Intercasa

A friend who rented a house for the past three years had money and jewelry missing after hosting a party before returning home this spring.  No maid, no gardner, just a lot of really "close" freinds made through various social groups at the Lakeside.  It had to be one of the guests, none who were Mexican.

Another friend told me of a neighbor who passed away, who had been lovingly taken care of in the last few months of life by a compasionate Ex-pat woman who had lived at the Lakeside for quite a few years.  The family, NOB, was very greatful to know their Mom had such a caring freind nearby and insisted on paying her but the woman refused saying it was her pleasure.  When the son from the US came to settle the estate he found his mothers accounts had been emptied and her jewelry all missing.  The compasionate American woman had been seen wearing one of the rings.  There was nothing they could do, it was just too tough trying to obtain a lawyer, bank records etc.  Also the helpful care-giver could just say that she was gifted the money and jewelry by her greatful, elderly freind.  

Point being, one of the great attractions to the Lakeside area is the ease of making freinds and the many activities you can join in.  You really do not know the background or circustances of these people.  

This webboard has convinced me to sell or gift away the bulk of my jewellry collection before moving down. Life is too short to have to worry about people stealing your valuables.  At least this way I am selling it... not the thieves and the nieces&nephews can show me appreciation while I am still alive!

When I said Trust No One Mulder I didn't say trust the gringos.  There are alot of scrappers lakeside who you can trust as far as you can throw them.

Besides the place in Ajijic, there is a place in Chapala right as you enter on the right, across from Notario 5 that sells coffee and beans, good stuff.  It is called the Coffee Tree or Arbol de Cafe.  Their logo is a Starbuck's knockoff.

RV, from the stories I've heard, the bad guys don't steal from the home they are working on but steal from the neighbors.  More people should be considerate of their neighbors.  Homeowners Associations should amend their bylaws and require copies of ID, photos, fingerprints and a utility bill from all workers working on a project where they will be there more than 2 or 3 days and do spot checks for compliance with fines if it is not followed.  There seems to be more than a casual correlation between break-ins and construction projects on a nearby home.  Obviously the contractors don't care or don't want to know when finding the lowest bidding workers. In these tough times many people are tempted.   There have been some big scores from break-ins which unfortunately will only encourage more.  Extra security can help but we need to attack the source, the people that bring in those who do the crimes.  

People need to be extra cautious if there is construction going on a nearby home.  This becomes a royal pain if it is a long term project but it is reality.

Well, you need to stop trusting so easily and not give people copies of your keys.  Also just because another gringo recommends a worker, don't trust them.  There are many people here with large hearts and small brains.  Trust no one Mulder!

It seems like LCS is a library, open 10 to 2.  It is always quiet.  People seem to join for the library.  You'll have to change that if you want to get new members to join and make a difference.  I didn't renew my membership.  It is too far away (I work and travel to much) and to be a member when the only thing they have is a library and the place is only open realistically from 10 to 2 isn't worth it.  

If LCS wants to save money they could turn the grounds into a library with increased hours and probably have less hassle as that is what the majority of people seem to use it for.

Sometimes calls just don't go through.  To call a Mexican cell phone from the US dial 011 52 1 + the cell phone number....

Now.... Nextel cell phones are called like landlines so can be dialed without the 1, or 011 52 + number

You'll need to know the special number of the other person's account for interbank national transfers, called a CLABE, it is 18 digits.

Rain is much less than normal and the lake level drops an average of 3 feet between rainy seasons.  If we keep having a dismal rainy season then next year an abundant season will leave a final lake level of where we are now.  Chances of flooding or the lake reaching homes will be slim.

The low bidders who use out of town people also contribute to the crime problem.  People with no ties here and who aren't known have little issue with stealing and will be gone soon.

This is a big gray area and there is the letter of the law with all shades of gray and what is done in practice.  While the FM3 holder may not be considered a resident, if they have no other home or economic home for their lives then Mexico could be their tax residence.  Mexico may not enforce provisions where gringos must file Mexican tax returns if Mexico will not see any gain in income from doing so.  

I'll ask my accountant but I'm all over the map right now.

I bet you could pay a Mexican an extra 100 pesos and they'd get you a chip.

Start fresh, free yourself.  Ever wonder how you make it living in a hotel but then go back home to rooms full of "things"?

I'd bring clothes, electronics and sheets and towels and only the essentials.

Perhaps get a second opinion for your own good.