ABOUT US
FRENCH RIVIERA
HOUSE HUNTING
FABRICIO CARMINATI YOUR EXCLUSIVE BUYER AGENT IN THE FRENCH RIVIERA
Whether you're securing your first residence or adding to your portfolio, it’s critical to have the right professional there to help. To identify and acquire your dream property in such a competitive market, it’s imperative to have a strategic approach and to rely on professionals with local market knowledge.
FRH is dedicated to guiding buyers through every aspect of purchasing a home in the French Riviera. From property selection to negotiations and formalities, your satisfaction is our priority. Our free, no-obligation consultation provides expert, personalized support, ensuring a stress-free experience.
With FRH, you’re never alone in your property search. Whether you’re unfamiliar with the area, overwhelmed by listings, or anxious about overpaying, we’re here to assist.
We support you from the initial search to the joyful moment of receiving your keys, focusing on understanding your desires to find your dream home based on your criteria.
As professional property hunters, we solely represent you, the buyer. We are not bound to any real estate agency or network, we are totally independent when it comes to make our property selection. Our expertise is aimed at helping you avoid common errors and secure the best possible deal.
FRH’s CEO, Fabricio Carminati, ensures a secure and surprise-free buying process. We handle everything from thoroughly pre-selecting the properties matching your criteria, organizing pre-visits or video visits, checking every aspect of the property and/or condominium, clarifying the buying steps, to connecting you with key professionals through our Expat Expert Group.
Our process starts with a detailed consultation to understand your criteria, leading to a five-step approach: initial meeting, budget planning, property visits, negotiation, administrative handling, and finally, the key handover.
As property hunters, we differ from traditional real estate agents by exclusively representing buyers, ensuring our independence and objectivity. Our commission structure is simple and transparent and our fees are due only when you receive the keys to your new home.
Our YouTube channel also offers insights on buying in this beautiful region.
"We contacted FRH to help us find a new home in Nice. Our experience with them has been first rate - professional, responsive and knowledgeable. In addition to all those wonderful traits, they have gone WAY above and beyond in offering help and advice on setting up our new life in France."
– Kent Ozkum – USA.
FRH vs. TRADIONAL REAL ESTATE AGENCIES
Helping international buyers understand the difference - and choose the right partner on the French Riviera.
| FRH – French Riviera House Hunting | Traditional French Real Estate Agency |
|---|---|
| Represents ONLY the buyer. Your interests come first at every step. | Represents the seller. Their loyalty and contract are with the vendor. |
| Searches the entire market: on-market, off-market, private networks, notaries, agents, developers. | Shows only the properties they have listed or want to sell. |
| Expat-oriented guidance: explains French processes, cultural differences, traps to avoid, negotiation style, and admin requirements. | Limited guidance for foreigners; assumes clients already understand the French system. |
| Personalized property brief based on lifestyle, relocation goals, and long-term needs. | Focuses on matching you to one of their existing listings. |
| Full transparency: we tell you what’s great and what’s wrong with a property. | Often highlights the positive to push their own listings. |
| Pre-visit checks & video tours for clients abroad or not yet in France. | Rarely offered; agencies expect clients to be physically present. |
| Strategic negotiation for YOU. Your price, your conditions, your timing. | Negotiates to secure the sale for the seller. |
| Handles the entire buying process: contract explanations, notary coordination, due-diligence guidance, utilities, banking introductions. | Usually stops after an offer is accepted; admin support is minimal. |
| Specialized in international clients: English speaking, clear communication, cultural translation, step-by-step guidance. | English varies; explanations often brief or overly technical for expats. |
| Support after the purchase: renovation contacts, settling-in help, rental advice, bills & utilities setup. | Once the sale closes, the relationship usually ends. |
| Relocation-friendly services: Rent & Buy Fast Track, rental search, neighbourhood orientation tours. | Limited or no relocation support. |
| Clear, modern, concierge-style service mindset shaped by hospitality and international standards. | Traditional, transactional mindset focused on closing sales. |
| You work with a dedicated agent (Caleb, Silvia, Fabricio) who follows your case from start to finish. | High turnover; clients may be passed between multiple agents. |
| Flat fee structure based on real work & strategy. | Fees built into the sales mandate, often not transparent to the buyer. |
| You choose us — not because we sell a property, but because we represent YOU. | They only earn a commission if they sell their listing. |
MEET THE TEAM
Meet the FRH Team: Dedicated property hunters in the French Riviera, led by CEO Fabricio Carminati.
Our passionate experts, specializing in buyer representation, combine deep local knowledge with a wide network of professionals. We’re committed to finding your dream home, ensuring a personalized, seamless experience from start to finish.
We handle everything from organizing visits, clarifying the buying steps, to connecting you with key professionals. Ensuring a secure and surprise-free buying process.
