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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

Denver Real Estate -

Denver Colorado Real Estate Guide Welcome to Denver CityStar Marketplace! Contact CityStar ® for details on links and advertising . 24/7 online loan approval More Colorado Real Estate: Aurora | Boulder | Canon City | Castle Rock | Colorado Springs | Englewood | Fort Collins | Grand Junction | Highlands Ranch | Lakewood | Littleton | Longmont | Manitou Springs | Monument | Parker | Pueblo | Thornton | Westminster | Wheat Ridge | Woodland Park Found in Real Estate, Agents and Agencies in Denver CO Denver Colorado Real Estate Search online for Denver homes for sale, MLS listings, and real estate at Colorado HomeFinder. Denver Colorado Real Estate PAGE STATUS: 7.01 FIRST LISTED: 1/11/2005 Found in Real Estate, Agents and Agencies in Boulder CO Boulder Colorado Real Estate Search online for Boulder homes for sale, MLS listings, and real estate at Colorado HomeFinder. Boulder Colorado Real Estate PAGE STATUS: 7.00 FIRST LISTED: 1/11/2005 Found in Real Estate, Agents and Agencies in Denver CO Denver Real Estate - Shelley Forsyth Realtor Shelley shares the techniques she uses to sell your home for top dollar, and locate your dream home. Denver Real Estate - Shelley Forsyth Realtor PAGE STATUS: 7.00 FIRST LISTED: 8/30/2004 Found in Real Estate, Agents and Agencies in Denver CO Max Castillo, Broker Associate, RE/MAX Masters Inc. Someone to help you find the right house for YOU, a house that you can call a home. Max Castillo, Broker Associate, RE/MAX Masters Inc. PAGE STATUS: 6.91 FIRST LISTED: 10/7/2001 Found in Real Estate in Central City CO Prospector's Run Prospector's Run is a luxury mountain townhome community. PAGE STATUS: 6.90 FIRST LISTED: 10/21/2004 Found in Real Estate in Louisville CO Accurate Inspection Services, Inc. Inspections. 853 West Chestnut Cir. Louisville, CO 80027 (303) 661-9754 Accurate Inspection Services, Inc. PAGE STATUS: 6.80 FIRST LISTED: 10/15/2004 Found in Real Estate in Denver CO Advantage Team Home Inspection Co home inspection Home inspection. P.O. Box 44334 Denver, CO 80201 (720) 407-0756 Advantage Team Home Inspection Co PAGE STATUS: 6.80 FIRST LISTED: 10/15/2004 Found in Real Estate in Aurora CO Amber Homes - Shadow Creek 22495 E Plymouth Cr. Aurora, CO 80016 (303) 400-0695 Amber Homes - Shadow Creek PAGE STATUS: 6.80 FIRST LISTED: 10/15/2004 Found in Real Estate in Arvada CO Apex Real Estate Inspectors Inc Professional home inspections for residential homes, town houses, condominiums, commercial properties, real estate and more in Colorado. 12639 W 84th Dr. Arvada, CO 80005 (303) 840-2477 Apex Real Estate Inspectors Inc PAGE STATUS: 6.80 FIRST LISTED: 10/15/2004 Found in Real Estate in Denver CO Arnold Homes, Inc. 3650 S Yosemite St #410 Denver, CO 80237 (303) 771-6666 Arnold Homes, Inc. PAGE STATUS: 6.80 FIRST LISTED: 10/15/2004 Found in Real Estate in Castle Rock CO Assist 2 Sell 21 Wilcox St. Castle Rock, CO 80104 (303) 681-3080 Assist 2 Sell PAGE STATUS: 6.80 FIRST LISTED: 10/15/2004 Found in Real Estate in Denver CO Bells Home Inspection Service Gas leaks / Carbon monoxide, housing construction, framing, remodeling, industrial iron, interior inspection, Fences / Gates, Fuel system, Insulation / Attics. 226 S Hazel Ct. Denver, CO 80219 (303) 922-9164 Bells Home Inspection Service PAGE STATUS: 6.80 FIRST LISTED: 10/15/2004 Please_send_comments_&_suggestions_to: citystar_support search | site_map | add_your_site | about_us

House Rent

Tuscany Villa, house rent Italy self catering accommodation Tuscany Villa rental Italy self catering accommodation The country houses, located amidst fields and woods on the estate, have been completely renovated whilst retaining their original architectural characteristics. Their spacious and comfortable interiors combine the welcoming atmosphere of antique furniture with all modern conveniences. Ideal for a tranquil holiday in the heart of unspoilt countryside, the houses at Calcione are situated close to cities of great cultural interest. Casa del Castagno This lovely tuscany villa with it's private pool suits a numerous family or a group of friends. Sleeps 10 The accommodation is on two floors with a private entrance, large walled garden, private swimming pool ( 6 x 12 metres), Mobile phone - washing machine - dishwasher - oven. Events You might like to program your holiday around specific events here. Calcione makes an ideal base for a journey down the wine road, from Chianti to Bolgheri. For classical music lovers there are the "Concerti in Terra di Siena" and "Maggio Musicale" during the month of May. For those who prefer Jazz or Blues there are the " Arezzo Wave ", "Umbria Jazz" and " Pistoia Blues" festivals. History lovers have the emotional impact of the "Palio di Siena" and the " Giostra del Saracino" to enjoy. There are many museums within easy reach, we have prepared a page of information for you. Casa dei Lecci. The friendliness as well as the size of the small house make it an extremely attractive place for a couple. Sleeps 2 First floor, large terrace with outdoor dining facilities. Use of the estates swimming pool. accommodation tuscany self catering chianti tuscany villa chianti chianti villa holiday villa in tuscany italy holiday tuscany villa to rent italy vacation siena siena rental tuscany accommodation chianti tuscany villa accommodation rental tuscany holiday villa rent tuscany hotel cinque terre lerici hotel 4 star Italy cottage to rent td tuscan rental tuscany villa accommodation linate airport hotel td tuscan rental tuscany Castle baglioni hotels cinque terre Milan airport hotel links toskana toscane toscana villa in toscana Tuscany Villa rental hotel hotel londra firenze hotel a firenze hotel hotel hotel hotel rental villa in tuscany Hotel Levanto Hotels chateaux Mirambeau Prestige Bordeaux Cinque Terre accommodation Liguria tuscany accomodation farm agriturismo 4 star business hotels Florence Italy 5 star business hotels Venice Italy Bed and breakfast Levanto Cinque Terre hotel 4 stelle a Milano villa rental Siena Italy Calcione castle holiday house san gimignano holiday house villa in toscana toscana rental vacation to Siena house to rent cinque terre Levanto Hotel Italy toskana ferienhaus toskana toskana ferienhauser ferien accommodation in tuscany | holiday rentals by owner | holiday tuscany | holidays tuscany | tuscany country house | tuscany holidays | tuscany home | tuscany rental | tuscany rentals | tuscany vacation | vacation rentals by owner italy | villa in tuscany | villa tuscany | villas in tuscany | villas tuscany english deutsch Calcione is a family-owned estate near Siena in southeastern Tuscany. We have several houses and apartments available from March 13th. to November 6th. that would provide a starting point for a special vacation. Whether you come in search of art treasures, to celebrate a special anniversary, or simply to enjoy a relaxing and special vacation, you'll find what you are looking for. Follow this link to our comments pages and you can find out what past visitors to Calcione have discovered here. From the day of your arrival, one of our English-speaking collaborators will constantly be available to answer any questions and make you feel at home in the house of your choice. Whatever your requirements are, we will do our best to assist you. Starting with the castle the site will take you on a guided tour of the property, or choose a house and click. Recommended by: Tuscany View , Tuscany travel guide

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