Lakeside in Ajijic: a wealth of options within walking distance

Inside México: What percentage of your clients are Americans? Canadians? Mexicans? Europeans?

Jaime Niembro: American: 50 percent; Canadian: 40 percent; Mexican: 7 percent; European: 3 percent.

IM : Are they buying second homes, or a primary place of residence? JN: About 80 percent are buying a primary place of residence. Others only live here part of the year. IM : What price range are they looking in?

JN: The average price range is approximately $275,000 USD.

IM : What kind of amenities are they requesting?

JN: Many wish to have a garden area and view of Lake Chapala. A small number wish to have a swimming pool and be in a gated community. Most want at least two bedrooms and two baths. Many wish to be in a central village along the lake, rather than isolated in open space not yet built up. The most popular area is in the village so they can walk to restaurants, shops, bank, plaza, etc.

IM: What draws your clients to Ajijic? What distinguishes the area from other communities in Mexico?

JN: Many like the year-round spring-like climate and the cool summers during our rainy season. Some come for the tranquility, safety, and low crime rate. We are thirty minutes from an International airport (Miguel Hidalgo in Guadalajara) and fifty minutes from a large city (Guadalajara, with a population of six million); there are many clubs, charities, and other activities to keep them occupied, and it is a four-to-six hour drive to beaches. A car is not needed for daily living, as most places in the villages are walking distance. The warmth of the people is also a draw: they are very understanding when there is a language barrier, and go out of their way to help the transition to a new environment and include visitors in their activities. Many expatriates also become involved with the charities in the area, such as the School for the Deaf, orphanages, Red Cross, Humane Society, and scholarship groups.

IM: Do your clients feel like they’re moving to a foreign country? Or is there a strong English-speaking presence that makes them feel more “at home”?

JN: This area has a large English-speaking community so most feel very comfortable when English is their only language.

IM: Is access to medical care a consideration in their decision to move to Ajijic? If so, how?

JN: Medical care is superb and low-cost. A doctor visit is approximately $15 USD. Some emergency room visits are as low as $20 USD. A specialist will cost approximately $25 USD per consultation. If a family joins the Mexican Social Security system, the approximate annual cost, depending on age, is $500 USD per family. Private health care is available through insurance companies. There are quite a few clinics, doctors, dentists, spas, etc. in the area, with major hospitals in nearby Guadalajara if additional equipment or facilities are needed.

IM: What other major lifestyle considerations do your clients take into account when purchasing in Ajijic?

JN: We have more than fifty English-language clubs in the area, such as the Lakeside Little Theatre, Culinary Club, Computer Club, sewing groups, garden clubs, Bridge clubs, writers club, the American Legion, Daughters of the American Revolution, and Sons of the American Revolution. There is a fabulous assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables available year-round at low cost. Restaurants are abundant and the food is good and reasonable, and you never feel rushed; even with just a cup of coffee, no one seems to mind if you sit and chat for hours.

IM: Has the Ajijic market been affected by the real estate turmoil in the US?

JN: Not noticeably as yet. Probably more wish to purchase than are able to, being at present unable to sell in the US in order to purchase here. Once a property is bought, the cost of living is much lower, since most are purchased in full with no mortgage. Property taxes are extremely low compared to the US, and utilities are moderate. Maintenance and upkeep are easy to obtain and relatively inexpensive.

IM: What is your forecast for home prices in Ajijic for the rest of 2008?

JN: Homes are a major investment and will most likely remain stable...and possibly rise as more Baby Boomers retire.

IM: Is there any particular area in Ajijic that you think represents a “bargain” for buyers from the US looking to buy there?

JN: Most villages and areas have homes in all price ranges, no specific “bargain” area.

Jaime Niembro is the founder and broker of Ajijic Real Estate: www.ajijic.com and (376) 766 2077. His email is jaime@ajijic.com.