12 countries in 12 years

FAQ

Q: ARE THE RENTALS FURNISHED?

A: That's up to your needs and circumstances. If you want a furnished rental just let us know when filling out the form.  In some cases they can be "sparsely furnished" which just means there may be a table or an appliance such as a built in oven or range.

Q: WE'VE HEARD THE LOCAL PRICED RENTALS DON'T HAVE LIGHT FIXTURES, THEY HAVE HANGING BULBS...
 
A: The justification for paying $3000 to $7000 dollars more per year on your rent is...that they come with light fixtures.  Don't laugh, we've actually seen this in print on forums/websites for Cuenca Ecuador. 

UPDATE: More and more landlords are now putting in light fixtures in their rental homes because the gringos do complain, so you may have light fixtures. 

Q: WHY SHOULD WE USE YOUR SERVICE

A: We are up front with the value you receive and what you pay.  We have a long standing reputation already here in Cuenca as the people that say it like it is, and do what they say.  We have built up trust with a loyal following and you can expect to receive the same kind of honest and upfront treatment that we have come to be known for.

Q: HOW CAN WE TRUST YOU, I MEAN, YOU'RE ASKING US TO SEND YOU MONEY UP FRONT?

A: Dealing with us gives you the reassurance of dealing with someone that has a public reputation to uphold, and a loyal following, not to mention lots of very good testimonials.  See our TESTIMONIALS page.

Q: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO FIND A RENTAL

A: Many times it is possible to find it the first week or in just a day or two.  It just depends on how many requirements you set for yourself  on your check list.  As a reminder, rentals in the local price ranges ($300-$500) are also fertile grounds for the locals, therefore they typically don't last more than a few days to a week.  So, when you see one that meets your needs, don't dilly dally, go look at it and if you like it, rent it !!!

Q: WHAT KIND OF A RENTAL CAN I EXPECT

A: In the $300 to $500 range, you will get a middle class two to four bedroom, two baths apartment or house. Many times it will be newer construction and sometimes it's a little older but well kept.  Usually you will not be far from a bus line.  The places are clean and tidy. Here is our rental homes at $250 to $400 a month range! Look at the photos and you be the judge. 
                                 
Most of the time we look at apartments and homes and then we negotiate price with the Landlords. In fact we just did this yesterday. We were shown a $350 rental, 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, beautiful view and a basement and we negotiated the price down to $300. This house was originally listed at $450 but the owners want to rent long term. It's in a good neighborhood, close to Supermaxi and bus lines. 


We've been dealing with landlords for so long and have seen so many rentals that we know just the right things to ask to find out all the details of a rental without actually seeing it in person. And we can still negotiate price right over the phone. Landlords actually like to negotiate prices over the phone. 

Q: DO YOU COME OUT WITH US TO LOOK AT RENTALS?
A:   We've analyzed our work and realized that 98% of our assistance was/is at the back end meaning not while we're present at the scene. We are with your every step of the way through skype, local phone, majic jack, etc. We're experienced enough and have been through so many situations that we already know in advance what to ask and how to assist you.  We know what to look out for, what to negotiate, etc.


Q. WHAT IF I FIND MY OWN RENTAL AFTER WE'VE PAID YOUR FEE, DO YOU GIVE REFUNDS?

A. Consider that the rate for hiring a facilitator to run around with you looking for property or a rental is $125.00 to $160.00 per day.  (Actual quotes reported to us by Expats) Within a short time you will have spent much more than our fee even at ten dollars an hour.

As for the other agents that don't charge an up front fee, you will pay much more, in the form of a $600-$1200 deposit.  Consider our fee money well spent as an education of the market, if you decide to go ahead and rent something on your own.   On the other hand, if you are confident you can do this yourself, don't hire us. 

Q:   UPON CHOOSING YOUR BEST HELP OPTION AND RECEIVING 10 DAYS OF LISTINGS, WHAT HAPPENS IF WE DON'T FIND A PROPERTY THAT SUITS US?

A:  Have you read the "how does it work" section?  Because there, it states that you will be guided to only the best options available on each particular day we're working with you.  That means you're already looking at the BEST QUALIFIED FILTERED listings according to your specifications. It is our experience that because you're starting off with the most qualified listings and not wading through a bunch of fluffy listings, 9 out of 10 people find what they're looking for through us, within one to five days. It is very rare to go even close to the full 10 days.  You do understand that we're on YOUR  side? 

But lets just say for the sake of discussion that you dilly dally and don't make a decision. Think about this: you've looked at the best, most qualified, filtered listings for ten days.  Imagine your understanding of the market now. Remember, we're your right arm and although we can't make the decision for you, we can provide the best custom help to the best of our ability.  Peace. 

Q: DO YOU HAVE REFERENCES?

A: Yes, see our TESTIMONIALS page. And see video testimonials in the left hand side column.