Thursday, April 26th, 2007...7:02 pm
A Propitious Occurrence
I have commented here more than once how very fortunate I think I have been in my life. I have generally taken a go with the flow approach to life, going with my instincts as it were. When I have decided upon a particular matter, buying property for instance, I have taken the approach that “all things come to those who wait” and eventually a propitious opportunity has presented itself.
I was fortunate enough to have bought a piece of property in my early twenties, the sale of which thirty years later enabled me to give up on the work-a-day world in my mid-fifties. Additionally I pretty much fell into a career that during the last ten years or so of which paid me lucratively.
To get to the point. A few days ago I reported on my trip to look at the Ranchito Coyolopan, not too far outside of Teocelo. I reported that I was taken to view the ranchito by a Coatepec architect and his real estate broker partner, that the ranchito is an entirely enchanting property, and that the day was completely pleasant. I also reported that, as I was informed by the architect, the place could be had for about $50,000. USA dollars, actually $555,000. Mexican pesos.
I had pretty much given up on the idea of purchasing the property, given the combination of the price, the fact it is accessed a few kilometers up a very rough road, and there is no internet service. And so I informed the architect.
This evening, however, I received a call from a woman who speaks English very well and who identified herself as Lorena. She explained she was friends with Luis and Betty, the owners of the ranchito with whom I had left my phone number, and that they had asked her to call me. Lorena explained that Luis and Betty were concerned that perhaps the architect had given me incorrect information about the ownership of the property and the asking price. As it turns out, their concern was well founded as they are asking only $450,000. pesos and would likely accept $400,000.
She also explained that Luis and Betty had taken a liking to me and felt that I would be a good owner of the property into which they have obviously put so many years of their love and hard work. Lorena also indicated that, if I was interested, I could deal directly with Luis and Betty.
I had a very pleasant conversation with Lorena and told her that I would call her after considering the matter. I also asked if she thought that Luis and Betty might be interested in continuing to live on the property if I were to buy it, as I think it would be good to have someone there when leave on a trip. She said she would ask them.
So, at this point I have taken Lorena’s call as one of those signs I have heeded throughout my life, in this case that I should probably buy the ranchito. Doing so would mean moving to a beautiful little pueblo, immersion into a more indigenous culture than exists here in Xalapa, and life on an completely enchanting three hectare property at the base of Cofe de Perote with lots of water, wonderfully fertile earth, and a lifetime supply of firewood.
I will, of course, report on my ultimate decision.
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5 Comments
April 27th, 2007 at 6:09 am
Wow! This sounds like a wonderful opportunity! While you’d still have the lack of internet issue, that may sort itself out in a few years with advances in technology. Your asking to see if the original owners would still like to live there was brilliant! Who better to be a tenant than the previous owner? No one would take better care of the place in your absence, that’s for sure. Plus with your interest in gardening, you’d be happy as a clam at high tide. Sure hope this works out for you. I can’t wait to hear what happens!
April 27th, 2007 at 6:27 am
Hi Marie,
It’s very nice to hear from you, especially with such encouraging words.
If I was to buy the property I would need to build a small home, make improvements to the current owners’ home if they wished to stay, make improvements to the water system, and put in a septic system.
It would be lots of work but it would be a most beautiful place to live.
I will certainly let you know what I decide.
April 27th, 2007 at 5:47 pm
Sounds like you’re feeling good vibrations. Hope it works out!
April 27th, 2007 at 5:48 pm
Thanks Dan. I’ll keep you informed.
Take care.
May 3rd, 2007 at 3:48 pm
[…] A few days ago I reported that Lorena, of Teocelo, had called at the request of the owners of the Ranchito Coyolopan who were concerned that perhaps the architecto who had taken me to the ranchito the previous Sunday may have given me incorrect information. I told Lorena that I would visit the Ranchito again on the following Sunday; and, on the way, stop in Teocelo to introduce myself. […]
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