Home Mortgage

Home Loans, Refinancing, and Home Mortgage Financing tag, as close to the beginning of it as possible-- Purchase Refinance Home Equity Apply Now Online Application Status -- Check Out Today's Rates Search Need Help? Home Quick Info Tools CUSTOMIZE ONLINE RATES Loan Product: Purchase Refinance State: -Select a State- Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware DC Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada N.Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Zip Code: Loan Amount: Est. Home Value: Loan Amount: Interest Rate: Term (Years): Estimated Monthly Payment: SHORTCUTS Today's Rates Local Branch Calculators Privacy & Security The Right Loan Program First-Time Buyer Guide Buying a Home Loan Programs Simplified Flexible Options for New Home Construction THE LEARNING CENTER MY ACCOUNT Registered? Forgot Password? User Name: Password: Log into My Account Build equity faster with the GMAC Mortgage Equity Rewards MasterCard credit card... more... -- Hurricane Relief Current GMAC Mortgage Customers: Call 1-800-766-4622 for assistance if you have been affected by the storm. Find out how we're helping customers Loan Applicants: If you applied for a loan in one of our Louisiana or Mississippi offices, you can check the status of your application by contacting your loan officer or processor directly, or by calling the regional office at 1-888-682-9844 . If you applied for a loan online or over the phone, you can check the status of your application by calling 1-800-876-4622 . Donate Now Donate Now GMAC Mortgage customers affected by the storm should call 1-800-766-4622 for assistance. If you have a loan application in process with one of our local offices in Louisiana or Mississippi, please contact your local office or call our Regional Office at 1-888-682-9844 . -- Start Your Online Application Find a Local Expert Privacy | Legal Information | Auto Insurance | GMAC HomeSolutions | Contact Us | About Us | Careers | Site Map © 2005 GMAC Mortgage Corporation. All Rights Reserved. GMAC is a registered service mark of the General Motors Acceptance Corporation Real Estate and moving services offered by GMAC Home Services, Inc. and GMAC Global Relocation Services, Inc. GMAC Residential Holding Corporation is the parent of GMAC Mortgage Corporation, GMAC Home Services, Inc., Ditech Escrow Services, Inc., GMAC Bank and GMAC HomeSolutions. Because of these relationships, any of these referrals may provide GMAC Residential Holding Corporation with a financial or other benefit. Close This link will take you to another site that is not affiliated with gmacmortgage.com. Therefore, GMAC Mortgage's privacy policy will not apply. For your safety, please check with the sites privacy policy before entering your information. Thank you. Close

Property Listings. Listing with

Free For Sale By Owner Property Listings, Fsbo Homes, and more. Virtual Tours $65.95 - Pro-Packages $45.95 - Photo Ads $15.95 Above are some of our For Sale By Owner Property Listings. Listing with us: By Listing your Property and / or Properties with us. The Property would be available for potential buyers viewing 24 hours, 7 days a week from anywhere in the world. We have been online since August of 1997 and have 400,000 + visitors each and every month. Who list property with us? The For Sale By Owner ( FSBO) Realtors Foreclosure Companies Investors Builders Architects Mortgage Companies For Sale By Owner Sites We provide Free For Sale By Owner ( FSBO) Property Listings for your home - land - commercial or investment property. We also offer flexible options to let you customize your ad to suit your needs at affordable prices. Best of all, listing your property with us is commission fee. You'll never pay us a commission for the sale of your property. No Strings Attached: You may also list your property on as many other real estate sites as you like. If you decide to list with a Realtor, simply send us the contact information for your Realtor and we will change the information on your listing for you. See examples by clicking on the following links. Photo Ad - Pro-Pack - Virtual Tours - Custom Property Listings All of our photo packages include online Property Listing, Search Engines Submissions and a Yard Sign . Yard Signs mailed with in 24 hours of ordering. ( Offer good until Dec 31, 05 ) Listings posted with in 24 hours of submissions. We will check your listings for typo's. Your own web page with your own web address ( url ). Choose from 3 different Photo Packages. Photos can be sent by email or by postal mail. No additional cost for scanning photos. Unlimited text. Describe your Property in Full Detail. A hit counter will be added to your listing, you'll know how many times your ad has been viewed. We will post your Open Houses at your request. Direct link to your e-mail address and web site if you have one. Links to Appraisal Info, Home Inspection Companies, Mortgages, Credit Reports, Schools Information, Neighborhood Statistics. We submit your listing to the search engines and major directories for you. See a list of Engines . We accept all Major Credit & Debit Cards Payment Online over a secure server. To list your property choose a Package below, click on Order to complete the online form. Our Packages - 1 time fee. Free Listing Photo Ads Pro-Pack Virtual Tour Listing with Yard Sign $0.00 $15.95 $45.95 $65.95 Advertising Period 3 months Until Sold Until Sold Until Sold Web Pages 1 1 1 1 Number of Photos 0 1 6 8 Scanning Charges $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Posted in our Newsletter No Yes Yes Yes Search Engine Submission No 6,000 Sites 10,000 Sites 15,000 Sites Counter No Yes Yes Yes Url for use in classifieds Yes Yes Yes Yes To Order Order Order Order Order If you have any questions or need help please contact Susan Nichols at 317-241-4516 CustomersComments I am very pleased with your site. I found it to be the best out there. The virtual tour, the unlimited text, 14 photos, my own URL and your very reasonable price makes your site truly an the award winner. Thanks again for your prompt action on our listing. Martin McGann Thank you for your excellent service and best of luck. I think sites like yours are definitely changing the real estate industry forever. Chris Cook Thank-you for running this useful service. We have successfully sold our house and saved $15,000 in realtor fees. J. Steele Arlington Va Susan: You do perfect work. My site looks great. Thanks. You have here one very satisfied customer. I can see why you are top rated. I like the personal touch, and I understand how much work that is since I manage my Bristol Campground website & business much the same way with hands on personal & personable contact. Good luck & may God BLESS you & your business. Sincerely, Bill Gaines Thank you for your help. We closed this week after being on the market only three months. Your service was very helpful. Our buyer saw the home on a walk he was taking and then went to our listing on your site, which we placed on the For Sale sign and "toured" the home. He also had his mother, one of the buyers, see the home from her home in New Jersey via the web site. Thanks for your help. Anne Mills Thank you so much for your service! WE SOLD OUR HOMESTEAD IN ALASKA.........to a buyer from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, who saw our ad on your site! Again.....THANK YOU SOOOOOOO MUCH. We are telling everyone we know about your service! Jack M. Beesler . Home Page List Property Update Listings Search Listings

Denver Real Estate Buyers

METRO DENVER Real Estate, Metro Denver CO Homes for Sale, Highlands Ranch Real Estate Metro Denver Real Estate Toll Free 1-888-406-2259 Denver Real Estate Buyers Denver Real Estate Sellers Or, if you would like us to personally run your daily Denver Real Estate searches for you, click Run It For Me . Community Information + Detailed Maps of Metro Denver Area NEGOTIATING 101 See over 27,000 Metro Denver Home Listings In The Colorado M.L.S. Homes FOR SALE: View Here Servicing All Metro Denver Communities Denver Aurora Castle Rock Cherry Hills Centennial Englewood Greenwood Village Golden Castle Pines Cherry Creek Highlands Ranch Ken-Caryl Ranch Lakewood Littleton Lone Tree Parker Washington Park Castle Rock Area Denver County Douglas County Jefferson County METRO DENVER COMMUNITY INFORMATION + MAPS Denver Encyclopedia WEATHER BY CITY What's Happening In Denver? This comprehensive web site is all you will need to find your next Denver area home or sell the one you now have! There are easy to find answers to all your Denver Real Estate questions. RE / MAX and I are here to assist you through every step of the way. If you have any questions or are ready to buy or sell your Metro Denver Property , please Contact Us . or call (303) 880-4944 . Bill Kosena, a Denver real estate agent , has assisted clients just like you with all their real estate needs since 1978. Have Questions? With 28 years of experience, I have your answers. Receive your answers by e-mail , quickly and without obligation Your privacy is guaranteed! 303-880-4944 Toll Free 1-888-406-2259 OTHER TOPICS OF INTEREST Real Estate Practices In Denver A GUIDE TO BENTONITE Mold Mold Mold... And YOU Current Mortgage Rates Moving Check List What To Know Before Buying From A Builder FREE APPRAISAL "On the House!" Your Water Well Motor Vehicle & Driver's License Conforming Money Increased NEGOTIATING For Dummies Help Yourself To A Healthy Home Current Weather History of Colorado Great Reading! Denver Recreation Seniors Only Kids Only Colorado's Official Web Site Denver Employment Links Ready to BUY a Metro Denver area home? Welcome to Denver Real Estate On Line.com where you have direct access to all Metro Denver listings , extensive buyer information including helpful tips and articles all Denver buyers will find to be invaluable. Ready to SELL your Metro Denver area home? This site can offer your Denver area listing access to over 33,000 viewers every month who are looking for Denver Real Estate . We also offer you the skill and experience necessary to obtain a trouble-free sale that nets you the very highest possible price for your home. Expect a diverse range of marketing strategies that will expose your home to all possible buyers. The marketing plan for your home will be customized to your specific needs and your neighborhood market conditions. And, our 33,000 + monthly viewers will be the first to know your property is on the market. Simply fill out the free Broker Market Analysis form and we'll get back to you right away. Feel free to call 303-880-4944 to discuss specific questions you may have or to schedule an appointment. Featured Homes: - Looking for just the right property Check here first! Buyer/Seller Tips: - Read through helpful tips of information on buying or selling your home! What is your Home's Value? Let us figure out how much your home is worth in today's market! Local Schools: Identify the best school district for your family with our free schools reports. Local Weather: - Get up-to-date information on weather in the surrounding communities. Map & Driving Directions: - Need a map to our office or anywhere else? Denver Real Estate Expert for Highlands Ranch , Denver , Lone Tree , Greenwood Village , Cherry Hills Village , Castle Pines , Parker , Castle Rock , Cherry Creek , Washington Park , Littleton , Centennial, Ken Caryl To Get Answers Or More Information... 1 Please provide the following contact information: Name: Home Phone: E-mail: 2 How can we help you? By submitting this form with your telephone number you are consenting for this website's authorized representatives to contact you even if your name is on the Federal "Do not call List" Thank you for submitting your information. We will be in contact with you by phone or email shortly. Hello, I'm Denver Realtor Bill Kosena . I look forward to assisting you with your real estate needs throughout the Metro Denver area. 303-880-4944 or Bill@DenverRealEstateOnline.com Want to know what they are saying about Bill? Bill Kosena , ABR , CRS , GRI , SRES 303-880-4944 FREE & Without Obligation Pledge Guarantee of Privacy Statement Our Disclaimer LET'S BUILD OUR SITE VALUES About The Relocation Network Aventura Real Estate , Lake Chelan WA Real Estate , Austin Real Estate , Sarasota FL Real Estate , Spokane Orlando FL Real Estate , Clearwater Florida Real Estate , Bullhead City, AZ Real Estate , Arizona Real Estate , Miami Real Estate , Myrtle Beach Real Estate , Mississauga, Ontario , Tulsa Oklahoma Real Estate , Tucson Real Estate , Seattle Real Estate , Real-Estate-Agents.com , Round Rock Real Estate , South Florida Real Estate , San Jose Real Estate , Villa Kecapi Bali , Hawaii Real Estate Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Appraisers Home Improvement Home Inspectors Home Warranties Moving Companies Mortgage Lenders Favorite Real Estate Places International Partners Real Estate Directory Return To DENVER REAL ESTATE Masters, Inc. 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home equity to pay

MSN Money - The hazards of some home-equity loans MSN Home Hotmail My MSN Sign In Money S earch MSN Money: Help Home News Banking Investing Planning Taxes My Money Portfolio Loans Insurance Banking Home My Accounts Bill Pay Mortgages/Loans Services Credit Reports Financial Tools Track your bills Resources Decision Centers Home Buying Guide Home Financing Your Credit Rating Financial Privacy Better Banking Credit Card Smarts Bankruptcy Guide Commentary Index Related Links Manage Debt More on Budgeting Print-friendly version Send this to a friend See where rates stand Calculate your debt burden here Find a home-equity loan Find books on home buying Find It! Article Index Finance Q&A Tools Index Site Map Don't get fooled by the "special programs" offer mentioned in advertisements. Today's homeowners have forgotten -- or never learned -- the lessons of their grandparents. Recent articles by Terry Savage: • How to limit divorce's financial sting , 1/5/2003 • 5 financial steps to help your aging parents , 1/5/2003 • Prepare for the unthinkable: long-term care , 1/5/2003 More... The Basics The hazards of some home-equity loans advertisement What looks like an easy way out of debt could one day put your family out on the street. Get the facts behind those enticing ads for 125% home-equity loans before you put your home on the line. By Terry Savage What looks like a great deal, but could turn out to be the most devastating financial decision of your life? It's when you consolidate credit-card debt by taking out home-equity loans for more than the value of your house, sometimes for up to 125% of the home's value. Unlike traditional home-equity loans that rely on the equity you've built up in your home, these loans aren't tax deductible and usually carry higher interest rates. Find a loan that's right for you at the Loan Center By television, direct mail and now by e-mail, lenders are pushing you to consolidate your credit-card debt by borrowing on your home. Here's the text of an actual e-mail I received recently: Consolidate Debt, Refinance Your Home or Put Cash In Your Pocket! We Have Special Programs with rates starting as low as 2.5% APR 7.22% Special Programs for Self-Employed Borrowers Previous Bankruptcies or Foreclosures OK!! Debt Consolidation - pay off high-interest debts and get the cash you need Second Mortgages - get 125% of your home's value. The television commercials make it look easy and enticing. A top athlete, like quarterback Dan Marino, offers you the chance to cut your monthly payments, pay off your credit cards and take out extra cash to remodel your kitchen or go on a vacation. But think twice. It's important to understand the risks, as well as the attraction, of those lower monthly payments. For some, this is the way to go For many people, a home-equity loan is indeed the smart way to borrow. The interest rate is typically lower, and the interest is tax deductible. Plus, home-equity loans are amortized over about 15 years vs. about four years for credit cards. That means the monthly payment on a home-equity loan is far lower than a minimum required credit-card payment. For example, if you owe $10,000 on your credit card at 15%, you'll probably have a monthly payment of $278. But the same amount owed at 15% on a home-equity loan that's amortized over 15 years results in a monthly payment of only $140. The more you owe, the more enticing a home-equity loan looks. At $20,000 in debt in the same scenario, the home-equity loan costs $280 a month, while the credit card and/or auto debt requires a $557 monthly payment. The trouble comes when people borrow all their home equity to pay off their debts, but they haven't learned how to manage their money well enough to avoid running up credit-card debts and auto-loan debts again. In fact, the lenders have a name for this process: It's called "reloading." Then, if the economy slows or one of the breadwinners loses a job, the next time you get into credit-card trouble, you could actually lose your house. Statistics from the Mortgage Bankers Association underscore the problem. The percentage of homes foreclosed in 1998 was 1.16%, about double the rate of the terrible recession years of the early 1980s, when 0.59% of homes were in foreclosure. The rising foreclosure rate comes even as bankruptcy rates remain high, with 1.2 million filings in 1999. But as people try to avoid bankruptcy, they're increasingly taking out home-equity loans to pay off their other bills. As a result of those home-equity loans (and new mortgage programs designed to help people buy homes with down payments of less than 5%), Americans have a lower percentage of equity in their homes than at any time in history. Essentially, an unsecured loan The real kicker comes if you borrow past the value of your home. Unlike home-equity loans, these loans usually are not considered tax deductible. The law says that all interest on a first mortgage (of up to $1 million) is deductible. And interest on up to $100,000 of a second mortgage or home-equity loan also is deductible. By law, interest on any part of a loan that exceeds 100% of the value of your home is not deductible. In addition, lenders typically charge higher rates, because you've essentially taken out an unsecured loan. An unsecured loan means there is no collateral in case you default on the loan. A mortgage for up to the value of your home is "secured" by the home itself. Many lenders charge interest rates seven or eight percentage points higher than traditional mortgages. In some cases, that's twice what you'd pay for a regular mortgage or home-equity loan. Don't get fooled by the "special programs" offer mentioned in advertisements like the one I mentioned earlier, either. They're either introductory loans, which require large "balloon payments" several years later, or adjustable rate loans in which the rates -- and the payments -- can increase every year. As long as the loan is repaid, it's very profitable. And the lenders know that paying off mortgage or home-equity loans takes a high priority in a consumer's mind, so the default rate is far lower than on unsecured credit-card lending. SMR Research, a financial industry market-research firm, reports that about 30% of all home-equity loans are sub-prime. That is, these are loans made to borrowers who are considered a poor credit risk -- the very people most likely to be caught in the crunch when the economy turns down. Bankruptcy: the only escape The greatest danger for those who fall for this pitch is the fact that they've put their home on the line. If they fail to make the payments, the lender can force the home to be sold in a foreclosure proceeding. The grantor of the original mortgage must be paid off first; then the home equity lender collects what's left from the sale price. And if there's not enough equity to repay the home equity lender, a default judgment will be entered against the borrower for the difference. The only escape is bankruptcy. The generation that went through the Great Depression of the 1930s learned the hard way not to borrow against the family home. So many people lost their homes that by 1935, banks categorized 20% of all mortgages as "real-estate owned" -- that is, foreclosed. But today's homeowners have forgotten -- or never learned -- the lessons of their grandparents. Rising home prices have tempted homeowners to count home equity as a source of ready cash. But that kind of home equity borrowing should only be done as part of an overall financial plan and a disciplined approach to money management. Otherwise, today's easy way out of debt could one day put your family out on the street. Editors' choice Don't get scammed by your mover Safeguard your Social Security number 5 ways to tap into the onshore drilling boom Your checkbook just became obsolete Turn $1 a day into $67,815 Readers' choice Ratings Top 5 Articles 9.30 Zombie debt collectors dig up your old mistakes 9.24 Keep thieves out of your bank account 9.22 Credit reports now free for entire U.S. 9.19 10 ways to avoid outrageous hospital overcharges 9.17 Tax breaks for Katrina victims -- and all of us View all top rated articles More Resources · E-mail us your comments on this article · Post on the Your Money message board · Get a daily dose of market news S earch MSN Money tips advertisement MSN Money's editorial goal is to provide a forum for personal finance and investment ideas. Our articles, columns, message board posts and other features should not be construed as investment advice, nor does their appearance imply an endorsement by Microsoft of any specific security or trading strategy. 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buy property, the agent

The Peoples Guide to Mexico: Real Estate in Ajijic and Lake Chapala, Mexico People's Guide Homepage • Copper Canyon • Live & Retire • Carl's Notebooks • Letters • Favorite Books • Visit our Sponsors • Table of Contents • The Best of Mexico: Favorite Places Live & Retire in Mexico Lake Chapala area Buying Property in the Lake Chapala Area by Tony Harries & Teresa A. Kendrick In the last decade or so, it is estimated that more than 10,000 foreigners have purchased property on the Northshore of Lake Chapala. Long prized as a weekend retreat by wealthy Guadalajarans, the villages from Lake Chapala to Jocotepec now boast an expatriate community said to be the largest in the world. Ajijic has become the prime location for foreigners because of its infrastructure of services, such as internet access, and the existence of the Lake Chapala Society, an English-speaking resource center for newcomers and residents. The Real Estate Climate on the Northshore At present, the Northshore has 20 real estate agencies. Their level of competency and expertise vary. In Mexico, the real estate industry is not regulated by the government. It is self-regulated. Two associations are responsible for training agents and policing the ethics of the agencies: AMPI (Asociacion Mexicana de Profesionales Inmobiliarios) is the national organization (with a lakeside chapter) and Gil (Grupo Inmobiliario del Lago) is the local organization. Many offices belong to one or the other, and some belong to both. They provide multiple-listing services that allow agents to show properties listed by other agencies, an advantage for both buyer and seller. The most professional agencies also provide their own in-house training for new agents. Several agencies have websites that will allow you to get a feel for the company, the houses that are available and the prices of property and land. The websites allow you to interact with the agency via email, and, if the site is good, will offer background information and answers to frequently asked questions. It can also provide you with the name of an agent. Choosing an Agent Good agents tend to work for well-run organizations. When walking into the office for the first time, take a look around. Does it look professionally managed? Are key personnel bilingual? Are listings photographed, detailed and organized so you can spend time reviewing available properties and evaluating how much your money will buy? Talk with several agents to find one you feel is knowledgeable, experienced, available, compatible, and upfront. Professional, reliable agents provide service before, during, and after a sale. If a problem or error arise, your agent should work hard to correct it. After your initial meeting, ask around about the reputations of various agencies and agents, but be aware that while gathering information, it is very likely you will also gather misinformation. One person can easily contradict another; this is human nature and common in a small communities. Being a Good Client/Firing an Agent Agent- and agency-hopping is an ethical no-no, but after viewing several properties reevaluate your agent. If you feel that the agent is not listening to you, tell him or her; they will appreciate you restating your requirements. Often clients are confused about what they want, or unrealistic about what their money can buy. Be clear about what you want. Buying a house is an emotional process, so be prepared to experience some unusual feelings and reactions and understand that an agent has the dual job of steering you through the process of buying property in another country and your own learning curve. If you are unable to work with your agent, graciously fire that agent and find another. You might use a simple, “Thank you for your time and efforts. We feel we wish to expand our search and thought we might consult with another agency. If we feel you can be of further service, we will get back to you.” Remember, the agent you are releasing is a member of the community in which you will live and diplomacy will save some feelings down the line. How to be a good Client If your first visit to the area is an exploratory excursion, tell your agent. He or she will guide you as you gather preliminary information. If you are not in a position to buy at the time, limit the time you spend with the agent as he or she has other clients to serve. If you have funds available to buy property, the agent will intensify the search for a suitable property and guide you through the process. Be clear about how much you can spend and when you plan to resettle. Remember agents often work for months without reimbursement for their out of pocket expenses. The Nitty Gritty At this time, prices for houses on the Northshore run anywhere from $22,000 US to 1.35 million US. The average home with the amenities sought by North American buyers are in the $100,000 US range. Location, as everywhere, is one of the most determining factors for setting the price. The further out from services you go, the lower prices will be. View, construction type, size and amenities determine the rest. Clients can choose from gated communities which offer security (a plus for residents who spend 6 months in Mexico and 6 months elsewhere), large country estates, and village living. Village homes are connected to one another by common exterior, and, occasionally, interior walls and allow residents to live within walking distance of most services and activities. Do not let any agent sell you ejido land. No matter what future promises anyone may make, you will not get a legal title. This is land set aside by the government for the indigenous people of Mexico and cannot be sold to foreigners. Also, there are a few places on the Northshore known for their instability due to soft soil or geothermal faults, and some places have water supply problems. Informed, wise agents will steer you away from these trouble spots. The Buying Process Purchasing a home or lot on the Northshore is primarily a cash transaction, but occasionally short-term owner financing is available. When you make an offer to the seller you must present a check for 10% of the value of the house. A photocopy is made of this “earnest money” and the check itself is placed in the agency safe. Once negotiations are completed under the supervision of the respective buying and selling real estate agents, and both parties have signed a purchase agreement, the check is deposited into the escrow account of the selling agency. The check is later applied to the balance of the purchase price at the notary public’s office. (Note: The actual sale price of a property is not a matter of public record in Mexico, nor is it registered with the government. It is unethical for an agent to tell you the sale price of a property. He or she can tell you what the property was listed for, but not what was paid.) The Closing Closings take place in the office of a Notario Publico, or notary public. These are lawyers of very high standing who, after 5 years of legal practice, apply to the government for notario status and must undergo strict scrutiny to be awarded the title. With it comes many responsibilities and important legal functions. One of these is to preside over and ensure the legality of property transfer. The notary authenticates the seller’s right to sell the property, scrutinizes the history of the property for any irregularities, and makes sure the deed is clear and free of liens through appropriate government offices. Since the buyer pays for the closing costs and notary’s fees, it is his or her privilege to select the notary. The notary can advise the buyer which type of deed meets his needs: direct deed or bank trust deed. The notary will file with the Mexican government the application for the transfer of the deed from seller to buyer. His official signature on all documents finalizes the purchase and makes it a legal transaction under Mexican law. From purchasing to closing the norm is 30 to 60 days, but motivated parties can complete the process within 15 days. Differences in Home Construction There is no slab-frame construction in this part of Mexico. A home here is usually of concrete, glass, stone, brick, iron and rebar construction. Wood is expensive and used little except for design affect. Each wall is load-bearing and has its own foundation. Many houses have exterior walls and decorative metal work to ensure privacy and security. There are "aljibes" (cisterns) for water storage and in some of the newer homes, water purification and pressure systems are built-in. You will also find tanks for storing propane used for cooking and heating water as there is no infrastructure to supply natural gas. You will notice a lack of central heating and air conditioning, as it’s not essential. A fireplace on a cool evening or morning is charming and does the trick. There are no building codes so a good agent will provide you with information about levels of construction quality and what might be buried within the walls. Developers The north shore of Lake Chapala has recently seen a rise in new, speculative construction meant to appeal to buyers from the North. Much of this work is being done by young, Mexican architects from monied Guadalajara families with varying degrees of experience and dependability. There are also projects being developed by American, Canadian and European companies. Remodeling Many buyers purchase a home with the intent of upgrading and remodeling the existing structure. Craftsmen, laborers, architects and artisans abound in the area. If you are in the market for such services, perhaps your agent can help direct you to a general contractor who has a good reputation. Be sure to get a signed, witnessed contract stipulating prices and the quality of work and materials to be used. If language is a problem, get a translator to help you. Several translators are listed in the Lake Chapala Society directory, a members-only book that can be loaned to you by your agent. If, during the remodeling, you feel you have been financially abused, the government has an agency with an office in Chapala called PROFECO which helps consumers receive satisfaction. The pace of work is probably not what you are used to, but in Mexico, patience is required as distribution of materials, cultural standards, and community -- and family-based events interrupt building schedules. Real Estate Agencies/Developers/Internet Websites In Ajijic: Abode Realty: Adj Corporation Ajijic Developments: http://www.ajijicdevs.com Ajijic Real Estate, http://www.ajijic.com ; email: ajijic@infosel.net.mx Ambience Fine Home Builders: http://www.ambiance.com.mx America Mexico Builders Camille’s Realty/Coldwell Banker Chapala Realty: http://www.chapala.com Continental Realty Chula Vista Norte Eager & Asociados: http://www.mexconnect.com/MEX/ea/ea.html Laguna Real Estate: http://www.mexconnect.com/amex/lgna/ Marnher Group RE/Max Ajijic: http://www.desconresorts.com In Chapala: Coldwell Banker/Chapala Realty (Chapala Office), http://www.chapala.com Sierra Vista: In Chula Vista: Century 21 Vistas: http://www.lagunanet.net.mx/c21vistas In Jocotepec: Semprex Realty In Riberas del Pilar: Sunset Realty: http://www.sunsetrealty.com.mx In San Antonio Tlayacapán: Re/Max Fenix About the authors: Tony Harries is a real estate agent who has been working in the Lake Chapala area since June 1997. He is an award-winning school teacher from Texas who retired after 31 years of service. Proficient in Spanish, he has developed a deep appreciation of Mexico following several decades of travel in Mexico before his retirement. He has helped clients from all over the world buy property in the area and this year became a top producing agent for one of the area’s leading agencies. His email is tonyharr@prodigy.net.mx Teresa Kendrick is the author of the recently published book “Mexico’s lake Chapala and Ajijic: The Insiders Guide to the Northshore for International Travelers” Highly detailed and up-to-date, the 208 page book boasts 143 color photographs, a well-organized table of contents and index, and information about nearly everything available on the Northshore of Lake Chapala for travelers and newcomers. The book is available with a full-color map of the Northshore for $26 US plus shipping and handling. The book will be available to purchase locally by calling 76-6-3163 or by ordering from her website: http://www.chapalaguide.com Teresa's email is ajijic@chapalaguide.com . Top of Page Homepage Table of Contents Site Map Write to us, Carl & Lorena http://www.peoplesguide.com ©1972-2001 by Carl Franz & Lorena Havens Copper Canyon • Live & Retire • Table of Contents • Book Reviews • Letters