Dear Christie’s,  We must thank you so much for connecting us with Olivier Demessemakers.  If it hadn’t been for him, we would have never been the proud new owners of our beautiful home here in France. We were looking at the Christie’s website, among others, from our home in Canada, and when we had several homes picked out for viewing, two of them happened to be Olivier’s listings. We immediately liked Olivier because, unlike other agents, he always got back to us immediately, and was both friendly and professional. We flew to France and looked at both his listings, as well as other listings, but sadly none of them were quite right. Olivier stood out because he really understood what we were looking for and promised to keep looking for that property we described to him that we wished to buy. Two weeks after we flew back to Canada, we got an email from him, saying that he and his colleague, Christophe Chassin, had found a property that he thought we’d like.  We took one look at the photos on the website and knew this was meant to be ours.  We put an offer in and it was accepted. No other agent, in all the agents we had connected with, while looking for a property in France, had been so professional, intuitive, and determined to help us.  Without Olivier, and his colleague, Christophe, we would not be living in this wonderful home. We thank both Olivier and Christophe for making this experience a fantastic one. Sincerely, Fiona and Craig

Imagine buying a family home you’ve never seen in person, now imagine buying a historic château in another country site unseen! Olivier Demessemakers was truly exceptional. The amount of effort, time, and patience he put into walking us through the process was unbelievable. From the first day that we spoke, he made us feel at ease. From there on out, he was always available to provide us with the information that we needed to make the decision that was right for us – every decision that we made seemed to matter to him. Not only did we feel like we had all the information to make good decisions, but we also felt like we were in good hands. Especially because, as an international property buyer, we didn’t know all of the questions we should be asking and he would proactively provide this information, which made us feel like we were walking through this process with our eyes wide open. We felt like we were working with a new friend rather than a real estate agent. We love our choice and are forever grateful to Olivier and the team at Maxwell-Baynes Real Estate for making our dreams come true!

Michael Baynes is the best broker I have worked with in my 25 years in the real estate business. His background as an owner and developer gives him a unique insight into the needs of his clients before, during, and after the transaction. His integrity and strategic approach to all facets of the acquisition process truly set him apart.  Owner, Abbaye de la Bussière October 2022

Nous avons été accompagnés tout au long de la vente de notre maison avec beaucoup de gentillesse et de sérénité. L'estimation a été pertinente. Il y a eu peu de visites très bien ciblées. Le suivi à été professionnel, réactif et sans pression. Nous avions donné un mandat exclusif à Angélique Sawtell qui a vendu notre maison en 2 semaines. Un grand merci !

The professionalism of our agent, Mr. Matthieu Mazière, was outstanding from the beginning of the relationship to the final act; combining intelligence, sensitivity and generosity for his perfect understanding of the needs of the buyers and ours. Each visit was pleasant, warm, no meeting was useless. Guiding and thoughtful, he greatly facilitated the sale of our home.

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