Services:
We realize that newcomers relocating or planning to build on their new lots will have many questions and specific needs (we know because we've been there!!). These questions and unknowns are often what limit people from making the decision to move forward with relocating or establishing a second home in Ecuador.
Because we recognize the importance of helping newcomers with the many "getting settled" needs they might have, we would be happy to connect you with our friends Eduardo and Paola. They live in Crucita and would love to introduce you to living in Ecuador.
When we first moved to Ecuador, Eduardo and Paola helped us in a multitude of ways to adapt to our new life here on the Ecuadorian coast, from showing us where to pay our bills, giving us advice for making purchases such as our motorcycle and appliances, and even introducing us to some of the local cuisine. Even now, when we leave town for extended periods of time, they make sure our bills get paid on time and that our house stays clean and the garden watered.
We are pleased to repay their efforts by connecting them with newcomers to the area.
Eduardo and Paola are originally from Guayaquil and have lived in the Crucita area for several years. They speak basic English and are learning more by the day. Eduardo works as a medical supplier to pharmacies throughout the region and knows the entire coastline and its medical facilities extremely well. As many of our past clients have seen, Eduardo and Paola are willing to go out of their way to ensure that their clients needs are well cared for.
The couple have a well cared for and comfortable vehicle for pick-ups and drop-offs from the airport in Manta, Portoviejo or Guayaquil, for doing tours along the coastline, or for buying supplies in nearby Portoviejo and Manta. They are also willing to provide property management services, oversee your home design and construction, and represent you when it comes to negotiating big ticket items like appliances, furniture, and vehicles.
Eduardo and Paula with their vehicle on the beach at sunset
Helping to outfit a clients beach house.
Paola (left) at the store buying linens and other supplies so that when the owners arrive, their home will be ready for them
Eduardo (right) helping Bernie, another past client, purchase and program his new cell phone.
Showing us good "off-the-beaten track" restaurants and weekend snack spots
Making sure the appliances arrived on schedule to Bill's place.
Below you'll find a more detailed explanation of Eduardo and Paola's services.
We will work with you or your legal representative to ensure that our transaction is smooth, clean, and quick. Many of our closings have been completed within a single day (which is impressive in Ecuador). We'll walk you all the way through the purchase and deed recording process so that secure title is clearly established and you are confident in your ownership and obligations. Closing cost for most transactions often stay well below $500. Annual taxes on empty lots and simple homes often remain less than $10/year! For example, we pay $8/year in property taxes for our small beach house.
Eduardo offers a unique client advocacy service. He will work with you to find the architect that makes the most sense for your project and establish detailed plans for your dream home. Final plans will include brand name detailing for fixtures, and specifications for electrical supplies, tile and cabinetry. He will then acquire multiple quotes from trusted and established builders to ensure that you receive the lowest prices for guaranteed work.
During the construction process Eduardo will provide independent oversight, visiting the construction site frequently and ensuring that the agreed-upon materials are being used and that the project is moving according to schedule. Eduardo has also indicated that he will subcontract independent specialists to ensure that the electrical systems are built to the agreed upon standards and that the foundation is poured using proper mixes of cement, rock, and clean sand.
Eduardo's service has tremendous value in an environment where the temptation to cut corners is high. Many people will tell you about how great a job they'll do for an unbelievable low price, but it is a real challlenge to oversee that project to ensure that what was promised, is delivered. Eduardo works for you and does not receive a commission from the builders. In terms of build quality, timeliness of the final product, and peace of mind during the construction process the investment in Eduardo's services will more than pay for itself.
Eduardo and Paola are available to give you a thorough introduction to the coastline, local hospitals, important contacts (electricity and water bills), great restaurants, public transportation, and local sights.
The pair can also help introduce you to the real prices of the local economy, so you become quickly calibrated with regard to what to pay and what not to pay! This is especially handy when buying big ticket items like refrigerators, stoves, vehicles, and the like.
Eduardo and Paola can also assist with helping you get your Ecuadorian driver's license, vehicle registration, and help you get a feel for what to look out for when driving in Ecuador.
This introduction time is also a great time to brush-up on your Spanish and learn to carry out your daily transactions with confidence and ease.
Eduardo and Paola charge $100 a day which includes their 4WD SUV, all gasoline (to Portoviejo or Manta), and their services as local guides and drivers. Their meals are included in this fee and they'll be happy to take you to the high quality restaurants in the area. Half days are also available for $50.
Property Management
Planning to only spend part of the year here in Ecuador? If so, Paola and Eduardo can arrange for housekeepers, gardeners, and send monthly photos of your investment (from Eduardo's handy Blackberry), pay bills and taxes, and ensure that your home is properly maintained. Prices will depend on the size, location, and level of care required by the home.
Tours
If you would like to travel further abroad with Eduardo and Paola to get to know the mountains and coast, they can also help arrange your trip and/or guide you throughout. Eduardo has contacts throughout the region that can arrange for special tours according to you desires. He even has contacts for trips to the Galapagos! Package group tours will be available during high season or by special request.
Eduardo and Paola are happy to rent out a room in their home during you're visit to Ecuador. They provide a great breakfast, the best coffee we've had anywhere on the coast (Eduardo knows quality), and a hot shower. Cost is $15/night for one person and $25/night for two.
Here's the view from their condo:
Here's the bed:
and here's your TV (they have Direct TV).
Just send us an email and let us know when you'd like reservations.
