The story of Taka
From idea to reality
from idea to reality: the story of taka
Sometimes, the best ideas come from the most unexpected places. For Léah, it all started with a twist of fate. After years of living in England and working in French administration, she found herself unexpectedly stepping into a world she had never imagined—real estate in the picturesque Hautes-Pyrénées. It wasn’t just any real estate agency she stumbled upon, but one specialized in helping foreigners navigate the complexities of buying property in France.
Little did she know, this accidental encounter would set the stage for a transformative journey.
A new world
As soon as Léah entered this new world of real estate, she was hooked. The immediacy of the work, the importance of the moment for the clients—buying or selling a property is always a pivotal point in life—struck a deep chord within her. The diversity of clients, coming from all corners of the globe with different backgrounds, added a layer of richness to every transaction. What fascinated her the most was the depth of expertise required to navigate the market.
She found herself working alongside Barbara, a colleague who shared the same values and outlook on both work and life. Together, they quickly discovered the challenges faced by their clients. Although they both loved what they were doing, they were also aware of the limitations of traditional agencies and the inherent conflict of interest that came with working as estate agents. They knew there had to be a better way to offer clients the support they needed without the compromises.
the challenges: high agency fees
In France, agency fees are set by the market, which means they can be steep—sometimes reaching as high as 8% of the sale price. This left sellers with a difficult decision: either pay high fees to an agency or take on the hassle of selling privately without professional support. The common feedback from clients was clear—the fees were too high.
Léah and Barbara shared the same frustration. As experienced real estate professionals, they understood both sides of the equation. They knew the value of having a professional in your corner, guiding you through the maze of property transactions. But they also understood that many clients were simply priced out of professional support.
That’s when the idea began to form in Léah’s mind—there must be a third way.
the birth of a concept
As Léah mulled over the idea, Barbara was quick to jump on board. The concept began to take shape: real estate coaching. After researching the market, they discovered that real estate coaching was already a thing in Canada, but it was not widely known in France. What struck them, however, was the lack of regulation in the field and the varying quality of services on offer.
With their combined expertise in real estate, Léah and Barbara knew they could offer something more professional, something closer to the level of service offered by top agencies. In May 2022, the concept was finally ready to be put into action—Taka Coaching was born. They were ready to provide a service that helped people sell, buy, and manage their properties without the hefty agency fees.
Handholding: Going the Extra Mile
From their experience working with foreign clients, Léah and Barbara knew that buying property was only one part of the equation. Once clients had purchased a home, they often faced another set of challenges: settling into a new country, learning a new language, managing a second home, or even finding reliable artisans. The questions kept coming, and the need for guidance never stopped.
That’s when they decided to offer handholding services—guiding clients through the ongoing process of settling into life in France. Whether it was arranging for home repairs, helping them navigate local bureaucracy, or simply making the transition smoother, they knew they could be the trusted partners their clients needed.
Real Estate Hunting: Finding Your Dream Home
Two years into offering real estate coaching, a new request emerged from clients: they wanted help finding the perfect property. They were often far away, unfamiliar with the local market, or simply couldn’t communicate with agents due to language barriers. Many of them were also tired of not getting responses from agencies.
Recognizing the demand, Taka expanded its services to offer real estate hunting—working with clients on a personalized mandate to track down the property of their dreams. This service offered a solution to those who felt lost in the French market, bridging the gap between overseas buyers and their ideal homes in the South West.
Estate Planning: Protecting What You’ve Built
As more and more clients expressed interest in securing their estates, estate planning became a key focus. What happens if you die while residing in France? Which laws govern your inheritance? Is your will valid in France?
Léah and Barbara’s diverse expertise led them to collaborate with legal professionals in both France and internationally. They organized a seminar to answer clients’ questions, and it was such a success that it became a regular event. Over time, their network expanded, and they began working with notaries, French and international lawyers, and financial advisers.
This estate planning service was incredibly complex, but it became a real passion for both Léah and Barbara. They loved taking the stress out of these delicate matters, knowing they were providing much-needed clarity and security for their clients.
looking ahead
Taka has come a long way since its inception. What started as a small idea to offer a more accessible way to manage real estate transactions has blossomed into a multifaceted service, helping people navigate everything from buying homes to planning for the future. Léah and Barbara’s diverse backgrounds have enabled them to build something truly special—a service that combines expert knowledge, personal experience, and the desire to truly help people.
Their journey is far from over, and they continue to be inspired by the people they meet, the challenges they solve, and the opportunities that come with every new client. From idea to reality, Taka is here to make your life in France a little easier and a lot more exciting.
