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Apartament Rental Advice

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AnnaFierce
  8/22/2016 22:15 EST

Hello! I am moving to Antigua the beginning of October and I am currently looking for a furnished 1 bedroom apartment within walking distance of the center of town for under $600 a month. I have looked on Craigslist and OLX but I was wondering if you guys have any other suggestions for where to look as well as advice for renting an apartment. I'm a planner so I would like to have one lined up before I arrive, but that means renting sight unseen which is a little scary for me. Any advice you have for looking for or renting apartments, or if there are any areas of Antigua I should avoid, would be much appreciated. Thank you!

armandatitlan
  8/23/2016 08:31 EST

allow me to recommend Hernan Drexler from Antigua Rentals & Services http://www.antiguars.com/
he is very profesional and service oriented

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ddpate
  8/23/2016 09:56 EST

Yes, Hernan Dreksler is a great guy. We rented from him a couple of times before moving to Guatemala. However, while very, very nice, his places are pricey. We used a real estate agent to purchase a home just outside of Antigua. His name is Diego Mejia and he is a SAINT! I can't begin to tell you how awesomely helpful and kind this young man is. And, he speaks English. In addition to getting us a great deal on a really nice house, he helped with getting our cell phone, the electric company, finding a painter, on and on. His company, Live in Antigua, also has rentals and you may find something nice that is less expensive than what Antigua Rentals will have to offer. Diego's e-mail is [email protected].

souix
  8/24/2016 15:42 EST

It is NOT SMART to expect to have an apt lined up for your arrival. Guatemala doesn't work that way. There are many hostels in ANTIGUA. Be friendly. Stay at one a week talk to other travelers. Including walking around & looking yourself. @ notice boards.This is the way you find a place you will like. What YOU want is someone else to do your due diligence legwork which reeks of entitled white lady & you will be treated accordingly. & charged highly for it., with NO guarantees!

zaqwsx
  8/24/2016 17:17 EST

A furnished apartment in the historic district on a month to month rental starting at the beginning of the high season will cost you at least twice what you want to pay for something that meets 1st world standards. If however you are looking for something on a year round basis and will sign a 2 year lease you can get a whole house with a garden for less that $14,400.00 for the term;
deep clean entire unit q500
patch walls and paint q1500
new double bed q1700
new dresser and bed table q800
new sofa and living roon chair q2000
coffee table and t v mounts q500
32" and 40" TV's new q4000
new microwave q600
kitchen table and chairs q1200
kitchen stuff q3000
total stuff $2400.00 q15800
rent 2 years unfunished q3000 per month for 2 years $9600.00 with stuff $12,000.00 or $500.00 a month for a clean apartment, freshly painted with new furniture. Add a new stove and refrigerator and you are still under budget at the end of 2 years you can give it all to the maid and walk away ahead of the game. Add a $500.00 used scooter and you can rent twice the house and have a lot more convenience and still be within 10 minutes of downtown.

souix
  8/24/2016 17:44 EST

Um. Furnished apt means the furniture is already inc in monthly rent.
WTF are all your numbers? Jeez!

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AnnaFierce
  8/24/2016 19:22 EST

Souix, that seems a bit harsh. I don't expect someone to do my leg work for me, I have done a fair amount of research on renting apartments in Antigua and I am familiar with what is available within my price range. I am not necessarily looking for first world accommodation, in fact one of my goals is to live within Guatemalan standards, not American standards. My main requirements are related to safety, and it seems like most parts of Antigua are fairly safe. I don't need a lot of space, I will be living alone, and if utilities are included in the rent, it would save me from having to try to set them up using my limited Spanish, although that would likely be a good learning experience. Forgive me if I sound defensive, but I don't think asking for some advice on renting in a foreign country makes me an entitled white girl. I appreciate the advice to spend some time in country looking for apartments in person and I will take that under advisement. Thank you all for your suggestions, I appreciate the advice.

kgriff
  8/24/2016 22:27 EST

Many times utilities aren't included in the rent but, while you'll be responsible for paying them, you won't have to set them up or put them in your name. The only "utility" I can think of that you would put in your name is the internet/cable TV; everything else will likely already be set up in the owner's name and you'll just pay the cost each month.

I second the idea to come and stay in a hotel or hostal for a week or so before settling on a place to rent long-term. Most places are not advertised anywhere except the door; it is very common for people to put a notice on the door that they have a place to rent. You'll likely find a nice place for a much cheaper price by walking around the city.

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