Your LGBTQ Buyer's Agent in the French Riviera

To deviate a little from the regular articles about the LGBTQ community in the French Riviera. I thought since I often get asked from visitors to the region about the local real estate market, that I would present some information and properties occasionally showcasing examples of the architecture, locations and price ranges in this part of France. It also lets you know a little bit more about my work here.

With that being said, here I go...

With the US dollar currently at parity with the Euro (August 2022), the influx of Americans looking for that prime property investment or secondary home has brought with it both excitement and confusion.

The first question we notice by initial contact and on different online forums is, that people are excited about the possibility of buying a property in France but then just don’t know where to start.

Since France doesn’t have an MLS database system of homes online like in the US or Canada and without knowing exactly where you would like to be, a myriad of options can come up in a search adding to the confusion adding to that, just who can you trust in the France real estate realm?

This is where a buyer’s agent can help.

It all starts with a free consultation to find out what you require in a property so that we can start fine-tuning our search solely for your purposes. If everything between us feels like a match, once formally instructed, we will ask you to sign a mandate de recherche, stating that we work on your behalf as your one principal point of contact throughout, to search for, and obtain the best possible property deal.

For ourselves at Experience The French Riviera, although we have properties throughout France since we are based in the Cote d’Azur, this is the area we focus on in our daily lives, some would even say obsess over. We can also advise you on other buyers' agents in other locations of the country.

Over the past 11 years, we have built up a strong network of individuals and business owners in a variety of fields as part of a shared local economy with our main work being in the luxury property world and the trusted real estate partners we communicate with every day of the year.

As independent agents, we find that we have the benefit of not having to stay within the limitations of a specific agency with only their properties to try and sell. We have the freedom to build upon our long-term business relationships with the variety of agencies we work with, enabling us to know the local market more intimately, offer more options, and safeguard not only ourselves but more importantly our clients.

Our reward for working with you is loyalty, which is rare these days and very important to us. With so many options available online for most anything, it’s nice to know we have a client who wants our services geared specifically for them.

In today’s world, it’s understandable that people are shopping around, but in the France property sector, we notice they start to quickly become confused in the process themselves.

Since we already work with most of the agencies in France anyway, we can save everyone time by being the go-between and streamlining the efforts, especially when properties are generally listed at the same prices with every agency as we expect to negotiate on a property for a client in any regard.

We will know (or find out) how long a property has been on the market, its history, and why. We will utilize all available sources for you: online searches, private, off-market partner sale listings, trade journals, and in this region, where information is knowledge, by word of mouth and then verify it all.

We can access the real market of properties, not just the ones shown to try and entice international clients.

We will compile a finely tuned list of property options for you so as not to overwhelm you with choices, so the more realistic details you require in a property that you can let us know about, the better and quicker we can serve you.

We will also let you know from the beginning if what you are looking for in a property is actually available in the region as we don’t want to entice you about a dream property that just doesn’t exist.

We are here to do the legwork for you, saving you time (and money), to see if a property will meet your standards, and besides us asking the important questions with an agency/agent about a home, we can provide a live feed of a property visit (if you are not able to travel) so that you can see more details and areas and also ask questions.

We will also ensure you have as many videos and photos as you need. Always keep in mind, that we would be your sole agent. Not the vendor. We would be acting on your behalf and completely upfront with the agents we are dealing with and totally open and honest about properties for you.

Being detail oriented, if a property looks like it has issues, you will be the first to know. It is important that the property suit everything you require, not a second-best choice.

We also believe that due diligence is an important part of the job, we will not only look at a specific property for you (or of course with you) we are very observant and will ask about any local changes surrounding a property, upcoming construction, noise issues, etc.

When your dream property has been found, this is when we can do the negotiations also on your behalf within your comfort level. Something we have been doing here for years, not only for sales but also for holiday villa rentals.

When the property of your choice has been found and negotiations are underway, we can help guide you on a list of notaries who will also work on your behalf.

You are probably now asking, how does a buyer’s agent get paid?

It is usually by the seller and is also included in the sale price as quoted to the buyer and written in the sale deeds. All information will be submitted to you from the beginning of any process.

Since we have been in business in the region for over a decade. Over this time we have built the reputation of not being commission-hungry (very rare to find). This is why people come to us, as we would negotiate on behalf of a client whether it is for a sale or vacation rental, to the point that the client and owner are both happy and that is when the referrals also start increasing our way. Then everyone is content. A win for all involved.

And after the sale, as a buyer’s agent, we are there as continued support as we truly believe in building long-lasting friendships with everyone we work with as life continues to evolve.

This is just a quick brief about how a buyer’s agent can benefit the client. If you have any other questions, feel free to connect with myself at: Info@experiencethefrenchriviera.com

R for Diversity Beer

Calling all beer lovers!

Meet Daniel Tristant. The man behind the fierce and fabulous beer, R for Diversity!

Daniel has a strong passion behind the craft of beer making and the LGBTQ community and continues to prove his love and support in all he does in France.

I had the pleasure to interview Daniel about R for Diversity but first, a bit about the beer itself.

R for Diversity is a committed brand that offers craft beer while upholding the values of the LGBTQI+ community.

The letter "R" simply comes from the first letter of the Rainbow flag we are all familiar with and which has largely inspired the brand.

"Diversity" is also essential as a representation of everyone no matter your gender or sexual orientation.

Daniel is proud to produce a beer that is committed to donating a portion of the profits to LGBTQI+ projects and associations.

Why did you choose to work with a beer-based product?

R for Diversity was started in November 2019, and with a statement. During many LGBTQ events and pride marches in which I participated in both France and abroad. I noticed that many international beer brands were present to do business but without ever having a real commitment to LGBTQI+ diversity.

The idea came to me that I would create a beer brand that would be clearly committed to LGBTQI+ diversity and that each year I would give a part of the profits to associations or projects that would fight against discrimination.

Is R for Diversity produced locally in the French Riviera?

R for Diversity is produced in the small village of Peille in the backcountry of Nice in the Cote d'Azur. It is made from specifically selected hops and malts. The result is a blond beer of Vol. ABC 5% with a pleasant light floral small and a slightly bitter taste.

Have you had good feedback and support from the LGBTQ community for your beer?

Yes, I have had very good feedback on the beer with a growing success rate. Strangely it has had more success in the heterosexual community because they seem to be more knowledgeable about beer than the LGBT community who seem more interested in the concept of giving back to LGBT associations.

I have seen your beer bottles in local grocery stores, does R for Diversity exist in any other products like cans or kegs, and what are the available formats?

Indeed, the beer is available in 3 formats and sizes. There are the bottles that you can find in stores, the keg for draught beer in bars and restaurants, and cans for big events and festivals.

Outside the stores, where can one find R for Diversity beer? Online?

During the Covid19 pandemic, we put the product on my website where you can also order the beer. There, you will also find the whole range of beer and glassware with the brand logo.

Is R for Diversity beer available in bars and nightclubs in the region?

Yes, we work closely with the establishments in the French Riviera where you can find the beer in many bars, restaurants, and clubs. And not only in the LGBT businesses so don't hesitate to ask for it in the establishment you are at.

Do you have any future plans for the beer? Any other flavors you are working on or anything you would like to tell the public about?

Our plans are the make R beer a brand for LGBTQ diversity. We have already put in a lot of work with this specific lager so at the moment we are going to hold off on other flavors. Although we are looking for collaborators in major cities in France and abroad to continue to develop the brand so please do not hesitate to connect with us.

Thank you for your time Daniel to speak about your exciting brand of beer!

You can find R for Diversity at many local establishments and through the links posted throughout this article.

Enjoy and drink responsibly everyone!

US Property Buyers Flock To France

 

You could sense something was up very early this summer.

With travel being open again after the Covid19 restrictions, many of us in the Cote d’Azur expected it to be a busy summer and it certainly has been indeed.

As usual in the region’s summer months, it is quite common for a visitor to fall in love with the natural surroundings, quaint villages, majestic blue Mediterranean sea, panoramic views, and the overall culture of France.

What was pleasantly unexpected was that the US dollar would be practically at parity with the Euro.

Already observing a dramatic increase in those visiting from the US and also Canada, especially with those of us in the LGBTQ world, what has transpired has been incredible.

Europe is simply looking like a viable option now for those considering an actual move to or purchasing a secondary holiday home here.

With property prices in many major cities in the US on the rise, it appears to be making sense to invest here in France and possibly get more property for their money, and in terms of lifestyle along with a strong, welcoming, consistently evolving LGBTQ community.

Typically, pre-Covid19, people on vacation here would be looking at properties, as more of a consideration with serious buyers coming back once September arrives, to look more closely at their options and where exactly they would want to be after many of the tourists have left and things feel a bit calmer.

That’s certainly not the case now because of the currency parity as agents are having a hard time keeping up with demand and deciding to prioritize those already here on the ground who are seriously looking to start the process of buying before heading back home.

Property stock has been moving fast since the restrictions first started to lift in May of 2021, but this summer has been unprecedented, thanks to the Americans taking advantage of the US dollar being at par with the euro.

Smart buyers are also seeking out rental property investments with Cannes being one of the prime locations because of the year-round festivals and congresses year round, with Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer, and Saint Jean Cap Ferrat also leading the way.

As we have been business partners with many of the prime real estate agencies in the area for the past 11 years and have many exclusive, off-market property options, please feel free to connect with us to find your next property investment.

Now is certainly the time! Connect with myself at: Info@experiencethefrenchriviera.com

Pink Parade - Pride 2022

It’s Pride time again in the Cote d’Azur and this year it all takes place on Saturday, July 23, 2022 with the parade route starting at Theatre de Verdure at 16H (4pm).

In Nice, affectionately known as the center of everything LGBTQ in the region, the Pink Parade is open for anyone to join in the extensive route through the center of the city where it then leads along the seaside on the Promenade des Anglais as it winds back into the core of Nice.

Instead of watching a variety of floats go by from a standing point, people are encouraged to follow along the route, while everyone is cheering, Pride flags are waving and a variety of music is played for everyone to enjoy.

In the French Riviera, Pride is always about community spirit and love for one another.

The after-parade party will of course take place at any number of outdoor terraces until the nightclubs open up but in the meanwhile, be sure to support the Centre LGBT Cote d’Azur at 123 Rue de Roquebiliere where a beautiful "Soirée des Fiertés" will be held outside, in front of the premises, on Saturday, July 23rd from 7 pm to 11 pm!

Open to everyone, this will be a celebration filled with music, aperitif, exhibitions, slogans, and flags from the LGBTQIA+ community with speeches, photocalls, etc., in a safe and inclusive area.