And, another one

ZenSPIKE Serial expat

826POSTS

10 years ago

Bites the dust.
I've been on this forum for some time. I got a lot of helpful information here, and made some good friends.
But, alas, the time has come for me to check out.
Back Ground:
I made an exploratory trip back in 2012. I liked the city of Cuenca, and purchased a condo while still under construction. It turned out to be a beautiful building. I moved down in 2013.
After spending 2 1/2 years here, I came to the conclusion, this just wasn't a good fit for me. I came to a Spanish speaking country with absolutely no skill in speaking, or understanding it. My bad. I became frustrated with the bureaucracy. Really.... 4 days to register a motorcycle? And the major bank I hooked up with? They don't even have an option for English on their website, with all the English speaking clients they have?
So, in the end, I have no one to blame but myself. Poor decision? I really don't think so. I met some very wonderful folks that live here, and I'm sure life long friends. I didn't make the move for financial reasons, but the lifestyle I am accustomed to, I found it no cheaper to live here.
So, I sold my condo after only 3 showings. I look at it as a great learning experience, and even with the soft real estate market, I made more than enough in profit to pay for my 2 1/2 year experience, and put some money in the bank. I have no regrets.
I leave for Playas today, where I may very well buy a condo on the ocean... as a Winter residence. Being from Minnesota, I'll be just another Snow Bird, probably 4 to 5 months out of the year.
Great to have been a participant of this forum. I will continue to visit, and will post of my experiences in Playas.
Be Well, All
ZenSpike

4 members reacted to this post

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BobH Serial expat

841POSTS

10 years ago

Best wishes, it doesn't work out for everybody.

j600rr Serial expat

579POSTS

10 years ago

Great post Zen. What a healthy attitude, and mentality you have. Made your money back. Found out you don't want to live there year round, and have found a good spot to be a snowbird a few months every year. Seems like a win,win proposition to me.

Nards Barley ViP

1633POSTS

10 years ago

Sorry to see you go bro; glad you made out well with the sale. I will definitely be interested in your thoughts on Playas if that becomes your winter home.

1 member reacted to this post

OsageArcher Colombia Expert

1661POSTS

10 years ago

I don't know if Ecuador has similar rules as does Colombia - but the "snowbird"route is one I'll probably take, too, since Colombia now has in place a rule that says if you spend 183 days or more in-country, your WORLDWIDE income is taxable by them (in addition to it being taxed by your home country). This is unless the two countries have a tax treaty in place to not do this, which apparently Colombia and the United States do not.

1 member reacted to this post

cccmedia Ecuador/Colombia Expert

10285POSTS

10 years ago

Seems like you're making a good choice for you, Zen.

Snowbird living can be great. Previously, I spent most years in the U.S. and the winters in Thailand .. and it worked!

Not sure I'd buy any ocean-view property in EC until El Niño passes.

cccmedia in Quito

1 member reacted to this post

mugtech ViP

4732POSTS

10 years ago

ZenSPIKE wrote:
Bites the dust.
I've been on this forum for some time. I got a lot of helpful information here, and made some good friends.
But, alas, the time has come for me to check out.
Back Ground:
I made an exploratory trip back in 2012. I liked the city of Cuenca, and purchased a condo while still under construction. It turned out to be a beautiful building. I moved down in 2013.
After spending 2 1/2 years here, I came to the conclusion, this just wasn't a good fit for me. I came to a Spanish speaking country with absolutely no skill in speaking, or understanding it. My bad. I became frustrated with the bureaucracy. Really.... 4 days to register a motorcycle? And the major bank I hooked up with? They don't even have an option for English on their website, with all the English speaking clients they have?
So, in the end, I have no one to blame but myself. Poor decision? I really don't think so. I met some very wonderful folks that live here, and I'm sure life long friends. I didn't make the move for financial reasons, but the lifestyle I am accustomed to, I found it no cheaper to live here.
So, I sold my condo after only 3 showings. I look at it as a great learning experience, and even with the soft real estate market, I made more than enough in profit to pay for my 2 1/2 year experience, and put some money in the bank. I have no regrets.
I leave for Playas today, where I may very well buy a condo on the ocean... as a Winter residence. Being from Minnesota, I'll be just another Snow Bird, probably 4 to 5 months out of the year.
Great to have been a participant of this forum. I will continue to visit, and will post of my experiences in Playas.
Be Well, All
ZenSpike

I can remember when we both were new on here three years ago, it has been great to exchange information and opinions concerning everything, sounds like you had a good adventure, looking to spend winters down south. I am sure it will work for you, you are open minded enough to get real about your life. Hope it continues for you.