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EMAIL ME with any questions you have regarding Ajijic or the
listings outlined below. Let me know when you are coming to
visit the area so that I can personally reserve some time to
show you our wonderful village.
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.
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.
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
Capital gains tax can be exempt upon closing if the owner has
maintained an FM-3 or FM-2 for four months 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).
Home | Trudie's Picks: Ajijic Real Estate | Fabulous Interiors: Ajijic Real Estate | Makeover Projects
Looking for a house to rent while looking for
the perfect home? Try
Ajijic Homes for Rent (www.ajijichomes4rent.com)
AJIJIC VILLAGE HOMES
