Steve is a GREAT realtor. I met many realtors traveling throughout Mexico last year (2022) and Steve is among the very best, most knowledgeable, and always willing to help. Beyond this, he rescues dogs on a near weekly basis (not exaggerating). ❤

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

9 ай бұрын

That’s a great endorsement. We didn’t even talk about dog rescues!

@gustavoperez5480

7 ай бұрын

How is it possible you have Mexican work permission?

@gustavoperez5480

7 ай бұрын

Are you working as a realtor legally here in Mexico?

Nice tour, the homes are beautiful and the surrounding area is too! I can't afford to live there, but window shopping is fun.

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

9 ай бұрын

Me too! I wish I had more time to spend in the nearby communities that are less expensive.

Thanks for this Brighton. I got back from two week vac in Yucatan 2 wks ago and miss it! There's a vibe Mexicans have, which we would benefit to adopt: living well. In Valladolid, there was a live band in the central square on a Sunday night - folks packed the square dancing and enjoying simple pleasures. I miss that very much.

I've been here since 2018. Yes...prices have increased drastically in that time. One recommendation...rent for at least 6 months and preferably for a year before buying.

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

6 ай бұрын

That's great advice! I'm super happy about my impulse buy in La Paz, but I wouldn't recommend it!

I just purchased a 3/2 condo in San Miguel for $200K. There is a lot more to do in SMA, has more restaurants, and several large grocery stores. I'm glad I chose SMA.

@mhfnet

9 ай бұрын

I have tried out both towns before I settled in Ajijic but I think they are very similar in the things you mentioned and when you include Guadalajara an hour away you can get anything. When I need a Home Depot, Costco, a modern shopping center or a visit to the beautiful historical district maybe once a month it is moderate drive away. I do have to say SMA is arguably architecturally nicer than Ajijic but the natural lake and mountains beauty and small town lakeside feel of Ajijic is more to my liking being originally from the Pacific NW. But Mexico is a big country to find your dream place, to each their own...

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

9 ай бұрын

Congrats on finding a place in SMA for $200k. These are both great towns for expats. Comparing the towns themselves, I prefer SMA. But when you add in Guadalajara (and it's airport) being right next door, that makes Ajijic more attractive.

@Resmith18SR

9 ай бұрын

Do you have a room? What Colonia are you at?

@NomadicRVLiving

9 ай бұрын

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico Yes, GDL has a bigger airport than QRO, and if that is very important then you are correct. QRO is a little over an hour away and has Costco, Sam's and two Home Depots. Ajijic is just too small for me.

@sophiahenry6131

8 ай бұрын

Who in their right mind would buy a house for $800,000 in dangerous mexico?

Brighton, we recently arrived in Ajijic and have rented a home at 33 Independencia for a year beginning November 1. It is a great location!

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

9 ай бұрын

That's wonderful. Say "Hi" to Ean and Katie. Unless you are renting their unit. I think they said they were going to move to a place with a yard for their dogs - and their lease may be up in November. They were in the first unit on the left when you go thru the gate.

Excellent video! I know have a realtor to contact to possibly buy a home. I am in my fifties living in the Bay Area , own a home, high paying career but so much stress and I’m looking to move to Mexico and the more I learn, it looks like sooner vs later. Just need to get things prepared! Already started to sell my things to downsize. Nothing I have other then small items really matter much to me. The older I get, I learn stuff isn’t the equivalence to happiness. Inner peace is more important. I’m going to Mexico!! 😊

How is the water situation? I’ve heard the water is very toxic.

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

9 ай бұрын

The water in the lake is not very clean, but it's supposedly getting better. The municipal water comes from wells. And I wouldn't drink the water anywhere in Mexico - bottled water is cheap and readily available.

@walterlatham5396

15 күн бұрын

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico I have been Kayaking and stand up paddle boarding in the lake for about 14 years and as of such have drank more than my share of water in the lake with no health issues

I went on a drive with Steve around Ajijic. His target market is definitely high end. Don’t let this dissuade you.

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

8 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing! I think there's definitely a lot of folks looking for higher end in the Ajijic area.

Any chance we can see homes for under $200k usd

@catobie1948

9 ай бұрын

Probably aren't any.

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

9 ай бұрын

You may need to go to San Juan Cosala or Chapala (the next communities east and west) to get under $200k.

@JAMMER1040

9 ай бұрын

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico Thanks, wondering if there is any interest in making an episode featuring homes under $200k?

Hey there. You’ll have to come visit us when we get back to Mexico permanently. We built a condo in San Antonio Tlayacapan. I’m the guy who sent you a picture of my dog staring at your golden retriever through the television a couple years ago. I’ve enjoyed watching your videos. Keep ‘em coming.

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

9 ай бұрын

That's awesome. I remember that photo! I stopped along the highway in Tlayacapan to make a video at Lakeside Medical Group, but after that video I was rushing to get to Chapala for my next video, so I didn't get to see more of your town. Congrats on your purchase!

I don't want to rain on anyone's parade but... please, if you decide to come, either because you want to or because you have to, please get in the mindset of learning Spanish. You don't have to, you don't need it to live here, but it will make your life (and the life of the locals) much better for everyone. And don't buy without first having lived at least 8 months there. The life changes so much throughout the seasons and the areas are so different, if you buy before doing that you may regret it very fast.

Paradise.

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

9 ай бұрын

Yes.

Ya no hay espacio para mexicanos😢

@masterrubiohdz2526

3 ай бұрын

lo peor que estos privatisan ojala las leyes las pongan dificil como las ponen en usa

Great vid, keep up the good work, you’ve got what it takes in making good content, Bravo my good friend.

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

8 ай бұрын

I appreciate that!

Nice video Brighton,how did your place in La Paz weather the hurricane?

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

9 ай бұрын

Thanks for asking. It did pretty well. The pool solar panels blew off, but I think they are salvageable. Our caretaker had it all cleaned up in a day.

Most of the houses and buildings in Ajijic look old? The cobblestone streets look uncomfortable to walk and drive on?

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

9 ай бұрын

The center of Ajijic is old and so are the roads. Even the newish areas have not-smooth streets. But I’m guessing some of the newest developments off the highway have asphalt.

Buy now in Acapulco

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

9 ай бұрын

Says the guy from Florida 😂

It's so very easy to set up an outdoor shower. KZread videos teach how. A hot water heater with propane is what I have. I love outdoor showers so much that I don't want a normal indoor shower anymore.

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

6 ай бұрын

My problem right now is deciding where to put it. But I need to get it done!

Your always so right on point w your info❤

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

9 ай бұрын

I appreciate that Karen!

Is it true they have water problems, and sometimes, for several days at the time? I just couldn’t live like that.

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

14 күн бұрын

Most places in Mexico don't have municipal water every day. But everyone has cisterns to store their water. And those cisterns can store 1-2 weeks of water. So you don't notice that the city water is intermittent... unless it's out for more than a couple weeks... which happens.

How far is it from the airport??

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

9 ай бұрын

About 30 minutes drive

@afaceforradiowithrichardma4831

9 ай бұрын

Hour to Guadalajara

That is the man for real estate

@gustavoperez5480

7 ай бұрын

I wonder if he's work permission from Mexican authorities to work like realtor?

Hi Nice video. I’ve explored all the towns in Lakeside and on the other side of the Lake. Other locals and expats here have as well. Thanks

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

9 ай бұрын

I wish I had time to explore more of this area. I ended up staying a night in Chapala which wasn't on my agenda, but I didn't have more free nights before my flight out of GDL.

Do you have any videos for this year in for buying houses in Guanajuato? I really like that area

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

6 ай бұрын

Sorry, I haven't been to Guanajuato yet - but I've heard great things. Best of luck to you!

Crazy gentrification. Would love to see how Mexican nationals are living in the area.

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

9 ай бұрын

I met with a woman from the university of GDL and she’s studying this. I’m planning to go a video with her early next year when she has preliminary results.

@mhfnet

9 ай бұрын

I have recently moved to Ajijic and before I moved here I talked to many locals and most agreed the expat money has improved access to jobs and living conditions for everyone all along the lake. Also there are over a 100 charitable organizations started by expats with local involvement that do everything from helping locals to start business, teaching children art, helping the stray dog and cat population, and creating a strong recycling community. Sure expats tend to congregate around Ajijic but cities like Chapala still have a vast majority of locals that benefit from the money expats bring to improve cities all along the lake. So it is a total misnomer that expats are gentrifying the area and if anything they are making it better.

@chingon3461

9 ай бұрын

​@mhfnet you're just covering one side of the coin. Where are all those people living? They probably have to relocate because they can't afford the same as expats.

@Resmith18SR

9 ай бұрын

​@@mhfnetYou sound like every wealthy American or Canadian expat does that moves to Ajijic, SMA, or any of these crowded Gringo enclaves. You make it sound like you're doing the local people who have lived their for years, for their entire lives, a huge favor by buying your $800,000 house there. You've made it more difficult for them to live there on the wages they get and have to live and survive on. I wonder why there's not even more resentment from the Mexican locals than there already is. I love how you and all these wealthy expats try to rationalize what they're doing and have done.

@davebaker489

9 ай бұрын

Here in Nova Scotia we have a similar problem with Ocean side and near properties becoming so popular for European and American buyers. Until there was some drastic measures taken, the locals couldn't afford to live in their ancestral communities. Yes they bring in money but they made the area unaffordable for locals.@@Resmith18SR

Not much of a bargain there. Those are US prices!

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

9 ай бұрын

Not US west coast prices. Maybe compared to Florida. Ajijic is one of the most desirable places for expats to move to - so the prices have risen accordingly. Of course there are much less expensive places to live. But property taxes are dirt cheap. And labor for cleaning the pool, house cleaning, etc is very low compared to the US. Dinner out costs about 50% of what it costs in the US.

Beautiful homes and area...bit out of my price range 😢

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

4 ай бұрын

Yeah - it's a pricey part of Mexico. Lots of other options tho!

Serious question. I know I would still get my Social Security checks but i gather Medicare doesn't apply if you no longer live in the U.S. What is the fix? Thanks!

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

9 ай бұрын

Some Medicare advantage plans will cover Mexico. Simple medical stuff is cheap. Check out this video: Unlocking Medicare Benefits in Mexico: Your Ultimate Guide kzread.info/dash/bejne/jKKT1pR8otiffKQ.html

I would love a video of rural properties and land with water.

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

6 ай бұрын

Let me see what I can do.

@gypsy2007

6 ай бұрын

Thanks, no rush@@AlmostRetiredinMexico

american realtors are raising the cost of living there use to be very medium prices until they started buying and reselling

Can someone tell me if Lake Chapala is swimmable and is the fish taken from the lake edible. I keep hearing different answers.

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

7 ай бұрын

I've been told you can eat the fish and swim. But I didn't see anyone swimming, and I did not eat any fish while traveling in this area. It just seems like a bad idea...

Very nice area for many. A little too crowded for us But many would love these properties and the area. We need less people, larger lot size and a view of the Ocean (or sea). But another good one Mr. B . P n D

@mhfnet

9 ай бұрын

I too like the water and mountains of many coastal areas that you also get in the Lake Chapala area and the lake is so big that gives you an ocean like feel. But compared to a coastal city you can't beat the beautiful year round weather (no hurricanes or high humidity!), if you are going to live full time in Mexico. Add to that the small lakeside town feel (plenty of areas not crowded), easy access to large international airport, an hour away from the beautiful Guadalajara that has everything, 25 km bike lane along the caraterra from Chapala to Jocotepec and so much to do that if you get bored it your own fault, which made it an easy choice for me. I am originally from Seattle and I call this place my Tropical Seattle without the high prices!

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

9 ай бұрын

@Dave - the biggest problem I have in this area is the pollution in the lake. You could definitely get away from the city around Chapala and get a big lot. But not much you can do about the lake.

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

9 ай бұрын

@mhfnet I wish the lake was clean! It's so gorgeous, but I was afraid to eat fish in this area because it probably came from the lake. The weather, the mountains, the views, the airport, the hospitals - those are all perfect!

@davebaker489

9 ай бұрын

The area reminds me of North American lake towns where the "celebraturds"@@AlmostRetiredinMexico like to congregate. Too many gringos, too many trying to turn the water into there own personal septic tank. This is usually followed by increased infrastructure and then Taxes. We live by the Ocean now, if we move it'll still be by the Sea or Ocean. However more power to you IF it IS your thing.

@ericolander9920

Ай бұрын

I spend two lovely years divided between Ajijic and a few other pueblos on either side of Chapala. I met Steve..and his husband about 9 nears ago..nice guys. Unfortunately, in just those two years rental prices increased to the point that lakeside was no longer a good value when compared to other options around the world. For people who have the coins and don’t mind living in what is essentially an upscale Disneyland version of Mexico inhabited primarily by retired gringos, it’s an interesting place. Each to his own, but between the crime levels, local corruption, poor infrastructure, and a dearth of younger expats with whom to interact, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. I’ve traveled clear around the world since living in Ajijic and I found my slice of heaven in Eastern Europe.

I spoke too soon. I prefer the last community. It's smaller and more affordable. The smaller home makes more sense.

How hard would it be to add an outdoor shower

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

9 ай бұрын

That’s true! Not hard at all. I’ll reach out to Steve to see if it’s still available.

wow

Is that a Scottish brogue??

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

9 ай бұрын

That's actually Irish.

@joshuastavos4376

9 ай бұрын

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico I always get the two confused to my embarrassment!

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

9 ай бұрын

@@joshuastavos4376 I think it's an error that can be forgiven (and offering a beer to anyone who is offended will probably result in a long-term friendship.)

This is very bad news: "popular expat town".More expats in town the higher prices are going to be.

Can I speak to Steve on instant messenger?

This is what causes resentment from the locals. They cannot afford to buy in there own country. While foreigner are buying and turning properties into Airbnb.

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

2 ай бұрын

But what about the wealthy Mexicans? How do you feel when prices rise without foreigners present?

You do realize that in Mexico you don't even need any real estate license to sell properties there. Plus there is no financing so unless you have at least 300,000 USD liquid to invest in something that may be easy to buy but not easy to sell in a timely manner.

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

9 ай бұрын

Yes. It’s important to work with a legit real estate agent. And yes, mortgages aren’t very uncommon. Most expats moving there are older people who sold their home in the US or Canada, and thus have cash.

@Resmith18SR

9 ай бұрын

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico Great, take $500,000 or $800,000 and buy a house in Mexico for cash and try getting your money back if you really need it. Great plan.

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

9 ай бұрын

@@Resmith18SR I bought a $160k house in Mexico 4 years ago. I could easily sell for $400k today and it would be sold within 30 days. Yes, it’s a risk. But you get to live in paradise and have expenses cut in half while you do it. To each their own.

@Resmith18SR

9 ай бұрын

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico How are you so sure you could find a buyer with $400,000 cash to just hand over? I personally would never do that so if you can find a sucker in 30 days to do that, good for you. Especially knowing that you paid $160,000 for it just four years ago. I'd much rather rent and have the flexibility to leave and move if and when I wanted to. Plus someone can make decent monthly income investing the $400,000 and do you really believe that house will ever be worth much more than $400,000 or will it go down like almost all real estate in the U.S. and in the world right now is declining?

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

9 ай бұрын

@@Resmith18SR That's based on current sales. Since the pandemic, everyone in the US and Canada realized that they can either retire earlier than expected or that they can work from anywhere. There's not enough inventory in Mexico for this surge in demand. So places are selling for top dollar. If you prefer to rent, that's cool. Some folks prefer to buy. And if they bought in Mexico 4 years ago and plan to sell any time soon, then they made the right investment decision. As to long term prices. Who knows? I would have never expected to see prices anywhere near as high as they are on the west coast of the US today. And that's even with interest rates at a 20 year high. And I believe that a house is the only $400k investment that you can live inside.

What do people do there? Can really explore violence ridden Jalisco or Mexico. Just too dangerous, even if Ajijic is a safe bubble. You’re stuck in your home. I’ll take Portugal or Italy.

The Links at the end of the video were not what you described. Please provide the link as you advertise to the place you are staying for rentals. Thank you!! Will change thumbs down to thumbs up when you reply

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

Ай бұрын

Thanks for letting me know. I think I released this video prior to the others and I never went back and updated later. Cheers

@PhoenixwayNet

Ай бұрын

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico so...the link?

What the heck it’s expensive and what about the people that were born and raised there: they will not afford these prices

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

9 ай бұрын

Did you catch the part where he said homes typically stay in the family for generations?

5 minutes in and all these homes are too expensive. I'm out.

@mhfnet

9 ай бұрын

The video is focused on Ajijic with the biggest expat community on the lake and the further away you go the less expensive it gets and the whole area along Lake Chapala is beautiful. I live in Ajijic but I wouldn't mind living in Chapala as the Centro district is even nicer and you could easily find something around $200k for a smaller house with a nice garden area but no view or pool or you could get a condo.

@michelelovesfreedom

9 ай бұрын

@@mhfnet I'm actually looking to move to San Jose Del Cabo.

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

9 ай бұрын

@mhfnet is right. Ajijic is the most expensive community on the lake. But it's the one that most people know. I didn't have time to visit the nearby communities that have lower prices.

@mhfnet

9 ай бұрын

@@michelelovesfreedom So many great places in Mexico and I hope you find your dream place here. I found mine!

A total rip-offs, I lived there during covid, Amaricans, Canadians are triple over themselves to rip each other off. During the covid times Mexico was open. In Vietnam, anyone can enjoy a living standard that is 60% lover than Mexico, more services, better accommodations and yes, a slighter longer air travel, but far more enjoyable. visa is easy and renewable.

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

9 ай бұрын

Asia is a great option. But as you mention, it's far away, so if you want quick and easy connections to the US, then Mexico is the best option.

I still prefer Puerto Vallarta.

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

Ай бұрын

It'd be a toss up for me. PV is fun and beautiful, but kinda a party town. Ajijic is more calm. And the expat center is pretty cool.

Wealthy Mexicans will always be there, because their Mexican. But there is a mutual respect between them. Certain lands are left alone for the poor. This is also disappearing.

Too expensive.

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

3 ай бұрын

Yeah - too expensive for me too.

Too expensive

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

9 ай бұрын

There are lots of cheaper places to live in Mexico!

WHY Would you compare apples with oranges.... Comparing Ajijic with California that is the most common thing people say and that is very very stupid...there are so many factors as to why is cheaper buying in Mexico han the US ...common guys be more realistic ...

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

7 ай бұрын

What would you compare Ajijic to in the US?

I think your real estate agent need to get his thyroid looked at. That lump on his neck doesn’t seem to be normal.

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

9 ай бұрын

Thanks! I passed your note to Steve.

This is why I am not ever living in Ajijic, the gentrification there has gotten out of control. Plus, where are the Mexicans?

@AlmostRetiredinMexico

8 ай бұрын

The Mexicans are very much still in Ajijic. In Sundays the gringos are hard to find because of the Mexican tourists from GDL. But still - there are a lot of gringos in this town.