Rent before you buy they said. Learn the neighborhoods. Figure out where you are comfortable. And so we are trying to do just that.
We began shopping online in April, about 5 months before our anticipated arrival. There are multiple agencies that manage rental properties as well as they more traditional real-estate companies that all seem to have at least a few rentals. Part of me wanted to find something and finalize the deal before we got here but good sense prevailed and we waited. Good thing. Sometimes what is NOT in the picture is a deal breaker.
The “season” around Lake Chapala runs from November to March. That’s when the snowbirds arrive in droves from the US and Canada. So, theoretically, arriving in August we would be able to see plenty of available rental properties. So we rented a vacation rental from www.vrbo.com – a 3 bed, 3 bath on a quiet street – for 20 days. Would have rented for more time but that was what was available.
26 Pretty Street
the vacation rental
26 Pretty Street
the vacation rental
Here is a link to the property: http://www.vrbo.com/85239
If you haven’t tried VRBO.com , I would recommend it. We have used it several times with great success. You can find high quality properties all over the world that provide a home-like setting.
Twenty days turned out to be just right. We have spent every day looking at property after property. Some amazing, many not so amazing, and a few kind of yucky. Having worked in a very visual job for many years, I’m surprised that landlords (and management companies) don’t realize what a difference cleanliness and a bit of staging can make. (Oh well, maybe there’s a part-time job in my future.)
As of day 10 (of the 20), we’ve got 2 great possibilities. One is a a bit out of town with a spectacular view of the lake from the mirador (rooftop patio). The other is in town with a bit of a view, lots of space and a pool.
As of day 14, we have decided on the good sized modern house in an older neighborhood. The biggest challenge is that it is unfurnished. And partly un-applianced. Started shopping the yard sales (or bazaars as they are called here) and managed to find a washer and refrigerator. Both are only about a year old and in great shape. Just need a microwave and we’ll be all set. The house has a stove, oven and dishwasher. Found a new platform bed and the closets have plenty of built-ins so we won’t need dressers. Another minor complication is that the house is undergoing some renovation and won’t be ready for us till the 2nd week of September but our rental agent was able to put us into one of her other properties till the house is ready. Not that I really want to move again but when you only have one car full of stuff, it shouldn’t be too bad. It was really stuffed on the trip down and there’s no reason to do that so it will take a trip or 3 to get moved.
The temporary rental is owned by a Canadian couple who use it to escape winter. It is quintessentially Mexican with bright colors and bold patterns. Here are some photos.
Since we sold all of our furniture when we left Kansas, we have to opportunity to start again. There are several furniture manufacturing facilities within a hours’ drive that have showrooms that offer good deals and delivery so I’m looking forward to seeing what is available. And of course, the are lots of options in Guadalajara. In the meantime it will be a minimalist look for a while.
UPDATE: After the first of supposedly 2 weeks in the second rental, we were informed that the long term rental would be yet another week away from being ready. So, we’re back to 2 weeks from moving. Could be worse, I suppose. We are just tired of living out of suitcases. We are having some success at the local bazaars finding things we’ll need. Scored a kitchen table and chairs yesterday from a consignment store and there are 3 bazaars this weekend.
UPDATE 2: Based on a recent tour of the house and conversations with the landlord, we have agreed to wait till October 1 to officially move in. The landlord has chosen to make more extensive improvements than initially planned and things just seem to take a bit longer here. Not really a problem since we’re comfortable where we are; we’ve even met a few of our neighbors. Here’s a photo of the long-term rental with more to follow after we actually move in….
