TRACY Ravard brings people’s dreams to life by helping English buyers find their ideal home in the Dordogne.
UK-born Tracy works for the estate agency in Villefranche du Périgord and guides purchasers through the red tape of buying a home in the region.
And she is only too aware of the growing demand for a dream home in the heart of the countryside.
“There has definitely been a shift upwards in the price of a home in the last two years, with the lower end starting at €100,000,” said 38 year old Tracy.
“I’ve also seen a change in what people are looking for as well with many younger couples looking for a gîte alongside their house so they can earn an income.
“But you are looking at about €300,000 for a place like that.”
Tracy has lived in France for over 20 years, and even toured the country in a rock band playing bass guitar, but with the rock and roll days behind her she’s turned to bricks and mortar.
As the only English-speaking employee in the office if an enquiry comes from the UK it falls on her desk to deal with.
“It is a very different system in France than in the UK so I’m there to help them put in an offer, translate their first deeds and then complete the sale,” explained Tracy.
“One thing different is that you don’t need a survey doing like the UK, the French believe if it’s been stood for two hundred years it must be fine.
“However I do work with an architect who will do a report on a property if the purchaser wants that.
“But I also advise people about getting their telephone hooked up, how to get the electric turned on, opening a bank account, all sorts of things.”
Tracy also keeps in touch with changes in regulations including the recent requirement that homes have to be treated for termites, have lead pipes changed and asbestos replaced before they can be sold.
But what is it about this area of the southern Dordogne that makes people take the leap across to find their home here?
“The countryside is a real pull for people with a different pace of life, society is definitely more family orientated and the chance for some lovely weather from spring to autumn,” smiled Tracy.
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