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France Property Buying Guide Monthly Newsletter
Christmas 2009
(if you don't already receive a monthly announcement that our France newsletter has been published, you can sign up to our list here)
In
This Months Issue You'll Find:
Message from Alexis for Christmas 2009
What is a Traditional Christmas in France?
Reader’s Experience: How deciding to leave the UK worked for them
Who is Oliver Spencer and why should you care?
Christmas Special – 25% off any of our Property Buying Guides
Are you protecting your assets in France?
What is FSA Regulation and how can it benefit you?
'See' you in the New Year
Hi,
So Christmas is upon us and I am quite sure I am not the only one to be more amazed each year at how it creeps up on us quite slowly and then suddenly everyone is preparing for a festive time. Not only that, it is the end of the first decade of the 21st century so a cause for celebration, reflection and perhaps also a time to make plans for the next one! I would like to thank you for your wonderful feedback on my France newsletters, it is always such a joy to receive messages and stories.
As you know, my life changed somewhat radically this year with my marriage and wonderful wedding in France. Not only that, we have now signed the “Compromis de Vente” on our property down in the Languedoc Roussillon and expect to sign the final Acte de Vente around the end of January. We are so excited at the thought of making a home for ourselves in this beautiful warm part of France. I will of course keep you updated with our progress and post pictures of the house in future issues. So please continue to watch this space...
I have some more news for you: we are doggie parents! Yes, we are now the proud owners of TWO adorable Cocker Spaniels. They are beautiful dogs, so far very well behaved and before you ask, yes we will be taking them to France with us. We are in the process of getting their passports so that they can travel with us and I will then be teaching them French – honestly! If you would like to know more about taking your pet abroad, do invest in a copy of our famous “France Buying Guide” as I cover this topic in some detail.
In this month's newsletter we have some great articles for you: Christmas traditions in France, one reader's experience of living abroad, advice on your best currency strategy and more so I will leave you to relax with your glass of Bordeaux (well it IS Christmas...) and enjoy reading.
Kind regards as always,
Alexis
France@OverseasGuidesCompany.com
France Buying Guide
The Overseas Guides Company Ltd
0207 898 0549 (call me!)
What is a Traditional Christmas in France?
Christmas is a real family affair in France, as well as a religious celebration marked by traditions which have become popular in many countries across the world. The Christmas feast is called “Le Reveillon” sometimes eaten on Christmas Eve and sometimes on Christmas Day. Each area has its own traditional Christmas menu with dishes such as turkey, goose, chicken and very often oysters. For dessert there is “bouche de Noel” - a delicious cake similar to a Yule log. In some parts families will also have a “pain calendeau”, a sort of Christmas loaf part of which traditionally is given to someone in need.
French children put their shoes in front of the fireplace in the hope that “Pere Noel” (Father Christmas) will visit. The Christmas season actually starts on December 6th with Saint Nicolas' Day and some parents give gifts at this time, preferring to keep Christmas Day as a truly religious celebration.
The Christmas tree is as popular in France as it is here. Many families decorate the tree together but on Christmas Eve, once the children are tucked up in bed, they hang small toys, chocolates and treats on the branches to go with the gifts Pere Noel has left in the shoes.
One thing I always find such a joy in France, whether you are religious or not, is the Nativity Scene which often takes pride of place in the home – something I feel we are seeing less and less here in the UK. This tradition started in Provence and you will often find, in addition to the Holy Family; 3 Wise Kings and shepherds, little figures representing local dignitaries such as the mayor, the priest and even sometimes local shopkeepers like the baker. To me this is such a joy and represents the community spirit in France, again something I feel we are sadly lacking these days in the UK. I do think this is one very compelling reason to buy a home in France, especially in rural villages: people look out for one another, the generations mix and one has a real sense of belonging. Does this strike a chord with you? If you are considering a move to France or simply would like to buy a little bolt-hole as a holiday home, you know where to come for help! We pride ourselves in recommending only the very best professionals to guide you and are always happy to answer questions on any topic.
You may simply want to let us know what you are thinking of doing and where you are thinking of buying in which case, you could fill out our short property form or resources form: your first step to your new life!
Reader’s Experience: How deciding to leave the UK worked for them
This month I have included this excellent ‘Reader’s Experience’. I feel it could apply to anyone, moving to any country. Not only does it demonstrate how dreams can come true, it also shows how the help of a currency exchange specialist was able to save Trevor and Sue a lot of money. This is well worth a read…
A number of reasons influenced Trevor and Sue’s decision to move to Spain, where they have both spent some time in the past.
Trevor takes up the story:
“Sue had lived in Spain for four years before having to return to the UK to deal with family problems. While in Spain she felt vibrant, healthy and full of life.
The weather was never as dull and grey as here in England, even at its worst! The winters were cold but without that 'clinging' damp associated with this country. For those of us with joint problems who get a little 'down' as a result, the climate in Spain has an almost miraculous effect!” enthuses Trevor.
Sue had spent about a year in a typically Spanish town where she was the only English speaker. “You might think that the Spanish people would have 'talked slowly and loudly' to Sue and me as we attempted to learn their language, but the opposite was true!” grins Trevor; “They were very friendly and patient with our attempts at Spanish and helped us learn. I don’t think that too many people in this country would be bothered to take that much time or effort.” Trevor adds that he is horrified how many Brits come to Spain and make no effort at all to fit in at all: “This is their country after all - it’s the least we can do.
“Families are the most important aspect of their lives to the Spanish people” Trevor continues. “They 'work to live', unlike this country where we are inclined to 'live to work'! Provided there is enough food on the table and the bills are paid, the Spanish are very contented people, hence their mañana attitude!”
They have decided to relocate to the Almeria area. It takes its name from its capital city, which lies on the southern coast of the province. The area would have remained unknown if it hadn't been for the film companies who discovered that the area offered ideal film sets for films such as Lawrence of Arabia and Patton. Driving through the area one sees what looks like towns but, on looking back, turn out to be film sets!
Trevor and Sue found that, as the credit crunch took its toll, they were forced to adjust their expectations. They have decided to keep their home in the UK until the property market improves. “This isn’t the time to be selling in the UK” Trevor comments sadly. “We will be renting a home in Spain and letting out our house here in the UK for the time being.”
Moving funds across to Spain became the next priority. By his own admission something of an ‘internet fiend’, it was while doing a bit of research that he came upon a currency company, Smart Currency Exchange. “Believe me, I left no stone unturned and compared them all” laughs Trevor. “I found that some sites were very vague, but this one appeared to have the ‘openness’ and clarity that I required: “I had a good read on their website and so understood how it all worked. Then I had a good chat about how a currency company can help. They were quick to emphasise how a forward contract can help in cases like mine.”
Smart Currency explained that this meant deciding to buy his currency at the current rate in case sterling worsened against the euro, only paying a small percentage upfront to assure him of this rate. At first Trevor was sceptical about locking his currency into a rate in case the euro picked up against sterling and he was stuck with a lower rate. “They explained to me that saving on interest rates will help negate any losses and I would be in a far better position should the market move against me…I liked the idea.” He particularly liked the fact that everything was explained upfront in a realistic and open way – not something he had found with all the people he approached
Trevor and Sue are proof that, if you want it enough, moving countries is possible. “I will be working in Spain and earning a living there” says Trevor. “Fairy tales do come true,” he adds “it’s just a matter of taking a decision and then making it happen. I cannot wait for the time when Sue and I are back where we long to be”.
This is what Mike had to say about his experience with Smart:
Dear Mr Purdy, I have just transferred a large amount of money using your service, and I would like to thank all the staff who helped me not only get a rate that was better than 3 other companies I rang, but also on the service, helpfulness and general smoothness of the transaction. The other item to note was the speed with which the transaction happened, which compared to other companies I have used was extremely fast (in fact the word breathtaking springs to mind).
Please thank all your staff who took such time and trouble to deal with this on my behalf.
One again thanks
Mike
To get an update on the Euro exchange rate, request a quote at Smart:
www.SmartCurrencyExchange.com/quote.aspx
Who is Oliver Spencer and why should you care?
Oliver – or Oli as we all call him – is the Client Services Executive for The Overseas Guides Company (the OGC) and has a somewhat dark, mysterious and handsome way about him. He comes across serious and bit quiet yet when he speaks Oli always has something valuable to say. In a world where everyone wants to talk, Oli is one to practice the art of listening and then responding in a way that makes you feel like he really cares.
Perhaps his excellent ability to listen and add value come from his degree in Communication Studies from the University of Leeds?!
Oli started his working life at an Events Company at university – when pressed he admitted that he loved music and that the company wasn’t so much of a ‘job’ but a real pleasure (I hope he feels the same about the OGC!). He is also a keen sportsman and counts among his talents rugby (played at county level), skiing and snowboarding (in France) and watersports…
Somewhat appropriately for a sport’s fanatic, Oli went from his job during university into the ‘real’ world of Sales and Marketing at Red Bull, the energy drink company. So now we’ve established that he has both energy and communication skills – a winning combination to help OGC readers to fulfil their dreams!
When asked what he liked best about his job, Oli’s reply was immediate:
“I love talking to people about their hopes and ambitions to buy property abroad. I have travelled a fair amount myself and can really identify with wanting to have a home overseas, whether for holidays or indeed to live in permanently.”
Oli added, “the other day, when talking to a reader, they described me as a potential life saver for the information I had provided: no amount of energy drink can give you the ‘high’ that that kind of comment does – it’s really exciting to know that we help people on a daily basis”.
Oli also enjoys the team that he works with – and it shows in his friendly and helpful attitude to both colleagues and OGC readers alike.
To speak to Oli or another member of the OGC team, please ring Mon-Fri, 9am to 6pm on 0207 898 0549. The OGC Resource Centre are available to you – free of charge – to offer recommendations, assistance and at the very least help to point readers in the right direction.
This is what an OGC reader had to say about the OGC Resource Team:
Let me say how happy Philip and I are with your service. You have opened so many doors for us to think about. I like to take things one step at a time, to fully take on board every situation, but I could never have been prepared for the multitude of options that you have presented us with. You can be sure that we will be using your recommendations as and when we need them, because we are gaining more and more confidence in your company and that is all down to the interest you take and the advice you give.
Christmas Special – 25% off any of our Property Buying Guides
Hey – remember that we offered you a very special price on the Property Buying Guides last month? This is just to remind you that the offer ends on 24th December, so there is still time to get your copy, either for yourself or for friends that may be thinking of buying abroad.
The guide is a perfect gift for anyone interested in buying and/or moving abroad. Full of fantastic information and in a format that’s easy to read and nicely packaged your partner/friend/relative will definitely be pleased to receive this unique gift.
And in the true spirit of Christmas, as we mentioned before, the OGC is offering all Guides at the discounted price of £14.98 (digital – you’ll need to print this one out from your printer) or £22.48 for the professionally printed hard copy. We have Guides for: France, Greece, Italy and Cyprus and each guide comes with 2 bonus booklets including worksheets to fill out during the property buying journey and ‘your questions answered.’
To qualify for this very special offer you will need to enter the code XMAS3485 for the discount to apply.
To get more information on each guide on offer, please select the country link below:
http://www.CyprusBuyingGuide.com/guide.htm
http://www.GreeceBuyingGuide.com/guide.htm
http://www.ItalyBuyingGuide.com/guide.htm
http://www.FranceBuyingGuide.com/guide.htm
Also available to buy soon is the brand new, updated Emigration Guide. Note however we still do have some of our free, first draft, un-polished guides available, but they are rapidly running out. If you would like one, please go to: http://www.emigrationguide.com/thankyou.htm
If you have any questions, give the OGC Resource Centre a ring on 0207 898 0549 and they’ll be happy to assist you.
Here are some lovely words from a guide reader:
Just a few lines to tell you how much my wife and I appreciate your guide. We do look forward to the monthly letter and the in depth information you supply with it too. We hope at some stage to take the plunge and make a move on a place in the sun but there always seams to be a reason to delay the big decision. In the meantime please carry on the excellent service you deliver and accept my very best wishes for the future.
Jim Pryde
Are you protecting your assets in France?
In the excitement of Christmas holidays, don’t be tempted to neglect the really important stuff! It is vital that you, as the current or future owner of a holiday home overseas, fully understand the extent and limitations of your insurance policy.
Do you have the cover for legal liability for domestic staff (cleaners, gardeners etc)? Are you covered for floods, earthquakes and so on? What restrictions are in place in letting or if the property is unoccupied?
If you place your overseas property cover through an insurance company abroad it is more than likely that you simply won’t know the answers to these and other really important aspects of your policy.
The answer is to insure with a specialist in second home and overseas property insurance right here in the UK. Intasure will offer you the reassurance of English language documents and UK back-office service and support: a plain English property insurance policy underwritten by some of the world's leading insurers and administered in the UK via helpful and knowledgeable staff.
Click here to get more information and a quote.
FSA now regulates currency exchange companies
One of my top recommendations to readers is the use of a currency exchange specialist. I explain that by using a specialist, overseas property buyers can sometimes save up to £4000 on every £100,000 transferred.
In the past readers expressed concern about the safety of using an unknown company – and rightly so! Well, now I am pleased to report that a new Payment Services Regulation (PSR) has come into effect that has had an impact on many financial institutions. You may have noticed your bank sending you updated terms and conditions - this is the reason why! The new regulations apply to banks and also non-banking payment service providers such as currency exchange companies.
From now on most currency exchange companies will be regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) under the new Payment Services Regulations 2009. The regulations cover the safeguarding of clients funds and payments made by the currency companies.
If you are dealing with a good currency company, such as Smart Currency Exchange, you may not notice any difference when undertaking a transaction as they may already meet or exceed the new standards that have been set by the FSA. However, the new regulation will bring peace of mind and a greater feeling of security, providing of course that you make sure that you only work with currency specialists that are regulated.
Smart also offers an exceptional free report…
If you haven't yet collected your FREE report from Smart on "Why Overseas Property Buyers Lose Money... and how YOU can avoid it" get it here!
'See' you in the New Year
We are feeling very pleased and excited about our French house purchase and now with two little dogs to care for, we will certainly have our hands full. But life is very often about challenges which bring their own rewards and as you know, I feel I have been more than rewarded with my new husband, puppies and French home. Incidentally, we used Smart Currency Exchange for our deposit and saved over £250 on this when I compared the rate with the bank. Imagine the saving on the balance? It is so good to know you are well looked after when undertaking something as important as buying a house so let me know if you would like to be put in touch with Smart - you will always get an answer from one of the guys, no being put on hold, no waiting, just instant action and definite savings!.
It remains for me to wish you, dear reader, the most wonderful Christmas wherever you are. I very much hope you have a happy festive time and that the New Year – and decade – bring you all that you wish for.
I will be here in January with more news on our French house, so watch this space. Meanwhile, as always, please don't hesitate to contact me or one of the team at Overseas Guides Company if you require any help, have a question or would like to share your story with us. We LOVE hearing from you.
Kind regards and all the best for the end of 2009.
Kind regards,
Alexis
France@OverseasGuidesCompany.com
France Buying Guide
The Overseas Guides Company Ltd
0207 898 0549 (call us!)
(if you don't already receive a monthly announcement that our France newsletter has been published, you can sign up to our list here)
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