Spicy

We had the same problem (exactly the same message at login) and it took a couple of calls and a visit before someone realised they hadn't received a copy of a bill to fully activate the account. When it was fully activated we got new PIN numbers in the post and all is well.

I am using a French solicitor who now lives in the UK for our purchase and she has told me to pay in Euros as it has to go through the notaires account. She said if we didn't do it that way there could be potential title issues in the future and if any charges were made against the property between signing of the acte and it being registered that the notaire would be liable if the payment had gone through their account.

http://www.pagesjaunes.fr/pb.cgi?lang=en online French yellow pages in english. The address you have for the DRIRE is the same as the one in the yellow pages. I use Safari so you will need to copy and paste the address. Sorry

The first contract (compromis/promesse) can be signed in the UK and you can get your UK based solicitor to act as a witness. The second contract (acte) must be signed in France but this can be done with a power of attorney.

I'm still in the UK but we had a massive sycamore taken down (trunk width over a metre, very high) as it was becoming a danger to the house. The phone line also ran through the branches. The tree surgeon used a rope system instead of any platforms and it was significantly less than that price but we knew who to ask.

Oliveau, FYI I instructed Christine on Wed to act for us in our forthcoming purchase. Thanks for the details Spicy

Flybe flies to Southamptom frequently. Ryanair goes to Stansted daily. Look at www.skyscanner.net (you'll have to cut and paste as I use Safari) and you'll find flights.

Thank you Dick. I'll have to download a copy of Firefox (I just like Safari).

No doesn't work for me. It may be that I'm using Safari.

[quote user="Cat"] [quote user="Spicy"] (I tried quoting and it worked on preview but not when I posted - just got gibberish)[/quote] Did you delete something from the quote, or type something within the quote Spicy? [/quote] Yes Cat, I tried to quote just a paragraph not all of it. Maybe it'll work this time as i've quoted it all.

Quillan, my bank used to put photos on their cards (5-10 years ago) but for some reason they abandoned it. I have to agree it was a great idea and when my card expired I tried to get another one with a photo but they no longer did it. I even offered to pay to have it done but no luck. (I tried quoting and it worked on preview but not when I posted - just got gibberish)

Yep Safari and it doesn't show any of those symbols. I will try with another browser, at least it's not me being stupid!! Thanks Guys

Sorry - OT - Russethouse maybe it's because I'm on a mac but I don't have a tool bar at all and no ball and chain when I highlight the link. I only have some smileys. Thanks for making it clicky. Spicy

I saw a house and carp business for sale and the photos look nice. I don't know if you've seen it or if it's the one you're thinking about getting. It is www.lacarparc.com (sorry you'll need to cut and paste the address as I still can't work out how to make it clicky). PS I have nothing to do with the people selling it I just came across it while searching for land. Edit - made clicky for you. Highlight the link then click on the ball & chain icon in the tool bar just above your post, a box comes up, if the link is in the box click on OK, if not you will have to copy and paste it in there (make sure you do not get the http part twice).That should do it. (There may be a quicker way, but thats what I do - I'm not technical) Russethouse

jonesenfrance and Tillergirl, thanks for your replies I have only just seen them. I'll speak to Newcastle again and ask them about an E109 and discuss an E106 again. The advice will probably change depending on who answers the phone!!