Hi,

I imagine you may well be reading this sitting on a terrace or outside a cosy bar in a beautiful village in France since school holidays are well and truly under way now. Many of my readers tell me they print off, collate and file my newsletters for leisurely reading at a later date. Now that the holidays are here and the evenings still stretch out, I cannot help but have this vision of you having a well deserved lazy break in rural France, glass of wine and some good reading in hand.

Maybe you are still at the dreaming and planning stage when it comes to finding your property in France. If so, there is nothing like a leisurely holiday, perhaps taking in a market or two, sipping coffee at a pavement café, or indulging in a long lunch at the local Auberge, to whet your appetite for all things French.

I was down in Montjoi last month for a few very balmy days in July. Our local commune put on a wonderful firework display for Bastille Day and a simple but delicious meal followed in the small market square. Even Montjoi has a fair number of English people living there permanently (we do get around don’t we? Montjoi is tiny!). I took advantage of the opportunity to ask a few of them how they were enjoying life in France and to find out if they would ever go back to the UK. It was almost a unanimous vote of: “No, we would never go back, the level of happiness and contentment we feel here is unparalleled: more space, less stress and real satisfaction.” It makes you think, doesn’t it?

We all need to have some sort of a plan, something to look forward to. I do hope you retain your French dream, even in these times of apparent gloom and doom that we are constantly reminded of in the newspapers! For many people who buy in France, with proper planning and forethought, the dream becomes reality and their lives are enriched beyond measure.

In this August newsletter I look at ways to make your move successful and happy, we have a wonderful property feature (there truly are some bargains around at the moment), our very own Charles Purdy gets you up to date on the pound and the euro, we have some very useful financial advice to help you plan, some information on insurance and last but by no means least, I have compiled a somewhat light-hearted article on the best way to learn a bit of French – at the very least you will have some fun practising!

And some GREAT news: we will be exhibiting at the upcoming France Property Exhibition at Olympia, London! We will be on Stand 183 and we would love to meet some of our readers so please pop by and say hi. We love putting faces to names: also we will be giving out FREE mini France Guides and you will be able to get a massive 25% discount off our brand new, updated, refreshed and truly inspiring France Buying Guide!

Our France Buying Guide is literally flying off the shelves! You will find so much in the guide and it may well prove to be very useful holiday reading. Get your copy here: http://www.francebuyingguide.com

If you have some time over the holidays please call, email me or simply fill out your details on our property form. I have some truly wonderful contacts and would be so pleased to help you on your way. I well remember what it was like mulling over where to buy in France, wondering how it all works. I wish I had had someone to consult when I was at that stage! Just click on this link to the form and I will respond to you as soon as I can: http://www.francebuyingguide.com/resources.htm

Finally, a truly heart-warming email from France Buying Guide readers:

'Dear Alexis,
You are kindness itself. With so many other people out there all so interested in France as we are and I feel you do your best to help them in the same way as you help us I hope you know it is appreciated. Where do you find the time to support so many people this way, I am just amazed.

Kind Regards
Eric & Mary'

It is this kind of comment that makes this job just SO worthwhile….

Happy holidays: I hope to speak to you soon and to see you at the France Show at Olympia.

Kind regards as always,

Alexis
mailto:Alexis@overseasguidescompany.com
France Buying Guide
The Overseas Guides Company Ltd
0207 898 0549 (call me!)

Why shouldn’t life be like a holiday?!

I think that good planning and extensive forethought is the key to any change one is making in life. Forewarned is forearmed they say and it really does pay to think of every aspect, every eventuality and not to look at buying in France, whether for a holiday home or a permanent home, as simply a matter of finding the right property. There are many other things to consider in order to have a successful and happy move. This is where we come in! We aim to do as much of your homework as possible and, at the very least, to give you some sort of idea about where to start and what to think about. Read on!

Firstly, regarding the property itself, we can help you find what you are looking for. As you know, we are not estate agents. We do not sell property ourselves but we have sifted out some great agents who do and who we have no hesitation in recommending to our readers. Obviously there are many French estate agents out there, so good, some bad, some indifferent. We have sifted out the good ones for you: those who offer that little bit more and do not stop once you have found your property. They will give you advice on local doctors, shops, the general community or simply find you decent builders or handymen if that is what you need. Just fill out our short property form and we will help you along the way to finding your dream home:

http://www.francebuyingguide.com/property.htm

Secondly, think about what you would really like and be prepared for it. Think carefully. You might crave a rural, seemingly idyllic situation with no immediate neighbours, great views and lots of land for example. That may be wonderful but do think about the winters too. Are you the sort of person who likes to socialise, have some activities nearby or are you fine on your own, loving the peace and quiet? It is horses for courses naturally and whereas some people may love their privacy and semi-isolation, others may find it harsh in all seasons and this could make the difference to your successful life in France. It may be better to be within striking distance of a vibrant village or town for example. Also, if you have any intention of renting your property out you may need to factor this into your decision.

Thirdly, think about money. You need to make sure you have enough to live on if you are retired or at least have a plan to earn money, perhaps by running a small B&B or a gite. You need to make sure your pension is transferable and, if you have other assets or savings, it is vital to make them work for you in the best way. To this end, we recommend consulting an Independent Financial Advisor and here again I can help you. We have a superb firm we recommend to our readers who aim to get all your finances in ship-shape order for you. Do let me know if you would like to take advantage of this service or indeed any other resources by clicking here: http://www.francebuyingguide.com/resources.htm

Fourthly, think about the cost of living. In general of course property in France is 40% cheaper than the UK so that is a very good start. Also the overall cost of living compared to the UK is about 30% lower. Fuel costs are almost the same now (they used to be cheaper) but remember there is no road tax and the roads are far far less crowded so your petrol should go further! Food is again not as cheap as it used to be but the markets are wonderful, with an abundance of fresh produce. Utility bills are generally less and the 2 taxes that all property owners pay, taxe d’habitation and taxe fonciere, together amount to far less than our Council Tax! There is a wealth of information on all this in our France Buying Guide: to get your copy click here: http://www.francebuyingguide.com

Fifthly, think about speaking French and communication generally. The French love it when we try to speak their language and, contrary to popular thought, you will not find any prejudice. Most communities welcome English people with open arms and, as long as you make the effort to integrate, you should end up with some firm friends. For more help with the language, read on and check out my piece later on in this newsletter on understanding French!

Finally, be positive, do your homework and make an effort. You have a lot on your side: France is still one of the most popular countries of the world to live in and retire to in terms of lifestyle, climate, health and cost of living. Invite your French neighbours over, find out about them and get involved in local events. Take a look at small adverts in local supermarkets for classes, charities, gyms, dancing events etc. Communities tend to be smaller in France and a jolly “Bonjour” will set you on your way to a new activity and also to new and hopefully lasting friendships.

Perhaps you are still wondering whether to take the plunge or you have already decided to do so but cannot quite decide on which area? Perhaps you have already found your holiday home and have some hints and tips to share with our readers? Perhaps you have a funny story? Whatever it is, I would just love to hear from you. Please write me an email and I promise you will hear back from me:

mailto:Alexis@overseasguidescompany.com

A currency strategy – why on earth would someone need this?

by Smart Currency’s Charles Purdy.

Simple really. When you buy a UK property you know exactly how much you will need to pay for the property and as such you can plan accordingly.

With a foreign property you will have to pay in another currency; for example Euros or US$’s, which means changing sterling into that currency at a specific exchange rate. However, that exchange rate moves every minute of the day and sometimes the movement can be quite dramatic. You will have used the rate on the day that you first thought of buying…If the exchange rate moves against you (which has been the case with sterling recently) you can suddenly find that you need a lot more sterling to buy your foreign currency and pay for your property than you had originally envisaged.

Hence the need for a currency strategy which will allow you to target exchange rates, focus on timing and secure a favourable exchange rate when available. The currency strategy will take a lot of the risk of increased costs out of the equation and at the same time reduce stress which is always welcome!

The best way to develop a currency strategy is to talk to an expert such as Smart Currency and discuss all the different permutations that are available to you. You will then be able to make an informed decision about your currency transaction thus minimising your costs…and your stress level.

To read the latest on Serling and the Euro go to: http://www.FranceBuyingGuide.com/Currency280808.htm

Why overseas property buyers lose money...
...and how you can avoid it!

This 10-page educational report outlines:

• Case Study: When Property Buyer, Mr Reed, Purchased an Overseas Property, he Made Three Mistakes that Cost Him £10,256...learn how you can avoid them...
  
  
• How the Banks make HUGE profits from their long-standing unsuspecting customers
  
  
• Ways to safeguard yourself against adverse fluctuations in exchange rates (or in other words, helping you to keep your money in your pocket)
  
  
• The entire process of moving money from the UK to any overseas location, so that you're armed with all the knowledge you need to make intelligent decisions about your money
  
  
• How you can ultimately save £100’s and £1000’s so that you have ample money to buy furniture and white goods…
  
  
• More case studies of people that lost money due to foreign currency strengthening against the pound, so that you learn from other peoples mistakes rather than your own!
  

And just a couple remarks about the report from our readers...

" We have found your free report to be extremely helpful... Wendy Watson"

"I have read and absorbed the information in the stories outlining the mistakes which the uninitiated can make when transferring currency. It is very illuminating and essential that any one,like myself, who is in the process of buying an overseas property should be aware of. I would go so far as to say that every agent selling overseas properties should be compelled to advise their prospective purchasers that it is paramount that they use a currency expert such as yourselves. Regards, Eric Thomas"

To get a copy of the report at no charge go to: http://www.smartcurrencyexchange.com/freereport.htm

To get a Better-than-Bank rate go to: http://www.smartCurrencyExchange.com/smartsquotation.htm
or call Carl on 08081 630 102 freephone.

This month’s truly beautiful dream French home!

This lovely house is situated in a charming village in the Dordogne. Although only one floor at the moment you could develop the attic, which is equal in size to the ground floor and is already equipped with electricity.

This is rural French living at its best: a wonderful area with village life on the doorstep and the beautiful town of Perigueux very close by. It is about an hour from Bergerac airport too.

The price? Just a little over €224,000 and a little bird tells me all reasonable offers will be seriously considered.

If you would like to find out more about this lovely property or others like it - anywhere in France - simply send me your property form and I will put you in touch with our recommended agents straightaway. What are you waiting for?!

http://www.francebuyingguide.com/property.htm

Financial Planning – make YOUR plan come together….

Don’t you just love it when a plan comes together? With August the dampest in a hundred years, wouldn’t it be wonderful to jet away to your place in the sun for brighter times? If only buying abroad was that easy….or is it? Well, 35,000 of us Brits did so last year, according to the ‘Second Homes Abroad 2008’ report.

However, has the family agreed on the motive for buying? Is it a heart pounding, emotional fuelled, lifestyle purchase? Or is it a level-headed, pragmatic, money making decision? The majority of people probably want it all - the best of both worlds! However, that peaceful mountain retreat might not rent like the hedonistic beach front apartment…or should it be the city centre apartment which could rent well…but then…do you really want to stay in the business district?

Whatever motivates the purchase, there are certain principals that you should bear in mind, namely what liability are you taking on and can you afford it? With 80% of overseas purchases being mortgaged, make sure you choose the correct bank to fund your purchase. This can save you thousands in the long run. Do you need a bank that can facilitate re-finance? What about over-payments, what about off-setting income against mortgage costs? Is there a robust legal process and who should represent you? Cut costs here and you could lose the lot. Also, have you considered what type of property rents well in your chosen area: apartments or villas? These and many other factors need serious consideration upfront.

The bottom line is that all of the above involves money and lots of it, so talking to professionals is the key. This is a big commitment with big responsibilities. How does it fit into your overall financial plan? Speak with financial advisors who have overseas property experience (not all do), and are familiar with property investment strategies. Understanding the full financial commitment you are taking on, you can then feel confident that you are buying within your budget and not be in for any shocks along the way.

Your plan will only come together if you actually have one…and then stick to it! Even when buying the holiday home of your dreams the numbers must work… you must understand them, work them out in advance, and then confidently buy.

Just go to http://www.FranceBuyingGuide.com/resources.htm if you would like me to put you in touch with a really brilliant IFA…

Happy hunting!

Understanding the French and – er – French

As the great French playwright Moliere said: “If you make yourself understood, you are always speaking well.”

I know that the common perception is that the English are particularly bad at learning another language. I sometimes think that the reason for this is that, wherever you go in the world, there is someone who can speak a few words of English...so why then go to the trouble?

However, it really is worth your while to learn a few words if you are planning on spending any time in France at all - here are a few reasons why you should:

• First and foremost, almost more than almost any other nation, the French will appreciate you taking the time and trouble to learn their beloved language and will respond to you warmly if you do.

• Did you know that French and English are the only languages spoken on every continent of the world? French is spoken in Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Canada, the Caribbean, parts of Southeast Asia (Vietnam especially), North-Western and Central Africa, in fact in some 33 countries worldwide. So being able to speak French is an asset for anyone interested in working or travelling internationally as well as to France.

• French fashion designers, artists, writers, musicians, chefs and film makers have had a wide influence in the United Kingdom, United States and the rest of the world. Impressionist painters like Monet, musicians like Ravel and Boulez, novelists like Flaubert and Camus have had an influence on world culture too..

• French and English are related languages in a sense, because French is a Latin language with German and English influence, while English is a Germanic language with Latin and French influence. There are many similarities, and of course a common alphabet…so it should be easier than learning Chinese or Hebrew!

• The Norman conquest of 1066 had a dramatic effect on English language. When William the Conqueror became king of England, French took over as the language of the court, administration, and culture - and stayed there for 300 years! Many people don’t realise how much French has influenced English - think of words like toilette, rendezvous, fiancé, crème de la crème, bon voyage, brunette, c'est la vie, and cuisine...all are French words!

How can you learn French-easily? Well, your interest in France and your desire to buy a property there will certainly give you a really good motive...I was told by a Frenchman that the easiest way to learn French is the French KISS...not that I'm recommending that to you as a necessity…..

Joking aside, all you need to do is:

• Choose a good tool to help you along - books, on-line courses, DVD’s, CD’s - or you may decide to go on a French course

• Have a French radio station on everywhere, at home, in the car, listen out in shops when in France

• Play yourself some French songs whilst you are mooching about the house. Check out Jacques Brel singing “Ne me quitte pas” (OK, he is Belgian but his French songs are both romantic and nostalgic – plus he has a wonderful voice! Also Georges Brassens (http://georgesbrassens.artistes.universalmusic.fr) wrote some really quaint folk songs

• Watch French TV – watch anything: films, news, documentaries, the weather, children’s TV, it really doesn’t matter as long as you get regular exposure to the language

• And then one magic day, you will find yourself speaking a few words to your neighbour...!

I am convinced that one of the main reasons that people decide to come back to the UK after moving to France is that they do not speak the language enough to properly integrate. Communication is terribly important not only for the official business of buying- the ins and outs etc - but for your everyday well being, making friends and integration into the community.

And remember this: France is something of a bureaucratic country. However maddening this can be at times, you can turn it around: for example, should you have to go to the mayor (mairie) to find out anything about your property, your land or simply to register for any course or local festivity, use the time you are there to practise your French. Listen to the way they explain things, the expressions they use. There you have it - perhaps your first French lesson!

Did you know that when English people speak French with a strong English accent – even though it sounds pretty awful to us – the French apparently find it very alluring, in the same way that a French accent in English is often so attractive! So go ahead, practise on everyone you meet, you will probably soon find yourself with some great new French friends.

Do you have any funny stories about your attempts to speak French? Do you have any good language tips? Do share them with our readers, our forum is the place. Just click on this link:
http://www.fbg-forum.com

Insurance is essential…

Disaster could strike if you ignore your overseas property insurance

Would you be brave (or stupid?) enough to leave your home in the UK uninsured? So why do many of us buying a home abroad immediately assume that the rules are different because the sun is shining? Risks still exist. Regardless of whether your property is occupied, unoccupied or let - short or long term - you need comprehensive property insurance and cover against potential liabilities.

We work with an insurance company who offer policies that are specifically designed to meet the needs of the overseas property market. Flexibility is central to an insurance company’s cover, and comprehensive building and content insurance allows you to live in your property, leave it unoccupied or let it out - short or long term. The policy also covers loss of rent plus emergency travel and accommodation in the event of a major claim. For additional peace of mind these policies are underwritten by one of the world’s leading insurers, Norwich Union.

No language barriers
Understanding exactly what a policy includes, even in English, can be a feat in itself. Add to this the complication of an unfamiliar language and the stress associated with making a claim and the whole process could be doubly hard. Documentation is entirely in English and all claims and enquiries are reported to and resolved by a UK-based, English speaking support team.

Community Insurance can be misleading
Local Community Insurance cover can be deceptive. It is designed to protect communal areas such as boundary walls, entrances and staircases (in the case of apartments), but not as comprehensive cover for your specific property. It is invariably written in the language of the country of purchase, which makes it hard to fully understand what the cover includes. Owners can mistakenly believe that Community Insurance covers their home, only discovering too late that it does not.

Essential Liability cover
Comprehensive cover is also ideal for anyone who lets their property, particularly with the current trend toward litigation. The policy offered automatically includes £2,000,000 Public Liability cover, far in excess of many other European policies. In Spain for example, the amount is typically 30,000€, approximately £20,000.

To get a quote from our recomended insurance company simply click here: Insurance Quote

Closing

I do hope your holidays are proving fun and restful. I will be off to France again soon and then of course a quick reminder that we have the France Property Exhibition coming up at Olympia, London from September 12th to 14th.

We will be there on Stand 183 so if you are in the area, please come along and say hello and receive your FREE UPDATED MINI-GUIDE plus we can talk about our favourite subject: France!

If you cannot make the Exhibition, simply click on this link to get your copy of our great updated France Buying Guide: http://www.francebuyingguide.com/guide.htm

It is easy to buy it online and you will not be disappointed: it holds literally everything anyone would need to know about buying in France.

Before I go, I wanted to ask you if you have any friends that are in the process of buying property overseas, or may even just be thinking of it? If you have, please 'spread the OGC word'. There is no better recommendation than that of a friend and it would be great if you could inform people about the Overseas Guides Company so that they too can benefit from our services.

All you need to do is ask your friend to click on the following link:

http://www.francebuyingguide.com/france2.htm

or email me their name, email address and phone number and I will contact them to see how we can help make the buying process a much easier and less stressful experience.

In the meantime, please keep those emails coming or just pick up the phone for a chat. I wish you well with all your France plans and will always be delighted to help you.

Kind regards till next time,

Alexis
France Buying Guide
The Overseas Guides Company Ltd
0207 898 0549 (call me!)
mailto:Alexis@overseasguidescompany.com