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advice for buying property in costa rica, advice for buying property in ecuador, advice for buying property in latin america, advice for buying property in panama, competent legal help in ecuador, competent legal help in panama, Due Diligence, getting competent legal counsel in latin america, Investing in real estate in costa rica, investing in real estate in ecuador, Investing in Real Estate in Latin America, investing in real estate in panama, what can go wrong in overseas investments
A true fixer-upper!
Due Diligence: “Research and analysis of a company or organization done in preparation for a business transaction’ (Merriam-Webster) ” Due diligence is the process of systematically researching and verifying the accuracy of a statement.”(WhatIs.techtarget)
… But the landscaping has such potential!..
I love a good fixer-upper, and I’ve also learned that the best part of a property might be the gnarled tree that guards the entrance! I’ve learned to spot potential problems, and I’ve also learned how to see past the neglect and find an ugly duckling waiting to transform into a swan.
With a dozen years of living in second and third-world countries, I’ve learned from trial and error and have also learned by watching others. We applaud anyone who embraces a new life, but when things go wrong, often times those new transplants find they’re playing David against Goliath.
Over the past several years, I’ve watched many people invest small fortunes only to find serpents in Paradise.
Others I have never met, but their stories find their way through the jungle grapevine. A few people have contacted me through email and asked if I could be their eyes and ears and check out a ‘too good to be true’ deal.
Some of those deals were truly outstanding, and I applauded them for their find. Others were swooned by creative photography that only showed the best views of a property but didn’t show the faulty foundation, the crumbling cement or the rotten lumber!
Yay or nay?
Over the past few months I’ve traveled through part of the country and met many people who have moved to Ecuador. Some have businesses, some bought homes, others built homes or had them built. Many are getting visas through their pensions and are happy renting without owning property.
Through emails and in person, I asked for advice they could pass on to others. Some tossed a few nuggets of wisdom and some shared volumes!
I heard this often: Due Diligence!
It only leaks in the rainy season!
Never assume; get all details in writing. Ask for official receipts. Just because someone shakes his/her head does not mean that they understand!
People continue to be divided regarding the use of beach sand for construction. (Beach Sand? Yes, beach sand!) Even when not used for structural purposes, beach sand is often used for the final layer of cement on walls and floors. Yay or nay? Other problems are leaky roofs and peeling paint. Could the salt in the beach sand be partly responsible for the peeling paint?
What follows are nuggets of advice from a wide range of people who have relocated to Central and South America. Some people are uneasy sharing specifics for fear of libel or slander charges. Even with unpleasant dealings with professionals, most people love living in Latin America. Hopefully their advice will help others who are considering a change in latitude!
People should come for a long visit and check out the areas they are interested in. Get involved with the community, check out the shopping etc etc. We only were in EC 11 days and knew we wanted to live here, but that was after 2 years of research and then another 2 years before we moved.
Ask OLD TIMERS about the history of flooding during El Nino years.
Understand septic systems and how they work!
Find out the source and reliability for drinking water.
A large majority of deeds to property are tied up in complex families , though the seller will tell you “no problemo”, and then you’re out thousands of dollars because the sale falls through.
What people really need to know is that (and I’m going to be blunt) info and references from the two leading resources are far from perfect and can be very misleading. In fact most people can get their pensioner visas on their own in Ecuador and save $2000.
One can find some properties that are not listed online!
Many info sites are outdated and you can certainly rent a car and do your own “real estate tour.” You cannot live on the coast for $600 month. We live on $1200 and are quite satisfied with our simple life style. A person must have a lawyer for buying real estate.
It has character!
Banks, people need to remember that Ecuador is a developing country and different from the US.
Peeling paint – Why does this happen and how can one prevent it from happening again?
* Due diligence* !! Talk to others, ask what they miss the most etc etc..lol. Our paradise may not be theirs.
Agua Stop, a water blocker, helps seal concrete floors.
A crash course on how they can “arm” themselves against the two faced, dishonest real estate system. This is not an anti Ecuadorian problem and it shouldn’t be construed that way because many of the developers are not Ecuadorian, but extranjeros themselves (even if they have married into Ecuadorian families, they are still expats themselves in Ecuador.) These are the people who gain the trust of innocents… 
Beware of some people who market real estate in English, who imply that they will handle any problems which may arise while ignoring the basics of human safety and honesty for the sake of greed. Too many new homeowners in developments have been abandoned by developers as soon as the sale of property is completed and their checks have cleared.
Trust me!
They have been seduced with lies their ears are eager to absorb and their minds do not analyze, nor take the precautions they would in their own countries. It’s just plain wrong!
Don’t be bullied into making a down payment: “Better act fast, this won’t be on the market long!” If it’s too good to be true, there’s probably a reason to be extra careful and proceed slowly.
Be sure there’s a clear title; be sure there were proper building permits; ask about warranties and be sure that the warranty protects you in case the windows leak or the plumbing overhead bursts or even if the concrete crumbles!
Pardon me, but it appears that you have two faces…
Always be cautious of naming names of individuals here in Ecuador which can easily result in law suits and many times becomes the central legal issue instead of the original thievery. I am unclear as to whether corporations or foundation or associations have this same protection with libel suits as individuals, but it is wise to check it out before throwing stones.
There are some organizations responsible for many real estate lies which we have encountered and hold partly responsible for many unhappy expat experiences throughout every country we have lived in in Latin America. I applaud your caring heart and whatever brave attempt you make to correct this totally unfair situation.
Just because they speak English does not mean they are honorable or should be trusted. Because they speak English and are perhaps from the States or studied in the States simply makes it “easier” for you to buy or build… it does not mean that they won’t rip you off along the way…. you trust them because they speak English not because you’ve done a thorough check on them.
Who’s there?
If nothing else google them or at the very least do your due diligence and talk to everyone you can about them. If every one they suggest you talk to gives them nothing but glowing references QUESTION IT… possible red flag.
Ask why the gringo developer or construction manager is in Latin America instead of prospering in their own country… don’t buy the line “I want to build paradise”…or “lower taxes here”… first one means they failed in their own country and are looking for a quick buck, second one seems to mean I am evading taxes. QUESTION IT… possible red flag.
Are you who you claim to be?
Talk to people they have sold to or built for and REALLY LISTEN… Read the blog by Ecuador George http://www.ecuadorgeorge.com/ecuador-real-estate/becauseIjust reallywant it. 
If the transactions are being made anywhere but Ecuador… you’re likely supporting illegal tax evasion. QUESTION IT… possible red flag
Rent before you buy or build… no you CANNOT build from another continent. If they say, You can trust us, no problem,’ QUESTION IT… possible red flag 
Another one to add is If you think it will never happen to you QUESTION IT definite red flag! 
In Ecuador you will likely NOT get American standards… if they promise American standards…here good enough seems to be good enough – QUESTION IT… possible red flag.
Don’t listen to the “expert opinions” and sales pitches from organizations or web sites that are paid advertisements… they have no liability and frankly don’t care if their information is accurate… it’s a business. QUESTION IT… possible red flag
Needs water lines, electricity and building permit.
If you buy, research the process. Read http://www.southamericaliving.com/living-in-ecuador-how-to-buy-real-estate/ If the people or person giving you advice or telling you what it’s like to live in Ecuador does not or has never lived here… QUESTION IT possible red flag
If you are going to build, KNOW what a factura and RUC are… if your builder isn’t giving you either of them, QUESTION IT… possible red flag
Um… RUC? I’ll just write you a receipt.
How do you know they are honorable and trustworthy? Because they said so? QUESTION IT… possible red flag
Friends and I were talking about how cute little sheep can turn into wolves, and cute little puppies grow up to be wolves. How does one learn to distinguish which are real are wearing masks of deceit?
Beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing. Beware of kittens that transform into viscous wildcats…
We don’t want to have a cat like that around the neighborhood….
Of course I can do that job for you!
If you are seeking any type of service don’t ask, “Can you do this job?” because they will all say, “Yes”. Many workers will say they can do it all -anything and everything from tiling, to cement work to electrical. Very different skills so QUESTION IT — possible red flag
Roofing specialist?
Always, always ask for a detailed estimate of the work, including material and labour. Write a contract and even with all that sometimes they will get 90% of the work done and then not come back. Always hold back sufficient funds to make it worth their while to return. If that is not acceptable, QUESTION IT… possible red flag.
Oh my! But he seemed so nice!
You will meet lots of people that seem to be nice, honest people. If you are building in a foreign country remember business is business and money is money. As the saying goes , Don’t mix business and pleasure…. if they try the buddy thing like they’re your pal, QUESTION IT… possible red flag and finally even in Ecuador wrong is wrong – even if everyone seems to be doing it; right is right even if no one seems to be doing it.
Survived the big earthquake, but will it survive the next?
Be prepared for bad wiring or for fixtures to be placed in strange locations.
One must be there during all stages of building.
It’s better to speak up or have to forever hold your peace!
No down payments without proof of building permits!!
Title – No final payment until title is registered.
Roof – Be sure the builder guarantees a leak-proof roof.
What would you do differently? (Laughter or chuckles often preceded the reply) Do not trust ANYONE.
Do not expect North American Standards.
Do not make assumptions.
Ask if closets are included… or shower walls included!
“You have to be there during construction, and even then, YOU HAVE TO BE THERE.”
As soon as they say, ‘Trust me,” you’re in trouble. If they failed in their own country, why would they do any better here? Don’t buy into the story that they bought it so they could share with others their good fortune.
A Happy Tour! Boat taxi/San Vicente to Bahia de Caraquez (Ecuador Expat Journeys)
There are plenty of good guys out there with good business ethics; this post addressed when things go wrong.
Now that the red flags have been waved, I welcome testimonials of what can go right in Latin America!
Z
Zeebra Designs & Destinations 
Well said Lisa. We’re very proud of you bringing these red flags out in the open. As you know we had our issues even with due diligence, years of research. The one thing we did not do is PERSONALLY talk to expats who have gone through the process of getting their Visas and Cedulas. That being said, we love living here in San Clemente. We have found that our top eight (in no particular order) “must have” are well met. Lower cost of living than the US-yes we can live near the ocean on our retirement budget. No hurricanes-yes. Excellent health care-yes. Warm weather all year-yes. Internet access -Yes. Friendly, caring locals-yes, we now have an extended family here in SC. Safe place to live-yes. My prescription medicine is available-yes. Top that with a beautiful beach, warm ocean, wonderful fresh produce and seafood and the peace and tranquility of living in a small fishing village. For us, perfecto. 🙂 Siempre amiga, Mary (John)
well buen 🙂 s dias to you as well! your comment makes a perfect compliment to the post and reminds others of things to consider before moving – anywhere!
you are walking ambassadors for our country, and i rarely witness people plunge into total immersion as easily as you did! my friends hank and marie in costa rica/pennsylvania also merged with their community with the same enthusiasm. you never allowed your frustrations to trample your enthusiasm, and you give so much to your community – never meeting a stranger as you sprinkle infectious smiles along your path!
thank you so much for this fantastic comment to start the feedback! i am so proud of both of you and equally proud to call you my friends!!!
love,
lisa/z
thank you Lisa, you got us blushing 🙂
(big unexpected laugh!) 😉
If I ever decide to move to Ecuador, I’ll remember to read this! The truth of course, is that your post contains a good bit of truth for everyone, no matter their circumstances. Assume nothing, trust no one – and pay attention ! – isn’t cynicism, it’s a way to deal with the practicalities of life in a way that allows enjoying the new life that’s being built. Good post.
thank you! i’ve witnessed stories that make my heart hurt, and it’s sad that people are (rightfully) scared to tell their stories for fear of slander or libel. a group of people in panama continue to battle and butt heads with a developer who will not honor/acknowledge/repair many building flaws. my friend mops up buckets of water ever time a blowing wind assaults her high-perch windows in her condo. the windows are beautiful, but like an air-headed beauty, there’s not much there in character! she could never figure out why her electric bills were alarmingly high, even when she was out of the country. finally, about three years later, an electrician solved the problem – her meter was connected to someone else’s condo, and someone else’s was connected to hers!
sometimes it’s an honest mistake that causes the frustrations!
Fascinating! Many of your tips apply in this country as well. We have “saved” three old properties over the years because we prefer the older homes and aren’t afraid of work. It can be very rewarding, but also very frustrating at times.
as you can tell from my posts, i love older homes as well! they have a soul and character, where newly-built ones seem so sterile! you surely have lots of stories of things that can go wrong, but also what can go so very right!
Thank you for posting this Lisa! Substitute Panama for Ecuador and it’s the same. And we always tell people that they have to be here when they are going to build. Most never listen though.
I’d like to add that even a new home requires constant upkeep and improvements made. It’s a constant battle against mold and mildew during Wet Season. Also some Norte Americano products are not well suited here. Particularly those lovely particle board cupboards that people are so fond of. It’s best to stay with native woods and finishes and to make sure that everything is sealed against moisture and bugs.
I’ll be reblogging! Gracias!
thank you so much for your comment! yes, the rainy season in central america can be brutal on many household items. you’re approaching those three ‘hurricane season’ months that can be brutal on people who live in houses that don’t leak, and hell to those who have faulty roofs or windows!
thank you so much for your feedback!
Reblogged this on In Da Campo and commented:
Lisa Brunetti from the blog Playamart, Zeebra Designs & Destinations has written a wonderful post about buying property in Ecuador. Substitute Panama for Ecuador and the same information is relevant. The only difference is by law you must use a lawyer in Panama for your initial pensionado residency.
I have read about people paying upwards of $3,000.00 for their residency which to me is fairly pricey. Check around for a reputable lawyer who will provide you full service. Moving to a new country is not for the fearful or faint of heart. Not is it for the foolish. Like Lisa says you need to practice “due diligence”.
thanks for the amazing preface to the reblog! you should give lessons!!!
thanks, also, for the info about pensionado residency. i did not know that, and yes, there’s a wide range of fees – always great to shop around and hear testimonials (in person!) before deciding on an attorney.
Great post! Love, love, love the statues!! As others have commented, this 411 is useful ANYWHERE!
Upon our retirement, we will be loading into an RV which will take us from O’ Canada (I want to drive an ice road) down to Chile (I want to see chinchillas in the wild), wherever there is a road. I’m starting my ‘due-diligences’ and continued research now, some twenty-odd years b/4 we launch! Am I an over-planner? Hmm. Yes, but then everyone always comments how lucky I always am.. It’s not luck, honey… It’s planning for every situation. We have our own set of challenges, but if they become intolerable, hopefully, we can move away from them! =-) Have the coffee press ready.. we’ll stop by!!
by all means i’ll have the coffee press ready! maybe i can meet you at some point along your journey and tag along for a week or so!
goals and dreams give us hope and drive. i’m glad that you have these wonderful plans! good for you! thanks so much for sharing with us!
As Indiacampo says, “Substitute Nicaragua for Ecuador and it is the same.” The only advise I have a little trouble with is “do not trust anyone”. I can’t live in fear that everyone is out to take advantage of me because of my ‘gringaness’. Of course, it’s important to ask questions, to practice due diligence, and never assume anything. But, living on a small tropical island..I have to be able to trust in the goodness of people and the majority of times I haven’t been disappointed. Sure, we were burnt a couple of times when we were building our houses..but it was due to our own ignorance. We’ve learned from our mistakes. Poco a poco.
What can go right in Latin America? For starters, the generosity of those who have so little humbles me. Our neighbors share their food and their lives with us without asking for anything in return. I would trust my life in their hands…and I have. When we were sick with Dengue, our neighbors brought us soup and cared for us like family. We are the only foreigners in our tiny community, and we feel like extended family. It is a warm, caring community and we watch out for each other. I can’t imagine living anywhere else in the world.
“the generosity of those who have so little humbles me. ”
you are so right, and i feel that way as well. there were a few comments that i pondered omitting, but i felt it important to show other’s viewpoint, and for now that person is still recovering from a difficult experience.
there are times when i will say, ‘that’s it! i’m finished being the nice person… i’m going to roll up my windows and take care of me and that’s that…’
and it works for about a week, and then my guard is back down and i’m back on my rightful track!
i loved loved loved your last post!
Haha! I wrote it with you in mind. 🙂 Thanks..Z.
i’m so glad that you are living such an emotionally and spiritually-rich life there! i need to thank nancy levin again!
Clearly, living without trust in the basic goodness of people leads to that condition I call “shriveled heart”. But trust is built over time. As an independent contractor, my business has been built by word of mouth – one person who has hired me and been satisfied passes on my name to a friend or colleague, who trusts the recommendation because they trust their friend.
When I lived in Liberia, I learned pretty quickly that a hearty hand-shake, a big smile and an apparent willingness to please isn’t enough. When I asked a Liberian to do this or that, the response always was, “I will try”. Sometimes, the job was done, the paperwork finished or the deadline met. More often, nothing happened, and when inquiry was made, the answer always was, “I tried!”
Due diligence was more than important. It was critical. Even here in the States, some of the most good-hearted people in the world are the most untrustworthy when it comes to doing what they promise. Good intentions are wonderful, but the ability to deliver is far more important when it comes to a home or the legalities of travel and life in another culture.
“Due diligence was more than important. It was critical.”
that is so true, and many trusting people assume that the other person is genuine.
Great post, Lisa, and having just completed a 3 year renovation/remodel, I can tell you that most of the same advice applies even in the US. I was on site EVERY DAY the contractors were here, and I can say with certainty, that saved us a lot of grief and future headaches. I checked references, I verified the raw materials, I made the required decisions on the spot, and stopped the work and asked questions if something didn’t look right.
One has to “Trust, but verify,” every step of the way.
Thanks for sharing these great pointers.
thank you for your feedback! yes, being on site makes a huge difference! i’ve also learned if you walk away for ten minutes, a new problem might be waiting for your return!!!
when the frustrations are behind us, we are always grateful to sit back and say, ‘ahhhh,’ and reflect on what we’ve learned while enjoying the end results!
Fascinating post, and very well done. Love all the little statues 🙂
thanks! ecuador has an amazing museum system, and i have access to two that are fairly close to where i live. the precolumbian cultures were quite talented!
This blog could have been about Panama and right on target. I am writing a similar article about the scams that are told to new arrivals in Boquete – even the “you can live on $600 month” sales pitch. Your comments about failed builders offering to build “American style homes” are so accurate. Everyone moving to Central/South America should print this and paste it on their refrigerator.
i’m glad that you’re writing about the serpents in paradise as well! most of us are trusting because we assume that others have honorable behavior – only to discover that they don’t. we learn from other’s misfortunes and hope that we can dodge our own.
thanks so much for your feedback!
lisa/z
Your photos reminded me of my tropical homecountry – the poorer parts, the beautiful parts, the richer parts. And your advice would definitely work there as well, except that foreigners are not allowed to own real estate except condominium units, if I remember my law training well.
Back home, the titles can be knotted and murky since property just go to one family member to the next by occupancy and family practice.
thank you for your feedback! your posts always reflect your love for nature and are a tonic!
What an enjoyable, interesting and useful post, Z. Much of what I thought about saying has already been said, so I’ll leave it at that.
janet
thanks! it was a long post, so thank you for wading through it!
One idea that resonated with me is that I like older homes while my husband tends to like newer ones, partly, I think, on the premise that they’ll have less wrong with them. That may or may not be true. I think a lot of older homes are better built and have more interesting features, but that’s not true across the board either. You have to always be careful, something easier to do after you’ve had your first home. 🙂
janet
yes, experience is the best teacher! i always veer toward the older instead of the newer; you and your husband have surely found ways to compromise!
We’ve lived since a year after we got married in 1984 in a house built in 1934. Our rental house was built in the 70’s and, to my mind, isn’t nearly as nice. But it is true that it needs less done to it and when it does, we won’t have to pay for it. 🙂 That’s compromise of a sort.
janet
Z, what great advice from a strong foundation of experience. I truly enjoyed the statues which provided background for your message. It made the message even more impactful. You have written so many fine things and used your artistic eye to abet your message, but I truly think this is one of your finest pieces. Of course, it is hard to judge from such a great library. Take care, BTG
returning from my outing on the farm, i find this jewel of a comment from you! thank you so much! hopefully this will help others keep from getting caught off guard!
today yahoo put your post and about eight others – including mine! – in the spam filter! shame on them!
Love the way you have written and illustrated your points – brilliant, and a most entertaining read, whilst being informative!
thank you! using the museum artifacts to illustrate some of the points was fun!
Loved the photos and the photo captions. Very clever. It all makes me glad I have no plans whatsoever to build anything–in US or elsewhere!
Serpent in paradise? Hmm…I think serpents are everywhere, only they come in other forms. Ha, ha, ha. I admire you for following your passions. Not easy but at the end, what makes us happy and gives us fulfillment is what matters.
thanks; getting older grants us a freedom that many of us lacked when we were younger, responsible parents and juggling work, family and leisure activities. now that so many responsibilities do not pull me in many directions, i am able to approach life at a different pace and attitude.
thanks, amigo, and have a great sunday with your lovely family!
I often wonder how some of the American expats fare after they march off to S. America to live the life of leisure, free at last from that damned Uncle Sam and his taxes and regulations. Obviously sometimes it works. Sometimes not so much.
i cross paths with a lot of very interesting and happy transplants. at times i meet someone who has brought the trunk of bad vibes with him/her, and of course that person finds fault with the new culture and usually becomes the’ugly american.’
some relocate here because their money goes much fatther; some love the culture; some love the climate. many want a quieter life. i love it here because my dollar stretches a very long way and because it seems like an area caught in a time warp and reminds me of my long-ago idyllic childhood. i also love the people and living inmmersed in nature – and the fact that one can sit outside and not be taken away by mosquitoes!!! yes, we have mosquitoes, but they do not fog around in a big cloud!! well enough there, i do love this country!
Sage advice, not just for Ecuador but, for anywhere.
thanks! we grow wiser with age and experience!!!
Wow Lisa, what a great post. Buyer beware, especially if you are leaving your country – good message. You have so much experience in this – one can get a good education by spending time on your blog.
thanks, amiga. i try to leave a quiet and sensitive footprint, and every so often there’s an issue that keeps popping up. watching out for dragons is one of those issues!
So good of you to put this together for those planning to relocate. Another kind gesture. 😉
Lisa, This post is a great service to people thinking of living in another country. It is so easy to be swept into a lifestyle that seems so fabulous during a short term stay. I think that renting is the best idea. Short term layout of money and time potentially saves so much down the line. The lay of land that you’ve presented here can be applied in any country. Buyer beware indeed! Thank you.
buen 🙂 s dias, amiga!
yes, renting is a great option and allows one to wean into an area and try it out before sinking deep roots in an area. thank you so much for your feedback on this! lisa/z
Love how you have used your images from the museum to illustrate this helpful post! Your advice holds good for any third world or developing country. We ourselves are in the midst of fighting for a property – in the IT capital of the country, Bangalore, no less – that we thought belonged to us for the past 15 years. Registered in my name and tax paid in full too. Apparently not, according to local goons, who we suspect have been set up by the original developer or some big time builder (land mafia they call them!) who now want to buy it back for a pittance!
oh amiga… hearing that tells me that you have not been having the best of times. stress like that is so unsettling. i hope that you’re able to stand up to the monsters without it costing you a small fortune.
Thank you Lisa. I hope so too.
Many countries are not regulated and live with laws that change every day or they make one up as it is convenient. Going to live in foreign countries takes courage, adaptability and acceptance that the new life will need to be learned.
very sound feedback! red tape, paperwork and time-consuming waiting seem to be a big frustration for many. being adaptable is a huge help! thanks so much for your feedback!
Great post Lisa! This should be the “Bible” for anyone considering this kind of purchase – and much of it applies in any country! ~Terri
thank you! there’s so much that can go wrong.. and also so much that can go well!
Lisa, I hate to say it, but it is the same here…
I already “fired” a plumber, before he even began the work, because he wouldn’t give me a written estimate with the scope of the job, and at the very minimum, the words, “Not to exceed X amount of $! The foundation man did it, the electrician did it, so what makes him so special that he doesn’t need to write it all up?
Or maybe he IS special. Special like some of the people/businesses you have described here. We are investigating another plumbing service. They cost more, but will put it all in writing.
sounds like the plumber is quite arrogant! when we restored a house in natchez, wow, did we ever have a great plumber! he was so professional, precise, and funny as well!
having a good crew is very important.. you need good vibes going into your new property, so that’s a good thing that your reject plumber is out of the picture!
Lots of good advice but your posts I have put a like on is mostly because of the choice illustrations and the music. The artistic way you have shown joy and peace. Your effort and dedication in spreading joy I admire you..
I wish I would have consulted you before my “ex” and I bought and greatly over paid for the property in Bejuco!
Excellent advice Z!
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Reblogged this on Zeebra Designs & Destinations and commented:
This has been a popular post and illustrates things that can go wrong when buying real estate in foreign countries. . Many more tales have reached me since this was published, but for now, this might be helpful. There are many great people out there and there are great stories, but there are also booby traps for unsuspecting buyers. Enjoy the reblog. Z
An excellent post – well documented and presented with care and thoughtfulness. 🙂
thank you; many people helped via feedback, and it was interesting to see that so many were having similar problems or knew of people with similar problems.
Z, sage advice that is often ignored even in the business world. Quoting one of my old colleagues who did Mergers & Acquisition work in South America for clients, it was not unusual for him to be brought in after a deal was done and problems surfaced. He commented that US companies do far more due diligence when acquiring a US company (as they know where to look) than when the by a foreign owned company. I will never forget when my colleague told a company M&A person that the company they just acquired in Brazil was a “can of worms” and the person just saw his mortality at the company. Due diligence is necessary on any deal, personal or professional. Have a great weekend, BTG
A wealth of information. But overall, I have to say it makes me want to stay in the US!
When (if??) my house here sells, I have long thought I’d go to Mexico. This is still not a for sure plan. I know of several horror stories there. But I also know plenty of happy ending stories.
I think I’ll hit the road when (if) it sells, and who knows?
Wow, a lot of information to digest, but a must read if one is considering moving to this part of the world. Did you have any problems finding your accommodations? What is an average cost to rent for a month or two…doesn’t have to be a 5* rating, but close to the ocean and a safe area are important.
Hope you are well and safe Lisa. Max
you are so kind to reach out, and i am touched by your comment. thank you so much! lisa
Great post! This is lots of good advice for anywhere you might move to especially if you don’t speak the language.