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Title: Apartnent in Cali Post by: Pete E on December 15, 2003, 05:00:00 AM Today I looked at a apartment that was 670 mt sq,about 7300 sq ft.7 br 8 ba if you count the little maids room.Each bedroom had its own bath.Everything was huge.It had about 6 sets of french doors to a patio maybe 80 ft long.Kind of terraced up a hill,the level below had the pool.No AC,It seened cool enough but I don't know how much hotter it gets here.2,300,000 pesos /month,about $850.
On a hillside above Exito, What do I need this kind of place for?Only if alot of you guys are going to come and see me,plus general impressions,which could be too much.Plus I'm a little concerned the place night be a little quiet and a bunch of gringos might be a bit much for then. I'm thinking about it.They want 2 people with property in Colombia to co sign.We asked if 6 months rent up front and one co signor would do,they are checking with the boss,sounds like they might be real picky. Everything else looked a little small after that. More later. Pete Title: Re: Apartnent in Cali Post by: jim c on December 17, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Apartnent in Cali, posted by Pete E on Dec 15, 2003
Pete A word to the wise they will not come unless its free. SLOW DOWN !!!!!!! Making rapid decisions into the fantasy world of chasing chicas can be expensive, ask Pacino or traveler. Find a nice place for yourself and a guest for small money. The boys at mylatindream took gas on the party house they rented. Any profit you might make being involved with Margreth will not be worth the screwin you will get. Just find a nice place and change your life. I have spoken to a hundred guys that have had the same idea you have. Every one has it, have a party house and open an agency BULL SIT. Ask james how easy it was to rent his apartment near paparazzi I rented the same apartment. He got it through my Novia. You need to return to reality. You canīt run from problems, because when you arrive you are there and the problem is you!!! Good luck. Title: Questions Post by: Miguel on December 17, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Re: Apartnent in Cali, posted by jim c on Dec 17, 2003
1. Which hotel are you staying at? 2. What's a sardina convention? Title: Pete, James has a point. Post by: thundernco on December 17, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Re: Apartnent in Cali, posted by jim c on Dec 17, 2003
Find a nice 2 or 3 bedroom place and settle in for a bit. Give it six months, I'm sure your views will change. Good luck -TNC Title: Re: Re: Apartnent in Cali Post by: Cali James on December 17, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Re: Apartnent in Cali, posted by jim c on Dec 17, 2003
You're right Jim, trying to rent my place while I was in the States turned out to be a much bigger hassle than it was worth. I advertised it aggressively but rented it only about 15 times tops in two years. It wasn't like it was a dive either, it was about 200 sq. meters, very nicely furnished, and it was right in the heart of the Cali night life. I started out asking $60 a night for the whole place and over time I was offering it for $30 or even less for stays of up to a week or more. Even at $30 a night, remind you this wasn't a bedroom but rather the whole 3 bedroom luxury apartment with 2 balconies, views and right in the heart of Cali nightlife, guys still wanted to pay less. Two guys who travelled to Cali together offered me 40,000 pesos for the both of them. I turned them down and they went elsewhere. What I learned is that once a guy has been to Cali a few times, he's a very tough sell for anything more than free. Title: Thanks James,Jim and others Post by: Pete E on December 17, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Re: Re: Apartnent in Cali, posted by Cali James on Dec 17, 2003
James, Thanks for the advice.You are probably right although living in Cali I might have better luck with the renting of rooms or the apartment.But - -Margareth does havethese guys she turns away because she tell them she is full and doesn't suggest a hotel to them.I was there when she was talking to one the other day. So I think its best to pursue a place I would be fine with if nobody stayed with me,but has room if somebody does.I have seen one place for 1,500,000 pesos that would be fine,but it got rented.I know I can spend alot less,but thats only $540 a month.Why not spoil myself?Its 4 bedrooms 3 baths counting the maids quarters.Big enough for as many guests as I would want and cheap enough I don't care if I make a cent.And I still thjink I shoul pursue the laese option deal,it could be very valuable in the long run.IOf I get turned down enough times I will probasbly forget it. The biggest problem now is my computer connection to the internet.I am posting from the hotel now but I havenever been able to open my mail from here.Someone said today its probably because the phones go through the PBX system at the hotel. Jim,those buses of teen agers are just eye candy,can't do much with them.I would be in Cartegena now if I thought the women situation was at all close. My date with the hot chica from LE keeps not happening.I need to talk to Margareth,maybe she is not interested in me. Pete Title: Re: Thanks James,Jim and others Post by: Cali James on December 17, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Thanks James,Jim and others, posted by Pete E on Dec 17, 2003
Pete, think about changing your internet provider soon, the one in the telephone book is expensive, I used it only for a couple of days while my ATT account was down. Title: Re: Re: Thanks James,Jim and others Post by: Pete E on December 18, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Re: Thanks James,Jim and others, posted by Cali James on Dec 17, 2003
James, I don't know if I have another choice at the hotel.Hernan at the desk said it was free to me but I'm not sure thats right or he understood.And its very poor,about all I can open up is this site,I can't open AOL to get to my mail. Pete Title: Thanks James,Jim and others Post by: Cali James on December 18, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Re: Re: Thanks James,Jim and others, posted by Pete E on Dec 18, 2003
Howdy Pete, If it's free great but that wasn't the case when I used it. It was charged to me in my hotel telephone bill when I checked out. The hotel PBX system shouldn't affect anything. I was able to connect to my Internet provider with no problems from traveler's suites. I can't remember if you get a dial tone when you pick up the phone immediately or if it's necessary to put a number in first, if putting a number in first is necessary, you program the extra number with a slight delay after it, when your computer dials your internet provider. James Title: Re: Apartnent in Cali Post by: jim c on December 17, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Apartnent in Cali, posted by Pete E on Dec 15, 2003
Pete A word to the wise they will not come unless its free. SLOW DOWN !!!!!!! Making rapid decisions into the fantasy world of chasing chicas can be expensive, ask Pacino or traveler. Find a nice place for yourself and a guest for small money. The boys at mylatindream took gas on the party house they rented. Any profit you might make being involved with Margreth will not be worth the screwin you will get. Just find a nice place and change your life. I have spoken to a hundred guys that have had the same idea you have. Every one has it, have a party house and open an agency BULL SIT. Ask james how easy it was to rent his apartment near paparazzi I rented the same apartment. He got it through my Novia. You need to return to reality. You canīt run from problems, because when you arrive you are there and the problem is you!!! Good luck. Title: Re: Apartnent in Cali Post by: jim c on December 17, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Apartnent in Cali, posted by Pete E on Dec 15, 2003
Pete A word to the wise they will not come unless its free. SLOW DOWN !!!!!!! Making rapid decisions into the fantasy world of chasing chicas can be expensive, ask Pacino or traveler. Find a nice place for yourself and a guest for small money. The boys at mylatindream took gas on the party house they rented. Any profit you might make being involved with Margreth will not be worth the screwin you will get. Just find a nice place and change your life. I have spoken to a hundred guys that have had the same idea you have. Every one has it, have a party house and open an agency BULL SIT. Ask james how easy it was to rent his apartment near paparazzi I rented the same apartment. He got it through my Novia. You need to return to reality. You canīt run from problems, because when you arrive you are there and the problem is you!!! Good luck. Title: Re: Apartnent in Cali Post by: jim c on December 17, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Apartnent in Cali, posted by Pete E on Dec 15, 2003
Pete A word to the wise they will not come unless its free. SLOW DOWN !!!!!!! Making rapid decisions into the fantasy world of chasing chicas can be expensive, ask Pacino or traveler. Find a nice place for yourself and a guest for small money. The boys at mylatindream took gas on the party house they rented. Any profit you might make being involved with Margreth will not be worth the screwin you will get. Just find a nice place and change your life. I have spoken to a hundred guys that have had the same idea you have. Every one has it, have a party house and open an agency BULL SIT. Ask james how easy it was to rent his apartment near paparazzi I rented the same apartment. He got it through my Novia. You need to return to reality. You canīt run from problems, because when you arrive you are there and the problem is you!!! Good luck. Title: Re: Re: Apartnent in Cali Post by: beenthere on December 17, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Re: Apartnent in Cali, posted by jim c on Dec 17, 2003
[This message has been edited by beenthere] Hey Jim...............don't tempt me............I'll be in Colombia the 23rd.............and I do LOVE Cartagena!!!!!! Good Luck and be safe.................also good advice to Pete....... Title: Apt in Cali - Jim's comments Post by: DavidMN on December 17, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Re: Apartnent in Cali, posted by jim c on Dec 17, 2003
Somehow I get the feeling that if Jim's a parent, he's of the "tough love" variety. Might not always care to hear his advice or suggestions, but it's usually pretty sound. ;-) Title: Re: Apartnent in Cali Post by: Wasp on December 15, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Apartnent in Cali, posted by Pete E on Dec 15, 2003
Uhh, do you need 7 bedrooms 8 baths? Title: Re: Apartnent in Cali Post by: thundernco on December 15, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Apartnent in Cali, posted by Pete E on Dec 15, 2003
Pete, Don't let them fool you, most people in Cali will jump at 6 mos. prepaid period, no co-signors. Isn't that place too big for just yourself and an occasional visitor? Title: Re: Re: Apartnent in Cali Post by: Pete E on December 15, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Re: Apartnent in Cali, posted by thundernco on Dec 15, 2003
Yes its definetly too big for one guy,but too big is kind of like too rich.I think Margareth wants me to be the overflow boarding house for LI,which could be fun but could get old also.I guess I had a vision where maybe a couple of guys might be staying with me at a time,more like one or none most of the time probably.And I don't know if the big place would want so many gringos and girlfriends coming and going.At petes place you definetly get a girl in your room because I want one in mine.Party time in their maybe 20 unit big condo might be too much for them.But man the patio,like a medeteranian villa,white,tile,80 ft long,varied from about 8 to 15 ft wide,next level down the pool.The 200 and 160 meter places I looked at after that seemed small. Actually the one that fits best,if its even still available,was 200 meters,2200 sq ft.3 big bedrooms and 2 baths plus a one bedroom 1 bath little maids quarters.I guess that could be the overflow 4 th bedroom.17 th floor in a high rise in Santa Teresita,just west and around the hill from Junambu.The views were incredible,40 ft patio on the hill side,3 beroom windows looking back at the city side.No drapes.Nobody can look in but I probably would want them in the bedrooms to sleep.Big pool on the ground level,I mean huge like a 5 star hotel.Big grand entrance,gringos in numbers would not stand out. 1,500,000 pesos a month,about $540 at 2780,which I got today at an ATM.Probably a better choice.But everything seems small after the big place.But it would sem strange in the big place when I was by myself. One issue,it doesn't have AC.It seemed fine when I was there,the unit is the whole width of the building,windows on both sides for a breeze,but I am a little concerned that it could get too hot on those 90 someting days.I actually prefer open windows to air as long as it doesn't get too hot. Places like this one there are 100's of in Cali,the big one was a little unique.I'll probably screw around and miss both of them,but probably I should take my time to get someone to go for my idea of a lease with an option to buy and to sublet.That could make me a $100,000 in five years if I was lucky.Of course getting lucky would be to have an option to buy a place for $100,000 that is now worth $200,000,which might get you very unlucky,as in dead,in Cali.We went by a building today.Margareth said they had an office in it you go if you want someone killed.Now thats a little chilling.Maybe I should forget the lease option. OK,I can't resist,a story.A lady I worked with at the City of San Jose had a granfather who had lease optioned 100 acres of land to these guys who built a golf course on it in 1952.They had an option to buy the land at $10,000 an acre plus $100 an acre per year more.It looked good to grandad at the time and he went for it.By 1985 they could buy the property for $13,300 an acre.It was now worth $1,000,000 an acre.Value of the option $986,700 an acre,$98,670,000 total.The family was trying to get out of it but it was iron clad.Grampaw says its not worth that much money.If someone will pay it its worth it.I told her if granpaw started to sign anything else to break his hand. One of my fantasies is to own several places around the world in places I would want to go,vist them part of the time and rent them as vacation property,ala hotel prices the rest of the time.Plus you get to write off your trips because you were checking out your property.Yes,I'm a dreamer,but sometimes I actually get it done.Then usually I sell the property and spend the money.If I was a frugal person,which I definetly am not,I could have kept half the property I have owned and have several million dollars worth of equity. The trick is to turn hindsight in to forsite,so maybe I should take my time here. Pete Title: Re: Apartment in Cali Post by: DavidMN on December 16, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Re: Re: Apartnent in Cali, posted by Pete E on Dec 15, 2003
You're in a different situation than most when you do your back of the envelope calculations in that all your expenditures for some time to come might be in pesos. I don't think the math is as attractive if someone is earning in dollars, spending 98% in dollars and they buy a Cali condo that appreciates 50 or 100%. They've now got a big peso gain put what's the peso vis a vis the dollar five years hence? Yes, I know the dollar hasn't looked good over the last year and might have some tough sledding ahead, but unless Col finds serious oil and takes care of their massive debt, the dollar ain't going to depreciate nearly as much as the peso. I know this isn't an investment board, just making an observation. Good luck, Title: Re: Re: Re: Apartnent in Cali Post by: Kiltboy1 on December 16, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Re: Re: Apartnent in Cali, posted by Pete E on Dec 15, 2003
Pete Why do you not just partner up with Margui and do some advertising here in the states . Since Ricardo lost his Palace at ALLCOLOMBIANGIRLS, there is only one nice place left "LATIN-INTERNET , and they are way in the south and not conveanant to all the activites in the North. Margui is always looking for a partner.I met my wife at LE and we are seperated now and she is back in cali, but i will be going back soon to start my search again and would love to have a place like that to get to know some special women. You can count me in !! Andy Title: Re: Re: Re: Re: Apartnent in Cali Post by: Pete E on December 16, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Re: Re: Re: Apartnent in Cali, posted by Kiltboy1 on Dec 16, 2003
I really shouldn't speculate about possible deals with Margareth here.But she is a very creative thinker,like I like to think I am. Originally I was thinking a big place anyway,to have room for guys coming through.If you find me here then its our deal,outside if that I better shut up. Is your post a vote for the big place?Actually I erred,its 6 bedrooms,6 baths,one being the tiny maids quarters.But 5 bedroom,each with its own bath,3 with french doors to the huge front patio.We will see.What I have in mind,as in lots of gringo around,might not work in that place. I should probably just start making my lease option bids on more ordinary places.Hell I guess it wouldn't hurt to hit them with it anyway. Pete Title: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Apartnent in Cali Post by: Kiltboy1 on December 16, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Apartnent in Cali, posted by Pete E on Dec 16, 2003
It is whatever you feel comfortable with, but running a side business will help you get on with your life after all that you have been through. You will also meet some great women and nice guys as well. Like i said, if you get the place,count me in when i am there . Andy Title: Re: Re: Re: Apartnent in Cali Post by: QuitoMan on December 15, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Re: Re: Apartnent in Cali, posted by Pete E on Dec 15, 2003
Pete, I'm glad your finding your feet in Cali. But how are you actually feeling there - does it FEEL like your doing the right thing? As for property my track-record is hopeless. But it seems to me that Cali for an investment is maybe not the best deal because of all the uncertainties around Colombia. International Living are raving about Beunos Aires/Argentina and Nicaragua at the moment. To a lesser extent Panama and the Costa Maya in Mexico. Ecuador was hot 5 years ago. B.A in particular would be a fantastic place to live apart from the women - so much culture + a latin ambience. Chile appeals to me as well but I don't think its such a hot investment spot as their economy didn't take a beating like Argentinas'. I guess if Colombia does eventually sort itself out then Cartagena will be a hotter spot than it is now. good luck and keep posting Steve Title: Re: Re: Re: Re: Apartnent in Cali Post by: Pete E on December 16, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Re: Re: Re: Apartnent in Cali, posted by QuitoMan on Dec 15, 2003
I'm feeling fine.I hardly think of my now ex wife,except Margareth knows her and likes her so she asked alot of questions.I am supposed to have a date tonight with the hottest looking girl on her site in my opinion.No I'm not chasing the young ones,she's 36. The leae option I am talikng about is kind of a free way to tie up property if you were going to rent it anyway.You have an option to buy,you don't have too unless the option becomes attractive.The problem s trying to do that would make a difficult search more difficult.My helpers might bail on me if I keep trying to get deals that are hard to get.The landlords are tough here,want 2 Colombian co signers with property.But some people tell me just wave the 6-12 months rent up front and they will come around. Yes,Argentina was very hot for investment a few months ago and probably still is but prices have come back quite a bit. I'd like to find a chica who wants to travel and I would go take a look.Actually I'm working with a european investment bank and I think I can make considerable money there while getting my education on Latin American real estate.Might be good to watch for the next Argentina type economic reality adjustment.I could be Brazil. Pete Title: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Apartnent in Cali Post by: Bueller on December 17, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Apartnent in Cali, posted by Pete E on Dec 16, 2003
"But some people tell me just wave the 6-12 months rent up front and they will come around." I did this in Spain and it worked. No one there wants to rent to foreigners because the laws make it so hard to evict them after the people who signed the lease invite eight other Moroccans/Colombians to live in the 3bdr apartment with them, with the attendant wear and tear. Heck, they even put it in the newspaper ad: "No foreigners". But show them you're a single Gringo with 6-12 months of cash up front and it's another story. Title: Re: Re: Apartnent in Cali Post by: DavidMN on December 15, 2003, 05:00:00 AM ... in response to Re: Apartnent in Cali, posted by thundernco on Dec 15, 2003
[This message has been edited by DavidMN] Re the 7 bedrooms and 7 baths. Isn't there some joke on the subject along the lines of: Q. Mr. Trump (insert your favorite mogul here), why do you have a home with 7 bathrooms? A. So I can take a dump in a different toilet every day. |