Sunday, January 10, 2010

A Real Estate Update

Yesterday was my first day out to see real estate. Ralph had been once before, and though we had tried to get things going before the holidays, it was just not happening. Our main directive in seeing real estate is to try to get a sound financial plan together to execute upon once repatriated to Canada. Ralph has a few years left of working, and we need to set ourselves up financially for the next big step of moving to Mexico and living here permanently. We are playing with an idea of introducing Tiny Tom Donuts to the markets and festivals here, but nevertheless, our ultimate dream of having "casitas" to rent and trying our hand at grape growing is strong and passionate. And sustainable.
On our drives around the Valley of Oaxaca, we often see roadside signs: Lotes - 15,000. This is a lot for sale for 15,000 pesos. It might be very small, and usually in what is called a "fraccionmiento", or subdivision. It may or may not have a promise date to deliver services to the area. If Ralph and I were coming to retire in Oaxaca on a limited income with no thoughts of much else other than enjoying this fine city, I might consider the one selling on the road to Ocotlan. However, I am far from ready to retire, and am what most would consider a Type A personality, so going for walks and leading the local Bingo game is not going to sustain me.
From what I can tell so far, the prices for the land we are interested in range from 150 pesos per square meter to 300 pesos per square meter. We found two properties we really liked yesterday, and came home to do the pros and cons of each. It was hard not to get excited about the lots, both were workable and charming in their own way. We are going to go back out today on our own to see if our driving time to downtown perceptions were somehow altered by the outstanding views from each property. Our ideal: a property with a view, within 30 minutes commute time by car to the Zocalo, easy access by Oaxaca standards, with land we can grown grapes on.
Tomorrow we are supposed to go out to Huayapan to have a look at a few lots there. Perspective is a good thing. The planning continues, but so far we are happy with our progress.

1 comment:

winniedozois said...

Again some great bloging. Sure do enjoy them, like Angie said keep up the blogs. Beautiful pictures again. Keep up the good work Ralph with your Spanish. Like you said when you have to do it you can. The mind is a wonderful thing. The propities sound great. But how much is that in dollars? Hope you are having a great visit with George. Love you both. Mom. xxxxxxxxxoooooooooooooo