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At Arcole Family Real Estate, we put our expertise at the service of your real estate projects. Whether you wish to invest, relocate between the United States and France, or acquire a second home, our team supports you with a personalized and transparent approach. We facilitate every step of the process, from financial advice to legal representation, to guarantee smooth and optimized transactions. With a presence in both the French and American markets, we are your trusted partner to realize your real estate ambitions on both sides of the Atlantic.

Living in France: Advantages for Americans

  • France offers practical advantages that enhance daily life, especially for American citizens. Historically, we owe a great deal to Americans, and today we strive to welcome them properly. The quality of life and work-life balance, the advantages in healthcare and education, as well as the rich cultural heritage—all these factors should inform your future decisions regarding settling in France.

  • For professionals wishing to settle down, the legal 35-hour week and at least five weeks of paid annual leave guarantee a solid work-life balance.

  • Universal health coverage (PUMA)

  • France boasts unparalleled cultural richness, with over 50 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Weekend getaways are easy thanks to high-speed rail – TGV trains reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h and the Eurostar connecting Paris to London.

Our services go far beyond property searches:

  • Advice on obtaining a visa – whether it is a short stay visa or a long stay visa (VLS-TS), as well as the residence permit, we guide you through each administrative step.

  • Financial and tax formalities – we help you register with FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) and complete form W-9, to ensure your compliance with US and French requirements.

  • We establish a clear protocol, accompanied by a precise timetable, so that each step takes place smoothly and without unforeseen events.

The steps:

How to prepare a preliminary sales agreement

File Preparation - Required documents: identity documents, property information, mandatory diagnostic reports (Energy Performance Certificate, etc.) Drafting the preliminary sales agreement - Prepared by the notary; it will include details about the property, the price, payment terms, and any conditions precedent. Signing the preliminary sales agreement - In the presence of the buyer, the seller, and possibly their representatives. If the buyer is abroad, they can sign remotely using a notarized power of attorney. Cold-off period - The buyer has a legal cooling-off period of 10 days to withdraw without penalty. Deposit payment - Generally 5 to 10% of the property price, deposited into the notary's escrow account.* Preparation of the deed of sale - The notary carries out the necessary legal checks: mortgage status, planning permission, etc. Official translation of the preliminary sales agreement and the deed of sale, if required. Signing of the deed of sale – This takes place at the notary's office. If the buyer cannot be present, an agent appointed by power of attorney will sign on their behalf. Registration with the land registry – The notary handles the registration of the sale with the local authorities. Post-sale support – Assistance with additional administrative procedures (taxes, utilities, etc.). Personalized support is recommended to simplify these procedures and ensure a smooth transaction.

Buyer Representation Agreement

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