Pro-Ecuador Services
We Can Help with Your Cotacachi Real Estate Needs
Pro-Ecuador.com is the website of Eagle
and Condor Internacional CIA. LTD.,
a fully registered Ecuadorian Company. Our primary purpose
is to facilitate the integration of the cultures of North and South
America.
The shamans of North and South America have long predicted that when
the eagle of the North flies together
with the condor of the South, this will signify the dawning of a new
age of peace.
The
beginning of this transformation is happening now. For many years, we
have committed our lives to personal growth and planetary
expansion. In 2006, we were directed to come to Cotacachi, not
fully knowing why. Only a very few expats were living in
Cotacachi at that time.
Now,
many people are following an inner urging to move to Ecuador. We
will assist those who want to come to participate in the fulfillment of
this ancient legend. Our professional services are mainly in the
areas of
real estate, consulting,
introductory tours and classes,
Spanish translating and old-fashioned hand-holding.
The
staff of Pro-Ecuador.com has diverse experience, many years of
meditation teaching and counseling, experience in living in a variety
of countries and cultures, knowledge of Ecuador and a broad
network of
associates
and acquaintances. Our primary commitment is to facilitate the
dawning of a new planetary paradigm.
We offer the following FREE services:
• All information on Pro-Ecuador.com and our Living
in Ecuador Blog
• Answers to questions about tours and real estate
Ecuador Real
Estate/Cotacachi Real Estate: How we work--
Seller's
Agents--
We
primarily act as Cotacachi real estate seller's agents for condominiums
and gated communities
in the Cotacachi area. We offer condominiums, town houses,
apartments
and single-family houses. In these situations, we have a
contractual
obligation to the sellers of these properties. The seller pays
our
commission.
However, we work closely with the buyer and seller
to insure that both clients are satisfied with the transaction, so the
buyer benefits whether he pays a commission or not.
Without happy buyers and sellers, our business will suffer.
We assist in all steps of the purchase process
including recommending
an attorney, advising in the legal process, writing and negotiating
contracts, explaining the differences in Ecuador law and real estate
practices and translating documents when
necessary.
Our
service does not stop with the sale of the property. Since many buyers do not speak Spanish nor understand Ecuador's
legal system, customs or purchase process, we provide a wide array of
personal services not traditionally furnished by an agent in the U.S.
In addition, if you
purchase a
property to be constructed, we will continue to act as intermediaries
between buyer and seller to see that the process continues as smoothly
as possible and
according
to plan. We can assist in finding temporary housing while your
house is being constructed. We will
advise with regard to banking and visa matters and recommend qualified
people to assist you with all your legal needs, even recommend
professionals and stores for furnishing your new home.
Buyer’s
Agents
The Ecuador real estate market is very different than
in North America.
It is said that everything is for sale in Ecuador.
But
many sellers in Ecuador are not motivated to sell because they own
their property outright. Thus there is
very little expense involved in keeping property.
Therefore properties can be over-priced since owners don't really
have to sell and are just "fishing," testing the market to see how
much they can get.
However, occasionally, a property comes to our
attention that is a good buy for our clients and is offered by a truly
motivated seller.
On most of these properties the sellers pay our commission. However, occasionally, we represent
these properties as buyer's agents:
As a buyer's agent we assist our clients in the purchase of Ecuador
real estate/Cotacachi real estate. As a buyer’s agent we will:
-
Evaluate the specific needs and wants of our clients.
-
Locate properties that fit those specifications. If we cannot help you we may be able to recommend agents who can.
-
Assist in showing the properties--accompany our clients on the showings or preview the properties on behalf of our clients to insure that the identified specifications are met.
-
Consult on the nuances of moving to Ecuador.
-
Advise the buyer on structuring an appropriate offer to purchase the selected property.
-
Present the offer to the property owner on the client’s behalf.
-
Negotiate the sales price on behalf of our clients to help obtain the identified property at a reasonable price -- keeping the client’s best interests in mind.
-
Provide a list of potential qualified vendors (e.g. attorneys, builders, etc.) if these services are needed.
-
Fully represent and owe fiduciary responsibilities to our clients throughout the entire real estate transaction.
FEES
As both buyer's agents and seller's agents, we charge $15/hr. to show
property, plus any transportation costs. Our fee
to conclude
a
transaction as a buyer's agent is 6% of the final purchase price less
any fees already
paid (retainer plus fees for property showing). In other words,
if a buyer purchases property through our services, we refund the buyer
any fees we have been paid. For consulting work, or translation,
we charge $20 per hour.
Some Ecuador promoters say that they offer to show real estate without
fees. However, you generally get what you pay for. We are a
full-service company and hold your hand as much as needed through the
entire buying process. We believe this valuable service, coupled
with our experience, is well worth the cost in added benefits such as
less stress, fewer mistakes and delays, less time spent in searching on
your own and most important, saving you money in the long run.
Using
Pro-Ecuador as a Buyer’s Agent will Not Result in Double Fees
Most real estate in Ecuador is sold directly by owners. We advise our
clients of the amount of commission due at closing, by the buyer.
In
the event another selling agent has an exclusive listing, we will
accept the
co-fee offered by the seller's agent. With Pro-Ecuador, we guarantee you
will never pay a double commission. It is completely unethical and it will never happen with us.
Exclusive Representation or Dual Agency?
Our company may act as both a buyer’s agent and seller’s agent for some properties. Properties for which we act as the seller’s agent will be fully disclosed to our clients. Should a client purchase a property for which we are the seller’s agent, no commission fee will be charged the buyer.
Why Do We Negotiate Low Prices and Favorable Terms?
Why does an agent working in Ecuador, who works on commission, negotiate
the
lowest possible price? This is a valid question.
Our
commission is reduced slightly with a lower selling price.
However, a satisfied customer is much more valuable than the foregone
commission. Word-of-mouth advertising from happy customers is
priceless.
In addition,
it is our goal to do our best to prevent real estate inflation
specifically to foreigners, which will ultimately harm us
all.
A common practice in Ecuador real estate is for Ecuadorian agents to mark up a
property well beyond the price asked by the owner.
Pro-Ecuador does not engage in this practice.
You
can be guaranteed that the commission we charge you as buyer's agent
or the commission the owner pays us as a sellers agent, is the only fee
we receive.
We will not show properties that we feel are priced well beyond market
value, unless we believe that the owner is open to negotiation.
Rentals in Cotacachi--Vacation Rentals, Short- and Long-Term Rentals
Pro-Ecuador previously offered Cotacachi vacation rentals. However, we no longer do so. There are some rentals in Cotacachi, both by Ecuadorians and by expat absentee owners. At this writing in March of 2011, rentals are very popular and somewhat difficult to come by. We have one listing on our site for vacation rentals by a person who owns five houses here. Click here to see this link.
Your best opportunity is to come here and look around. There are several bulletin boards around town, and local expats will point you in the right direction. Fully furnished rentals range in price from $350 per month to more than $800. Unfurnished rentals can often be found from $200 per month and up.
Introduction to Ecuador Tours
Occasionally, Pro-Ecuador offers Cotacachi Real
Estate and Introduction to Ecuador Tours. These tours provide a taste of Ecuador for those considering moving
here.
We
show a variety of properties, introduce you to trusted associates to
help with
residency visas, and generally have a great time. Our desire is to
answer the question you may have about banking, purchasing property, shipping goods, renting, and visas, plus
a whole lot more.
Sign up for our free newsletter in the right column on top of this page to receive Ecuador updates, information about new listings and real estate tours.
Do you have any questions about real estate? Please use this form or call Gary
Phillips at +1-218-206-1115 to find out how we can be of service to
you. We are here to help with all your Cotacachi real estate
needs.
Please be advised that we no longer field questions about rentals.
Back
to top »
Return
to Ecuador Revealed from Pro-Ecuador Services/Cotacachi Real Estate.