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Country living in Chapala Haciendas

JENSEN - $  299,000USD

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Our Mission and Our Service!

It's who we are and what we do... for you!


Mission & Service






BARBARA MERCIK AND MARVIN GOLDEN

Barbara Mercik and Marvin Golden left Canada in 2000 for a year-long adventure traveling through the US and Mexico. Their final destination was Ajijic, Mexico, on the shore of Mexico's largest lake and, Lake Chapala, an area rumored to have some of the best weather in the world. The lakeside immediately resonated for them and they never went back.

Too young to retire, it was an opportunity to reinvent themselves. Applying their skills in project management, consulting, sales and renovating, real estate was a natural choice. They thoroughly enjoy being ambassadors promoting living the good life at Lake Chapala. With their enthusiasm and honesty, they quickly became top realtors and now have their own real estate office, Lake Chapala Real Estate. Throughout their nearly 9 years at the lakeside, they bought and renovated homes and still manage to stay married.

The team at Lake Chapala Real Estate strives to be the most professional, helpful and friendly office at lakeside. They have assembled a list of quality professionals to help with every aspect of Mexican life and are pleased to share these references with clients. Their clients are thrilled with the commitment to excellent service and reward the agency with testimonials, repeat business and referrals.



EVA VALLADARES

We are very proud of Eva's success and advancement. She began as the backbone of the agency as our Receptionist with her warm and welcoming first impression the minute you walk in. Then as our Administrator, co-ordinating office activity, advising clients and expertly prepares for closings,. She is now also a fully qualified real estate agent. And she makes a mean cup of coffee!

Eva is probably one of the youngest grandmother's you have ever met. Her diligence, patience and wonderful sense of humor make Eva a valued member of our team.



THOMAS HELLYER

Thomas Hellyer is considered to be a bi-cultural expert with a strong analytical aptitude combined with a calm, forthright, and honest demeanor. His command of the Spanish language and the intricacies of Mexican real estate make him an ideal person to guide you through the process of making your dreams of living and /or investing in Mexico a exciting reality.

Thomas is originally from Lake Chelan, a beautiful resort town Washington State. He received a BA in Business Administration from the University of Washington Tacoma with a concentration in International Business. He first came to Mexico in the early 1990s to study Spanish in Guadalajara and totally immersed himself in the customs and slowly but slowly became fluent in Mexican Spanish and met his future wife, Iliana.

Prior to working in real estate, Thomas began a career at a boutique investment firm in Tacoma, Washington. He oversaw and managed stock and mutual fund portfolios, real estate investments and a portfolio of investments in early stage startup companies. He later obtained his real estate license.

He and Iliana always knew that one day they would return to Mexico and they now reside in Ajijic. Besides his real estate business, he enjoys playing with his two children, traveling, imbibing Mexican cuisine and spirits, hosting friends and family, and especially the delight that in Mexico, every day is a day of warmth, learning, and exploration.

Thomas Hellyer’s personal website is http://www.iRetireInMexico.com and is an active user on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.





SID GROSVENOR

Sid brings over 35 years of real estate experience to our clients as a former Texas broker, sales agent, and investor who specializes in creative financing and remodels. His customer service is phenomenal. He will show you more houses in out of the way areas that have real potential for renovation than anyone else. Sid is also a wealth of information, experience and ideas. Arcelia, his Mexican wife, takes people to Guadalajara and surrounding artisan areas for shopping and sightseeing.

Now check out his extensive web site www.chapalaclub.com for information, forums and videos about Lake Chapala.



PAUL HOPKINS

Paul is one of several Buyer’s Agents in the office and thoroughly enjoys meeting people and introducing them to all that the Lakeside has to offer. Prior to coming here in 2001, he retired to Lake Havasu City, Arizona and although the weather was much better than in Canada, the cost of living was steadily increasing. Research about the Lake Chapala area intrigued him enough to come down for a visit and he discovered his piece of paradise. Paul has a solid background in real estate in Toronto and Vancouver, has owned several business franchises – all which translates into excellent listening skills and infinite patience! He currently owns several properties at the Lakeside and is knowledgeable about local construction and new developments. He looks forward to working for you to find THE home that meets your needs!





JUDY MARTIN

Judy was a Coldwell Banker realtor in Sacramento, California for years. Her mother was stricken with Alzheimers and as her disease became more and more debilitating, Judy needed to find a place to care for her full time. A dear friend was relocating to Ajijic and suggested that she check out the wonderful facilities available Lakeside.

Upon finding the care givers here so loving and competent, Judy moved here and there hasn't been a day she regretted her decision. Judy's background has included many various careers including property management, leasing agent, and working as a Massage Therapist and Youth Activities Coordinator on cruise ships. Her integrity and honesty instill confidence in all her clients.



BARBARA GARDING

Barbara was born and raised in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia, Canada. She did her nursing training in Halifax and over the next 10 years nursed in Halifax and Montreal. She eventually moved to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada where she specialized in cardiovascular nursing and went on to obtain her Masters in Nursing degree from the University of Alberta. She held a variety of positions following her graduation and finally retired from the Health Department, Alberta Government.

She and her husband, Wayne moved to Lakeside in 2005. She has 2 step-daughters and 5 grandchildren living in Edmonton. Barbara enjoys golfing (although she is quick to add her handicap is high). She is currently the Secretary on the Board of Directors in her community of Chapala Haciendas. She has always loved a challenge and so when offered an opportunity to be a Buyer’s Only Realtor, she took up that challenge with enthusiasm. She and Wayne built their home and have a wide circle of friends here. Her knowledge of the area and of Lakeside is extensive. Barbara looks forward to assisting potential buyer’s find their dream house.



JENNY RODRIGUEZ

Jenny is a recent addition to our office and has quickly become an invaluable member of our team. She effortlessly manages to warmly greet clients, deftly maneuvers the constant flow of agents, ringing phones, handing out of keys & flyers … all done cheerfully, calmly and accompanied with a great smile. No task is too daunting and she enjoys a challenge. Jenny is becoming our resident expert in all things related to computers, especially Photoshop. We have high hopes for advancement for Jenny. We look forward to you meeting her when you come into our agency.



MICHAEL SMITH

We are pleased to announce that Michael Smith has joined our organization as a Sales Associate. His background in sales (aircraft, yachts, artwork and real estate) and business consulting will make him a valuable asset to our team said, Marvin Golden, Broker/Owner of Lake Chapala Real Estate.

In addition to owning sales organizations in the above mentioned fields. Smith also was the founder/owner of Consulting Technologies, Inc. an organization devoted to designing workshops and seminars, many of which were licensed to many of the fortune 500 enterprises. An example is "the Leadership Intensive" a course designed to bring forth Leadership Abilities for all Management personnel.

Smith also was instrumental in the early 80's developing "Coaching" technologies that enabled CEO's and other key Management personnel the ability to access peak performance from their associates. Today many CEO's and upper management personnel are utilizing Coaches to work with them on a regular basis.

Mike has lived in the lakeside area for 10 years with his wife Joyce.







We have worked hard and enjoy being part of the 'Tier One' of successful agents in Lake Chapala, Mexico. We hope that by providing honest, accurate information to assist you in making an informed decision, you will choose us as your real estate team at Lake Chapala.


Our Service

For Buyers :

When we represent the buyer in the transaction, we are able to negotiate to get them the property they want at a better price than they could do on their own or with most other agents. We take the time to listen, really listen - to our clients, so we can give them the very best service available.Click here to read how our 'Buyer Service' process works for you.

For Renters :

Although renting a home is not as big a commitment as buying a home, when renting in a different country and quite often by long distance, there are more risks involved than if you were just renting a summer cottage in your home town. It is always safer dealing with a professional agency, who can handle the nuances for you, keep you out of trouble, and make the whole experience an enjoyable one, instead of a potential nightmare.

Whether buying or renting, we have become known as the source for information and resources. We believe that it is necessary for you to obtain honest and accurate information in order to make an informed decision on whether Lake Chapala is a place you want to live, either full or part time.

We would be happy to refer you to reliable Property Management companies with a proven track record.