Real Estate Research Mandate: Complete Guide

The real estate search mandate is a contract frequently used in the real estate sector which commits a professional, generally a real estate agent, to search for a property meeting the specific criteria of a client, often a potential buyer. This comprehensive guide explores all the key aspects of the real estate search mandate, from its definition to its legal implications, including its benefits and how to terminate it.

The Real Estate Search Mandate: A Complete Guide

How a Search Mandate works:

A search mandate is an agreement between a potential buyer and a real estate agent. Unlike the sales mandate, which commits a seller to entrust the sale of his property to a real estate professional, the search mandate works on the buyer's side.

  1. Buyer's Commitment: The buyer gives a real estate agent the mandate to search for a property corresponding to his specific criteria.
  2. Personalized Search: The real estate agent carries out targeted searches based on criteria provided by the buyer, such as the type of property, location, budget, specific characteristics, etc.
  3. Support in Visits: The agent organizes visits to pre-selected properties and supports the buyer in the search process.
  4. Communication of Offers: When the buyer identifies a property that meets his expectations, the real estate agent negotiates on his behalf and transmits the offers to the seller.
  5. Conclusion of the Transaction: Once the transaction is concluded, the agent ensures the proper execution of all administrative steps until the purchase is finalized.

Difference between a Sales Mandate and a Research Mandate:

  1. Objective :
    • Sales Mandate: Commits the seller to entrust the sale of his property to a real estate agent.
    • Search Mandate: Commits the buyer to entrust the search for a property to a real estate agent.
  2. Engaged Party:
    • Sales Mandate: Binds the seller.
    • Search Mandate: Binds the buyer.
  3. Services Provided:
    • Sales Mandate: The agent takes care of the promotion, visits, negotiation and sale of the property.
    • Search Mandate: The agent actively searches for properties corresponding to the buyer's criteria, organizes visits and negotiates on his behalf.
  4. Agent's Remuneration:
    • Sales Mandate: The real estate agent is paid a commission at the time of the sale.
    • Search Mandate: The real estate agent is paid on commission at the time of purchase.

These two types of mandates are contractual tools aimed at formalizing the relationship between the parties and defining the commitments and responsibilities of each in the real estate process.


I. Definition of the Real Estate Research Mandate

The real estate search mandate is a written contract between a client (principal) and a real estate professional (agent), in which the agent undertakes to search for real estate that meets the criteria defined by the principal.

II. Content of the Research Mandate

A. Search Criteria

The mandate must clearly specify the principal's search criteria, such as location, type of property (apartment, house, land), budget, specific characteristics (number of rooms, surface area, etc.).

B. Duration of the Mandate

The duration of the research mandate must be defined. It can be fixed for a specific period, renewable or terminated at any time under certain conditions.

C. Fees and Remuneration Terms

The terms of remuneration of the agent, often expressed as a percentage of the purchase price of the property found, must be clearly defined. These fees may be borne by the principal, the selling party or shared between the two.

III. Advantages of the Research Mandate

A. Saving Time

The search mandate allows the principal to delegate the tedious task of the real estate search to a professional, thus saving precious time.

B. Access to a Network

Real estate agents often have an extensive network and may have access to properties that are not yet on the public market, providing exclusive opportunities for the principal.

C. Professional Expertise

Real estate professionals are equipped with expertise that can be crucial when selecting and negotiating a property.

IV. Legal Implications of the Research Mandate

A. Commitment of the Parties

The research mandate legally binds both parties, with specific obligations for each. The principal must be prepared to purchase a property if the agent finds a match that meets the defined criteria.

B. Responsibilities of the Agent

The agent is required to be diligent in his research and to provide accurate and relevant information to the principal.

V. Termination of the Research Mandate

A. Termination Conditions

The search mandate may be terminated early if the conditions specified in the contract allow it, for example, if the agent fails to find a property within a specified period.

B. Termination Fees

The termination terms may also include provisions for possible fees payable in the event of early termination.

VI. Relevant Legal Texts

The French Civil Code governs mandates, and certain articles are particularly relevant, such as article 1984 which defines mandate as an act by which one person gives another the power to do something for the principal and on his behalf.

VII. Conclusion

In conclusion, the real estate search mandate offers an effective solution for people looking for a property meeting specific criteria. By understanding its legal implications, clearly defining the search criteria and choosing a trusted agent, principals can optimize their real estate search and benefit from the professional expertise of a real estate agent. Clarity in the drafting of the mandate and open communication between the parties are essential to ensure a fruitful and transparent collaboration.


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