Recent Posts

1

Lake Chapala & Ajijic / Re: to buy home from a realtor or FSBO?

« Last post by Grouchygringo on May 09, 2013, 09:39:34 AM »

Everything here is conducted in Spanish, so unless your Spanish is perfect, I would leaning towards a bilingual realtor to assist you with this purchase.

2

General Discussion / CPP

« Last post by Arturost on May 04, 2013, 10:31:03 PM »

Can anyone tell me when the government is going to start direct deposit to Mexico of Canada pension cheques

3

Moving & Retirement / Re: Our daughter

« Last post by The Baroness on April 13, 2013, 04:13:30 PM »

Your daughter needs to check the place before, I know some Mexicans (women) that are getting difficult times because in this Country, they do discrimination because of the age.  Usually people after 30 is not getting jobs even if they have a Degree, so job in this Country is a matter of luck.  Besides that, Mexico does not have any real programs about animals.   There are dog rescue places, but they are run by volunteers. 

4

Lake Chapala & Ajijic / to buy home from a realtor or FSBO?

« Last post by The Baroness on April 13, 2013, 04:05:30 PM »

What do you suggest?

I would like to know your opinion....the pros, cons...

Thanks!

5

Real Estate & Rentals / Re: Buying a Home

« Last post by accesslakechapala on March 11, 2013, 06:53:31 PM »

Hi Cindy,

Thanks for joining the forum and posting. As you can see the forum is rather new and we are just getting started with it. You might not have many people reply because the forum is still growing in members.

However I am more than happy to answer your questions.

1) How difficult is it for Canadians to obtain a mortgage?
From Mexican banks it is not as easy as you would have in the US or Canada. As far as my knowledge goes, there is only one bank that offers loans to foreigners is Mexico and that is Bancomer. They offer the loan through there sister bank in the US called BBVA Compass http://www.bbvacompass.com/. It is easier to get loans from private lenders, although the best private lenders I know lend for a max to 3 years at 10%.

2) How much is required for a down payment, and what would real estate and legal fees be?
Down payment on bank loans is 15 to 25% depending on the bank. Private lenders require a 50% ownership of the property. The only legal fees you are looking at would be the closing cost. Closing here in Mexico is more expensive than US or Canada but property tax is very cheap in Mexico. The cost of closing always depends on the fiscal value of the property. To give you and idea a typical property for 200K, pays anywhere between 4,000 and 7,000 USD.

3) Are there any other expenses that we should be aware of?
Within the closing cost the Notary deducts his fee, so that expense is covered in the example I gave you above.

4) What is the typical time frame from making an offer to closing a deal?
Anywhere between 30 and 90 days.

5) Is there any other information we should be aware of?
Can you elaborate on this questions? There is so much more information I could provide you, so please send me a list of all your concerns and questions.

When do you plan to come visit, or move for that matter?

6

Real Estate & Rentals / Buying a Home

« Last post by Cyndi on March 11, 2013, 04:15:07 PM »

Hello, My husband and I are seriously considering moving to Lake Chapala.
How difficult is it for Canadians to obtain a mortgage?
How much is required for a down payment, and what would real estate and legal fees be?
Are there any other expenses that we should be aware of?
What is the typical time frame from making an offer to closing a deal?
Is there any other information we should be aware of?
Thank you for any assistance you can provide.

7

Moving & Retirement / Re: Our daughter

« Last post by accesslakechapala on February 04, 2013, 11:55:57 AM »

Hi Rich and Cindy,

Thanks for becoming a member of our forum. As you can see it is relatively new and we do not have many members yet but are getting more and more.

Have you ever been to the Lake Chapala area before? I am sure once you and your daughter arrives she will quickly see that there are plenty of people her age her. It is not just a retirement community but an active middle aged community as well.

Not to sure about a job in animal control which is pretty much non-exsistant here. Animal adoption however is but most workers are volunteers so a paid job in Animal adoption would be hard to find.

Bring your Daughter with you once you decide to visit and have her look around. I am sure that with her computer skills she should be able to find a job.

Looking forward to seeing you here in Lakeside some day

8

Moving & Retirement / Our daughter

« Last post by Rich/Cindy on February 02, 2013, 01:48:07 PM »

We are thinking and looking into moving into your part Mexico. 

Our 30 something daughter is thinking about it too.

What can she do there?  She is in animal control/adoption at the present time.  She was a city animal control officer for 5 years and now works for a county. 

She is very computer savvy.  She is concerned that there will not be anyone her age.

We are looking to visiting in the next few months and moving by the end of the year.

9

Moving & Retirement / Re: Odd Questions about the community

« Last post by accesslakechapala on January 25, 2013, 08:45:54 PM »

Linda,

Q.  I suspect by your answer that there aren’t farm type animals such as horses, mules, chickens, and the like in the area.  Are people allowed to have farm animals on their properties?  I am quite allergic to animals, hay, dust dirt roads, and the like.I want to avoid cigarette smoke
Same as most countries, most restaurants and bars do not allow smoking inside.

A: It is not uncommon to see  farm type animals on the street, some include: chickens, horses, cows and donkeys. Yes, they are allowed to have farm animals on their properties but they are most commonly seen on farms.

Q. When you say “most restaurants” is it the law or is it not the law to allow smoking in a shopping mall, hospital, restaurant, clubhouse, etc. If not a law, how are most public places when it comes to inside smoking?

A: Cigarette smoke is not as common as in the US or Canada and some restaurants ignore the no smoking law that has already been implemented in Mexico. Airports and Malls absolutely do NOT tolerate cigarette smoke inside.

Q. Is the air filled with smoke on winter days from the wood burning. Do people cook with wood?I'd like a community that has low pollen counts.

A: No, you will not see the air filled with smoke on winter days. No one really cooks with wood anymore, you might see the occasional out door fires, mainly on new years eve. You might also see farmers burning their dried up fields every now and then.

Q. I mean to say that with such good weather is it common or rare to have a/c in the house. I don’t really care if the power is gas or electric, just want a w/d in the house and central a/c and heating. If attached, I’d look for a non-smoking building

A: AC might be needed in the hot months of June and May. Most people make due with ceiling fans. You will find the Weather is near to perfect all year round but I do know of houses and Condos that have dual AC and heating.

Sounds like you are ready to come in February. I wish you a great trip and please feel free to post any questions you might have

10

Moving & Retirement / Re: Odd Questions about the community

« Last post by California Linda on January 23, 2013, 01:26:54 PM »

Hi, My replys are below your replies.  Hope it makes sense.  Thanks for helping me...

I'd like a community where there aren't a lot of free-ranging animals in the streets.
Although the Lake Chapala area has a great animal shelter, there are still many dogs and cats free-ranging the town, this is something that I would consider a minor problem but the community does really get together to try and find space for each animal in the local Animal Shelters.
Q.  I suspect by your answer that there aren’t farm type animals such as horses, mules, chickens, and the like in the area.  Are people allowed to have farm animals on their properties?  I am quite allergic to animals, hay, dust dirt roads, and the like.I want to avoid cigarette smoke
Same as most countries, most restaurants and bars do not allow smoking inside.
Q. When you say “most restaurants” is it the law or is it not the law to allow smoking in a shopping mall, hospital, restaurant, clubhouse, etc. If not a law, how are most public places when it comes to inside smoking?

I'd like a community that does not have wood burning fire places sending smoke into the air
Most of the modern homes have Gas fireplaces now. you will find that older homes still burn wood.
Q. Is the air filled with smoke on winter days from the wood burning. Do people cook with wood?I'd like a community that has low pollen counts.
I am not sure what the pollen count is here but I assume low. I hope another reader or user can answer this question for you.
Q. Thank you
A unit with electric air conditioning and heating. - A washer/dryer in the unit.
There are several modern homes and Condos that rent under 2,000 and have electric water heaters and AC's. However most still have gas dryers.
Q. I mean to say that with such good weather is it common or rare to have a/c in the house. I don’t really care if the power is gas or electric, just want a w/d in the house and central a/c and heating. If attached, I’d look for a non-smoking building.
When do you plan on coming for a visit to the Lake Chapala area? I am sure you will enjoy your visit. most people find it a magical place and always come back after their first visit.
A. I plan to come in February. I will be coming and staying in a hotel in the area and looking around.

Thank you for answering…..