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English Speaking Agents - Allier


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We are looking at buying a house in the Allier department and were wondering if anybody knows of any good English speaking agents in the area.

We have looked at Century21 website and they have some interesting properties, has anybody had any dealings with them?

Any information would be gratefully received.

Many thanks
Jon and Elaine
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My only advic would be "don't get hung up about them speaking English". I found that google translator, a good dictionary and a fax machine worked wonders.

I guess it would have been easier if they'd spoken English but it wasn't difficult.

John (99 usually, but 73 sometimes and always in my dreams)
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LAST EDITED ON 20-Jul-04 AT 08:41 AM (BST)

Can't help you with that area I'm afraid, but Century 21 is a national chain of franchises. Some offices give good service, others, from what I have heard, less so. I don't know how often Century 21 updates its websites, but most properties on French agents' sites seem to be no longer available. Web sites will give you a feel for the type of house around, but don't be surprised to find that prices are higher for the current batch of houses on the agents books than it was for internet equivalents. Do make sure what the price quoted includes. You will probably have to add on legal fees, and may have to add agency commission too - try to get an overall figure from the agent. Some quote all-inclusive fees, there are fors and againsts here which have been debated in the past. All I will say is that it is easy to be overcharged for certain elements of the sale, though you do know from the outset what you are paying.

Although I'd agree about not getting too hung up on finding an English-speaking agent I think it's true that bilingual agencies tend to understand the needs of English buyers, and know how the English and French systems differ (which is by a considerable amount) and can explain things, whereas some French agencies and most notaires will assume that clients know the system. On the same subject, to operate as an estate agency in France it is essential to speak French well, so treat any English-speaking-only agent with a bit of caution. There are some illegal, unregistered agents working in France (we know at least one).

Will (50)
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Hi,

me & my wife are currently buying a house in the Allier, due to complete in 3 weeks or so - as you may well know, it's a lovely area so the best of luck to you.

We've spent weeks looking for our house and to be honest the vast majority of Agence Immobiliers don't speak English, and also aren't anywhere near as professional as what you might expect from the UK.

That said don't be put off, as there's loads of properties around AND the Auvergne is one of France's cheapest areas. Plus 99% of the agents are friendly and welcoming. I'd also recommend checking out Notaires in the area as they have a good selection and due to their selling fees being lower, the houses are about 5% cheaper.

Some hard-earned tips from us in the Allier ;)

1. As in the UK state a lower budget than you've actually got to spend!

2. Try to be as precise as possible with area (Agents are very very parochial - we took a large scale map), size of house, land, outbuildings, town, village or countryside etc etc. In your own time make a note of these few points in french beforehand.

3. Take pen and paper, as it's very unusual to get any written details, also if you have one a digital camera is invaluable.

4. A torch! - strange, but many of the older houses have the electricity turned off/or none! - and the Agents cigarette lighters aren't good enough!

5. Where as in the Uk, I've been able to sift houses before viewing them, here I've had to view every one before I can discover it's next to a dual carriageway etc etc. So, it's a long process as you generally have to view each property.

6. Make clear if you have your finance etc already sorted as this may speed things up

Lastly some websites for you - I've tried to put the most useful near the top:

http://www.acheterunemaison.com/index_e.html
http://www.bourbon-immobilier.com/ (friends have used these)
http://www.orpi.fr (we used these)
http://www.frenchcountryhomes.com
http://confianceimm.fnaim.fr (v. professional)
http://www.onlinefrenchproperty.com/
http://www.logic-immo.com

http://www.immonot.com/
http://www.immobilier.notaires.fr/

(both these sites are for Notaires, also they have listings of the offices to visit)

The best of luck, and sorry for the very long posting but it's quite a lot of info!

Chris


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Mdm Black at ORPI, Montlucon L'Allier is married to a Scotsman although French. Lived in Scotland for may years and speaks perfect English. Have used her to purchase property in last 2 months and she is very helpful. Direct tel nr France 06 22 58 40 26.
Regards Royston
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