1. What services does Mi Casa Real estate offer?

At Mi Casa Real estate we offer tours of the area, guided by our experienced and knowledgeable agents. We can help you find a rental property. Our agents are here to help home buyers and home sellers through real estate property transactions. And we are equipped and experienced in managing rental properties.

2. Can a foreigner own property in Mexico?

Yes, you can own property in Mexico and receive the deed. The only restrictions are for properties within 50 km of the coast. Those properties are held in a 99 year fiduciary Trust.  But with properties here at the lakeside area there is no problem with foreign ownership.

3. What kind of visa do I need?

There are three types of visas. A tourist visa, is for people staying less than 6 months at a time. For those people staying longer, there are temporary and permanent resident visas.  Any of these is sufficient when buying property here.  Yes, you can buy a home with just a tourist visa.

4. What area of Lake Chapala is best?

That question can only be answered by you. Some people love living in the center of Ajijic and it’s activity. Others prefer to live in the outlying, quieter areas. Your Mi Casa agent can guide and advise you in deciding what area will best suit your needs and lifestyle.

5. Is the Lake Chapala area safe? 

Ask the experts currently living here, and without a doubt the vast majority of them will say yes. Is there crime here? Of course there is. But the vast majority of the crime here is petty theft. And often is caused by people being careless. Lock the doors when you leave your home. Don’t leave valuable items in an unlocked car. And don’t go places and flash a lot of money, and there’s little chance that you will have any problems.

According to the website www.numbeo.com/crime/in/Ajijic residents here consider the overall level of crime to be low, the safety walking during the day light is very high, and the worries of the residents here about being robbed  is very low.

6. Are the homes rented or sold in the Lake Chapala area furnished?

Often yes. Most homes available are at least partially furnished. And some are fully furnished including kitchen items and linens.

7. What is the cost of living like in the Lake Chapala area?

An affordable cost of living is one of the big attractions for many of the expats living here. Food, healthcare, dining out, are generally much cheaper. And because air conditioning and heat is not necessary here, you save a lot of money on utilities as well. 

Your actual lifestyle will determine your budget, but a couple can expect to pay somewhere between 1500 and 3000 dollars per month. And that includes once a week housekeeper and gardener

You can check out the actual prices on the website
www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/ajijic

8. Do I need a car?

It depends on you and where you live. Many homes are within walking distance of restaurants, stores, and other necessities. There is plentiful and inexpensive public transportation. Some people to prefer to use private drivers or taxis.  Yet those people who choose a home further away from town center, or who want more independence, are happy owning and driving cars here.

9. Can I get a mortgage?

No. With rare exception mortgages are not available for buying real estate in Mexico.

10. What closing costs are paid by the buyer/seller?

At closing the seller pays the sales commission, the buyer pays for any home inspections, and the closing costs.