2012 events so far
Posted by janet on Feb 19, 2012 in Blog | 7 comments
Normally January is dead. The weather is dry but cold. The people are broke after Christmas and New Year. I had decided to hand in my notice and go freelance. My final week rolled up and it was Friday. Three really good clients came in and I agreed to show one couple around a property on the Friday afternoon and the two...
How to read a French property ad!
Posted by janet on Feb 6, 2012 in Blog | 93 comments
Ever read a French property brochure and wondered what all of those phrases mean? Wonder no more – here you have a long list of the most common words. If you find something that is not in the list, send me an email and I will send you a definition. Share Tweet 2, 3, 4 pièces 2, 3 or 4...
Festive thoughts from Abroad
Posted by janet on Dec 29, 2011 in Blog | 91 comments
In England, it was always our tradition to attend the Christmas morning service at our local church. For me, this was always the best time of the whole Festive Season. The turkey was in the oven, the presents had been appreciated. If something hadn’t been bought of our thought of at that stage, then it was far too late or...
What is in store for the French property and mortgage markets in 2012
Posted by janet on Dec 14, 2011 in Blog | 194 comments
International Private Finance : News is the source of this article 2011 has undoubtedly been a turbulent year in the financial markets which have had an impact on many people’s decisions as to whether or not they will proceed with their dream purchase in France. However, uncertainty and austerity in the UK as well as low...
France remains a good place to invest
Posted by janet on Dec 12, 2011 in Blog | 163 comments
After twelve years of increase, the price of French property has attained a record new level: between 1998 and 2011 French property prices have risen by 141%. Is this a property bubble which is about to burst? In view of the squeeze on property prices in the UK and the uncertain exchange rate between the Euro and the Pound,...
I dont understand the French
Posted by janet on Nov 6, 2011 in Blog, Uncategorized | 489 comments
I have been working an an agent commercial immobilier now since 2004. In the beginning, we had our own website and oodles of Brits who were looking for holiday homes. They all had good budgets and nearly all of them bought. Life was good. Things started going haywire in August 2009 when the foreign buyers suddenly all...
A lifelong love…
Posted by janet on Sep 3, 2011 in Blog | 0 comments
I have always loved making things. This love came from my family. My mother made all my clothes – even into my 20′s, looking back over the family photo albums when clearing out the house after her death, I was amazed how industrious she had been. Chunky cardy and scarf for when I went on a training course in the...
Sunshine and visits
Posted by janet on Aug 12, 2011 in Blog, Uncategorized | 1,001 comments
Back at work again after a week in the garden and 30 degrees of sunshine ! There is a system of ‘permanences’ at the agency. Each of the four agents who work in Century 21 Orthez takes either a full morning slot or a half afternoon slot. Every email enquiry, telephone call or people walking through the door...
How to buy your French home
Posted by janet on Aug 7, 2011 in Blog, Uncategorized | 329 comments
Establish your budget and keep it real! When you are looking for a property there are a number of important things to bear in mind: primarily to be selective and then keep it simple. There are thousands of properties for sale in the area you love but you should only look at ones that are in your price range and that are priced...