What is the difference between a buyer’s agent and a seller’s agent?

In France, the buying and selling process works a little differently from what many of our international clients are used to. It’s important to understand that a seller’s agent (agent immobilier) represents the seller — not the buyer. Their mandate is to market the property and secure the best possible price for the seller. Even though the agent’s fees (frais d’agence inclus, or FAI) are often included in the advertised price, that commission is still tied to the seller’s side of the transaction.

A buyer’s agent, on the other hand, works exclusively for you, the buyer. Their role is to represent your interests throughout the search and purchase process: finding suitable properties, assessing their true market value, identifying red flags, and negotiating on your behalf. In a market as fast-paced and nuanced as Paris, this independent guidance is invaluable — particularly for international buyers who can’t always visit every property or navigate the French system easily.

At Blue Sparks, I offer comprehensive property search and buying support, ensuring you’re represented and advised from before the very first viewing through to the final purchase. I handle the search and negotiation side, while I guide you on feasibility, design potential, and renovation planning and budgeting.

This way, your buying process and design vision are seamlessly connected — from choosing the right apartment to transforming it into your dream Paris home.

In short:

• Seller’s Agent: Works for the seller, aims to achieve the highest sale price.
• Buyer’s Agent: Works exclusively for you, the buyer — protecting your interests, viewing properties for you, helping secure the right property at the right investment and guiding every step of the purchase.. 
• Full-Service Interior Designer: Blends expert property renovation guidance with design flair — managing everything from design, refurbishment, furnishing  and décor so you can simply arrive, unpack, and feel at home in Paris.

And with Blue Sparks, you have all your bases covered: Buyer’s Agent and Full-Service Interior Designer. I’m with you from A to Z, for a seamless and enjoyable experience.