Which House Do We Choose in San Miguel de Allende Mexico

After dreaming about it for years, we’ve finally come to spend time in, San Miguel de Allende Mexico. We find that we love this place so much, we’ve already gotten a real estate agent and are house hunting. Will the sweeping views of the city’s churches and mountainside lure us into setting up roots here? Or will we walk away and head back home to Washington DC. See what we learned about real Estate in Mexico.
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❓ Answer to the trivia question at the end of the video: "Though property taxes (called predial) vary by municipalities, on a $300,000 home, you can expect to pay about $500 per year in property taxes."
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Keywords: #dchiddengems #sanmigueldeallende #mexico #gaytravel #slowtravel
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🎦 Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:54 Real Estate Tips
06:11 House #1
08:32 House #2
14:21 House #3
18:06 Our Choice
21:03 Closing and Trivia Question

[@jrflores783]

Hola, from Lake Forest IL,

[@dchiddengems]

Thanks for the Comment on Our House Hunting

[@toddandjavi]

We lived in San Miguel for three years before buying a house here a year ago, and we are so glad that we waited! I think one really needs to live downtown for a year or two when they first get here, but each time we moved we moved a little farther out to get away from the tourists and the craziness. We learned so much about this town in the different neighborhoods during our three years of renting and living here. I would highly recommend that others rent first, discover what it’s like living here, find your communities, and then purchase. Also it is so much cheaper to rent here than it is to buy, so it really makes sense financially as well.

[@dchiddengems]

Hey! Thanks for the comment and sharing your experience. It makes a lot of sense, for sure. It’s easy to get wrapped up in SMA on a visit, especially a first or second one. Finding your community and really being diligent in what you really want to live with in a long term investment is so important. What part of town are you in? Any other counsel you’d share for folks looking to make the move? Thanks so much for sharing, and hope you’ll keep coming along with us:)

[@toddandjavi]

@@dchiddengems I thought your advice about real estate here was spot on. I would add that getting a good home inspection is incredibly important because homes here require a surprising amount of maintenance. We ended up purchasing in El Paraiso, which is about an 18 minute walk downhill to the Jardin. We love it! It’s so peaceful here, we like walking our dog around the flat sidewalks, and it’s an easy walk downtown. We enjoy taking a taxi or one of the frequent buses back up the hill and it’s so convenient. We have a KZbin channel as well, mostly for our friends, with which we share our explorations of San Miguel :) kzbin.info/door/rvj8ApiK2klL9zDGgLXy_w

[@dchiddengems]

@@toddandjavi really great advice and insight. Thanks for sharing. Love your channel! You guys are a natural in front of the camera and are doing some fun things. We expect you will grow fast if you wanted to. We’ll have to compare notes sometime on the adventure of trying to start a channel. Best of luck!

[@toddandjavi]

@@dchiddengems Thank you! Our channel is mostly for our friends back in California and here in SMA, so the intention was never to really grow, but I’m always so curious when I see channels with much more followers why or how that is so. I look forward to following you guys! And I’m sitting our our mutual favorite restaurant, el encanto!!!

[@fionamacneill7859]

The third house is the most livable. Guadalupe has a lot to offer. New arrivals think they need to be in the hubbub of Centro, but a house with a courtyard and that upper terraza, is a place to call home. I go into Centro infrequently, maybe half a dozen times a year. There is a huge world outside of Centro.

[@dchiddengems]

So glad you said that. We certainly love the Guadalupe neighborhood. It’s important to think about where you want to be long term.

[@Laurarodriguez-ye4wj]

I loved the third one. Perfect everything.

[@kimjensen8662]

House number 3 has been pending for 7 months. The owners had missed obtaining the actual deed for the house, when they originally purchased the home. Until they locate and obtain the deed they can’t sell it. Supposedly they are currently trying to find it. In Mexico things take a little longer, hopefully they will be successful soon. We went and saw the house a year ago ourselves, we liked it. We will be retiring in SMA next month.

[@dchiddengems]

OMG! That’s some awesome info! Thanks for sharing! And we think it’s a great caution for everyone that it pays to be extra careful when purchasing property in a foreign country (make sure you obtain the deed etc). Anyway, congratulations on your retirement and move to SMA! We wish you lots of joy in this new chapter. 🥳

[@imogenequest56]

Loved house #3 ! Thankyou so much for filming! They all have such charm.

[@dchiddengems]

We still think about that house from time to time. It sold. We wonder what might have been. But there is more to see!

[@ltdodgen]

My favorite too!

[@dchiddengems]

@Itdogen I’m starting to hear that a lot. Funny thing is that the house sat on the market for a long time. It finally sold recently and it’s a lucky couple.

[@richardfoster8596]

Loved your video. One of the most enlightening real estate videos I have seen of SMA. Keep them coming.

[@dchiddengems]

Very happy to hear that! We remember that we were looking for similar info during our search, so we wanted to put it out there for others.

[@Wilfredos_]

Agreed!👍

[@carlosmelick682]

Very thoughtful presentation. Thank you!

[@dchiddengems]

Hey Carlos!! Thanks so much:). We enjoyed it and are glad you did. Really glad to have you coming along with us!!:)

[@alainbergeron4520]

Thanks for the insightful comments and very informative video. Can't wait to watch the next one. Meanwhile happy travels.

[@dchiddengems]

So glad to hear that. We have a lot of interesting things planned. Please come along and let’s chat about them.

[@JRspeaking]

A really helpful, interesting video, guys!

[@dchiddengems]

So glad that you found it both helpful and entertaining, @ J R. Have a great weekend!

[@deb61349]

Thanks for taking me along on your venture. Good to see you two ❤

[@dchiddengems]

Hey Deb! So happy you’re coming along with us:). Look forward to a martini with you somewhere out in the world soon!!

[@tamaravaughan503]

Just stumbled across your channel and love love love this video!! Thank you for all the valuable information provided. I too want to move abroad and MX is top of my list for many reasons - mostly proximity to children and grandchildren❤️my favorite house was #3!! But they are all stunning!! Ok, on to your next video!!

[@dchiddengems]

Hey!! Thanks so much for the great comment! Sounds like Mexico could be a great opportunity for you with getting closer to family. We really enjoy it there. House 3 was wonderful and we loved it too! It did sell after we looked at it. It was a great neighborhood and beautiful place but had lots of stairs to get to the outdoor areas. Still amazing place and so much less expensive than in the US. Thanks for watching and we’d love feedback on what you think!! See you out there:)

[@dudleydogbrown1]

YOUR TIPS ARE RIGHT ON, VERY IMPORTANT--THANK YOU

[@dchiddengems]

Hey Paul!! Thanks for the comment and really appreciate your joining us on our journeys. We are having fun and certainly learning along the way. Glad to have you with us:)

[@lostoffgrid8927]

Thank you for this neat eye candy video. It was great to see these beautiful houses and the unusual way they are designed.

[@dchiddengems]

Hey! Thanks for comment. It was really fun to be inside these beautiful colonial homes, and getting to stay there provided such an authentic experience, we believe. Sounds like you love homes and history like us. There’s more coming soon, so stay tuned. Thanks for coming along:)

[@hanslueschen5190]

Thank you for this. What beautiful properties!

[@dchiddengems]

@Hans Lueschen You are very welcome!

[@MariaReyes-te7lk]

Wow! I wish you both the best..waiting to see your new home...

[@dchiddengems]

Thank you so much. We really appreciate it. Cheers!

[@margaretgarigan]

Hi, guys, just found you. I think you dodged a bullet. My partner and I retired early, I sold my house, and we left DC/northern VA ten years ago. After traveling across the US, spending about a year in New Mexico, and traveling through the northern half of Mexico, we landed in Alamos (a lovely Pueblo Mágico in southern Sonora) and bought a house after less than two weeks in town. SMA isn’t the only place people do impetuous stuff like that - we were told of many others in Alamos who had done what we did. The house was gorgeous - it had belonged to Mary Astor for a few decades - and the town and region were beautiful and fascinating, but just four years later, we sold and hightailed it out of Mexico. I had harbored a fantasy of living in Mexico since my first visit as a teenager in the early 70s, but the reality of life there now can burst your bubble really quickly. Other commenters have addressed some of the issues we had living in a busy tourist town; I would add security, or the extreme lack of it in Mexico, to the list. I saw that you mentioned being interested in Spain, where we moved three and a half years ago and couldn’t be happier. We’re in the least-populated province in Spain, which for me is like paradise after having spent most of my life in Northeastern/Midatlantic US. I will say that getting a nonlucrative residency visa and moving a household is a lot more complicated, time-consuming, and expensive than moving to Mexico, but it was all worth it. If you’re willing to look beyond the heavily traveled places, you can find superb quality of life *and* inexpensive real estate.

[@dchiddengems]

@Margaret Garigan Thank you for your thoughtful comments. You’ve laid out a cautionary tale that everyone should take seriously…including ourselves. We’ve started meeting many folks who are jumping in head first without testing the water. Yes we are definitely looking into Spain…but as you said its proving to be extremely complicated. Maybe we’ve been looking incorrectly at citizenship and not closely enough at the nonlucrative residency visa you mentioned. We still want to live most of the time in USA and just a small part of the year in a friendly country. If you don’t mind us asking, does it require you to live full time in Spain, are you having the issue of paying double taxes, and are you having to pay for healthcare in both US and Spain?

[@margaretgarigan]

@@dchiddengems there’s so much to love about Mexico, but I don’t think life there is safe for anyone, especially its citizens. As for Spain, I don’t know for certain, but I suspect citizenship would be extremely difficult to get straight off. That would also give you citizenship in the whole EU, which definitely makes for a complicated process. I believe we have to be here ten years before we can even apply for citizenship. But if you’re planning to be mostly in the US, I wonder whether you need any visa at all. You can spend 90 days at a time in the Schengen territory, visa free; if I recall correctly, then you have to leave for 90 days, after which you can come back for 90, etc. The nonlucrative visa does require that you live here half-time; I assume others do too, but don’t know for sure. I believe you don’t have to have residency to buy property. If you didn’t have residency, the question of needing health insurance would be moot. As for us, this is where we live full time - we moved all our belongings and the three dogs we adopted in Mexico, and I consider myself an emigre from the US. So we don’t get or pay for any US healthcare, but pay for private insurance, which is also a requirement of our visas (the government even requires that our insurance covers repatriation of remains!). My understanding about income taxes is that Spain doesn’t require American taxpayers to pay again here.

[@dchiddengems]

@Margaret Garigan that was extremely helpful thank you. Yes the living halftime requirement would be tough for us for now, but our plans might change so it’s a good option. Yes while the 90 day limit is a bit short for our extended stay travel patterns, the recent revelation to us that it is a rolling 180 period helps if we plan perfectly. The world seems to be in a shaky place right now. Our goal and hope is to have options to travel extensively and safely in Mexico AND throughout the European Union. We are so happy that you found a place you love and can call home. Spain is lovely.

[@margaretgarigan]

@@dchiddengems thank you! I wish you much luck and adventure finding an alternative home base. I’ll be following with interest.

[@dchiddengems]

@Margaret Garigan Thanks! Have a wonderful weekend!

[@ltdodgen]

So funny I came across your video today. I just arrived in SMA to look at a condo in Guadalupe my realtor found me. Seems perfect for me from the videos. Just the right size for an older lady no longer wanting or needing the upkeep of a big house. Just a pied a terre in this enchanting town I’ve been in love with since college. I see it in person tomorrow. I think it’s the ONE for my part time life here. Enjoyed your video very much.

[@dchiddengems]

My eyes teared up when I read your post because I am just so happy for you. We hope you find the home away from home of your dreams and that your time there is everything you hope it will be. Stay in touch and let us know how you are doing. Cheers!

[@lunazamoraart]

I’ve been dreaming about the same! Yay!!

[@dchiddengems]

Hey, Luna! Thanks for the comment. There are so many beautiful places in Mexico. Are you dreaming of SMA? Really glad to have you coming along with us!!!:)

[@LesvoyagesdeBD]

Very good video friends with a lot information for those who wish to buy 👍

[@dchiddengems]

Awesome! Hope it helps someone. Bonsoir.

[@bonitakupton]

Great video! I was so happy to hear you walked away! I lived there and owned a home for 18 years, returning to the states in 2019. SMA has changed dramatically over time. It is now just a great place to visit. I look forward to your future adventures!

[@dchiddengems]

Thank you! Funny you would say that. I could sense that we were getting swept up in the romance of it, and fortunately began to pull back if we weren’t going to get the greatest deal. There is a whole world out there to see first. But we did meet many people who were buying on there first visit. If you feel inclined, share with us what changes you saw that made you decide to change and if maybe there is a different place in Mexico that you would live now instead. Regardless, have a wonderful week and thanks for stopping by!

[@bonitakupton]

@@dchiddengems I wouldn’t live anywhere in Mexico now, but I hear Merida is lovely. SMA was a magical, quiet little town when we arrived from LA. Burros and horses in the streets, cars passed through Centro and around the Jardin, all shopping was done in Centro, siesta still shut the city down between 2 and 4. In my last 10 years the crowds arrived followed by ugly, unrestricted development with no infrastructure to support it. Centro rents skyrocketed and pushed out the mom and pops to make way for slick restaurants, shops and real estate offices. SMA became a congested tourist destination. But the worst thing was the increase in violent crime which became the norm with no recourse for the victim. EVERY expat (including me) was or new someone who was a victim. Many expats made excuses for the crime, which I think bothered me the most! There’s definitely a haze that comes over one when they arrive in San Miguel - my husband and I bought immediately too. And it’s true, every place has its problems, but it’s really unbelievable how many expats in SMA seem to have “drank the Kool-aid.” But I’m happy you two stayed clear and are free to explore other places. I hear Spain and Portugal have some wonderful small towns! 😘

[@dchiddengems]

Your perspective is a valuable one and we’re glad you shared it. We spoke to several locals and just from research and observation we could tell that the place changed. It may depend on your perspective if it’s a good or bad change, but it’s not entirely the sleepy little authentic town it once was. In some ways we like the modernization and many more familiar American faces, but it was also disconcerting to learn that many of the Mexican families moved out of Centro because they just can’t afford it anymore. We’re still trying to figure out how to interpret the crime levels in SMA and throughout Mexico. We did speak to locals who reported and large increase in non-violent break-ins and theft. There hasn’t been as much of the violent narco stuff, but they have been spotted and they are certainly active just a few hours away in Morelia and Celaya. But we generally feel very safe in Mexico more so than some areas of the US cities we have lived in. As you said, every place has its problems. We are headed to Merida and also Spain and Portugal very soon!

[@missybelmont9830]

@@bonitakupton yeah, Portugal is more affordable than Spain with tons of very nice, down to earth people so I hear.

[@dchiddengems]

@Missy Belmont We did a lot of research on Portugal, because we heard the same things. We actually wanted to get a second passport to be able to enjoy a second home there and travel freely in Europe. We are still looking into it, but as you can imagine it’s a complicated process. Maybe someday.

[@christineboone2850]

Wonderful tour of three beautiful houses!

[@dchiddengems]

Thanks much, Christine! We loved the homes and all of SMA. Glad you enjoyed it and that you’re coming along with us:)

[@MK-pt9zt]

All the houses are gorgeous and in excellent locations. You did a great job on the house tours.

[@dchiddengems]

Hey! Thanks much. Agreed on the homes and locations. There’s a lot to choose from in SMA, and we loved getting to know the different areas and neighborhoods. Spore sure your comment and glad you’re coming along with us:)

[@none1616]

We are a couple of months ahead of you. We quit our jobs last year, sold our house in Northern Virginia in March and moved to San Miguel in May. We kept a condo in the US and spend a few months a year travelling in Europe. We've had a warm welcome and an easy landing in SMA, love the people, culture, language, weather, food and beauty. Happy to share where we bought a house and what we've found.

[@dchiddengems]

Hey! Congrats and thanks for the comment. Do you come back to US much? We are continuing our travels before buying, we think, to make sure it’s right if/when we buy given there’s so much out there to experience. We downsized in DC and can lock and leave, which we love. Really happy for you! Where’d you land in SMA? Thanks for coming along!!!!

[@valsainking]

Jesus Christ! That inner courtyard @6:57 with those gorgeous tall, round concrete planters against those pristine whitewashed walls and that lovely blue sky overhead is all I needed to feel transported and fall in love. SMdA is one of those magical places where history, art, architecture, and folk traditions collide to create something truly extraordinary.

[@dchiddengems]

Hey Josh!! Beautiful, right?! SMA really is a magical place, and the ability to live in spaces like that are really special. We are so glad to have you coming along with us, and so appreciate your comments!:)

[@lilianachavez3191]

We are the process to retire and SMA was the perfect place to do it but you guys give me so much information to think about to rent before buying. Thank you so much see you soon

[@dchiddengems]

Thanks, Liliana!! So glad you found value. We really learned a lot, and for sure recommend you rent and get a real experience before committing to buy! It’s a wonderful place but for sure lots to consider. It’s easy to get excited about owning a new place, but so much is involved and buying is something you don’t want to have to do-over:). Good luck and keep us informed on what you do!!!

[@rosemaryhoffman4115]

That’s right you can get the house you want then go to south of France and get a Château, I will still be following you. Your new follower Rosemary Hoffman, Long Beach, California…. Happy Hunting, so very glad I found your channel. 🙏🏻😘🙏🏻

[@dchiddengems]

Hey Rosemary!! Thanks so much for the comment. We’re glad you found us, too! Do you watch the TV show “Chateau DIY”? We love it. So happy you’re coming along with us:)!!

[@rosemaryhoffman4115]

@@dchiddengems yes!! I watch that show too ♥️😘♥️ Rosemary 🌹 Long Beach, California

[@johnheron7911]

Nicely done video

[@dchiddengems]

Thanks much, John! We had a lotta fun doing it. As newly retired folks the channel is giving us a new challenge to complement our travels and we are loving it. Glad you’re coming along with us:)

[@Vancouver_Dan]

We stayed in a one bedroom hotel suite in Case Relox several years ago. Our suite was very chopped up (if I recall correctly, we had to go through the bathroom to get to the kitchen) but I loved the fact that it had screen doors to capture the breeze and a nice roof top upstairs. The big problem was the noise of buses travelling on the cobblestone street below our suite. It was loud. We met a neighbour who had installed better soundproofing windows in his suite. That said - if I was staying in SMdA for any length of time I would definitely want to settle a bit further from Centro - Guadalupe looks good. Anyway, thank you for a very interesting video!

[@dchiddengems]

Thanks for feedback! We enjoyed our time there but the buses were definitely something we heard when we were outside. In centro close to street for sure, and there was some kind of manhole that every bud hit every time! Thanks so much for the comment and coming along on our journey!!!!

[@juliesullivan3425]

Nice thanks I enjoyed seeing these homes in SMA. I’m going for my first visit in Oct. Hi from Baltimore.

[@dchiddengems]

Hey Julie! Thanks for the comment and hello from DC:). We believe you’ll really enjoy the trip to SMA. It’s a wonderful place with so much to offer. Let us know what you think and thanks for coming along in our journeys:)

[@angelicac8383]

I just want to say that this video somehow ended up on my recommendations and after watching it you gentlemen both seem very lovely and I wish you the best on your house hunt. My first time in SMA was in the early 90’s and I have gone back a number of times, the last being in late 2019. It’s charm certainly has diminished for me but as a Mexican I do see it from a different point of view. Lastly, I want to applaud how democratic and gracious your responses have been to some of these comments that deserved far less. Makes me want to see more of your videos!

[@angelicac8383]

*Diplomatic, not democratic:)

[@dchiddengems]

Hey Angelica! Thanks so much for your wonderful comments!! We have friends that have been going to SMA since the 90s and say much the same as you. We really enjoyed our time there. Thanks, too for your gracious comment on responses. We know everybody sees things through their lens and experience and welcome all POVs. We also know and understand we are “perfectly imperfect” and totally own it! So happy to have you come along with us and please keep letting us hear from you. You seem like our kinda people!!!!

[@dorahernandez7685]

Wow, these were beautiful homes. I loved how eloquently you describe them. I thought you were going to choose #3. I also saw you in #1. Anyway, you both are very sweet and as I always say, everything happens for a reason. I will subscribe and follow you guys. And thanks for the videos. I hope to retire in SMdeA one day soon! 👍 🌷

[@dchiddengems]

Well, you probably picked up on how much we loved it. We were torn…and that might have been the smartest choice if we were honest. As you said…everything happens for a reason. Thanks for following and most of all best of luck on your retirement plans and let us know how it goes!

[@lidiagutierrez7983]

Tu no eres Mexicana, stay in your beloved US.

[@williamfahey6066]

Number Three is a winner ! That house is in move in condition. The outside is beautiful and so is the inside. it is to bad it was not in the area you prefer. I hope you find the perfect house there. Jeff

[@dchiddengems]

Thanks, Jeff! That is a great house! It was so many of the things we wanted, too. We are now traveling the world 6-8 months per year, so are just renting as we aren’t in any one place (beyond our home in DC) long enough to justify it. Really glad you’re coming along with us!!:)

[@thesuperdes1983]

Good luck 🍀👍🏽

[@dchiddengems]

Thanks, Deseree! We are having fun exploring the world and other parts of Mexico for now, which is really fun and so different from settling in one place other than home in DC. Glad you’re coming along with us!!

[@rebecaescudero9320]

Wowww están padrísimas las casas que escogieron.. Yo vi unas muy chiquititas claro de acuerdo a mi budget, pero como a 10 min. Del centro y me gustaron mucho porque cerca del centro suenan las campanas y con mis perritas es un poco incómodo , pero las q ustedes vieron están muyyyyyyy bonitas... Y una vista espectacular enjoy🥰🐾🐾

[@dchiddengems]

¡Sí, son espectaculares! Estuvimos tan cerca. Centro puede estar muy concurrido y ruidoso, por lo que entendemos que desee estar un poco más lejos. Manténgase en contacto y háganos saber cómo le va y qué está haciendo también.

[@lidiagutierrez7983]

Vende Patrias!! dandole tu tierra a los gringos?

[@rebecaescudero9320]

@@lidiagutierrez7983 Tus frustraciones las entiendo... Trata de mejorarlas y ojalá algún día llegues a ser feliz.. Vive y deja vivir..

[@jimzooter4239]

@@dchiddengems Well, that response answers one of my questions. :-)

[@mdelong]

Yes always more houses to see.

[@dchiddengems]

Hey! Yes so many options and a lot to consider! We learned pretty quickly that it’s really important for us to continue to experience different places at different times of the year and refine our POV before too-quickly buying. It’s really fun to look and explore. More coming soon, and thanks for coming along with us:)

[@teresita4791]

I LIKED HOUSE #3 BEST OF ALL, IT WAS SO BEAUTIFUL, I WISH SOME DAY I WILL BUY A HOUSE LIKE THAT.

[@dchiddengems]

Yes it was very beautiful. Sitting on that terrace and kicking back and having a drink each day would have been heavenly.

[@TheTwoTravelersInMexico]

All three are great choices, beautiful and unique. Bummer that your offer was rejected but i think it means there something better out there for you. -Marc

[@dchiddengems]

Thanks so much! Yes we believe things happen as they should, and we are traveling the world so much we are going to rent for the foreseeable future and just have our main home in DC. Glad you’re coming along with us!!!

[@yolandagarza7897]

It is a hard choice,I agree with you 💯 👏

[@dchiddengems]

Thanks @Yolanda Garza great to hear that!

[@robertjordan7922]

Have you looked into the water situation in SMA? The aquifer is being drawn down precipitously. Look into Caminos de Agua in SMA and the work they are doing.

[@dchiddengems]

We first learned about the water situation when we toured the botanical garden and learned about the disappearance of the natural springs in the area. But we can now tell that it is so much deeper than that giving the work of Caminos de Agua. Thanks for pointing it out. They appear to be doing great work @Robert Jordan

[@chrismaxfield5484]

The 3rd house is fabulous! A lot of house for just 2 people.

[@dchiddengems]

Hey Chris! Yes, that’s a great house. More of a family house as you mention, so a lot for two but great when guests arrive. The house has a housekeeper and gardener that have worked there for years and keep it up beautifully. SMA has so many beautiful homes with so much to choose from. Glad you’re coming along with us:)

[@goseetheworldnow]

Hey guys, we're visiting in Spring and WE, ARE, EXCITED! Can you help us out with realtors?

[@dchiddengems]

Hey!! Woo hoo!!! Congrats and hope you love it. We worked with Romina and really like her! Her contact is on the attached listing: sanmigueldeallende.realestate/property/inviting-light-filled-home/ Hope you’ll let us know how it goes, and good luck!!:)

[@goseetheworldnow]

@@dchiddengems Good looking out guys!

[@ralphlinville6646]

Sorry about the house you put an offer on! For myself, I really liked Tata Nacho ! Beautiful vibe and i love that neighborhood and like that its just outside of Centro.

[@dchiddengems]

Hey! Thanks for the comment. We loved Tata as well! We are firm believers that things worked out as they should. We have so many places to explore we think we will just rent for the foreseeable future. Thanks so much for coming along with us!!

[@mariamar2114]

Espero que no lo decepcioné México y la pasen Genial‼️‼️‼️

[@dchiddengems]

Tuvimos un rato maravilloso. México y su gente son maravillosos y estamos ansiosos por volver una y otra vez.

[@lidiagutierrez7983]

Vende Patrias!! Te ha de gustar mucho limpiarles el trasero a los gringos.

[@tidy]

I like the third house!

[@dchiddengems]

It is a great house. And the neighborhood was nice, even if a little more walk to town. Ultimately we decided too much of what we loved about it was three flights of stairs up and without easy way to add elevator if we needed as we age. It did sell to someone and is pending closing. Thanks again!:)

[@blakehastings117]

I definitely would have picked house number 3! That home is beautiful. But as you get older do you want all those stairs?

[@dchiddengems]

Hey Blake. Yeah that’s a great house. Really nice outdoor living at the top but lotta stairs. There was a bedroom on main but for sure the best part of the house was on third bad even fourth levels. We are just going to rent for a while as we travel so much. Thanks for coming along with us!

[@fibbs6533]

It would be nice to know the square footage of those homes. They looked big.

[@dchiddengems]

Hey. Thanks for the comment. The first one was about 1800 feet; second about 2000; third about 2400. This doesn’t include the outdoor areas, which did add a lot of space. Of course it’s spread across multiple levels, too. Thanks for coming along with us:)

[@juniordunkley2751]

That casa Relox wow

[@dchiddengems]

Hey!! Thanks for the comment and coming along with us!! Great house, right?! It was also very central, which we liked. It was a great set-up and we could’ve made it awesome with a little renovation. But we are actually good we didn’t get it, as our travels take us away so much. Think we will rent except for our primary home in DC to stay flexible for now.

[@Godfree1212]

Interesting to me is the desire to have a flat walk. But the houses all our full of stairs to climb constantly.

[@dchiddengems]

Hey and thanks for the comment. You’re so right! There are some major hills to climb in some locations in SMA outside, but the conclusion you’re drawing hit is as well, especially as we age. While the houses we looked at had bedrooms and living on the main level, so much of the great parts of the houses were up a few flights of stairs. For sure something we are paying attention to. Thanks for coming along with us:)

[@dennishassler605]

In Mexico, I found a building that had potential; however, on the ground I walked to the building and the road approaching the building was up a hill that had a 45 degree slop - so steep you could not walk directly up - you had to zig zag. Parking there would have been very dangerous and difficult to navigate - most drivers cannot handle that steep grade but it was very close to the Malacon and tempting - if only you can get up the extreme grade.

[@dchiddengems]

Hey Dennis! Yeah there are many places with very steep and difficult slopes. For sure driving, parking and even walking can be a challenge. We learned a “flat walk to centro” was a very premium thing to have when considering properties. We for sure saw some beautiful places, often with great views, that we just couldn’t consider for this reason. Really glad to have you coming along with us:)

[@dennishassler605]

@@dchiddengems Ha, ha!!! It is so funny in Mexico - I'll never forget that street going up hill at 45 degrees - seems outrageous and a hazard, too. It's like you are just a few blocks from CENTRO, but impossible to navigate the sidewalks or the street. Thinking "perfect location", but impossible anyway!!!

[@thesuperdes1983]

Can you recommend any great real estate agents, thank you 🙏 I’m moving with my mother and I’m talking to agents all the way from Spain 🇪🇸 Thanks again!

[@dchiddengems]

Hey again! We used the Coldwell Banker office in SMA. Great people and they really know the area. Good luck!!!

[@missybelmont9830]

House 3 would have been perfect for you!!

[@dchiddengems]

You know we have wondered about that. We still think about that one most of all.

[@digital1937]

The houses all seem dark with few windows and they all have stairs which may be difficult as one ages?

[@dchiddengems]

Hey. Thanks for comment. Yes the houses generally had fewer smaller windows and stairs. The upper floors were open and lots of light but yo your point for sure a consideration as folks age. Some we saw had the ability to live on one level or had elevators or ability to add one. For sure important considerations and great points! Our DC home is one level with huge windows and we love it and can see us aging in place easily:)

[@rayray6018]

I'm looking to go there in about 2 weeks....could I get the info on your realtor please???

[@dchiddengems]

Hey! Thanks for coming along with us. We used Romina at Perfect Home San Miguel on KZbin. She’s great! Let us know how it goes!!

[@jeljel4037]

No bargains to be had here for sure. I'd like to find a small 2 bedroom 2 bath adobe style home with patio and courtyard but real estate doesn't seem to be as affordable as I had hoped, not just in this town, but all over. And I would not want to be renovating to move in either. I may just stay home 🏡 where I'm at in the U.S. I hope things get better soon.

[@dchiddengems]

Hey! Thanks for the comment. For sure the prices are going higher, especially recently with the pandemic and other changes that drive up demand. We waited and are glad we did. Hope you find what you’re looking for. Where you are in the US?

[@turowat]

I'm building a colonial house in Querétaro, but a garage is a must for me.

[@dchiddengems]

Hey! Congrats and thanks for the comment. For sure if we had a car we’d agree, for several reasons. Where are you building? The third house had a nice garage, on a corner, and it was great. Thanks for coming along and best wishes for the new home!!

[@princesscc8600]

I didn't think that those houses could be so expensive. Too many stairs, you would have needed an elevator!

[@dchiddengems]

Prices in San Miguel aren’t what they used to be, for sure. Yep, lots of stairs…our hope was that as we age that we could have lived on just one level since they had lower level bedrooms. Might be wishful thinking!

[@lisetbernal8697]

The closer to el centro the bussiest, they will be a lot of turism and festivals and street parties no parking and hard acces for a car, the music, noise and crowds and church bells, fire works

[@dchiddengems]

Hey, Liset! Thanks for the comment. Yes, you’re right. Centro has much more activity, noise and people. We heard a lot of fireworks, too! When we go back we’ll likely stay in one of the close-in but not directly in centro areas to get the best of both: location and a little quieter. So glad you’re coming along with us:)

[@africaboggs6384]

I don't know what I'm waiting for, I've lived in the US for 16 years and it has been really hard to get my citizenship, I'm not begging anymore, I'll move back to my roots.

[@dchiddengems]

Best of luck to you, and thanks for coming along with us:). Let us know what you decide and keep us updated.

[@jimzooter4239]

Interesting house hunt. Sorry you didn't get the house you wanted, but it was in serious needs of some expensive updates. My husband and I both retired and are going to Guadalajara next month. We'll be staying in an AirBnB in the Americana section near Av. Chapultepec but otherwise haven't visited Mexico since the 90's (Cancun area, of course). I'd love to visit San Miguel, one of the more expensive areas for homes because of the concentration of expats. I understand that's a four-hour bus trip from Guadalajara, so we probably won't make it to San Miguel, at least not this trip. Besides, I'm having a very hard time persuading my spouse that a move to some location outside of the US might be a good idea. So when will you visit for your next house-hunting venture? And why are you so sure you want to move to Mexico? Do you speak Spanish? Is one, or maybe both of you, of Latin American extraction? I hope we visit Spain later this year or next, but moving to one of the Schengen countries of Europe poses its own special problems. Latin America seems like an easier transition for any number of reasons, not least of which is the closer proximity to and numerous flights into the US. So have you been following the exchange rate? It's trending down for the dollar and probably will continue that trend as more and more companies move their manufacturing facilities from China to Mexico. Which means now is probably as opportune a time for a large purchase as any.

[@dchiddengems]

Hey Jim! Thanks for the comment and coming along! We haven’t been to Guadalajara but it’s next on our list. Let us know about what you think! We are slowing our roll on buying something as we’ve found it’s so easy to rent and we travel so much it makes best sense for us given we have a home in DC. We are learning Spanish and are actually of French and UK decent. We just love Mexico and actually got our permanent residency as it feels like our second home even as we travel the world. We are seeing the Peso move up, for sure, which is good for Mexico and the people there. We are going on two years retired and have so many places to see but no matter what Mexico is always a big part of our travels. Let us know how you’re doing and what you think of Guadalajara!!!!

[@karenledesma7964]

So do you need to pay in full or is there financing in Mexico?

[@dchiddengems]

Hey, Karen. Mortgages are available for US citizens looking to buy in Mexico. We didn’t explore them, but know of others who have done it. We understand it’s pretty straightforward, although likely at a premium interest rate. Thanks for coming along with us!!:)

[@cobblestone977]

Great video guys !! What was your sense of the real estate market in SMA? Are prices increasing or decreasing? Is the market being effected by the changing US market?

[@cobblestone977]

PS. We were hoping you bought house #3 !!! Loved the outdoor living areas.

[@dchiddengems]

It’s probably too early to tell. We can say that the market was definitely on a rebound and prices increasing from COVID levels. This may stall it a bit but not quite yet. If you want to bet on a recession and you aren’t in a rush, then you can wait to see what happens. But if you have found your dream home and have weighed all the pros and cons of a home in Mexico then you might want to jump on it.

[@missybelmont9830]

@@dchiddengems yeah, why Didn't you choose house 3, guys?

[@dchiddengems]

@Missy Belmont we came so close to choosing that one and still think about it. It’s probably because we didn’t want to be that much farther out from the centro. It would make more sense if we were living there full time. But we may be older and wiser next time we attempt this. Lol

[@missybelmont9830]

@@dchiddengems I see, would it have been a 15 min walk or longer? I'm 54, so just wondering how far from El Centro one can be ...

[@martbright]

Wondering how much less you would pay if you didn’t care about the flat walk?

[@dchiddengems]

Good question, but a tough one. I probably would have to say that it depends on the neighborhood and the property. Certainly the property in some of the neighborhoods higher up are MORE expensive…because they have great views. The owners take taxis to centro. We personally just wouldn’t want them because we’re lucky enough to prefer to and still be able to walk everywhere.

[@elchapojr6219]

House 2

[@dchiddengems]

Hey Michael! We loved house 2, too! We found out through our realtor it recently sold, so somebody got it. Thanks for coming along with us:)

[@reneolguin1081]

Welcome to San Miguel!! If you're ever in Dolores Hidalgo, be sure to come by and look at my ceramics factory! TALAVERA MEXHAPATI

[@dchiddengems]

Thanks and will do!

[@CM-pr5pg]

It's so cool that each of you guys are looking for a home and I'm sure you are planning a hughe surprise for each of your wifes!!!!

[@dchiddengems]

Hey. Maybe a surprise but we don’t have wives:). We are together over 19 years.

[@r.j.lindzee6432]

I would have picked number two also! Very beautiful and I'm sure you two will be very happy there! This is my first time coming across your videos! I'm a Native American born and raised in Oklahoma but my kids dad is in Guanaquato so since they are younger teenagers now, I'm seriously of thinking about moving to Mexico a few months during the year. Keeping my house in Oklahoma and renting in Mexico so that my kids can get to know their grandparents (and younger siblings along with dad & step mom) while they are still here on this earth 🌍. These videos have really conquered my fear of staying in Mexico because you know what the kind of news we only hear of Mexico here in the U.S. but Mexico seems like a safer place than where I'm at and also more lovelier! Mexican people seem way more family oriented and living in the moment kind of people. Here it's just hustle and bustle and we're to busy working and worried about sending our kids to the right school. I'm ready to just enjoy life as it comes and see family on a regular basis even if it's my kids family.

[@dchiddengems]

We are so glad you found us and welcome to our own little mini tribe. I’m so happy to hear that the videos have helped you conquer some of your initial fears. That is very touching. We can tell you that when we first retired and started traveling that it felt a little scary, but with time and experience we realized that the world is not nearly as scary a place as we were led to believe. Just research and plan well, be smart, and always have a plan B and you will be fine. Your plan of not selling your house yet, and renting first sounds very smart. You have to experience it first. Yes the people are wonderful! That being said, choose your neighborhood wisely before signing a long term lease. Good luck and let us know how everything goes.

[@badgerresistance4322]

I see the US inflation is also hitting the real estate market in Mexico.

[@dchiddengems]

Hey. Thanks for comment. What we saw and heard was that demand and prices have really risen over the last ten years as more people discover Mexico, and especially San Miguel. When we look at properties in other areas that are less “hot” than SMA they are much more reasonable versus the US, though still seeing increases over the past. With the current economic environment its definitely a time to wait and see on purchasing, we believe.

[@christiantermont4281]

This shows about everything that is wrong about people thinking what is important for a house in San Miguel. What is massively misunderstood? Proximity to the Jardin? It means to be close to the noisy and impractical downtown. San Miguel is a cantina. That house on Relox would have been a balcony to view drunkards every weekend. Next the view of the Parroquia. After a few weeks, you won’t care less about it! Next the desired walkability ? The Bajio is only enjoyable WITH a car! Those folks did well to walk away as they would have tried to unload any of those house to the next fool with more money than common sense. We live in the region and never ever would have considered buying a property in Guanajuato or in San Miguel, let alone in the areas shown in this video. It’s just OK for a few days or a week but more than that? Nope!

[@dchiddengems]

You know we aren’t going to disagree with you at all. LOL What you have described is the likely scenario for a huge selection of people. In Washington DC though we already live in a section of town that is very urban and could be described as “the club” as much as downtown SMA can be described as “a cantina”. We kinda like the excitement! But you are right in that it doesn’t work for everyone and once you get your fill of it you move on. I hope your warnings are heard far and wide.

[@ltdodgen]

Opinions are like bellybuttons…..everyone has one.

[@christiantermont4281]

Indeed. Opinions are obvious expressions of personal taste. Yet, some are based on perhaps more experience and a more open mind about alternatives. Be well.

[@patriciaramirez3139]

FINALLY SOMEONE WITH COMMON SENSE. UNLESS YOU HAVE LIVED AND EXPERIENCED PARTS OF MEXICO YOU WOULD NOT KNOW HOW TO DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN GOOD AND BAD. IT IS THE SAME IN THE STATES YOU HAVE TO LIVE IT TO BELIEVE IT. I CURRENYLY LIVE IN TEXAS AND PRICES ARE SKYROCKETING.

[@jeannineguerrero4813]

Casa#3 es la mejor. Aunque no me gusta las gradas. ... Esos precios son precios para gringos ...

[@dchiddengems]

Hey and thanks for the comment! That is a great house, but agreed- most of where you want to spend a lot of time is up several flights of stairs, which is something to consider as we get older:). For sure prices are reflecting the expats coming in and buying. We have friends that have been there 20+ years and can’t believe the prices today. Thanks for coming along with us:)

[@ConnorBrosnahan]

WHAT! Didn't look in Guadiana?

[@dchiddengems]

Hey Connor! We actually did look in Guaniana as it’s a wonderful enclave neighborhood. But nothing available was in our specs. We liked some condos there but decided to focus on homes. It’s for sure a great neighborhood, beautiful and convenient to do much. Thanks for coming along with us:)

[@mdelong]

Third

[@jessiejoseph1093]

Why didn't you buy Nacho House?

[@dchiddengems]

Hey, Jessie! Thanks for the comment. We did love that house and neighborhood. The house was large and had a garage. But-the best parts of the house were up two or three sets of stairs, and the best part of the house-the outdoor living area-had to be accessed from a bedroom. As we reflect on things we are glad we didn’t buy anything, as we are loving being all over the world versus one place. Thanks for coming along with us:)

[@psrosemary]

Can you imagine living in any of these houses or neighborhoods during a lockdown? Claustrophobic!

[@dchiddengems]

Hey Rosemary. Thanks for comment. We kinda liked all the private outdoor living as a good thing to have during the lockdown. While it’s always tough to lockdown the weather, fresh air and privacy was nice to us, but of course everybody is different. Thanks for coming along with us:)

[@ruralangwin]

Enjoying a local beverage?

[@dchiddengems]

Hey!! Always!!:). You?!

[@reneecourtneyjewelry]

There is an mls

[@dchiddengems]

That would be terrific if there was. Can you point us to a link? I just tried to do additional research but we’re still seeing nothing. Here is what is currently stated on Wikipedia “In Mexico, MLS systems have been slow to catch on, although there have been numerous attempts to create a national network. The first MLS system originated in Puerto Vallarta as www.MLSVallarta.com in 1988 and existed for a short period …MLS systems have not had as much success in other parts of Mexico. ‘

[@reneecourtneyjewelry]

@@dchiddengems hello, a friend sent it to me and i need to search my emails. i am working all weekend but i will get it to you. i lived in san miguel for 20 years. if anyone has any questions , i'm happy to help.

[@dchiddengems]

That’s terrific! We have come across so many lovely folks with questions about moving there. Thank you for offering to help the community.

[@user-nq9gz4xf7f]

Im glad you didnt buy that place. Well 3 stories is kind of oppressive...being walled in would give me claustrphobia...and its just too much. They would make nice hotel or airbnb. Not cozy at all but that is my impression. The last one felt less verticle but decor less good...still was homier

[@dchiddengems]

Hey, William! Thanks for the comment. In retrospect we are glad, too:). We loved the location but as we reflect on it wouldn’t have loved it as much as initially thought. Number 3 was definitely more homey and larger and probably a better choice, though it had three levels also. We are happy renting our way around the world now and keeping our home base in DC. Thanks for coming along with us!!

[@patriciaramirez3139]

HOW LONG ARE YOU TWO GOING TO BE ABLE TO WALK ALL THOSE STAIRS? I DID NOT LIKE ANY OF THE HOUSES EXCEPT FOR THE TERRACE, I DO NOT SEE MYSELF LIVING IN HOUSES THAT LOOK LIKE HOTELS OR HAVE SO MANY STAIRS.

[@dchiddengems]

Hey, Patricia! Thanks for the comment. We hear you and as we reflected on it so much of the parts of the houses were upstairs. While there were bedrooms on the main floor, the best parts were the terraces, and they were up a lot of stairs. Thanks for coming along with us!!

[@CharlesBrown-fm3sh]

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@dchiddengems]

You’re welcome. 🤗

[@ruralangwin]

de us pronounced like day.

[@dchiddengems]

Okay thanks. I’ll do my best.

[@tidy]

The second house at a cost of $595,000.00 - they are asking too much considering the amount of work it needs. There were walls with paint bubbling and flaking. No one is going to give these home owners $595K.

[@dchiddengems]

Hello and thanks for the comment. The location was the big driver of price on that one, as it was just a couple blocks from the main square. It definitely needed work, which we saw the more we looked at it, and why we offered no more. So many things to consider when buying, and we are happily still learning and enjoying the ride. Thanks again for coming along:)

[@mrich9654]

I’d sell a kidney for house number 3!

[@dchiddengems]

Hey! It really was a great house and we kept I touch with the realtor as we wondered if it was the one that got away! It is under contract now. It was a great house and neighborhood!! You have great taste! Thanks for being a part of our journey:)

[@angelarold9183]

Those houses are too big, a lot of stairs, and you need to hire servants for daily cleaning, I prefer more green yard and less house to clean. Cheers

[@dchiddengems]

We hear you. Honestly I think we got caught up in the magic of the place. In DC we actually downsized from a row home to a flat apartment because of the lack of stairs and added security. Fortunately we caught ourselves. But it was so fun for a moment there!

[@dchiddengems]

One thing I’ll add is that we were amazed at the low cost of daily cleaning and other services there. It was pretty remarkable in comparison to what we are used to in the US.

[@angelarold9183]

@@dchiddengems The difficult thing is to find trustworthy workers, good luck with your search.

[@dchiddengems]

That is certainly true every where. Fortunately we have generally had good luck through referrals. But you are heard. And thanks!

[@sweetllamas2824]

$500,00. Confirmed: I am too poor to move to this city by a few hundred thousand dollars.

[@dchiddengems]

Hey and thanks for the comment! For sure San Miguel is getting more expensive. There are other options like smaller homes or condos that are less expensive. But other areas, especially outside of the main cities, can offer more affordable options. Thanks for coming along with us:)

[@sweetllamas2824]

@@dchiddengems Thanks for showing this amazing city! I will try to rent in this region for a time, to learn from artists in the region. Buying is not for everyone anyway! :D

[@DJOZMET]

Too expensive

[@dchiddengems]

Yes very. But it’s crazy how much more size of house you can get in Mexico for the similar cost in the USA. I guess we all just have to decide what makes us happy with whatever amount of money we have.

[@DJOZMET]

@@dchiddengems yes, you are correct if you have the money buy it.

[@dchiddengems]

@DJ Ozmet True

[@user-ts7om6on8w]

So all this for nothing? Oh you want me to subscribe, I get it

[@dchiddengems]

It’s just the story of what happened, friend. We were disappointed too. All the best.

[@natalias1212]

You making me sick. Rent before you buy!! That's silly talk you have . Will see how fast you will look to sell it.

[@dchiddengems]

Hey. We didn’t buy anything. Did you see the whole video?!

[@natalias1212]

@@dchiddengems Rent before you buy

[@Karlava493]

Oh or nothing so you want to make videos and get money, I see.

[@dchiddengems]

Goodness…I wish it were that easy. LOL No we definitely made the offer and we were going for it!

[@ferminadaza9418]

Stop coming to San Miguel, you are ruining the life style , everything is going to disaster, water 💦 is not enough and the traffic is going crazy 😢

[@dchiddengems]

We noticed the same issues. We hope you voice these things to the city council as well. We have a friend who lives there and he’s been active to help pass policies for sustainable growth. We are learning a lot from his example.

[@RodTwitch]

Oh joy, this is just like HGTV, how creative fellas. How cringe.

[@dchiddengems]

Oh yes, if you like the cringe factor then hang with us! Sometimes it lands…and sometimes it don’t. But it’s always a hoot. LOL