Dear Sharon,
Many thanks for your help and advice in setting up our meeting with your agent on the ground in Normandy. Given all the difficulties we put in your way and the lack of sufficient time it was a very rewarding start to our eventual finding a place in France. Thank David for the information he sent accompanying his e-mail. We will certainly be taking advice on several issues prior to making any firm decisions.
As far as the meeting with your agent went, we both thought it was very successful and we found him a very approachable, informative and friendly person. One in whom we could place our trust to satisfy our requirements critically and honestly.
We did not in fact go to view any of the properties that he had selected from our list, one that best suited us had unfortunately been sold the day before, the others, on further reviewing, taking into account our more specific requirements, were found to be unsuitable for more reasons to make a visit worthwhile.
After much useful time spent with him in his office, we did actually go and visit two very different properties with the specific purpose of getting the feel of and trying to understand the complexities of French Estate agents information! The main problem we encountered with most of the property information was that it failed to give more specific location information. Which actual village, location with respect of roads fronting house, facilities in said village etc.
Which is not to say we did not completely understand the need for being as fair as possible to the vendor.
The second of the two properties visited had me looking seriously at the structure and small details of the building and grounds, almost as if we were on the point of purchase. It was very appealing. However after your agent left us we explored the village a little and on reflection would have had reservations even were we ready to purchase. Not about the building but more about location parking etc.
However as you asked us to give feedback for your agent, it will give him a better understanding of what we are really looking for.
What we really need is a Cle France agent in every town!
When we visited another agent on our way to Brittany it was difficult to make our needs clearly understood despite Daphne having an adequate command of French.
Overall considering our limited time given to the project we think it was very worthwhile and we have a far clearer idea as to the parts of Normandy we are most inclined to favour. We also have a clearer understanding of the type of property and its location within the community that will best suit.
Once again thank you very much for your help. We will continue to peruse your site. If there is other information that you would find useful in helping us please do not hesitate to ask.
Best wishes, Paul and Daphne.
Well... we always like to ask for feedback following a viewing trip and it is great for us when we have a good dialogue with our clients as that way we will always find them the right property in the end. Thanks Paul and Daphne for the feedback and we will find them a property very soon I am sure.