| This
quarter we have some new features and some new ideas. Hopefully,
some readers will find the item below by Craig McGinty useful when
then come to write a French cheque. I would encourage you to visit
the website operated by Craig which covers news and features on
France, http://www.thisfrenchlife.com
Property Prices Still Rising
Not good news for those still trying to get onto the ladder, but
prices are still escalating at a rate of knots in the Poitou Charentes.
The demand for British buyers to move to the area is still incredibly
strong, and even we were surprised to see in an ITN News poll that
over 90% of people questioned would prefer to quit the UK and move
overseas. France is always a popular choice (along with the USA,
Australia and Spain), and the ease of travel with discounted flights
plus the flexibility now offered, this is sure to continue. In addition
to Ryanair flying into Poitiers and La Rochelle, we now have Flybe
offering flights to La Rochelle from various regional airports,
and an ever -increasing number of new operators using Bordeaux and
Nantes which are only 1.5 - 2 hours away from the heart of the region.
We do have a list of airlines and their various destinations available
upon request.
Writing a Cheque
At last it had arrived, the post woman delivered my chequebook and
I was now a member of the financial world. Or so I thought, because
the layout of a cheque was a lot different than a UK one, so where
was I to start?
There were no instructions in the back of the book, just more confusing
forms so it was time to search through my books and dictionary to
sort it out. Firstly on the right hand side is a sign and a faint
box where the value of the cheque is written in numerals. Remember
the number 7 is crossed in Europe so that it is not confused with
a number 1.
Then on the left hand side there will be a short sentence saying
Payez contre ce cheque, and here you write the value in words.
Beneath this there will be a a where you write the payee name
(or moi-même when cashing a cheque).
Something not seen in the UK is a section on the cheque to write
the location of the place where it was written. This is beneath
the box where you wrote the value in numbers and usually says Fait
à. Then below that there is a line for the date. And in
the bottom right hand corner there is a space for you to write your
signature.
For your own records the cheque book stub runs across the top, where
you can keep a check on who youve paid, what for, the date and
the amount.
Each cheque will also feature your address as well as all the necessary
financial details.
Craig McGinty is editor of thisfrenchlife.com
a website based in the Dordogne. The site features interviews with
people who have made the move to France as well as news items and
articles about setting-up necessary services. Why not live life
the French way at http://www.thisfrenchlife.com
Euro / £ Sterling Movements
The volatility continues and it makes a good lesson to anyone considering
buying a property in France to make sure that they get the very
best deal on their currency. With movements of up to 10% possible,
many of our clients have fixed their currency from our agents offices
to ensure that the rate does not move against them.
As ever, we are keen to promote our business partner Foreign Currency
~ direct and encourage clients to open a trading account with them.
Dont fall into the trap of not getting the best deal for your money.
Take expert guidance and use a specialist currency dealer. We have
every confidence that Foreign Currency Direct will ensure that you
get the best deal and give you the peace of mind to enable you to
concentrate upon the other important matters associated with property
purchase.
Dont delay - open a trading account today. It costs you nothing
apart from a few minutes of your time, but it could make a lot of
difference to the cost of your dream home in France. F C D
will at least match any currency offer from a rival and probably
offer you enhanced terms, so this is a WIN, WIN situation for you,
not forgetting the cashback offer which is available.
Terms & Conditions
Application Form
Viewings
We have previously indicated that clients need to give as much notice
as possible for viewing days with us. To make a real success, we
have to plan about 7-10 days ahead to work out sensible viewing
arrangements and ensure that the properties are available for viewing.
It is definitely not like looking at houses in the UK !! School
holidays tend to be booked up well ahead, and we have just been
very busy during the half-term week and are fully booked over Easter.
If you know when you will be visiting to view property do drop
us a line to advise when.
Business Partner Pages
We would encourage you to have a look at some of our client's own
businesses here in France - where
they are offering everything from B&B's, gîtes, and web
site design, to gardening services. Stay in a Château on a
special break, or your own gîte whilst you view houses with
us in the Poitou-Charentes.
Creative Writing Course
Fancy a one week course away from it all writing ? One of our clients
has planned a week in September staying in rural France, under the
supervision of tutors, Tricia Wastvedt and Gloria Burland. Under
their tuition, and in the company of other, likeminded people you
will learn how to develop your writing ability; how to kick start
your characters; develop your story; build a solid foundation for
a novel. Details can be found on http://www.abchood.com/lagrandefougere |
