Company Background
& History
The
name Coldwell Banker Chapala Realty (formerly Chapala Realty)
heralds the unique combination of a 100-year-old tradition as
one of the most trusted names in real estate with over 35 years
of local market experience. With this heritage behind them,
our customers are secure in the knowledge that they are getting
the best representation possible when it comes to their property
purchase decision in Lake Chapala.
Chapala Realty
was founded in the spring of 1976 by Richard Tingen and his
wife Cuca. The original location was a modest office of only
two rooms on Avenue Madero. With energy and skill, Richard hustled
listings and sold homes while Cuca handled the phone and bookkeeping.
Directly across from the plaza in Chapala, this simple establishment
became the birth site of a major business. Through diligence
the company grew at a slow, but steady pace. A testimony to
this progress, the office moved to larger quarters next door
to Banamex; the staff was increased, including salespeople,
secretaries, management and maintenance personnel.
In addition,
Chapala Realty was incorporated as Chapala Bienes Raices, S.A.
in 1984. In order to accommodate larger staff, more salespeople,
and a new reception area, another move was necessary. In 1985,
the company moved to its present location on Avenue Hidalgo;
a charming old building which has been restored and remodeled.
In 1998, a branch
office was opened in the neighboring town of Ajijic. Constantly
improving and broadening its horizons, Chapala Realty has entered
the construction and development phase of real estate. The company
has built over 50 homes for prospect purposes, as well as constructing
custom homes for private clients. Such endeavors include the
renovation of an old Chapala property, which was converted into
a shopping center.
In early 2000,
Chapala Realty became a Coldwell Banker affiliate. For over
100 years, Coldwell Banker has earned a reputation as the premier
real estate company in North America. As an affiliate, we
added the nationally recognized name and reputation of a real
estate industry leader. Combining our unique local capabilities
with those of Coldwell Bankers, we are now regarded as
the premier real estate company in Lake Chapala.
Presently, Coldwell
Banker Chapala Realty has over 100 homes, condos and lots listed for
sale in the lakeside area, homes and condos range in price from 30,000 to 800,000
USD. Building lots are also available in all areas, along with
the sale of undeveloped land. In addition to sales, Coldwell
Banker Chapala Realty deals with rentals and property management.
The management department handles over 100 homes for clients,
providing services such as: payment and supervision of domestic
help, payment of utilities, and repairs. The company also possesses
its own escrow department which takes care of all preliminary
paperwork for transfer of title from sellers to buyers. Such
an asset greatly facilitates and aids the role of the client.
On the premises,
the company offers the following services to clients and the
community: Mail pick-up, long distance phone and message service,
fax service, pick-up and delivery for United Parcel Service
(UPS), advice and counseling on paying taxes, car registration,
phone installation, and much, much more. Special "Behind
the Walls" tours can be arranged for first-time visitors
and maps of the area are always available. A contact for cars
rentals can be provided, along with recommendations for hotels,
restaurants, English speaking taxi drivers, florists, caterers,
and legal advice on numerous and various subjects.
Coldwell Banker
Chapala Realty is an organization providing "full service"
to the lakeside community. This coming spring we will celebrate
our 36th anniversary of a productive business. As the biggest
and oldest real estate brokerage company in Lake Chapala, we
are proud of and devoted to our part in the growth of the lakeside
community.