Fontremy Posted October 8, 2004 Share Posted October 8, 2004 Watching last night's programme on foreign property disasters reminded me of my thoughts every time I read a posting on this and other websites from people trying to cut corners on advice which could cost them thousands if they get it wrong. I'm not talking about what I would call "neighbourly" advice on the best way to deal with getting your septic tank emptied or the merits of a given geographical area (this is the real benefit of this forum), I mean crucial financial and legal advice, the validity of which could make or break you.We have bought a couple of properties in France now and have opted for the "belt and braces" approach - employing our own lawyer (UK French specialist), having a full survey carried out etc. OK, this cost money which if everything went perfectly to plan could have been saved, but in both cases, issues were thrown up which would have cost us more money if they hadn't been brought to our attention earlier. I've read so many postings from people advocating the "do it yourself" approach. Indees it may have worked for them - but it could,easily have caught them out. How many people have learned the hard way? Others have castigated so called professionals for not adding anything to the process. At least if they make a mistake you have some come back against them. Better to spend a little extra money than face the heartache if things go wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dog Posted October 8, 2004 Share Posted October 8, 2004 If you spend all your time listening to professionals you will get nothing but big bills.Use your intuition and common sense - nothing ventured nothing gained..I have bought properties in the past that most surveyors would condemn and have never failed to get things sorted easily and cheaply and been very happy.Stop looking for negatives and look for the positives. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mpprh Posted October 8, 2004 Share Posted October 8, 2004 Dogthere is an alternative view ?"a man who is his own lawyer has a fool for a client"Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dog Posted October 8, 2004 Share Posted October 8, 2004 [quote]Dogthere is an alternative view ?"a man who is his own lawyer has a fool for a client"Peter[/quote]I've always had a broadly similar view on lawyers and those that use them and the law. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fontremy Posted October 8, 2004 Author Share Posted October 8, 2004 Dog, I hope that one day you don't get yourself into big problems as it sounds like you've been very lucky to date. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dog Posted October 9, 2004 Share Posted October 9, 2004 [quote]Dog, I hope that one day you don't get yourself into big problems as it sounds like you've been very lucky to date.[/quote]Whilst I do my very best to avoid big problems - sometimes they are thrust upon you. I have had many bad problems and my early mistakes were made worse and very much more expensive by employing lawyers. I don't believe in luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Georgina Posted October 9, 2004 Share Posted October 9, 2004 [quote]Whilst I do my very best to avoid big problems - sometimes they are thrust upon you. I have had many bad problems and my early mistakes were made worse and very much more expensive by employing lawyer...[/quote]I agree, having worked with them for a number of years, people put too much faith in them. I would use them, but check on what they are doing. Georgina Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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