How do I make an offer?
The exact price you offer is
down to you. You should factor
in the asking price compared to
other, similar properties in the
area, how long the house has
been on the market, the state of
the market in general, and "gut
feel".
Our local agent will put the
offer forward, and it's always
a tense time while waiting to
see if your offer is accepted or
a counteroffer is made. Once
accepted, a Notaire needs to be
appointed, and a Compromis de
Vente (CDV) will be drawn up.
What does the Notaire do?
The Notaire is an independent
official who represents the
state. Don't forget; you have
the choice of either appointing
your own or using the same
Notaire as the vendor. If you
choose the former, the cost will
be the same, and they will split
the work.
Once the CDV is signed,
you have a ten-day "cooling off"
period before the contract
becomes binding. If you are
purchasing the property with
any caveats, these must be
written into the contract as
a "clause suspensive". At this
stage, you will also be asked
to transfer a deposit into
the Notaire's client account
- this can vary but is usually
a maximum of 10% of the
purchase price.
After exchange, there will
be a delay of a further 2-4
months depending upon how
busy the Notaire's office is and
how complicated the sale is.
Before completion, you will
need to have had the remainder
of your funds transferred and
deposited with the Notaire.
Once signed, you can
collect your keys and will be
the legal owner of your new
house. Congratulations!
Download our step-by-step
guide to Buying in France from
our website homepage.
13
LEGGETT IMMOBILIER - LOCAL KNOWLEDGE YOU CAN TRUST
top tips
Get your mortgage offer in place
beforehand; it puts you in a strong
negotiating position.
If applicable, speak to an FX broker
and consider fixing your exchange
rate - it can offer peace of mind.
Visit your favourite property at
different times of day - particularly
during rush hour, or when schools
come out.
Take a compass on all viewings and
make a note of which way the house
and garden face.
Pop into the Mairie and ask them
about local life and plans for the
town/village.
D
Karine's