What Is a Real Estate Bon de Visite Certificate in France?
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If you’re searching for property in France, you may be asked to sign a ‘bon de visite’, also known as a visit certificate. It may seem like a routine formality, but it plays an important role in how real estate transactions are handled in France.
In some instances, an agent immobilier may ask you to sign a bon de visite before sharing the exact property location or sending the Google coordinates. So what are you being asked to sign, and what does it mean? Let’s take a closer look.
What Is a ‘Bon de Visite’ Certificate?
A visit certificate is a brief document, typically one page, issued by a French real estate agency or agent to confirm that a specific property has been shown to a particular potential buyer. It includes the date of the visit, the property’s address, a brief description of its features and the name and signature of the person who viewed it.
In some circumstances, for example, when asking for the location of an exclusive chateau or before sending details of a special off-market property, agents or owners may request a copy of a valid passport. For the estate agent, this document serves as proof that they introduced the buyer to the property, something that can be crucial if a sale is later finalised.
Why It Matters to Agents and Sellers
In France, commission is generally paid by the seller to the agent who introduced the buyer. If the buyer later decides to make an offer, the visit certificate ensures that the agency has a formal record of having carried out that first introduction.
This is particularly important when more than one agency is involved, or if a buyer tries to contact the seller directly. Without a visit certificate, estate agents may struggle to prove their role in the sale. With one, they can claim the commission that’s rightfully theirs.
For sellers who’ve signed an exclusive mandate (un mandat exclusif) with an agent, the visit certificate can also protect the agency’s exclusivity rights. If a seller attempts to bypass the agency after a buyer has visited, the certificate helps reinforce the agent’s position.
What It Means for Buyers
Buyers are sometimes unsure or even a bit nervous when asked to sign a visit certificate. But it’s important to know that this document is not legally binding for the buyer. Signing it does not mean you’re committing to purchase the property, nor does it create any financial obligation.
Think of it as a receipt that confirms you viewed the property through that agency. It won’t stop you from viewing other properties with other agents or changing your mind.
Sometimes, these certificates include language about damages or penalties, but this typically has no legal value for the buyer. These clauses generally are included to clarify the agency’s rights about the seller, not to pressure you into a decision.
What to Expect
After a viewing, it’s standard practice for the agent to ask you to sign a visit certificate. It’s filed by the agency and used only if there’s a dispute about who introduced the buyer. It’s not a contract to buy, it’s just a record of a visit with a potential future buyer. And it’s a perfectly normal part of buying property in France.
The Legal Context
While the visit certificate doesn’t bind you as a buyer, it can be used by estate agencies to claim damages if a seller bypasses them despite an exclusive mandate. In short, it helps keep the transaction process fair and protects the professionals working behind the scenes.
For agencies and immobiliers, it’s a way to ensure they receive proper recognition and payment for the work they do, introducing buyers to suitable properties. For sellers, it serves as a reminder to respect the terms of any mandates they’ve signed. And for you, the buyer, it’s just a harmless formality.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the visit certificate is essential to grasping the French property buying process. It’s there to protect the real estate agent’s role and prevent misunderstandings between buyers, sellers and multiple agencies, which is very different to the realtor system that American buyers are accustomed to.
If you’re asked to sign one during your property search, you can do so with confidence, knowing it doesn’t lock you into anything. It simply acknowledges that you’ve visited the property with a particular agent and helps keep the transaction transparent and fair for everyone involved.
Have Some Questions?
If you’d like more information about visit certificates, exclusive mandates, or the process of buying property in France, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to help make your journey as smooth as possible.
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