House Hunting in the Aude

Looking for properties for sale in Languedoc

You've done your research, and you've visited and found the area that's right for you. From your research and your exploring you've established a wish list and a budget. It's time to come to Languedoc, visit houses, find the house you want, and buy it.

It sounds so easy, doesn't it? This can actually be where things get frustrating. And this is where we can help.

Pick dates for your visit. Make sure there isn't a bank holiday while you're here. The French take bank holidays and weekends seriously. You may be able to make appointments to view properties for sale on a Saturday but I've yet to meet an immobilier who will show you houses in Languedoc on a Sunday or holiday.

Plan to stay for at least a week if you can. This will give you time to see houses and to make a second visit to any that you like. Also time to make an offer and have it accepted.

Arrange accommodation. If you've decided to look at properties near Carcassonne don't stay near Béziers, you'll spend a lot of time driving back and forth. If you've decided to look in two areas stay somewhere in between.

Make appointments to view properties. In this area people list their houses with more than one immobilier, sometimes with as many as 7. Don't assume that the you'll see a wider range of houses by making appointments with a lot of real estate agents. You won't.

Pick one or two immobiliers. You'll have an idea from your research which agencies seem to have the kind of properties that you're looking for. Make an appointment to meet an agent at their office. They'll spend time getting to know what you want and showing you what they have available. Then they'll arrange to show you the properties you've chosen.

If you feel that you're being pressured to look at houses that you don't like, leave. Once you sign a bon de visite the agent should tell you where the house is. If they won't, leave. This is a major step in your life, you need to feel comfortable with the person that you're dealing with. If you don't then find another agent.

Keep in mind that you really can't tell anything about a house in Languedoc until you've seen the inside. If you hate the area, fine, but don't dismiss a house just because it looks a little sad from the outside.

When you find a house that you like and are ready to think about making an offer, sleep on it. Arrange to go back the next day and look at it again. If the house needs work you might want to arrange for a builder to visit with you to give you an idea of the costs involved. You'll know that it's the right house if you want to make an offer and cancel any other viewings you've arranged. If you want to make an offer and keep looking at other houses 'just in case' then it isn't the house for you. Don't make an offer.

After your offer has been accepted you'll meet with a Notaire to sign compromis de vente. The Notaire will explain the procedure for buying French property. They will also explain the various ownership options and the advantages and disadvantages of each. You can do this from home by fax but you'll have a better understanding of the process if you do it in person.