FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)
How long in advance of my visit should I contact you?
Two to three weeks will be fine. That way we have the time to determine what you are looking for, send you a selection of suitable properties, perhaps discuss them on the phone or by email and then draw up a short-list of properties to visit. I then have the time to make the appointments, set up an itinerary for you, and ensure that your time here is best utilised.
I’ve heard that it’s a waste of time making appointments before visiting - Is this true?
Any professional immobilier runs an appointment diary and we stick to it. Obviously there may be occasions when we run unavoidably late, but these are exceptions not the rule. If you arrive at a French estate agency with an appointment and you are not greeted as expected, then walk away. You will realise from the previous answer that we (in our agency) value your time and will do our very best to maximise the benefit you get from your visit.
I don’t speak a word of French (of course I intend to learn) – can I still buy a house successfully?
Yes, I am completely bilingual and will be with you at the notaire meetings, will translate proceedings as we go along and ensure that you have a full understanding of everything that is going on. All the notaires that I work with are used to dealing with clients from the UK so if we need to take extra time to go back over something, don’t worry we will. After you have made your purchase I’ll help you set up your utilities (gas, electricity and water etc) and answer any questions you have about living in France.
How many houses should I plan on seeing in one day?
This depends on the distance between properties but ideally three and no more than four. More than this and you will find that you are tired and cannot recall specifics from the different properties. After the visits, sit down, relax and make a list of what you liked and didn’t about each of the properties, this will ensure that they remain fresh in your mind and keep you objective. And make sure you tell your agent how you really feel about a property; you never know, your dream home may be sitting in their files, but it hasn’t been suggested, as it didn’t previously seem to fit your needs. The person who just says: ‘Lovely but not quite right for us’ is unlikely ever to find it!
I am worried about driving on the right hand side of the road for the first time.
Don’t be, it’s really not too hard. When leaving the car hire depot, take it slowly and wait for some other traffic to pass (and provided it’s headed in the right direction), follow it. Simply remember that the driver (provided you are in a left hand drive car – ie one you’ve hired) will always find his left shoulder next to the white line in the middle of the road. At junctions, especially multi-lane left or right turns, take your time and remember that rule.
What is the ideal season to look for a house in France?
Well, the answer here is of course whenever you are free to look! – but there is much to be said for house hunting out of season. For instance your immobilier will have much more time for you. In summer we can be deluged by people who think that a day out looking at houses is a pleasant diversion – me, I can think of other things I’d do on holiday! Another benefit of viewing properties out of season is that you are seeing them sometimes at their worst – if you fall in love with leaves covering the grass and bare branches scratching an overcast sky, imagine how you are going to feel when everything is in bloom and the lawns are lush and green and the scent of wildflowers fills the evening air!
What are road conditions like in winter?
This can vary depending on what sector of our area we are in. Mountain roads – ie those to the south of Lavelanet are sometimes more difficult, especially first thing in the morning, especially on valley bottoms or near rivers, but we always take it gently. Generally, taking the area as a whole, road conditions are good all year round.
What about if I don’t see anything that I really like?
This indicates that we need to talk again about what it is that you are seeking. Sometimes I have found that what people are looking for, changes during their visit. For instance many people fresh off the plane, are in love with the idea of an old stone farmhouse on a hilltop, but when they realise the implications of living there – half an hour in the car for a loaf of bread/no neighbours/a major renovation project/exposed to the elements/constant mud/hangers to be demolished etc, they change their goals for something that really matches the life that they wish to live, more often than not this will be a villa or old town house on the outskirts of a hamlet or village.
If you find that what you are seeing does not match the ideal, or that your ideal is changing, don’t hesitate, just tell me and we’ll have another look at what we have on the books that is closer to your new reality.
What happens if I’m only just beginning my search?
Don’t be afraid to contact us, we appreciate that everybody has to start somewhere on the road to that dream home in France, but in discussing your plans with you, we can give you an idea of what options are open to you. I personally do not expect each client to be at the same place in the decision process, some take much more thought and information to chew over, in order to get to the same decision that others can reach in less than an hour. People are all different, but somewhere a dream home exists for each of them.
I’m not sure about the area – will you still take me out to see houses?
If you are not sure of the Midi Pyrenees, I will spend time with you describing the differing landscapes and micro climates within the sector that we cover and discussing lifestyle options and how you see your future. If appropriate we may visit several properties in the areas that appeal to you. If you don’t feel ready for this step I can give you directions to several general areas that I feel from your feedback will suit you and after your tour we will meet again and I can show you properties in the areas you liked best.
I’m not sure what I can get for my money, will you still take me out to see houses?
A quick look at our website will give you a good idea of what your budget will get you in our sector. It’s easy to navigate and is broken down into price bands to make your searches quick and easy.
We need to sell our house before we can buy – what can you do for us?
We can still discuss your requirements both in terms of location and property but realistically if you find the property of your dreams at this stage, then you will be putting yourself in an unnecessarily stressful situation, fretting about selling your property whilst praying that your dream home remains unsold. It is far better to start your property search when you have a firm (signed) offer on your home, this gives you the maximum buying flexibility. Starting any earlier is folly. I would advise you to work on finding the area that suits your planned lifestyle whilst waiting for your existing house to sell, this means that you are still moving your project forward, keeping the dreams alive and making plans without incurring unnecessary grey hairs.
Can I get a mortgage in France?
This is very possible. More and more foreign buyers who need a mortgage take one with a French bank.
What about house insurance?
You will need to arrange building and contents insurance from the moment the property becomes yours (in the notaires meeting) so we can arrange for you to visit insurance broker(s) prior to your meeting.