Hey All, we are coming to Cancun in Aug 2010 to live for a year or longer (and can't wait)! We have our own business which is based online so work is not a problem but we are really going to need some help to get this show on the road. Our current focus is on finding somewhere rock and roll to live. We want to spend approximately $550-$650USD per month on rent and have found some reasonable places in that bracket but would really appreciate it if someone could point us in the direction of a great lettings agent. If you guys and gals can help with this it will be hugely appreciated. Thanks loads Ben and Lili
Welcome to the forum, looks like we are in a similar line of work. To be honest I wouldn't recommend finding a place to live before you arrive. (I'm guessing that's what you're planning by looking for a lettings agent this far ahead of your move.) Also dont rely too much on places you may see advertised online, the vast majority of properties aren't listed online anyway and those that are are marketed at expats and over priced accordingly. Imho it's better to stay in a downtown hotel for a few weeks while you get a feel for the different areas, once you find an area you like drive or walk round noting the "se renta" signs and follow up that way, or buy the newspaper and check the classifieds. Try to see at least 6 different places before deciding, there's often a huge difference in quality between places of similar price. You may find a lettings agent useful - particularly if your Spanish is weak or non existent, but obviously they work on a commission basis and may not be as impartial as they might appear. If you have any kind of Spanish between you I'd encourage you to go it alone since renting is fairly simple process.
I agree with everything Steve said, come down, get a cheap hotel and hit the streets walking. Listings online are few and far between and often outdated. Most rentals don't even list in the classifieds, they just throw a "Se renta" sign up outside the place and count on walk ins. We got a short term rental when we first came to Cancun then hit the streets walking around, finding the areas we wanted to be and putting in the leg work to find an availability. REaltors here generally only work with more expensive properties, they don't make much commission on anything less than 6000 a month (that's pesos). Something to know is that Cancun is laid out in what are called "super manzanas" and "regiones". Supermanzanas are numbered, the lowest numbers are closest to the hotel zone and work their way out from there. Generally I would say that the lower numbers are better areas, though that is not always the case. For your price range I would be looking in anything in SMs 20-60 (it's a big range, but I think you should be able to find something decent in there). Of course, even in a good area, there are bad apts so you really have to see them in person to judge. Count electrical outlets (number of them and functionality), check for dead bugs, check windows (do they close and open properly, screens, etc) and water pressure. Ask about the "normal" water and electric bills (electricity is expensive) and check out the neighbours and action on the street. One street is very different than another, even in the same SM. Just my humble opinion, good luck!
Webmaster / Internet Marketer call it what you will. I see you're a fellow Brit, quite a few of us here but always room for more.
If you want to consider Isla Mujeres...a 20 minute ferry ride from Cancun, let me know. I know of a 2BR, 2BA house that's available in your price range. Much different than living in Cancun, but if you can handle life on a small island, it's a great place to live.
@BenandLiza What are your expectations about your place? Do you guys want an apartment that is pet friendly, small single house or one in a closed residential? Your price range could get you a nice 2 or 3 bedroom Apt in downtown. (if you get the apartment avoid ground floor units, metal curtains/hurricane protection are a plus), I also recommend posting a rough description of where your potential residence is because some places in Cancun get flooded when it rains (Calle Fuego, Ave Yaxchilan, the list is long!!!) What type of online business do you guys have?
Thanks for your comments Tom and Epic. We are fairly open to the type of house we live in. The only must is that it has a good (for mexico standards) internet connection. In terms of what I do. I run a niche consultancy specialising in Social Media Marketing for coaches and consultants although the number of clients i have outside of these fields seems to be growing. Are you in the online space Epic? Ben
You really can get good, reliable internet in any major city. If I had my pick, I'd be in Merida with summers on the Caribbean. But I've got 4 kids and my focus is probably a LOT different from yours. Unless you're REALLY tied to Cancun, I'd give Playa a hard look. Much smaller, same conveniences for shopping (except HD and Costco) and more "homey".. Oh, and TONNES of Euros.
