For whatever reason you have decided to sell your home in France. Perhaps you are just re-locating to another home or even moving to a different country. Selling a house is very stressful and it is a big decision to sell up. However, the decision has been made but have you thought about how to sell your property in France?
Traditonal Method
The traditional routes are through Immobilier (estate agents/Realtors), Notaires or Privately. In France Immobilier will charge about 5% fees for their range of services. Their fees are added to the price - so the published price will include the Immobilier commission. The legal or Notaire fees are
not typically included (this is not always the case - so consider this). The Immobilier will market your property - using newspapers, magazines, websites, telephone and email marketing lists - arrange viewings, conduct viewings, negotiate and offer support!
However, a growing number of individuals are marketing their property privately - advertising in various media. At 1st for French Property we have seen a big explosion in the number of people using this route. The French (or expat foreigners including the English) see the English speaking audience as a hot market. Of course, marketing privately you can offer the property at a more attractive price (saving the estate agent's commission)!
Increasingly private individuals are choosing to advertise their property on French Property websites - typically you will be able to describe your property fully with photos and contact information. You must be prepared to answer all enquiries, arrange viewings and conduct negotiations. The legal transaction will still have to go through Notaire - but that it is usually at
the expense of the buyer.
You will find some enquiries are bizarre, the odd scam from Nigeria, and you may be more enthusiastic about your property than perhaps an Immobilier and "sell" the property better to potential buyers.
Tips
Describe your property in as much detail as possible - including all rooms
with room dimensions
Describe the garden, land, & outbuildings in detail
Photos: your photos need to be clear and bright (be careful with interior photos - they often appear dark). Good photos will sell your property for you.
Describe the location - what attracted you to the area, local restaurant and bars, sights to see, etc.
A growing number of people are emigrating to France - they will want to know about locations of schools, shops and health services
How to get your property - nearby airports, rail stations, bus services
Weather - summer and winter conditions (mentioning skiing if it is relevant)
France is a very large country and you will find that many enquiries will not be fruitful as the enquirer's geography is poor! "Please send more information" is the standard response - yes what do they mean by more information? Generic enquiries are usually from time-wasters, they are gathering information for a dream. Enquiries which are specific and about the nitty gritty are more inclined to be from serious potential buyers. Always ascertain if they are in a position to buy - do they have to sell a property, will they need a mortgage, when will they view? You have to be business-like dealing with enquiries - respond as soon as possible.
Spend some time thinking about how to sell your property in words and photos.
Hope you have been encouraged to sell your property in France!
