The previous owner and the realtor watch while Nancy cuts off the Se Vende signs!
The news is out! We have papers signed all around, and the transfer of the fidecomiso is in progress!
We bought a wonderful old restored colonial-ish house in the centro in Mazatlan. The house is huge and amazing…we keep pinching ourselves that it will really be ours. The main floor is the original house, nicely redone. The upper floor was added, and has a great master suite, office, and patio. He didn’t do everything, though, as the kitchen and bathrooms still needs lower cabinets and the two patios are pretty rough. That’s good, though, because we like to do that kind of renovation…just not the big nuts and bolts kind. All the walls are white and we love the idea of creating a warmer space that represents our style. The owner had a website that he said he would keep up for a while here if you would like to take a look at some more pictures.
We had a very bumpy couple of days as we negotiated with the owner. Partly the deal was harder because we were dealing directly with the owner, and yet it was easier because he is also from the US and already had the fidecomiso in place. There were some moments today when I thought the deal was totally dead but in the end we put it together.
The house is amazing. It has wonderful handmade tile from Guadalajara on all the floors. See below.
We went over there this evening to do a little measuring and to ceremonially cut off the signs. The realtor, Erin, came by with some champagne and we all toasted to Mazatlan and had a very enjoyable visit.
The picture below is of the side patio that needs some pruning, retiling, and a fountain.
The house itself is just a few blocks from the Plazuela Machado, the beach & malecon, and the mercado. The owner talked about some of the neighbors and it sounds like a nice group to get to know. He has another restoration project only a few blocks away so he’ll still be our neighbor.
It has been quite a day and I’m sure I’ll write more about the process and our excitement to actually get our life shifted south. But, now it is time for a big, deep breath and some sleep, I think.
Anonymous
May 9, 2007Congratulations!!! We are so happy for you. We look forward to having you guys closer (and on the beach 😉
XO,
Adam and Martha in Mexico
Stacy
May 10, 2007Congratulations! It’s really happening! Please keep updating us on everything…
Brenda
May 10, 2007Congratulations. House looks lovely. Things are really moving along quickly for you.
Joy
May 10, 2007Congratulations! It looks like a great space and I am drooling over the tiles and cedar! Best wishes and Happy New Home to you!!!
Billie
May 11, 2007congratultions! Isn’t this the house that you looked at last time you were in MX? I already looks good but still has so much potential. You are going to love making it YOUR home.
Anonymous
May 11, 2007Paul and Nancy – Way to go! Welcome to a growing club of expats with pads.
Anita and I are excited for you two ad look forward to lots of reports on your continued progress.
Saludos!,
John & Anita Calypso
1st Mate
May 11, 2007I was walking the malecon in Maz today (we’re here finally to get our boat) and thinking about you and your new house. The pictures look great, and this is a wonderful time of year here, lovely cool breezes. We sail north tomorrow morning after the swap meet at Marina Mazatlan. I wish you lots of joy with your new home.
christine
May 13, 2007congrats on your new home! i found your blog a while back and periodically check in again to see your progress. what you are doing is very inspirational – and sharing your story really reveals the process of making such a big move, the emotional and material aspects.
your new home is just beautiful, what a gem. felicidades!
Nancy
May 13, 2007Thank you all for your nice words!
We are very excited about being in Mexico in such a wonderful place and beautiful home.
The house is really larger than we need, but people tell us that when you live in Mexico your creative side often is stimulated….many people take up painting or music, etc…so the extra room will probably be used!
Billie, this is the same house we looked at in February – and when we came back and it was still available we wanted to see if we could negotiate a deal we could afford…and we did. We think the house was meant to be ours.
Thank you again!