Rental in Ajijic, Lake Chapala, Mexico
Some people arrive in Ajijic/Lake Chapala and decide they might wish to rent instead of buying right away. Although this is sound thinking it may be easier said than done. We have, what we fondly call, the Snow Bird Season which is basically from after US Thanksgiving in November to Easter in April. It is during this time that rentals are the most hard to come by. The weather up north is horrible and people flock to our village in the sun. There are some nice lodgings which I have mentioned in an earlier blog but finding a house to rent long or short term can be tricky.
Usually, the owners of rental houses that might be available are looking for long term renters. (i.e. 1-2 years) This may be a little longer than you wanted to rent. A good way to find a suitable rental property is to befriend a reputable real estate agent. These agents have their ear to the ground, as it were, and hear about possibilities that might not be formally listed anywhere. It is very common, when people purchase a property, to want to rent it for a while until they are ready to move here full time. These properties are often furnished and it is up to the people renting out the property to pay the agent which is an added bonus. Two of the rental agencies you may wish to check out are www.ajijicrentals.com and www.romawebsite.com. The best scenario, of course, is to buy a house of your own which you can rent out and then you will be the receiver of the rent rather than the payer.
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boatdrinks says:
Well now, don’t that beat all! The blog author writes:
“Usually, the owners of rental houses that might be available are looking for long term renters. (i.e. 1-2 years)”
That exactly what I am looking for! I plan on buying more property in the area when I get a better long term prognosis on my condition (I am 56, look 46, but the insides are 86). Ergo, I would like to rent for a while.
I have contacted a few agents that seem to be in the “instant gratification” mode; that is to say they want a deal today, while I plan to be full time in Ajijic in March ’09.
I feel as if I have been “spurned” by the few I emailed back and forth with, Well, not so much spurned, but “back-burnered”.
I believe the most aggressive/attentive/friendly realtor I have talked to in Ajijic in the past (and plan to do again) is a certain chap that enjoys his breakfast (or used to, anyway) at the LNP and sports a pretty nice handicap on the golf course.
My current partner cannot wait to join the “Red Hat Ladies”. God knows her Junior League days are a memory (please don’t tell her I wrote that).
KevinCollins says:
Hi Boat drinks….many thanks for all your postings. i like your stories and the points you make are really valid.
Here’s the problem with getting a realtors attention on a rental…1. There is no money in it for them. This will ome as a shock to you but they usually only care about buyers and the ability to make a big fat commission.2. The MLS works great for sales but the offices sometimes aren’t all that forthcoming about their rentals so it’s not only unprofitable to look for rentals for a client it’s also an awkward process. As far as a “long term” rental goes, this is always a bit harder because most people use their property for at least some of the year. It might be easier this year because sales are going to be slow and some people might be willing to rent their place out til the market picks up.
Couple of updates for you. I no longer hang out at the Nueva Posada for breakfast and I have left the Country Club so I am not playing very much golf these days. I am around thoug so just call me when you’re here and we’ll hook up.
boatdrinks says:
Kevin! Long time! I would be interested in your comments about leaving the CC, but not in this forum.
Thanks for the comments about “long-term” rentals.
I hope you and family are well and I will contact you prior to my next visit to “Shangrilla”. My doctors have given me a new lease on life and I (and the almost-to-be new bride) will spend the aforementioned time in Ajijic.
Projected arrival date is 03-09.
If anyone would like MY relatively biased opinions on living in the Lakeside area (do not mean to steal your thunder), please contact me at jhiller111@gmail.com
boatdrinks says:
HAH! I do believe I have just stumbled onto an agreeable owner to lease a beautiful house in (actually, just outside of) Ajijic. The owner of the house found me in this BLOG.
My dear thanks to the blog writer for allowing me to express my opinions your small slice of Heaven in Mexico.
My arrival date is planned for March 1, God willing and the creek don’t rise.
My first meal will be at Bruno’s and ya’ll are invited! Just don’t expect ME to grab the check. Drinks afterwards at the NLP. Collins is buying, assuming he still has a bar tab there. KIDDING AGAIN. Well, not about the tab.
I cannot wait to finally become a permanent member of the community and an honored guest of our outstanding hosts, the people of Mexico.
boatdrinks says:
Oops, my rental deal fell away. The wife is experiencing some medical problems and they plan to move sooner than the two years they were planning on.
So I am still looking, kids. Kevin, can you help?
jhiller111@gmail.com
lazyrebel says:
We are a B.C. couple interested in renting for approx. 1 month from mid Dec. 2009 to mid Jan. 2010 in the Lake Chapala area. Is this feasible and can anyone offer help ?
boatdrinks says:
B.C couple:
There are many realtors that offer rental properties short term. You may begin your search at http://www.lakechapala.com or http://www.chapala.com.
Or simply call Kevin.