What I’ve Learned Selling Homes in Montignac
When I first became a real estate agent in Montignac, I never imagined how deeply this work would connect me to people’s lives — and how much I’d learn along the way.
Montignac may be small, but the emotions, decisions, and dreams that pass through its homes are anything but. Every sale has a story. Some are full of hope and fresh beginnings; others, quiet transitions or bittersweet goodbyes. I’ve come to see that buying or selling a home is never just about bricks and walls — it’s about change, identity, and future.
The Role of a Real Estate Agent in France: It's Different — and Bigger
One thing that often surprises my international clients — especially from the UK, US, or Australia — is how different the structure and responsibility of a French estate agent really is.
In France:
- Estate agents don’t just open doors and show homes — they act as intermediaries between the buyer, the seller, and the Notaire (legal officer)
- We are licensed and legally responsible for the accuracy of listings and documentation
- There is no MLS system — agents have to build their own local networks, maintain their “patch,” and actively source properties
- Commission is typically paid by the seller, but depending on how the mandate is worded, it can also fall to the buyer. Either way, buyers often expect the agent to guide them through the entire process — and well beyond the sale.
It’s an incredibly involved role — part negotiator, part project manager, part therapist, and part cultural translator.
What Buyers Don’t Realise
Many people — especially those relocating from abroad — come with visions of a peaceful French life, but don’t always realise what’s involved. Some of the most common surprises are:
- The role of the Notaire — legal, powerful, and unlike anything in other countries
- The real costs of renovation (they’re always more than expected)
- The importance of local relationships — builders, mairie, neighbours, artisans
- How deeply emotional buying in a foreign country can be
Why I Started This Blog
I wanted to create a place to share everything I’ve learned — not just about the French property process, but about the lifestyle, the culture, and the behind-the-scenes truths that aren’t always mentioned in glossy listings.
Whether you’re dreaming of a rural stone cottage or a townhome near the market square, I hope you’ll find practical help and honest insight here.
What’s Next
In upcoming posts, I’ll be sharing:
- Mistakes to avoid when buying in France
- What to really expect during renovation
- Insights into life in the Périgord Noir — from an agent’s point of view
If you’d like updates, tips, and new posts in your inbox, feel free to subscribe below. Or just bookmark this space and come back for a browse when you're dreaming of France.
See you soon,
Tuyen SCHERER