We Get You. You Will Get Us

Our slogan is “French Property the American Way.”

What does that mean?

That means we are American, you are American, and we fully understand one another. Not just USA American, but North American, as in Canadian, too.

Not only do we North Americans communicate fluidly with one another in the same language, but more importantly, within the same culture. There are simply conversations we don’t need to have because we Americans understand you Americans.

That’s a big reason we can do our job so well, helping you invest, live, and/or work in France. And we can do that better than a British or French agency, for example, for exactly that reason.

When you come to us for a strategy session to determine where you want to live in France, we already know what’s going on in your head, versus the reality you’re likely to find. And, why what you’re thinking might not work as well…or why it might. Some of that rose-colored-glasses viewpoint stems from reading books such as A Year in Provence or French Women Don’t Get Fat, which paint a picture of an idyllic life in France that can be far from the truth.

We already know that you’re not used to the toilet being in a separate room from the bathroom, and that you’re going to be surprised that properties in Paris might not have air conditioning—and why some can’t—which is a completely foreign idea to someone who grew up in a house or apartment built after World War II, when window AC units became affordable for middle-class households (especially in the South!).

We also know things you’re not even considering, like the fact that painting an apartment is more complicated and expensive than it is in North America because the walls are plaster, not drywall.

At the Adrian Leeds Group, we are Americans who have already crossed the cultural divide (as I did almost 34 years ago), and we know exactly what you’re going through.

More than understanding the language, we understand the way things might translate differently: like why nothing is getting done in August (when all of Europe is on vacation), or why real estate agents not only won’t work nights and weekends, but won’t even respond to your inquiries about a property (because they don’t take you seriously!).

Remember, our legal systems are diametrically opposed, and that’s a big reason why our viewpoints on life, and how we live them, are so different. English law (the U.S. system) is based on what’s forbidden, while the Napoleonic Code is based on what’s allowed. How that plays out is that we Americans think outside of the proverbial box, while the French think inside it, and that alone changes everything.

So, how does someone who thinks they must always follow the rules relate to an American who thinks there is always a workaround?

The moment you come in contact with a French real estate agent, or even an advisor, to find a property to purchase or rent, you’ll immediately spot the differences. They may try to convince you that a separate kitchen to contain the cooking odors is much better than an open kitchen, when in fact what you want is to enjoy your company while you’re preparing dinner, and have an open, spacious area like you had at home in California (or wherever). And of course, you wonder why on earth closets weren’t built in even though there is plenty of space.

French consultants and agents don’t get you at all—unless they’ve spent time in the States or Canada. They don’t understand what you’re used to and what you’re expecting, so they’re not anticipating your needs. They also often think you have a lot of money as an American (which is true when you compare French salaries to US), so why not offer you properties at prices the French won’t pay? Yep, they do that!

The biggest difference is that the agents work for the seller or landlord, and not for you as the buyer or tenant. There is no Multiple Listing Service (MLS) in France, so the agents only care about selling the properties in their portfolio, and don’t care what you buy as long as you buy it from them. Don’t be fooled by Mr./Ms. Nice Guy. Your trusting American soul thinks they will tell you everything you need to know about a property, when that is what they think you want to hear, leaving out information that might prevent you from making the purchase.

That’s the opposite of what we do. We work for you. You hire us to advise and protect your interests. And that’s what we do.

For example, you might tell me you have your heart set on living in that tiny village in Provence. And I will ask, “Why?” After I hear what your real needs are, you’ll hear the truth (from my American consultants and me) about what living in that remote village will mean on a daily basis.

Didn’t want to have a car? Think again! Want to travel all over France and Europe? Think again! Make lots of friends? Think again! We tell you the truth because we want to be sure that your new life in France is the best it can be. And because we understand you, and what you as a North American really needs for comfort and quality of life.

I saw a Facebook post recently touting the benefits of living in parts of France where there are few North Americans, and just chuckled to myself. What a bad idea that is! If you land in a spot that has a nice, solid American community, you will make more friends in 90 days than you’ve made during your entire life. And you’ll be thankful so many people can help you maneuver the cultural divide better because they’ve already experienced it.

Those who think they don’t want to meet other Americans living in France will deprive themselves of the pleasure…and it will take a very long time to make real French friends, especially if you aren’t fluent in French. Community is one of the things we believe is essential to acclimating well.

So, yes, we’re French Property the American Way. We’re crossing the cultural divide for you until you’re ready to cross over yourself. And this is why you can have the confidence in us you need to get the job done best. We get you. You will get us. And together, we’ll make this new life of yours happen, just like we did for ourselves.

It’s easy to get started. Book your personalized Strategy Session.

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