| Our
clients are regularly advising us of the difference between our
agency and other businesses that they deal with. The feedback is
that we have taken the time to listen to their requirements, show
them property matching their expectations and that they regularly
visit our frequently updated website.
In contrast, many other agencies show unsuitable
property, and cause immense frustration with their routine of making
appointments to view a sold property and then presenting clients
with a folder to look through.
We aim to maximise the time spent with you - and
to do that we do need to have a very good idea of what you are looking
for, and perhaps equally important what you wish to avoid.
Visiting properties is tiring and can be stressful
if you find that dream home and then cannot proceed for some reason.
We will aim to have everything in place ahead of your visit and
keep talking to you about your sale (if applicable), and arrange
your currency. It is possible to take steps to make the time spent
in France much more effective and enjoyable. Please have a look
at our property section now.
Flights
We are pleased that Ryanair
have maintained the daily flights to Poitiers and La Rochelle. Other
routes are also available to access the area, plus of course the
excellent TGV links via Lille or Paris. Flights with Ryanair recommenced
on 1st May following the Buzz takeover.
Currency
Depending upon how long you have been looking for a house in France,
you may or may not appreciate quite how much the / £ rate
changes. The current rate is marginally below 1.40, disappointing
for UK buyers, but this may still prove to be an attractive rate
in the medium term, especially if the £ falls to as low as
1.30 as some commentators predict.
Our dedicated dealers at Foreign
Currency Direct provide a superb service to our clients and
currency rates superior to the banks and other organisations. Arranging
your currency early denotes you as a serious player and we will
give preference for viewings to those clients who have arranged
their currency through our business partnership with Foreign Currency
Direct.
Notaire
One major area of concern to those buyers who do not speak good
French is understanding what happens on completion day (and before).
Rather than relying upon us to help you, we prefer to introduce
our clients to a fluent English speaking Notaire, whose Etude (right
hand man), also speaks excellent English. Maitre Perillaud and his
team provide the very highest service levels, with good humour and
efficiency. Dont feel that you have to use the vendors nominated
Notaire - you dont !
Website
Our website continues to be upgraded and we are introducing a searchfacility
allowing clients to select homes by price range, departmental area,
number of bedrooms, or amount of land required. Some properties
now have a 360 degree view facility and often more photos are available
if you ask. More and more articles are being added to the Library
section - if you have subjects that you would like covered or are
able to offer a feature please let us know, we are always interested
in receiving more information. Contact
Warning
Using non-registered tradesmen is a recipe for disaster. Not only
will you not get your 10 year guarantee for works carried out, but
your costs cannot be offset for Capital Gains Tax (important for
2nd homes) and in the event of the tradesmen injuring themselves
at work, YOU would be liable. Be
warned !
Schools
For those with children thinking of the move to France, please visit
the website of www.thefrenchlife.com
here you will find e-books on the French education system, house
buying process and more. Highly recommended !
Gîtes
During the summer months many gîte could be booked out several
times over. We may be able to introduce you to some of our clients
who have just started and may have availability during this season.
Please contact
us for details if you are looking to spend a week here during
June, July or August.
Title Insurance
The final words are on Title
Insurance. This most valuable cover is a must for all properties
below the threshold of 300,000 Euros. AssurTitres benefits for
an Owner are - 1 an absolute guarantee of uncontested and undisturbed
ownership allowing the purchaser of residential property in France
to have complete peace of mind and 2 an absolute guarantee throughout
the duration of the policy against loss due to title defects, boundary
disputes and pre-existing violations of planning and building regulations,
all for a small premium. |
