Trudie's Picks - Properties for Sale

Meet Trudie Nelson, a sales agent with Eager and Associates. There are currently over 600 listings with the Lake Chapala Real Estate Board, but only about 50 of them meet Trudie's definition of a quality home.

Take a look at Trudie's Picks  for complete listing details and find out more about what qualifies as a quality home.

TRUDIE WELCOMES ASSOCIATE SUSAN MARTIN TO HER WEB SITE..

Susan and Trudie have been working together for years, but recently have been working together as a team to offer clients additional service with 2 agents working for them. Susan is bright, friendly... very dependable... a tremendous asset to those looking for a dedicated agent.  Feel free to contact Susan directly by email susanwate@yahoo.com...

With a multicultural background, Susan was born and stayed in England until 12 years old then moved to the States. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration specializing in marketing. 

Susan has experience in the construction of residential homes in our area.  Plus she owned and operated a well-known export business that sold high-end furniture and decorative accessories made by the artisans of Mexico. 

Both Susan and her husband have been living Lakeside for the last 20 years. This, along with her Spanish language ability and understanding of the Mexican culture will give all of our clients the information they need to retire in style.

Introduction To Buying

Most of the foreign community live in and around the village of Ajijic:  5,000 during off-season and 10,000 during high-season. Lake Chapala offers many desirable areas on the north shore from village to mountainside to gated community.

Purchase Process

Most properties are priced in U.S. dollars, although you will find some properties listed in Mexican pesos. There is some owner-financing, but most are cash sales as mortgages in Mexico are not available.

Buying real estate in Mexico is similar to purchasing property in other parts of North America. As with any offer to purchase, a 10% deposit is required. Balance is due and payable on closing either by cheque or wire transfer. Closings are usually within 1 to 3 months of offer to purchase.

Usually the purchaser pays the notary expenses, taxes and fees, but sometimes the purchaser and seller will split the costs. In Mexico, every legal document must be made before a notary public in order to be considered valid. A notary in Mexico is different than in the United States or Canada. The notary is a public official, appointed for life by the state governor.

Be prepared to present proof of your full name, civil status, domicile, occupation, and date and place of birth. Usually you will be asked to produce your birth certificate and passport. Also be prepared to produce proof of legal presence in Mexico (Tourist Visa, FM3 or FM2).

Please Note:

Is it legal to own property in Mexico?

The laws changed in 1973 making foreign ownership of property in Mexico much easier. Whether you take Direct Deed or buy through a Trust, you have the full protection of the law. The Mexican government wants and encourages foreign investment in Mexico.

Capital Gains Tax

As of October 1, 2011 there will be a change to the Capital Gains Tax in Mexico. Capital gains tax can be exempt upon closing ONLY if the owner has maintained an FM-2 for four months or Landed Immigrant status (Imigrado) and can prove that they have occupied the house for a minimum of four months with proof of an electric bill and/or telephone receipt in the vender's name.

Renovate, Restore, Re-do

Over the past 10 years Trudie and husband, Stewart have bought, renovated, furnished dozens of homes. They know first-hand what it costs to paint; tile; re-do kitchens, patios, windows; add a guesthouse. They are ready to share this valuable experience with their clients.

The local Mexican people are wonderful craftsmen. When you take on a Renovation project you will be delighted with the quality of the workmanship and the timeliness of completion of a major renovation.

Take a look at some of our recent Makeover Projects:

Fabulous Interiors

Getting to know the area, Trudie has explored a variety of properties both on the Lakeside and other parts of Mexico. You won't believe some of the most fabulous interiors of Lakeside Homes, until you see for yourself. Come see how we live! Take a little trip with us to visit some of Trudie's friends, where you will have the opportunity to see a number of unique homes as described in Canadian House & Home (April 1997).