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The French Property Network

Dec 8

How to Avoid the Brexit Risk Factor

For British buyers, a large fall in the Pound will increase the cost of your French property purchase.

Ahead of the Brexit vote on Tuesday 11th December we can ensure that you are fully protected against any currency volatility.

As we have seen, Pound Sterling is being driven primarily by Brexit headlines.

With the real possibility of a "no deal" looming, the Pound is vulnerable to a major fall.

You can secure a rate of exchange with us before the next Brexit blow, please get in touch so we can help you.

Click here for a free quote

Kind regards, 
David Evans 
Co-Founder of Cle France

If you are concerned about Brexit? download our "PDF Guide to Brexit" document.

Brexit Guide Download

Concerned about Brexit? download our "Buyers Guide to Brexit" PDF document.

For everything you need to know about French property visit www.clefrance.co.uk

Add CommentViews: 2208
Nov 26

Winter Motoring Safety Tips

If you are planning a viewing trip to France during the winter months then let us have a look at how you can avoid winter driving problems.

Of all the seasons, it is probably winter which presents the most challenging conditions for motorists. Falling temperatures combined with snow and ice can cause even the most experienced drivers a multitude of problems.

There are some simple steps we can all take in order to make motoring safer and more trouble free.

Did you know that when the time comes to insure your car in France we can supply the key points of your policy document in English - Find out more about our motor insurance.

Before you go out

Ensuring your windscreen, windows and mirrors are kept clean and free of snow or ice is a good starting point. And having wipers in good working order and a plentiful supply of water and winter-ready screen-wash should ensure your visibility isn’t impaired.

Remove any snow from your bonnet and roof as this can blow off at speed causing a hazard for you and other motorists.

Grip is going to be important and this means your tyres should be in a good condition. The legal limit for tread is 1.6mm but it is recommended that you have at least 3mm tread. In really wintry conditions, drivers may consider using snow chains or snow socks.

Plan your journey before you set off and give thought to locations which might be badly affected, such as flood prone areas, and monitor local weather forecasts.

Coping with winter weather

When roads are slippery it’s advisable to stay in as high a gear as possible and keeping your revs low. This reduces the chance of spinning your wheels and losing control.

Pay particular attention to your speed and the distance between you and the car in front. In wet conditions you should double the distance you normally would and in snow and ice distances should be up to 10 times further than normal.

As you approach a bend in the road you should have already slowed before entering the bend. If you do begin to skid, steer gently into it. For example, if the rear of the car is sliding to the right, steer to the right. Do not take your hands off the steering wheel or brake hard.

Dipped headlights should be used in heavy rain and snow – daytime running lights may not be adequate. And if visibility falls below 100m then use your fog lights.

Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security during a long journey in your nice and warm car. Keep an eye on the temperature outside and if it falls below freezing adjust your driving technique accordingly.

Even if you think frost has thawed, be aware that microclimates can occur on roads. For example, roads under bridges are often the first to freeze and the last to thaw.

Winter Driving

Avoid a breakdown

Cold weather can exacerbate underlying mechanical problems with cars so follow these tips to ensure your car is in good condition.

Check your fuel, oil, screen-wash and coolant levels before any journey, and keep an eye on your tyres. Make sure there is adequate tread and be alert to any uneven wearing as this can indicate problems with tyre pressures or steering.

And make sure your lights are working correctly – faulty bulbs or fuses could prevent your headlights, indicators or brakelights from working when you need them most.

Your brakes need to be in tip top condition for winter so if you notice they are becoming ‘spongy’, creating unusual noises, or if your car pulls to one side under braking then you should immediately get them checked by a mechanic. Even if you don’t encounter these symptoms keeping a check on how the pads are wearing is good practice.

Other warning signs to be aware of are ‘flaring’ engine revs during hard acceleration (which could mean a slipping clutch), intermittent knocking or droning sounds (possibly a worn wheel bearing), engine hesitation (may indicate a fuel system problem), or engine stutter (could indicate deteriorating spark plugs or spark plug leads).

More immediate problems can be indicated by a loud knocking noise from the engine – in which case you should stop your car and check the oil level on flat ground, topping up with a suitable grade of engine oil if you’re below the minimum on the dipstick.

What to pack in the car

A list of essentials which the RAC recommends you should carry in your car includes:

Ice scraper
​​Torch and spare batteries
Warm clothes and blankets
​High-visibility jacket
​Boots with good grip
​First aid kit
Jump start cables
Empty fuel can
Food and drink
Shovel
Reflective warning sign
Road atlas
Sunglasses
Phone charger

Here are some French words that might be useful to you

La ceinture de sécurité - Seat belt

Le klaxon - horn

Le volant - the steering wheel

Le tableau de bord - the dashboard

Le clignotant - the turn signal/indicator

Le phare - the headlight

Le rétroviseur - the rearview mirror

Le frein - the brake

Le capot - the hood

Le coffre - the trunk

Le pneu - the tire

Le pare-brise - the windshield

L’essuie glace (m) - the windshield wiper

Le permis de conduire - driver’s license

La plaque d’immatriculation - license plate

Démarrer - To start (the ignition)

There are also certain phrases that might be useful if you fall into any problems while driving in France. Hopefully, you’ll never need to use some of the following phrases!

L’autoroute est payante - The highway charges tolls.

Je suis en panne d’essence - I ran out of gas.

Il faut que je fasse le plein - I need to fill up the tank.

J’ai un pneu crevé - I have a flat tire.

C’est un feu vert/rouge - It’s a green/red light.

Il faut gonfler les pneus - The tires need to be inflated.

Il y a un problème de freins - There’s a problem with the brakes.

Le pare-brise est cassé - The windshield is broken.

Ma voiture est en panne - My car broke down.

If you are traveling this summer, amusez-vous bien et bon voyage!

More advice

For more winter driving advice you could visit the RAC’s winter driving pages.

Did you know that when the time comes to insure your car in France we can supply the key points of your policy document in English and with our English staff and English Speaking Staff you will have the easiest of times contacting and sorting out any insurance claims that you may have in the future, we hope you don't have to claim but if the need arises you can be assured of a quick and easy service in your own language.

Find out more about our motor insurance.

Cle France Logo

For everything you need to know about French property visit www.clefrance.co.uk

Add CommentViews: 2425
Nov 26

Cle France – The Best Choice I Ever Made

When I started looking for a property a broad search came up with a number of alternatives for assistance in the quest.

Having opted for the team at Cle, I became more and more impressed as time went by.

I had narrowed down the area I was looking in but the search was complicated by the fact that I had a limited time each visit I made to view properties and this was further compounded by these trips being at relatively short notice. Despite these constraints Sharon from Cle France managed to arrange viewings that completely filled the time which made the trips very efficient and resulted in finding the property I am now the proud owner of. This was not in the area I had originally looked at but I am very pleased that I chose to widen the search.

I had a good deal of technical assistance from David at Cle France and received some excellent advice on some aspects of work that would need to be done and the necessity to carefully analyse of what I should take on by myself and what would be best left to local artisans. It may have ended up in my enthusiasm getting the better of me.

All in all the process was very well handled and in a friendly manner, despite my uncharacteristic grumpiness at the start when the first property was sold immediately before I went to see it. They were also able to connect me with surveying professionals (thanks Nick Warner) and I would recommend the legal assistance that is suggested in the comprehensive Cle Guide, because I would have been extremely stressed without it, so a big thank you to Loic Raboteau.

Any extra cost is more than made up for in the peace of mind it brings. In summary the experience was amazing with the Cle France Team.

Expert help, because they really do know what they are talking about. Amazing backup and encouragement and able to help with every aspect of your adventure.

Many thanks, Andrew.

SLD02457

Psst - Have you seen our new "Meet the Team" page?

Buying a Chateau, Manor House, Farmhouse, Cottage, Holiday Home, Lake or just a Plot of land in France is easy with Cle France, You can do the same, it is easy for you because WE guide YOU through the French Property Buying Process from the very start to completion and beyond!

And as several of our clients say "Follow your heart and make the move"!

Thank You Cle France

For everything you need to know about French property visit www.clefrance.co.uk

Add CommentViews: 2407
Nov 20

A big Thank You to all at Cle France and Key Currency

Hi Sharon,

Many thanks for your email regarding our French property purchase, and a big thank you to all at Cle France and Key Currency and the agent in France, the whole process went smoothly far simpler than in the UK and we were provided with an interpreter at the Notaires, so understood all the process once again a big thank you and we have recommended you many times since.

Kind Regards Ronnie & Jan.

Psst - Have you seen our new "Meet the Team" page?

Buying a Chateau, Manor House, Farmhouse, Cottage, Holiday Home, Lake or just a Plot of land in France is easy with Cle France, You can do the same, it is easy for you because WE guide YOU through the French Property Buying Process from the very start to completion and beyond!

And as several of our clients say "Follow your heart and make the move"!

Thank You Cle France

For everything you need to know about French property visit www.clefrance.co.uk

Add CommentViews: 2384
Nov 20

Buying in France was Easier than Buying in England

Hi Sharon,

I found buying our property in France easier than buying in England.

The French estate agents were kind, professional, and worked on our behalf to make things go as smoothly as possible. We didn't have to worry about 'gazumping' or anything as stressful or as game changing, everything was straight forward.

It was very helpful to be able to phone Sharon from Cle France to interpret the initial offer form, and to use the insurance company they recommended.

I felt throughout the buying process that I was well guided and that there would be help if I needed it.

I would recommend buying a property through Cle France.

Helen.

Psst - Have you seen our new "Meet the Team" page?

Buying a Chateau, Manor House, Farmhouse, Cottage, Holiday Home, Lake or just a Plot of land in France is easy with Cle France, You can do the same, it is easy for you because WE guide YOU through the French Property Buying Process from the very start to completion and beyond!

And as several of our clients say "Follow your heart and make the move"!

Thank You Cle France

For everything you need to know about French property visit www.clefrance.co.uk

Add CommentViews: 2146

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