Home For Sale

Homes for Sale - HUD HUD News Newsroom Priorities About HUD Homes Buying Owning Selling Renting Homeless Home improvements HUD homes Fair housing FHA refunds Foreclosure Consumer info Communities About communities Volunteering Organizing Economic development Working with HUD Grants Programs Contracts Work online HUD jobs Complaints Resources Library Handbooks/ forms Common questions Tools Webcasts Mailing lists Contact us Help Homes for Sale Information by State Esta página en español Print version Email this to a friend Helpful Tools Maps/Directions Neighborhoods Additional Information How to Buy a HUD Home Housing Counseling Homebuyers Kit HUD-Approved Lenders HUD-Approved Condos Lead Hazard Control Fair Housing Information Settlement Costs and Helpful Information Officer Next Door Teacher Next Door Revitalization Areas $1 Homes to Local Governments About Multifamily Property Sales Consumer Alert Several federal agencies have properties to sell. In fact, HUD sells both single family homes and multifamily properties. Check them out - one might be just what you're looking for! Single Family Homes for Sale From HUD From the Department of Veterans Affairs From Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation From General Services Administration From Internal Revenue Service From Small Business Administration From US Army Corps of Engineers From Customs From the U.S. Marshals Service From the Department of Agriculture Rural Development Related Links From Fannie Mae From Freddie Mac From Realtor.com Multifamily Properties From HUD From Fannie Mae General Services Administration Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Content updated March 17, 2005 Back to Top FOIA Privacy Web Policies and Important Links Home U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 451 7th Street S.W., Washington, DC 20410 Telephone: (202) 708-1112 TTY: (202) 708-1455 Find the address of a HUD office near you

Real Estate Brokers and

Real Estate Brokers and Agents - HUD HUD News Newsroom Priorities About HUD Homes Buying Owning Selling Renting Homeless Home improvements HUD homes Fair housing FHA refunds Foreclosure Consumer info Communities About communities Volunteering Organizing Economic development Working with HUD Grants Programs Contracts Work online HUD jobs Complaints Resources Library Handbooks/ forms Common questions Tools Webcasts Mailing lists Contact us Help Real Estate Brokers and Agents Information by State Esta página en español Print version Email this to a friend More from HUD HUD handbooks and forms Homeownership centers Housing keyword index Glossary of terms Limited denials of participation Housing Today Related Information Debarments Institute of Real Estate Management American Factfinder Learn about selling HUD Homes and the advantages of FHA loans. Selling HUD Homes Introduction to selling HUD Homes More about selling HUD Homes Current listings find homes on our Marketing and Management (M & M) contractors' website Officer Next Door Teacher Next Door What About FHA Loans? Let FHA loans help you Find an FHA lender FHA maximum mortgage limits FHA approved condominiums Help For Your Buyers Local homeownership assistance programs Housing counseling free or low-cost counseling services for buying, renting, defaults, foreclosure, credit issues and reverse mortgages Homeownership voucher program some Housing Choice (Section 8) voucher holders may be able to purchase a home Avoid foreclosure help for former clients that may be facing foreclosure General Information Real Estate Settlement Procedure Act (RESPA) Settlement costs Healthy homes and lead hazard control Manufactured housing Content updated November 16, 2005 Back to top FOIA Privacy Web Policies and Important Links Home U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 451 7th Street S.W., Washington, DC 20410 Telephone: (202) 708-1112 TTY: (202) 708-1455 Find the address of a HUD office near you

new home A C-141

Air Force Reserve Command Public Access Web Page Home News Releases Resources for Reservists /Employers Subscribe AFRC Units Site map Search AFRC Charleston Reserve unit help set C-17 flying record CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. (AFPN) -- The largest formation of C-17 Globemaster IIIs from a single base took off this morning from here in a demonstration of the strategic airdrop capability of the Air Force. ( full story ) Air Force Reserve Command Headlines Hurricane hunters close out record season KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The "Hurricane Hunters" of Air Force Reserve Command's 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron flew their last mission of the record 2005 Atlantic Hurricane Season in December. Bradley endorses new hearing protection for Reservists WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, OHIO -- Technology developed at the Air Force Research Laboratory here to prevent noise-induced hearing loss will become the preferred solution for Air Force Reserve Command aviators. AF Reserve Command vice commander retires ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga., -- Maj. Gen. David E. Tanzi, Air Force Reserve Command vice commander, will retire in a ceremony Jan. 11 after 37 years of service. Leadership changes in AFRC, 10th Air Force ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. Senior leaders in Air Force Reserve Command and one of its numbered air forces change jobs in late December and early January. Space group to activate new unit SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. Air Force Reserve Commands 310th Space Group will travel deeper into the space program when it activates a new unit Jan. 7. Security forces compete for Air Force awards ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. Security forces units in Ohio and New Jersey are competing for the title of best Air Force Reserve Command SF unit. In addition, these units have representatives in the hunt for top individual awards in the Air Force. Reservists act as Santa for Veterans Home residents MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL JOINT AIR RESERVE STATION, Minn. (AFPN) -- Santa visited the residents of the Minnesota Veterans Home in Minneapolis Dec. 13, but this time he came in the form of the Air Force Reserve. Hanoi Taxi checks out its new home A C-141 Starlifter aircraft, better known as the Hanoi Taxi, flies over its soon-to-be new home at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force adjacent to Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, Dec. 13. This particular aircraft gained fame when it was used to return American prisoners of war back home at the end of the Viet Nam War. As the last operational C-141 in Air Force Reserve Command's 445 Airlift Wing, the historic aircraft is scheduled to retire and be dedicated at the museum May 5-6. The Reserve wing started replacing its C-141s with C-5 cargo aircraft in October and plan to have a total of 11 C-5s by April 2007. (Courtesy Photo by John Rossino) Download Full Image New rules to reinforce Guard, Reserve re-employment protections WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is lauding the Labor Department announcement issuing rules clarifying re-employment rights for citizen-soldiers. They said the Dec. 16 announcement is a major step forward for guardsmen, reservists and their civilian employers. 301st home from Iraq 12/12/2005 - NAJ JRB FORT WORTH, Texas -- Capt. Chris Gough, 457th Fighter Squadron pilot, gathers hugs of love from his family members after their return from Iraq. More than 150 members of the Air Force Reserve Command's 301st Fighter Wing returned Dec. 11 following a two-month deployment Balad AB, Iraq in support of the Air Expeditionary Forces. Other AFRC F-16 units are scheduled to return from Balad in January. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Julie Briden-Garcia) ( hi-resolution image ) Red, White and Air Force Blue Christmas Lee Ann Womack helps ring in the holidays with a special tribute for Air Force members. Click here to go to Air Force Link and click on the Air Force Holiday Music tab to listen in to this holiday special. Reservists can manage career info online DENVER (AFPN) -- Air Force reservists can now go online to create an account on the Reserve Personnel Centers Virtual Personnel Center-Guard Reserve portal. Reserve Personnel Center automates 20-year and mortgage letters DENVER (AFPN) -- The Air Reserve Personnel Center set another transformation milestone with the self-service automation of the reissue of 20-year and mortgage letters. Delivering the 'J' Lt. Gen. John A. Bradley, commander of Air Force Reserve Command, sits in in the cockpit before takeoff in a new C-130J Hercules Monday from the Lockheed-Martin facility in Marietta, Ga. General Bradley helped ferry the Herc from Marietta to the 403rd Wing at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The flight took about one hour. ( hi-resolution ) Trick Pony brings season's greetings to troops Trick Pony, Country Music Award winners, join up with Blues Traveler's John Popper to hitch a ride and entertain U.S. troops in Germany, Turkey, a forward-operating base in Southwest Asia, and a final stop at Keflivik, Iceland. From left, Ira Dean, Heidi Newfield, John Popper and Keith Burns bring it all together to tell the troops thanks. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ken Hackman) ( More photos and story ) Air Force Reserve fighters destroy terrorist hideout SOUTHWEST ASIA Air Force Reserve Command F-16 pilots bombed a booby-trapped house near Al Mahmudiyah, Iraq, Nov. 23. Reservist giving warfighters gifts they can use INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey (AFPN) -- Giving and receiving are the hallmarks of the holiday season. If you don't believe it, ask the aerial porters here who receive an average of 600,000 pounds of cargo every day and give the warfighters in Iraq "gifts" they can use. Ramstein Reservist helps injured troops get home RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFPN) -- "Home for the holidays" is a familiar goal for many military people, but not Tech. Sgt. Katheryn Bicker. This Reservist from the 944th Fighter Wing at Luke AFB, Ariz., is forgoing her own holidays to help others in what she feels is the true spirit of the season. Late bloomer goes to other lands to help people WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio A flight nurse in the 445th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron here is a classic example of a late bloomer. 9 one-stars, 15 colonels get promotion nod WASHINGTON Nine brigadier generals and 15 colonels in the Air Force Reserve were nominated by the president Nov. 22 for promotion to the next higher rank. US builds bonds during the 2005 Dubai air show DUBAI, United Arab Emirates Usually when one thinks of the United States displaying air power in the Middle East, the promotion of economic growth and good will does not come to mind, but that is exactly why the U.S. Air Force and Navy are on hand during the Dubai 2005 Air Show. Reservist medical-dental records easier to get DENVER (AFPN) -- The Air Reserve Personnel Center will move the medical and dental records of some reservists to the active-duty base where they serve as part of a test to streamline operations. Reserve F-16s strike insurgents in Iraq SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Air Force Reserve Command F-16s along with Air Force F-15s and Predators flew air strikes against insurgents near the Iraqi-Syria border Nov. 14 in support of Operation Steel Curtain. ( full story ) Reserve F-16s patrol over Iraq FORT WORTH, Texas -- Air Force Reserve Command F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters are providing combat air support for U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq. Hundreds of aircrews and support people from four fighter wings began flying close-air-support and combat air patrol missions in September on a rotational basis. The last contingent of reservists from the 10th Air Force units returns home in January. Holiday season message highlights importance of life WASHINGTON As the holiday season and another year approach, let us take time to consider what is really important family and friends. Home Please read this privacy and security notice AFRC Units Resources for Reservist Pubs and Forms News Releases Search AFRC Contact Public Affairs FOIA Site map AFRC Site Accessibility Page last updated on December 29, 2005 Hot Job opportunities V olunteer R eserve S ystem Job vacancies Active Guard and Reserve Air Reserve Technician Civil Service positions Join the Air Force Reserve News and Information News Release s Citizen Airman Magazine Handbook for Congress AFRC Facts and Figures AFRC Fact Sheets AFRC Leadership Bios AFRC Mission Briefing Air Force Link AF TV News AF Radio News Airman Magazine Army News Service Defense Link Early Bird Anthrax Brief Parent Pin Program Freedom of Information AFRC Units/Directorates AFRC Wings/Groups AF Reserve Band Command Chaplain Logistics (Contracting) Resources for Reservists FAQs about active duty Guard Reserve Portal USERRA Advisor Military Health System Family Readiness Reserve Advisory Board Pay Matters Air Force Crossroads Resources for Employers Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Info for Employers Info for Military Info for Volunteers Get the facts: Read the latest edition of Air Force Reserve Handbook for Congress

Purchase Property

Home Buying - Home Buying and Home Selling Advice - Buying a Home  You are here: About > Home & Garden > Home Buying / Selling Home & Garden Home Buying / Selling Essentials 10 Things Home Buyers Shouldn't Do Best Tips for First Time Home Buyers "Must-Do" Tasks Before You Sell How to Buy a Home, Step by Step For Sale by Owner Advice Articles & Resources How To Buy a Home How To Sell a House Celebrity & Historic Credit Reports & Scores Design & Remodel Home Maintenance Inspections & Appraisals Investing & Foreclosures Modular & Manufactured Mold, Radon, Lead, etc. Mortgage Advice Moving & Relocation Real Estate Careers Real Estate For Sale Vacation Homes Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Home Buying Books Foreclosure Books Mortgage Books Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Home Buying / Selling newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Home Buying / Selling From Janet Wickell , Your Guide to Home Buying / Selling . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Getting Ready to Sell Your House Guests and lots of activities make it difficult to show a house during the holidays, so home owners sometimes put off selling their homes until after the first week in January, when life starts returning to normal. If you're in that category take some time to evaluate the condition of your home before you list it with an agent or sell it by owner . Be sure to analyze your situation to determine if selling is your best move, then think about the home's curb appeal and get the interior and exterior in tip-top shape . It's not a bad idea to do a few inspections to make sure the house is ready for potential buyers. Handle as many tasks as you can now and you'll find that the sales process will be a breeze. Monday December 26, 2005 | permalink Before You Buy Gas Logs Gas logs are growing in popularity every year, so manufacturers have geared-up to offer us a wide selection of appliances. You'll find gas logs to put in a hearth, freestanding gas stoves, and fully contained fireplace units that are mounted to a wall. But did you know that the dangerous gas byproducts produced by gas logs is not always vented to the outside? It's important to understand the differences between vented and vent-free logs before you buy a gas log fireplace. Saturday December 24, 2005 | permalink Pros and Cons of Becoming a Real Estate Agent You've decided you want to become a real estate agent, but what's your motivation? Do you understand the type of work real estate agents do and are you savvy about the true pay they receive for their work? It can be a rewarding career choice, but it's definitely not the best option for everyone and there are lots of things to consider before you decide that a real estate career is right for you. Wednesday December 21, 2005 | permalink Step-by-Step Directions Help You Measure Square Footage Each year, home owners discover that their new home's square footage is not the figure that was stated when the house was advertised. Owners sometimes decide to sue the people who were involved in the transaction, especially if the difference is significant. Real estate agents and for sale by owner sellers can reduce their risks of encountering a lawsuit by knowing how use accepted standards to measure and calculate a home's square footage . Get it right the first time so that everyone's happy with the results. Wednesday December 21, 2005 | permalink Buying Land for Your New Home If you've looked and looked, but can't find the perfect combination of land and house, maybe it's time to consider building. And while buying land for your new home can seem intimidating at first, you'll find it really isn't a horrible task if you fine-tune your wants and needs before you start searching for real estate. Tuesday December 20, 2005 | permalink Buying a Home with Great Resale Potential A few generations ago it wasn't unusual for people to live in the same home for many years, somtimes the rest of their lives after becoming homeowners. We're more mobile today, always "moving up" to a larger house or relocating to a new town. So it makes sense to put some thought into buying a home with good resale value , one that will sell easily and put extra dollars in your bank account if you do decide to move. Tuesday December 20, 2005 | permalink What's a Quit Claim Deed? Home buyers usually receive a general warranty deed when they purchase real estate, because it's a type of deed that offers several guarantees from the seller that the title to the property is good. Another document that's sometimes used is a quit claim deed . It works perfectly for some situations, but it's important to understand the limitations of a quit claim deed before accepting one when you purchase real estate. Friday December 16, 2005 | permalink How Credit Scores Are Calculated Everyone looking for a mortgage to buy a home--and that's most of us--finds out right away that credit scores play a huge role in the types of loans and interest rates that are offered to them. It's helpful to study your credit reports and scores before you apply for a mortgage, and to do it as early as possible to give yourself time to correct errors before a lender takes a look. Wednesday December 14, 2005 | permalink Moving Tips and Timeline Buying a home is exciting, but let's face it... moving is a chore. A big one. The only way I know to get through it without an excess of stress is to manage the moving process in little steps instead of letting it overwhelm you at the last minute. Start early and stay organized and you'll be ready for the moving truck before you know it. Monday December 12, 2005 | permalink Typical Home Buyer Closing Costs Closing costs are the expenses associated with buying real estate. You can expect to pay a large chunk of your closing costs the day the trasaction is complete, when the property becomes yours, but some closing expenses are nearly always paid before that day. There's no single set of expenses that every home buyer must pay--every transaction is different--but it's a good idea to become familiar with typical closing costs so that you'll have a better understanding of the items billed to you on your HUD-1 settlement statement . Wednesday December 07, 2005 | permalink Display Latest Headlines | | | Read Archives powered by Movable Type Important disclaimer information about this About site. Advertisement Related Blogs Mortgage Fraud Blog The Real Estate Blog The Money Pit Most Popular Modular and Manufactured Homes Finding Your Best Place to ... Home Buying Don'ts First Time Home Buyer Tips Before You Sell Your Home What's Hot Coping with Unethical People How To Buy Land Real Estate Appraisal Before You Buy a Log Home Package Home Buying / Selling - GuideReviews Related Topics Home Repair Architecture Credit / Debt Management Housekeeping Landscaping        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About Oprah's Life Vacation Ideas Shop Safely Online VIDEO: Craft Rooms VIDEO: Christmas Traditions What's Hot Coping with Unethical People How To Buy Land Real Estate Appraisal Before You Buy a Log Home Package Home Buying / Selling - GuideReviews Headlines Getting Ready to Sell Your House Guests and lots of activities make it difficult to show... Before You Buy Gas Logs Gas logs are growing in popularity every year, so manufacturers... Pros and Cons of Becoming a Real Estate Agent You've decided you want to become a real estate agent,... Step-by-Step Directions Help You Measure Square Footage Each year, home owners discover that their new home's square...

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