FNCI - the national federation for buying agents in France

As clients will know I (and the rest of my colleagues within the FrenchEntrée Property Finders network) am a member of the FNCI - the National Fédération of Chasseurs Immobiliers, literally "house hunters".

Having a federation like this is the same concept as traditional agents who belong to the FNAIM which is their national body and well respected throughout France.

The FNCI lobbies Government on behalf of its members and has a quality charter that all members agree to abide by.  Membership comes in handy when describing the role of a buying agent to vendors and local immobiliers as it's a new concept to many of them.

The FNCI have just launched a new website which features the first of a series of videos about looking for a flat or house without the help of a buying agent (above).  It's in French of course but even if you're not fluent you will probably get the gist and see the humour.

Most bodies like this are quite stuffy and staffed by bureaucrats.....I'm happy to say that the FNCI are just the opposite and they are a friendly, professional and forward thinking bunch.  Paying my dues is one of the few cheques I write each year that I don't begrudge.

They must be good!

www.cognacproperty.com

The increased role of "buying agents"

Another good article from the Daily Telegraph.

This one highlights the benefits of using a buying agent (or property finder as they tend to be called in France).  It's clear that more and more people agree with me that the market is changing and that buyers are looking for someone to represent their interests.

This is emphasised by the fact that Strutt & Parker, Savills and Knight Frank all have buying agents in their portfolio (albeit trading under a different brand with chinese walls).

My favourite quotes were these:

“We know who’s out there, who’s made a bid, who hasn’t made a bid,” says Peter Mackie of Property Vision, one of the biggest agencies. “We’re all totally embedded in the business.”


Others talk of local knowledge, trade contacts, networks of past clients and even dinner-party and front-doorstep gossip.


“I had one of my best tipoffs from the man who delivers my logs,” says Tom Hudson, of specialist rural buying agents Middleton Advisors.


And once you have been whisked through the front door with a metaphorical blanket over your head, the buying agents are keen to clinch you a deal. Though not, it should be said, at any price.

I really can't understand why anyone should think about purchasing a property overseas without at least exploring the option of having a local professional represent them.

www.cognacproperty.com