Home Loan

Home Equity Scams: Borrowers Beware! Home Equity Loans : Borrowers Beware! D o you own your home? If so, it's likely to be your greatest single asset. Unfortunately, if you agree to a loan that's based on the equity you have in your home, you may be putting your most valuable asset at risk. Homeowners-particularly elderly, minority and those with low incomes or poor credit-should be careful when borrowing money based on their home equity. Why? Certain abusive or exploitative lenders target these borrowers, who unwittingly may be putting their home on the line. Abusive lending practices range from equity stripping and loan flipping to hiding loan terms and packing a loan with extra charges. The Federal Trade Commission urges you to be aware of these loan practices to avoid losing your home. The Practices Equity Stripping You need money. You don't have much income coming in each month. You have built up equity in your home. A lender tells you that you could get a loan, even though you know your income is just not enough to keep up with the monthly payments. The lender encourages you to "pad" your income on your application form to help get the loan approved. This lender may be out to steal the equity you have built up in your home. The lender doesn't care if you can't keep up with the monthly payments. As soon as you don't, the lender will foreclose-taking your home and stripping you of the equity you have spent years building. If you take out a loan but don't have enough income to make the monthly payments, you are being set up. You probably will lose your home. Hidden Loan Terms: The Balloon Payment You've fallen behind in your mortgage payments and may face foreclosure. Another lender offers to save you from foreclosure by refinancing your mortgage and lowering your monthly payments. Look carefully at the loan terms. The payments may be lower because the lender is offering a loan on which you repay only the interest each month. At the end of the loan term, the principal-that is, the entire amount that you borrowed-is due in one lump sum called a balloon payment. If you can't make the balloon payment or refinance, you face foreclosure and the loss of your home. Loan Flipping Suppose you've had your mortgage for years. The interest rate is low and the monthly payments fit nicely into your budget, but you could use some extra money. A lender calls to talk about refinancing, and using the availability of extra cash as bait, claims it's time the equity in your home started "working" for you. You agree to refinance your loan. After you've made a few payments on the loan, the lender calls to offer you a bigger loan for, say, a vacation. If you accept the offer, the lender refinances your original loan and then lends you additional money. In this practice-often called "flipping"-the lender charges you high points and fees each time you refinance, and may increase your interest rate as well. If the loan has a prepayment penalty, you will have to pay that penalty each time you take out a new loan. You now have some extra money and a lot more debt, stretched out over a longer time. The extra cash you receive may be less than the additional costs and fees you were charged for the refinancing. And what's worse, you are now paying interest on those extra fees charged in each refinancing. Long story short? With each refinancing, you've increased your debt and probably are paying a very high price for some extra cash. After a while, if you get in over your head and can't pay, you could lose your home. The "Home Improvement" Loan A contractor calls or knocks on your door and offers to install a new roof or remodel your kitchen at a price that sounds reasonable. You tell him you're interested, but can't afford it. He tells you it's no problem-he can arrange financing through a lender he knows. You agree to the project, and the contractor begins work. At some point after the contractor begins, you are asked to sign a lot of papers. The papers may be blank or the lender may rush you to sign before you have time to read what you've been given. The contractor threatens to leave the work on your house unfinished if you don't sign. You sign the papers. Only later, you realize that the papers you signed are a home equity loan. The interest rate, points and fees seem very high. To make matters worse, the work on your home isn't done right or hasn't been completed, and the contractor, who may have been paid by the lender, has little interest in completing the work to your satisfaction. Credit Insurance Packing You've just agreed to a mortgage on terms you think you can afford. At closing, the lender gives you papers to sign that include charges for credit insurance or other "benefits" that you did not ask for and do not want. The lender hopes you don't notice this, and that you just sign the loan papers where you are asked to sign. The lender doesn't explain exactly how much extra money this will cost you each month on your loan. If you do notice, you're afraid that if you ask questions or object, you might not get the loan. The lender may tell you that this insurance comes with the loan, making you think that it comes at no additional cost. Or, if you object, the lender may even tell you that if you want the loan without the insurance, the loan papers will have to be rewritten, that it could take several days, and that the manager may reconsider the loan altogether. If you agree to buy the insurance, you really are paying extra for the loan by buying a product you may not want or need. Mortgage Servicing Abuses After you get a mortgage, you receive a letter from your lender saying that your monthly payments will be higher than you expected. The lender says that your payments include escrow for taxes and insurance even though you arranged to pay those items yourself with the lender's okay. Later, a message from the lender says you are being charged late fees. But you know your payments were on time. Or, you may receive a message saying that you failed to maintain required property insurance and the lender is buying more costly insurance at your expense. Other charges that you don't understand-like legal fees-are added to the amount you owe, increasing your monthly payments or the amount you owe at the end of the loan term. The lender doesn't provide you with an accurate or complete account of these charges. You ask for a payoff statement to refinance with another lender and receive a statement that's inaccurate or incomplete. The lender's actions make it almost impossible to determine how much you've paid or how much you owe. You may pay more than you owe. Signing Over Your Deed If you are having trouble paying your mortgage and the lender has threatened to foreclose and take your home, you may feel desperate. Another "lender" may contact you with an offer to help you find new financing. Before he can help you, he asks you to deed your property to him, claiming that it's a temporary measure to prevent foreclosure. The promised refinancing that would let you save your home never comes through. Once the lender has the deed to your property, he starts to treat it as his own. He may borrow against it (for his benefit, not yours) or even sell it to someone else. Because you don't own the home any more, you won't get any money when the property is sold. The lender will treat you as a tenant and your mortgage payments as rent. If your "rent" payments are late, you can be evicted from your home. Protecting Yourself You can protect yourself against losing your home to inappropriate lending practices. Here's how: Don't: Agree to a home equity loan if you don't have enough income to make the monthly payments. Sign any document you haven't read or any document that has blank spaces to be filled in after you sign. Let anyone pressure you into signing any document. Agree to a loan that includes credit insurance or extra products you don't want. Let the promise of extra cash or lower monthly payments get in the way of your good judgment about whether the cost you will pay for the loan is really worth it. Deed your property to anyone. First consult an attorney, a knowledgeable family member, or someone else you trust. Do: Ask specifically if credit insurance is required as a condition of the loan. If it isn't, and a charge is included in your loan and you don't want the insurance, ask that the charge be removed from the loan documents. If you want the added security of credit insurance, shop around for the best rates. Keep careful records of what you've paid, including billing statements and canceled checks. Challenge any charge you think is inaccurate. Check contractors' references when it is time to have work done in your home. Get more than one estimate. Read all items carefully. If you need an explanation of any terms or conditions, talk to someone you can trust, such as a knowledgeable family member or an attorney. Consider all the costs of financing before you agree to a loan. For More Information 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. FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION FOR THE CONSUMER 1-877-FTC-HELP www.ftc.gov April 1998

Real Estate Broker

Real estate - Boston.com Buying Renting Recent Sales Place an ad Luxury Living Community data Mortgage Commercial Moving Guides Real estate Boston.com Check out the Real estate Section on Boston.com. December 29, 2005 -- Skyline at Station Landing Starting at: $339,000 Allston 2 bedroom $384,390 Newport 1 bed/1 den $755,000 Quechee Lakes, VT 3 bedroom $455,000 Sugarbush, VT 2 bedroom $166,457 Loon Mountain, N.H. Now accepting reservations Newbury 4 bedroom $749,900 Malden 2 bedroom $314,900 The Grandview Starting at: $600,000 Swampscott 3 bedroom $329,000 Boston 2 bedroom $545,000 South Boston 3 bedroom $429,000 Needham 4 bedroom $1,195,000 Dorchester 2 bedroom $314,000 York Beach, ME 3 bedroom $629,000 Battery Wharf Starting at: $1.15MM 210 South Street Regatta Residences Rooney Real Estate NOTE: We are experiencing technical problems that are preventing some photos from appearing in our listings. We are working now to correct the problem. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for using Boston.com Real Estate. Homes New developments Condominiums Open houses Get started All rentals Apt. communities Vacation rentals Get started HOME OF THE WEEK Old styles in a bustling area Amid a neighborhood becoming known for new restaurants, shops, and condos, the residential block where this narrow, four-level home sits may be one of the few things that has yet to significantly change. Homes of the week: Watertown | Sudbury | Westminster See photos of this home Brockton builds on legacy This working-class city's once moribund downtown is being revived by young professionals drawn to the industrial chic of old factories where laborers plied their trade more than a century ago. (The Boston Globe, 12/25/05) Kerouac's Cape home up for sale ON LOCATION Historic cottage for sale The Pratt House in Northampton, which was commissioned in 1859 by Boston doctor Alvah Littlefield and once faced demolition, is now on the market for $1.285 million. (The Boston Globe, 12/25/05) GALLERY Editor's picks: On the market Check out our favorites this week and see all different sizes, shapes, prices, and locations. (Boston.com) Last week's picks METRO HOME FEATURE A safe haven Several designers donated their time and expertise to decorate 13 bedrooms and living areas at a Children's Hospital shelter. (Metro Boston, 12/16/05) See photos of the hospital makeovers Submit photos of your pad to be featured More in Home MESSAGE BOARDS Where are prices headed? Open house advice Things to consider when buying View all message boards NEWS From one generation to another A group of young developers felt a need to give back to their Jewish community in a way that has never been done before. (Boston Globe, 12/18/05) Formal room is hereupon retired Office market shows signs of rebound COMMUNITY SNAPSHOT Holbrook Holbrook offers a mix of properties for first-time home buyers seeking more affordable options and for those in the market for more high-end housing. (The Boston Globe, 12/25/05) More profiles: Hingham | Somerville | Wellesley | Southborough All Community statistics and town data | Compare towns GALLERY A look at Manny's condo Boston.com toured Ramirez's penthouse condo, on sale for $6.9 million, and caught a glimpse into the daily digs of the World Series MVP. (Boston.com) Alternatives to heating See what others are doing to cut down on their heating bill this winter. (Boston.com) Cost comparison What is your home heating plan? Heating tips Q&A about your home heating bills More in home heating NEWS Sellers chop prices as market slows Boston-area homeowners trying to sell their houses are sharply reducing asking prices -- in some cases, by $100,000 or more -- in response to a sudden slowdown. (By Kimberly Blanton, Boston Globe) Holiday season is the ideal time to buy Lilly's five steps to real estate success 14 tips to finding a great apartment Need some help finding your next new pad? Here are a few items you should make sure to check for. (Boston.com) Print the list A sense of community in a rental Sept. 1 moving scenes Self-storage how-to Step-by-step moving guide Print box labels What are your tips for moving? Pointers on renting, your rights and so much more Search rentals Renting guides NEWS Rises in rent outpace some wages The cost of rental housing has increased more rapidly than have wages, making it increasingly difficult for low-income families to afford even modest apartments. (By Stephen Ohlemacher, Boston Globe) Tools and calculators Run the numbers on everything from your income to upfront costs and credit. Instant mortgage quotes Mortgage rates 30-yr Fxd: 6.30% 15-yr Fxd: 5.85% 1-yr. ARM: 5.15% Mortgage quotes Daily commentary NEWS Real estate slump chills 'flippers' Get in, get out, get the next deal. That's the code of the ''flipper." Flipping -- buying and quickly reselling homes -- has helped some investors make a killing over the past few years in markets such as the North Shore. Selling a house? Try some entertainment 10 things you must do when selling 10 tips for hiring a broker Selling or renting your property? click here Latest articles: Real estate transactions ( Boston Globe, 12/29/05 ) A term every home buyer, real estate agent, homeowner should know (Inman, 1:06 p.m.) Dry rot leaves home buyer in the gutter (Inman, 1:06 p.m.) Home sellers beware: Undisclosed info comes back to bite (Inman, 1:06 p.m.) In bankruptcy sale, must co-owner pay 50 percent of expenses? (Inman, 1:06 p.m.) ENeighborhoods exec. has roots in real estate technology (Inman, 12/28/05) Visions of gold entice a tin city (Boston Globe, 12/28/05) Government requirements for disclosure fail to make the grade (Inman, 1:06 p.m.) Electrical panel requires upgrading (Inman, 1:06 p.m.) Should landlords rent to section 8 subsidized tenants? (Inman, 1:06 p.m.) 'House Poor' a profitable read for home buyers (Inman, 1:06 p.m.) Inside capital gains tax law for real estate (Inman, 1:06 p.m.) Ensuring home's proper ventilation (Inman, 1:06 p.m.) America closes doors to architectural expression (Inman, 1:06 p.m.) 5 negotiation tactics for real estate deals (Inman, 1:06 p.m.) HOME OF THE WEEK: Old styles inside, bustling outside (Boston Globe, 12/25/05) ON LOCATION: Historic cottage escaped demolition, now it's a gem for sale (Boston Globe, 12/25/05) BUSINESS LETTERS: Home prices are falling, but why? (Boston Globe, 12/25/05) Brockton builds on factory legacy (Boston Globe, 12/25/05) COMMUNITY SNAPSHOT: Holbrook (Boston Globe, 12/25/05) feedback form | help | site index | globe archives | rss © 20 The New York Times Company

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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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