stevec4117

Thanks everyone for your prompt and helpful answers.  Certainly makes sense to avoid feeling pressurised into committing too soon however much we may want the property.   Any more help gratefully received!   Steve 

We are travelling at the weekend to view a property found privately on the internet from an English family.  It is also advertised with a local agent who will showing us around.  If we like it in person we will probably want to go ahead and purchase. It's in an area with few Brits (so little local help).  Some help from all your experience would be much appreciated. What I understand so far: -  the transaction will be performed by a Notaire who will represent both parties. -  this will be in French (ours is at holiday level and nowhere near good enough to handle this) -  we will need to commit within a week of any offer by signing the "compromis". -  in addtion to the quoted price there will be further fees due. -  we will need to have paid the full amount to the Notaire ahead of a meeting which we would call completion. -  we don't need a mortgage but would consider one if this makes sense.   So questions so far: -  what additonal help should we get?  A UK solicitor?  Our own Notaire?  Just a friend who is fluent in French? -  what's the view on organisations such as VEF? -  what do they do (for what looks like a significnat price) more than those I've mentioned above. -  do they offer guarantees in the way an English solicitor would if they mess up? -  the most critical issue is the satisfactory transfer of title.  Is there anything peculiar about this issue in France? -  What fees in addition to the cost price will we need to pay as part of the transaction? -  Should we consider a mortgage for say €75,000? -  If so, should we do this in France or the UK? -  Any advice about a French bank account?   Think that's it!  anything else?  Thanks very much.   Steve