Our brutally challenging search for a home in France

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Here we go with the next chapter of our wild journey here in France. In this installment, the crazy process of navigating the waters finding our future home in the countryside.
The inevitable journey, as I like to call it...
Many twists and turns, as always... leading possibly to us actually finding our next little heavenly nest?
Watch and find out. 😁
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#livinginfrance #frenchcountryside #frenchcountry #livingineurope #lifeinfrance #lifeineurope #movingtofrance #movingtoeurope #frenchlife #europeanlife #househunting #housesearch #countryside #countrysidelife #countrysideliving

[@nathanieldrew]

Who else is addicted to this series??? So good! Wish I could be involved somehow…

[@GoReTTii]

Lanzarote you guys. You can’t miss the island. Somehow I believe you all would love it

[@karlie.86]

Yeah, there is something about a bit older people finding a new perfect life situation for themselves

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

@nathanieldrew Haha. The Oracle of France speaks once again. 😆

[@jillpalmer8692]

you funny.

[@ericchamberlin7510]

I am absolutely loving it. I have been through a very similar process(searching for a home in France), and can totally feel the frustration with the French system, the HORRIBLE properties people have online and the husband wife tensions...Best stuff on KZbin right now!!!

[@martinlevine5685]

I bought a summer home in France in 2001. It was on a whim having been there the previous summer and falling in love with all France was and had to offer. I had no firm criteria other than wanting to be in the countryside and in a village. I haven’t a clue what led us to southwest France but it was only the third house we saw and it was magic. Located in the tiny village of Turenne, I have never looked back on that crazy, impetuous decision. The house is ancient and has had challenges, but I feel it has totally enriched my life for the past twenty years. Now being older and closer to semi retirement, I intend to spend more time there. Although I love Paris, for me France is about the smaller towns and villages that dot the country. Not being near Paris does not bother me. Toulouse and Bordeaux are only 2 hours away. Check out the rest of the country. It is mind bogglingly beautiful. Trains and planes can take you anywhere quickly and easily.

[@es7432]

Yes, Paris is great, but there are so many lovely cities, towns, and villages throughout France.

[@hiddenhighland]

I also live in a tiny village in SW France- indeed it is magic...I would never want to live anywhere else! We moved here permanently in 2014 :)

[@fridaytax]

I feel that this is true for villages versus cities in many countries worldwide!

[@lindam.3174]

There is definitely a life outside of Paris! The whole country has it's inhabitants.

[@zakatista5246]

Toulouse is 4 hrs away from Paris.

[@oodlesofpoodles6382]

Your honesty is SO REFRESHING. You are literally the only people we have found on KZbin that we have found that are not selling the unrealistic dream and withholding real information just to make things look wonderful. We were looking in Madeira Portugal and every one we listened to painted an unrealistic picture. For example the huge sales tax when you purchase a home there. That was a deal breaker for us. We live in Gig Harbor WA, just up the I-5 from where you started this. Idea: We think you would be great at having a place large enough that you could use as a B&B and have people pay you to help them maneuver the ins and outs of moving to your area. Give it a thought. Could be great income for you and you could decided when you want and how you want to do it. We have put our relocating dreams away. We have decided that we are too old to deal with all of the ups and downs. After watching your videos it only confirmed that for us. We are 70 and just too old and tired to deal with what you two have had to deal with. Thank you for being so candid. You are saving people a lot of heart ache and being at the end of the runway of life many just don't have the time or want to take the time to deal with all of the difficulties. We are looking forward to watching your journey and how it all turns out. Best of luck to you.

[@pamelawing5747]

Yea, I watch the Chateau renovators and I had a dream of doing that...........45 years ago. Never happened and now I'm late 70s I will live my dream through others. I don't have the money to pay for all the labor to restore a place and don't have the energy to do it myself.

[@Maggie-zr2ow]

@oodlesofpoodles6382 Would you consider a move within the USA? You likely wanted to move for some reason(s) and perhaps you could get close to what you want but with less hassle by staying in the states? Also, if you don’t mind sharing, I’m curious what the Madeira new home purchase sales tax is. I agree it’s refreshing how honest this channel is.

[@KarenKaiser]

Nice cliff-hanger. As always one of the most thoughtful and interesting channels on KZbin.

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

Thank you, Karen! :)

[@amyspeers8012]

So hope you found your place! When we were looking, I found a great place. We drove to the village to see if it was a good fit and it was. We asked for a showing…and they had gotten an offer. My husband told them congrats and to let us know if the offer fell through. I continued to look but couldn’t find anything and it was super frustrating. 2 1/2 months later, we got a call and their offer had fallen through. 5 months later we moved in to our wonderful home! All best to you guys! ❤

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

Great story! So awesome. 😁

[@L1felocked]

I think your videos may have secretly been what inspired me to nudge my wife towards doing travel nursing and taking 3 month contracts around the US as we are now. I always look forward to your videos more than any KZbin channel on my subscriptions - you make them so relatable!

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

WOW, thank you so much!! So lovely to read your comment. :)

[@tanis634]

Hello, I watched all your videos! I'm French and I'm 50 too ;) and I have a small remark, because I heard that you offered to pay cash to your sellers of their houses. I think you should just say, (I have the money to buy it, no problem!) because actually paying cash for a house adds an administrative procedure (anti-money laundering law /loi anti blanchiment ) that sellers may be worried about. I also think that you should get help from real estate specialists or take your own notary because it is still complicated because there are several options (don't worry even we French sometimes take our own notary to check that the papers are good) because the seller has his own notary and it is not necessarily in your interest to take the same! Welcome in France

[@NehinaGedeon-zc4ef]

Hello looking to get pregnant at 19 years old and have 50 beautiful children at play one day

[@neilmccartney6573]

Omg ! I remember when we did exactly what you are doing 20 yrs ago lol, since then I returned to uk then came back to France for a second time 6 yrs ago , After going through your predicament , working as a french estate agent for 4 yrs , learning french , and buying 4 houses we are now absolutely settled in an amazing home . I know france , all of France ,, I know all the pit falls , I know the reality of buying , living ,surviving and being happy long term . I hope your efforts are rewarded I hope you find paradise ,, but lol , I will lay a bet ,, I bet in 5 yrs you will be somewhere else in France ! And I hope it’s in Brittany , this is where all the French want to be now , they know the true reality . France is the most gorgeous place to live , you can visit all while you live in comfort and quality in an environment made for happiness , please please think carefully about the heat the weather the mosquitos the lack of social life interaction and proximity to the Sea . And Finally if you come to Finistere ( the best place in France to live ! ) please get in touch and I will find you a forever home in a month max ,walk you through the process , make sure nothing bad happens and I will gladly work with you for a bottle of Côtes du Rhône ! We are retired ( early thank god ) and what a great project it would be to help a lovely couple find happiness . Take care and we hope all is well .. Neil , Liz and Barneyboo the Cockerpoo xxxx

[@karenangelisashaw7347]

Funny, I was just sitting here thinking I should mention Brittany to them. My son and girlfriend who is from Manchester are visiting the USA for 30 days but they bought a house (I don’t speak French) so I will paste part of address. Des Ecoles Plenee Jugon France . Her parents, Malaysian Chinese and father Dutch retired and live close by. They bought their house a lady from Chile who wanted to desperately return to Chile at the beginning of the plandemic 😅.

[@neilmccartney6573]

@@karenangelisashaw7347 I know that area as I used to live in the Cotes D’armor not too far away ,

[@candaceclark4427]

Great job of explaining the process. We moved to the Dordogne at the end of 2021 to rent for 6 months while we searched for a property. Experienced the same with real estate people. Only when we hired an estate agent did we get any attention. We viewed properties in a few different regions, none as charming as the area where we were renting. We ultimately found a property we are very pleased with in the area we wanted. Then it took almost 4 months for the purchase process. It’s a lot to go through while adjusting to a new country. We are happy with our choice and wish the same for you !

[@michaelsix9684]

buying a nouse in Austin is challenging

[@juliestewart672]

@Candace Clark. I'd love to hear your home buying process. It would be great to do an interview or Q&A with expats buying in France.

[@vc9325]

I give my boyfriend updates about your story whenever there’s a new video “so, you know the couple that moved to Southern Europe? Well now they’re in France, and guess what they discovered...” He’s always a bit puzzled… “do you know these people?”

[@bthomson]

They make us FEEL as though we know them!

[@robinriley5984]

I love that you give your wife credit where credit is due. God bless you both.

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

🙏😁❤️

[@jossfan]

We felt we had to move out of the UK before Brexit played possible havoc with my EU husband's right to remain. We organised a French house-hunting tour with Leggatt's and took a lightning 10-day trip seeing 9 potential houses in several different regions. We found our house, put in an offer, was told it was in the final stages of being sold, went back home, started to organise another trip, then 4 weeks later received an 11th hour call from the owners saying the deal had fallen through and did we still want the house. We certainly did, and this is now our 4th year in France. Attachment is definitely a major hurdle, but it's so great that Nathaniel gave you the right kind of nudge and I hope you find/found your dream home!

[@TheClunkingFist]

Those inner voices are amazing. My wife and I listened to ours, and it really took us places. They have also STOPPED us, too, always in the nick of time.

[@ResonatingSweden]

As a foreigner that just bought a house (but in Sweden) , some real estate brokers even were convincing us that it's impossible to buy home in another country, even tho I'm EU citizen and Sweden is in the EU. So some of your struggles might also come from there, when foreigners try to buy land/houses in "their" country. But we made it, and apparently you made it too! I'm so happy for you. Europe is great! Welcome! 🔥🌲💚🦌

[@knowthyselfandyoullknowthe8216]

Yvelines is very expensive because it's next to Paris, I live in Val D'Oise which is just as expensive because also at 30 minutes by car of Paris. The kind of property you are looking for you will have to find it somewhere else in France: Champagne, Yonne, Creuse...those types of regions that are not very crowded and that are less expensive or you have a 1 million budget and you can afford a beautiful property on the departments around Paris.... I'm not french but I'm married to a french and I live here since 1997, our son is now building his own house and he has to make all the work by himself (and his father plus friends) because materials have gone so high that it's impossible to hire people to do the rest. And yes french people prefer to speak than to message or write emails, that pdf you made is great for maybe UK or Germany but for the french market it just goes to the bin, agencies are not really going to pay any attention to it espeacially when you are a foreigner with too many demands...good luck on your search, but yes moving away from "la région parisienne" is best to find something big and affordable.

[@jerrismith9337]

Ha! Love that you admit you need an ass kicking once in a while. I need one as well! 😂

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

Haha, don't we all in some way or another, huh? :)

[@juliad368]

I'm French and have been trying to sell my home in the south of france for months. The market is difficult at the moment. Not many people selling and not many buyers (due to something called 'taux d'usure' making it harder for people to afford homes and also interest rates going up). I love how so many people dream to move to France and I dream of foreign lands :-D

[@LetsChillPage]

*"Sur toutes les plages du monde..."* 😊

[@trace_element]

What a nail biter! I can 100% relate to what you are going through. We came to Europe a year ago after a long residence in Seattle and are experiencing a very similar process in Germany. Can‘t wait for the next video, I hope there is resolution soon and you find your home.

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

Thank you so much, and best of luck to you too! :)

[@Bluleafs]

You are living the life I dream about. Can’t wait to see your new home in France. ❤

[@JenShea]

Your wife is clearly a very special person. She is your blessing. You balance each other 😊

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

Indeed!

[@MeadowDay]

Oh I’m SO addicted to your lives!…love it, can’t stop watching as you are so honest and truth telling on all this. Thank you from Texas

[@MeadowDay]

PS..your lovely wife is SO patient!

[@lauriepeters979]

moving to south of france in august...clinging to every episode LOL

[@lauriepeters979]

I am assuming it wasn't you who left your whatsapp 😛but confirming

[@muffinthecat4706]

Another case of "we want so much and cant find it - we wonder why...."

[@judyconstantino7035]

Awesome video! Did you hear me laughing all the way from Arizona when you admitted that you sometimes needed an “ass-kicking”!? Looking forward to your new video! By the way, I’m so happy to see that you have your little four-legged family member with you all the time. I consider animals to be the best medicine in any situation. 😊🐾🌵

[@reillybb1]

No, don’t leave me hanging…….did you find “the home”?

[@avid580]

Buying a house in France is considerably much longer (months), more comparable to building a house in the U.S.

[@JesseSkwierawski]

My family and I moved to France this February and we see a lot of the same difficulties. We're in the Languedoc area and so many of the houses for sale are priced for tourists who want a holiday house. It also makes the rentals really expensive and drives up the Airbnb rates. Not easy moving here

[@coppersulphate002]

Then maybe you should go back to USA. We French are extremely scared that France will turn into USA. Maybe you should stay where you are and fix your own country

[@triquepersonalwork6369]

My wife and I live in France and found our dream apartment here. It took us a while to get our foot in the door. It’s definitely an exclusive culture and it took us some time to figure out the tricks about how to get set up here.

[@coppersulphate002]

Since you live in France please don't impose your ways here and keep your American ways in USA. Learn the French culture and ways and please don't compare it to USA

[@gloriagreen1123]

Wow, what a powerful reply to someone who did not even mention the USA in his post! Are you sure you posted that reply to the right person? He is probably not even from the USA!!@@coppersulphate002

[@banzy3]

Ah, I'm thinking someone found their dream home! Or maybe you're toying with us. Either way, the short clip of it looked beautiful. Your experience is very common. I've purchased in an area of France where there is an excess of property, and too much choice, plus the agents in that area are usually paid on commission only, so are very willing to give you a lot of time. I've also purchased in a different region where it's been frustratingly difficult to get anyone to respond, and with very little on the market. We ended up purchasing a property by getting up at 3am, arriving for 9am in the morning, meeting with an agent (only 1 of 3 that actually showed up that weekend). We were shown something off the books we really liked, and put an offer in that same day, as it would have sold if we hadn't. Our agent even managed to negotiate quite a bit off the price. Stressful, but worth it!

[@nicktame2108]

Love your honesty and energy. We would love to hear your comments about learning the language.

[@AmandaE1964]

What? Wait until the next upload? I can't wait :) I so enjoy your journey

[@bthomson]

You may be stubborn but you are a great narrator!

[@richarddelanet]

Neal Foulds!?

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

@bthomson Thanks :)

[@tea98988]

The main reason why I left France - the lack of efficiency on doing business. Just to get a repairman to show up on time, or at least, within the time frame they've promised, would be like asking for a little miracle to happen.

[@richarddelanet]

I purchased a new kitchen, installation start day 17th April, time frame for completion 1-2 weeks. Time of completion: May the twenty... 23rd... remedial issues happening 6th June, I hope.... location: England.

[@jw841]

This is why I like living in Asia. Things happen quickly and there is a work around any problem. When living in Europe and the UK it was a nightmare getting even the smallest things done. And everything was expensive and bureaucratic.

[@KhunAdam]

We know the best tradespeople in the area, but it takes time to learn who to approach. The local tradesmen are best at compensating for the quirks of old houses. But now the cost of materials in France has skyrocketed, and there just aren't enough qualified tradespeople around.

[@scarba]

@@KhunAdamexactly the same problem here in Germany. Businesses are begging schoolkids to do trade apprenticeships. There are billboard advertisements everywhere looking for workers and house prices are crazy expensive since the pandemic

[@dorisbetts3012]

​@@scarba same in Canada. It is worldwide, it appears.

[@davidlynch9049]

Goodness, you two are old drama Queens! 😂

[@cwhayes1]

This is so good! It's a real estate lesson, a relocation lesson and a life lesson all in one. I have friends going through a similar move in Germany (their two grown kids are already here) and they had some interesting and cretive ways to get their house. It was a lot of work but successful and they love their new home. Originally from Dallas, they moved to Chile but found it too remote. In the end, no matter where you decide to live, community and family are the absolute most important considerations! Great video!!!!

[@LisaEveShow]

How did they get their house?

[@cwhayes1]

@@LisaEveShow Great question. They have friends that live on the same street. A home came up for sale and they grabbed it. Needed work, but all in all it was a good purchase. Germany is underbuilt and it's very difficult to build because of restrictions on land use. So there is a shortage of supply. But there's always something if you really want to buy!

[@LisaEveShow]

@@cwhayes1 What luck for your friends! ☺️

[@strawberries1411]

All you say is hitting home, breaking habits and dealing with unknowns can be frightening and stressful. The older one gets the less flexible the body and mind(set) to move out of a comfortzone.. We too had been in the works with all kinds of plans for early retirement and moving abroad by the end of this year, part of it in Portugal and part in Surinam..Sadly at the start of the year we had to bring it to a full stop after my husband got a brainstroke. Now we can only wait to see how much will be recovered and what that allows us to do still. Meanwhile we think of and adjust to different scenario, different countries, different housing etc. At this point in time working on a 1 ha+ farm is a challenge..but time will tell, we can always sell it. Watching your journey helps us to rethink things and soulsearch more. At 60 we still have a young mindset (that is what we think lol) but are we really up to this roller coaster ride🤷‍♀

[@ahemb]

Found your channel since it was in discover area in KZbin, based on location. I am living in Coimbra, and after watching couple of videos I was shocked because I am sure I saw you in Jardim Botanico in Coimbra previous year, and I was right, you lived here for some time in summer 2022. That shown me how everyone is connected right now on Earth through internet. I hope you will find great property in France, that is amazing country.

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

Wooow, so cool! Yes indeed, you nailed it. Thank you so much, my friend. And all the best to you. 🙏❤️

[@TAG993]

I honestly was going to reach a few days ago to ask if all is well. I’m glad you both are! It’s funny that you an incredible story teller. It blows me away almost always! I find it incredible that realtors in France are not more helpful. Your patience and resilience is commendable. Peace!

[@MR.AMD01]

Man! Netflix must know about your home search series😅, what a nice and exciting series

[@adarita305]

I am on the edge of my seat! Please let us know if you found your dream home! Best wishes.

[@francois3475]

I personally prefer the Champagne region over les Yvelines. You'll love it there, if you end up there. I considered buying a place in Reims some years ago. In terms of price, the property prices have been dropping slightly in France, but will drop a lot more (overall 10% to 15%) between now and the next 6-9 months. After interest rates start to rise, it always takes 12-18 months for real estate to be affected directly. First, credit dries up (most buyers in France need credit) while sellers hang on to the previous market's prices. Second, after the credit crunch has become well established, the sellers start dropping their price significantly (about 70% of sales are 'des ventes de necessite'). You are better off waiting awhile, if you can. Or you can buy that lovely place you showed! Good luck. 🙂

[@jasminealixandranorth]

In all due respect - Champagne region is flat, boring and the air is full of pesticides - due to the amount of spraying on the vineyards - which are everywhere. France uses the most pesticides in Western Europe. Serious health hazard - and not a bad idea to always feed yourselves and your dog organic (bio) food. Much healthier air in the French alpine regions (around Geneva too), the Jura, and South of France. Brittany has wonderful air but its dreary due to all of the rain. I live in CH - beautiful efficient country but insanely expensive :( - I may leave after being here now 15 years. I adore your dog (!) - so happy he/she is not forced to walk all of the time - and of course your videos. Looking forward too the next one.

[@francois3475]

​@@jasminealixandranorth Fair comment. I grew up in the Vendee region (Pays de la Loire) and now live in a large North American city with poor air quality! 😞

[@OurFrenchChateau]

What a great video! I wish we had documented our move to France at the time.

[@BOULDERGEEK]

I love how self aware and insightful you are. There's a calming reassurance, even when you are recounting challenges and setbacks. Being of a similar age and a similar FIRE journey, I always enjoy these therapy sessions. We were also on the path for Portugal. Now, we are house shopping in Argentina! Your views on attatchment were completely correct, and a little uncomfortable, as I consider my three storage units that I still maintain in the US at great cost.

[@wildhorses6817]

I LOVE This ❣️ Dont make us wait for the next chapter.

[@GoodMorningPortugal]

Oh God, are you guys STILL not happy?!

[@paulyandle6081]

My late wife and I searched for SIX years before buying a beautiful wreck in Charente Maritime, near Saintes, in 2018. The purchase was simple, though yes, more lengthy than in the slam bam US. Our survey report on the house was 84 pages....Its a true beauty now, and I will be living there permanently starting in Fall. France has the same Demand vs Supply issues as the US, in addition to healthy buyer competion from Parisians leaving the city post Covid and Brits bailing on the UK post Brexit. What they don't have are bidding wars in excess of full price offers, as in the US. You may well also encounter problems engaging tradesmen to execute your renovation. There just aren't enough in the countryside, and what there are are overloaded. Note too, there is a French price, a Brit price, and an American price (ascending) when getting trades quotes. We were divinely fortunate to have met/engaged first rate English expat tradesmen for general contracting, plumbing, carpentry, and electrics. Our roofing and guttering artisan was French, and superb. Wish you the best. Will follow your story and progress. Bon courage !

[@isasant6926]

This channel is bananas. Would need to be missing a few marbles to go through all that pain at that age. Looks like an eternal root canal lol

[@katiem6773]

I love how your family collaborates together. Such a great detailed view of your journey. Can't wait to see what's next.

[@stargazer5073]

wow, you shipped a lot of things!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@furryflowersrescue]

Great to see the reality of buying in France. My experience in Greece is very similar. Loads of empty properties and land in all areas. Prices keep going up, but there there are no transactions actually happening. Saw a property two years ago, priced at €100,000, had been empty for some years. Saw it advertised with another agent recently for €250,000. Each year a property is empty, it degrades, makes no sense and will be unlikely to sell at that price. Many places are marked up for the rich foreigners getting Golden Visas. Agents not responding or taking ages to get back to you, is common in Greece too. Often looked at places in France, which seemed much better value for money than what is available in Greece. Good to know the grass is not greener.

[@LifeinGlow]

Curious to see where you will be happy and in what house 🙌. Your house in Oregon was such a gem, I felt like those dark antique looking houses would not be for you! And too much work to refinish. There might be some government regulations as well on heritage buildings (what is allowed, what not, I've heard it about property in Spain, that modern design is not allowed there). Ostriches seem like potentially fun neighbors 😍... or not?

[@LifeinGlow]

Would be good to know as well how much it cost you to keep your belongings in the storage and then to ship it, did some company helped you to get them to the ship? And where do you store it in France while looking for a house?

[@lesley2110]

You big tease!!!!!!! Please give us more SOON!

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

😁

[@claravonessen5673]

Nooo, what an amazing cliffhanger!! I'm dying to know!!! Excellent work, guys

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

😁

[@mathiasvdk]

I grew up in that region, recognized the supermarket at the beginning haha - the Montfort l'Amaury area is one of the most beautiful in the country. Proceed with eyes closed!

[@yasminez2690]

Since you are considering areas farther away from Paris and all over France why not consider an area that is also close to Spain ? Where you can get french and Spanish cultures and languages. I'm sure it would be beautiful and your storytelling is absolutely amazing 😍

[@heidixxx2454]

Good to hear from you again! Looking forward to the next.

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

More soon 🙏😊

[@wildhorses6817]

​@@BeneaththeSurfaceYT I hope so, we enjoy your channel so very much.

[@sarawoods1450]

This has been such a helpful and honest look at relocating. I have dreamt about this for years but know it’s easier dreamt than done! Thank you for sharing with us. Your observations on ‘stuff’ and it’s grasp on us making it into a little idol which can so easily enslave us psychologically show you are both highly perceptive people. I wish you luck

[@hiddenhighland]

Just to note that in your house wish list- you seem to ask for a house between 400-1500 m2 (mètres carrés) - that is the size of a castle! 400 m2 is roughly 4,300 square feet. So you are asking agents for a house between 4,000-16,000 square feet. I think you are meaning to say 40-150 m2. You'd better adjust this ;)

[@walideg5304]

Your video was representing the situation of the market 1 year ago. Now it’s a lot quieter, the agencies are chasing the buyers.

[@constanzejohnson2330]

Your videos are awesome. Thank you so much for taking us on your adventures. I’m wishing you the best of luck in finding your future home. Sending much love to you both ♥️

[@witofthestaircase1]

Compelling. Congratulations on producing this excellent work.

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

Thank you!

[@texasboy5117]

As a couple who did a number of corporate transfers, I have some experience in this. It's so easy to find the perfect home just take your budget and add $500K. No problem. But finding a nice home in your budget is very hard.

[@nativetexson]

I must have had the exception during my real estate search. I worked with three different agents, each in a different department (all of which were on my short list) and these individuals were responsive and provided listings that met my criteria. I was flying between the US and France every 2 months for almost 2 years, but I closed on the acquisition of my house four months ago in the south of France. Good luck with your search.

[@rebeccabaradas7699]

So excited with both of you to finally find the home that’s exactly for you!❤

[@katewill7302]

OMG! This is a cliff hanger like “who shot J.R.!” 🤣🤣🤣 I can’t wait to see what happens next!!

[@bereatha1]

I certainly hope this house becomes your forever home.

[@wildhorses6817]

Or, another region may become more interesting.

[@rondypondy]

One of the most inspiring channels i've ever seen. As someone in my 30s, i sometimes feel like this is it but you all are proving how much more amazing (both up and down) I still have to go through.

[@milolabrett6549]

A very good compromise between Portugal, Spain in France, Via Portland Oregon and definitely not Tulum QR MX loved it great destination 25 years ago not today. Is the Biarritz area around South Western France on Atlantic Coast. Check it out but also check out San Sebastian area 20-minute train ride. Do your home work, don’t get rushed to buy.

[@bendevvanve]

Josh, so wonderful for the update! I was actually just thinking of you both and how it all was going. There are so many parallels in your journey and our upcoming journey, so it's been really enlightening to help. We're pretty settled on renting for at least 12 months in Aix En Provence to see if it matches with our needs and expectations. The trigger for us on starting our home hunt would be once we felt like we'd settled into an area that we wanted to commit to - but more importantly once we start to feel like we've established our new tribe and feel supported enough to put down roots. Looking forward to the next installment of your journey! Bon chance!

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

All the best to you guys! :)

[@SamFournier]

So excited for you guys, I’m hoping you found your new home🙌🏽 Happy to see you’re looking in different regions as I’m sure there are so many great places to live. I still need to venture out of the south of France, it looks beautiful where you’re at😍

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

Thanks! More news soon, promise. We'll have to get to the south soon enough and visit. :)

[@getsmartpaul]

Interesting how trouble / problems follow you where ever you go.

[@clairebedard3948]

I was so happy to see your video pop up on my home page!!! Thanks for this great birthday present! GORGEOUS home, hope you're buying it :-). PLEASE don't wait long before posting the sequel to today's video, we LOVE seeing you so much. I never write on the other videos I follow, by the way, I just really LOVE you two. Thank you for showing us this part of your time in France.

[@joymae]

I just did a month long stay in the Compiegne Forest! You should check out the villages in that area like Pierrefonds and Valois

[@chriskatzer]

Champagne region is absolutely stunning. I lived in Les Vosges for a couple of years and it was super nice there as well.

[@mariafernandavasquez4273]

Love your videos! hope they become more frequent!

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

Thank you so much, and maybe once we settle more? They take a LOT of time!

[@sanshen971]

@ Beneath the surface: the most enjoyable part of your video is your articulation, the fluency of your writing and visual editing, not to mention the overall aesthetic quality that permeates the screen. I can’t say there is anything out there close to what you have achieved…Congrats & best wishes!

[@sanshen971]

@@bethb5915 : thank you 🙏

[@tedgalperalper1828]

Schopenhauer of the philosopher stated that we spend our time in the fruitless pursuit of things that we think will make us whole. At 80 years of age, I am divesting myself of a collection. If you’re moving that far, I would strongly suggest that as well.

[@mamabearv81]

It’s SO FUN to watch your journey. Your storytelling process is absolutely beautiful. Rooting for you both! 🤞🏼🤞🏼

[@karenvc8005]

I look forward to the next video. My husband and I would like to make a similar move in the next few years. A big undertaking. I am all in on becoming fluent in French, which I studied in high school and college. Practice and good learning tools are a must. I smiled as you spoke about your wife's approach to housing search and willingness to put herself out there. I am similar and I am sure my husband is grateful for that. Attachment to stuff will be our biggest challenge. We have purchased a lot of original art together over the years and it brings us such joy as a shared priority. Our collection might be the only stuff we ship.

[@cuet3]

To be continued very very soon please. Me encanta ésta familia, entretienen mucho. Abrazo desde Uruguay!

[@mickeygarcia1876]

How Not To Retire !!! LOL !!! You People Are Stark, Raving Crazy !!!

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

😆😆😆

[@jliscorpio]

American here. Moved to Ireland in 2015. We had our heart set on a certain town but we kept getting priced out of it. We decided on another town quite a distance away. We were never happy there. In 2023 we finally moved to our 2015 desired town. It was like moving to another country. Friendly, welcoming, people better amenities, every thing we were looking for. Sometimes you really need to listen to your initial intuitions.

[@yvonneb2]

There's nothing bad about renting. It gives you the freedom to change your life whenever you want. And to be honest, I crunched numbers to see if buying is that much better. It's not in this market. I would only buy a home if this is a 'forever' place. 💗

[@joycemum8085]

Can't wait for your next episode!

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

😁

[@Glencairns]

Standing in line at a food bank is brutally challenging. House hunting in France seems more like an excellent adventure. Great video, but maybe rethink the level of pain involved.

[@mariadexter9425]

I honestly love your mom and dad’s videos!

[@jaanaprall9961]

I feel your pain! I have moved to Portugal and have been living the temporary accommodations lifestyle for 6 months now. Deciding which area you want to stay in and then dealing with a whole different system of buying and renting can be overwhelming at times. I've enjoyed watching your journey and appreciate you sharing in such a real way. Taking such a big leap is freeing & exciting but not without challenges as well. I wish you luck and am looking forward to seeing where you land!

[@angelomariano9494]

All the best, for your search!

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

Thank you! :)

[@annakozoriz]

Hi guys! Was waiting for your video! 👏🏻…. I met Nathan(your son) on the way back from Avignon at the train station. It was like to meet celebrity 😁😁😁. I asked about you and he said “ wait for the video”. I hope this will be your home. I like Champagne… not far from Paris by TGV.

[@Gingersplace]

Love this!!! Love everthing about this!! Can't wait to see what's next.

[@noitsnottoolate-lx4dd]

Looking forward to seeing the results !! You are a few years ahead of us; planning on doing the same in about 3 years. Really appreciate these types of series!

[@Catherine-xr6dr]

Ok , so at least five of these views are mine. I can’t figure out why I keep watching this episode over and over again. Perhaps I just keep hoping that the next time I watch it we will get to see what happens next. 🤣 No pressure, but am absolutely dying to know how this turns out. You’re killing me with this great content that only comes out once a month! Can’t wait for the next episode. Can’t wait to see what Cecilia does with whatever home you choose!

[@rozbickad]

oh, don't be like this, cliff hanger..... as I was getting comfortable. The last house looks nice, fresh, bright, country charm without much fixing. I hope you found that unicorn. Please upload quickly before my tea gets cold. Your wife is an angel. for putting so much work. wish you well.

[@Mike-du1dc]

Very Happy to hear your doing ok I was starting to worry about your folks 😉 Good Luck!

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

Thanks. And yes, doing better than ever! 😁

[@Kat-fw5jo]

Hello, I really enjoyed the video! You teach me how to look at the world and I get so much inspiration from your whole family. All the best to you!

[@florencecampana1515]

Bonjour, you have also nice houses around Milly la foret, Courances, Soisy sur École. I hope that you will find your "nid"😉🥰

[@yuleendevery9243]

As always, pure honesty. So excited to see what you share with us next. Please don’t keep us waiting too long. ❤️Following you from New Zealand.

[@valeriaportillo7]

Me encanta su canal! Gracias por compartir su aventura de vida❤️ Son una inspiración! Espero que encuentren la casa de sus sueños 🙏🏻 Se ve espectacular esa última casa y en esa región de Francia.

[@gilliantracy7991]

Great video and cliffhanger! Hope you are settled now into your dream home and your next video will let us have a look!

[@Daneiladams555]

You have a lot of heart and honesty, you guys are so cool Keep it up 🎉

[@BeneaththeSurfaceYT]

Thanks! 😁

[@milancollin1819]

Great video again and so much recognising with our process we've been through the last three years. Moving from Amsterdam to Spain oh no Covid blocked it. Then searching in Holland for a bigger space outside the city, with all the people having the same idea. And then oh we should not give up our dream of living in a sunnier country. Put our house on sale and move to Portugal. Then in Portugal visit so much houses last two years and did some offers. Some offers were accepted but then the owners got in conflict with each other and the house pulled out of the market and now finally within 2weeks time we are moving to our house that we will live in for the next 20years we believe. So keep going for that property that is waiting out there for you. You will find it, ohh maybe you already found it and will found out in the next episode. Thanks for all the work putting in this wonderful creation (I know as a filmmaker for 25years) and it is the best archive to look back on in the future about how you travelled over the ocean to your new paradise. Beautiful...

[@ip.edro.channel]

I definitely love to see your journey in France and always get excited to see what is going to happen next... and I totally get you about the paperwork and the phone calls meetings 😅