I knew I’d found what I’d been seeking

After researching Mexico on the Internet, my wife and I were interested in the Patzcuaro area as a possible retirement spot. I corresponded with real estate broker/attorney Liliana Gonzalez of Michoacan Real Estate about a June visit, and she guided me toward her American associate, Didi Rose, of Tzintzuantzan, on beautiful Lake Patzcuaro. Didi, who owns, also, a delightful B&B, said my room was waiting, and that she’d give me a complete tour of the entire area, plus a rundown of both rentals and sale properties. When she brought me to the pretty, unspoiled and underdeveloped jewel of Lake Zirahuen, just southwest of Patzcuaro, I knew I’d found what I’d been seeking. Without her help, I doubt I would have found such a spot in the short time I had. Through friends she learned of a delightful lakeview lot for sale, (there might not always be a sign, so here’s where contacts like Liliana’s and Didi’s really pay off). After I’d made an offer, Didi presented me with a copy of the accepted contract, in English, the only realty company in the area to provide that service. Although I speak and read some Spanish, certainly it’s not good enough to read legal documents, so this was highly valuable. Since I would not be present to sign the necessary legal papers that Mexican real estate law requires, Liliana met me in Patzcuaro, where the notario for the area witnessed my signature, giving Liliana my power of attorney for all subsequent aspects of the sale. (The process is pretty simple. In addition to the power of attorney, you’ll need a foreign relation’s buyer’s permit, a notary for the title and final signing, and you may have to pay a small tax transfer fee.) Liliana and Didi handled everything, making my experience as painless as possible, and now we own a wonderful piece of Mexico upon which to build our retirement casita. I only wish all my real estate transactions in the States had been so easy. Thank you so much, Liliana and Didi.
Charles A. Baumhauer
Asheville, North Carolina

After researching Mexico on the Internet, my wife and I were interested in the Patzcuaro area as a possible retirement spot. I corresponded with real estate broker/attorney Liliana Gonzalez of Michoacan Real Estate about a June visit, and she guided me toward her American associate, Didi Rose, of Tzintzuantzan, on beautiful Lake Patzcuaro. Didi, who owns, also, a delightful B&B, said my room was waiting, and that she’d give me a complete tour of the entire area, plus a rundown of both rentals and sale properties. When she brought me to the pretty, unspoiled and underdeveloped jewel of Lake Zirahuen, just southwest of Patzcuaro, I knew I’d found what I’d been seeking. Without her help, I doubt I would have found such a spot in the short time I had. Through friends she learned of a delightful lakeview lot for sale, (there might not always be a sign, so here’s where contacts like Liliana’s and Didi’s really pay off). After I’d made an offer, Didi presented me with a copy of the accepted contract, in English, the only realty company in the area to provide that service. Although I speak and read some Spanish, certainly it’s not good enough to read legal documents, so this was highly valuable. Since I would not be present to sign the necessary legal papers that Mexican real estate law requires, Liliana met me in Patzcuaro, where the notario for the area witnessed my signature, giving Liliana my power of attorney for all subsequent aspects of the sale. (The process is pretty simple. In addition to the power of attorney, you’ll need a foreign relation’s buyer’s permit, a notary for the title and final signing, and you may have to pay a small tax transfer fee.) Liliana and Didi handled everything, making my experience as painless as possible, and now we own a wonderful piece of Mexico upon which to build our retirement casita. I only wish all my real estate transactions in the States had been so easy. Thank you so much, Liliana and Didi.

Charles A. Baumhauer

Asheville, North Carolina

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