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RogerTX

Nov 10, 2008, 7:48 AM

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Job offer in San Miguel

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I'm well into my exploration trip here in Mexico (now in Leon, Gto.) and after a couple of days in San Miguel de Allende, I decided to check out some lots and real estate developments. Can you say EXPENSIVE??? Anyway, after spending some time with one of the brokers there (a well know American real estate brokerage), I was told that I have a job if I decide to move to SMA.

Can it really be that easy? I sold real estate in Texas for 3+ years before getting into Oil & Gas and I know how tough it can be to close a deal. I suppose my amazement was simply that there was really no interview. I just told the broker that I was a Realtor at home, he heard me speaking Spanish fluently, and that was it.

I have to say... it's tempting. Even if it didn't work out, what a cool adventure it would be! So has anyone here been down this path or one similar to it? Would love to hear from those with more experience.

jennifer rose

Nov 10, 2008, 7:51 AM

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Re: [RogerTX] Job offer in San Miguel

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Jobs selling real estate, particularly in locales with a heavy expat component, aren't really that hard to come by. There are often as many foreigners selling real estate in these areas as those who're in the market to buy. But you will certainly want to get yourself a work permit.

RogerTX

Nov 10, 2008, 7:58 AM

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Re: [jennifer rose] Job offer in San Miguel

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Thanks Jennifer. Speaking of work permits, from what I hear, it's a question of showing the Mexican government that one can do a job most Mexican citizens can't do. One of the agents there was telling me that she had to show a variety of records from her education, proof of a real estate license and continuing ed, proof of actually selling homes, etc.. Doesn't sound too hard to me (at least on the surface). Something tells me there's a little more to it though...

bournemouth

Nov 10, 2008, 9:12 AM

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Re: [RogerTX] Job offer in San Miguel

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Roger - before getting too excited about this, you might want to try and find out how many sales there are a month in San Miguel and how many agents there are chasing those sales.

Anecdotal evidence is that agents who were earning a living, are leaving to return north, dropping out of the business etc. etc.

RogerTX

Nov 10, 2008, 9:20 AM

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Re: [bournemouth] Job offer in San Miguel

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I don't doubt this to be true and believe me, before making a move, I would certainly do my homework. Of course, when I got my real estate license in 2003, the washout rate for Texas licensees was at around 80% (ie; 80% of those who got their licenses weren't practicing real estate one year later). I managed to close 17 transactions my first year in the business.

Still, I know it's a different world here in Mexico. As for now, I'm going to continue traveling and seeing what else is out there. When I find whatever it is I'm looking for, I'll know it. That is... unless I don't find it. Either way... I'm having a great time!

TlxcalaClaudia

Nov 10, 2008, 10:04 AM

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Re: [RogerTX] Job offer in San Miguel

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I was surprised how many jobs came my way upon arrival. I was swamped with new offers in my first month. I heard *beforehand* that I wouldn't likely get teaching offers since many places require a special TESOL certificate (I have a Master's, 12 years computer related teaching experience and now about 3 years of TESOL teaching). I never once was asked for that cert...just my apostilled degree for the work permit. Arriving is the best way to get the job if you have the background (which you do). I'm not surprised at all that your skills are sought after. You can do it if you have a little reserve for when sales are down. I have a back up too for when classes aren't running.

RogerTX

Nov 10, 2008, 12:17 PM

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Re: [TlxcalaClaudia] Job offer in San Miguel

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Thanks Claudia. Very encouraging! Now all I have to do is figure out where I want to live. The rest obviously will happen when it's ready to happen.

Muchos saludos,