RENTALS: Ajijic-Chapala, Jalisco, Although many visitors arrive and buy a home or condo with in a week, the larger percentage, rent for a few weeks to a few months and occasionally for consecutive years before they buy property. We bought on our first trip, (of 3 weeks), but we had done the research and after 12 years are still enjoying our purchase in the area, and . We like to be sure our clients have all the information they require to make an informed decision. Some feel comfortable after a week or two, some after several months and some after their 3rd. or 4th. visit. Therefore we are pleased to assist in finding appropriate rentals. Short Term Stays: less than 1 month. Normally, we recommend one of the fine B & B’s in the area, or a Suite that has a Kitchenette. Longer Term Stays: more than one month: Suggest a suite or home Rental. Time of Year:Peak Season: Jan. Feb. March (many “Snow Birds arrive for the Peak and High Seasons) High Season: Nov. Dec. April Low Season: May through October –Not as many “Sunbirds” as one would expect. As a result there is more availability and lower rental prices. Question:?Why is the “summer season” called the low season?Obviously it is because there are fewer visitors to the area. There are still a high percentage of those living around the Gulf, in Arizona and other hot and humid states that think that if they travel south to “Mexico” it will be Hotter. Not so at Lakeside. We are at an elevation of 5,200 feet above sea level, in the Sierra Madres, and beside Mexico’s largest inland lake - Lake Chapala. From May thru Sept. the average high temperature is about 80’F, the avg. low temp. about 62’F. Much lower humidity. Very comfortable- A/C is seldom required in homes, nights are cool enough for a good sleep. Normally the rain is at night. The mountains turn an emerald green. Yet, for many, the perception is different. There are no perception problems for “Snowbirds” – they know that if they travel to Lakeside in the winter, they will have great weather. Potential “Sunbirds” have to try it, to become convinced. Then they wonder- “what took me so long ?” Rental Assistance:We have a Rental Profile (Wish List) Criteria Sheet that we would be pleased to send you, and when completed and returned, pass it on to our Rental Department (plus keep your requirements in mind, as we talk to other locals). Our Rental department has a wide choice of Rentals. Availability changes almost daily. Typically- those who have their home available for long term rental will not take reservations for only the Peak Season in the previous summer or early fall. They are looking for at least 6 months of rental. However a good time to have your Criteria Sheet in is by September for shorter term winter rentals. We look forward to being of assistance. Don & Linda Wright |
