Real-estate sales agent
A real-estate sales agent (mandataire immobilier) is an independent commercial agent who conducts property transactions on behalf of a card-holding principal — an agency or a dedicated network. Without a card of their own, they cannot hold funds or open a branch but may prospect, appraise, and negotiate properties. Their lower overhead often translates into competitive fees, making them a growing referral source for mortgage brokers.
Key points
- The mandataire must be registered in the commercial agents register (RSAC) or business register (RCS) depending on their status.
- They may only act under a written mandate from the card T holder.
- They cannot hold client funds: deposits must pass through the principal's escrow account.
- Mandataire networks (IAD, Optimhome, EffiCity, etc.) have grown strongly since 2010.
- Compensation is a commission share split with the principal network according to a contractual schedule.
Frequently asked questions
Can a real-estate sales agent sign a purchase agreement?
A mandataire may draft and have a purchase agreement signed only if their principal's mandate expressly authorizes it. In practice, many networks provide validated templates and a supervised delegation of authority. The principal (the card holder) remains legally liable for the contract, not the mandataire.
Why are mortgage brokers increasingly interested in mandataires as referral partners?
Mandataire networks handle growing transaction volumes, often in areas where traditional agencies are less present. Their mobile, digital model makes them receptive to technology tools and digital partnerships. For a broker, a referral agreement with a mandataire network can generate a steady flow of qualified leads at low acquisition cost.
What training is required to become a real-estate sales agent?
The ALUR Act requires 14 hours of continuing training per year (or 42 hours over three years) for all persons authorized to conduct transactions, including mandataires. The principal network is generally responsible for organizing or certifying this training. No BTS-level diploma is required at entry, unlike obtaining the T card directly.
In practice
Sarah, a mandataire in a national network, assists a couple buying their primary residence in the Bordeaux area. Aware that they are first-time buyers with limited savings, she connects them with a partner broker before the purchase agreement is even signed. The broker identifies their eligibility for the interest-free loan (PTZ) and structures the financing optimally, securing the deal for all parties.
Put it into practice with CourtImmo
See how CourtImmo software helps brokers on this topic:
Official sources
- Real estate agent and commercial agent: practice conditions · Entreprendre.Service-Public.gouv.fr
- The banking-operations intermediary (IOBSP) · ABE Info Service (Banque de France / ACPR)
- Single register of intermediaries · ORIAS