A milestone in your life… You are going to be buying your first home! It can be a stressful process and it’s not always easy to know where to start. Preparing well is the key to a smooth process. Find your dream home with the help of our advice below!
In this article you will find information on the pre-process when buying a new home. You will also get advice on what foreigners buying a home on the French Riviera need to think of and finally, how to choose your dream main and/or holiday home in the South of France.
Buying a Home for Beginners
Buying a new home is a huge commitment and an important investment for your future. You need to be sure that you want to be a homeowner and realistic about the long term effort. With that said, the process of buying a property in France might be different from what you are used to in your home country. There are also terms you need to know when buying a home in the south of France.
The 3 points below are helpful to consider before getting started on the process for first-time homebuyers.
- Make sure you know your financial capabilities
- Have sufficient funds available for some early costs such as the deposit
- Choose a real estate agent who is with you throughout the entire process
The first 2 points are necessary if you want to increase your chances of finding your dream home while also also being realistic when buying a home on the French Riviera. Selecting a real estate agency who can help you every step of the way is also very important, considering the long administrative process of buying a new home. A great real estate agency will help find the right home, negotiate with the sellers, find the right notary and help with all the administrative work. Wretman Estate is an agency that promises you exactly that! You can find a selection of properties for sale in the South of France here.
Know Your Needs
After checking out the points above, it is necessary that you know your needs and the criteria most important for you when looking for a new home – but also that you are realistic. Everything has a price! In other words, a targeted search usually gives the best results, but finding what you want can still be a lengthy process. Therefore, it’s a good idea to make a priority list of the top requirements you have for the new home and present it to the agent. Here is a link to our key advice to take into account when purchasing a home.
The agent may also surprise you with homes you haven’t considered, but which still fall under the category of your requirements. Keep your mind open for new opportunities, and trust your agent! Location is also an important requirement to consider, in particular if you have to drive to work every day, or if you have kids going to school. Some towns or villages are cheaper than others, and your agent will explain this to you and help you set realistic expectations.
House Hunting
The house hunting part may be the buyer’s favorite part. It can however also be a very stressful experience, which is why it’s recommended to discuss the property-search with an agent. The agent will plan the visits for you and match them with your time schedule. When buying a home on the French Riviera, it’s good to know the area. Drive around, visit some towns, find the place you love! If you haven’t already been here on holiday, it’s time to plan a trip now!
Once you know which city or area you are aiming for, you can better focus your search. When you’re visiting properties it’s also important to trust your feelings. If you are in doubt, make a list with the advantages and disadvantages of your favourite properties. Match this against your requirements, and let your heart decide.
Time to Get Started!
It’s very exciting to buy a first home, but make sure that your dream home matches your budget and needs!
