We consider ourselves lucky to have had Matthieu Maziere as our real estate contact for the purchase of a property in the center of Bordeaux. From the first contact at the end of February until today (July), one day after the signing of the deed, Matthieu was there to answer our questions, prepare letters, and/or remind us of our various obligations. Despite a time difference of six hours for most of the purchase period, he was available at all times. Matthieu has a deep knowledge of the process, and he applies it in a very professional manner, while bringing a human touch to the relationship. His enthusiasm and patience in working with us as outsiders was phenomenal. And he remains committed to supporting us with the move.  

Dan, can I also take the opportunity of thanking you for all the help and kindness you’ve shown me during this lengthy process. And, indeed, for taking the property on in the first place, given the distance from your usual properties. You’ve been an enormous help throughout and generally kept my spirits up! I hope that the rest of the properties on your portfolio are more straightforward and that we don’t get another pandemic, at least for a few years!  

I have had the great pleasure of working with Paul Simper in my search for a home near Bergerac.  As a Californian who is looking for a part-time escape in France, Paul has been incredibly flexible in working around my schedule and in understanding my specific needs. France does not have an MLS system such that home shoppers need to look at listings from each real estate firm.  That said, Paul was more than willing to help me investigate properties listed by anyone with the goal that I should be a satisfied buyer.  As it turns out, btw, Maxwell-Baynes represents almost every “special” property in the Dordogne/Lot areas. Buying property in France is very different than buying in the US.  I did not realize how important it was to have an agent like Paul on my side.  He took the time to explain the intricacies of the French market, to help me prioritize my requirements and my nice-to-haves.  All in all, he was truly an amazing partner in my French real estate journey.  I cannot recommend him highly enough.

Dear Sir, I am writing to tell you how grateful I am for having succeeded in selling my apartment so well, relatively quickly, with buyers who are moreover very sympathetic to me. I know that the sale was not a "path strewn with roses" because of the Covid and the successive confinements, on the occasion of numerous visits, I appreciated your patience, your diplomacy also. I am also aware that you have done everything possible to achieve the desired goal with the 360 tour of my apartment, such technology allowed for a "visit" before any physical visits in the apartment. As already said, I am at my 14th move, I had the opportunity to test several agencies (and in particular to) buy the apartment that I sell today to my great regret but in exceptional conditions of availability and seriousness of your part. Finally, the grandmother that I am was very sensitive to your perfect education and your culture too. I have rarely had the opportunity to meet a real estate agent with all your qualities. Again, my deepest gratitude for your professionalism exercised with so much competence, rigor but also smiling friendliness - Bravo! See you soon. M-Cl. BRICAUD

We had the chance to meet Matthieu while we were looking for our house in Bordeaux. We immediately appreciated his availability, friendliness, honesty and perfect understanding of what we were looking for. He knows the market extremely well and gives very good advice. We were able to buy the house of our dreams in a few days, with complete confidence. He is definitely the person I would recommend to all those who have a real estate project in Bordeaux. Thanks again !

Matthieu, from Christie's International Real Estate, helped me to buy several properties. He listened to me, carried out an active and efficient search. He was very professional and available until I signed the contract and received the keys. An Excellent service, I highly recommend him!

Purchasing a home can be challenging on many levels. Acquiring a home in a foreign country adds many additional layers. My wife and I live in Paris most of the year and for quite some time have wanted to acquire a second home in France. Our experience with French real estate agents has been nothing less than frustrating. Calls are not returned, there’s a lack of follow-up, coupled with an overriding absence of professionalism.

When we reached out to Jane Vernon at Maxwell Baynes Real Estate for a property that we had an interest in viewing in the Bordeaux area, it was a refreshing change. Jane was very responsive and upon short notice, met us at the property for a viewing. We immediately felt at home in the chateaux and wanted to pursue the acquisition. We had many questions and concerns, all of which Jane quickly addressed. The negotiation of the contract went very quickly, and we will be home owners in a few short months.

As we are several hours away from the property, Jane has gone above and beyond to assist us and has been kind enough to meet with architects and contractor on our behalf. Jane is fluent in French which helped us easily navigate the sales and notaire process.

My wife and I have been in the commercial real estate industry in the U.S. for many decades. Jane is one of the best we’ve ever seen at what she does! If we ever decide to sell our chateaux, or acquire another property in France, Jane will continue to be our trusted advisor.

Mark and Ruth

Michael Baynes found my dream vineyard property, after listening intently to the qualities I valued, and helping me to better understand what would be the best fit.  His patience during this process, which took us several years, was gracious and kind.  His sound advice on everything from the purchase price to the scope of construction included pragmatic tips and invaluable referrals.  Michael and his team continue to be helpful, as we adjust to our new home, and my new career as a winemaker. I cannot recommend Michael Baynes and Maxwell Baynes Real Estate highly enough.

In a fairly lengthy business career and having owned/built more than a handful of residences, the service which Anthony Mackle and Maxwell-Baynes provided to us stands out above anything previously experienced from service providers across all fields (and we have been blessed with a number of excellent builders and real estate agents previously). If I were scoring categories most or all would be maximum scores.  Anthony went well above and beyond what could normally have been expected (and frankly, this was necessary to get all the numerous elements over the line, not least dealing with the entire contents of the house and arranging various minor repairs) in the context of our being physically on another continent throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed working with him. An exceptionally capable, experienced, all- round talent; a creative, highly savvy and solutions-oriented thinker and doer. I almost omitted to mention that the property was sold at asking price (which we felt was reasonably and sensibly advised on by Maxwell Baynes) within a week or two of listing under their sole mandate.

As an American couple based in the US we had the wild idea to purchase a chateau in France during the height of the pandemic, knowing we would not be able to see it in person, and that everything would have to be conducted remotely through the estate agent. We had met Kirsten a few years ago when she showed us a property in the Dordogne and immediately felt a positive connection with her. Throughout the entire process Kirsten was highly professional and competent, recommending an excellent notary and  steering us through the various phases of the contracts. She went above and beyond the typical role of an estate agent, making sure our many questions were answered, supplying endless photos and floor plans, and coordinating the negotiations with a rather difficult seller who also lived abroad. We recently managed to finalize the purchase (January 2022), thanks to her dedication and ability, and are looking forward to seeing our new acquisition this summer! We would highly recommend Kirsten to anyone thinking of purchasing or selling a property in the area, as she is clearly not only a pro in her field, but also a charming and lovely person who is a pleasure to work with. Thank you Kirsten! AB and MF

Dear Carmina, Thank you so much for all your help and advice. You’ve made our arrival in Bordeaux smooth and welcoming All the best, Vanessa and Pete

I purchased my home close to Bergerac during the midst of the pandemic in 2021.  We were keen for a quick 'closing' so that we could spend time in the house during the summer. Anthony and the Christie’s International Real Estate team could not have done more for us. The purchase was completed really quickly and we received good recommendations on foreign exchange, banking and general ‘buying in France’ info. We were somewhat sceptical about buying a property via a virtual walk through, but Anthony did this exceptionally well and what we saw was what we got. It was a really enjoyable experience. Anthony and the team have also looked after us since the purchase and made sure that as new foreign buyers, we are not left in desperate need of anything. I would recommend Anthony Mackle and would not think twice to secure his services again in the future.