A Place in the Sun Extras Jonnie & Jasmine Issue 74

Date Published:

22/10/2009

Jonnie:

The A Place In The Sun Live exhibitions are always a highlight as I get to meet the people who count – the loyal viewers who watch the show. It’s a chance for me to get feedback on the programme (and also a chance for viewers to give me some stick about the cardigans I wear!).

The exhibition is also a great opportunity to catch up with househunters who have come on the show and to find out how they’re getting on with buying abroad – but it’s not just these people with a story to tell. Some of the best market feedback can be gleaned from anybody who has bought or who is buying a property. Jasmine and I hear so many anecdotes from those who have invested in a holiday home, and they often have great tips on what to look out for and, most importantly, who to look out for. As I always say, it’s best to use an independent expert who has already helped someone you trust.

When you talk to someone who has bought abroad and is looking for their second property, it suggests they have been successful, but equally there are those who are at the start of the process and have come to the event for sheer inspiration. No matter what stage they are at, I enjoy finding out people’s plans and discussing their dreams, but I always point everybody in the direction of the independent advisers on law, finance and emigration; not because I’m a killjoy, but because it’s free at the show!

And I have never been asked so much about businesses, which suggests even younger and ambitious visitors are coming to the event. I’ve also noticed that the emigration area seems to be getting busier at each show – more and more people seem to be looking to move to sunnier climes.

Jasmine:

Our recent A Place in the Sun Live event had a great buzz – it was fantastic to see so many visitors.

For me, a couple called Karen and Johnny summed it all up. I met them at last year’s event, when they were having great difficulty getting the deeds for a property in Cyprus, which they had already put a deposit on. It was looking like they would have to withdraw from the sale and lose their money, and I advised them to get an independent legal representative. Luckily, they found a great lawyer, and they bought the property, complete with title deeds, for less than they had originally offered and they are now enjoying their place in Cyprus! It’s another excellent example of why independent, expert advice is always money well spent.

It was also a great pleasure to meet so many fans of the show. I was especially delighted to meet a lovely little girl called Becky, who had come all the way from Northern Ireland with her mum – thank you for the gift, Becky!

And many thanks for all the good wishes on my recent wedding to my cameraman, Jon. We met on the first series of A Place in the Sun: Home or Away five-and-a-half years ago, and he proposed on my birthday last year when we were filming in the USA. We tied the knot in June and have thoroughly enjoyed our first summer at home together!

It was great to catch up with some of our house-hunters from the last series. Lisa and Steve, your show should be on next month. And to Adrian and David, who were due to complete on their place in the sun on the Tuesday after the event, I hope it went smoothly, guys!

More than ever before, we had lots of people asking when we were going to revisit some of our previous househunters. We would absolutely love to, so watch this space…

This article is taken from issue 74 of A Place In The Sun magazine. To subscribe to A Place In The Sun magazine click here, or call 01371 851884 (opening hours Monday-Friday 9am – 5.30pm).

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