Transferring money for house - urgent advise please!

[jennib]

We have all money now in French bank account for buying house, its now 2 weeks to signing and still haven't had notaires invoice, just an estimated figure in the compris. Beginning to panic - so would love to hear from members regarding this last house buying stage - what is the best and quickest way (as well as safest) for us to get money from bank to Notaire and how do we do it?

This is all new and we're stumbling around in dark here, we have spoken to bank in terrible French and got the gist that we have to write to them to organise transfer, but not sure if we understood them correctly.

[Gardian]

From my experience with notaires, you really want to get the money to them within the next 10 days, so that they're comfortable that the funds are in place prior to finalising the Acte de Vente.

Do you have internet banking with your French bank?  The guess is not, but if you have, then it should be a straightforward virement.

Otherwise, you've got time to provide instructions in writing. Two days from the UK, so it should be actioned by the end of next week, latest.  Ring your bank Thurs or Fri next wk to check that they've actioned: between your dodgy French and their English, you should be able to satisfy yourselves.

Assumption in all this is that you have the notaire's client a/c details.

Oh, and go with the estimated figure - it'll be more than the final sum. You'll get a refund ............. eventually!!![:)]  Like 6mths or so, but it'll be a nice present.

[krusty]

And I was going to say ......in a wheel barrow ....[Www]

Seriously go with what Gardian says , electronic transfer the estimated amount and you will get a refund.

[PaulT]

Plus, as you only have limited French does the Notaire speak English? Or failing that the Immobilier? You could also ask either the Notaire (from whom you will need the bank a/c details if you do not have them) or the Immobilier - both of whom have an interest in ensuring that the money is in the correct place.

Paul

[nectarine]

yep, just transfer the sum that you've been told directly to the notaire's account. The immobilier might suggest transferring to his account but it's better to go to the notaire directly as he has proof it's received. Give it about ten days or so. If it's over the amount, which it usually is, then you will get a refund in due course.

You might try speaking to the notaire's office and get their bank details - as they are receiving money then they will probably do everything they can to help get the money across.

Don't worry about your bad French - clear written instructions, preferably faxed to your bank, with sort code, etc., will work.

Meanwhile congratulations on purchasing your house. Yes it's scary at first, bumbling in the dark and not knowing what to do, but come on this forum and make sure you ask every question you want - we've all been there and I've learned a lot by asking silly questions but always getting helpful replies.

[AnOther]

Can I ask what's wrong with sending the Notaire a cheque ?

If you have your French chequebook to hand then even from UK by Special Delivery it should only take 2 or 3 days to get there and should have cleared by the time of the signing.

Too late for the OP now but we transferred our money direct from UK to the Notaire, the standard practice I believe, adding a couple of thousand for contingencies.

After the signing the Notaire immediately gave us a cheque for the balance which we conveniently used to open our French bank account.

[Stan Streason]

Looking back a year ago I was due to complete on 18th Feb (Wed) - my notaire had the funds on 12th (previous thurs.). I added the various things together told him what I was transferring and left it to him to tell me if I was short or not (I wasnt).