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Property Insider ©Copyright 2011 |
Do
You Have the "Edifice Complex?" Looking over the rooftops of le Marais (FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY) September 24, 2009 Bonjour French Property Insider Subscriber, There is no question I have the "Edifice Complex" -- a phrase coined by someone else to mean something different, but fits nonetheless in the context of our 'disease' to own French property. If you're reading FPI, then you likely have it, too. Read all about it in today's issue of French Property Insider, along with the latest account of the ongoing saga of the "Viager with a View" -- now in chapter 7 with upcoming tales to tell. Le Marais is in the spotlight today, thanks to the city's initiatives to preserve, protect and enhance the district. For that reason, we bring you a short report as well as a few Hot Properties in the 3rd and 4th arrondissements to whet your craving for your own "pied-à-terre." Moneycorp.com, our partner currency specialist, has news about the sterling-euro situation that may be valuable to you and there is much to learn from our associate publications which bring you articles on a variety of important issues. Financing is one -- as if you consider refinancing property you already own, you can increase your investments and revenue potential with virtually no out-of-pocket investment of your own. A bientôt, Adrian Leeds
Volume VII, Issue 38, September 24, 2009 In this issue: * "Le Saint-Tropez," the
Story Continues Viager
with a View Part VII
For those of you who have followed the story, you may want a quick reminder to get you back up to speed and for those who haven't, you may want to read Parts I through VI before you read this chapter. They can be found by clicking on: Part I: http://www.adrianleeds.com/parlerparis/viager. In the last chapter (Part VI), there was a new entanglement involving the mezzanine, also known as "les combles" and one part called a "cagibi." In effect, I don't own these parts -- the "copropriété" does, although neighbors had permission to purchase the cagibi in 2001 for 10,000 francs, and paid the sum, but never passed an "Acte de Vente" and therefore never took legal title over it! Surveyors came in July to do the "diagnostics" (termites, lead, asbestos, energy efficiency and the "loi Carrez" (habitable square space) and I asked them to also measure the mezzanine, the "débarras" (closet in the hall) and the chambre de bonne (maid's quarters). As it turned out, the main apartment measured about 22 square meters, the terrace 14 square meters and the chambre de bonne, 8 square meters. At first, it seemed that the tangled web between the neighbors and the copropriété would affect the ability to sign an Acte de Vente, but in reality, not at all -- as the areas in question were not owned by me at all. And so it passed -- I signed the final Acte de Vente on July 24th and the Viager with a View became "Le Saint-Tropez" and "La Brigitte!" You might recall that until the previous owner moved out all of his belongings and I signed the Acte de Vente, I had not seen the chambre de bonne, the cellars nor the débarras -- having purchased the whole lot sight unseen. To my pleasant surprise, the chambre de bonne, while small, overlooks via two good-sized windows both the courtyard of my building as well as the adjacent one, both of which are beautiful classic Marais courtyards, so the view is quite wonderful. In it was a sink and "bidet" on an extending shelf hidden under the sink! The main cellar is enormous -- a good 15 square meters, but was filled with the elderly gentleman's belongings. The secondary cellar is being used by my neighbor, Madame B., to whom I have agreed to give it! And the débarras is just the right size to install a washing machine and dryer, adjacent to the chambre de bonne.
As a result, we discovered many things of interest. The previous owner had clearly been a "bricoleur" (handyman) himself, having patched together the most fascinating materials to create his end result. Under the flooring, we found newspapers from 1950 used for insulation. The fireplace had been created by making an indentation in a supporting wall, which was inside the apartment adjacent to a thin wall he had built in the hallway to enlarge the apartment. The ceiling on either side of the apartment was made of concrete and could not be opened, nor were the beams of a good enough quality to expose.
All while this is transpiring, Interior Architecte Martine di Matteo was drawing plans, I was meeting with our "mosaiste" (mosaic tile designer), Veronique Husson, trompe l'oeil artist and contractor to begin putting the pieces of the puzzle together to have it completed before the end of the year. The goal is to have one of the most luxurious and enjoyable affordable vacation rental apartments in Paris -- equipped with all the best conveniences (including dishwasher, washer, dryer, and even air conditioning), with large terrace for entertaining and relaxation, that will sleep up to four (by using "La Brigitte")...all in the style of the Riviera's most elegant spot, Saint-Tropez. To date, the demolition is done and by the end of September we will have chosen the tiles and much of the plumbing fixtures and materials. As it progresses, I'll keep you posted of the development... Editor's
Note: To book your stay in Le Saint-Tropez and La Brigitte now,
visit Edifice
Complex Excerpt from Parler Paris Nouvellettre®
Of course, it's a twist on the "Oedipus Complex" -- "the desire to possess the parent of the opposite sex and eliminate the parent of the same sex." (Wikipedia.org) But, then with a little research, I discovered that the term actually exists and has little to do with our own desires to own French (or other) property. The truth is that "an 'Edifice Complex' is a serious budget-busting illness that typically manifests itself on modern college and university campuses where an incoming university president will frantically and feverishly fall all over themselves to relentlessly badger wealthy donors and students for the purposes of leaving a mark with their name on it on the campus by constructing a new, over-priced, prime parking lot removing, ten-story structure post-modern eyesore whose purpose is solely to house administration, their support staff, and grace the cover of university brochures and websites." (UrbanDictionary.com) Either way, there's truth in the joke. And we've changed the definition: "A Paris 'Edifice Complex' is a serious budget-busting illness that typically manifests itself with North American, British, Australian and New Zealand natives where an investment-minded traveler will frantically and feverishly fall all over themselves to badger real estate agents and property consultants for the purposes of purchasing, renovating, renting and occasionally enjoying themselves a 'pied-à-terre' that will fund its own mortgage and appreciate well over a period of years." I didn't always have this complex. The blame goes to Paris.
--
the "petites maisons" of the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries
with their old oak beams, tomette tile floors and stone walls;
Venture inside, particularly to the private residences, and you discover that no two apartments are the same. When you come from the land of cookie-cutter residential sub-divisions and apartment complexes (there's that word again -- 'complex'), where except for color and detail, the structures can be identical, the myriad of possible styles and configurations add infinitely distinctive differences to each humble abode will boggle your mind like a tangled ball of yarn... To read the entire article go to http://www.adrianleeds.com/parlerparis/. Photo credit: Erica Simone, http://www.ericasimone.com/. French Property Beating Spain For Buyers
To read the entire article go to http://www.homesgofast.com/view_news/1727/. The
Plan to Preserve and Develop Le Marais
Aren't we fortunate it wasn't? The city and particularly the "Mairies" (city halls) of the 3rd and 4th arrondissements are working together to preserve and develop this historic part of Paris. Stringent rules were instated by a Conservation Plan adopted in 1996 after more than 30 years with a goal of the year 2012 to create a vital and beautiful district designed to make it one of, if not the most, livable part of the city. The plan is called "Le Plan de Sauvegarde et de Mise en Valeur" (PSMV) encompassing the 126 hectares in the 3rd and 4th districts. Certain buildings are protected from demolition and changes made to their interior appointments, such as stairwells, balustrades, etc., overseen by the Architecte des Bâtiments de France (ABF). Neighborhood councils are responsible for thematic working groups dedicated to enhancing of public spaces and courtyards. This concerted effort by both the city and its residents to preserve and develop the district is just one of the many reasons we so strongly support Le Marais as one of the best investments one can make in the city of Paris. To
learn more, visit these two Web pages: And to participate, contact the Mairie of the 3rd: rachid.marwane@paris.fr. GET
ONE YEAR OF FRENCH PROPERTY INSIDER AT HALF PRICE ($29)!
"Your Pied-à-Terre in Paris: Own It All or Just a Fraction" Our very own Search Consultant, Mary Ellen Gallagher, will be on the call with me (Adrian Leeds), helping you decide what's best for your Paris investment portfolio and what fits your needs and desires best...a pied-à-terre of your own or a fraction of one! Subscribe or renew your subscription now!...for only $29 for 50 issues plus call in on October 18th to learn more about the differences between owning your own apartment or a fraction of one! http://www.adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/insider/subscribetofpi.html Or for more information http://adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/insider Refinancing of Property Holdings - an underused lever to raise capital http://www.investmentinternational.com
The current environment is full of opportunities, particularly with regard to the refinancing of property holdings. The definition of the refinancing of a property holding is a mortgage taken out on a property which has capital value in order to make use of the capital tied up in it. The obvious advantage is that the property is retained while additional income is obtained, which can be invested anywhere in the world. It also provides an opportunity to restructure and reorganise existing property holdings. This arrangement is particularly attractive for properties located in France. There are two reasons for this. First of all, the French property market has declined less during the last two years than other countries, such as the United Kingdom, the United States or Spain. Secondly, the euro has strengthened against a number of other national currencies, including sterling and the dollar. To read the entire article go to http://www.investmentinternational.com/news/property/refinancing-of-property-holdings-an-underused-lever-to-raise-capital-2976.html. Fractional Property Offerings from French Property Fractional www.adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/fractional If you are interested in traditional fractional ownership properties currently offered by our Fractional Ownership partners, see below:
To see our latest Fractional offerings go to http://adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/fractional/fractional_offerings.html French Insurance Chimney Sweeping Clause http://blog.schofields.ltd.uk/ A “burning issue” that many French property owners are unaware of, is the requirement of some French insurance policies that properties have chimneys swept once a year. Homeowners face the risk of being uninsured following a chimney fire, if they can’t prove that chimneys are swept annually. To avoid being uninsured, it is essential to check if your French insurer has this clause in your policy. If so, its important to get a valid “certificat de ramonage” from your chimney sweep, as it is likely that the terms of your policy will require it to be produced following a fire. Although there are diy sweeping products available, these are likely to be unacceptable by some insurers. As winter approaches and fires are used as the main source of heat throughout France, the risk of breaching your insurance policy should be taken seriously. Read your policy, understand what your insurance covers and identify exclusions that could leave you underinsured... To read the entire article go to http://blog.schofields.ltd.uk/682/chimney-sweeping-in-france/. Pound
Weakens Further Against the Euro
In addition, sterling has weakened following some negative comments made by the Governor of the Bank of England (BoE) with regards to UK banking policy. It appears that Mervyn King is looking in to lowering the remuneration deposit interest rates (the overnight interest rates that banks charge each other for leaving investments on reserve). Although the decision by the BoE was taken with a view to increasing liquidity in the economy, this has prompted overseas investors to sell off their sterling investments. The immediate effect has been negative for sterling. Today's interbank rate is around 1.12, providing euro sellers with beneficial rates not seen since May 2009, and could potentially fall further. For clients wishing to buy or sell euros, it is more imperative than ever that they discuss their currency transfers with a foreign exchange and international payments specialist. Contact:
Rudolf Kilchherr, Key Partnerships Team Property
Search App Comes to iPhone http://www1.propertyportalwatch.com
The company already claims a 70% audience share in all regions of France and says that the iPhone App will offer over a million listings to property seekers on the move. The app includes the usual google maps, alerts, and users can take advantage of note taking, scheduling agency appointments, saving searches, photos or share offers by e-mail. According to Le Blog iPhone seloger.com claims it has created the first real estate app to include “push notifications.“... To read the entire article go to http://www1.propertyportalwatch.com/2009/09/seloger-com-pushes-iphone-app/.
The Moneycorp MasterCard Prepaid Card
There is no line of credit with the card so you can only spend what you have loaded - helping you to stay in control of your money. You can use your Moneycorp Prepaid Card to make purchases wherever the MasterCard Acceptance Mark is displayed– that’s over 26 million locations including 1.2 million ATMs worldwide. It’s easy to manage your money with the Moneycorp Prepaid Card and account. Take the Risk Out of Currency Conversion If you’re buying a holiday home or investment property overseas, when you trade your currency is crucial. The euro exchange rate is constantly fluctuating, so trading at the right time will mean your money goes a lot further. Adrian Leeds Group LLC and Moneycorp are working together to ensure you make the most of your Dollar or Sterling when buying a property in France. For the latest exchange rate use
our currency converter at http://www.adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/loan/moneycorpconvertor
and learn more about moneycorp here: One-Hour Consultation with Adrian Leeds Free!
Parler Paris Apartments Welcome to your home in Paris. Home is how you will feel in a private apartment in Paris that has the "seal of approval" from Parler Paris Apartments and me, Adrian Leeds. Parler Paris Apartments offers high quality accommodations to make your stay in the City of Light as enjoyable and memorable as possible. We at Parler Paris know each and every apartment owner or manager personally, and stand behind the quality of those we represent. We understand your needs and desires, all the small details that make a rental apartment a warm and welcoming home and a much better alternative to an impersonal hotel!Parler Paris Apartments is administered and serviced by the same great team as Parler Paris, French Property Insider and French Property Consultation. You can trust that Parler Paris Apartments and all those with whom it is associated will do heir best for your 100% guaranteed satisfaction. SPOTLIGHT APARTMENT(S): Le Provençal Rue
Charlot
www.adrianleeds.com/parlerparis/apartments/rentals/provencal.html. Reserve now! Visit www.adrianleeds.com/parlerparis/apartments or email:apartments@adrianleeds.com. HOT PROPERTY PICKS: Magical Marvelous Marais Each week French Property Insider features a range of properties which we believe are on the market at the time of writing. These properties are featured in order to give readers a sample of what is currently available and a working example of prices being asked in various regions of France and districts of Paris. This week we focus on some interesting property opportunities found in the third and fourth arrondissements of Paris, le Marais.
Reults of The Recent Notaires' Property Auction
Additional information on Les Ventes aux Enchères des Notaires can be found on the Web site at www.encheres-Paris.com. To read Schuyler Hoffman's article about the property auctions in Paris, click on: adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/insider/
Money
Matters for Women Conference
Come hear Adrian Leeds enlighten you on "Property Investment in France" 2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.! MONEY MATTERS FOR WOMEN is a half-day conference held in Paris, France for today’s global woman who wants to understand her current financial situation, plan intelligently and take proactive steps in managing her money. The conference features: -
A dynamic keynote speaker This conference recognizes that women have unique financial goals and challenges which must be addressed. So invite your daughter, friend or neighbor to share in this empowering experience and walk away with more confidence and the tools to own your financial uture. The Money Matters for Women 2009 conference is presented by WICE and hosted by The American University of Paris. Special thanks to Smart Women Products for their continued support of this conference.For more information and to register, visit http://www.moneymattersforwomen.org. Luxury
Property Show Announced * Luxury Real Estate Trade Fair Loves Paris in the Autumn *
On the 27th, 28th and 29th of November 2009 Prestige-Paris will celebrate its third birthday with the assistance of France Convention, a specialist in niche and luxury trade fairs. This year’s gathering will be required both to meet the visitors’ very demanding expectations and outdo last year’s exceptionally successful event. The recent recession has failed to affect the luxury sector as much as the rest of the economy, in fact the latest figures have revealed that the Parisian real estate market has improved. It seems that the most beautiful and luxurious homes never fail to find a buyer, a thought that will encourage participants in this most prestigious property exhibition.
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 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 Après 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, October 13th, 2009 from 3 to 5 p.m. and every second Tuesday of the month (except August).
Managing Your French Property Insider Subscription is Easy!
It's easy... 1. Go to adrianleeds.com/frenchproperty/insider 2. Click on "Manage Subscription." You'll find it under the "Subscribers Only" section in the sidebar. 3. Enter your username and password. 4. On the Welcome Page, go to "Manage Your Account" and click on "Change Password/Edit Profile" 5. Once you've made the changes, scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on "Save Profile." Simple! Of course, we're always happy to help, so if you do need assistance, send an email to fpi@adrianleeds.com. To access password protected pages: click on any of the links on the left panel of the home page of FrenchPropertyInsider.com under "Subscriber's Only," then type in your personal username and password. Past issues of FPI are available
on the Web site. You will find the We wanted better guides, So we wrote them!
French Property Insider subscribers receive a discount of 10% off any uide and up to 25% off the entire purchase (if two or more guides are purchased at the same time). Here's how it works: 1. Click on special Web link we give you just for FPI subscribers. 2. Then order one or more
guide(s) and use the promotion 3. If you order two or more
guides, then an additional 15% will be Here is the special "coupon"
Web link just for you: SUBSCRIBE TO PARLER PARIS If you're not a regular reader of the Parler Paris daily e-letter, and would like to be, simply enter your e-mail address here (it's free!): www.adrianleeds.com/parlerparis Copyright 2011, Adrian
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