Why Online Property Hunting Isn’t Enough (and How I Can Help)

Finding your dream home isn’t always easy, but well worth the effort!

Dreaming of owning a little piece of France? Whether it’s a permanent move, a holiday home, or an investment property, the idea is exciting — but finding the right property? That’s where things can get tricky.

If you’ve started your search online, you’ll know how quickly it can become overwhelming. There are endless listings, many without enough detail (or too much of the wrong detail), and it’s hard to know what’s actually worth your time. That’s where I come in.

The Problem With Internet House Hunting

It’s easy to fall in love with a house based on a few carefully taken photos. But here’s the truth:

  • Many listings are outdated or already sold

  • Photos don’t always show the true condition of a property

  • Descriptions can be vague or misleading

  • You have no sense of the area, the neighbours, the traffic, or the view from the windows

  • It’s hard to get answers to your questions — especially in French

Even if you’ve shortlisted a few houses, getting here just to find out one backs onto a busy road or has a leaking roof is frustrating and expensive.

That’s Where I Can Help

I offer Property Finder and Research Support designed specifically for people just like you — buyers based abroad or simply too busy to chase agents and dig into the details.

Here’s what I can do:

  • Research and shortlist properties that actually match your needs

  • Give honest feedback on listings you’ve already found

  • View homes on your behalf — with videos, photos, and notes so you can really “see” what it’s like

  • Offer local insight into villages, schools, amenities, internet, and lifestyle

  • Check out neighbourhoods and help you get a feel for what daily life would be like there

  • Help you assess suitability for families, retirees, remote workers, or holiday lets

  • Connect you with trusted local builders or experts to assess renovation needs or provide quotes

Why Local Knowledge Matters

I live here. I know the winding back roads, the liveliest markets, and which villages are thriving communities and which are sleepy in winter. I also know how to dig out the details that matter:

  • Where the nearest schools are (and what they're really like)

  • If a village has reliable internet and mobile signal

  • Whether there’s a boulangerie you can walk to or a great spot for coffee

  • What your daily life will actually look like — not just the sales pitch

I can also help with school research, whether you're looking for a welcoming maternelle, bilingual opportunities, or guidance on how the French school system works.

Why It’s Worth It

✔ You save time by focusing only on realistic options
✔ You avoid wasting money travelling to see houses that aren’t right
✔ You get trusted on-the-ground insight you simply can’t get from an online listing
✔ You feel confident that someone is on your side, giving you the full picture
✔ You get practical information about daily life, not just floorplans and square meters

Trusted, Friendly, Independent Help

I’m not an estate agent — I work for you, with your best interests in mind. I understand what a big decision this is. My goal is simple: to make your search easier, clearer, and more enjoyable.

Whether you're just starting to dream or already making a shortlist, I’d love to help you find the right place — with the right information — from someone who really knows the area.

Get in touch if you'd like to chat about what you're looking for — your key to finding the right property in France might be just around the corner.

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