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How to buy property in Brittany

Ever since we started letting our holiday cottages in Brittany we have had a steady stream of visitors looking for property for sale in Brittany, in the Vilaine/Redon/La Roche Bernard area, but also further afield.

Prices in this area have been doing exceptionally well in last few years with investments often doubling in value from 2002 to 2007, and the market is now cooling down. Prices are not cheap any more and the supply of properties for renovation is reduced year by year. However there has been a lot of building, and there is an increasing amount of old vacant property in the bourgs (=town/village centres).

This is a popular area for retired people and holiday-makers, and there is a lot of demand from people who commute to Rennes, Nantes and Vannes.

Perhaps the best opportunities in this area lie inland, in places like Carentoir, Malansac, Questembert, etc..

How to start looking ?

Most of our property hunting visitors cruise around, visiting the Brittany estate agents in areas that they like the look of, but most are unaware that notaires (=solicitors) have a constant flow of properties which inheritors are disposing of so they usually have something of interest, and they circulate (from their offices) newspapers consisting only of property advertisements.

There used to be one or two English people who were in business here as estate agents to promote French property to English people, but they seem less prominent these days, and anyway the Brittany Estate agents speak good English.

Before you visit you can find Brittany Estate agents on Google, which lists 2700 entries for “Breton Immobilier” (=estate agent). Agency rates can be higher than in England and pays to look around..

Visits to properties are usually accompanied, and their whereabouts are closely guarded secrets – the agents are nervous of private deals that circumvent them.

How to buy your Brittany property

When you find a property you like you will be asked to sign a “compromis de vente” (=selling agreement) and unless the property conceals any “vices caches” (=hidden problems) you are then legally obliged to complete the sale. However the agreement can be made conditional, for example on getting planning permission, and the like.

Conveyancing is charged on a statutory scale and the only way of escaping the fees is to (illegally) hide part of the value of the transaction. You could well be asked as we were once, whether any part of the deal had been done “sous table”” (=under the table).

Completion is known as the “Acte”. This is usually a very French occasion. Buyers and sellers meet at the offices of the selling notaire, and the whole conveyance is read out, with the notaire checking at each stage that everything has been understood. At one conveyance we went to, the selling notaire half-whispered to our own notaire “Will these people know what’s going on ?”.

Living in Brittany with your new property.

Although our property hunting visitors have demonstrated very clearly over the years that no experience is necessary for living in France those who come to make a new career find life extremely difficult, since France has policies which deter new business start-ups, and employers are not generally interested in having British employees. Be warned !

Of the rest all that we know have stayed.

France is a very nice place to be and of all the countries in Europe is closest in language and landscape to the UK.

Mostly we all do learn to speak French eventually, but often in the case of married couples one will learn French and the other not.

In Brittany itself, English people are very well treated, better liked than Parisians or Germans and mainly exasperate the locals if they never learn French.

Ever since we started letting our holiday cottages in Brittany we have had a steady stream of visitors looking for property for sale in Brittany, in the Vilaine/Redon/La Roche Bernard area, but also further afield.

Prices in this area have been doing exceptionally well in last few years with investments often doubling in value from 2002 to 2007, and the market is now cooling down. Prices are not cheap any more and the supply of properties for renovation is reduced year by year. However there has been a lot of building, and there is an increasing amount of old vacant property in the bourgs (=town/village centres).

This is a popular area for retired people and holiday-makers, and there is a lot of demand from people who commute to Rennes, Nantes and Vannes.

Perhaps the best opportunities in this area lie inland, in places like Carentoir, Malansac, Questembert, etc..

How to start looking ?

Most of our property hunting visitors cruise around, visiting the Brittany estate agents in areas that they like the look of, but most are unaware that notaires (=solicitors) have a constant flow of properties which inheritors are disposing of so they usually have something of interest, and they circulate (from their offices) newspapers consisting only of property advertisements.

There used to be one or two English people who were in business here as estate agents to promote French property to English people, but they seem less prominent these days, and anyway the Brittany Estate agents speak good English.

Before you visit you can find Brittany Estate agents on Google, which lists 2700 entries for “Breton Immobilier” (=estate agent). Agency rates can be higher than in England and pays to look around..

Visits to properties are usually accompanied, and their whereabouts are closely guarded secrets – the agents are nervous of private deals that circumvent them.

How to buy your Brittany property

When you find a property you like you will be asked to sign a “compromis de vente” (=selling agreement) and unless the property conceals any “vices caches” (=hidden problems) you are then legally obliged to complete the sale. However the agreement can be made conditional, for example on getting planning permission, and the like.

Conveyancing is charged on a statutory scale and the only way of escaping the fees is to (illegally) hide part of the value of the transaction. You could well be asked as we were once, whether any part of the deal had been done “sous table”” (=under the table).

Completion is known as the “Acte”. This is usually a very French occasion. Buyers and sellers meet at the offices of the selling notaire, and the whole conveyance is read out, with the notaire checking at each stage that everything has been understood. At one conveyance we went to, the selling notaire half-whispered to our own notaire “Will these people know what’s going on ?”.

Living in Brittany with your new property.

Although our property hunting visitors have demonstrated very clearly over the years that no experience is necessary for living in France those who come to make a new career find life extremely difficult, since France has policies which deter new business start-ups, and employers are not generally interested in having British employees. Be warned !

Of the rest all that we know have stayed.

France is a very nice place to be and of all the countries in Europe is closest in language and landscape to the UK.

Mostly we all do learn to speak French eventually, but often in the case of married couples one will learn French and the other not.

In Brittany itself, English people are very well treated, better liked than Parisians or Germans and mainly exasperate the locals if they never learn French.

Fort Lauderdale Real Estate: How To Sell Your Property

The city of Fort Lauderdale in Broward County is a prime tourist destination for both local and foreign individuals. The intricate waterways and canal system found crisscrossing all-over the city gave Fort Lauderdale the name "Venice of America"

With the tropical climate all-year-round, one can indulge in summer-time activities with friends and families alike. Enjoy the sandy beaches that are common in the region, the recreation and commercial facilities in the city, as well as the scenic views in surrounding areas.

Real estate properties in Fort Lauderdale, especially for residential purposes are a very lucrative venture. If you wish to sell your property to make a tidy profit, then here are some tips to help you out.

Selling Your Fort Lauderdale Real Estate Property

Determining the status of the real estate market in the city is the first step a home seller should take before selling out. Considering that the market is still on the recovery due to the mortgage crisis that hit the nation, this should be top priority to get the best deals in the project.

First step is to determine the proper time to sell out the property; since the market value of real estate fluctuates from time to time, it would be best to keep a close eye on the economic scenario of Fort Lauderdale, as well as the value of each type of properties. You might also want to time your property sale during the peak season, in between January and March considering that these months is where local and foreign investors flock into the city to look for a residential unit to call their own.

Get The Property Assessed

One of the problems of home sellers is determining the right price for their real estate property. Set the price too high then potential buyers will just ignore you. Set it too low, then you will be swamped with questions on why the price is lower than the others, as well as getting no profit from the venture.

To properly assess your property, you need to look for a professional to do the job for your. Look for a real estate agent that will help you check out your home and determine the value of the property according to its location, surrounding areas, amenities, and, of course, the physical state of the household's interior and exterior face.

You might want to do some minor repairs and renovations to raise the value of your Fort Lauderdale real estate property. Fix cracks on the wall, repairing the plumbing and electrical wirings, and some landscaping designs here and there should give the home value a little boost.

The secret in getting a good profit in selling a residential property in Fort Lauderdale is not to rush in getting it sold off or taking too much time analyzing the market. You need to time it perfectly that will suit the demand, the market value, as well as the potential clients and customers that will take it off your hands.

The city of Fort Lauderdale in Broward County is a prime tourist destination for both local and foreign individuals. The intricate waterways and canal system found crisscrossing all-over the city gave Fort Lauderdale the name "Venice of America"

With the tropical climate all-year-round, one can indulge in summer-time activities with friends and families alike. Enjoy the sandy beaches that are common in the region, the recreation and commercial facilities in the city, as well as the scenic views in surrounding areas.

Real estate properties in Fort Lauderdale, especially for residential purposes are a very lucrative venture. If you wish to sell your property to make a tidy profit, then here are some tips to help you out.

Selling Your Fort Lauderdale Real Estate Property

Determining the status of the real estate market in the city is the first step a home seller should take before selling out. Considering that the market is still on the recovery due to the mortgage crisis that hit the nation, this should be top priority to get the best deals in the project.

First step is to determine the proper time to sell out the property; since the market value of real estate fluctuates from time to time, it would be best to keep a close eye on the economic scenario of Fort Lauderdale, as well as the value of each type of properties. You might also want to time your property sale during the peak season, in between January and March considering that these months is where local and foreign investors flock into the city to look for a residential unit to call their own.

Get The Property Assessed

One of the problems of home sellers is determining the right price for their real estate property. Set the price too high then potential buyers will just ignore you. Set it too low, then you will be swamped with questions on why the price is lower than the others, as well as getting no profit from the venture.

To properly assess your property, you need to look for a professional to do the job for your. Look for a real estate agent that will help you check out your home and determine the value of the property according to its location, surrounding areas, amenities, and, of course, the physical state of the household's interior and exterior face.

You might want to do some minor repairs and renovations to raise the value of your Fort Lauderdale real estate property. Fix cracks on the wall, repairing the plumbing and electrical wirings, and some landscaping designs here and there should give the home value a little boost.

The secret in getting a good profit in selling a residential property in Fort Lauderdale is not to rush in getting it sold off or taking too much time analyzing the market. You need to time it perfectly that will suit the demand, the market value, as well as the potential clients and customers that will take it off your hands.

Making The Most Of The Sarasota Real Estate Programs

Sarasota is considered by many as a tropical paradise. It is located on the Gulf of Mexico and offers a wealth of natural beauty, a cornucopia of cultural tradition, and an abundance of sunshine. The Sarasota real estate market also offers an excellent standard of living. As a matter of fact, the CNN/Money Magazine once dubbed it as America’s Best Small City. In addition, it’s also one of the country’s best places for retirement.

The unpolluted air, sunny weather, and fine-looking beaches have certainly made Sarasota a world-renowned hub of fine living. Its effervescent cultural and recreational scene offers a wide array of activities for every budget and taste. So basically, the Sarasota real estate industry guarantees a “small town” manner of living with the convenience of urban amenities.

If you’re thinking about relocating to Sarasota—with the intention of purchasing or renting out a place, you better take advantage of the existing programs meant for its residents and prospective homebuyers.

Homestead Exemption

Homestead Exemption is actually offered in the State of Florida. It basically allows you to trim down your property tax cost by requesting for an exemption on your home value’s first $25,000.

Before you can file for an exemption claim, you’re required to establish residency in your house. It should be done by December 31 of the previous year. In addition, the exemption request must be processed by March 1st of the same year you intend to claim the exemption.

Residency may be substantiated with a valid driver’s license and ownership/registration certificate issued by the State of Florida, or with a voter’s registration card. In order to establish residency within the mandatory timeframe, present a recorded title deed for the Sarasota real estate property or an automobile registration for a mobile home.

Rental Development

The Sarasota real estate industry has been successful in collaborating with the private sector to invest in the development of low-cost, multi-family residential properties throughout the county. Through tax credit and bond programs, Sarasota operates in cooperation with private development firms to construct rental properties intended for moderate- and low-income residents.

A number of financing programs have been formed for the various Sarasota real estate developers. In association with the Housing Finance Authority of Lee County and other nearby counties, Sarasota offers financial backing through the Regional Multi-family Bond Program. This financing plan makes use of the funding strength of private bonds to produce appealing and reasonably priced rental developments. The selected developers utilize the profits from bond financing, together with traditional financing, to build multi-family residential properties meant for moderate- to low-income tenants.

Sarasota’s real estate industry also takes part in numerous rental development programs overseen by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. With the intention of making local projects compete at state level, Sarasota supplies a counterpart by means of local housing endowment. Qualified projects may then acquire financing through a combination of tax credits, conventional financing, and bonds.

Irrespective of the financing source, the low-cost housing developments backed by such programs have become assets of the community. Plus, they’re normally impossible to differentiate from market-rate homes. Without a doubt, the tax credit and bond programs provide much-needed assistance in fulfilling a vital need in the Sarasota real estate scene. This necessity is none other than the existence of inexpensive rental properties in a secure and pleasant location.

Sarasota is considered by many as a tropical paradise. It is located on the Gulf of Mexico and offers a wealth of natural beauty, a cornucopia of cultural tradition, and an abundance of sunshine. The Sarasota real estate market also offers an excellent standard of living. As a matter of fact, the CNN/Money Magazine once dubbed it as America’s Best Small City. In addition, it’s also one of the country’s best places for retirement.

The unpolluted air, sunny weather, and fine-looking beaches have certainly made Sarasota a world-renowned hub of fine living. Its effervescent cultural and recreational scene offers a wide array of activities for every budget and taste. So basically, the Sarasota real estate industry guarantees a “small town” manner of living with the convenience of urban amenities.

If you’re thinking about relocating to Sarasota—with the intention of purchasing or renting out a place, you better take advantage of the existing programs meant for its residents and prospective homebuyers.

Homestead Exemption

Homestead Exemption is actually offered in the State of Florida. It basically allows you to trim down your property tax cost by requesting for an exemption on your home value’s first $25,000.

Before you can file for an exemption claim, you’re required to establish residency in your house. It should be done by December 31 of the previous year. In addition, the exemption request must be processed by March 1st of the same year you intend to claim the exemption.

Residency may be substantiated with a valid driver’s license and ownership/registration certificate issued by the State of Florida, or with a voter’s registration card. In order to establish residency within the mandatory timeframe, present a recorded title deed for the Sarasota real estate property or an automobile registration for a mobile home.

Rental Development

The Sarasota real estate industry has been successful in collaborating with the private sector to invest in the development of low-cost, multi-family residential properties throughout the county. Through tax credit and bond programs, Sarasota operates in cooperation with private development firms to construct rental properties intended for moderate- and low-income residents.

A number of financing programs have been formed for the various Sarasota real estate developers. In association with the Housing Finance Authority of Lee County and other nearby counties, Sarasota offers financial backing through the Regional Multi-family Bond Program. This financing plan makes use of the funding strength of private bonds to produce appealing and reasonably priced rental developments. The selected developers utilize the profits from bond financing, together with traditional financing, to build multi-family residential properties meant for moderate- to low-income tenants.

Sarasota’s real estate industry also takes part in numerous rental development programs overseen by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. With the intention of making local projects compete at state level, Sarasota supplies a counterpart by means of local housing endowment. Qualified projects may then acquire financing through a combination of tax credits, conventional financing, and bonds.

Irrespective of the financing source, the low-cost housing developments backed by such programs have become assets of the community. Plus, they’re normally impossible to differentiate from market-rate homes. Without a doubt, the tax credit and bond programs provide much-needed assistance in fulfilling a vital need in the Sarasota real estate scene. This necessity is none other than the existence of inexpensive rental properties in a secure and pleasant location.

How to Sell Your Home Quickly in Sarasota Real Estate

Are you selling your home in Sarasota real estate? Nowadays, the real estate market is very active again. You need to go back to fundamentals, if you wish to sell your home successfully.

Are you wondering what the fundamentals that this article is talking about are? Read on in order to know the fundamentals that a seller must know. You this day and age, you cannot just put your home in the market, wait and expect it to be sold within few days. You need to face reality; you can’t obtain great deal just that. As a seller, do not simply put your home in the market and expect it to be sold right away, you need to think about the increasing prices and interests rates. In order for you to sell your home, you need to go back to the fundamentals.

The first fundamental that you need to consider is getting your home in good condition. Buyers will spend huge money in buying a home, so you need to make potential buyers to view your home as their dream home. if your home is dirty, potential buyers will not gain a good impression in your home, so you won’t definitely get a good offer.

If you wish to gain great deal, you need to keep your home clean. You need to clean every room of your home. If your home shows wear and tear, it is best to put fresh coat of paint in order to make your home looks appealing and attractive. For you to sell your home successfully and with great deal, you need to create a good impression. You need to take all of the right steps in order to avoid the risk of losing great opportunity to obtain great deal.

See to it that your home is clean inside and out. You have to check out the yard as well. Remove the clutter, mow the lawn and water the plants. If you have pets, put them to proper places and make sure that your yard is free from pet’s poop.

As soon as your home is ready and well-prepared, you must take photos of your home. You need to take photos at different areas such as living room, dining room, garden, garage, and so on. Surf the internet and create free listing in order to market your home and gain lots of potential buyers to visit your home. it is better to target pools of potential buyers in order for you to easily gain offer and great deal.

You need to figure out what is the unique feature of your home and you need to let potential buyers about it. You have to post or upload nice photos of your home to attract buyers. Make sure to put all important information in it such as the name and contact number of your real estate agent, your address and so on.

Doing all of these steps can help you in selling your home in Sarasota real estate quickly and with great deal. You need to bear in mind that good impression is a must.