Why choose MovetoLatinAmerica, Corp?
Integrity, Service & Trust.
I remember it clearly, as if it was yesterday… I bought my first home eleven years ago, with a rookie real estate agent. (mistake #1 - trusting the real estate professional) I recall discussing the high prices at that time and how the market had been going strong the past few years. I’ll never forget how excited and overwhelmed I was and how one of the other real estate professionals in her office told me what a great investment I was making. I don’t recall any of the “professionals” explaining to me the challenges that may come with owning a home or how it could take 4-6 years to earn any kind of profit… none-the-less be able to sell the home without actually losing money. We soon had the home inspected and I wasn’t there to actually witness the inspection. (mistake #2 - trusting the inspector)
After moving in I found out there were carpenter ants eating away at the home and large deck and many of the windows had broken seals, so they would fog up when there was humidity in the air, making them virtually impossible to see through. This one you’ll get a kick out of… I also trusted the seller. (mistake #3)
It wasn’t long when I found myself spending my entire savings on getting rid of the large wood eating carpenter ants and calling a local window company to replace the windows. Just my luck… I had called the same company the sellers of the home had ordered new windows from; however, the sellers had cancelled the order (after the windows had arrived) because the home passed the “inspection.” Keep in mind, I was a first time… fresh out of college home-buyer and the windows needed had been a special order. The owner of the window business was so elated that was finally going to be able to sell these ’special order’ windows that he was kind enough to give me a 20% discount. I’m still grateful for his generosity as it seems he was the only one who was actually helpful!
OK, maybe I’m being a little hard on the “professionals” and the sellers… but would you know, it happened again when I bought my second house only this time I was slightly more prepared.
After buying the first home and having completed four years of college (in business administration) I soon found that I was unprepared for the real estate world, so I took the necessary classes, offered by a local real estate professional, which prepared me for the State and National exams. Passing these exams was only the beginning of my real estate and banking career, but I was then off to a good start. I eventually went into the field of mortgage lending (because I enjoyed finance) by working with a small, local mortgage company. This is where I learned that being honest, doing the right thing and truly wanting to help others, doesn’t always pay as well as… well, let’s just say… being able to talk fast, make people laugh and hmmm… take’m to the cleaners!!! These guys always amazed me with their ability to create what I call ‘hot air’ and take people to the cleaners… but they’re all over the place and you really have to watch out for them. They’re out there just waiting and looking for clients who don’t really know what they’re doing and willing to listen to a smooth talking ‘gentleman or gentlewoman’ who may or may not know their field that well and don’t really care about doing what’s right. Folks, I can’t stress this part enough… it’s very important that you find someone highly competent, dedicated to his/her clients, always ready to do the right thing, and truly there to work for you!
Back to house #2. By this time I had let my real estate license lapse (because it wasn’t required while working in the home mortgage industry) so I found a friend of a friend, well-educated and he owned several homes himself (of which he kept as rentals – so he must be a smart guy!) I couldn’t believe my eyes when I had to help him write the offer letter and complete the purchase contract! Good thing I had paid attention to all those bank underwriters dos and don’ts! They should have offered a college course on the best way to purchase a home (unfortunately they didn’t offer this class) but I was well versed and had paid close attention during my years in the mortgage business. Needless to say, when the first rain came, the roof leaked. Although I knew the roof was old, I didn’t expect it to leak during the first rain! Again, I learned never to trust a seller to do the right thing. I also learned that never again would I work with anyone less than the best in his/her field, especially when it came to real estate transactions!
I’ll save the house #3 story for another time. Most importantly, what we want you to walk away with is that when buying a home, especially in Latin America, it’s critical you work with professionals that have the right experience, who know how to get things done for you, professionals you can trust AND professionals that are passionate about their career and looking out for your best interests, NOT just another ‘sale.’
When working with anyone within the MovetoLatinAmerica, Corp. ‘Circle of Business,’ you will know that we are not only true professionals, you will know that you are the #1 reason we’re here and ready to serve you! We care about you, your family and the effect that buying a new home in Latin America will have on each of you for many years to come. We care that you find exactly what you’re looking for, at a fair price, and that it’s in good condition when you take ownership.
Don’t ever worry about asking too many questions or continuing that search for the home, whether it be for your family or investment purpostes, that you will have made the right choice and will be able to look back many years later and be happy with your decision! Remember, buying real estate can be very challenging, especially in Latin America and you can count on us, The MovetoLatinAmerica Team. We can be reached by phone (via a US phone #) at 305-984-1868. Best wishes to you, your family and happy house hunting!
