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I know. She'll get a real hoot out of the question, no doubt. And, I suspect, the answer might be 'what the He** Mom, I have no idea !' If she actually knows, that could be even worse !!

In our last purchase in France, the Notaire was not involved until the the agent (who was representing the seller and in this case the seller was paying the agency fees) had prepared the written offer (which was a good bit less than the asking price) and submitted it to the seller. Our first offer was accepted by the seller. A compromis was then prepared, signed and an appointment for 3 months out was taken at the local Notaire's office. We had to pay a portion of the Notaire's fees about two or three weeks after the appointment was taken. The remainder was paid the day we signed the Acte de Vente. The agent preferred to give the seller a written / signed offer as opposed to verbal conversation as it was seen as much m ore serious. There was a second couple very interested in the house and had made a third visit the day we were preparing our offer. We really wanted the house, so put in the written offer and it was accepted the same day.

Menthe is right. The Notaire isn't going to want to draw up a compromis until the final price has been agreed. If you are paying the agents fees then they are working for you. Use them to sound out your offer with the owner without making it formal. Something like ' I believe the property is worth more like xxxxx'. Remember the agents fee's are normally a % of the selling price so they won't be keen to go too low. However, that's their problem not yours. I do advise you to get as much information about the property as you can before placing an offer. Again use the agent. It's their job. FWIW my last 'property' purchase was some land 10 years ago. The 'price haggling' was all done in the agents office with the owner on the phone. Only then was an official offer made and accepted.