Pauline Posted March 30, 2010 Share Posted March 30, 2010 HiI didnt know where to put this post but wanted to share our excitment with you all, we have been trying for 3 years to sell our uk home to move to France, I have spent all this time, reading, getting info from you all and generally doing my homework, I had almost given up and morale was flat with no light at the end of the tunnel, then BINGO today we got a buyer for our house so we are so excited, nervous and gobsmaked so all our previous planning, list making and question asking is about to pay off. Just thought I would share this with whoever reads my post. I am sure I will have hundreds of questions from now on. Yipppeeee. Pauline Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrissie Posted March 30, 2010 Share Posted March 30, 2010 Well done! I'm sure we won't be alone in raising a glass on your behalf [:D]Good luck with achieving your dream, and I expect we'll see a lot more of you on the Forum!Chrissie (81) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mint Posted March 30, 2010 Share Posted March 30, 2010 Pauline, where in France are you going to be?Congratulations!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pauline Posted March 30, 2010 Author Share Posted March 30, 2010 Thanks Chrissie and Sweet 17, yes I am sure you will, I know I will have lots of questions, we are looking around South West of Toulouse, we like Bologne sur gesse but have an open mind at present. Its so exciting, only drawback is the family and grandchildren but we hope they will visit often. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swissie Posted March 30, 2010 Share Posted March 30, 2010 Great news- we went through all that recently, and moved exactly 1 year ago. Hate to say this, but have you got a contract and deposit?Sadly our house fell through several times, with people trying to gazunder at last minute. Hopefully all will go well for you and that your buyer stays true. Bonne chance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mint Posted March 30, 2010 Share Posted March 30, 2010 Believe me, Pauline, if they are anything like ours, you'll see them more often than you do in the UK!Alas, I do not know the area you are interested in but there are many on here who do know and will be only too happy to tell you things.[:D] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swissie Posted March 30, 2010 Share Posted March 30, 2010 Somebody today recommended leboncoin.fr as a good place to search. Bonne chance.Sorry for mentioning gazundering - which is when buyers ask for a big reduction on day of signing contract and paying deposit. You need to be aware that this CAN happen- and be prepared and ready, as it all happens so quickly on the day. You need to decide if you'd be prepared to 'bend' and to what extent, or if you would send them off with a flea in their ear! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pauline Posted March 30, 2010 Author Share Posted March 30, 2010 Thanks for your good wishes. I think the couple are really keen and fortunatly there is no chain just them and us, they have sold and with in laws and so I guess keen to move, they have their finances in place so fingers crossed. Oh my goodness where do we start!!!!I knew I should have kept up with the french classes I was just always bottom of the class at night school, even Michel Thomas isnt helping!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Âme Posted March 30, 2010 Share Posted March 30, 2010 How exciting for you Pauline, best wishes with your plans. I've sent you a PM. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gardengirl Posted March 31, 2010 Share Posted March 31, 2010 How exciting! This sounds like an occasion for plenty of lists - I'm very much a list person! I can imagine you with your French discs playing night and day! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gemonimo Posted March 31, 2010 Share Posted March 31, 2010 Wow Pauline, how exciting! I really hope you find the home of your dreams in whichever part of France you choose and do keep us posted on your progress. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nectarine Posted March 31, 2010 Share Posted March 31, 2010 Pauline, congratulations!!! Ask any questions you want from us, we're happy to share our experience. Like you, two years ago, we were coming to France and I asked loads of questions here, really basic stuff, and got very helpful replies. And, once we were here, I continued asking (as I still frequently do!) and still get encouragement and informative responses.Keep us posted how you're getting on ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sprogster Posted March 31, 2010 Share Posted March 31, 2010 Pauline, when you go to France rent before you buy, as selling a house in France can take even longer than your experience in the UK! Also the costs incurred by the purchaser of around 10% of the purchase price, means it is an expensive excercise if you decide to move after a year or two, because your chosen area of France does not turn out to be right for you.Also with any luck the exchange rate should improve somewhat in the next year, as you don't really want to be buying Euros at or near the bottom of its trading cycle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pauline Posted April 2, 2010 Author Share Posted April 2, 2010 Again thanks to you all for your comments and good wishes, we are considering renting but I worry it wont feel like home until we have our own place but we will definetly keep our options open. Pauline Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sprogster Posted April 3, 2010 Share Posted April 3, 2010 Pauline, the two most common pieces of advice given by members of this forum over the years, are try before you buy and have an exit strategy! The reality is that most Brits that move to France, sell up and move on after an average of three to five years and many more find they want to move back, but cannot afford to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mik Posted April 3, 2010 Share Posted April 3, 2010 Well done Pauline. You have chosen the perfect area of France (IMVHO).We live not far from Boulogne-sur-Gesse. If you want any local help let me know. Glad to help Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mint Posted April 3, 2010 Share Posted April 3, 2010 Sprogster's advice is excellent. We ourselves couldn't rent before we bought though that was our intention.Our house sale in the UK took about 18 months longer than anticipated because of 4 lots of so-called buyers being unable to complete and time was against us, my OH is elderly.I would say that rent before you buy and having an exit strategy is not only commonsense but can save you a lot of heartache later on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Posted April 3, 2010 Share Posted April 3, 2010 Congratulations Pauline.We moved out last July.We had to ask a few questions before and after we arrived,still are.Our only problem at the moment is the language.We take lessons,but at my age it is a struggle.So far no regrets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pauline Posted April 3, 2010 Author Share Posted April 3, 2010 Hi MikYes it is a lovely part of the country although there are very few places we didnt like. I would appreciate keeping in touch for local info if thats okay. I wonder if a pm would be better? Pauline Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mik Posted April 3, 2010 Share Posted April 3, 2010 Have sent you a PM with my emaill address in.(I think) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sprogster Posted April 3, 2010 Share Posted April 3, 2010 Joe has highlighted a very interesting point and that is the difficulty in learning French, especially as you get older. A lot of people assume that when they move to France they will pick it up, but unfortunately it does not work out that way and the resulting inability to properly communicate can lead to a feeling of isolation. This is why a lot of people return to the UK, especially if bereavement or ill health occurs. Before moving to France, I would strongly recommend that one needs to take intensive French lessons, from which you will be able to judge how much of a challenge the language barrier could be, because not everyone has the same ability to learn another language, especially after a certain age. Far better to find out before the move rather than after. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mint Posted April 3, 2010 Share Posted April 3, 2010 Sprogster, if nobody comes other than those who know the language, then I guess that there'd be hardly any Brits in France?[;-)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sprogster Posted April 3, 2010 Share Posted April 3, 2010 You are right sweet 17, but it is worth pointing out, as it is a reason why there is such a large return rate, with only a minority of Brits sticking it out longer than three to five years.The situation in Spain is different as the British expat community there is far larger and tend to congregate in certain areas, so it is easier to get by speaking English. Whereas in rural France little English is spoken and if you cannot get to grips with the language it can become a real problem, especially if ill health occurs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrCanary Posted April 4, 2010 Share Posted April 4, 2010 Well done Pauline...I am very envious as our planned move to France, which started nearly six years ago, is still stuttering because of health issues. But we will be there eventually and it gives us encouragement to hear the enthusiasm of others! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pauline Posted April 4, 2010 Author Share Posted April 4, 2010 Hi Mel dont give up, we have spent 3years trying to sell our house in the uk, as part of our plan Mike took early retirment because the deal was to good to pass, then the housing market crashed and at the same time Mike was diagnosed with prostate cancer, he has had a radical prostatectomy, and doing great, still goes back for regular tests and we know it will have an impact on our health situation in France but hey these things are sent to try us as they say! I am counting the months before I am handing in my notice at work and enjoying our change of lifestyle in France, I situation we never thought would arrive, so like I say dont give up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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