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Can Honore Services really help me purchase a property in Provence? The answer is YES! When you're ready to buy a property overseas, you need to ask yourself the following questions: "If I want to purchase a property on my own, how long should you expect stay in France to find the
right property? Two weeks, a month? "Do I have :
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The South of France Lifestyle is a unique blend of the nightlife of the French Riviera and picturesque, pastoral villages for retirement. Your perfect location could be exciting and charming at the same time. Some towns and villages are quiet and serene throughout the year and others triple their population in the summer months. Big cities such as Nice or Aix en Provence can offer the convenience, sophistication and activities that rival any major city in United States. Many locations do not require a car, but others do. Certain parts of the South of France are less expensive than others. Based on your individual criteria, Honore Services identifies an area as well as the property to meet your desires. Honore Services can help you negotiate the details of realizing your ideal location and the amenities that best meet your needs. Honore Services will assist you with understanding the unique aspects of purchasing property in Provence through a streamlined and professional experience.
Once you know how much you wish to invest and how you are financing your home, the next step is to find the properties that most nearly fit your needs. This is the time to choose Honore Services. In France, only 40% of property sales are made through a Real Estate Agency. Most of the French prefer to sell their house the old fashion way: by themselves. Also, each real estate agency has its own listing of houses for sale. Some listings are in other agencies, some are not. A small village like Saint Remy de Provence, with a population of only 9000, has 38 Real Estate agencies! Each agency is independent with their own listings. To see all the houses for sale in the same village and its surroundings you have to visit every agency. And what if your dream home was the one for sale in the only agency that was closed the day you visited? Rely on your choice of Honore Services to find your property in Provence!
Many Real Estate agencies provide photos and videos to present a property in its best possible light. What about the bad views? What about the pending freeway project or pig farm being built next to your beautiful home? Do you think the seller's agent is going to disclose you the defects of the house? There are no laws protecting you against these nightmares. At Honore Services we will estimate your risk before you buy your perfect home.
At Honore Services our goal is to do all the foot work so that all you have to do is to make the final selection of the perfect property. This will prevent you from spending thousands of euros in hotels, contacting more than 10 agencies and visiting 20 houses within a week leaving you exhausted and vulnerable. This is where our services will keep you from falling prey to the brookers who are eager to close the deal. Remember, at Honore Services, we are former Real Estate agents! We understand the intricacies of the buying process and will protect you. Most Foreigners abort their dream and go back home disappointed. Others buy what they think is their dream home at a seemingly unbeatable price only to find a highway or High Speed Train project will soon create a nightmare for them a half mile away. Honore Services will provide objective information about each property as well as the local community. We provide information on utilities, zoning, schools, future road projects and other pertinent data that secures your future in your home in Provence.
Most homes in Provence are built of concrete and brick, but some builders prefer to construct their houses through less expensive methods. Technology allows those houses to look good so it is practically impossible to see their inferior construction. Most French homeowners do not have any proof of the quality of their house nor do French regulations require them. Our architectural knowledge and Real Estate background minimize the risk of buying a risky property. We ask the questions you want to know. No "Fixer-Upper" at Honore Services unless you want to buy one!
As former Real Estate agents, we have rarely seen a house sold at its original listed price. Many reasons push people to sell their homes in France, and those reasons differ from your home country. A national survey estimates that the French people stay in a house for at least 10 years before moving. The French attach to their homes. Most French companies do not relocate and when they do, the employees find a new job rather than selling their property. Often divorces, decease, new road projects and properties in need of major repairs are the catalyst for selling and all of these situations could be a good reason for the price to go down! In France, often up to 10% of a selling price is taken in commission! We can save you thousands of euros on a house by analyzing the underlying reason for the sale of the home and negotiate the agency fee down as low as 3%.
There are a myriad of negotiating factors in purchasing your home, including, but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession, and often the inclusion or exclusion of repairs and furnishings and equipment. Honore Services can analyze quotes on repairs and maintenance and even secure discounts from furniture and design showrooms. The purchase agreement should also provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Honore Services can advise you which inspections are recommended or required. We can help you objectively evaluate the marketing position of a property. This initial agreement is only the beginning of a process of appraisals, inspections, and financing, a lot of possible pitfalls. Not to worry, if you wish, Honore Services will be with you until your move in day!
With a negotiated agreement in hand, it is time to complete the evaluation of the property. Depending on the area and property, this could include inspections for termites, asbestos, and lead paint. Many inspections - dry rot, faulty structure, roof condition, septic tank and well tests, just to name a few - are not legally required in France. You can be held responsible for buying a house in disrepair if you did not protect yourself by understanding the fine print of a contract. Honore Services can assist you in finding qualified, responsible professionals to do most of these investigations and provide you with written reports. We will also secure a preliminary report on the title of the property. Title indicates ownership of property and can be mired in confusing status of past owners or rights of access. The title to most properties will have some limitations; for example, easements (access rights) for utilities. The required paperwork alone is overwhelming for most buyers. Honore Services will be an asset to objectively help you resolve these issues and move the transaction to settlement. Rest assured we are working as your personal assistant, our interest is your security and nothing else.
Finally, there is the settlement. France has its own unique custom. A "Notaire" will handle this process; they are paid by the French government and are following Real Estate laws. You need an attorney only if problems occur. Honore Services will make sure everything flows smoothly. Email us today and discover how easy it is to find your dream home in the South of France. |
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