Reviews
At La Porte we try to provide a thoughtful and professional service and we hope that comes through in your dealings with us. Here are some of the comments that our clients have given. We welcome your views – buyers and sellers alike - and invite you to share your experiences here.
Wednesday, 05 September 2018 15:32
When we met Liesbeth for our first viewings she was so friendly and enthusiastic and we enjoyed her company. She was always helpful and quick to respond to our concerns and when we had decided on the house we wanted to purchase, she saw us through whole house buying process, dealing with any queries that arose. We found her to be a great support and even after buying the house she has continued to be readily contactable and, some weeks on, Is still in touch to ***st us with a planning query we have.
Excellent, friendly and efficient service
Sunday, 05 August 2018 16:50
Tuesday, 19 June 2018 07:11
We agreed with Simon in early January that we would like a viewing trip of 2 ½ days and he arranged everything to take place later that month. All we had to do was turn up at the office in Monpazier.
On arrival we were made to feel very welcome and placed into Thomas’ capable hands. He drove us around for the next 2 days showing us 6 properties in all, 3 twice. He drove us around the nearby towns and villages and allowed us to get a feel for the relevant environs, to understand where the local amenities were for each property. He explained the details behind each property and allowed as copious amounts of time to view allowing us to get a true feel for each one. He offered his own opinions on properties and locations and local life which was exactly what we were looking for. He even helped us find a restaurant for dinner which is no easy task in January.
When we asked to view some properties for the second time he more than happy to accommodate our requests and was open to all our questions demonstrating a clear understanding of what we were going through.
Thomas helped us with advice through the negotiation phase and in identifying appropriate legal advisers as well as introducing us to the sellers. He has continued to be incredibly helpful up to and after the completion, helping establish all the utilities so that we are ready to return and enjoy our new home.
All in all I would summarise La Porte and Thomas in particular as open and honest, helpful, knowledgeable, responsive and charming – a pleasure to do business with. I would certainly recommend their service.”
Saturday, 12 May 2018 17:13
Wednesday, 09 May 2018 07:48
Thanks you all very much for enabling us to start a new and easier life!
Sunday, 22 April 2018 06:50
From start to finish, Tamzin has been on hand to help make the process stress-free.
We had heard many stories of properties taking months to complete, our purchase whizzed through in a matter of weeks!
Highly recommend La Porte - just wish we’d found them sooner.
Saturday, 21 April 2018 19:17
Wednesday, 11 April 2018 14:31
Het hele proces van de verkoop heeft zij begeleid en zelfs bij de notaris was Tamzin aanwezig. Dat was ook nog eens heel gezellig!
Friday, 16 March 2018 17:40
Sunday, 11 March 2018 12:49
Thursday, 22 February 2018 08:36
Friday, 26 January 2018 12:39
Monday, 15 January 2018 18:50
Many thanks to all concerned.
Friday, 29 December 2017 14:54
We had an extensive list of categories and features...some of which changed as we came closer to being able to purchase but Tamzin and her staff understood what we were looking for and have been incredibly helpful in finding just the ‘perfect’ place and securing it on our behalf.
They never tired of answering all our many queries and supplying information after information by return.
A first class service! Thank you all at La Porte and especially Tamzin!
Tuesday, 07 November 2017 14:56
On contacting La Porte it was immediately obvious that this was a very different kind of estate agent. Whereas we had had the sense that other agents simply tried to sell us any houses on their books that vaguely fit our criteria, Thomas and Simon took the time to understand exactly what we were looking for and, crucially, why. Consequently, by the time we came to visit the list of half a dozen properties we’d selected from the La Porte website, Thomas was able to accurately predict our reactions to each one – what aspects we would like and which we wouldn’t.
It was very refreshing to work with an agent that was so tuned in to our vision of the ideal house and when Thomas recommended we view a house that had not been on our list because, on paper, it didn’t appear to meet our requirements, we readily agreed. Of course, Thomas was spot on with his recommendation and within a few short months the house was ours.
The help and guidance provided by Thomas and Simon during the buying process was invaluable and the whole exercise felt pretty painless – even parting with the money!
Saturday, 28 October 2017 14:57
We started our French home search in October 2016, when we initially met up with Tamzin and Simon in Monpazier. They helped us in putting our plans together by recommending the rental of a lovely gite in Issigeac to use as our base for our property search this year. Working with them was enjoyable and fun; Tamzin, Simon and Thomas made it feel more like a family affair than a business transaction. We've now found our lovely home here in Beaumont with their help and have appreciated all their guidance in the French buying process that (to be honest) was less stressful than that in the UK.
Monday, 16 October 2017 14:57
The property was on a few websites and had only recently hit the market but having nearly bought through La Porte two years ago we had no interest in going through any other agent due to the level of service provided previously by Simon.
Having worked in Property and Real Estate for over 20 years I have high expectations and these have been not only met but exceeded and this is continuing post sale with hand holding from Tamzin with setting up Bank Accounts and sourcing local contacts etc.
Basically a really professional service from likable people who genuinely care and we haven't been paid anything from them for this review
Sunday, 15 October 2017 14:58
Tuesday, 10 October 2017 14:59
Your team is fantastic!
Thanks a lot and good luck in the future.
Kind regards, Ineke and Liesbeth
Monday, 02 October 2017 15:02
Monday, 02 October 2017 15:00
Thank you very much.
Chris and Liz Collins
Tuesday, 26 September 2017 15:02
Friday, 26 May 2017 15:02
Simon arrived and quickly viewed and valued the house , we agreed and he produced the most wonderful web site good photographs and an honest description of the property.
Within four days the property was sold , we were amazed having expected to wait for the sale !
Lisa Honey gave us all the support we asked for, without hesitation , and right up to the sale and importantly after the sale.
Sometime later we saw the house that we thought just right for us , and again Lisa was amazing , always there for us ,meetings at the house and all the rest of the problems that can go with selling.
We would recommend La Porte without hesitation having sold and bought again ,and thank Lisa most sincerely for all her help.
Thursday, 11 May 2017 15:03
Tuesday, 02 May 2017 15:03
On a trip to Monpazier this past autumn, Lisa H. showed us the perfect house in Monpazier.
As we would be completing the transaction from the States and with limited French we were very concerned about dealing with the various French agencies .
With Lisa at the lead we had no cause for concern.
She did all the heavy lifting with the Notaire, the closing, the French water and electric utilities and even provided sound guidance as how to efficiently move money from the States to our French bank .
I am a bit of a "fretter"(worrier) and making a purchase from 5000 miles, a foreign language and 6 time zones is fertile ground for us fretters,
With Lisa at point, no reason to fret. I slept well.
We are happily now, actually as I write this, in our Monpazier home.
Thank you, Lisa.
Cyndy and Ron
Wednesday, 19 April 2017 15:04
Thank you to all concerned for the highly professional service which is a service to be proud of
David and Barbara
Friday, 07 April 2017 15:18
Having owned a home in the region for seventeen years and bought and sold three times, I was well aware of the well meaning, but chaotic attitude of many French estate agents, resulting in potential buyers being taken to completely inappropriate properties. Frustration on all sides ensues and the sale drags on and on.
Simon Renfrew, Tamzin and Thomas are an extremely focused and hard working team. They work hard to match a potential viewer to the right property and are also there to give coffee and good advice to anxious sellers. All this is done with great good humour which is always a bonus.
I put my house on the market with them in August 2016 and in a difficult post-Brexit market, sold in September 2016.
I have no hesitation in recommending them to buyers and sellers of property in the Dordogne.
Thursday, 06 April 2017 15:19
Saturday, 11 March 2017 15:17
We stumbled upon the La Porte Property office and made our way inside where we were met by Thomas.
His local knowledge as well as his polite and professional manner immediately gave us comfort and we arranged to view a property next day - which we have since bought.
Thomas guided us through every aspect of the sale; answering all our emails promptly, arranging an English speaking Notaire to act on our behalf as well as FX and Insurance contacts.
I cannot recommend Thomas and La Porte Property highly enough; he took the stress out of the buying process and I can only think it was fate that sent us in his direction.
Thursday, 09 March 2017 15:19
Monday, 06 March 2017 15:20
Simon R. can give you good advice if you are interested in a French mortgage, and the agency can recommend an English speaking notaire who we found very helpful and responsive. I found dealing with the French lender a much better experience than that in the UK.
So despite these turbulent times you will be well supported in your purchase by La Porte, carpe diem!
Friday, 03 March 2017 15:20
When we decided that we wanted to sell our house in the Dordogne, we were fortunate enough to get in touch with Simon Renfrew of La Porte Property in Monpazier.
Simon came over to our renovated farmhouse right away and advised us both friendly and professionally on the ins and outs of selling property, on the value, the possible ways to proceed, how to get the required inspections done, etc.
After that, he and the rest of the La Porte team went to work. A beautiful, yet realistic representation of the property was, in no time on their site. Tamzin, Lisa and Thomas showed quite a few interested parties what a great place our house is.
The entire team, and in our case especially Lisa, were always happy to help us and advise us on everything we needed to know and had to do. Lisa was the perfect and tireless intermediate between us and potential buyers. Always there to answer questions, always ready to help, she turned a rather bureaucratic French procedure into a smooth operation.
We want thank the entire La Porte Team, and again especially, Lisa for a job well done!
Johanna van Meer & Willem van den Pol
Wednesday, 01 March 2017 15:21
Sunday, 12 February 2017 15:22
Really pleased that we found our first holiday home in France via La Porte.
They are all extremely helpful, guiding us along the way and providing loads of local knowledge and support. This extended to ensuring work was completed on the house before purchase, taking photos for us and taking us to the Notaire for the signing.
What could have been a pretty complicated undertaking became very easy and with their wealth of local contacts they are great for getting started in the area. Also a totally different experience to UK agencies who just take the money and run.
Would have no hesitation using them again the future should the need arise.
Sunday, 12 February 2017 15:21
After reviewing the La Porte Property website in May 2016 we sent an email enquiry regarding three properties. Lisa Honey sent us an email asking us about our criteria and suggesting a telephone interview that could take place at a time convenient to our Sydney time zone. The thirty minute telephone conference was very helpful and as a result of that conference we decided to consider an additional property, that had not previously been on our list, in Saint Caprice d’Eymet (about 20 minutes drive from Bergerac).
When it came to inspecting the properties during our brief one week visit to France in June 2016 Lisa was very accommodating with our busy schedule. The property that Lisa had suggested in Saint Caprice d’Eymet was easily the best of the 15 to 20 properties we had visited that week and Lisa not only arranged repeat visits to the property but also very efficiently negotiated the sale price between us and the vendors.
Lisa’s involvement did not stop once we had agreed on the price she also suggested us with the documentation required for the purchase, arranged our notaire, and explained the agency and notaire fees involved. Lisa also walked us through the pre-purchase inspections and the effect of having a non-compliant fosse and negotiated an exchange of farm equipment in return for us waving any complaint to the fosse. After we decided to finance some of the purchase price with a French mortgage Lisa also worked with our mortgage broker and notaire to help us achieve what we had been told was not possible from Australia.
The completion of our conveyance was an arduous road (we had not realised how slow and complicated the French property system is) yet throughout it all Lisa remained positive, approachable and informative. Even after settlement she continued to help us with a transfer of the services into our name. We would strongly recommend La Porte Property and in particular Lisa Honey who made it possible for us to purchase our dream holiday home from the other side of the world.
Tuesday, 24 January 2017 14:15
We first came over in March 2016 to view these properties and that was when we met Lisa face to face. From the beginning we were impressed with her professionalism, duty of care and genuine warmth. She wanted us to find exactly what we wanted.
During this visit we fell in love with a house and had an offer accepted.
Lisa then held our hands through the legal process dealing with all our issues and she even offered us various companies to deal with the currency transfer. She kept in contact with us through every step of the journey. We completed in August 2016 and are now living our dream.
Lisa has continued to keep in touch offering a first class after care service. She even helped us with setting up our utilities and offering advice on how to settle in to the French way of doing things.
The service we received exceeded our expectations from start to finish and we would highly recommend La Porte to anyone looking to buy a property in France. We are now looking forward to spending many happy years in the beautiful Lot et Garonne.
Monday, 23 January 2017 16:09
Wednesday, 18 January 2017 12:49
We listed a few properties of interest and sat and discussed our wish list with Tamzin. She really did her homework, especially regarding my horses and their needs. We ruled a few properties out of the viewing list but the first one we went to was everything we wanted and more. The house was exactly as described. The viewing process was a pleasure and we weren't rushed. Simon did the offer negotiations for us and we gave a top budget but he came in under it, which was a great surprise and reassurance we were dealing with people who were genuine.
The whole buying process was easy as Simon and Tamzin took care of everything, kept us updated and recommended companies for money transfers, legal documents etc.
We just got the keys last week and were overjoyed that the house was even better than we remembered or imagined. Tamzin has helped with sorting the utilities, giving us contacts for builders, fencing contractors etc.
We can now live our dream thanks to La Porte.
I cannot recommend them enough, they go way beyond the standard service of estate agents.
Amazing!
Wednesday, 30 November 2016 13:20
Sunday, 06 November 2016 17:27
She was a breath of fresh air for me.
It helped that she spoke English as well as French.
They had wonderful properties on their books, and it wasn't long before we found one we really liked.
She was so extremely helpful to us, and when our offer was accepted, that is when she guided us through the buying process, while we had to be in the UK.
We are now proud owners of the property, and we are both so grateful to La Porte, and Lisa, we would recommend the team anytime.
Thursday, 03 November 2016 15:21
Our brief to Lisa was "don't mind a little bit of decorating, but not too much work". As testament to Lisa's patience and gentle persistence we are now the proud owners of a derelict mill which is going to take a team of builders 9 months to renovate. We are framing the original brief.
We could not have found our French dream without Lisa and we have also found a very good friend.
Sunday, 16 October 2016 20:20
Tamzin's professional approach with an eye for detail on how to ' present' a house for sale was invaluable and very much appreciated.
Monday, 03 October 2016 20:25
We wholeheartedly recommend their service.
Friday, 23 September 2016 05:51
Thursday, 25 August 2016 08:46
Sandra's professionalism and honest down to earth approach has been a breath of fresh air after having spent a few years looking for a property.
Having found our dream property, Sandra took control of the process and showed great patience, fairness and firmness when required, going above and beyond what we imagined, for which we are very grateful.
We can highly recommend La Porte and Sandra, we have been very happy with the service from start to end, and even after. We look forward to many happy years in our new property, many thanks.
Alison & Roger Griffiths
Wednesday, 13 July 2016 08:04
It was like a breath of fresh air when we finally found Tamzin at La Porte, everything was made easy from start to finish, nothing was too much trouble.
The help with local trades etc. since the completion has also been ongoing.
Thank you La Porte and all who work there for making the purchase of our dream house a lovely experience.
Also a Thank you to Lisa who has helped us when Tamzin has not been available
Monday, 11 July 2016 09:15
Any small problems that arose were dealt with simply and sensitively and we'd be only too happy to recommend Tamzin and her team to any other prospective purchasers or vendors.
Monday, 20 June 2016 20:16
I dealt mainly with Tamzin, who impressed my enormously with her proactive, professional approach. Having lost my husband whilst in France, I really appreciated the support she gave me, I never felt alone. She kept me up to date and answered all my questions, returned emails promptly, nothing was too much trouble. I had total confidence in her and the other members of the La Porte team I talked to.
So finally, the selling of the house, which I had dreaded, turned into a rather pleasant, interesting experience, everything went smoothly, so a big heartfelt thank you to Tamzin.
Friday, 03 June 2016 08:21
The understanding of our requirements was refined as we undertook the first viewings and then were able to have an open and honest discussion about the property that we had just seen. The building of a trusted relationship with the Laporte team enabled us to find what we were looking for. This was a very different experience to other agents whom provided a list of properties and then proceeded to take us around properties that were a poor match to the search criteria. The team were professional and organised throughout the process. They were always available to answer questions and provide advice throughout and after the sales process (e.g. assisting us with understanding the issues raised in the Compromis de Vente, setting up French bank accounts etc). I would happily recommend their services to other buyers of French property. Thank you Laporte team, especially Tamzin, for helping us to find and buy a great property in France.
Monday, 11 April 2016 16:25
I would not hesitate to recommend Laporte Properties. Their website is excellent and they only tend to sell really good quality properties. For Brits buying in this beautiful part of France, they really are an immobilier ahead of the rest
Kym and Tony Denton
Lot et Garonne
Saturday, 13 February 2016 14:05
We gave our wish list to La Porte and they did admit a property to match our requirements would not be an easy task however we were very impressed with there initial selection they did not waste our time only properties that matched or near matched were sent, they even put us onto an other agent's list as they may be able to find a match..
Eventually we short listed properties La Porte had provided and arranged to visit France to view. The first house we saw was just perfect and we made our offer which the seller agreed.
This is not the first property we have purchased so I expected that would more or less be the end of our relationship with the agent it could not have been further from the truth. La Porte kept in constant touch when we returned to the UK, introduced us to a local notaire to whom we gave power of attorney to take over the house on our behalf, introduced us to a local insurance company to arrange for house insurance to commence on the day of takeover etc, etc,. Took the keys on our behalf as we could not travel to France for over a month and periodically checked the house and all the time keeping us informed.
On our arrival in France they handed over the house to us and it did not end there always keeping in touch by telephone or just stopping bye to make sure all is in order any problems or requirements they were there to help a most valuable service when you first arrive in a new country and cannot speak the language I cannot thank La Porte enough for all they have done well beyond the call of their duty they do not just offer a service They provide a bespoke service:
Before your purchase
During your purchase
After your purchase
Well done La Porte and we thank you
The Robinsons
Monday, 01 February 2016 10:48
The property was visited, photographed, and “on-line” within days. A very quick, friendly and efficient service. The sale went through, and
we didn’t even have to leave England. A member of staff kept in touch regularly either by ‘phone or e-mail, and there were no language
difficulties. An excellent service, we couldn’t have asked for more.
Two very happy customers, Joan and Derek Smith
Friday, 08 January 2016 14:34
Just compare Laporte's website to those of their competitors and you will quickly get a sense of the firm's outlook and professionalism - second to none and very much admired! We wish our purchasers many happy years in our former property and we wish all at Laporte continued success in 2016 and beyond.
Friday, 08 January 2016 14:18
Thursday, 07 January 2016 08:14
In fact, this was so successful that she rang me a short while before I was due to fly out to say they had a house that had just come onto their books that she thought was exactly what I was looking for. She sent me a link and suggested I look at this one before any others, so we made the appointment for my first day. Over the next 10 days I saw around 30 houses with a variety of agencies but knew right from the first time I saw the house that Lisa was right and this was my house! This attention to detail and understanding the client’s needs required insight and demonstrated that I had really been listened to -Lisa wasn’t just trying to sell a house but wanted to find me the home of my dreams as well. We achieved both!
Lisa also provided excellent support during the offer process, the ensuing contractual process and was there when we signed the contract. She also helped with telephone calls and letters to the utility services to help get me connected, as well as a recommendation for an excellent currency exchange firm. Every time I phoned her or the office [and there were plenty of calls!] everyone I spoke to was helpful and knew who I was and which house I was buying -it demonstrated the excellent communication within the team. I would recommend la Porte to anyone thinking of looking for a home in this part of France -they have lovely properties on their books and really know their stuff. I really have found my dream home with their help and support.
Wednesday, 06 January 2016 08:00
Tuesday, 29 December 2015 07:48
The easiest part was to get both the buyers and ourselves in line with reference to the price of the sale; one visit and a couple of back-and-forth and the deal was agreed. The requested certificates came in all ok except for one … the one for the septic tank.
One way to value the professionalism of a company (and her staff) is to see how they deal and solve problems. Well, this septic tank created a lot of problems (and additional costs – up to € 13,500
total) but Sandra did tackle it in a very smooth and professional way.
Even though the sale could have jeopardize, Sandra was able to keep all parties calm so that an amicable solution could be found. When that was reached, she kept all parties very well informed of what was going to happen.
Even after all was signed, she keeps contact to see how she can be additional help to us. Needless to say that we highly recommend her (and la Porte Properties). I would either recommend her to my family and/or friends or do another deal with her.
Thank you Sandra; thank you La Porte Properties
Saturday, 21 November 2015 06:41
Tuesday, 27 October 2015 07:13
Monday, 26 October 2015 10:11
When we saw the property in Monpazier , we knew that it had our name on it.
Lisa accompanied us on our viewings and we were very impressed by her friendliness and professionalism.
Throughout the process, she was always patient, helpful and quick to respond to emails and phone calls.
All in all we had a very positive experience with La Porte and Lisa in particular (something that is seldom said of estate agents in the UK) and we would have no hesitation in recommending your business to others.
Saturday, 15 August 2015 18:49
Wednesday, 05 August 2015 07:47
Monday, 27 July 2015 13:26
you provided during the recent sale of our home in the Dordogne.
Every member of staff we met was friendly and efficient. We particularly
liked the feedback we received after every visit. We would thoroughly
recommend La Porte to anyone thinking buying or selling.
Wednesday, 22 July 2015 06:10
Thursday, 04 June 2015 16:10
Before arriving in France to look for our new home my husband and I looked at many properties, the properties on the La Porte site always appeared to be more attractive with lovely clear photos, the website is also very user friendly. We would particularly like to say a big "Thank you" to Sandra who looked after us at La Porte, she was always very professional, informative, patient and friendly.
The whole process of buying our house was very smooth, there was never any pressure on us and La Porte took all the usual hassle connected to buying a house from us.
June 4th 2015
Wednesday, 03 June 2015 12:24
Like most we have dreamed of and looked for our own place for many years and so had a pretty good idea of what we wanted. Even though I speak some French it was a fairly daunting prospect having to conduct negotiations in a foreign country and language.
We saw the property in their November newsletter and arranged a flying visit in January. We spent an afternoon looking round with the lovely Sandra interpreting, as the vendors were French. By the end we knew we had fallen on our feet. Here was a genuine person rather than just a salesperson. She then arranged for us to meet with her and Simon Renfrew the next morning for a couple of hours when they happily answered our initial queries and ran through procedures and possible pitfalls and costings of essential and potential works.
Sandra is a gem. She has been there for us all the way, guiding us through the offer and exchange process, keeping the notaires up to the mark and cheerfully answering the stupidest of questions. She has then followed through with after sales support when, shortly after moving in we had a leak and she gave us the number of a French plumber who came to fix it that very afternoon! On the few occasions that Sandra was not available the staff in the office were efficient and supportive. What more could you ask for?
Throughout, Sandra has acted with the utmost professionalism showing consideration for the feelings and expectations of both us and the vendors. Thank you, you have made a potentially stressful process smooth and enjoyable.
Tuesday, 26 May 2015 09:57
We wholeheartedly recommend La Porte.
Friday, 17 April 2015 06:37
We started with the usual holiday induced day dreams of what it would be like to own our own house in the Dordogne. After looking into a few agency windows and doing some internet research, we decided to contact La Porte. We liked the quality of the web-site, and the range of properties on offer, as well as the feedback.
Whilst we made a long and eventual shortlist of properties and looked at a number of houses, the house we've just bought was not on our initial list and was actually one which Simon had recommended we visit, based on his understanding of what we were looking for, This really sums up for me the excellent level of attention, care and service we received from Simon. From the start, Simon took the time to really understand what we were looking for, helping us select potential properties on an impartial basis. He spent time with us to view the properties, giving us an objective view of how each property met our needs, and throughout made us feel like valued clients. He answered all our questions with consideration and good humour, no matter how odd, and was extremely patient while we were trying to make up our minds!
Once we had made an offer, Simon advised us all the way through the buying process, and took active steps to ensure that that all the parties were aligned, and that the process was smooth and timely. This was especially important to us, given we were buying a house "remotely".
In summary, I cant praise Simon and La Porte highly enough - and I would certainly recommend them to anyone looking to buy a house in this part of France.
Tuesday, 24 February 2015 11:55
We speak some French, but are far from fluent, so having an English Estate Agent to help and guide us through the process proved to be invaluable. We would recommend this company to anyone embarking on their adventure in France!
Thursday, 12 February 2015 10:51
I also sold my house to a Belgium couple and with next to no french language skills of my own, Sandra's multi lingual ability was priceless and alleviated a great deal of stress for me.
Advice given was always well informed and nothing was ever too much trouble, in fact all contact with the' La Porte' office was always warm, friendly, efficient and reassuring.
Thank you Sandra for all your help and patience - we got there in the end !
Tuesday, 03 February 2015 11:50
Monday, 02 February 2015 09:38
We cannot praise La Porte Property highly enough and would have no hesitation in strongly recommending them as a 'Premier League' agent. They could not have been more helpful and in our view, should be the first port of call when considering purchasing or selling a property in the Dordogne and surrounding area.
Monday, 12 January 2015 09:36
From our initial meetings, continued liaison, and concluding business regarding the sale of our property, the agency and notably Mr. Simon Norris, managed our affairs with the utmost professionalism.
We felt that all our concerns were listened to and our anxieties dealt with in a protective manner, at all times we felt that our own interests were respected.
We have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending La Porte to sellers and buyers alike.
Wednesday, 07 January 2015 17:27
Thursday, 11 December 2014 16:34
The personal approach we received from Simon was terrific, the overwhelmingly great thing we found when dealing with him was he listened to us and thought carefully about what we were telling him about our wants, likes and dislikes.
We spent some considerable time with him discussing our requirements and the areas and properties we had already explored and reviewing a good number of properties they had on their books. From those discussions, when it came to actually viewing a shortlist of properties with him we had a strong list of contenders that fitted our requirements nicely, we weren’t merely shown everything that was out there.
On day 2 visiting with Simon, we found the place for us. In fact the house was one we’d initially dismissed when looking on the internet. Simon having spent time with us both on the phone and during the first day of visits getting to know us, suggested we should take a look regardless as he thought we’d like it after all. It was perfect! Turned out those one on one discussions really were worthwhile and he had really understood what we were after. Of course this was particularly important when dealing remotely and only having limited time available on flying visits to view.
Once our offer was accepted Simon helped us through the buying process and was always available to assist with even those silly questions which we as French house buying novices came up with through the whole process.
So if you are looking to buy in their area, get on the phone, get on Skype if you can, talk to these guys, they’re great, they will listen to you carefully and help you find your perfect place in the sun.
Thursday, 30 October 2014 15:21
Our negotiations were all done from the UK and Sandra played a huge part as an intermediary between all parties.
We finally moved in September, 2014. We had significant problems getting our basic utilities connected. La Porte played a key part in making this happen. Even after moving in, we still had great assistance from La Porte with ongoing complications. If you need an agency that has market experience, professionalism and importantly a friendly style: La Porte is that agency.
Monday, 27 October 2014 08:04
This is where La Porte really scored. The property was well described, and well photographed, with as much about the land as about the house (important to me).
It was not initially my favourite area (a decision reversed upon visiting the area) but the house and land stood out as being something that I could move into with minimal change or expense. Once analysed the higher price turned out less - when cost of changes in the other places on the shortlist were costed.
Viewing worked well, with some perseverance on Sandra's part when I wanted to walk the 8 ha boundary!
Negotiation went well, with advice from La Porte (always difficult for agents who are seen to represent "the other" party). A fair price (in my opinion) was reached.
The settlement process (whilst time consuming) created few real problems, and La Porte was happy to advise on associated issues such as utilities, surveys, insurance, accountant advisers, and even vets.
I met a range of agents during the search and La Porte would at the top end for overall performance.
Nic Cooper
New Zealand
Friday, 19 September 2014 08:14
We were immediately delighted with their thorough and thoughtful approach to us and the marketing of our property. Our emails were always answered promptly and our telephone calls returned. Their strength is that they are a dedicated team who clearly know the market and, as importantly, what the other team members are doing. They are careful with their clients, something the majority of agents,in our experience, are not. We think their advice and their start to finish service is very good.
Friday, 19 September 2014 07:53
We had loads of viewings and during the time our property was for sale, Simon Norris always gave us sound advice. He found us a buyer and was very supportive throughout a trying time, especially during the last traumatic couple of weeks.
I recommend La Porte whole heartedly to anyone who wants to sell via a first class agency.
Monday, 08 September 2014 07:59
Thank you Laporte for all your help!
Wednesday, 03 September 2014 11:48
Tuesday, 05 August 2014 18:40
Friday, 09 May 2014 07:22
Thanks again.
Thursday, 01 May 2014 10:55
The area decided, we spent a lot of time trawling through properties on the internet. This is where we initially came across La Porte. Their website was significantly better to use than any other we found.
We made several visits at different times of the year and looked at a large number of properties. Whilst we initially dealt with various different agents, we kept coming back to La Porte. Their face to face service proved to be as professional as their website. We felt that they really took the time to understand our requirements and helped us focus our thinking and avoid a purely heart based decision; easy to do in such a beautiful part of the world! They got the balance right and were enthusiastically supportive, yet always avoided any feeling of pushy sales practise. They listened to what we said and didn't waste our time showing us properties that didn't fit out criteria.
The La Porte team were there every step of the way.
Whilst we were fortunate enough to deal principally with the delightful Sandra Brown, we also had many lengthly conversation with pretty much every member of the team. We had a couple of near misses and eventually settled on one of the first properties we'd seen. We are now the proud owners of a beautiful converted barn. To further complicate things, we also decided to buy the cottage next door with the intention of trying our hand at the gite business. La Porte helped us through every aspect of finding and buy our dream home. They have proved to be so much more than estate agents. From builders to fosse tank specialist and pool designers to currency traders, the team were there to offer helpful support and advice. We've come to regard Sandra and the team as friends; coming from the UK, something we'd never have previously dreamt of saying about estate agents!
Monday, 28 April 2014 15:03
Throughout the marketing,selling and viewing Sandra Brown was excellent,she communicated regularly and was always cheerful,patient and enthusiastic.
She familiarised herself with all the property details,therefore her knowledge base when accompanying was excellent.
Whilst we were in the UK for long periods during the whole process Sandra constantly updated us thus allowing us to make immediate decisions.
At the end of the sale all arrangements with the various necessary agency's,departments and the Notaire were organised with great efficiency.
The whole experience was a seamless process executed fantastically by La Porte.
Many thanks.
Wednesday, 09 April 2014 08:50
Thank you La Porte!
Tuesday, 25 February 2014 08:36
Monday, 24 February 2014 16:40
Thursday, 30 January 2014 10:19
Saturday, 14 December 2013 12:20
Friday, 15 November 2013 16:16
The sale of our house to very discerning overseas customers was handled with such professionalism that everything happened without a hitch.
If you are selling or buying go to the best first!!
Monday, 28 October 2013 08:25
Leur fidèle et très professionnel accompagnement tout au long de cette transaction, nous a vraiment aidé dans nos démarches administratives et techniques.
Nous souhaitons remercier particulièrement Monsieur Simon Norris qui a été l'intermédiaire entre le vendeur et nous.
Il a toujours répondu rapidement a mes nombreux appels téléphoniques afin de répondre à mes questions.
En ce qui nous concerne, un achat de cette importance c'est l'engagement de notre vie et se savoir entouré de personne de confiance nous a pleinement rassuré.
Friday, 18 October 2013 15:55
We needn't have been worried La Porte were "First Class" from start to finish and beyond.
We would recommend them as the first port of call to anybody thinking of buying a property in the area.
Special thanks to both Simons, but especially Simon Norris, who has gone above and beyond anything you would expect with his advice and help.
We appreciate it very much
Sunday, 13 October 2013 19:08
Friday, 11 October 2013 18:19
Nous recommandons sans hésitation cette agence où nous avons trouvé une écoute très perspicace ! car on nous a immédiatement proposé exactement ce que nous souhaitions, au contraire de beaucoup d'agences qui font visiter des biens très divers.
Il faut souligner également une grande disponibilité et un accueil toujours très agréable.
Mille remerciements à La Porte Property grâce à qui nous allons passer des moments merveilleux dans cette magnifique région !
Monday, 07 October 2013 07:44
They worked as a highly competent and professional team, and there was always someone on hand to answer our questions and to direct us to any local resources and tradesmen we needed.
Tuesday, 01 October 2013 11:18
Viewings took place almost immediately and we found Sandra in particular to be extremely pro-active and communicative. Our sale proceeded very successfully to a close, along with a good deal of help and advice on the French legal ‘maze’ of selling property.
We invited other Agents to view the house initially but we feel that La Porte inspired confidence from the very beginning and we think that we could not have chosen better .
Tuesday, 17 September 2013 11:00
When we buy our next property La Porte Property will definitely be our first port of call.
Tuesday, 16 July 2013 11:56
I doubt one could find a more professional agency anywhere. We have used them in relation to a sale and have now instructed them in relation to a second transaction. My best wishes to this unique business and may they enjoy the success they so deserve.
Thursday, 11 July 2013 11:55
We worked mostly with Simon Norris who we found to be professional as well as personable, a wonderful combination! Simon was patient, approachable and fair, to us and equally to our buyer, making what can be a very stressful time for all, rather more bearable. We would like to thank him and La Porte Property for the successful sale of our home and have no hesitation in recommending them to buyers and sellers alike.