Q. Are you estate agents?
A. No. Agents work for the seller to achieve the highest price for their client. Beachcomber works for the buyer only and is trying to get the right property at the lowest possible price.
Q. So are you in competition with estate agents?
A. No. Competition suggests that we are fighting for the same fee. Agents are paid by the seller. Beachcomber is paid by the buyer. Agents know that Beachcomber represents serious buyers and often give us advance notice of properties that are coming onto the market.
Q. Where do you operate?
A. We specialize in the very best areas in and around Saint Tropez. These include Ramatuelle, Gassin, Grimaud and the better parts of Cogolin and La Croix Valmer.
Q. Why such a small area?
A. We know this area very well indeed, and even though it may seem quite small it is a very complex and diverse market. Over 100 agents operate within it and prices vary from a few hundred thousand euros to many millions. Local knowledge and a local presence is essential. Most other buyer’s agents claim to operate along he whole of the Cote d’Azur, but are based in Nice or Cannes and really focus on a part of the coast that is 100 kilometres away and a very different market.
Q. Aren't I looking for what everyone else is looking for?
A. In our experience, no two clients are the same. Even at the same price level, your individual requirements and preferences are unlikely to be the same as someone else.
Q. Do you only buy expensive houses?
A. No. We are always looking for properties that have something special about them – at any price. What makes them special may be their position, their style, their potential for renovation or the investment opportunity – any number of things. In this area, however, there is little under €1.5m that we would consider showing a client. In certain areas, this lower limit might be nearer €3m.
Q. Do you find rental properties?
A. Yes. We are not letting agents but work for holiday visitors or longer term renters to find them the best property and negotiate the best possible terms.
Q. Once I find a property, is your service finished?
A. No, if you are buying a property we will help you through the entire legal process, recommending local notaries and liasing with them on your behalf through to completion. This is included in our fees. If you are renting, we will be on hand to help ensure that your holiday runs smoothly at all times.
Q. How much are your fees?
A. If you are buying we charge a nominal engagement fee to commence our search. This is fully deductible from our success fee should you buy something. The success fee is based on the value of your property and is payable 50% on exchange of contract and 50% on completion. If you are renting, our fees are included in the rental cost.
