French banks have a very specific idea of the ideal borrower: French resident, income in euro, permanent employment contract. If your profile doesn't fit that picture, working with a broker who understands the specific requirements for non-residents and international buyers makes all the difference. I'm Franco-Canadian and have lived and worked in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. I know exactly what a French lender looks for when reviewing a file with foreign income and how to get it approved.
Paul Desjardins, French-Canadian mortgage broker for non-residents, expats and international property buyers. ORIAS No. 25 010 121.
Why does my background matter for your French mortgage?
As a French-Canadian, I have lived and worked in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France before settling in Urrugne, in the Basque Country, where I founded Opeongo Finance.
Adapting to new countries and navigating different regulatory environments are not just part of my expertise, they are part of my own journey.
Today, I support a wide range of clients: French residents, European families living in France, expatriates, non-residents...
Each project is different and requires a clear understanding before it can be properly structured.
How do I work with international buyers on their French mortgage?
When your income is in a foreign currency, your employer is abroad, or your tax situation straddles two countries, the standard process stops working. My job is to make it work anyway.
I build a personalized financing strategy for each of my clients, guided by three commitments:
- Clarity: I explain each step, each option, and their implications so you can make informed decisions.
- Advice: I understand your objectives and build a solution that truly fits your situation.
- Confidence: I take a rigorous approach and present well-structured applications to secure the best possible conditions.
Why did I commit 1% of Opeongo Finance's revenue to environmental causes?
When I founded Opeongo Finance, I joined the 1% for the Planet movement, committing 1% of annual revenue to environmental initiatives.
Our first certification takes place at the end of 2026, after our first full year in the program.
This reflects how I want to build this business: with a long-term view, not a short-term one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Paul Desjardins, and what is his area of expertise?
I am Paul Desjardins, a mortgage broker who specializes in financing international buyers purchasing in France: Americans, Britons, Scandinavians, Canadians, and French expats. My expertise sits squarely in non-resident files, where the choice of bank, the treatment of foreign-currency income, and remote coordination make all the difference. I guide each client from the first assessment through to signing at the notaire, the state-appointed legal officer who finalizes the sale.
Is Opeongo a registered mortgage broker?
Yes. I operate under ORIAS registration number 25 010 121, the official French register of insurance, banking, and finance intermediaries, which anyone can check at orias.fr, 2026. This registration confirms that I am authorized to practice and bound by the profession's regulatory obligations. You can verify the listing online before committing to anything.
What are your fees for a non-resident case?
Every file is different. Your country of residence, the currency you earn in, the type of property, and the bank we choose each create their own subtleties, so I do not post a single flat rate in advance, because that would not reflect the reality of any given project. I explain my fee to you with full transparency at the end of our first conversation, once your project is clearly mapped out, and that first consultation is free with no obligation.
Can the entire process be completed remotely, without having to come to France?
Yes. I handle the whole journey remotely, from assessment to signing: video calls, online document exchange, and signing the acte authentique, the final deed of sale, by power of attorney at the notaire's office. This is built specifically for buyers who live abroad and cannot fly in for every step. I coordinate the bank, the notaire, and the insurer on your behalf.
Does Opeongo provide customer support in English?
Yes. I work with my international clients entirely in English, both written and spoken, and I translate the workings of the French system into plain language. Every concept unique to French law, such as the frais de notaire, the property transfer taxes and conveyancing fees, or délégation d'assurance, the right to choose your own borrower insurer, is explained simply. My goal is for you to understand exactly what you are signing at every stage.
