To open as many doors as possible this autumn, visit your notaire, who has put together a tailor-made real estate program for you. Follow the 5 lessons he has carefully prepared this summer to make you a satisfied buyer by the end of the year!
Prospecting, negotiation, acquisition... there are so many subjects to master if you want to make a success of your next property purchase. Especially as the ranks of would-be buyers have swelled considerably in recent months. The process of becoming a homeowner has become much smoother, thanks to the combined effect of lower interest rates and stable property prices. That's right, the "good students" can look forward to obtaining an attractive loan (1.50% over 20 years). And they won't have too much trouble finding a house that hasn't suffered too much inflation (+0.20% in Q2 in the French provinces, according to the immonot indicator).
Against this favorable backdrop, buyers are advised to follow the sound advice of their notaire, who will accompany them right up to the moment of signing. They will appreciate his knowledge of the market, his legal skills and his vision of their assets, making him the "preferred master" of many a real estate buyer. Here are 5 useful lessons.
Lesson no. 1
Conduct effective searches
Real estate sales are well underway, and it's tempting to go back to school and buy. But not in just any circumstances, as you need to follow some valuable advice to achieve a successful real estate transaction. In this context, the notary becomes the "Master" of the situation for many purchasers, as he or she will pass on the lessons for a successful acquisition. This knowledge will enable you to :
- access to a selection of quality properties, notably from estates settled by the notary, offers available in this magazine and on the immonot website.
- buy for less, since the notary's negotiation fees are among the most advantageous on the market, ranging from 3 to 6% of the purchase price of the property;
- legal advice to help you buy in complete security;
- consider all the family and tax implications, to ensure that this real estate investment is part of your wealth management strategy;
- visit properties that match your search criteria, as the notary's negotiator will have carefully selected them.
Profile of the perfect buyer
Organized and curious, the perfect buyer keeps informed about the real estate market through the "Notaire - immonot" magazine. They define their search criteria in relation to their life and property objectives: whether or not they plan to resell.
Lesson 2
Make the right calculations
A good real estate project also requires an interest in figures... Which is why you should visit your banker or broker to define your budget envelope. It's important to know your financial situation and to ask yourself the following questions in order to :
- evaluate the amount of your possible personal contribution,
- identify subsidies such as zero-interest loans and subsidized home-ownership schemes (granted by local authorities in conjunction with the State);
- find out about renovation grants;
- request a commercial offer in order to borrow at the best cost;
- and negotiate the best terms for your loan insurance.
Profile of a good borrower
Attentive to changes in interest rates - attractive at present - borrowers also measure the total cost of credit, which includes loan insurance, loan guarantees and administration fees.
Lesson no. 3
Understand prices
If the real estate market is sending out positive signals, it's because prices seem to have peaked. Even in major cities such as Bordeaux, Nantes and Rennes, where notaries are pleased to note that prices have stabilized. Added to a very favorable banking environment, this is a good opportunity for buyers. They should bear in mind the following key figures - provided by the immonot Indicator - which will enable them to :
- get an idea of the median house price in the French provinces = €130,000 ;
- some idea of the median price of apartments in the provinces = €1,780/m2 ;
- know that a new apartment in a property development sells for around €3,500/m2.
The profile of a good analyst
Curious about current prices, buyers ask their notaire for advice to make sure that the property they've found sells for the market price!
Lesson n°4
Negotiate successfully
This is an area where you need the help of professionals! Notaries are essential partners. Their negotiation departments are experts in real estate transactions. It's all the more reassuring to consult them as they will :
- offer properties for sale at market price;
- act as a link between seller and buyer, to achieve a transaction that respects the interests of both parties.
- use the real estate appraisal carried out by the surveyor to show the property's strengths... and any shortcomings;
- organize "36h immo" interactive sales to buy by online auction over a 36-hour period;
- and keep in touch with buyers if the properties in the portfolio don't meet their expectations.
And if the notaries operate as a negotiation group, the creation of a common file gives them access to a maximum number of properties for sale.
The profile of a good investor
He or she is assisted by the notary's negotiator, who is familiar with prices in his or her geographical area, and can give an expert opinion on the intrinsic characteristics of the property: quality of the building, upkeep of the house, value-added equipment, advantages of the neighborhood...
Lesson no. 5
Benefit from legal certainty
This is one of the hallmarks of the notary, who carries out an in-depth study of the property before putting it up for sale. This ensures that the buyer :
- all information on the property in terms of easements, building rights, mortgage status, co-ownership operation, etc.
- have on hand all property diagnostics attesting to the condition of the property;
- entrust all property and inheritance matters to the notary.
Winner's profile
He knows how to surround himself with the advice of a legal expert to buy with confidence and security. To do so, he visits his notary, who puts him in touch with his "transaction" department.
Christophe RAFFAILLAC