Tonyf

I agree that it's good that you feel that you have got a bargain.  However, paying money to the Uk in respect of a French property transaction is not a good idea and may come back to give you grief at some stage. However, do enjoy your new home and well done. TF

"We have not yet signed the compromis de vente but have paid 50% of the UK agents fee." So what did you pay??? Whatever you do, don't pay money under the table in the UK.  That goes for agent or seller.

yes, see you PM box

Go back and consult your professional agents.

You are clearly trying to wriggle out of the visit with the previous agent. The best advice, as stated above is, to deal with the agency on the basis that the true price is the lower one.  if you want to make an offer on the house, do so with the lower price in mind and make the first agent aware that you know of the lower price. I think you may find that if you go through the second agent claiming a technicality that this particular house was not listed on the BDV then the first agent will halt the purchase at the Notaires office, which will not make you very popular with the seller.  There is no need to go to a Tribunal. I think you may also find that Immobiler law is more purposive than it's engish equivilent and your actions may be seen, at best, as 'slippery'.

[quote]A few snags to do that on a non advertising site - we would be forever deleting posts that are advertising by the back door.Of course if you would actually like to pay the mods what you may save on ag...[/quote] Only if they are able to give a valid receipt and are paying cotisations etc There are a lot of British owner properties for sale.  The dreamers and schemers are starting to leave.  This is not shangri-la as any working resident will tell you. However, for those who are prepared, have done their research and are willing to make an effort to integrate and enjoy the French way of life. It ain't bad.

[quote]Ron, there's no point in me trying to answer your question or even contribute any further to this topic because you just cannot get your head around the fact that I am not referring to you, or people ...[/quote] Hi Will and Ron I've just looked at some of Will previous postings ad this is one NOT the biggest load of tosh he has ever posted Sorry However, nice subject and debate.  I just wonder how we would feel in the Uk if an Estonian man, who owns property in his home country, comes to Britain, gets a flat, obtains benefits, forgets to declare his assets at home, uses our health service for free, gets casual/black labour as a painter and decorator etc etc  I think we may be peeved. I know of a few cases of Brits in France who are actually claiming French benefits whilst living in their house (no mortgage, value 100k+) and with money in UK accounts!  Good luck to the french authorities in weeding out these people. I just wish they were a bit more pro-active.

I think Ty's family member hit the nail on the head. I am also sick of paying high cotisations and see many Brits, in expensive houses, claiming benefits in the Uk or France and sometimes in both countries, taking the p out of me and all the others who work for a living in FRance. Furthermore, just because the British system has allowed itself to be exploited by all and sundry, does not mean that British people can can over here and do the same to the French.

[quote]Brilec, TTC usually just means that the VAT is included. When I see TTC I wouldn't expect it to mean everything was included. Usually things are marked HT which is without VAT and TTC which means it ...[/quote] I'ts possibly correct but don't speculate, ASK THE AGENT BEFORE YOU VIEW.

HI, FAI, HAI?   Don't speculate, pick up the phone, write out an email and ask.  An agency worth it's salt and with nothing to hide should give you a full response.   TF

My advice is to use a decent, vibrant agency.  The seller does not pay Agency fees.  You can advertise privately but ads cost and there is no guarantee that the advertising site will promote your house properly or has decent enough traffic to justify the costs. Good luck Tony

This might strike a pang of fear into the hundreds ++++ of Brits over here who arrived having knocked the credit cards, banks etc. As for enforcement, I understand that a huissier be instructed without a court order.  

Thanks Bill Your final paragraph is most worrying for the french because, let's say that the French Agent charges 50% in addition to their fees to accommodate the UK collaborator and pays them from his commission. Assuming that is it correct that monies should be paid via the Notaire and that these commissions payable to the french agent are noted on the Acte de Vente (the full amount as per his tariff) Is the French Agent then subject to charges on the gross amount? Strange one this.  

The 4k seems a bit excessive, however, if you do not understand the language sufficiently then this is mone well spent for piece of mind. Messageboards, web sites, tv programmes etc etc are full of sob stories, many of them self inflicted by not crossing the 'T's etc. Fine, if the immobilier or his english oppo says he will translate. But is he insured for this and will he accept responsibility if there is a mistake? My advice to deal with any transaction is the same way as one would if you were buying a property at home.  Act with caution, understand everything before you sign.  Don't understand or are unsure - ask.  

The 4k seems a bit excessive, however, if you do not understand the language sufficiently then this is mone well spent for piece of mind. Messageboards, web sites, tv programmes etc etc are full of sob stories, many of them self inflicted by not crossing the 'T's etc. Fine, if the immobilier or his english oppo says he will translate. But is he insured for this and will he accept responsibility if there is a mistake? My advice to deal with any transaction is the same way as one would if you were buying a property at home.  Act with caution, understand everything before you sign.  Don't understand or are unsure - ask.  

Can someone help me on this one.  I was recently discussing, with an estate agent friend (French) the various UK referral agents that advertise on the net. Baiscally, they have photos of the houses and when you express an interest they refer you to the french Immobilier who shares the fees with the uk agent. I am told that if there is a fee sharing agreement then the UK agency are obliged to be a registered enterprise in France as would any Commercial Agent.  The sharing of fees is apparently called 'entremise'.  He said that he would like to link with these agents but none of them are interested in coming on board because of the french registration. The sharing of fees he was referring to is the fees on the disclosed tariff and no the uplift fees that at least one estate agency in Lassay Les Chateaux (50%!) has written on his tariff. I don't think many of the big boys are registered in France, anyone know?

now that WAS funny although I prefer to term it 'black comedy'

No, I am only joking!

[quote]The fact is Archant publishes FPN, France Magazine and Living France in the Uk therefore it is only obliged to abide by UK legislation.If you would like them to undertake a voluntary obligation to pub...[/quote] Are we so grateful for this forum that we are forbidden to criticise, quite legitimately and, I believe, with good cause, a business that benefits from illegal work in France? The fact is that Archant do well out of this forum, the pro publicity that it generates etc. I understand that Russett House, has an interest as an administrator/moderator of the forum and would want to defend the masters. However, has he/she the same problems as those of us working in France against the illegal competition that benefit from Archant's lack of concern? Also, just a thought, do the administrators/moderators have a fiduciary relationship with Archant? Archant's apparent compliance with UK Law is not the point.  The point is that they benefit from a foreign market and economy and show no regard for those who actually exist within that economy. Oh, and thanks for the Forum.

So are we agreed that French Property News and Living France openly peddle advertisements from illegal companies, workers and estate agents in France who are, in all likelihood, are uninsured, and the consequences for the respondents may be catastrophic? Oh, but that's alright though.

Disagree, Bill.  Possibly because their business (archant) unfairly effects my business. The 'clocking' comparison is rubbish.  People with criminal convictions are not forbidden to advertise.  Archer's publishers will undoubtedly do so on his behalf when his next book comes out (though Isuppose that, like his evidence, is also fiction). What we are talking about here is Archant knowlingly fuellling the black market economy in France to the detriment of the legal work force and that is fact.  It matters not what the British regional press may do.  My experience has been, when advertising my business in France, that the newspaper (French) asks for my SIRET as part of the form.  That's not too difficult. The Daily Mail?  I think everyone stopped believing what was written there years go.  

Those who have been faced with a huge cotisations bill here in France, may have a little more understanding as to the situation that Archant, amongst others, fuel. Archant's position is a bit like an Albanian/Eastern European newspaper carrying advertisements from Immigration consultants in the UK who can advise their clients how best to gain entry to the UK, claim benefits, work illegally and generally cheat the system. If such a newspaper did such a thing, I imagine your average Brit would be up in arms, and rightly so. As for actual criticisms of the french system being flawed and oppressive.  If you don't like it either vote out the government (assuming you are qualified to do so) or leave.

Yes, LF and FPN are UK entities and apparently comply with UK law. However, it is true to say, is it not, that they openly promote and advertise Illegal Activity in another country which could have catastrophic consequences for their readers/consumers. The practicalities for the staff of the advertising department is not relevant.  FPN and LF have placed themselves in this market place.  The fact is that, as a consequence, it requires care and attention and FPN and LF should act accordingly. If you think it is enough to say "we comply with UK law and that is it, business is business".  It stinks. Given that they placed themselves as an information medium, are taking no steps whatsoever to protect their readership, I wonder if they fail in a duty of care to a victim who employs one of their illegal clients? OH WELL, BUSINESS IS BUSINESS.  shame about the legal businesses in France suffering as a result      

There is some good advice in this post about not falling into the 'clandestine' trap. However, Living France and French property News is full of advertisement from illegal businesses working to the deriment of those who have bothered to register etc. It is not enough for LF and FPN to merely say, we let people make up their own minds.  They actually profit from these illegal practices. Try to write an article for LF or FPN on the subject and see if they print it.... er, no chance. They are as culpable as the clandestines themselves.  

I am not surpised at this apparent 'understanding' between the Welsh and and French. They share the same love and physical bond with their sheep Also, it is possibly something to do with lack of recent success on the battlefield against the engish?