Watchman

A friend is nearing agreement on a price on a house. The vendor has suggested that they have an official price and a higher, unofficial price. Why would he want to do that, is it to do with the notaire's fees?

How do I pay a bill without it costing an arm and a leg. If got my first EDF-GDF bill for 26 Euros and my UK bank wants to charge me 15.00 to exchange and transfer the cash. They also need all the IBAN, Cle RIB etc, of the Electricity company in order to transfer the cash and it's not on the paying in slip or accompanying documents. We completed on the house 2 weeks ago and the French Bank our agents opened for us won't send us the cheque book, we have to collect it!! We can't get out until Mid December and I'm worried the electricity will be cut off by then. Is there an easier way?