Selling French Property
The importance of accurate valuation and knowledge of the market in French cannot be
overstated if you wish to succeed in finding a buyer. All too often a vendor
can lose out either by failing to sell because the price is too high for French or by failing to
achieve the best price through asking too little in the French market. Today's buyers are more sophisticated and better
informed than they used to be and it takes considerable negotiating skills to achieve sales.
Buying or selling a home in French is likely to be the biggest financial transaction most of us are ever involved in and the stakes are high. Without careful planning or clear thought, buying a property can turn into a nightmare of gargantuan proportions.
Surveys and solicitors fees aren’t cheap and one mistake can cost you thousands.
A successful move first depends on the strength of the relationship. A thorough discussion of the following issues will help ensure a decision that satisfies the needs of both parties.
How will the move impact your careers? If you are a professional couple, consider how an international career move will impact both careers:
• Find out the rules for obtaining work permits and working in specific fields.
• Consider how developing one career can cause another to slow down, stagnate, or even end.
• Discuss how having a chief breadwinner may change the balance in the relationship.
• If there is no guarantee that you both can work, are there other things that the non-working spouse can do? This may be the perfect opportunity to review career choices, explore freelancing opportunities, try a distance learning program, develop new hobbies, or volunteer. Regardless of destination, all communities need volunteers, and volunteering is a valuable way to meet new people and keep your resume fresh.
What are the employer’s job expectations? Because employment customs and laws vary from country to country, learn as much as possible about the job expectations beforehand. What about work on holidays, weekends, and evenings? Ask the employer about social opportunities provided by the company. Some companies have extensive networks to help families integrate into the new community. Others don’t.
How will new salary compare to cost of living? Even if you’re contemplating living abroad for the experience only, determine your spending power in and out of the country. If you’re moving for the money, find out how your new salary compares to the cost of living.
When household income is reduced to one source, you may be worse off than at home. If you can visit the country before accepting the job, seek out the local haunts. Visit a grocery store and compare the prices to those back home. Ask your spouse to discuss housing costs with the employer. Check to see if the job offer includes a housing allowance and a cost of living adjustment in addition to the salary.
What will be the living arrangements and costs? Research housing costs. If you need to bring furniture, what kind? For example, leather furniture doesn’t do well in hot and humid climates.
If a relocation consultant is part of the deal, ask lots of questions before arriving. Ask about services and utility charges. Knowing what to expect limits frustrations and gives you time to prepare contingency plans, like opting for gas instead of electricity.
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French Property For Sale
The overseas property market - including French - is a continually growing sector with statistics stating that
1 in 5 families will potentially own a property abroad within the next 10 years -
this represents an excellent opportunity for sellers to take advantage with their property for sale in French.
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