Navigating the Challenges of Contacting an Agent in France: A Maple to Marais Journey
Finding the home of your dreams is a thrilling experience, one filled with excitement and anticipation. But for those of us navigating the process from afar, the journey can be filled with challenges and uncertainties. This is the reality I faced when I stumbled upon my dream property in France—a picturesque farmhouse nestled in the idyllic countryside of Normandy.

I was instantly ready to pack up my life and live this new adventure without hesitation. I have been searching on and off for years but, there it was – the ultimate home. Of course, purchasing a property without planning couldn’t happen and wouldn’t happen… I was dreaming with rose-coloured glasses on. I knew the road ahead would be lined with bureaucratic hurdles, time delays, and frustrating communication barriers. And so, Maple to Marais was born—a platform to share my journey, my triumphs, and my tribulations as I navigate the complexities of buying a property, relocating and retiring in France.

The first obstacle? Contacting an agent in France. While the internet offers an abundance of information, nothing could prepare me for the reality of understanding the costs of French real estate from my sofa in Canada. Patience has become my mantra as I wait for responses, reminding myself that there is no absolute time frame in this process. For every 10 emails I send, I am lucky if I receive 1 in return. Fortunately, I speak fluent French so I do not have a language barrier but, it has been frustrating being ignored nevertheless.

When I finally made contact, I made it clear that I am embarking on the journey of retiring in France, seeking not just a property, but a lifestyle. I am beginning my search in Normandy—a region that holds a special place in my heart, despite its notorious winter weather.

I have lived in Canada on both the East and West coasts so, I am looking for a middle ground—a balance of rain and snow, with occasional bursts of sunshine to lift the spirits. Normandy fits the bill, though I remain conscious of its reputation for relentless rain during the winter months. I have visited Normandy in the rainy season and there is much truth to the rumours.

So where do I stand now? With my benchmark property slipping through my fingers, I find myself at a crossroads, waiting for the next chapter to unfold. I have a clear vision of what I want now that I know it exists and four areas/provinces in mind.
I will do my utmost to document the process as I live through it. Following this, there is the sale of my Canadian home, the visa applications, dealings with notaries, lawyers, and more. Let’s not forget about the renovations on the purchased property and the lifestyle I have long envisioned. I anticipate we will be on this journey together for many years to come.

Join me as Maple to Marais is born and unfolds—a testament to the resilience, perseverance, and unwavering spirit of those who dare to dream of a life filled with beauty, adventure, and possibility.

A bientôt.