Las Vegas Real Estate

In Business Las Vegas December 23 - December 29 Current Issue Special Publications Search In Business In Business on TV The List Book of Lists About InBusiness Media Kit Subscribe Contact Us Real Estate and Development Big jump expected in commercial rents By Jennifer Shubinksi / Staff Writer What does the new year have in store for the Las Vegas Valley's commercial tenants? Most likely increases in rent -- in some cases up to 15 percent. "Potentially significant rent increases are expected during 2006 as leases expire and developers attempt to catch up to inflation," said John Restrepo, principal of Restrepo Consulting Group. When adjusted for inflation, the average monthly rents for commercial properties have remained relatively flat since 2001, despite healthy demand, a local research firm reported. After adjusting for inflation, the average monthly office rent in the third quarter of 2005 was $1.91 per square foot or just below the $1.93 recorded in the first quarter of 2001, Restrepo Consulting Group LLC reported. The inflation-adjusted industrial average rent in the third quarter was 57 cents, compared with the 61 cents recorded in the first quarter of 2001, the firm reported. The inflation-adjusted average retail rents in the third quarter was $1.51, compared with $1.47 in the first quarter of 2001, Restrepo Consulting Group reported. Restrepo said absorption (demand) has remained strong, and vacancies in the third quarter in all commercial markets were relatively low. The reason rents, when adjusted for inflation, have remained flat is largely because of increases in supply during the past four years, tenant resistance to rent increases and the lease contracts, many of which have not expired yet, he said. The slow rent growth has made certain types of new development, especially in the industrial sector, more difficult, said Vic Donovan, Colliers International managing director. Increasing land prices have made it difficult for developers to justify building industrial products, while at the same time industrial land is being bought up and rezoned for other uses. "It's about time that commercial rents start increasing to encouraging additional development to allow us to be supply-competitive with other cities in the southwest," Donovan said. "We can't afford to lose our competitive edge if we are to maintain a healthy commercial real estate market." Restrepo said on average, rents will increase between 10 percent and 15 percent in 2006. He expects retail and industrial, which have the lowest vacancies, to experience rent increases of at least 15 percent. Average office rent increases will be at least 10 percent, but in some prime locations it could be more, he said. "For example, our rent going up 17 percent here (Hughes Center) because there's virtually no space left," Restrepo said. Despite a low vacancy rate there is always some vacancy in a market, he said. "A whole market doesn't go zero; there's always turnover and frictional vacancy. It may not be in a location that's best or may not be product you want to rent," Restrepo said. In other news: Land in the Las Vegas Valley during the third quarter 2005 reached an all-time high of $708,000 per acre, research firm Applied Analysis reported this week. The average price during the second quarter 2005 was $601,600 per acre, the group reported. The firm's report analyzed 362 transactions, comprising more than 1,800 acres. Values reached $16.25 per square foot for land during the third quarter, a 76 percent increase when compared with the third quarter 2004, when land prices were $402,500 per acre, or $9.24 per square foot, Applied Analysis reported. Notable transactions during the third quarter included: • The former Westward Ho, on 15.2 acres on Las Vegas Boulevard, which was purchased for $145.5 million, or $9.6 million per acre, by Centex Destination Properties, a division of Centex Homes. • An 85.5-acre assemblage of 35 parcels in the southwest portion of the Las Vegas Valley was acquired by Gameday LLC for $48.7 million, or $568,000 per acre. • Developers with projects in the southwest Las Vegas Valley have formed a partnership to create "West Village," a planned "suburban downtown" that would encompass about 700 acres. West Village is centered at Interstate 215 and the intersection of Sunset Road and Durango Drive and includes projects that have been proposed for the area. By teaming up together, the developers and land owners in West Village said they hope to bring cohesiveness to the area, as opposed to each developer acting independently. Developers hope to bring consistency to landscape design, share market ideas, coordinate mass transit and setting development standards for the partners to follow. West Village is bordered by Patrick Lane to the north, Warm Springs Road to the south, Cimarron Road to the east and the Las Vegas Beltway to the west, and by the freeway as it curves north. County zoning allows for heights up to 200 feet and up to 100 residential units per acre. The developers in the partnership include Centra, KB Home, Curve Development Co., Glen Smith & Glen Development, Sunset Durango Partners, GKT Holdings, Station Casinos Inc. and UNLV. Clark County officials also are involved in the planning. The area has the potential for 10,000 residential units, 8 million square feet of commercial space, a university research and technology park, and a possible casino complex is planned for that portion of the valley. So far, the only project in West Village is Centra's Centra Point, an 11-building, 30-acre office project totaling 450,000 square feet. Other key developments planned for the southwest valley that are now a part of the West Village concept are: The Curve -- a 45-acre community that when built will include mid-rise residential buildings and retail in an open-air design. Glen Smith & Glen Development -- a 20-acre project being planned by developer Glen Smith & Glen that will include high-end, mid-rise residential, office and retail. Project Durango -- a yet-to-be-named 65-acre development that is a joint venture between Centra and KB Home. The planned project would include residential units and up to 750,000 square feet of commercial space. Harry Reid Research and Technology Park -- a planned 120-acre research park that is being developed by the UNLV Research Foundation. Durango Station -- a 70-acre site that has been owned by Station Casinos for many years. The land, on the south side of the beltway at Durango Drive, is zoned for a casino. GKT Holdings -- residential and commercial uses are planned on 155 acres. Sunset Durango Partners -- a 10-acre site that is entitled for mid-rise residential. Jennifer Shubinski covers real estate and development for In Business Las Vegas and its sister publication, the Las Vegas Sun. She can be reached at (702) 259-8832 or by e-mail at js@lasvegassun.com. IBLV Homepage Click here for problems or questions. Read our policy on privacy and cookies. Advertise on Vegas.com. Work for Vegas.com. All contents © 1998 - 2005 Vegas.com The Most Visited Place on Earth

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

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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

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