Avoid mistakes. Understand how the French real estate buying process works with ESREA France
Here is a bit of expensive French real estate:
The Most Expensive Castle in France just sold for over 275 million euros.
It is called Le Château Louis XIV
This impressive property looks towards the past but was not built far in the past. It was constructed between 2008 and 2011. Located in Louveciennes, in the Yvelines department of France, on a plot of 23 hectares. The living area of the property is a huge 5000 m².
Watch the video for lots of detail. (Narration is in the French language)
In Spain there is an abandoned farm that is a site of cutting-edge energy technology. Could this same technology be used in France?
The new farmhouse under construction in Spain will eventually be powered partly by the owners’ poop. Yes, we are not kidding.
Moving money to and from France can be expensive. It is even more expensive if you are dealing with large sums that are involved in the purchase or sale of French real estate.
We have been speaking with a number of English speaking Currency Exchange Providers who work in the French marketplace and we have learned some tips we want to share with you:
One
Know the amount, frequency and speed of transfer you need
The amount, frequency and speed of a transfer you need and in addition if it is a recurring transfer can change the cost for you. Make sure you know what you need before you look for a quote. Is it a mortgage payment? A pension transfer?
Two
The high cost can be hidden
Not every exchange service offers the same exchange rate, which changes by the second so you need to know the exchange rate in your quote. Sometimes the exchange rate is hiding additional fees. Ask a currency transfer specialist how they can help you ‘lock in’ the exchange rate.
Three
You can use your bank but check out currency providers before you decide.
Money transfers are not the specialty of banks, so, due to the increase in the demand for currency exchange in recent years specialists in currency transfer can offer attractive rates to you so you can avoid the typical high cost charged by a bank.
Four
Know the location
The cost of transfers between countries is higher and more complicated than within a country.
Five
Make sure the currency exchange provider is protecting your money
Get confirmation that the bank or currency exchange provider is protecting your money so your money will not be lost in the process due to economic or other problems that may arrive during the transfer.
At ESREA France we work to help people find their dream home in France with the assistance of our growing network of English speaking real estate professionals.
In line with the United Nations Conference on Climate Change taking place we offer 12 daily doses of actions steps we can all take to reduce negative climate change. This is the final day and we decided to offer a checklist with new ideas to help you continue to make a positive impact on the French climate.
Please consider taking these actions step and share the ideas with friends.
Today is day twelve
Easy Action Step Number Twelve
One
Install water aerators on each water faucet to reduce water usage. They are inexpensive. Prices for aerator and details on Amazon France
Two
Install a solar panel and connect to hot water tank to reduce energy cost of heating water
Three
Scheduling to wash clothing when machine is full and when possible chosing time when electricity is less expensive called ‘Heures Creuses’ as against ‘Heures Plein’. Contact your electricity supplier to see if this electricity option is available in your area.
Four
Wind dry clothing and brush clean patios and outdoor tiles when it is raining.
Four
Plan to reuse kitchen sinks and faucets during a renovation. When possible refinish cabinets and appliances instead of replacing.
Five
Make sure you have modern energy efficient appliances
Six
Block the exit of warm air from your French home using this type of dog
The temporary ‘Door Dog : ) ‘ is inexpensive. Prices for Boudin or “Chien”de porte details on Amazon Fr
Seven
Install a Nest learning thermostat
Nest Learning Thermostat Troisième Génération Amazon France
Nest Learning Thermostat, 3rd Generation Amazon UK
Nest Learning Thermostat, 3rd Generation Amazon Com
Eight
Choose a clean energy electricity supplier
Nine
Use natural waste wood insulation materials under flooring.
Ten
Have an energy efficiency audit done on home for free via GDF Suez Home Performance program and make any necessary upgrades.
Please do share the link to this checklist plus the links to tips one to eleven, together we always make a difference.
David and The ESREA France Team.
STOP and avoid this mistake when selling French real estate.
In France at this moment in time there is no completely united multiple listing service with a system that offers access to actual sale prices.
As a result many French property owners whether they are selling with an agent or on their own make the worst mistake possible when they are pricing their property.
The mistake is:
French property owners often look at comparable homes for sale on the market and using the ‘list price / for sale price’ as a guideline for their own pricing.
Experienced real estate professionals know that the list price of a property is not the sale price. It is just a wish.
Make sure if you are planning on selling your French real estate you get a professional opinion of value based on actual sale prices.
We can connect you with an English speaking French real estate agent contact us here
