Monthly Archives: February 2009

Real Estate Properties in Rincon and a Creepy Graveyard

Today we went down to Rincon to look at a few properties in this area to get a feel for the market here. On our way there we stopped at an old graveyard up there in Lares and it was really creepy! I think it would be a great place for a horror movie. We even saw an exposed human skull!

When we got to Rincon we saw a couple of properties. One was near Corcega beach and another that is up in the hills a ways. We went with the real estate agent that Nick and Miri recommended, Steve, of Island West Realty. The properties were both pretty nice, but a little higher than we would like (230k and 180k). One of them was within walking distance to the beach and the other had an ocean view. We want something with enough land that we could garden and feel somewhat secluded from neighbors because a lot of the houses are only about 10 feet from the crazy roads. Steve had a lot of information about the island’s history, tax codes, and politics that we didn’t know before. He was also kind of like a tour guide showing us where all the rich and famous people come, where to get this and that, and how it has changed over the years. He seemed to know everyone. We told him to keep an eye out for properties, and he gave us the contact info for insurance agents, lawyers and other agents he recommends. Then, of course, we went to the beach.

Tomorrow we are going to San Juan with Awilda to help her deliver her pasteles and to visit with Carlos, the lawyer who is trying to figure out the title problems with the place in Lares. I think we are going to ask for our deposit back at the meeting, so we’ll see how that flies.

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Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice Every Morning.

Yesterday we stayed at the property, hung out in the hammock and made fresh orange juice from oranges we picked on our hike. It was relaxing and nice not to drive at all for a day.

We decided to start looking at some other properties around the island. We dont know how long the title work will take in Lares. Its already been a year and could be another or two?? We talked to a realestate agent here and he confirmed that the title could take years because of the water resources. He also mentioned that the water law here is kind of complex (which is news to us). We want to stay friends with Alwilda even if the deal doesn’t go thru. She and Estrella are very nice people and have been very welcoming.

It takes about an hour to get to Rincon from the property and this seems to be where we gravitate to, maybe because of all the gringo amenities. Being closer to the ocean would be nice. We have an appointment setup tomorrow to check out some other options. We dont need to (or want to due to price) be right on the beach. Just a small house 1 or 2 bedroom with an acre or two of land would be suitable maybe in Aguada. We are also going to head down the west coast and just look around.

I dont think either Cassie or I have our heart set on the property in Lares. There are pros and cons and we go back and forth every day sometimes by the hour on if we should stick with it or not. Plus since the title has already taken so long; we aren’t counting on anything.

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Another Day in Paradise, I Mean Puerto Rico

We woke up a little earlier today (around 9am which still feels like 6am in Colorado) so that we could drive down to Rincon again and meet up with Nick and Miri. We met at the Rincon organic farmers’ market then went up to their house in the hills and out to lunch at the Rum Shack. It was great to talk with a couple who has made the move and talk about the funny things about Puerto Rico and what makes it an interesting place to live. Their house is beautiful with an outstanding view. Hopefully we will meet up again while we are here and they can come meet with us in the mountains. It was nice seeing them in person and making new friends.

Later that afternoon Britton and I thought we would go to the beach since we were here anyway, so we went to Steps and Tres Palmas beach to watch some of the surfers. The beach is pretty rough since it has a coral reef breaker, so after hanging out there for a while, we went back to the main baleanario and swam for a while. Now we are back at Surf’s Up, but Nick and Miri told us that we can get free Wi-Fi at the Rincon main square which will come in handy I am sure. Anyway, we have been having a great time and Miri also gave us the name of a real estate agent to talk to as well so we might do that in the coming days too. We have been playing it day by day, but I think we need to get back to Awilda because she picked some gandules and wants to have us try arroz con gandules with her and Estrella tonight.

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