15 Comments

Very interesting to learn how real estate transactions are done in Paris. Thanks for this. Glad you are finally in your new home.😎

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Was heartbreaking to read about the tragic fire at the Historic Parisian Produce Market this last weekend. Would really like to have more insight into the history, the operation, consequences, etc. I think I read that is was wholesale versus retail? Any tid-bits of history, info, knowledge, news that you might have David would be welcome. Thanks in advance.

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Enjoyed this article because it listed exactly what my husband and I went through in the past few months to make our dream come true. As of a week, we have an apartment in the Marais, thanks to Miranda and one of her wonderful agents, Jennifer Jomard, who put together 40-odd apartments for me to browse through online and around 15 to actually visit. So very happy with our new home!

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I was so lucky with my amazing agent, she made buying my dream Paris apartment blissfully easy, and we bought it sight unseen! Her whole team was so nurturing and patient with us. If anyone is looking for a lovely agent, I highly recommend ours, in fact she's helped two of my friends find their perfect Paris apartments. If anyone would like her contact info, just email me at tmeintermedia@aol.com

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Thanks for this important subject.

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So much helpful information! And while I’ll never own a Parisian apartment, I found this Q and A fascinating! Thanks to you both!

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Jul 20, 2021Liked by David Lebovitz

Such an excellent overview, written in a manner that is understandable! Thanks to both of you!

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Jul 20, 2021Liked by David Lebovitz

David, I, too, read L'Appart and was horrified at what you went through and how you were treated - by the seller, by the idiot contractor and the others who treated you so badly. This interview with Miranda Bothe gives us an excellent insight into how things work in France and how that contrasts with the American real estate market and our regulations. The same agent representing both seller and buyer? That's a disaster waiting to happen! Thank you for your books, newsletters, photos an posts. You open so many doors to those of us who can only dream.

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Yes, as Miranda emphatically states (especially if you're an American) - you need to leave your expectations as the door. I didn't, but I'm not knowledgeable now :) The system of having only the seller's agent represent both parties is really ripe for problems to happen, which they do, which is why you need to be on your toes. As a buyer you need to go in not necessarily believing everything you're told...and it's also good to have someone who knows the drill on your side, too!

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I still dream of owning a property in France. I used to look at properties through an agency called Mistral. Mostly in the countryside areas. And yes, the pictures were something else; dirty dishes, clothes scattered everywhere, owners in the pictures smoking or eating. Lol.

Thanks for the interview, I found it so fascinating. Does she work outside of Paris? I guess my interest really lies there. It may have started after I read all the Peter Mayle books!

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Aren’t his books great!

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I think they do work outside for Paris, but not 100% sure. You can check out her website, which is linked at the end of the interview.

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Jul 20, 2021Liked by David Lebovitz

David, I read you book(s), and was already horrified (endlessly entertained) at your experience, however this interview will truly help those lucky enough who wish to have an apartment in Paris. (Miinus the delicious recipes of course!) Please list ALL contests where one can win one for a month, a dream come true! ;)

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Ha! My experience wasn't ideal but to be honest, I would have been lost during the purchase without someone like Miranda to help with the sale. Her company does help people with renovations, etc...and mine would likely have gone a lot better if I had her oversee that, too! : )

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Jul 20, 2021Liked by David Lebovitz

Totally gathered from the book, that list was an understatement. All that matters is that you are happy now. In the process of making the strawberry vegan ice cream recipe that you sent me yesterday! Thank you for taking the time to reply, I know you are a very busy person.

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