Everything you need to know to optimise your property transaction

A property project is generally the most significant investment that a couple of private individuals have the opportunity to make together. It is primarily a long-term labour of love, which also requires specific financing. Even if they do carry out more than one property transaction, the years between them mean that no two are the same. Indeed, who could have believed in 2001 that interest rates would be so low 15 years later?

For any large-scale financial transaction, and property is no exception, you call on professionals. They advise you, accompany you, and answer all your questions. Some of these questions come up frequently, which is why we have compiled the top questions and answers for you. In other words, everything you need to know, or almost, to keep the upper hand and optimise your property transaction.

Direct sale, yes, but…

An IFOP study from January 2012 revealed that nearly 70% of French people said they were tempted by buying or selling a property directly. With the advent of the internet in this sector and the direct connection between private individuals, nothing could be simpler. In reality, at the same time, only 19% of transactions took place in this way. Compare this with 68% for estate agencies and 13% for notaries. The opinion of professionals carries a lot of weight – the figures speak for themselves.

The advantages of an exclusive mandate

Very often, private individuals opt for a shared mandate rather than an exclusive one. Moreover, in France only 15% of transactions are carried out on an exclusive basis – it is the opposite in Anglo-Saxon countries where the inverse overwhelming majority applies, with 95% exclusive mandates. The advantages are numerous, and we have covered the subject well in this other article: Exclusive mandate, when, why and how? The main advantage is selling your property at the best price – these are professionals in optimisation.

Sale value and buyer selection

When a mandate is in place, whether exclusive or simple, the seller can refuse any offer, even if it matches the mandate value. Indeed, the sales contract is signed between the seller and the estate agency. Similarly, the seller is free to choose the future buyer. No imposition from the agency.

What exactly is the estate agent?

They are a professional who has studied general studies in the legal, commercial or property sector. They generally hold a licence or a BTS. Some hold a diploma from the institute of economic and legal studies applied to construction and housing. They are a generalist who has a passion for property and optimising sales.