Real-estate agent
A real-estate agent is a licensed professional holding the professional card T (transaction) issued by the CCI under the Hoguet Act, authorized to negotiate the sale, purchase, or rental of properties on behalf of third parties for a fee. In a lending context, the agent is often the buyer's first point of contact and forwards key details — the purchase agreement and property information — to the broker.
Key points
- Card T is mandatory and must be renewed every three years, subject to continuing training (14 hours/year or 42 hours over three years).
- The agent must hold a financial guarantee bond and professional liability insurance.
- Fees are freely set but must be displayed and included in the signed mandate.
- The agent may hold an exclusive or non-exclusive mandate; a buyer's mandate entitles them to search on the buyer's behalf.
- The ALUR Act of 2014 tightened disclosure of co-ownership charges and information obligations in property sales.
Frequently asked questions
How do a real-estate agent and a mortgage broker collaborate on a purchase transaction?
The real-estate agent identifies the buyer and signs the purchase agreement, which starts the statutory financing deadline (typically 45 to 60 days). The agent then forwards key documents to the broker — the pre-contract, diagnostics, co-ownership bylaws, and the energy performance certificate. Smooth communication between the two shortens the bank processing time significantly.
What is the difference between a real-estate agent and a real-estate sales agent (mandataire)?
A real-estate agent holds card T and may open a branch, employ negotiators, and hold funds (deposits). A real-estate sales agent (mandataire) is an independent commercial agent attached to a network or a card-holding agent; they may only act under that agent's name and cannot handle funds. Both may negotiate transactions, but their legal responsibilities and fee structures differ.
Can a real-estate agent recommend a mortgage broker to their clients?
Yes, and this is very common. It may take the form of an informal partnership or a paid referral agreement, provided the compensation is disclosed and the client is informed. The agent is never required to recommend a specific broker, and the buyer remains free to choose their own financing channels.
In practice
Mr. Petit signs a purchase agreement for an apartment in Lyon. His real-estate agent, aware that Mr. Petit is an atypical borrower (a business owner with variable income), directly introduces him to a partner broker who specializes in self-employed profiles. The broker already has the signed agreement and diagnostics and assembles the bank file within 48 hours.
Put it into practice with CourtImmo
See how CourtImmo software helps brokers on this topic:
Official sources
- Real estate agent: access and practice conditions · Entreprendre.Service-Public.gouv.fr
- The banking-operations intermediary (IOBSP) · ABE Info Service (Banque de France / ACPR)
- Single register of intermediaries · ORIAS
