Party time

On Christmas Eve we went to a party in a neighbouring village, hosted by some friends (they became friends after buying a house through us in 2003). Their house is now for sale again, since their family circumstances have changed, and they are forced to sell their beautiful home.

Also at the gathering were no less than 5 or 6 other couples who had also purchased via Allez-Francais over the years. It was a real joy to hear them all relate their stories and discover how happy they are in rural France. Every single one said that it was the best decision that they had made, and there were absolutely no regrets.

These clients still look forward to and enjoy our quarterly newsletter (see http://www.allez-francais.com/newsletter.php?q=4&y=2009)

The common element to the feedback that we received was that we were one of the very few agents that actually bothered to really listen to their requirements when they were looking and that we had a fabulous range of properties across all prices. It was really rewarding to hear this and they have all recommended our company to friends considering a move across the Channel.
I hope that you had a Joyeux Noël and wish you Bonne Année for 2010!

Peter Elias (Agent Commercial)

http://www.allez-francais.com/ or E-mail:allez-francais@wanadoo.fr

Client testimonial

Why use our agency and not one of the "big-boys" ? Here is what a recent client has to say –

We have been searching for a home abroad for a number of years now and during that time have searched many web sites and dealt with a number of agencies in both France and Spain. I must say that we found your web site to be very user friendly, very informative and most importantly accurate in both the pictorial & worded descriptions. We were certainly not disappointed with any of the properties we viewed during our brief visit. Being based so far away meant that our time was very limited and therefore the process needed to be both very efficient and accurate, as we did not have anytime to waste. The initial viewings were all of properties that met with our criteria and the house we decided to purchase not only met but also exceeded our expectation.

After our unfortunate experience in the Spanish property market it was vital to us that we dealt with a professional organisation who would help and guide us through the various legal and administrative requirements associated with the purchase of a house in France. The team at Allez-Français again exceeded our expectation is this respect and your help and guidance in taking us through the purchasing, mortgage application & insurance process is very much appreciated. I cannot stress how apprehensive we were about this whole process after our disasters in Spain , however it was very reassuring knowing we were in professional and caring "hands". Again we thank you and your team for helping us achieve our dream. We now look forward to the day we finally leave behind the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong and take up residence in our beautiful home in France.

The end of the year is fast approaching, and this is often a time of currency volatility. Sterling is still strapped to very narrow trading ranges as a small amount of positive data and reassurance from the Bank of England that Britain has weathered the recession better than expected, hasn’t proven enough to support the ailing Pound. The massive level of UK government debt remains the fly in the ointment here.

As usual at this time of year, I would suggest this is the period to think about placing automated market orders to try to capture any spikes or troughs in exchange rates. The two weeks over the Christmas period are some of the most unpredictable and profitable in the whole year for those who use their market orders correctly and your dedicated Allez-Français currency dealer will be happy to discuss the options with you.

E-mail: allez-francais@wanadoo.fr

Completing a French property purchase

One of the most important things to get right when you buy a French property, apart from your currency, (more on that later), is the structure for the ownership, taking into account the French Inheritance laws.

I have sat in with clients on 3 separate occassions this week at their final “Acte de Vente”, and in each case their individual scenario has been very different. Children by previous relationships and unmarried couples make for various permutations, and it is so incredibly important to get the way in which you buy the property correct.

Failure to do so, could result in children by a previous relationship owning a house jointly with a step-parent, or Inheritance tax being paid at 60%. This is why we accompany clients to the Notaire’s office for the final signature – to ensure that the best outcome is achieved. Having a very competent, English speaking Notaire is a very useful asset.

Turning to the currency matter, we have saved clients literally thousands of £s this week by using a dedicated currency dealer, rather that a High Street bank. The rates offered are significantly better, and with no charges. Full details available upon request.

E-mail: allez-francais@wanadoo.fr
Website http://www.allez-francais.com/