home equity loan, ask

Shopping for a Home Equity Loan? -- Search: FTC Consumer Alert PDF Version Shopping for a Home Equity Loan? If you decide that the timing’s right for a home equity loan, ask your friends or family for recommendations of lenders. Then, comparison shop . Comparing loan plans will help you get a better deal. Contact several lenders, not just the ones that send you mail, call you, or knock on your door. Talk with banks, savings and loans, credit unions, mortgage companies, and mortgage brokers. Remember, brokers don’t lend money: they help arrange loans. Ask all the lenders you interview to explain the loan plans they have for you. If you don’t understand any loan terms and conditions, ask questions . They could mean higher costs. Knowing just the amount of the monthly payment or the interest rate is not enough. Pay close attention to fees , including: the application or loan processing fee, origination or underwriting fee, lender or funding fee, appraisal fee, document preparation and recording fees, and broker fees which may be quoted as points, origination fees, or interest rate add-on. If points and other fees are added to your loan amount, you’ll pay more to finance them. Also ask for your credit score . Credit scoring is a system creditors use to help determine whether to give you credit. Information about you and your credit experiences – like your bill-paying history, the number and type of accounts you have, late payments, collection actions, outstanding debt, and the age of your accounts — is collected from your credit application and your credit report . Creditors compare this information to the credit performance of consumers with similar profiles. A credit scoring system awards points for each factor that helps predict who is most likely to repay a debt. A total number of points — your credit score — helps predict how creditworthy you are, that is, how likely it is that you will repay a loan and make the payments when they’re due. Negotiate with more than one lender. Don’t be afraid to make lenders and brokers compete for your business by letting them know that you’re shopping for the best deal. Ask each lender to lower the points, fees or the interest rate. And ask each to meet — or beat — the terms of the other lenders. Before you sign, read the loan closing papers carefully . If the loan isn’t what you expected or wanted, don’t sign the loan. Either negotiate changes or walk away. You also generally have the right to cancel the deal for any reason — and without penalty — within three days after signing the loan papers. The lender must return any money you’ve paid to date. Your Credit Report Because your credit report is an important part of many credit scoring systems, it’s very important to make sure it’s accurate before you submit a credit application. To get copies of your report, contact the three major credit reporting agencies: Equifax: (800) 685-1111 Experian (formerly TRW): (888) EXPERIAN (397-3742) Trans Union: (800) 916-8800 These agencies may charge you up to $9.00 for your credit report. To Learn More For more information about shopping for a home equity loan and a glossary of home loan terms, call the FTC’s Consumer Response Center toll-free at 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357). Ask for a free copy of Looking for the Best Mortgage: Shop, Compare, Negotiate ; and Home Equity Loans: The Three-Day Cancellation Rule . Or visit us online at ftc.gov . Lender A Lender B Lender C What are the monthly payments? What is the Annual Percentage Rate (APR)? (the cost of credit expressed as a yearly rate; includes the interest rate, points, broker fees, and other credit charges) What is the interest rate? (the cost of borrowing money expressed as a percentage rate) Will the interest rate change? When? How often? By how much? What will you have to pay in points? What will you have to pay in fees? Application or loan processing fee Origination or underwriting fee Lender or funding fee Appraisal fee Document preparation and recording fees Broker fees Other fees Are any of the application fees refundable if you don't get the loan? How many years will you have to repay the loan? Is this an installment loan or a line of credit? Is there a balloon payment? What are the total closing costs? If you use a broker, how will he or she be paid? Does the loan include optional credit insurance? (You don't have to accept optional credit insurance to get your loan.) If you want optional credit insurance, can you pay for it monthly instead of financing the premiums as part of your loan? Did you get a copy of your credit score? Can you afford this loan? The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues , visit www.ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft, and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel , a secure, online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. January 2001

Las Vegas Real Estate

vegasHOMEsearch-Search Homes, Agents and specials. Click Here to search our database of existing homes in Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and the Summerlin area. New Homes Looking for a custom or new home in Nevada? Check out our new homes section and meet the top custom and new home builders in our area. Lenders Visit our Lenders page and find at your fingertips information on mortgage and loan programs. Search local job listings, post your resume, or meet local employers. Click Here Home Improvement Quick find links to anything and everything about homes. Click Here CLICK HERE for the best apartment deals in Las Vegas Click Here Best Rates in Las Vegas with No Points or Origination Fees. Click Here Real Estate School Become a Real Estate Agent in Nevada or transfer your existing license. Click Here Buy a Home Sell a Home Agent List Company List Job Listings Apartments Property Alert Our new " Property Search Engine" will keep you updated on every NEW listing that meets your criteria. Instant updates from the MLS to your e-mail. You will know about homes new to the market before most realtors. School Reports FREE report on any school in the state. Find out if you're looking in the right neighborhood. Each 12-page report can display up to 3 school districts side-by-side for easy comparison. Veterans $1000 Incentives toward all Veteran Financing. Virtual Tours Open 24 hours a day, tour these homes without a Realtor present to ask any annoying questions. New Homes FREE package, info on all the new home communities. Don't miss out on any of the NEW HOMES specials, we keep you informed. FREE List $0 Down, no qualifying homes, owner financing and foreclosure homes. Bad credit, no credit or 1st time buyers, this information will get you into a new home. Veterans $1 down. FREE Video Las Vegas relocation video from Remax Central. Everything you wanted to know about Southern Nevada. Relocation The most complete Las Vegas Relocation Package is now available.. Retire in Las Vegas Find the best adult oriented communities in the valley. Luxury Homes FREE Info on Luxury View, Waterfront and Horse properties, Golf and Gated communities for sale or lease. Show Case of Homes Take a tour of the REMAX "Showcase of Homes." Free Magazine! Get your FREE copy of Homes Illustrated Magazine. FREE Market Analysis Find out how much your current home is worth. This report also includes information on recently sold homes in your neighborhood. SPECIAL : NW Spacious 2 Story with large mature backyard 1870 Sq. Ft. 3 bedrooms and 3 full baths (1 downstairs), plus a downstairs den that could be the 4th bedroom. Beautiful back yard with large palm trees and rose bushes. Open kitchen with picture window to backyard, large island, built-in hutch and menu planning area. Judy Phebus ABR, CRB, CRS, GRI, LTG,SRES Broker/Salesman Priced : $172,000 Judy Phebus Direct: 702.596.1229 Toll Free: 877.595.1229 Fax: 702.873.4214 Email: judye@judyephebus.com 2001 Advanced Internet Marketing , all rights reserved.

Buy House

Checklist for buying a house Get up to 4 MortgageOffers. When Banks Compete, You Win! Your House Buying Checklist Oneof the most important things you can do is to make a checklist as you search for, find and buy a home. By keepingon top of your game-plan at all times you will greatly increase your chances of success. To save time, bookmarkthis page and refer to the following checklist frequently. Follow the links, print out this checklist and let itincrease your house buying effectiveness. House Buying Checklist Be an informed buyer. There are well over 150 pages of information hereas well as links to much more information. Numerous guides are available on specific subjects. Our Bookstore had additional recommendedreading. Gather as much information as you can. You can keep up-to-date by subscribing to our free newsletter and by visitingthe What's New page. Want more information on the process of home buying? Get the Home Buyer's Defense Guide andget 6 free bonuses. Buying your firsthome ? See the page devoted to first time home buying . Familiarize yourself with the mortgage process. Have mortgage questions ? Need a few mortgage tips ? See the sections devoted to those subjects. Begin the application process by getting prequalified and preapproved from a Mortgage Lender. Do this first. Your Agent will need your mortgage qualification, and it will significantlystrengthen your offer when you find a home. At Lending Tree , you can submit a quick andeasy application, and within 2 business days get up to 4 offers from lenders so that you can compare terms and rates . Get your financialpicture in focus as soon as possible. Since it is an importantcomponent, be aware of your credit situation. You can get a free copy of your credit report or, see the credit center for additional resources for getting your credit report. The best time to work on your budget is before you move. Want to maximize your financial picture? See the section devoted to budget hints . Wondering about how much time is needed to buy a home? See the sample homebuying timeline . Find an Agent that you trust. It is important to do this before you go rushing off looking for homes or you may end up with norepresentation. See the Agency and BuyerAgent pages for important discussions regarding "who representswho." Looking to find an Agent? Click here to choose an Agent in your area .You can compare backgrounds, experience and more. Thinking about doing it on your own? See the section on buying on your own for things watch for. Determine your housing needs and wants to determine what typesof houses you should be considering. Familiarize yourself with the various types of housing available: Single family , townhouse ,and condo . If you are planning on buying or building a new home, see our section devotedto building a house including house building tips , resources and howto find a contractor . Have general questions about buying a home? See the questions homebuyers ask page. Still have a question about a Real Estate term or its definition? See our Real Estate Glossary . A question on a mortgage term? See the Mortgage Glossary . House Hunting Time! First, see the article devoted to finding the right home . Then,make a scorecard for each house to help you keep track of the properties you've seen. Familiarize yourself with howto set a value on a house . This can save you a great deal oftime and helps to avoid disappointment. When you find an acceptable house, write an offer . Familiarize yourselfwith how offers become contracts . Need examples of offers and contracts available for your state? See FIndLegalForms.com Negotiate your best deal using the information you have acquired. If you haven't already done so, apply for a mortgage loan . Arrange for homeinspection . Protect yourself and do not skip this step! Learn about homewarranties and what they cover. Compare and secure homeownersinsurance . Since homeowners insurance is a long term expense,getting the best deal here brings savings that continue. Arrange for closing agent or attorney. Make all final preparations for closing . Make movingplans . If you plan to use a moving company, make comparisonsand reserve time now. Secure final loan approval and commitment from the lending institution.If you have done your "up-front" work, this should be one of your easiest steps. Do a final walkthrough of the house. Final closingand settlement . Let us know what you liked or disliked about thisweb site! Move to your new home and begin enjoying it--you deserve it! Subscribe to the Home Buyer's Information Center newsletter Get Your Credit Score Compare Mortgage Offersat LendingTree.com COMPARE Mortgages Agents Insurance TheHome Buyer Defense Guide with 6 FREE BONUSES Searchfor Agents Anonymously Free Credit Report Find Homes at Bargain.com RECOMMENDED READING TheHome Buyer Defense Guide with 6 Free Bonuses Home Buying For Dummies (you won'tbe after reading this book!) 10 Steps to Home Ownership Simple, concisestep-by-step guide HOME | Your Checklist | To-Do Lists | Agents | Mortgages | Questions | Finda Home | Inspections | Research | More Links | Bookstore

Land For Sale Acreage

North Carolina Land for Sale | Asheville NC Land and Large Acreage Tracts Home | Featured Listings | MLS Search | About Us | Contact Us Horse Farms | Land | Luxury Homes | Condos & Lofts | Waterfront Property | Commercial | 1031 Exchange Phone Us 828.694.1558 North Carolina Land For Sale Acreage in the Greater Asheville NC Area I f you are seeking North Carolina land for sale, Sheelah Clarkson Asheville Real Estate Agency is pleased to assist you . We serve as buyer's agents helping national and international investors locate tracts of mountain land that are suitable for investment, 1031 exchange , or private estate property. As a land specialist, Sheelah Clarkson is a member of the Realtors Land Institute (RLI), the only national organization comprised of licensed real estate professionals who broker, sell, lease, manage, and develop land. This influential affiliation gives our agency the leverage and network necessary to identify and procure large acreage land tracts on behalf of our buyers and investors. Featured Land For Sale Our featured land for sale is a rare 228-acre tract of land in Waynesville, NC . This property has been passed down in the family for generations and is available on the open market for the first time. With frontage on all sides of an intersection along major Highway US 276 less than 1 mile from the city limits , this acreage is ideal for a major mixed use development or urban village. The prime location with multiple access points, level land, and nearby utilities make this acreage a developers ideal. View more information on this Waynesville NC land . Our featured investment land includes 101 acres and 62 acres near three pretigious Cliffs Communities with views to The Cliffs at Glassy in upstate South Carolina. This acreage is perfectly positioned for a private mountain estate, high end residential development, or a national retreat center. The 101-acre tract lies adjacent to more than 1,700 acres of the Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve , protecting your year round mountain views. Both offer paved road access and access to utilities. These land tracts are within easy driving distance of Greenville SC, Hendersonville NC, and the GSP Airport. View more details of this prime acreage. If you would like to see other properties on the market, contact us with your acreage requirements. Also, a number of land listings can be found in the Farms and Land section of the Asheville MLS or the Lots and Land section of the Tryon MLS . Ask us for more information on specific listings that interest you. Finding NC Mountain Land for Sale The magnificent vistas and ecology of our western North Carolina highlands have drawn people here for centuries. However, locating large acreage tracts of North Carolina land for sale can be challenging. Why? Portions of our most spectacular mountain ranges are protected by state and national agencies. More than one million acres are contained in the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests. State parks and forests also hold thousands of acres. In the Brevard and Hendersonville area alone, The Gorges State Park and the Dupont State Forest protect more than 20,000 acres of pristine mountain land. Large acreage tracts are rare and exclusive mountain land for sale is not always listed in a public MLS. However, a number of significant land tracts in western North Carolina are still available if you know how to find them. Most real estate agents focus on houses and residential lots. Few realty professionals excel in the sale of land and acreage, perhaps because this specialty area is unique, requiring knowledge of an extensive geographic region, willingness to travel the back roads, and an in-depth understanding of land tract zoning, characteristics, and markets. Our North Carolina Land Services As large acreage buyer's agents, we cover 11 counties in the greater Asheville NC area, a wide territory that spans some of the most stunning mountain land and pastoral foothills in western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina. We help match your investment needs with the most appropriate land tract. We understand how the unique characteristics of a property can impact your proposed use of the acreage. For instance, the topography in western North Carolina varies greatly from rolling foothills that provide an exceptional location for horse farms , to steep mountains with scenic vistas, to valleys suitable for agri-business. Zoning and restrictions vary from county to county as well. We serve our buyers and investors by tapping into a network of land savvy specialists throughout our region to locate acreage for a variety of purposes, including property for 1031 exchange , land for investment, and acreage for private luxury homes and estates. We know this region. We drive the back roads. And we are pleased to work closely with qualified buyers who are ready to purchase land. Contact us to discuss your needs regarding large acreage land tracts for sale in western North Carolina. North Carolina Land Conservancy Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. - Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the National Association of REALTORS At Sheelah Clarkson Asheville Real Estate Agency, we believe in the wise use of land. We support land stewardship through such measures as personal responsibility, sustainability, and land conservancy. The North Carolina Conservation Tax Credit Program (CTC) North Carolina boasts some of the most progressive legislation in the nation regarding land conservancy. The North Carolina Conservation Tax Credit Program (CTC) offers financial incentives that encourage both corporate and private property owners to protect the land. Preserving our land benefits both the environment and future generations. Moreover, it can be a smart financial strategy for land owners because it offers substantial income tax credit for those who donate real property for conservation purposes. Land conservancy is a win-win for all involved. You can learn more about the tax credits offered through conservation easements and other land conservancy options by visiting the website of the North Carolina Conservation Tax Credit Program . North Carolina Land Conservancy Organizations A number of nonprofit groups are dedicated to protecting our North Carolina land. We invite you to visit these websites for more information on land preservation in the Tarheel state. The North Carolina Chapter of the Nature Conservancy Durham, NC State chapter protecting more than 100 sites across the state including several sites in western North Carolina. Million Acre Initiative Raleigh, NC State program dedicated to preserving one million acres of open space in North Carolina this decade. Conservation Trust for North Carolina Raleigh, NC Statewide organization working with local land trusts, community groups, and private landowners to protect North Carolina land and water resources. Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy Hendersonville, NC Local organization serving Henderson and Transylvania counties. Pacolet Area Conservancy Lynn, NC Local group focused on the Pacolet and Green River watersheds in portions of Polk County and Henderson County in North Carolina as well as parts of Spartanburg and Greenville Counties in South Carolina. Land Trust for the Little Tennessee Franklin, NC Local trust serving the upper Little Tennessee Valley area that lies along the corridor between the Nantahala and Cowee mountains of western North Carolina. Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy Asheville, NC Local conservancy serving Buncombe and Madison Counties plus Highlands of Roan, a major project that preserves 15,000 acres along the North Carolina and Tennessee border. Blue Ridge Rural Land Trust Boone, NC Local trust serving a seven county area in northwestern North Carolina including Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey Counties. National Committee for the New River West Jefferson, NC Local group focused on the protection and restoration of the New River and 5,000 acres of watershed in northwestern North Carolina. Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina Morganton, NC Local organization serving Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland, Lincoln, McDowell and Rutherford Counties. If you are interested in purchasing large acreage land tracts of land for sale in North Carolina, contact us to discuss the benefits of land conservancy. Sheelah Clarkson is a member of the Realtors Land Institute (RLI) Asheville Real Estate | Asheville North Carolina MLS | Tryon North Carolina MLS | Asheville Homes For Sale | Asheville Condos North Carolina Luxury Homes | North Carolina Land For Sale | North Carolina Acreage | North Carolina Mountain Real Estate North Carolina Horse Farms | Equestrian Communities | Horse Property | Equestrian Property | North Carolina Mountain Land North Carolina Commercial Real Estate | 1031 Exchange Real Estate | NC Waterfront Property | Sitemap | Links | About Us | Contact Info © 2005 Sheelah Clarkson Sheelah Clarkson Asheville Real Estate Agency • PO Box 8804 • Asheville,NC 28814-8804 Phone 828.694.1558 • Fax 828.694.1549 • Email sheelah@sheelahclarkson.com

Buy Property

Buying Property in France Web TransitionsAbroad.com Home Work Study Travel Living As seen in Transitions Abroad Magazine March/April 2000 Related Topics Living Abroad Related Articles Legal Living in France Moving to France Buying a Home in France Property in France How to Find It, Buy It, And Live in It By Phyllis Cohen Buying property in France is not just for movie stars and celebrities. Ordinary people with a passable knowledge of French (or a friend who speaks it) and a lot of patience can acquire a bit of magic too. But before you attempt it, arm yourself with knowledge of how to find your special place, how to buy it, and how to live in it. Finding the Place As you look for what you want, here are several things to bear in mind: Don’t expect American state-of-the-art appliances, floor layouts, or conveniences. Part of the charm of old buildings is that they are old, and that includes the kitchens and plumbing. Decide if you want a pied-à-terre (a small place where you can comfortably stay for several weeks or months at a time) or a year-round residence. Generally, an apartment is sold with an empty kitchen—four walls and a water outlet. There are stores that will help you design and install your own kitchen, ranging from pre-fabricated cabinets at IKEA to a kitchen created by cuisinistes . Get at least three estimates as well as references before selecting your vendor. If you will be in a city, decide whether or not you will have a car. Parking in Paris is difficult; having a parking place can greatly increase the resale value of your place. France offers a wide variety of locales. Before you go to the effort of buying something, you really need to explore. Paris itself is divided into 20 arrondissements , each with its own character. If you are willing to live in the banlieue , or suburbs, prices drop dramatically. Properties in the countryside are considerably cheaper. Finding the right house or flat is more complicated than in the U.S. There is no such thing as Multiple Listings in France. Only 30 percent of real estate transactions occur with the help of realtors; the rest are directly between buyer and seller. As a foreigner, you might be more comfortable working through an agent, or agent immobilier , who knows the laws of France. Getting Started Let’s say you’ve decided to buy an appartement in Paris. Walk the streets to find an area you like, then hunt down some agencies that look promising. You can also check out the listings and realtors in various magazines, newspapers, and on the Internet. There is relatively little new construction in Paris. Those apartment complexes that are being developed are usually sold when ground is first broken; in other words, you basically buy an apartment two years before it is completed. Occasionally, you will find almost-completed apartments listed in newspapers and real estate magazines.If you are truly brave, you can buy a place at auction. Notices appear in newspapers such as Le Figaro and the International Herald Tribune. Let the buyer beware. At least take an architect with you when you go to look at the offering. Reading Listings No matter where you find your listings, they will all be posted as À Louer (For Rent) and À Vendre (To Buy). They will also tell you what arrondissement (if in Paris) or département (if in the rest of the country) the property is located in. Perhaps most importantly, they will give you the size in square meters and the number of rooms. Most apartments in Paris are small. Studios are 100-200 square feet, some smaller. Three-bedroom apartments are frequently under 1,000 square feet. Listings will tell you how many rooms there are other than the kitchen. A studio is one room. A one-bedroom apartment will have two pièces, or two rooms, plus the kitchen. Bedrooms are almost uniformly small, while the living rooms are comparatively large. Bear in mind that the French follow the European convention of counting the first floor as the ground floor (Rez-de-Chauseé or RdC); the second floor in American terminology is the first floor in Europe. Generally, the higher the floor, the more expensive the property. Closing the Deal Once you have decided on a place you like at a mutually-agreed upon price, you and the seller sign a document known as a promesse de vente . This is a legally binding document that confirms that the seller must sell the property to the buyer. The buyer, however, has 11 days to change his mind. The seller must also provide to the buyer an accurate floor plan of the apartment or house. All sales in France are conducted with notaires. Both the buyer and seller has his own notaire and they confirm that all aspects of the sale are done according to law. If you are buying a condominium, there will be a set of rules that govern the building. As an owner, you are a co-proprietaire and are bound by the laws of the building. Owners collectively determine such things as whether you are allowed to install a satellite antenna on your balcony, whether the building as a whole will subscribe to cable TV, how often and how much money will be spent on repainting the walls, etc. Do not make the mistake (as we did) of not personally reading all regulations before you sign. As a foreigner, it is advisable to hire an avocat , or lawyer, who specializes in real estate. In case of a disagreement, you are far better off having someone who knows the law and knows how to speak French. Tax Considerations Before buying property in France, you should know that the Government of France has very specific inheritance laws. By law, on your death your property is divided equally between your spouse and your surviving children. There are some steps you can take to ensure that the surviving spouse can continue to live in the house or flat. Speak with a lawyer about this before you buy the property. You will pay between 8 and10 percent in taxes and fees. If you buy an apartment less than five years old, however, you will pay only 3 to 5 percent or less. Ask also about property taxes, which tend to be less in Paris than in the country. Generally, you will be responsible for both a land and a habitation tax. A larger question is your residency status. If you reside in France full time and earn a living here, you will become part of the French social system. The taxes are extraordinarily high (more than 50 percent). Again, you should seek the advice of a tax attorney who is familiar with both the American and French taxation systems. You can get a list of attorneys from the U.S. Consulate. Financing If you are able to pay cash for your new home, you will not need a mortgage, and many properties for sale in the country might well be within reach of your savings kitty. If you need a mortgage, things become a bit more complicated. A French bank will issue a mortgage to expats as long as you can show regular income. By French law the total of all of your mortgage payments worldwide cannot be more than 30 percent of your total income.Lastly, you must have mortgage insurance for a large mortgage and a physical examination at the bank’s expense. If you do not fall neatly into an income category (e.g., you are retired without a fixed income), Banque Woolwich is a good resource. The staff are used to dealing with expats and speak excellent English (Banque Woolwich, 9, rue Boudreau, 75009 Paris; 011-331-42-684-221, fax 011-331-474- 203-23; www.woolwich.co.uk ). Mary Fort is branch manager.The good news is that mortgages in France currently have excellent rates. Most mortgages (or “prets”) are for 15 years and currently run 4.5 percent annually. Once you are here in France, an excellent book to read is At Home in Paris , published by the Junior Service League of Paris. It gives all sorts of hints on differences of living in the States versus France (like how to make sure your laundry pipes don’t clog up with deposits). Living in France is a free publication, in English, that gives useful information on housing, employment, banking, insurance, etc. It can be found at various establishments around Paris that cater to foreigners. To absorb the flavor of a buying experience, read Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence or Francis Mayes’ Under the Tuscan Sun. Both give agonizingly accurate pictures of the adventure of buying property abroad. All in all, buying property in France might seem like a daunting experience, but it is not an unpleasant one. Contrary to France’s reputation of being inhospitable to foreigners, we have found the opposite to be true. With the notable exception of a few surly cab drivers, we have found the French to be polite and helpful. And as we take our evening walks across the Alexander III bridge we can’t help but be amazed that a small part of this City of Lights belongs to us! Real Estate Listings De Particulier A Particulier (From Buyer to Seller), published weekly on Thursdays, is the most popular nationwide resource. L’Hebdo Immobilier (Weekly Realtor), published weekly on Wednesdays, also has an Internet site at www.immobilierenfrance.com . Demeures de France, a bi-monthly publication that specializes in upscale offerings, is in English and in French and also has an Internet site at www.demeures.com . Demeures de Charme is similar to Demeures de France, and is also in English and in French. FUSAC , a bi-weekly free publication for English-speaking residents of Paris, has advertisements for rentals, purchases, and agencies which can help you do either. FUSAC is available at many locations around the city including W.H. Smith and Brentano’s, two English-language bookstores. PHYLLIS COHEN and her husband Bob have taken a year off from their software company, packed their bags, and moved to Paris (See " Moving to France " in the January February Issue of Transitions Abroad Magazine). Web TransitionsAbroad.com Home Work Study Travel Living Disclaimer ©Transitions Abroad