Photo: hand
Part One
Living in any new country takes some getting used to with its own customs and laws. I discovered one in France quite by accident on my continuous quest for interesting (read great value) real estate.
My partner and I came across a town on one of our road trips that just had the right vibe to suggest that permanent living in this location just might work. French towns are full of real estate agencies and one listing in a window particularly caught our attention. For just over 100K euros it was a relatively new home built in the last decade, energy efficient, two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a pool. Bingo. It was located in Viager de Frenchac; all the towns here end in –ac, but Frenchac was exactly where we wanted to be. Not familiar with viager, I could only assume that it meant something like the main road leading into the town, or maybe another town nearby. I’m familiar with Portugal’s viagem, meaning trip, so perhaps it was just a short distance away.
Photo: hand
This listing burned in my mind and when in the town we always happened to pass by the agency that always happened to be closed. It’s just like that in France. Eventually I decided to phone the agent who only spoke French, but very clearly. An arrangement was made to see the property next day, although he kept saying the owner still lived there. I didn’t have any problem the owner being there during the viewing, but he/she would have to pack their bags once we bought the house. Good Samaritan-ship only goes so far.
The next day we turned up at the agent’s office to be taken to Viager de Frenchac. There was also another agent there who spoke English and greeted us with, “You know what viager is?”
Photo: hand
Please go here for Part Two
