Forums > Areas > Jalisco's Lake Chapala Region

1 2 View All

NEOhio1

Apr 10, 2006, 12:21 PM

Post #1 of 26 (3828 views)

Shortcut

Realtor sites

| Private Reply

There are more real estate agencies in the area than are listed as members of the mlsmexico.com site.

Would anyone have a web site listing for those agencies having chosen not to belong, or recently resigned from, the GIL or whatever its called?

Thanks.

jaybear

Apr 10, 2006, 1:15 PM

Post #2 of 26 (3804 views)

Shortcut

Re: [NEOhio1] Realtor sites

| Private Reply

Why would you want to deal with someone who is not a member of GIL? Are you looking to contact a particular real estate agent who is not a member?

There is HomeNet, which is at www.the-home.com. They list the Taj Mahal among other properties; I have met the realtor and he is nice, gentlemanly, and good looking (but married). Theirs is a discount realty service.
"Don't believe everything you think" - Maxine

JayBear

NEOhio1

Apr 10, 2006, 1:30 PM

Post #3 of 26 (3801 views)

Shortcut

Re: [jaybear] Realtor sites

| Private Reply

Well Maxine, I like to keep an eye out for cheap properties, and with the election coming, the peso-dollar value changing and other things we are looking to purchase from within a self-directed IRA for investment real estate set up strictly for rental projects. Some of those companies not members of the GIL-MLS, whether just starting out or of dubious reput, usually have that type of property.

bournemouth

Apr 10, 2006, 1:31 PM

Post #4 of 26 (3801 views)

Shortcut

Re: [NEOhio1] Realtor sites

| Private Reply

I think this site might cover non-GIL members:

http://www.emls.info/

bournemouth

Apr 10, 2006, 1:46 PM

Post #5 of 26 (3793 views)

Shortcut

Re: [NEOhio1] Realtor sites

| Private Reply

Not to get too philisophical here - but we do need to remember that every time an expat buys a "cheap" property, a Mexican or Mexican family is shut out of the market. Our maid had to leave a rental because the landlady (Mexican) sold it to some norte-americanos who bought because it was "cheap". Her chances of getting a piece of real estate for her family are becoming dimmer by the day. Our impact in this area is serious for the less economically advantaged.

jaybear

Apr 10, 2006, 3:33 PM

Post #6 of 26 (3770 views)

Shortcut

Re: [bournemouth] Realtor sites

| Private Reply

Come now! Not all the properties listed on the other websites are necessarily ones that middle-class Mexican families are looking to buy! I don't think the Taj Mahal is going to be bought by your average Mexican family looking for a nice family house!

Yes, the cost increases in San Antonio and San Juan Cosala and other lovely Mexican villages near Ajijic are driving out native residents who wish to buy houses. I feel bad for them.

I don't think there is any cure to this. And I don't think it helps to suggest that people buying houses in this area and fixing them up and renting them out as investments are morally depraved or anything. They are fulfilling a need, since many gringos insist that they want to come down here and rent. There is always someone willing to take the risk of owning investment real estate here. This is called capitalism.
"Don't believe everything you think" - Maxine

JayBear

bournemouth

Apr 10, 2006, 4:01 PM

Post #7 of 26 (3760 views)

Shortcut

Re: [jaybear] Realtor sites

| Private Reply

Actually, Jaybear, I wasn't thinking about the websites but the aspect of buying "cheap" properties.

Nowhere did I suggest that it is "morally depraved" to buy cheaper properties and rent them out. I was simply asking that we think about the fact that we are cutting locals out of the market when we buy "cheap" property.

Grevo

Apr 11, 2006, 12:38 PM

Post #8 of 26 (3679 views)

Shortcut

Re: [NEOhio1] Realtor sites

| Private Reply

Dear HEOhio1,

RE: Real Estate sites on the internet for Lake Chapala region

I have researched the area regarding who is involved in real estate sales and promotion. It is estimated that there are approximately 30 offices involved in real estate in the Lake Chapala north shore region and that includes approximately 160 agents and brokers.

My list is not the final word however, will give you some guidance as to who is out there involved in real estate sales and promotion.

http://www.mlsmexico.com/chapala/ (GIL Members)
http://www.ampichapala.com/..._a_professional.html (AMPI Members)

http://www.emls.info/index.php (non-member to either above group)
http://www.ajijicexcellencere.com/ (non-member to either above group)
http://www.ajijic-real-estate.com/ (non-member to either above group)

http://www.micasalinda.info/ (Non-affliated developer)
http://www.chapala.com/ranchosanjorge.html (Non-affliated developer)

No web site and non-affliated

Paradise Real Estate
Ambar Real Estate
Four Season Homes
others

Listing sites
http://www.viviun.com/Real_Estate/Mexico/ (FSBO site, with little)
http://www.virtualmex.com/homefinders.htm (Agent listing site)
http://www.rtkenterprise.com/...realtors/default.asp (Agent listing site)
http://www.joelandsue.com/.../index.php?page_id=1 (Agent listing site)
http://www.chapalacasas.com/ (Agent listing site)
http://www.choosechapala.com/ (Agent listing site)
http://www.ajijicvillagehomes.com/homes.htm (Agent listing site)
http://mexicorealtychapala.com/ (Agent listing site)
http://www.metroscubicos.com/? (national site however, no Chapala listings)
http://www.vrbo.com/...xico/mexican-riveria (Rental listing service)
http://www.lakechapalahomes.com/index.html (FSBO site)

Other real estate services
http://www.stewarttitlelatinamerica.com/ (Title Insurance Site)
http://www.inspec-mx.com/ (Home Inspection Services/RE Consulting Services)

Good luck on your search but remember to do your homework on the house you choose to purchase.

Saludos,
-------------------------------------------------
Sin Compentencia tenamos Incompentencia!

bournemouth

Apr 11, 2006, 2:35 PM

Post #9 of 26 (3647 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Grevo] Realtor sites

| Private Reply

Brad - you might want to mention that the home inspection site is yours. Nothing wrong with a little self-advertising, as long as people know.

Grevo

Apr 11, 2006, 4:09 PM

Post #10 of 26 (3629 views)

Shortcut

Re: [bournemouth] Realtor sites

| Private Reply

Yep,

That's me at www.inspec-mx.com

I have been PM'd by several who would not like me to include some of the sites mentioned or to include others...

Let's not forget www.mexonline.com which has some local listings and there is another FSBO site that is USA based however, has some local properties at www.virtualfsbo.com

For the record, that is not me in my logo on the left side. That is my son, demonstrating the flexibility of his ears. Or maybe his ears are burning because someone is talking about him?

Saludos,
-------------------------------------------------
Sin Compentencia tenamos Incompentencia!

Bubba

Apr 11, 2006, 5:39 PM

Post #11 of 26 (3610 views)

Shortcut

Re: [NEOhio1] Realtor sites

| Private Reply

May I suggest that the mere mortals among us look to NE Ohio for guidance in discerning (1) the future value of the Mexican currency vis-a-vis other floating currencies, (2) the outcome of the impending Mexican elections and (3) the future trend in local real estate values. One might also consult NEO as to the efficacy of using one´s retirement nest egg as a tool for speculating on marginal real estate values in a foreign market. Who knows. If one follows in the footsteps of The Learned One, one may one day own a large boat to haul around behind one´s vintage Woody while seeking shyster real estate agents unconnected with local associations who can find one great real property investment opportunities for a palmed C-Note.

Howard Botz

Apr 12, 2006, 7:41 AM

Post #12 of 26 (3536 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Bubba] Realtor sites

| Private Reply

Amen Bubba, Amen!

Howard in Ajijic

kittythegm

Apr 12, 2006, 8:38 AM

Post #13 of 26 (3523 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Bubba] Realtor sites

| Private Reply

As one who listed with a realtor, that was a member of GIL and AMPI and then lost membership in both associations - WE WOULD NEVER BUY OR SELL through any realtor that was not a member! Remember there are minimal governmental regulations controlling their activities. The only hope that one has for some type of accountability would be the enforcement of the Behavior and Ethics Rules that these associations suggest.

There are often very real reasons that certain realtors do not belong. Purchasing a property through one of these agencies that may be feeding on the leftovers may result in a "low price" but what are the potential additional costs that may arise from non-disclosure or cover-up? Purchasing a rental property for investment purposes may sound like a good opportunity but after it turns into a "money pit", is that not the same as purchasing a high flying stock that turns out to be worthless (like Enron)?

Jinete136

Apr 12, 2006, 7:46 PM

Post #14 of 26 (3459 views)

Shortcut

Re: [kittythegm] Realtor sites

| Private Reply

We've been pretty actively looking lately, using an experienced buyer's agent working with a broker listed with GIL. Our experience in life has been to trust no agent too far, but at least in some you can have a modicum of confidence.

Our experience so far here with non GIL members has been this: the first agent was a crook, and soon disappeared after putting so much pressure on us about a certain property (that we really did want) that we got turned off and said we don't want it. He lost our trust. And second, today, was to view a home in a premium part of Ajijic, listed with an unregistered agency I will not name; the house was one we had seen last August but we didn't realize it from the photos on his site - pretty exterior, but an unkempt mess with a kitchen from hell - it was 70,000 US higher in price today, and it was overpriced last August. It hasn't seen a gardener, cleaning lady or paintbrush in the intervening 9 months nor had it in its previous life. Apart from that, all the obvious flaws (like badly repaired crack, bad drainage, unfinished stairs) were still there, but we were told "oh, that's nothing, everything will be taken care of, don't worry - it just needs a coat of paint. If you expect a perfect house, you'd have to go for the Taj Mahal. " Sure, right. I dislike agents who try to minimize what are obviously serious problems, as if the buyer has neither a brain nor eyes, and that completely destroyed any confidence I might have had in him for any part of a deal had we been inclined.

I'm personally so disgusted with the poor ethics, greed and inlfated prices right now that I wonder about the wisdom of buying in Lakeside. Just another bubble.

jaybear

Apr 12, 2006, 10:01 PM

Post #15 of 26 (3445 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Jinete136] Realtor sites

| Private Reply

Well, I think you are using the wrong brokers. There is SO much money to be made here in real estate, that, as Jimmy Durante used to say, "Everybody's gotta git inta da act!"

I don't know how you are approaching this, but I suggest you get recommendations from people, pick one broker, and stick with that person. I am sure many people will recommend brokers they know and trust. I personally like Tony Harries and Luci Merritt at Ajijic Realty, who are very busy but worth waiting for.

Now that the tourists and snowbirds are going back up north, it should be possible to get more attention from brokers.
"Don't believe everything you think" - Maxine

JayBear

Jinete136

Apr 12, 2006, 10:40 PM

Post #16 of 26 (3441 views)

Shortcut

Re: [jaybear] Realtor sites

| Private Reply

We did use the wrong brokers; now I am hoping we got it right. They are quite thorough on our behalf.

The experience with the non GIL broker was because outside brokers can't or won't show those houses, so we had to go with the listing broker, even though ours had shown it to us last year.

NEOhio1

Apr 13, 2006, 6:45 AM

Post #17 of 26 (3422 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Jinete136] Realtor sites

| Private Reply

Jinete, The fact that some "acceptable" brokers won't show those houses, nor will they pursue FSBO national-owned houses is the main reason I wanted additional lists of non-GIL sites (which I used to have but lost in a hard-drive crash). The criticism has been why would you use those people, but it would be foolish to take just the offerings of "established" companies. Also having watched and printed out listings for almost 2 years I have good idea of what houses are being recycled, remodeled for profit only, and most importantly what the price history has been. For instance one nice house, bad location according to relators, and empty, has never sold in 2 years, but the price has gone from $185K to $260K. This is important to know in negoitations. For a purchase from these less reputable agencies the inspections, legal work etc... can all be done by people of your choice, not the relators.

As for Bubbas slams, well I like to think of all possibilities, not just the "party" line. Besides he barks, but doesn't bite. I expect he'll put together a cooler filled with mojoito makings for the boat. The wagoneer can be nationalized next time around, very inexpensively, and it looks great and rides like the truck it is. As for buying rental property with an IRA, investment is investment, buy low, sell high.

Jinete136

Apr 13, 2006, 7:39 AM

Post #18 of 26 (3409 views)

Shortcut

Re: [NEOhio1] Realtor sites

| Private Reply

Maybe while we're on this topic of registered vs. unregistered agencies, someone could spell out just what an agent of any affiliation can be expected to find out for the buyer. I read the AMPI code of ethics, but the gist is that they disclose known defects (so the less they know the better for their bottom line, in my cynical view). Maybe the question is what do buyers have a right to demand and expect of their agents or notarios in the way of a house's history?

Same with land for sale privately. How would one go about doing due diligence on it - and how do you find an honest notario not acquainted with the seller? Or a private house sale? Is that impossible or is there a way to safeguard the buyer's interests?

This may stray a bit from the original request for a list of sites, but hopefully it's related enough not to irritate anyone.

I don't know who Bubba is, but I like his posts; he likes to sound crotchety sometimes, but he always talks good sense.

1ajijic

Apr 13, 2006, 8:08 AM

Post #19 of 26 (3394 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Jinete136] Realtor sites

| Private Reply

At least with GIL there are some standards. They have thrown agencies out so someone violated even these minimal standards. The reputations and horror stories about these non-Gil upstart agencies are hair raising - dealing with Mack the Knife. I understand the desire to cover the field. One would be much better off just walking the streets, looking for vende signs and asking cab drivers.
http://www.newbeginningsmexico.com

NEOhio1

Apr 13, 2006, 8:43 AM

Post #20 of 26 (3385 views)

Shortcut

Re: [1ajijic] Realtor sites

| Private Reply

Well now 1ajijic, you know I've done that too, and will continue to keep all options open. It unrealistic not to look everywhere, especially since we are looking for hobby property, and not property to live in.

It is unfair not to discuss all the real estate possibilities and to let others reading the forums know that there are many, many options for property and ways to find it. And discussing it keeps it open to questions for people who don't know there are $60K properties in Chapala near Soriana, that spring 2004 you could have just about any property you wanted in Chapal Haciendas for that, things change.

Like anything else you have to use your head and you are responsible for yourself no matter what...there is no way either you or I would buy a property without dotting eyes and crossing ts, if others don't then shame on them and they will get taken. Just because there are rules, doesn't mean anybody is following them in your interest. And there are no real estate buyers agents, get real, there are signed agreements to sell. Real estate has always been buyer beware.

1ajijic

Apr 13, 2006, 1:19 PM

Post #21 of 26 (3340 views)

Shortcut

Re: [NEOhio1] Realtor sites

| Private Reply

Remember the slaughter house is also near Soriana.
http://www.newbeginningsmexico.com

pat

Apr 13, 2006, 6:32 PM

Post #22 of 26 (3307 views)

Shortcut

Re: [NEOhio1] Realtor sites

| Private Reply

What is the trend in the real estate market in Ajijic? Have you noticed any leveling of appreciation rates?

I live in a popular retirement area on the East Coast of the USA. The high-flying appreciation days of the last two or three years are over. Homes are still appreciating, and the real estate market is still good, but not nearly like it was last year. Sellers are now reducing prices in order to attract a smaller number of buyers, a concession hardly imaginable 6 months ago.

In one local community sales are down by 50% from what they were in July/August of 2005, and the total number of homes on the market are up by 70% or so. Realtors (I am one) are talking here of a sea change in the market from what it was 6 months or so ago.

I wonder if what we are seeing here will be forthcoming in other real estate markets in the USA, and perhaps in Ajijic and surrounding Lakeside areas, as well. The market there may be totally independent from what is happening there, but I do imagine that we will start to see more of the same in other markets in the USA.

Since the area I am in now, Hilton Head Island, SC, is similar to Ajijic in that many retirees cash out of homes in the more expensive areas of the country, and reinvest those monies in retirement areas, both here in the USA (Hilton Head, among others) and Mexico (Ajijic, etc.), I would expect that lowered prices here would influence what buyers were willing to pay there........ then again, maybe not.

I will keep a close eye on both markets, in any case.

Pat

Bubba

Apr 14, 2006, 8:02 PM

Post #23 of 26 (3208 views)

Shortcut

Re: [NEOhio1] Realtor sites

| Private Reply

Of course, everyone posting here realizes that the word "realtor" is a trademark. The proper phrase is real estate agent. George Bush would say, "reelator"

jaybear

Apr 15, 2006, 5:35 AM

Post #24 of 26 (3186 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Bubba] Realtor sites

| Private Reply

The Brits call them "estate agents" and leave the "real" out of it. Now that I think about it, maybe they are making a point;) (Just kidding, real estate agents!!!)
"Don't believe everything you think" - Maxine

JayBear

Georgia

Apr 15, 2006, 3:11 PM

Post #25 of 26 (3137 views)

Shortcut

Re: [NEOhio1] Realtor sites - just the facts ma'am

| Private Reply

I found this thread interesting and particularly illustrative of a common occurrence on the forum: someone asks a straightforward question. Simple. The answers, however, are not simple. Can we not just simply answer a direct question when it is asked without pontificating and getting our panties in a wad? If there's not a request for advice, just give the information, please.

If NEOhio, or I, for that matter, desire the addresses of all the local cathouses, we are not looking for a lecture on venereal disease, just the addresses. We are, I assume, all adults here, free to stumble down our own flawed paths.

(This post was edited by Georgia on Apr 15, 2006, 3:13 PM)

1 2 View All