Latest Property News
Wednesday, August 27, 2008 : Frequently Asked Question
Questions and Answers
1. Why should I pay someone to find a property for me?
Simply because it will save you both time and money. Even if you could manage to visit the area and register with all the agents, given that only 60% of properties are sold by agents means that the chances of finding the BEST property for you are minimal. And once you return to England those agents will forget about you.
Trying to search using the internet automatically restricts you to a limited number of properties and excludes you from the ones that sell quickly. The only way to cover the market properly is to live here full time or to have a representative on the spot.
2. I know an English estate agent in the area and they have said they will find me something suitable.
Sure but he/she will be restricted to the properties on their books and you will only see a fraction of the properties on the market and whilst marchands des biens resell for multiple agencies the lack of sole-agency agreements ensures that they habitually propose property through the agent the most remunerative to them, rather than the most economical to you.
3. OK but why the 500€ deposit?
We only work for a small number of clients at any one time.
By charging a refundable deposit roots out those with a ”whim” to buy and work closely with those who are committed to the idea.
And for those who are committed but too early in their search we have a guided tours program instead; no deposit is required for the guided tours service.
4. What are prices in the area likely to do?
Nobody can say for sure as the global economic climate is still uncertain. However the local economy is strong and experts are forecasting that the recent dramatic growth in house prices will slow to single digit growth over the next few years. Demand from UK & International purchasers remains strong.
5. Do you know all the “best” and “hidden” villages?
Of course, but more pertinently you should be asking do you know the villages to avoid? Some of the most beautiful are prone to natural risk such as flood, and termites. Instruct us and you’ll have a wealth of local knowledge on your side.
6. Will we be able to rent our house out?
Yes, of course. Demand is strong throughout the year not just in the Summer. Price is dependant upon the size and facilities you have but demand is constant at all levels.
7. Are you registered in France?
Yes, it’s very important. We are covered by (and governed by) the local Chamber of Commerce. We hold a carte professionelle and have full professional indemnity insurance as well as a financial guarantees.
8. When and how do we pay you?
The initial 500€ deposit is payable immediately.
Additional fees are payable at the signing of the ‘Compromis de Vente’. We accept cheques in Euros or Sterling or can give you details of our BNP account in France to transfer the money direct. We’re happy to recommend World First as currency brokers. To see the current pound v euro currency rate click here.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008 : Property Finders Details
Thank you for your interest in this service
This service is provided by our Exclusive Licensee in this region; our Exclusive Licensee is independent of both Biens Connus Limited [the owner and operator of this site] local agents and private sellers[§]
Currently there is no Exclusive Licensee operating in this region and as such the Property Finders Service is not yet available.
If you are a self motivated, commercially intuitive person looking for a full, or part-time, opportunity to earn up to 90% commission on the sale of Biens Connus Limited’s range of software products and advertising services, we would love to hear from you. In the first instance and for further information please see our Recruitment page.
Exclusive Licensees provide the Property Finder Service at no cost[§§] from Biens Connus Limited.
Notes:
[§] Where our Exclusive Licensee or anyone operating on behalf of our Exclusive Licensee in the provision of Property Finders Service has an interest in any property offered to you they will declare this interest to you in advance. Please see our Terms & Conditions for further information.
[§§] Biens Connus Limited provides to Exclusive Licensees a no-cost Property Finder Service License and there is no charge by Biens Connus Limited for the operation of this service. Only Exclusive Licensees may operate the Property Finder Service on behalf of Biens Connus Limited
Tuesday, August 26, 2008 : Guided Tours
GUIDED TOURS
Due to popular demand we now offer guided tours of the area. Tailored to your needs these can include airport pick up (Bordeaux, La Rochelle, Poitiers, Limoges), bed & breakfast accomodation and a guided tour of the area.
We explore the area in our fully air conditioned 7 seater car answering questions ranging from the buying process in France, where to find the prettiest villages and hidden beauty spots through to how to enrol your children into the local school.
During these tours we will be happy to explain how the property buying process works and discuss the current market and what you will get for your money. We have helped clients purchase over 2 million euros worth of houses over the last 12 months and would be happy to share our experience with you.
We have picked up a wealth of knowledge since moving here so feel free to pick our brains on other issues too. We’d also be delighted to arrange a visit (and tasting of course) to Remy Martin/Courvoisier/Hennesy or a smaller local vineyard while you are here.
All our tours have a personalised itinerary but set out below is a guide to our prices.
Basic tour (400 euros): |
One full day guided tour in air conditioned family car, picking up at your accommodation, taking in Saintes, Cognac, Jarnac & Angouleme. |
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Flying visit (500 euros):
Tuesday, August 26, 2008 : Property ManagementPROPERTY MANAGEMENT We currently look after a selection of local properties offering regular inspections, gardening services, swimming pool maintenance and project management of local artisans.
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