Real estate agent rip off

So sorry Brooklyn1950 to hear of your troubles.  I hope you can get them straightened out and that justice is done.

Your tale should serve as a caution to anyone who thinks that Ecuador is without risks.   Too many expats find out the hard way that business is not conducted in the same manner as where they have lived much of their lives in their home country. 

Some things to consider:
1.  Not being physically present to oversee and direct a contractor's work can be an invitation to get ripped off.  If everything is not specifically spelled out in a contract, you can expect to have disagreements about the scope of the work and every other aspect of it, too.  Even if there are specifics you cannot expect things to go as planned.  Ask the people who have invested their hopes and dreams and money in Las Olas.
2.  Not speaking and understanding Spanish can get you into trouble - although most Ecuadorians are honest, many are not and they will take every opportunity to take advantage of your ignorance.
3.  It's good advice not to buy any property in Ecuador until and unless you've lived in your target area for one year or more so you know exactly what to expect with regard to life and costs there.

Please keep us posted as to how things work out - you will be doing a service to everyone to detail the problems you faced and their resolution.

“Cautionary tale”, or not, it is simply one side of the story. But if there is one lesson to be learned is if you can't deal with everything yourself then give the responsibility to someone you truly trust or don't do it at all.

As for the sales tax, this is something that is verifiable, so even if the costs were allegedly inflated the sales tax is verifiable if a 'factura” was issued.

Lawyer or not, it is difficult to prove one was ripped off for a service such as window dressing. For instance I installed blackout/noise reducing curtains for my bedroom which I imported but before that I went to several vendors and the prices varied a lot.

Seriously, how can someone prove they were ripped off for a service? Or even for a bedroom set? A bedroom set can cost $500 or $5000 for example. Then again there is always two sides to a story.

How did you make out wish I New this got a lawyer to get my money back lot of under handed low life's  they play nice and then bang they stick it to you.purchased condo,had to leave and asked agent if she could help me she added money for herself on three things I asked her to do,best part she had the balls to make checks out to furniture stores mothers name ray Charles could see what's going on.You need lawyer from ex pat to help you my e mail is *** let me know how you make out all the best Joe