Buying a home in France is a dream for many, but it's also a maze of laws, customs, and cultural quirks that can turn that dream into a costly misstep. Househunters France is here to make sure you don't stumble. This book isn't a glossy brochure-it's a practical, witty companion for navigating the realities of French property hunting. From deciphering legal obligations and environmental risks to understanding the difference between a postcard village and a livable community, you'll find advice rooted in real experience, not fantasy. Along the way, you'll get stories from the ground-moments of triumph, near-misses, and the occasional comic disaster-that prove buying in France is as much about mindset as it is about money. Whether you're drawn to the lavender fields of Provence, the stone houses of Brittany, or the hilltop villages of the Alpes-Maritimes, this guide will help you balance romance with reality. Because in France, the house you buy isn't just a property-it's a lifestyle, a community, and sometimes, a test of patience. And if you're prepared, it can also be the best decision you'll ever make. "We wish we had a book like this when we were searching for our property in France." Said everyone who has ever gone down this road! In France, there is no real MLS (Multiple Listing Service) database. Every agency has their own listings, each separately owning the actual keys to a property. No lockbox, record, nor code of entry; French real estate is in the middle if not dark ages. To turn your dream search to the reality of owning those keys, you will not only need to know how to navigate the mysterious ways of French real estate but take proper steps through a maze of required documents to be legal. "From lavender fields to legal traps: the real guide to buying in France." Note: This is the standard color version. The Premium Color version is plus cher (more expensive), and we don't see much difference in print quality in France. But if ordering from the USA and desiring a higher color print quality to better enjoy the imagery from an award winning photographer, you absolutely will benefit from the enhanced experience.