The notaire is a public official for the French government. They are often involved in the step of property valuation, but they are mandatory in the legal process of selling a home. A notaire checks whether you are truly the owner of the home you’re selling and that you have all the diagnostics carried out. They are also the party that prepares the deeds and is serves as the intermediary that collects the money from the buyer and the keys from the seller. The notaire is an essential part of selling property in France, but they are not to be confused with agencies that can help guide sellers through the whole process.