Gift ideas ? 5 reasons to visit your notary

Don't be fooled by appearances, your notary's office has plenty of gifts to delight young and old alike. As 2019 draws to a close, connected objects and the latest phones will certainly be blooming under many a Christmas tree. But other products - much more voluminous - seem to have won the hearts of many consumers... Welcoming and reassuring, they provide shelter for several occupants who enjoy pleasant moments in them... As you'll have gathered, we're talking about real estate, which has seduced over a million buyers in 2019. As for those planning an adventure for two, they'll find the right solutions in Pacs or marriage. While the more enterprising will prefer to set up their own company, based on solid articles of association. There's no shortage of ideas for entertainment, escapism, reflection and sensations, just push open the doors of the notary's office.

1st reason: real estate

For fans of construction boxes...

A classic among classics, real estate is sure to appeal to parents and children alike. It has to be said that the success of real estate has exceeded all expectations this year. With over one million transactions recorded at the end of June 2019, it has never reached such a figure. Yes, interest rates on mortgages are making acquisitions easier, as banks are lending 15-year mortgages at less than 1% for the best applications. Now's the time to take advantage of this and discover everything the notaire "has on offer" at the end of the year. Here's a selection.

- A principal residence. Here's a project that your notaire can help you with. His notary's negotiation department has many houses and properties available for sale. Simply contact him to visit them. A visit to immonot is a must! The notaries' real estate site, which is sporting a new look at the end of the year, allows you to conduct your property search with complete peace of mind.
- A second home? An excellent idea for sharing good times with the family. Whether the property is by the sea, in the mountains or in the countryside, notaries can satisfy every desire. In fact, the estates they settle give them an insight into the rather atypical properties that come onto the market. And they don't hesitate to innovate by selling them via Internet auctions. Buyers have 36 hours to submit their bids on the "36h immo" platform. A great way to buy at the right price!

Advantages ?
Notaries offer properties at market price, as they carry out property appraisals. What's more, their negotiation fees are among the lowest on the market (6% on average). And let's not forget the legal security that surrounds the sale, so you don't have to worry about a thing!

2nd reason: family

Reserved for fans of board games

Here's an area where you can preserve your family environment from a legal standpoint. Particularly for those starting out in life, or those with assets of their own.

- The Pacs agreement. Before considering marriage, cohabitants can contact their notary to draw up their Pacs agreement in the form of an authenticated deed. In addition to including the essential points (articles 515 ? 1 to 515 ? 7 of the French Civil Code), it can also designate a "property regime" of joint ownership, instead of separation of property, which applies by default. A good way to secure the future in the event of a property purchase.
- Why a marriage contract? The future spouses have decided to share their lives, but need to consider all the implications in terms of property held or planned acquisitions. Drawn up before formalizing their union, and taking into account their professional situation, a marriage contract enables them to organize the management of their assets and determine the fate of property acquired during the marriage.

What are the advantages?
As a generalist in the law, the notary can provide personalized advice to organize the legal framework of a couple's life, with its many projects.

3rd reason: assets

Priority to strategy

Asset management is not just for the elderly. In fact, a good strategy starts at an early age. Real estate acquisitions should be considered gradually, as the family grows and professional projects progress. The aim is to have a sufficiently diversified estate that can be passed on under the right conditions.

- Real estate investment. This is another opportunity to pull out the "real estate" trump card. This time, to make a rental investment that will build up capital and generate income for the future. This acquisition is all the more opportune as the cost of borrowing is currently very limited. The rent covers a large part of the monthly payment. As for the profitability of the operation, it could prove very attractive when you buy a home to renovate under the Denormandie tax exemption scheme. Expect a net return of 3 to 4% per annum.
- SCPI units. Another option is "paper stone", which avoids all the management and promises a handsome return. This involves buying shares in buildings managed by companies such as "Notapierre". These companies hold real estate assets consisting of rented offices, apartments or shops. They offer one of the best risk/return ratios on the market, with an average payout rate of 4.85%.

Advantages ?
Real estate allows you to build up assets by taking advantage of debt leverage to increase your investment capacity. In short, you can invest in a €200,000 property with just €20,000 in savings.

4th reason: the company

Risk appetite at its best

Here's an area that will appeal to adventure-seekers... The notary has solutions in store for them to live out their passion professionally. Whether you're setting up, taking over or running a business, your notary can advise you on how to develop your business, ensure its long-term survival and ensure it is passed on to your successors.

- Customized statutes. Business creators will appreciate starting their entrepreneurial or artisanal career by entrusting the drafting of their company's articles of association to a notary. The notary will take into account the entrepreneur's marital status and assets. If you're buying a business, its value depends on a number of tangible and intangible elements. When you sign the preliminary sales agreement, the notary checks that all the conditions necessary for the successful completion of the purchase have been met. Finally, when the time comes to transfer the business, the notary will draw up the most appropriate gift contract for the heir(s) of the business owner.
- A new matrimonial regime. The company director can't afford to gamble too much! He or she must take care of the consequences of his or her professional activity on the interests of his or her family. By opting for the regime of separation of property, everything owned before or after the marriage remains the property of the spouse, as do his or her salaries and income from other assets. To adopt this regime, you need to contact a notary, who will draw up the contract.

Advantages ?
The notary secures the drafting of the articles of association by the force of theauthenticated deed.

5th reason: transmission

The enigmas of sharing

In the course of our experiences, we've learned that we also need to be careful to protect our teammates. The notary gives us the cards to manage the situation.

- A gift between spouses. This can be envisaged whatever the matrimonial regime of the spouses. It improves the spouse's inheritance rights by increasing his or her share of the inheritance.
- A shared donation. This is designed to organize the division of assets during the lifetime of the couple. Made for the benefit of children or grandchildren, it enables the latter to receive an inheritance of which the donors can reserve the usufruct.

Advantages ?
The €100,000 allowance per child and per donor is renewed every 15 years .

Christophe RAFFAILLAC