Hi Sharon and David, sorry haven't replied sooner but as you know getting the keys to your property is just the start, still lots to organise and sort out, in a good way of course!
I would personally like to thank you both for the excellent service and connections your company has provided.
I have written a brief overview of our experiences, here goes...
3 months from dream to reality:
I think back over the years when the children were young and the many holidays in France from tents to gites, I hate to think about the amount of money I've spent on accommodation over that time.
In recent year's its just been the wife and I, still visiting that wonderful country and with retirement not too far in the distance, we found ourselves looking in the estate agents windows every new area we would visit and surprised at what great value for money house prices were, particularly in the countryside areas, where little work opportunities were to be had!
So last year we decided next time we went away to make it a house hunting holiday. This is when we first became aware of Cle France. Choosing an area to visit we looked online for suitable properties' and with just a click a request for viewing was answered promptly.
This is when Cle France comes into its own. English/French speaking they organised all times and viewings with the local agent in the different areas. All that was left was to turn up on time at the agents office.
On the whole most agents spoke English making it easier for question and answers on site but
If we needed more detail Cle France would ask your questions and give you feedback normally within 24hrs.
Just a word of warning, if the property looks unbelievable cheep then there's probably a very good reason but that's not to say, you still can get very good value for your money.
Although our first trip didn't bear fruit, it was an invaluable insight into the whole process and what to look for next time to suit your needs.
What the Cle France site does really well is to give you regular updates on new properties available in your selected price range and area.
This made our search so much easier for next time around. When a property came up that matched our criteria and then with a few more background checks made by Cle France, we had no hesitation booking an appointment and hopping on a plane for a long weekend viewing.
On viewing the property and area, both my wife and I had no hesitation in our decision, so putting in an offer.
This again is when the Cle France support and services were invaluable and without fault!
From their remortgage advisor Tim Durkin, whose excellent advise and service meant we had the money required in our bank account in less than a month for a cash purchase.
Also there was the need for money exchange, again, Cle France put us in touch with a trusted company to deal with all those matters again without any issues. The only depressing factor was the volatility of the pound v euro!
Finally their local estate agent in the area selling the property has changed my view of estate agents for ever, she took us through the whole process, from offer to completion and provided translation and intermediated on our behalf along the way. I cant thank her enough, It made the whole journey of what seemed a very daunting process, to an effortless delight. Even now, after the sale is complete the agent still supports us in our needs. You couldn't ask for anymore.
So from the First viewing to having the keys was just under 3 months, an amazing feat of professionalism from all those involved and many thanks everyone.
Well done Cle France!
Paul Davidson.
Buying a House 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"!
