French Property Insider, Weekly E-Zine About Investing in France

We have been publishing this "e-zine" since 2002 for paid subscribers, and now for the first time, FPI is free to all who wish to stay informed of what's new on the French property market...for investment or pleasure.

During all this time, while providing 50 issues every year, we have amassed an extraordinary amount of information about investing in French property which is now at your fingertips...absolutely free. Be sure to take advantage of all the Web site has to offer by reading past issues, archived articles, special reports and up-to-date Paris property price information -- all of which you can find by using the links on the left panel of the Web site.

Yesterday I visited the 99% completed newly renovated apartment of one of our readers -- a woman from Florida whose dream it was to own a palatial "pied-à-terre" in the heart of Paris that she and her whole family could enjoy.

She was fortunate in that her timing was excellent -- she made this investment just before the stock market crash affected millions of investors as not only would she have lost her own funds, but it would have taken years to recover. Instead, she has a property which has already gained in value by about 20%, considering what she paid for it about 1.5 years ago and what that same property would sell for today.

In today's Paris market, and since the first of the year, we have seen a substantial increase of hungry investors who want to take advantage of the greatly reduced interest rates (under 3%), a strengthening of the U.S. dollar ($1.33 to the euro today) and property prices that will go no lower.

The big problem in today's market is a result of the stabilization of prices -- as owners have chosen not to sell and hold on to their properties until they can profit greater. This means that there is almost no property on the market, particularly in smaller units that at one time had small price tags.

Things are changing rapidly. Real estate agents claim that there are three buyers for every property at asking price. We have had first hand experience, making full price offers on property sight-unseen simply based on an agent's recommendation, only to lose it to another party who slipped in by way of a 'back door,' or other agency (agencies do not demand exclusivity), literally minutes ahead.

No, bidding wars don't happen here. Luckily, that's because sellers are 'morally obligated' to accept asking price. This keeps the market from becoming overly inflated, but still, we see prices rising before our very eyes as demand is high and inventory is low.

The Ms. from Florida was also fortunate to have found a prime piece of property that will never let her down -- both as a comfortable place to 'hang her hat' as well as achieve a healthy rental return. It's a 150 square-meter apartment on two levels with three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and a very large terrace overlooking the crossroads of two of the Marais' most desirable streets, with views up and down both from the five 5-meter-high living room windows. Property like this does not come on the market often, but we were fortunate, too, to have found it for her.

The apartment underwent massive renovation to completely reconfigure the spaces, change the stairwell and transform it into the luxury apartment it deserved to be. With the talent and supervision of our associate Interior Architect, Martine di Matteo, it has been outfitted with magnificent antiques, luscious fabrics and tasteful colors -- using many hues of purples, grays, blacks and whites.

Very soon you'll be seeing it offered as a short-term luxury rental apartment under the name of "Le Temple des Rosiers," so stay tuned for its debut, as it will be available as of June of this year.

What we hope to learn from this is that even though good property is hard to find, it is still worth taking the plunge now before prices increase, interest rates increase and the rate of exchange is less favorable. Knowing that there is so little supply, one must be persistent and have patience, but be prepared to make a full-price offer quickly and trade-off a few assets for liabilities -- as "there is no such thing as the perfect Paris apartment"...although we can get awfully close!

P.S. Our secret to finding great properties is being on the 'inside' of the Paris property industry. Because we do not take remuneration from the agencies, they are more than pleased to offer our clients properties that are fresh on their books...and often not even yet on their books! This was one of them. For more information about property search, visit adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/consultation or email us at fpi@adrianleeds.com

New times on TV... Watch Adrian Leeds and French Property Consultation on House Hunters International.

***"Vacation Home in Paris"
Tune In: May 4, 2010, 7:00 PM ET/PT
House Hunters International Episode HHINT-1A05
http://www.hgtv.com/house-hunters-international/vacation-home-in-paris/index.html

***"Settling Down in Paris"
Tune In: June 6, 2010, 12:30 PM ET/PT
House Hunters International Episode HHINT-402
http://www.hgtv.com/house-hunters-international/settling-down-in-paris/index.html

To learn more, visit http://www.adrianleeds.com/ or email Adrian Leeds, at adrian@adrianleeds.com

Seeking a Mortgage in France?

When you make a purchase as important as a piece of real estate in a foreign country, you ant to know that you can trust the people you are dealing with. Adrian Leeds has developed a network of professionals that meet only the highest of standards. With the expertise and experience of Adrian and her team, you can depend on getting the best advice and support to feel completely confident that you are making an informed investment decision.

Let us help you secure a mortgage in France at a competitive interest rate. Visit www.adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/loan for more information or contact Loan@AdrianLeeds.com

Own a Piece of Paris.

Fractional ownership is the hottest way to own your piece of Paris simply, easily and inexpensively!

Here is just one of the offerings available through French Property Fractional:

French Property Insider Le Royal du Marais - This beautiful two bedroom, two bathroom apartment is located in the building that forms one of the corners of the world famous Place des Vosges, in Paris' prestigious Marais district.

For more information on this and other fractional ownership properties now available, or to learn how you can design your own property, visit French Property Fractional.

Parler Paris Apartments Summer Specials

Enjoy summertime in Paris and save when you book any of our well located and luxurious Parler Paris Apartments starting in July or August. Just imagine...celebrating Bastille Day with spectacular fireworks at the Eiffel Tower, or a leisurely picnic by the Seine during Paris Plage.

July Special – Start your stay in July and save 10% when you book by May 15.

August Special – Start your stay in August and receive the lowest advertised rate when you book by June 15. (Maximum 30 day booking, rate ends on Labor Day, September 6).

The apartments are booking up fast, so reserve today!, click here to make your request: Request_Form or contact apartments@adrianleeds.com

Please note: These special deals are valid only on new bookings of four nights or more and offers cannot be combined.

Helpful Conversions for Real Estate

1 square meter = 10.7639104 square feet
1 hectare = 2.4710538 acres
For more conversions, refer to: www.onlineconversion.com/

Parler Paris Apr�s Midi: Next Meeting!

www.adrianleeds.com/parlerparis/apresmidi.html

The second Tuesday of every month, Parler Paris and French Property Insider readers gather at La Pierre du Marais for a drink and a "schmooze" --It's an opportunity to meet and chat with other like-minded people and a great way to make friends! Costs nothing except your drinks. Don't miss the next gathering Tuesday, May 11th, 2010 from 3 to 5 p.m. and every second Tuesday of the month (except August).

Subscribe to the Parler Paris Nouvellettre®...It's twice-weekly and it's FREE!

Visit Parler Paris to learn more and subscribe.