Take My Advice at a Bargain Price

I’m finally taking my own advice.

In less than two weeks, a sweet little studio apartment on rue Charlot will be all mine. That’s when I’ll be signing the “Acte de Vente” (final sales contract), the keys will be turned over to me and I’ll assume all the responsibilities and rewards.

At a mere sixteen and one-half square meters, it’s just large enough to accommodate a small, but complete kitchen, a bath with shower, built-in storage including a washer/dryer, TV/DVD/Internet and all the luxuries of home. Three windows facing the courtyard with southeast exposure allow for the light to pour in, but the noise to stay out.

Last week I met with a contractor I trust and a friend who is an expert “mosaiiste” (mosaic artist). It’s been decided…one wall will come down to expose the 17th-century stone, the ceiling will come out to expose the ancient wood beams, closets and cabinetry will be built to provide plenty of storage and will use French doors with square paned panels, some with mirrors to add light the illusion of space. In mosaic tile, the designer will create a one-of-a-kind bathroom with free-formed shower maximizing the space, tile a matching kitchen and small dining table in Provençal styles and colors I’ll choose from sample bits.

The goal is to create the most charming and inviting 16.5 square meters one could possibly imagine in the heart of Paris. Following the Provençal theme, I’ll decorate it in multi-colors, warm tones of yellows, blues, greens and lavenders. When it’s finished, about two months from the outset, it will be offered for short-term stays at the price of an equivalent hotel room. A 50% occupancy rate is all it needs to more than cover the mortgage and expenses. Everything over that is pure “gravy” (it could easily net close to 10% return on investment) and meanwhile, the property will appreciate (Paris property appreciated 14% on the average in 2005!).

The ability to purchase this property is 100% the result of the property I purchased in Paris almost six years ago — the apartment I live. It has tripled in value in that time, providing me with enough of an equity loan to purchase not only this little studio, but another I’ve had my eye on (I just made an offer on it!). There is no doubt that these are good investments. These properties will provide the financial security I’ve always dreamed of and perhaps the ability to afford even more sometime in the near future, growing a valuable portfolio I can leave to my daughter.

In the last five years, since discovering the world of real estate in Paris (and throughout all of France), my carefully formed team of property professionals and I have helped hundreds of people realize the same dream…at Living and Investing in France Conferences, through one-on-one consultations, providing property searches and purchase assistance programs and through our publications.

Six years ago when I made that first property purchase in Paris, I was pretty naive. Not any more. Now after years of working within the industry, there’s very little about the property purchase process I don’t know, and what I don’t know, I know who to ask and how to find out. In fact, I’ve made it my business not only to know, but to share this information with you.

It’s called French Property Insider.

It’s our weekly electronic magazine (e-zine) devoted to educating its readers on how to effectively, efficiently and profitably purchase property in France.

Every issue (50 per year) is packed with information…

A la prochaine…

Adrian Leeds
Editor, Parler Paris
Email [email protected]

P.S. * Consultations are accepted by phone or in person Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Paris time.

P.P.S. Of course, if for any reason you are not completely satisfied with your subscription to French Property Insider, you have my personal guarantee. You can cancel at anytime for a pro-rated refund. No questions asked.