Two trades, two loyalties. The estate agent defends the seller who mandates them; the property finder defends the buyer who mandates them. Everything else follows from that sentence.
The estate agent carries a sale mandate: their legal mission is to sell the property at the best price for their client, the seller. The finder carries a search mandate: their mission is to find and negotiate the best property at the best price for their client, you.
Client: the seller for the agent, the buyer for the finder. Remuneration: sale commission for one, search fees for the other. Market covered: the mandated portfolio for the agent, the whole market, listings and off-list, for the finder. Negotiation: in the seller’s interest against you; in your interest, facing the seller. Viewings: you sort alone; the finder shortlists and you only view the essential.
With the agent, the commission is included in the asking price: you pay it, to the seller’s benefit. With the finder, the fees are separate and transparent: 2.5% of the net purchase price (minimum €10,000 incl. VAT) at Home Select, or 1.5% for projects of €2m and above, paid on success only.
The agent is enough when you already know the market, the neighbourhood and the property. The finder prevails on scarcity markets, at a distance, when time is short, or when the finest opportunities circulate without a listing.
Yes, and they often do: the finder contacts the area’s agents for your search. The difference is that the finder works for you.
No: the seller’s commission is in the price, whether you see it or not. The average negotiation obtained by Home Select is 6% off the asking price: the fees often pay for themselves.
Which side you pick decides who defends your price. Send your search: we tell you what we can do, with no commitment.
Mandate a finderTell us what you are looking for, anywhere in France. A property finder answers within one working day, with no commitment.
