October 2007

"When my husband first talked to me at the beginning of the year about an opportunity to work in France, it sounded interesting so we came over with the children for a weekend to have a look!

We were ready to embrace change - we loved the region so we decided to go for it – that is where the logistical challenge began!  We spent a long weekend trailing around Property Agents not knowing whether to rent or buy, which town or village to look at, which school(s) would accommodate our son (11) and daughter (8) neither of whom spoke French, plus we were also bringing three horses and two dogs. 

At the end of this weekend, we felt overwhelmed as to how we could make it happen…… and then to our enormous relief we found Susan and Housefinder in France!  We put a detailed, rather complicated specification together for our ideal house and sent it to Susan - kept our fingers crossed and waited …….

The rest as they say is history - we are now here comfortably installed in our new home in a beautiful village, the children are in a bilingual school, we are making new friends and enjoying our new life. 

Not speaking French myself, I found Susan’s relocation service invaluable, and now have comprehensive details of doctors, dentists, vet, hairdresser and so on for the area in which we live – most of whom speak some English to enable us to get by – although I look forward to the day when I can converse competently in French!

Needless to say the journey of getting here has had its ups and downs….. I can put my hand on my heart and say I’m not sure we would have made it without Susan!

To anyone who is considering a lifestyle change like ours, or the acquisition of a holiday home / investment - look no further – Susan truly listens to your requirements …… which when blended with her comprehensive knowledge of the region and shrewd negotiating skills will ensure you find your ideal home. She takes great pride in what she does and the outcome really matters to her!

To you Susan …. Thank You doesn’t really seem to cover it …… but ‘THANK YOU’ from the bottom of our hearts! "

Julie S. - U.K.

May 2007

" Susan Toursel was a godsend. After receiving my transfer to France from Australia, I must have sent over 100 emails and faxes to local real estate agencies in our desired area. No responses. Exasperated and at my wits end, and with only a week before my family (including 2 children under 3 years old) and I were due to fly out of Australia, I stumbled across Susan's website whilst desperately surfing the internet one night. With nothing to lose, I sent an email seeking help....and had a reply within the hour! A light at the end of the tunnel began to flicker. Within 3 days, Susan had managed to organise 2 weeks of temporary accommodation (and had negotiated a great discount on our behalf) and several viewings of suitable houses in our preferred locations with several local real estate agents. During these viewings, Susan took time out from her own busy schedule to accompany us and ensure we asked the right questions, were given the right answers and also advise us on the area from a local's point of view. Her advice and insight was both invaluable and spot on. We found the perfect house for our needs on the first day of viewings and had a signed lease within 2 days! We could not have been happier and owe this stress-free transition to Susan and her dedication to helping people find their feet in France. We could not recommend Susan and her service highly enough and will always be indebted to her for her tireless work in this hugely important and stressful life change. Chapeau! "

Jeremy B. Australia

April 2007

"Hi Susan,
We just wanted to say thank you very much for your help in our property search when we visited France recently. It was so helpful to have someone who spoke fluent French and English to liaise with the estate agents and vendors and to explain how things worked in France. You were so friendly and made us feel really welcome and we feel very confident dealing with you. It's a terrifying thought, buying a property abroad, and you've helped make the process much easier!
Thanks again, "

Marie, Neil, Sophie and Kian - Cambridge, UK.