Day 4: Still looking for a house to rent. It's a tough job but someone's got to do it! Enjoying the weather and our morning and evening walks in Salinas.
We're an Expat Family of Five, Living Frugal, Healthy and Happy Abroad. We live in Cuenca, Ecuador and travel the Ecuador coast whenever we get a chance. Come along and enjoy some of our experiences with us!
Welcome to Gringo Good Samaritans, integrated with our 8 years of living in Cuenca Ecuador and traveling the world. We create informative videos and articles helping people come to awareness of what's happening in our world so they can enjoy their retire early lifestyle with their families, healthy, happy and free!
Showing posts with label one year lease. Show all posts
Showing posts with label one year lease. Show all posts
Sunday, June 19, 2016
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Gringos Renting a Home in Cuenca Ecuador Should Be ALL about Value!
As you may know, rental prices have gone up in Cuenca Ecuador and so we are now seeing a lot of really over-priced rentals out there, especially with house prices. It is possible to find a 3/2 apartment for $350 but a house, no. Take a look at some of the prices we’re seeing lately in Cuenca. We’re going to show you two examples, however, there are many more bad deals out there just like these ones.
You Have to Lower Your Price!
Dear Real Estate Agents and Home Owners in Ecuador: The owners know what gringos like, so we are suggesting nicely to the owners that if you want to rent your house to gringos at higher prices than you’d better make it gringo friendly. You know, as in offering more value instead of just raising prices but not adding anything on the table. Let’s talk about this.
Kitchens/Counters/Fixtures/Cabinets
We wouldn’t have rented the house we’re in now for $250 per month if it would have had old cracked tiles on the counters, cracked up walls, or outdated faucets, like the kitchen in this house below. And guess what they want for this house? They want $1,200 monthly for it!! Ugh! (Click photo to enlarge.)
This is outrageous!
What should the price be for this house, you might be wondering? Well, because it is VERY spacious at 350M and because it does have a yard, it should be priced at $500 to $600 but no more. The house is old, outdated and has awful paint colors in all the rooms. By the way, that price would reflect a 5% inflation rate from 4 years ago. Some house prices would not normally rise with inflation if the house is not in an acceptable condition. Why would it?
Because it’s in an area the gringos want to live in there could be a dreamy perception that some naïve gringo will rent it for $1,200. I suppose anything is possible especially if you’re from major u.s. metro areas, but don’t bring your dog. The ad says “no dogs”!
Moving on to the next bad deal!
Older Homes Need to be Priced Right
These older homes like this one below, used to go for $220 to $300 back in the day. And look, it’s now $500 and they’re asking for a guarantee too!! They assume the gringos will pay it; well, will you?
It’s funny that prior to the Gringo influx after the online hype, they never asked for a guarantee with the Ecuadorians but now that the “rich gringos” have come, they’re asking for a 2nd rent. Why not a third rent, or a fourth rent, heck, why not a whole year’s rent up front like they do in South Korea? Why stop anywhere? If the major metro u.s. residents financial condition is the driver of these foreign real estate markets, then why not? They can afford it, right?
Would a gringo really pay $500 for this old house and $1000 just to get into it? (Click photo to see this old house).
You know, we’re just saying, the prices for many homes today in Cuenca have lost much of their value because the prices are just too high for old and outdated houses!
The older 3 and 4 bedroom homes still need to be priced at the $250 to $300 price range, unless they are actually updated to reflect modern times. Newer homes that offer green spaces and near everything can and should go for $350 to $500 depending on construction size. Bigger homes should be priced higher than the smaller homes.
It’s ALL about VALUE in a RENTAL: as we’ve touched on above, value as it relates to the local market. The Per Capita GDP household income for all of Ecuador for 2016 is still less than a thousand per month. Most parts of Ecuador outside of Cuenca would be much lower than that. So, think about what you’re doing to your neighbors when you come down here, and compare rental prices to Florida, New York, Chicago, California, etc. etc. When was the last time you looked for a rental somewhere outside these very expensive u.s. areas?
Until we write again...
Here are a few related articles you might find interesting.
We're an Expat Family of Five, Living Frugal, Healthy and Happy Abroad. We live in Cuenca, Ecuador and travel the Ecuador coast whenever we get a chance. We just adventured throughout the country of Panama for five weeks! Come along and enjoy some of our experiences with us!
You Have to Lower Your Price!
Dear Real Estate Agents and Home Owners in Ecuador: The owners know what gringos like, so we are suggesting nicely to the owners that if you want to rent your house to gringos at higher prices than you’d better make it gringo friendly. You know, as in offering more value instead of just raising prices but not adding anything on the table. Let’s talk about this.
Kitchens/Counters/Fixtures/Cabinets
We wouldn’t have rented the house we’re in now for $250 per month if it would have had old cracked tiles on the counters, cracked up walls, or outdated faucets, like the kitchen in this house below. And guess what they want for this house? They want $1,200 monthly for it!! Ugh! (Click photo to enlarge.)
 |
| This home has outdated kitchens and baths and their still asking for $1200 rent. |
This is outrageous!
What should the price be for this house, you might be wondering? Well, because it is VERY spacious at 350M and because it does have a yard, it should be priced at $500 to $600 but no more. The house is old, outdated and has awful paint colors in all the rooms. By the way, that price would reflect a 5% inflation rate from 4 years ago. Some house prices would not normally rise with inflation if the house is not in an acceptable condition. Why would it?
Because it’s in an area the gringos want to live in there could be a dreamy perception that some naïve gringo will rent it for $1,200. I suppose anything is possible especially if you’re from major u.s. metro areas, but don’t bring your dog. The ad says “no dogs”!
Moving on to the next bad deal!
Older Homes Need to be Priced Right
These older homes like this one below, used to go for $220 to $300 back in the day. And look, it’s now $500 and they’re asking for a guarantee too!! They assume the gringos will pay it; well, will you?
It’s funny that prior to the Gringo influx after the online hype, they never asked for a guarantee with the Ecuadorians but now that the “rich gringos” have come, they’re asking for a 2nd rent. Why not a third rent, or a fourth rent, heck, why not a whole year’s rent up front like they do in South Korea? Why stop anywhere? If the major metro u.s. residents financial condition is the driver of these foreign real estate markets, then why not? They can afford it, right?
 |
| This Cuenca older home should be $250 |
Would a gringo really pay $500 for this old house and $1000 just to get into it? (Click photo to see this old house).
You know, we’re just saying, the prices for many homes today in Cuenca have lost much of their value because the prices are just too high for old and outdated houses!
The older 3 and 4 bedroom homes still need to be priced at the $250 to $300 price range, unless they are actually updated to reflect modern times. Newer homes that offer green spaces and near everything can and should go for $350 to $500 depending on construction size. Bigger homes should be priced higher than the smaller homes.
It’s ALL about VALUE in a RENTAL: as we’ve touched on above, value as it relates to the local market. The Per Capita GDP household income for all of Ecuador for 2016 is still less than a thousand per month. Most parts of Ecuador outside of Cuenca would be much lower than that. So, think about what you’re doing to your neighbors when you come down here, and compare rental prices to Florida, New York, Chicago, California, etc. etc. When was the last time you looked for a rental somewhere outside these very expensive u.s. areas?
Until we write again...
Here are a few related articles you might find interesting.
We're an Expat Family of Five, Living Frugal, Healthy and Happy Abroad. We live in Cuenca, Ecuador and travel the Ecuador coast whenever we get a chance. We just adventured throughout the country of Panama for five weeks! Come along and enjoy some of our experiences with us!
Monday, January 25, 2016
Seeking Cheap Rental for Less than 3 Months in Cuenca Ecuador?
A Reader Asks: We’re coming to Cuenca to check it out in January and we’re wondering if it is possible to find a cheap rental for 3 weeks for both of us.
Frank and Angie's Response: The million dollar question asked by hundreds of people. The short answer to your question is there are no “cheap” rentals in Cuenca, and especially for less than 6-months. Less than 3 month short term rentals will be more costly. Understand that you are coming to a popular tourist destination where hundreds of gringos visit each month and prices reflect that.
Minimum stays in furnished apartments is usually 6-months, however a few landlords are willing to rent for a minimum of 3 months. Anything less than that is going to be other options. Let’s take a look at some of those options.
Note: If you have a pet, if the landlord allows small pets in the home the renter will have to pay a pet deposit, in case something gets ruined by pet.
Short Term Rentals
If you’re only visiting for several weeks to a few months you can check out these websites for short term rentals. And remember to negotiate according to your personal circumstances. The asking price is usually not the set price.
Craigslist – This is accommodations that charge per day and weekly rates for apartments and home stays in Cuenca Ecuador.
Airbnb - You can find plenty of short term stays on Airbnb, however be careful and make sure that you know what you are getting...there has been some complaints.
OLX - This is the daily - weekly - monthly ads for short term stays in Cuenca Ecuador
Hostels in Cuenca Ecuador
Cuenca Ecuador has some nice comfortable hostels and if you are only one or two people then staying in a hostel is probably your best bet for the budget minded traveler(s). Hostels are less expensive than hotels and will usually have a shared kitchen and common area for guests to use. Kitchens are supplied with utensils, pots and pans and cooking appliances. The only thing you will need is your own dish detergent for doing your own dishes.
We list several hostels, according to different budgets in the DIY Cuenca Landing Guide. Below are videos of a couple of these hostels.
La Casa Cuencana Hostel – Martha, the owner of this hostel offers the DIY Cuenca Landing Guide readers a discount if staying for a full week. Please show her you bought the book with a printout of the page of her Hostel or the book itself.
Note: We list rates for several hostels in the DIY guide; however rates are higher during holidays and festivals. The whole month of February Carnaval is celebrated throughout the country of Ecuador.
Hostal Macondo - Here is a video tour of this hostel.
Cuenca Ecuador Short-Term Rentals – Rooms for rent and home stays in Cuenca Ecuador.
Another great option, if you are only one or two people, is staying with an Ecuadorian family. There’s two ways this is done. The Ecuadorian family will rent out a room in their house and you use the shared kitchen; the room may or may not have a private bath. You will find these listed as a "habitacion".
The other way we’ve seen it done is with the bigger Ecuadorian homes where they make a separate apartment attached to their home; These "mini departamentos" will usually have a one bedroom with a private bath, kitchen and its own entrance. Renting this way can also be more economical than staying in a hotel, plus you will have the added benefit of interacting with Ecuadorians on a more personal level and learn some Spanish!
Until we write again…
Related Articles
We're an Expat Family of Five, Living Frugal, Healthy and Happy Abroad. We live in Cuenca, Ecuador and travel the Ecuador coast whenever we get a chance. We just adventured throughout the country of Panama for five weeks! Come along and enjoy some of our experiences with us!
Frank and Angie's Response: The million dollar question asked by hundreds of people. The short answer to your question is there are no “cheap” rentals in Cuenca, and especially for less than 6-months. Less than 3 month short term rentals will be more costly. Understand that you are coming to a popular tourist destination where hundreds of gringos visit each month and prices reflect that.
Minimum stays in furnished apartments is usually 6-months, however a few landlords are willing to rent for a minimum of 3 months. Anything less than that is going to be other options. Let’s take a look at some of those options.
Note: If you have a pet, if the landlord allows small pets in the home the renter will have to pay a pet deposit, in case something gets ruined by pet.
Short Term Rentals
If you’re only visiting for several weeks to a few months you can check out these websites for short term rentals. And remember to negotiate according to your personal circumstances. The asking price is usually not the set price.
Craigslist – This is accommodations that charge per day and weekly rates for apartments and home stays in Cuenca Ecuador.
Airbnb - You can find plenty of short term stays on Airbnb, however be careful and make sure that you know what you are getting...there has been some complaints.
OLX - This is the daily - weekly - monthly ads for short term stays in Cuenca Ecuador
Hostels in Cuenca Ecuador
Cuenca Ecuador has some nice comfortable hostels and if you are only one or two people then staying in a hostel is probably your best bet for the budget minded traveler(s). Hostels are less expensive than hotels and will usually have a shared kitchen and common area for guests to use. Kitchens are supplied with utensils, pots and pans and cooking appliances. The only thing you will need is your own dish detergent for doing your own dishes.
We list several hostels, according to different budgets in the DIY Cuenca Landing Guide. Below are videos of a couple of these hostels.
La Casa Cuencana Hostel – Martha, the owner of this hostel offers the DIY Cuenca Landing Guide readers a discount if staying for a full week. Please show her you bought the book with a printout of the page of her Hostel or the book itself.
Note: We list rates for several hostels in the DIY guide; however rates are higher during holidays and festivals. The whole month of February Carnaval is celebrated throughout the country of Ecuador.
Hostal Macondo - Here is a video tour of this hostel.
Cuenca Ecuador Short-Term Rentals – Rooms for rent and home stays in Cuenca Ecuador.
Another great option, if you are only one or two people, is staying with an Ecuadorian family. There’s two ways this is done. The Ecuadorian family will rent out a room in their house and you use the shared kitchen; the room may or may not have a private bath. You will find these listed as a "habitacion".
The other way we’ve seen it done is with the bigger Ecuadorian homes where they make a separate apartment attached to their home; These "mini departamentos" will usually have a one bedroom with a private bath, kitchen and its own entrance. Renting this way can also be more economical than staying in a hotel, plus you will have the added benefit of interacting with Ecuadorians on a more personal level and learn some Spanish!
Until we write again…
Related Articles
We're an Expat Family of Five, Living Frugal, Healthy and Happy Abroad. We live in Cuenca, Ecuador and travel the Ecuador coast whenever we get a chance. We just adventured throughout the country of Panama for five weeks! Come along and enjoy some of our experiences with us!
Sunday, August 2, 2015
Excellent Rental Finds in LOJA, SALINAS, QUITO & CUENCA Ecuador!
We searched high and low for the best rental options in Ecuador and here's what we found! It's all about value. We always search for the BEST VALUE rentals for you, based on your need and wants. See what's new today!
Pretty 3 bedroom 2 bath apartment in Loja, $180 a month! The kitchen has an all glass (french style) door that leads out to the balcony with views and the living room has great views too, plus there is a dining room and parking spot for your car. This is a super cute and clean apartment. V-A-L-U-E
Cuenca Ecuador
Beautiful NEW 3/2 detached house in the country with 1600M of green, green and more green! This home is located 20 minutes outside of Cuenca. This MODERN home is 140M (1550 sq ft) and has an open and airy kitchen, living, dining area. Nice light fixtures and curtains throughout the home, with nice finishings. All three bedrooms have built-in closets and the master has an ensuite bath. This is a nice house. Asking $400!!
These are the best value rental options in Cuenca today and they are available now. Take a look at our
Assistance Packages and choose the one that fits your needs; and we'll
provide the priceless protection for your smooth transition abroad from
Gringo Good Samaritans. http://www.gringogoodsamaritans.com
***
Loja EcuadorPretty 3 bedroom 2 bath apartment in Loja, $180 a month! The kitchen has an all glass (french style) door that leads out to the balcony with views and the living room has great views too, plus there is a dining room and parking spot for your car. This is a super cute and clean apartment. V-A-L-U-E
****
Salinas Ecuador
Nice 2 bed 2 bath apartment with nice furnishings. Located right off the Maelcon with fabulous ocean views. The apartment is 100M (1200 sq ft). Asking $600. During high season this same apartment would rent for $1200.
***
Quito Ecuador
3/2 apartment located in a nice suburb of Quito called Tumbaco. The town of Tumbaco has everything, grocery stores, malls, restaurants and shopping.The 130M (1,450 sq ft) apartment also has a green area. Asking $350!
Cuenca Ecuador
3 bedroom house with YARD in Chlluambamba for $350! Don't think this one will last long.
***
Cuenca Ecuador
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| LDK open floor plan, bright and airy |
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| view from kitchen country home, open floor plan |
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| Country house 1600M yard (almost 1/2 acre) |
Friday, July 17, 2015
Spacious 4/3 Apt. W/Views & Terraza in Cuenca Ecuador for $350! Expat Rental Assistance
Steve and his wife like their spacious, new apartment which is located in a great Cuenca neighborhood. Watch the video to see this apartment and listen to Steve talk about his experience with Gringo Good Samaritans.
Take a look at our Assistance Packages and choose the one that fits your needs; and we'll provide the priceless protection for your smooth transition abroad from Gringo Good Samaritans.
Take a look at our Assistance Packages and choose the one that fits your needs; and we'll provide the priceless protection for your smooth transition abroad from Gringo Good Samaritans.
Monday, September 16, 2013
SPECIAL RENTAL: 6 Bed, 4 Bath Home with Yards and Views for $350--Posted on $300 Dollar Cuenca Rentals!
Remember to find out about our rental specials and be one of the first to view the homes, be sure to subscribe to $300 Dollar Cuenca Rentals for our SPECIAL RENTALS DEALS! Or, you can also check for our rental specials on this blog over to the right column under "Rental Specials".
This one is a pretty good deal and we did not want anyone to miss out on seeing this fantastic home. Check out the photo tour here!
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Want to Know When We Post Special Rentals on the '$300 Dollar Cuenca Rentals' Blog?
Hello Folks, this is just another friendly reminder that we will no longer be posting special rentals on this (Discover Cuenca Ecuador) blog.
To be alerted of new "special rentals" when they are posted, sign up to the $300 Dollar Cuenca Ecuador blog feed with your email. It's that simple...
...or from this blog, look over to the right column for the link titled "SPECIAL RENTALS". Click on the description of the home and it will take you to the video tour.
Btw, we just now posted a 'special rental' ...so click on the link that describes the home and watch the video tour of this beautiful, spacious, bright, open, 4-bedroom home (see home above) located walking distance to shopping!!
To be alerted of new "special rentals" when they are posted, sign up to the $300 Dollar Cuenca Ecuador blog feed with your email. It's that simple...
...or from this blog, look over to the right column for the link titled "SPECIAL RENTALS". Click on the description of the home and it will take you to the video tour.
Btw, we just now posted a 'special rental' ...so click on the link that describes the home and watch the video tour of this beautiful, spacious, bright, open, 4-bedroom home (see home above) located walking distance to shopping!!
Monday, August 19, 2013
Remodeled 3-Bedroom Home in a Gated Community for $280!
THIS HOME HAS RENTED! Where in the world are you going to find a nicely remodeled 3-bedroom 2-bath home for $280? At $300 Dollar Cuenca Rentals of course!
This home is situated in a safe, gated community right next door to the landlord. This situation works out great for those folks who want to leave their home for vacations and travel. Located off of Don Bosco and just feet away from two bus lines! Can't beat that!
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