| As
this newsletter is written, summer has arrived in France and the
temperatures are forecast to rise into the 30s, so we are hoping
not to have a repeat of the 'canicule' of last year.
As always, we are trying to focus on tips to help those clients
hoping to find their 'dream home' in France - but in the real world,
not as projected on 'A Place in the Sun' etc. If you wish to appear
on such a programme, then we would be happy to put interested clients
in touch with 'September films', who are preparing a documentary
for the BBC. They are especially keen to hear about very good and
bad experiences, being especially keen to flush out rogue traders
etc.
Visiting soon?
We have prepared a set of notes
to help you through the process of buying a property
in France and a checklist
for you to use. You do need to plan well ahead for
your trip. Most agents are not able to arrange viewings
at short notice, and are often booked for 7-10 days
ahead. Do e-mail or phone your agents regularly. If
they don't respond quickly (or at all in some cases)
do you really wish to deal with them? Are your agents
based here in France or mere postboxes in the UK for
French agents? From our experience, this type of agency
(and their website), is very rarely up to date as
far as properties are concerned. Get your finances
in place - arrange a mortgage
in principle if you are likely to need one (rates
from 2.75%) and establish a currency trading account.
If you have managed these then you are well on the
way to finding that dream home!
Mortgages
Current special deals include the following :-
Fixed rates at 4.6% for up to 15 years
Discounted rates at 2.75% for 15 or 25 years
Standard rates, with no penalties or catches from 3.2%
Contact us for further
details if you wish to take advantage of this offer.
Bookshelf
A new feature of the web site is the bookshelf.
Here you will find the books that you need to buy on how to go about
buying your property in France. We will be expanding the bookshelf
in the months ahead, but would encourage you to have a browse and
treat yourself today. There are sure to be 2-3 must haves within
the selection.
Ultimate Package
We are soon to launch a new package offering discounts and preferential
terms for clients taking out a package to include Currency Exchange,
Property Insurance and Title Insurance. This special offer will
include cashback on the currency transaction, and discounted rates
on the Title Insurance, but you will need to pre-register
with us in advance. (This product cannot be sourced elsewhere, it
is unique to us).
Pool rules may be revised
 The Swimming pool
regulations that came in earlier this year are set to be re-examined
already! Following early results of tests on suitable equipment
the French standards authority AFNOR say new benchmarks will be
published at the beginning of May 2004. Visit http://www.thisfrenchlife.com
for more information. |
