Accommodation in Ecuador: scams you should look out for

Bhavna, while my response is truly being offered respectfully, from the perspective of a truly global industry professional of 35-years, I won't hold my breath that it will see the light of day.

If I honestly can point to one thing that is causing the most angst and issues in renting or buying real estate abroad, inclusive of Ecuador, it is comments/questions like the theme of this thread. This is not aimed at you, Bhavna, but it is a broader market observation, with implications far afield from Ecuador. We make statements and frame questions in such a way that we suggest to the uninformed market audience that every real estate deal abroad is fraught with hidden dangers, bad legal implications and a cesspool of negative intrigue. You know what? It is true ... sometimes. But guess what? It is also true in the USA, Canada, the UK and countless of allegedly "safer" First World" nations.

By framing comments and questions in an alarmist. not always ideally objective and informed fashion, we unintentionally and needlessly create an environment of fear. That very environment of fear then drives emotional-based decisions from would-be renters or buyers, rather than a rational, objective, calm and reasoned approach. Why is this an issue?

The answer as to why it is an issue is that the fear driven response is to gravitate to what seems friendly, recognizable, pleasant and, yes, even charming. The true industry hucksters know this. They know how to buy you a beer. Make you feel welcome. Have you believing you just earned a best friend for life ... lowering your fear levels ... eliminating your uncertainties ... obscuring the need for true fact-finding, because your new best friend has got you covered. That's when they move in for the financial kill and sell you a condo that is 30% over market price, or get you a "deal" on a condo rental for $1,200 per month, which should have rented for $750-$800 per month, as in one recent instance that was brought to my attention. Selling sunshine, to those in pure fear flight, is always easier than selling them another stormy day. Everyone wants the truth ... but oh those lies ... they are so much prettier, pleasant and easier to digest in a fear driven stomach.

What this industry needs is more objectivity on the part of would-be buyers and true full disclosure by those that profess to being industry professionals. Radical thoughts, I am sure.

If it sounds to good to be true, it is. Why not get an Airbnb for a month and look around.

I do not believe the initial post is hyperbolic.  I have lived here, in Ecuador, for three years now and one of the first costly and annoying things I learned, after multiple experiences, is that corruption is woven into the cultural fabric of this country.  Everyone (citizens of Ecuador) complains about it but accept it as part of life.  There are even tips on how to lower the cost if you become a victim.  If you are a US expat you look like a wallet to many who live here. This post if spot on.

Excellent suggestion.  That is exactly what I did.

HGQ2112 wrote:

Bhavna, while my response is truly being offered respectfully, from the perspective of a truly global industry professional of 35-years, I won't hold my breath that it will see the light of day.

If I honestly can point to one thing that is causing the most angst and issues in renting or buying real estate abroad, inclusive of Ecuador, it is comments/questions like the theme of this thread. This is not aimed at you, Bhavna, but it is a broader market observation, with implications far afield from Ecuador. We make statements and frame questions in such a way that we suggest to the uninformed market audience that every real estate deal abroad is fraught with hidden dangers, bad legal implications and a cesspool of negative intrigue. You know what? It is true ... sometimes. But guess what? It is also true in the USA, Canada, the UK and countless of allegedly "safer" First World" nations.

By framing comments and questions in an alarmist. not always ideally objective and informed fashion, we unintentionally and needlessly create an environment of fear. That very environment of fear then drives emotional-based decisions from would-be renters or buyers, rather than a rational, objective, calm and reasoned approach. Why is this an issue?

The answer as to why it is an issue is that the fear driven response is to gravitate to what seems friendly, recognizable, pleasant and, yes, even charming. The true industry hucksters know this. They know how to buy you a beer. Make you feel welcome. Have you believing you just earned a best friend for life ... lowering your fear levels ... eliminating your uncertainties ... obscuring the need for true fact-finding, because your new best friend has got you covered. That's when they move in for the financial kill and sell you a condo that is 30% over market price, or get you a "deal" on a condo rental for $1,200 per month, which should have rented for $750-$800 per month, as in one recent instance that was brought to my attention. Selling sunshine, to those in pure fear flight, is always easier than selling them another stormy day. Everyone wants the truth ... but oh those lies ... they are so much prettier, pleasant and easier to digest in a fear driven stomach.

What this industry needs is more objectivity on the part of would-be buyers and true full disclosure by those that profess to being industry professionals. Radical thoughts, I am sure.

Good to know on which side your bread is buttered.

My side ... always buttered on the consumers and expats side ... not the side of those looking to exploit faux terror as a manipulation tool. You can get murdered, robbed, and snookered in Ecuador ... Colombia ... USA ... France ... and Hong Kong. Labeling something "risky" just because it is foreign ... bad juju. People need to be aware ... everywhere on the globe ... equally. Trigger a fear response ... and next thing you know ... they will be soothingly comforted by those common words of wisdom, "Come to Ecuador and live like a king, for less than $1,000 US$ per month." Nothing soothes fear like a cocktail of sunshine and bs.

i agree totally with u...

there are scum landlords everywhere on this planet!!!

beware all

thx
Debra Toomey/SW