real estate agents Money

Feds probe real estate agents - Apr. 22, 2005 Web CNN/Money Buying & Selling Investment Property Home Improvement Million $ Life Financing Best Places SAVE | EMAIL | PRINT | SUBSCRIBE TO MONEY | Feds probe real estate agents Money magazine investigation shows Justice Dept. looking into anticompetitive practices. April 22, 2005: 5:27 PM EDT By Jon Birger, Money Magazine NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Did you pay your real estate broker too much? The U.S. Department of Justice may be set to turn Tulsa, Okla. into a test-case for ending the stranglehold 6 percent commissions have over the real estate brokerage business. MONEY has learned that Justice's Antitrust Division is gathering information on the bully tactics that full-commission brokers in Tulsa allegedly use against their discount rivals to discourage commission-cutting. The probe follows other recent efforts to spur competition in the real estate industry. According to a copy of a Justice Department subpoena obtained by MONEY, federal investigators are seeking information on "possible anticompetitive conduct in the provision of real estate services in the Tulsa area" as well as "documents related to refusal to cooperate on real estate transactions." An Antitrust Division spokeswoman confirmed the existence of the investigation but declined to provide additional details. Al Unser, executive director of the Greater Tulsa Association of Realtors said: "We received a CID [civil investigative demand] from the Justice Dept. and we have responded." Economists who study real estate, such as the University of Cincinnati's Norm Miller, believe anti-competitive behavior is the primary explanation for the persistence of the 6 percent commission. J.D. Smith and Bob Meyer are two Tulsa discount real estate agents who say they were interviewed by federal investigators. They say the investigators wanted information on full-commission agents' alleged refusal to show home-buying clients properties listed by discount brokers -- a tactic known as boycotting. Boycotting exploits the one major weakness of the multiple listing service. The MLS's upside is that it centralizes all homes for sale in a single electronic marketplace that can be accessed by all agents -- and these days by Web-savvy consumers as well. The downside is that brokers must depend on one another to help sell their homes, and that discourages them from undercutting each other's commissions. While boycotting the listings of discounters is generally considered an antitrust violation -- if undisclosed, it's also a breach of fiduciary duty to clients -- industry insiders are well aware that boycotting goes on, even if they claim not to condone it. For Smith, the Feds' investigation comes a year or so too late. His realty business on the brink of ruin, Smith recently abandoned discount brokerage and went back to charging 6 percent. "In one week," Smith said, "I've had more showings and more offers from other realtors than I had in the previous two months." The Tulsa investigation is part of an ongoing Antitrust Division foray into the sharp-elbowed realty world. In March, the Antitrust Division sued the Kentucky Real Estate Commission over a state law that prohibits real estate brokers from offering commission rebates to consumers. More recently, Assistant Attorney General R. Hewitt Pate sent letters to lawmakers and regulators in Oklahoma and Texas, urging them to reject proposals that would effectively prohibit brokers from engaging in limited-service or fee-for-service realty -- such as listing a home for sale on the multiple listing service for a flat fee of $500. Bruce Hahn, chairman of the American Homeowners Grassroots Alliance, argues that state prohibitions on rebates and fee-for-service discourage competition and inflate commissions paid by consumers. "We've talked to Justice, and we think what they're doing is tremendous," he said. E-mail Jon Birger at jbirger@moneymail.com. The Hot List Most profitable renovations How risky is your 401(k)? Big new tax credits for hybrid cars More Real Estate How to buy and build on rural land Most overvalued housing markets When booms go bust... contact us | magazine customer service | site map | glossary | RSS | press room OTHER NEWS: CNN | SI | Fortune | Business2.0 = Money subscribers = Premium content -- * - Time reflects local markets trading time. † - Intraday data is at least 15-minutes delayed. Disclaimer © 2005 Cable News Network LP, LLLP. A Time Warner Company ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Terms under which this service is provided to you. privacy policy Reprints of site stories are available. Top Stories Most overvalued housing markets Risks to the economy in 2006 Which was the worst ad of all in 2005? After the ride, a rest Hilton brands reunite after 40 years YOUR E-MAIL ALERTS Real Estate Antitrust Division Corporate Governance Oklahoma or Create your own Manage alerts | What is this?

Home For Sale

Real Estate for Sale from Government Surplus & Foreclosures on FirstGov.gov Skip to Main Content Skip to Government Search Skip to Bottom Nav Skip to Top Nav Bar-Right Aligned Skip to By Organization Skip to Contact Your Government Skip to Top Nav bar Skip to Reference Center Skip to Commercial Buildings and Land Skip to Farms and Ranches Skip to Single Family Homes Skip to State and Local Government Sales Search Government Websites Advanced Search Search Tips Home About Us Site Index Frequent Questions Help Español Other Languages By Organization » A-Z Agency Index Federal Executive Federal Legislative Federal Judicial Cross-Agency Portals State Government Local Government Tribal Government Contact Your Government » E-mail Phone In-Person Frequently Asked Questions more Reference Center » Data & Statistics Forms Graphics and Photos Laws & Regulations Libraries more Home > Shopping > Surplus & Foreclosed Real Estate Real Estate for Sale from Government Buy real estate that the government has seized or no longer needs, through public auction or other methods. Includes commercial buildings, investment properties, land, multifamily and single family homes, condominiums, mobile homes, farms, ranches and agricultural properties. On This Page Commercial Buildings and Land Farms and Ranches Single Family Homes State and Local Government Sales More Shopping Cars and Vehicles for Sale Government & Nonprofit Buyers Government Securities & Investments Sales by Agency Souvenirs, Books & Gifts for Sale Supplies & Equipment for Sale Commercial Buildings and Land Buy Commercial Real Estate and Land from the Federal Government Click on map to view properties for sale from the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Also links to other agencies' commercial real estate sales. Farms and Ranches USDA Farms and Ranches for Sale Search by state for farms, ranches, structures and agricultural properties for sale from U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Loan Program. Single Family Homes Buy Single Family Homes from the U.S. Government Click on a state to find homes for sale from the U.S. Departments of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Agriculture (USDA/Rural Development), and Veterans Affairs. Includes residential homes, condominiums and mobile homes. Single Family Home Sale Links to Various Federal Agencies Links to federal agencies selling homes: HUD, Veterans Affairs, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, General Services Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Small Business Administration, Army Corps of Engineers, Customs, U.S. Marshals and USDA. Back to Top State and Local Government Sales State and Local Surplus Property Sales Find state and local government surplus auctions. Important Notices Privacy Contact Us Suggest-A-Link Link to Us FirstGov.gov TM is the U.S. government's official web portal: Federal Citizen Information Center Office of Citizen Services and Communications , U.S. General Services Administration 1800 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20405 Questions about the federal government? Check our frequently asked questions , e-mail FirstGov or call 1 (800) FED INFO (1-800-333-4636)

Real Estate Broker

Atlanta Real Estate: Metro Brokers/GMAC Atlanta real estate, Georgia, brokers, agent, buckhead, atlanta mortgage, cobb, midtown, homes for sale -- Atlanta Real Estate & Atlanta Homes for Sale Metro Brokers/GMAC Real Estate Community Search Builders/Developers New Home Services for Agents Order relocation kit Who's who in relocation GM Family First Quote Form Claims Dictionary FAQ's Privacy notice Services offered Businesses for sale Commercial division info Property search Agent roster Who wants to be a millionaire? Comprehensive sales training Broker support Coaching Agent Testimonials Contact us A little history Marketing Communications Technology Office locations/directions Market share comps Company News Premier Service Have a question? Ask your online guide. E-mail Metro Mike. Learn how to schedule appointments online to see properties. Order our FREE 250+ page home guide with thousands of area homes for sale. Click here to learn how to get a Georgia real estate license for free! Click here to view your shopping cart or create a new account. Metro Brokers Financial offers competitive rates on a variety of mortgage products. Click here to prequalify! Search the largest database of Atlanta homes for sale 72,310 HOMES more than any other website! Database last updated Dec 29 2005 6:58AM Market Share Comps Metro Brokers/GMAC Real Estate grew its Atlanta real estate market share by one percent in 2004, while every other local residential realty company with at least 2,000 closings lost market share – one company by 15 percent. Over the last four years, Metro Brokers has increased its metro area market share by 3.4 percent – far better than any other local company. In fact, Atlanta’s other top 10 residential real estate companies experienced market share declines over that same period by an average of 23.5 percent. Metro Brokers did even better in specific real estate submarkets of Atlanta. The company saw double-digit market share gains in Butts, Cherokee, Coweta, Dawson, Douglas, East Cobb, Forsyth, Gilmer, Gwinnett, Henry, Intown Atlanta, Newton, North Fulton, Paulding, Rockdale, Walton and West Cobb. The company remains the Atlanta market share leader south of I-20, with nearly 1 out of every 4 homebuyers represented by a Metro Brokers sales associate. According to Metro Brokers President and CEO Kevin Levent, the primary reason for the company's market-leading growth is the increased productivity of its sales associates. "Our associates sold more homes in Atlanta than any other year in the history of our company," Levent said. "Our training programs are invigorating experienced real estate sales associates and helping new real estate licensees hit the ground running." Metro Brokers is also the largest license holder in the state of Georgia. The market share study was completed by Smart Numbers, an independent, Atlanta-based company that provides residential real estate information. Smart Numbers used closing data from MLS and FMLS to compile its report. Company News ATLANTA - Once again, the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (HBA) has selected metrobrokers.com Best Realtor Website in the Atlanta area for the fourth consecutive year. MetroBrokers.com was chosen by HBA’s judges for its functionality, ease-of-use and overall design. The only organization recognizing Atlanta companies for excellence in website design, the HBA has been promoting, protecting and preserving homeownership in the greater area since its inception in 1945. HBA is an affiliate of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), headquartered in Washington, D.C. During the last year, Metro Brokers became the first local company to successfully launch an appointment setting tool that allows homebuyers to schedule a showing while viewing a listing online. As a result, Metro Brokers has generated more than 2,000 real estate showing requests – a figure that’s 30 percent higher than the national average of other metro realty companies. REALTORS RESPOND TO METRO BROKERS’ NEW BILLBOARDS Joyce Hay of the Gwinnett office: “Awesome! Awesome! Awesome! I love the billboards. My clients think the boards are cool, too. They say it’s better than any other billboard they’ve ever seen and that Metro Brokers is far and above any other company.” Salim Lokhandwalla of the Tucker office: “It’s very eye-catching. The locations are excellent especially the one on I-85 south. If my 11 year old daughter notices it, I’m sure others will too.“ Jamie Hook of the East Cobb office: “It’s really impressive, especially when you have clients in the car and drive by it.” Radley Reiff of the Buckhead office: “I love it. I think it’s great for brand recognition…A perfect ‘10’.” Serrie Fields of the Stone Mountain office: “The billboard can’t be beat. It’s bold, easy to read in traffic and very visible. It makes our name well known in the community and reinforces our large market presence. I envision the billboards helping me on listing presentations when I mention them to customers.” Bo Krejci of the North Fulton office: “I think the billboard is great. It really pops out at you when you drive down GA-400. I can only imagine the impact on morning commuters as the traffic crawls by the billboard.” Real Estate Atlanta, Georgia

New Home

NOAA Home Page Thu December 29 2005 Home Contacts Media Disclaimer Search People Locator Home Page Menu Air Quality Aviation Charts Climate Coasts Contacts Disclaimer Diving Drought Fire Weather Fisheries Floods Hurricanes Jobs Lightning Meet the Administrator Navigation Ocean NOAA Leadership Past Weather Podcast Privacy Policy Question of the Month Research RSS Satellites Search this site Site Map Solar and Space Storm Watch Tornadoes Tsunamis Turtles Volcanoes Weather Weather Data Whales Site Map (includes pull-down menu text) NOAA RSS Podcasts Taking the Pulse of the Planet Your Local Forecast by City, State (not ZIP code) STORM WATCH Current Watches/Warnings Graphical Weather Maps and Other Weather Information Image of the Day • Meet the NOAA Administrator • NOAA Administrator's Speeches • NOAA Leadership • About NOAA • NOAA Strategic Planning • Annual Guidance Memo • FOIA • NOAA History • NOAA Organization Chart • Information Quality • Privacy Policy • Department of Commerce Emergency Information for NOAA Employees • Contracting • Employment • Diversity • Grants • NOAA National Weather Service • NOAA Satellites and Information • NOAA Fisheries • NOAA Ocean Service • NOAA Research • NOAA Marine & Aviation Operations • CIO/HPCC • Education Resources • Education and Sustainable Development • NOAA Corporate Services • General Counsel • Program Planning and Integration • IT Security • Legislative Affairs • NOAA Library • NOAA in Your State • Science Advisory Board • Employee Worklife Center • Hydrographic Services Review Panel • Media Contacts • News Releases • NOAA Background Info • Public Affairs • External Affairs • Story Ideas for Reporters NOAA TEACHER AT SEA PROGRAM LAUNCHES NEW WEB SITE NOAA’s Teacher at Sea program launched a new Web site, better enabling teachers from kindergarten through college to find and apply for opportunities to get first-hand research experience aboard NOAA hydrographic, oceanographic and fisheries research vessels. Teachers who sail aboard NOAA ships write daily logs of their experiences and e-mail them to the NOAA program coordinator. The new Web site’s main feature allows access to these logs, which include information about sea temperatures and other data, research of the day, and interviews with scientists and crew. Full Story Inside NOAA NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE UNVEILS NEW PRECIPITATION WEB PAGE — High-quality precipitation analyses used for flood forecasts, drought monitoring and climate trends are being made available on the NOAA National Weather Service Web site on a trial basis through June 2006. During this time, comments regarding the service will be collected to determine whether it effectively meets users' needs and whether the service should be continued after the trial period. News Story Archive - Home page stories 1999 - Present NOAA SATELLITES HELP KEEP COMPETITIVE SAILORS SAFE — The international Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking System (COSPAS-SARSAT) is giving an extra measure of safety for sailors competing in the worldwide Volvo Ocean Race. The SARSAT program is providing life-saving, alert capabilities for 21 emergency beacons, which were purchased by race organizers to use in the race. NOAA Magazine - The stories behind the headlines. Ocean Etiquette: Promoting Responsible Encounters with Living and Submerged Cultural Resources NOAA REPORTS WARMER 2005 FOR THE UNITED STATES, NEAR-RECORD WARMTH GLOBALLY: HURRICANES, FLOODS, SNOW AND WILDFIRES ALL NOTABLE — After a record-breaking hurricane season, blistering heat waves, lingering drought and a crippling Northeast blizzard, 2005 is ending as a warm year in the United States. It will come close to the all-time high global annual average temperature, based on preliminary data gathered by scientists at the NOAA National Climatic Data Center in Asheville, N.C. AccessNOAA - NOAA Employees Make a Difference Hurricane Katrina Environmental Impacts NOAA Conducts Aerial Photography Missions over Regions Affected by Hurricane Wilma NOAA Performs Aerial Survey of Regions Affected by Hurricane Rita NOAA Hurricane Katrina Support Activities; Aerial Photography Flights Yield Thousands of Images NOAA Hurricane Hunter Pilot Captures Katrina at Her Meanest Weather Watches, warnings, floods, hurricanes, Weather Radio... Ocean Coral reefs, tides, currents, buoys, marine sanctuaries, estuaries, diving, spills Satellites Real-time imagery, environmental, geostationary and polar satellites Fisheries Protecting marine mammals, sea turtles, habitats, statistics, economics, enforcement Climate El Niño & La Niña, global warming, drought, climate prediction, archived weather data, paleoclimatology Research Environmental labs , air quality, atmospheric processes, climate and human interactions Coasts Coastal services, products, Great Lakes, coastal zone management Charting & Navigation Nautical & navigational charts, mapping, remote sensing, safe navigation Question of the Month What is the difference between "Tide Charts" and "Tide Tables"? NOAA Answers Your Questions A new Web site to help you find NOAA information. • NOAA David Johnson Award — Nomination Deadline Dec. 1, 2005 • FY 2008 Annual Guidance Memorandum (PDF) • Economic Statistics for NOAA (PDF) — Fourth Edition 2005 • Strategic Plan for the U.S. Integrated Earth Observation System • NOAA 2006 Budget Request — "Blue Book" Online • Dept. Of Commerce Consistency Appeal of Islander East Pipeline Company (54-page PDF File) • NOAA Strategic Plan , 2005-2010 (PDF) • Coastal Zone Management Act Consistency Appeals • NOAA Cooperative Conservation • NOAA Climate Data at a Glance - Find 108 years of weather data for the U.S. • New England Red Tide Information Center • Search & Rescue Satellite-aided Tracking/Emergency Beacon registration - See how NOAA's SARSAT helps to save mariners, aviators and other people in distress. • NOAA and the Preserve America Initiative - Find out about the nation's oldest scientific agency. • NOAA Ocean Explorer - Ocean exploration without getting wet! • Beach Temperatures Drifting Iceberg Visit the NOAA Photo Library and view more than 40,000 images. Visit NOAA's Undersea Research Program, or NURP, where scientists investigate the undersea environment to put together the pieces of the ocean’s puzzle. Scientists use tools such as submersibles, remotely operated vehicles, mixed gas diving gear, underwater laboratories and observatories, and other cutting edge technologies to explore the undersea universe. The Emmy award-winning NOAA documentary, Saving Springer , is a remarkable and inspirational story about the work that NOAA does every day. Springer, a young abandoned killer whale, might have faced a solitary existence, left to make her way as best she could. Instead, the work and dedication of NOAA professionals gave Springer a new chance at life and helped her return to her family. Want to Know About NOAA? — You'll need RealPlayer to view this streaming video clip. Click here for video text. Presidential Visit to NOAA Wells Estuary in Wells, Maine. You'll need RealPlayer to view this streaming video. Click here for video text. NOAA Launches the First of Four Planned NOAA Fisheries Survey Vessels — You'll need RealPlayer to view this streaming video clip. Read the story . Publication of the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce . Last Updated: December 28, 2005 1:12 PM http://www.noaa.gov

Buy Property

Free information about buying French property - www.day-tripper.net £1 = 1.40 € Discount Tobacco In Adinkerke Book Hotels 1st Shop In Adinkerke Adinkerke Route 66 Tobacco Alley Tobacco Exit-5 Smokey's In Luxembourg Brazza Page Menu - Property Shows - Workshops - how to - Points to consider - buying - Terms - Land Measurements - SIRET numbers - Services - About us - Related pages Advertising Books / Maps Channel Hoppers Guides - £5.79 Related Pages - Property to Buy - Property to Rent Property to Buy - Points to consider when buying - Property Shows - Estate Agents - - Useful Words/Phrases Services - Architects - Builders / Property Maintenance - Finance - Foreign Exchange - House Insurance - Notary - Removals - Solicitors - Estate Agents - Other information - Hotels in France - French Tourist Offices New to Day-tripper.net? More About Eurotunnel Eurostar Norfolkline PO Ferries Seafrance Speedferries Updated: 24/9/05 Information on buying property (gites, cottages, chalets) in France - www.day-tripper.net the web magazine for visitors to France. French Property for sale Our interest is in the North West of France, in the departments of Nord (59), Pas-de-Calais (62), Picardie (80), Normandy - Seine-Maritime (76), Calvados (14), Manche (50), and Brittany - Ille-et-Vilaine (35), Côtes d'Armor (22), Finistère (29). If you are looking to buy or sell property in this part of France this page will give you the details. If your property is within 45 minutes drive of the port and you would like your gîte or apartment details to appear on this page - e-mail us with your details. We advertise properties for free, although a detailed page can be created with photographs and other details for which there is a charge ( more details ). ZEImmo , 41 rue de Boulainvilliers - 75016 Paris France. Tel: 0033 6 21 07 67 69 Book a fare - www.bestferryfares.com P&O Ferries Norfolk Line Useful outside links www.nexdom.com - Immobilier in France. www.french-property-news.com - French Property News. www.ouicanhelp.com - Any problem, anywhere, any time. www.french-property.com - . - www.infobilan.fr - SIRET numbers. Check if your artisan is legally registered and entitled to work in France. - www.apcm.com - Chambres de Métiers. - www.artisanatweb.com - About artisans in France. - www.avf.asso.fr - Settling in in France? This organisation can help. Aims include: To provide a “welcome service” for anyone who has moved to a new area. To help newcomers to meet new people. To improve the quality of life of each town and to contribute to the development of the region. AVF is a national association with 400 local branches throughout France, run by trained volunteers. - www.saynoto0870.com . www.dominican-republic-real-estate.net - Property for sale in Dominican Republic. North France - Nord (59), Pas-de-Calais (62), Picardie (80) Normandy - Seine-Maritime (76), Calvados (14), Manche (50) Brittany - Ille-et-Vilaine (35), Côtes d'Armor (22), Finistère (29) Riberac, Dordogne - Lectoure, Gers Calculation tools ( conversion tools ) Calculators (Entenial) Area Conversion Mortgage Calculator (Entenial) Notary Expenses (Entenial) Estate Agents Highly regulated in France, Estate Agents must be professionally qualified. Displayed in their office must be; his/her professional Charter (The Charter of Property and Business Transactions), Financial Guarantee document for at least 328,000 euro (if it is less than 328,000 euro he is not entitled to handle a clients money). Federation of Estate Agents (France); www.fnaim.fr . Pas-de-Calais Boulogne - Dieppe - Le Havre - Roscoff - Saint Malo France 123immo SA , 8 rue Jean Jaurès. 81470. Cuq-Toulza. France. Tel: 0033 826 00 31 31. Fax: 0033 563 70 82 86. Abbott Management (property search Provence), Tel: 020 7225 1995. Fax: 0207 225 1905. Fax: 0207 7225 1905. Agence Globe (Gers, Lot and Garonne), Tel: 0033 562 59 01 46. Fax: 0033 562 59 01 47. Agence Hamilton , Tel: 0033 468 72 48 38. Fax: 0033 472 62 26 68. Authentic France, 27 Gresham Road, London. E6 6DS. Tel: 020 8471 8600. Fax: 020 8471 8600. Agence Pierre Chretien - JB Transactions (Auvergne), 4 rue Montgolfier, 63600. Ambert. France. Tel: 0033 473 82 16 74. Fax: 0033 473 82 28 86. Agence Vallée des Rois (Loire Valley), rue de l'Hotel de Ville, 49250. Beaufort en Vallée, France. Tel: 0033 241 45 22 22. Fax: 0033 241 57 13 21. AGERIM Côte d'Azure, 6, av. de Suéde, F-06000, Nice. France - . Tel: 0033 497 03 04 05. Fax: 0033 493 88 26 26. AIMS INTERNATIONAL , Le Bourdonne, 53640. Le Horps. Mayenne, France. Tel: 0033 243 04 26 99. Alpine Apartments Agency, Tel: 01544 388 234. Alpine Residences (Alpine areas), 5 Sky Business Park, Eversley Way, Egham, Surrey. TW20 8RF. Tel: 01784 471 377. Fax: 01784 435 248. A House in France Ltd., - Tel: 020 8959 5182. Fax: -. Beaches International, Tel: 01562 885 181. Brittany - Tel: 0871 717 4163. Charente - Tel: 0871 717 4164. Normandy - Tel: 0871 717 4162. - Collot Immobilier , 7, rue Dragut, 20137 Porto Vecchio. Tel: 0033 495 70 30 47. Fax: 0033 495 70 30 47. (CORSICA) Sue ELLIOT , . Tel: 0033 553 61 91 89. Fax: -. Erna Low, Tel: 020 7584 2841. Francophiles, . Tel: 01622 688 165. Fax: -. FRENCH DISCOVERIES CHARENTE , . Tel: 0033 545 37 69 90. Fax: 0033 545 37 69 99. www.frenchpropertylinks.com , - FrenchProperty Service , property for sale on the net. - French Property Shop (South West France), Clergyhouse, Churchyard, ashford. TN23 1QG. Tel: 01233 666902. Fax; 01233 666 903. Hamptons, Tel: 020 7589 8844. Hexagon France Limited, Webster House, 24 Jesmond Street, Folkestone. Kent. CT19 5QW. (Brittany, Normandy, Pas-de-Calais, Picardie). Tel: 01303 221 077. Fax: 01303 244 409. J. B. French Houses (Brittany & Normandy), Tel: 02392 297 411. KBM Consultancy (Most regions), Unit C, South Cerney Business Estate, Broadway Lane, South Cerney. Glos., GL7 5NX. Tel: 08700 11 31 41. Fax: 08700 11 32 42. E-mail: Leigniel Immobilier, agence de Sens (Bougogne), 14, Place Victor Hugo . Tel: 0033 386 65 20 58. Fax: -. Latitudes French Property Agents , Grosvenor House, 1 High Street, Edgware. Middlesex. HA8 7TA . Tel: 020 8951 5155. Fax: -. Le Lion immobilier , 34, place du Lion d'Or. 59800. Lille. Tel: 0033 320 13 81 81. Fax: 0033 320 13 85 84. (Lille) Live France Group (Languedoc, Normandy and the Midi-Pyrénées), Tel: 0871 717 4143. in France, +33 (0)4 68 45 69 19. Maison Individuelle, Tel: 01707 376 255. Moore Direct Properties, 9 rue d'Auray, 56150. Baud. France. Tel: 0033 297 08 01 75. Fax: 0033 297 08 01 76. Normandy Search Agent, Tel: 0033 231 93 97 43. North and West France Properties - . Tel: 020 8891 1750. Fax: 020 8891 1760. Papillon Properties, Tel: 01799 527 809. Paris Dream Home , Tel: 020 7820 1337. PARIS PROPERTY OPTIONS, 19 Warrior Gardens, St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex. TN37 6EB. Tel: 01424 717 281. Fax: 01424 722 387. Properties in France , La Croix de Noël. 49390. Mouliherne. France. Tel: 0121 744 0820. Fax: -. PROPERTIES 47 LTD. (Lot-en-Garonne, Gers, Beziers), Piquepe, 47130. Bazens. France. Tel: 0033 553 95 86 23. Fax: 0033 553 95 22 58. Purlow's Gascony. Tel: 0033 562 67 61 50. Real Estate Languedoc - Agence Immobilière, 35, rue de la Fontaine. 34480. Saint-Geniès-de-Fontédit. FRANCE. Tel: 0033 467 36 34 28. Fax: 0033 467 36 34 02. La Résidence , 17 St Martin's Street, Wallingford. Oxford. OX10 0EA. Tel: 01491 838 485. RURAL RETREATS (Languedoc), Tel: 01524 812 359. Fax: 01524 812 662. Sifex (Southern France), . Tel: 020 7384 1200. Fax: 0207 384 2001. SIMONS (most regions) - PO Box 1737, Fordingbridge, Hampshire. SP6 3QN. Tel: 01425 653 355. Fax: 0870 705 8458. SINCLAIR OVERSEAS PROPERTY NETWORK , The Business Centre, PO Box 492, Leighton Buzzard, Beds., LU7 7WG . Tel: 01525 375 319. Fax: 01525 851 418. Snow & Sea, Tel: 020 7494 0706. Time on Your Hands , Property Search (Calvados, Charente-Maritime, Haute-vienne, Limousin, Poitou-Charente, Provence, Vendée). Transaxia - La Châtre, 178 Route Nationale, 36400. La Chatre . Tel: 0033 254 06 00 60. Fax: -. VEFUK , Tel: (UK) 020 7515 8660. Fax: -. VIALEX INTERNATIONAL IMMOBILIER LTD. , Rue Messager, 47470. Beauville. France. Tel: 0033 553 95 46 24. Fax: 0033 553 95 46 25. WATERSIDE Properties International Ltd. , . Tel: 01892 750 011. Fax: 01892 750 033. ZEImmo 41 rue de Boulainvilliers. 75016. Paris. France. Tel: 0033 6 21 07 67 69 Sort of properties offered 1 - Country house with pool (Tarn) 2 - 16th Century Chateau (Haute Garonne) Fax: 0033 - Web Site; www.zeimmo.com Area; All France. A placing like this from £100 a year - more Finance - Abbey National , Les Arcades de Flandre, 70 rue Saint Sauveur, 59046. Lille. Tel: FR. 0033 320 18 18 17. UK 0800 169 8470. Fax: 0033 320 18 18 55. Free Guide call 0033 320 18 19 80 or freephone 0800 169 84 70. Banque Scalbert Dupont, 9, Rue Royale, BP 182, 62104. Calais. Tel: 0033 321 19 11 96Fax.; 0033 321 97 44 56. Barclays France, Champs Elysées International Branch, 6 Rond point des Champs Elysées, 75008. France. Tel: 0033 1 44 95 13 80. Fax: 0033 1 42 25 73 60. UK 020 7977 4359. - Conti Financial Services , 204, Church Road, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 2DJ. England. Tel: 01273 772 811. Fax: 01273 321 269. - Credit Agricole , 14050. Caen. Cedex, France. Tel: 0033 231 55 67 89. Entenial (French Company) - French Mortgage Connection , Tel: 0800 0745 388. MFS Partners, Tel: 01752 664777. Norwich & Peterborough. Tel: 01733 372 006. Kevin SEWELL Mortgages , Tel: 01380 739 198. Fax: 01380 723 249. - Moneycorp Commercial Foreign Exchange , 2 Sloane Street, Knightsbridge. London. SW1X 9LA. Tel: 020 7823 7800. - Mortgage France , La Fraye Touarte, Route de Gréolières CD6. 06480. La Colle sur Loup. France. Tel: 0033 493 32 13 95. Siddalls Financial Services Ltd ., Lothian House, 22 High Street, Fareham. Hampshire. PO16 7AE. Tel: 01329 288 641. Fax: 01329 281 157. Templeton Associates , Rivers Street Place, Julian Road , Bath BA1 2RS. Tel: 01225 422 282. Fax: 01225 422 2879. Woolwich, Tel: 020 8298 4400 Foreign Exchange ( exchanging money ) Caxtonfx , 2 Motcomb Street, London. SW1X 8JU. Tel: 0845 658 2223 / 0207 201 0509. - Currencies 4 less. Bakery Place, altenburg Gardens, London SW11 1JQ, England. Tel: 020 7228 7667Fax.; 0207 228 76 78. Web; www.currencies4less.com . Foreign Currency Direct Ltd. The Old Malt House, Currencies Court, Old Amersham. Buckinghamshire. HP7 0HL. Tel: 0800 328 5884 / 0044 1494 725 353. Fax: 01494 727 041 / 0044 1494 727 041. Web; www.currenciesdirect.com . Foreign Payments, West End Office, Foreign Payments Limited, 34 South Molton Street. Mayfair. London. W1K 5RG. City Office, Unit 18, St. James's Park Underground Station. 55 Broadway. London SW1H OBB. Tel: 020 7344 9111. Web; www.foreignpayments.co.uk Halewood International Foreign Exchange (HIFX Ltd), Mistress Pages House, High Street, Windsor. Berks. SL4 1LD. Tel: 01753 859 159. Fax: 01753 859 169. Sucden (UK) Limited , 5 London Bridge Street. London. SE1 9SG. Tel: 0207 940 9663. French terms ( more property words/phrases ) Acte de Vente - Deed of sale Compromis de vente - commitment to sell (binds seller and buyer) Conditions suspensives - a condition that states the contract will only become binding if certain things happen. Mandate Exclusive - a mandate where the vendor entrusts all the negotiations to a single agent for a specified period. Mandate Simple - a mandate where the vendor still reserves the right to negotiate in the sale. Notaire - lawyer Promesse de vente - promise to sell (only binds seller) House Insurance ( Travel insurance ) Agence Eaton, Continent Assurances, 28, rue du Lt. Col Maury. BP285. 56008. Vannes Cedex. France. Tel: 0033 297 47 31 97. Andrew Copeland Group, Tel: 020 8656 8435 (property), 020 8656 2544 (motor). Enterprise Tredinnick, Tel: 0033 545 82 42 93. Hiscox Insurance , Tel: 0845 741 3551. London & European Title Insurance Services, Blagrave House, 17 Blagrave Street, Reading. Berks. RG1 1PW. Tel: 0118 957 5000. Fax: 0118 950 5030. Land Measurements When buying a house in France land is usually quoted in Hectares 1 Hectare = 10,000 square metres = 2.5 acres (approx) 8,000 square metres = 2 acres (approx) 4,000 square metres =1 acre (approx) 2,000 square metres = 0.5 acres (approx) 10 Ares =1000 square metres = 0.25 acre (approx) 1 Are = 100 square metres Magazines for French Property Buyers - Notaries A Notary in France is a public officer responsible to the Ministry of Justice. They have to ensure that all the requirements of French Law are satisfied, and that all taxes are paid. They cannot advice you and you should consider engaging your own solicitor. When you buy a property in France the money is always paid directly to the Notary, not the vendor. Title deeds must also be signed in front of a Notary. Other Measurements Plumbing and Central heating - copper pipe sizes in France (outside daimeter sizes) WC Basin Bidet Shower Bath Sink 10mm 12mm 12mm 14mm 16mm 14mm Equivalent sizes relating to British Standard Pipe Threads (BSP) are as follows; 1/4 BSP 3/8 1/2 3/4 1 inch 1 1/4 1 1/2 8/13 mm 12/17 15/21 20/27 26/34 33/42 40/49 Points to consider when buying See as many properties as possible Choose a lawyer who speaks French and understands the French legal system Be aware of the inheritance laws before you sign any document Remember that the notaire acts for both parties Don't even think of gazumping - it's illegal in France. Once an offer has been accepted, no others will be considered. Once the deposit is paid the deal is binding Estate agents fees can be split between the vendor and the purchaser. Check before you proceed. Always check the cost of installing services should they be needed - it could be prohibitive. Add about 10% of the purchase price as a guide to buying costs. There is no leasehold in France so find out about management arrangements when buying a flat. Property Shows Free tickets on 01323 726040. www.french-property-news.com . Property Taxes There are two taxes on all residential property (houses and flats). These are collected by the State for the local authority's. These taxes are assessed at individual rates according to location and can vary substantially. Ask your estate agent for these details when you are looking at properties to buy. 1 - Taxe foncière. As the owner of a property on the first day of January, you are liable for paying this tax which is due for payment by October/November. Penalties or fines are added for late payment, but it is possible to arrange a monthly payment scheme. 2 - Taxe d'habitation. The occupant of the property on the first day of January is liable for paying this tax. Even if you only use the property on occasional visits, if it is furnished and supplied with water and electricity you are liable for this tax. Swimming Pools Eau Sparke , 24700. St. Remy sur Lidoire. France. Tel: 0033 535 82 06 39. PBL (Piscines, Bateaux, Loisirs), Rue Joseph Arnal - ZAE de Bresles. 60510. Bresles. Tel: 0033 344 07 00 98. Fax: 0033 344 07 12 09. Splash Pools, Platts Road, amblecote. Stourbridge. DY8 4YR. Tel: 01384 390 380. Installation throughout France. Workshops / Courses Living France - Living France Magazine runs a serie sof workshops for people interested in buying a property in France. French Magazine - Home Buying France, courses at UK locations. Other Information The Federation of International Property Developers and Agents. Tel: 020 8941 5588. Ideas for housebuilding (in French) - www.ideesmaison.com . - www.avf.asso.fr - Settling in in France? This organisation can help. Aims include: To provide a “welcome service” for anyone who has moved to a new area. To help newcomers to meet new people. To improve the quality of life of each town and to contribute to the development of the region. AVF is a national association with 400 local branches throughout France, run by trained volunteers Services - this section lists many companies, services and individuals who may be of assistance when buying a property in France. Architects Cedric Mitchell Architects , Tel: 01834 831 100. Builders / Property Maintenance - Artisan Anglais. Find an English speaking artisan in France. British Builder, Tel: 0033 321 09 15 25. La Garde Maison, Tel: 0033 243 00 69 47. Gites 'R' Us, Tel: 01526 353 765. Le Manche Property Services, Tel: 0033 233 91 62 84. Welby (Brittany), Tel: 0033 296 87 57 37. - Rural Rénovations , L'Oriardiere, 53700 St Germain De Coulamer. France. Tel: 0033 243 0349 94. Fax: 0033 243 03 49 94. S&G Surveillance & Gardiennage - (Brittany), 11, Bis rue de Rosiers. 50800. Sainte-Cecile. Villedieu-les-Poeles. Welby (Brittany), Tel: 0033 296 87 57 37. SIRET numbers Check if your artisan is legally registered and entitled to work in France. - www.infobilan.fr - Type in the number to see if it is legal. www.cofacerating.fr - Surname, name and number checked. - www.infogreffe.fr - Surname, name and number checked. - www.societe.com . Quite a detailed check. What is a SIRET number? Information from - www.artisan-anglais.com. The SIRET number is an identification number for each French business. It is unique to that business and legally linked to a particular person. If several people engage in similar activities at the same geographical location then each must have their own SIRET number. The SIRET number is also linked to the geographical site as well so the same legal person should get a different SIRET number if his activity takes place in several different locations. It is set up by the INSEE (Institut National de la Statistique et des Etudes Economiques ) in the framework of the system SYRENE. (Système National Informatique pour le Répertoire des Entreprises et des Etablissements) The SIRET number is made up of several different identifiers and is unique to the particular business. Companies (entreprises) who run several businesses in different areas must have a SIRET number for each business and different establishments who work individually in the same location must also have individual SIRET numbers. The SIRET consists of 14 digits. The first 9 numbers are the SIREN number for the business. The first 8 digits have no significance except for administrative purposes and to organisations such as communes, fiscal offices etc. They identify the business as well as its location on the national list. The ninth digit is a check digit and has no link to the characteristics of the type business concerned. The SIREN is only issued once and removed from the list as soon as the business ceases to function, the owner dies or the business is dissolved. As it is legally linked to an individual, it is not transferred. The second part of the SIRET number is the NIC (Numéro Interne de Classement) which consists of 5 digits. The first 4 identify the business (or one of several businesses in the case of an enterprise running several establishments) The 5th digit is another check digit to validate the complete 14 number code. All registered workers should be immatriculated with the Centres de Formalités des Entreprises (CFE) at their local Chambres de Commerce, Chambre de Métiers, Tribunaux de Commerce, or the URSSAF, Services Fiscaux, or regional office of the INSEE. The only real ways to check if someone is registered for all trades they advertise are: 1. Ask to see his/her "carte d'indentification" issued by the local Chambre de Metiers which lists the trades on the card. This is a white card with green writing on the cover, and everyone has to have one. 2. Contact the Chambre des Metiers and ask direct. 3. Ask to see insurance documents for responsabilité civile and decennial which are the two obligatory insurances in France. The insurance document will show and list the items or trades which the artisan is insured to undertake. Electricity, Gas, Water & T.V. - Electricité de France , 2, rue Louis Murat. 75384. Paris. Tel: 0033 140 42 22 22. - Gaz de France . - Générale des Eaux , National domestic water supplier. T.V. - Aerial Techniques , 59 Watcombe Road, Southbourne. bournemouth. Dorset. BH6 3LX. Tel: 01202 423 555. Fax: 01202 425 055. - France Telecom . Removals Anglo French Removals, Tel: 01622 729 911. H. Appleyard & Sons, Denby Way, Hellaby Industrial Estate, Rotherham. Yorks. Tel: 01709 549 718. Fax: 01709 700 649. Armishaws, tel 01963 34065 / 0208 995 3350. Bishop's Move Group , Tel: 020 7498 0300. Fax: 020 7622 1794. Bradshaw International , . Tel: 0161 946 0809. Burke Bros ., Tel: 0800 413 256. Fax: 01902 427 837. Cotswold Carriers , Unit 2, The Walk, Hook Norton Road, Chipping Norton. Oxon. OX7 5TG. Tel: 01608 730 500. Fax: 01608 730 600. Callington Carriers, Valentine Road, Callington. Cornwall. PL17 7DF. Tel: 01579 383 210. David Dale Removals , Dale House, Forest Moor Road, Harrogate. HG5 8LT. Tel: 01468 691 571. Ede Bros. , Tel: 01306 711 293. Fax: 01306 711 765. E.R.S. Ltd., Tel: 0033 553 93 75 52 Farrer & Fenwick Removals, Park House, 34 Bridge Street. Walton on Thames. Surrey. KT12 1AJ. Tel: 01932 253 737. French Connexion, Tel: 01935 872 222. French Moves, Tel: 0033 553 01 46 92. Home to Home, Tel: 0800 783 4602. www.internationalhouseremovals.com , Leicester. LE7 4TF. Tel: 01664 424 949. Fax: 01664 424 919. Langdon Removals, Tel: 0117 963 7404. Lawlers Removals , Tel: 0114 275 10 20. Metro Removals, Orion Way, Kettering. Northants. NN15 6NL. Tel: 01536 519 450. Pink & Jones, Tel: 01536 512 019. Richman-Ring Ltd. , Tel: 01795 427 151. - Removal Group , 46-48 Mere Green Road, Sutton Coldfield. Birmingham. B75 5BT. Tel: 0870 240 7432. Fax: 0121308 0810. Robinsons International Moving & Storage, Nuffield Way, abingdon. Oxon. OX14 1TN. Tel: 01235 552 274. Fax: 01235 553 573. Steele Removals , Tel: 0500 135 777. The Personal Moving Service, Tel: 0033 233 35 31 80. Security Marine Security - Tel: 01626 365 282. Mobile; 07957 384 896. Solicitors For a list of French speaking solicitors ring the Law Society of England & Wales. Tel: 0870 606 6575. Blake Lapthorn Solicitors ; Tel: 020 7430 1709. Headon Consulting , Moulin de Lahontan, 32360. Jégun. Gers. France. Tel: 0033 562 68 00 81. Fax: 0033 05 62 68 01 49. Fox Hayes , Leeds. Tel: 0113 209 8922. Pannone & Partners solicitors , Tel: 0161 909 3000. John Howell & Co., 17 Maiden Lane, covent Garden, London. WC2E 7NL. Tel: 020 7420 0400. Fax: 020 7836 3626. Prettys Solicitors , Elm House, 25 Elm Street, ipswich. Suffolk. IP1 2AD. Tel: 01473 232 121. Fax: 01473 230 002. Riddle Croft & Co. Solicitors , 27 St Helen's Street, Ipswich. Suffolk. IP4 1HH. Tel: 01473 384 870. Fax: 01473 384 878. Russell Cooke Solicitors , 2 Putney Hill, Putney. London. SW15 6AB. Tel: 020 8789 9111. Fax: 0208 780 1679. Sean O'Connor & Co. Solicitors, 2 River Walk, Tonbridge. Kent. TN9 1DT. Tel: 01732 365 378. Stephen Smith (France) Ltd ., 161 Cemetery Road, Ipswich. IP4 2HL. Tel: 01473 437 186. Fax: 01473 436 573. Withers Solicitors, Tel: 020 7936 1000. Site Menu Property Homepage Architects Builders Estate Agents Finance Foreign Exch. Insurance Notaries Other Info. 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