasty surprises and rely on yourself and real experts who are incentivized to educate YOU on making the right decision for you! ”
Ready to move forward with your French property search with real confidence?
With our guidance, you won't just be another American foreign buyer hoping for the best! You'll approach the French property market with insider knowledge, able to:
Access the entire market, not just agent listings
Ask the right questions that reveal crucial information
Negotiate effectively using French cultural norms
Make confident decisions based on complete understanding
“Your dream French property deserves more than just hope – it deserves informed confidence!”
Want more expert advice?
If you are ready to get serious about your French property search and invest in yourself – your knowledge, your confidence, your understanding of how to find and purchase your dream French property at the best price possible and with the least amount of stress and most joy, then trust us. We’ve worked with hundreds of buyers just like you! We can help!
Contact us at info@frenchpropertyfocus.com or via French mobile / Whatsapp at give number at +33(0)635906852.
“Our mission is to educate and empower American buyers property hunting in France! Our goal is to help you get the knowledge and confidence to finally move forward with finding and buying your dream French property with more joy and less stress!”
We are a small team of experts in French real estate whose mission it is to educate, assist and EMPOWER Americans looking to buy in France.
Follow us as we share our expertise with you! We will be sharing free advice, behind the scenes insights, real estate secrets, and the ultimate 100% only useful info guides, e-books and online courses / digital courses helping you get the insight, knowledge and confident to purchase in France.
