TREVOR ADAMS :
La forêt de Tessé
Buying a house abroad is usually a complex and stressful task. Language problems, different legal and cultural practices related to conveyancing, etc, can prove very daunting! Having sold a cottage in England and decided on trying to find an old farmhouse property in the Charente, we were extremely fortunate to meet an immobiliere in historic Verteuil-en –Charente who expertly guided us through the buying process and helped in innumerable ways to solve the many obstacles en route.
L’Immobiliere du Village’ provides a complete service. In my experience this is truly exceptional. From the initial identification of a suitable property to the eventual signing of the ‘Compromis de Vente in the Notaire’s office in Ruffec, (completed in a record 2 months!) the professional ‘client-centred’ approach of the immobiliere was admirable and most reassuring.
Sandra Mauguin who runs the agency is extremely knowledgeable, charming and speaks excellent English. Her understanding of French protocols, issues related to taxation, planning applications, and her contacts with local artisans and the English speaking Notaire proved invaluable. Consequently the usual ‘roller coaster’ buying experience was both exhilarating and highly efficient!
In addition to helping us realise a dream property and embark on a successful attic conversion’, Sandra has continued to provide wise counsel in relation to a host of other concerns, including buying a French car, setting up telephone and internet services, contacting utilities on our behalf, sourcing building materials and ‘meubles’, and inevitably, dealing with aspects of ‘french bureaucracy!’. Her integrity, patience and unstinting good humour has imbued us with a degree of confidence and optimism to face the challenges of retirement in a new culture!