A Professional Standard for Serious North American Buyers
In recent years, increasing numbers of North American buyers have shown interest in purchasing property in France. While the dream of owning a residence in Strasbourg, Alsace, or elsewhere in the country is compelling, the professional structure of French real estate differs significantly from the North American system.
SHOKO, a buyer-focused real estate practice serving English-speaking clients in France, has adopted a clear and disciplined position: it does not provide informal or open-ended property tours.
This policy is not a matter of exclusivity for its own sake. It is rooted in law, professional ethics, and respect for the French real estate ecosystem.
A Different System Than North America
Unlike the United States and Canada, France does not operate under a centralized MLS system. Properties are distributed across independent agencies, each managing its own portfolio.
In order to provide comprehensive market coverage for a buyer, SHOKO conducts research agency by agency, communicates directly with listing professionals, and coordinates visits individually. Each showing requires professional credibility and careful relationship management.
The process is deliberate and structured. It is not designed for casual exploration.
Compliance With the Loi Hoguet
Real estate activity in France is governed by the Loi Hoguet (Law n°70-9 of 2 January 1970), which strictly regulates compensation. Under this legal framework, a real estate professional may not receive remuneration unless a transaction has been successfully completed.
SHOKO operates in full respect of this legislation.
However, the structure of the law also means that buyer representation often requires substantial professional investment long before compensation is legally permitted. For this reason, SHOKO works exclusively with serious and qualified buyers who are prepared to engage in a structured and intentional acquisition process.
Buyer Representation — Exclusively
SHOKO represents only buyers.
The firm does not seek compensation from listing agents, and if commission sharing occurs in the course of a transaction, that amount is credited back to the client. The objective is full alignment with the buyer’s interests.
This model reflects a North American buyer-representation philosophy carefully adapted to French legal requirements.
A Structured Engagement Process
Before physical property visits are arranged, SHOKO requires a formal consultation, financial verification (proof of funds or mortgage pre-approval), and a defined purchasing timeline. A written engagement agreement outlines the scope and structure of the representation.
This approach protects several essential elements:
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The client’s strategic clarity
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Professional time and resources
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Relationships with listing agents
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The integrity of the properties being presented
Individuals who are simply exploring France or considering a distant possibility of purchase may find this structured process more rigorous than expected. Those who are prepared to move forward thoughtfully and strategically tend to value it highly.
Quality Over Quantity
SHOKO does not organize high-volume viewing schedules. Instead, property visits are curated carefully, typically limited to a focused selection aligned with financial parameters, lifestyle objectives, and long-term plans.
In the French market, precision is more effective than volume.
A Broader Vision — Optional and Client-Driven
In addition to brokerage services, SHOKO is developing a long-term project involving the acquisition and renovation of a French property into a fully modernized North American-style residence — incorporating advanced HVAC systems, improved insulation, functional layouts, and contemporary living standards while preserving French architectural character.
The transformation process may be documented in English as an educational real estate renovation series designed to assist international buyers in understanding what is realistically achievable in France.
However, this initiative remains entirely optional and client-driven. If buyers are not interested in participating in or supporting such a project, it will not proceed. The primary focus remains professional buyer representation.
A Professional Standard
SHOKO’s position is clear: it is not a provider of informal property tourism. It is a structured, buyer-focused real estate practice serving serious North American clients who are prepared to engage professionally within the French legal framework.
France is a complex and rewarding market. Approached correctly, it offers exceptional opportunities.
Approached casually, it can lead to misunderstanding and wasted resources.
SHOKO’s mission is to ensure that international buyers enter the French market with clarity, strategy, and proper representation.