No its not nessessary but it would make life so much easier especially if you dont speak french

Try first the HR department of your emèployer/university. If they are good and you give very exact requirements they can start you off and most régies will speak english if you are intrpduced by your place of work

Hi,

I agree with Maria, a relocation agent can be a great help, but is not necessary.  Relocation agents basically use the following websites: homegate.ch and immostreet.ch to find accomodation based on your needs.   You can use the above mentioned websites yourself and put in your specifications. 

Good luck. 

Umm have you read her name?

At this time it depends on the budget, what you're looking for and where. Because there aren't a lot of people at the moment coming in on expat packages, the expats hired on local contracts are being a lot more careful with their money to the point where they are competing with the Swiss, service workers, etc... and creating a logjam at the bottom of the housing market. If you're looking to get a great value in a competitive category, it helps to get a little help. If you have an expat type budget, you'll have a decent chance of doing it on your own (especially since you're fluent in French and I'm sure the regies would love your accent). If you're more specific about what you're looking for and budget, it would be easier to give you advice.

My spouse hired a relocation agency and could move to a 5 pieces apartment by the lake almost immediately. She was quite happy with the services it provided. You should know housing shortage is an issue here.

www.practical-services.com

Thank you everyone for the reply. There appears to be no concensus ... considering that we will be moving from Canada with children I am leaning towards using a relocation service so that we can visit 2 months ahead of our move and then move right into a rented appartment upon our official arrival.

Those who have read this post may be interested in this website (albeit it is in French). Very helpful information re: the types of documents necessary to become a tenant in and around Geneva. www.cagi.ch go to the 'logement' section.