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Long Term Rental Panajachel

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Talullah
  4/17/2014 08:11 EST

We have been quoted $495 non-negotiable on a 2 bedroom 1 bath furnished apartment in central Pana. While it looks nice from the pictures, I am not 100% sure. It seems very high priced for a year long lease in Pana - almost US prices for some places. We do need to find gringo style comforts, and I have been told to look for places about $350, and that rents would be negotiable if we wanted longer than 1-2 months. Am I way off? We will be arriving from the US with pets in tow, so I need to be ready to move in somewhere. Thanks.

armandatitlan
  4/17/2014 08:39 EST

HI,
Well being in the rental business as well I can tell you that the rental market in Panajachel is very tight.. the 2 bedrooms you found is according my experience and knowledge a good deal. For rental under $ 400 it is harder to find nice houses. Rent were negotiable a couple of years ago because we didn't have that much demand but since 2013 the rental market has been booming for all segment of rentals therefore giving less leverage for rent negociation as the pool of houses available was drying out with people staying longer..

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bajasur
  4/17/2014 10:13 EST

I looked at places in Pana and if you need "gringo style comforts" $495 is not to bad. I pay $400 in Antigua for my apartment and have a nice comfortable place here.

AlPavarotti
  4/17/2014 10:45 EST

It seems like you're forgetting the place is furnished with all utilitilies included in a touristy place. If you think you can find something like that for that price in the US or anywhere else in the world you're only kidding yourself which means you haven't done a lot travelling. The problem is, you already had your mind set tthat you could find a place for peanuts in guatemala.

Guategringo
  4/17/2014 11:42 EST

Well said AlPavarotti, too many expats come to Guatemala expecting everything to be next to nothing. I certainly cannot think of anywhere in the U.S. where someone could rent fully furnished a two-bedroom for $495. This might be a developing country, but Pana is the second biggest tourist destinaition thanks to the most beautiful high mountain lake in the world. and there is a price that goes along with enjoying that albeit cheaper than most other destinations worldwide.

FrancescaW
  4/17/2014 13:01 EST

This is actually a very good price for Pana. Finding 2 or more bedroom gringo-style houses in Pana is extremely hard! We are paying $500 for a house with a shared garden space and 2nd bedroom is not even a proper bedroom!
Short term rentals (all inclusive) you're looking at a minimum of $600-650/month.
You'll be lucky tot find anything under $400 and that will most likely be an apartment and pets won't be allowed!
If you want to send me a personal message I can maybe give you some other suggestions.

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apekzp
  4/17/2014 15:29 EST

I love Pana and Antigua and just got back from there in February. My dream is to live there--and I know some of the expats. Tallulah--someone told me her her house was like --375 or something --it was under 400 and I was properly envious---as she described a beautiful home--on short term sublet. I will try to find her info---she was very kind and promised to let me know about rentals or anything otherwise opening up. OFF-TOPIC--When someone politely asks a question--about the region --whether it's finding a good dentist, taking up residence there-or what-have -you, I too, eagerly look forward to the answers--it is so disheartening that certain individuals who also frequent this board--- take it upon themselves to rudely put down the original poster's question. I learn nothing from those kinds of comments. Where are moderators for something like that? Why should those of us--who just want to follow the thread and glean info too, have to be subjected to this *&^#@*.--- Back to the thread--I will ask the expats--I know--it will give me a good excuse to say hi---and I am going posting about looking for a house myself for September---and certain parties need NOT reply. Good luck!

FrancescaW
  4/17/2014 16:57 EST

I totally agree with you apekzp - way too much negativity and unnecessary sarcasm.

bajasur
  4/17/2014 17:11 EST

There are people on here that give a direct response, no sugar coating. I did not see any negativity or sarcasm. Just a here's how it is in Guatemala. If folks read and do a bit of research they'll learn that what they have heard or read about prices, locations, are not always as they seem.

Talullah
  4/17/2014 17:42 EST

Thank you for the helpful responses. Part of reading and researching is asking questions on this forum. I thought my original question was polite, implied that I was not sure if my instincts were correct, and asked for the real information from people on the ground. I assumed that was the purpose of the "Guatemala expat Exchange." I imagine I will have more questions, so I hope that I can continue to benefit from those of you who are interested in sharing what you know.

Anyway, it sounds like the offer is in line with what others are paying. Perhaps I need to lower my standards to find something in my price range. I am considering taking a major income cut (to only about 15% of my current income) if I make this move, so in order to bring along my family, I have to be able to provide at least some of the comforts they are used to. For those of us living and working in the cities of the NE US, moving to Panajachel is kind of like living on peanuts, and I am trying to determine if I can make this move and actually "live." Thanks again for the responses.

Nevadajayhawk
  4/17/2014 21:41 EST

I think what was meant....is that there is no reason to insult anyone! This Expat Exchange is to ask for help and receive it!! Not to put anyone down!!

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apekzp
  4/17/2014 23:28 EST

I want to stay on topic in all due respect the original post--and this is the last time--I am interrupting a thread to protest--but I will say this-if the unprovoked nasty responses continue---then I am going to complain to creator of the board. It's always the same two or three people and being direct or even blunt generally means neutral--and is not license to be rude---there is a difference. Being rude is unacceptable and defeats the very purpose of this wonderful forum. Apologies to the OP for the temporary digression. You are going to love Pana. I will pm you when I find my friend's info and put you in touch with her.

Talullah
  4/18/2014 08:09 EST

Great, apekzp. Thanks.
The place I am looking at does not include utilities.

Would anyone living in a 2 bedroom apartment in Pana care to speculate on the cost of utilities each month? How much does "reliable" at home internet cost? Thanks, again!

ellenbuilder
  4/18/2014 11:31 EST

We moved here a year ago and bought a place with a house and 3 casitas that we are remodeling for eventual rental. Our power bill last month was about $85.00 U.S. We just upgraded to 5 Meg internet through Claro which is about as reliable as it gets in these parts is 515Q, roughly $65.00 U.S. We use propane gas delivered to our door in 25lb tanks @140 Q, roughly $25.00 U.S. and use 2/per month. Cable service, through Panadish, is 140Q per month. Like our direct TV service in the U.S. service is usually interrupted during a rain storm, soon to be a daily affair here. I realize that this is not exactly your situation, but these are our actual costs, right now. Hope this will be of some help.

FrancescaW
  4/18/2014 14:16 EST

2 Bedroom house with 2 people. Electricity around Q200-300 depending on whether you hot water is gas or electric.
We have 1 gb of internet which is around Q300/month. Although in the last house we were in it was more like Q375 and that we think was because of the water pumb. hot water is generally gas and recommend having gas. The gas price you have.
Then drinking water at Q17/garafon, although we'd suggest getting a water filter. Soon we will be charged for water too, as water metres will be installed in all houses around the lake eventually.
Hope this helps a bit!
Oh exchange rate fluctuating a bit but around Q7.65 to $1.
Hope this helps!

Talullah
  4/21/2014 20:05 EST

Thanks, Ellen and Francesca. This gives me a picture of the "range" of expenses we could expect.

Paradoxica
  4/22/2014 02:28 EST

Hi Talullah. I want to say that you might consider renting on a more short-term basis while continuing to search when 'on the ground' in Pana.

Often, word-of-mouth once you are there, will open up new opportunities, even house sits.

I had been living in San Pedro for most of the year for about 4+ years and always found great places after I was there.

The last one I found was the last one I looked at before giving up in dismay, came through a referral, and for Q3,000 (about $382) per month plus utilities, I got a literal 2-story palace.

It was newly built and never lived in, with 3 gigantic bedrooms the size of most houses there, 2 massive western style bathrooms with gigantic soaking bathtubs, whole house hot water, a huge western kitchen, 40' long living/great room, master suite on the second level with second living room and office, covered balcony and massive side patio, 2 gorgeous fireplaces, a grass front lawn the size of a football/soccer field, all surrounded by trees and privacy, the volcano at my back and the lake out the front.

Now I know this is not typical, but wonderful places do exist and can be found, it just might take you a little time.

If you do not find the perfect place immediately, perhaps considering temporary is ok while you scout, make friends and put the word out?

If you do not find perfection right away not being bound to a lease might be preferable even if you spend a wee bit more per month until you find your long-term home.

Are you looking on Guateganga.com and olx? Another option is to send a request/note to NGO's to see if they know of anything or have a need for reliable house sitters.

Just some ideas, hope they help and I wish you the very best of luck!

bajasur
  4/22/2014 11:07 EST

I agree with Paradixica. When I moved to Antigua, rented an apartment 2 blocks from Central Park. Stayed there for 18 months, but tended to have a lot of tourist traffic. Then moved to what I call a "Gringo Compound", gated, fenced, armed guards. Only spent 4 months there because during the day only the maids and gardeners were around, it was very sterile. Now live on the north side of Antigua in a typical neighborhood. Much nicer, interaction with Guatemalteco friends. In other words, go there check out different options and look listen, and ask. The first place you find may not be perfect but you'll have a place to live while looking for that "perfect place". My dos centavos.

hainan2
  4/23/2014 10:31 EST

can I change the town from Pana to San Lucas near Antigua? what should I expect to pay for a 2/3 bedroom house for 3 mts rental? any suggestions are welcome

bajasur
  4/23/2014 10:54 EST

Check this site

http://sacatepequez.olx.com.gt/piso-casa-en-alquiler-cat-363

Talullah
  4/28/2014 09:09 EST

Thanks for the links and the suggestions to think in terms of time chunks rather than one permanent move. The Solola listings on OLX are not as numerous or as exciting as the ones for Sacatepequez, and prices look better in San Pedro than Pana. ;-) But, I do have some very good leads, so thanks again to everyone for your advice.

MrHiller
  1/30/2017 08:33 EST

hi
utilities don't cost much since at that altitude it's "eternal spring", so no need for air conditioning.

MrHiller
  1/30/2017 08:33 EST

hi
utilities don't cost much since at that altitude it's "eternal spring", so no need for air conditioning.

charlsdixi
  6/19/2018 02:52 EST

Are you real mr? Looks like you have not done travelling enough to know prices.I lived in over 19 countries and recently I left Thailand and decided to be closer to home that is why I was checking on Pana. I rented a room in Thailand very nice ,fully furnished TV,cable,internet ,with private shower and bathroom utility paid and I used to pay only 150$ a month.I could rent one bed room apt. with everything 200$ a month.I believe Pana is overpriced .I m still checking more but if I see the way it is I will get back to Thailand .

NHLFAN
  6/25/2018 13:44 EST

From what I am reading here, Pana has become overpriced for all but backpackers. The number of gringos has driven up pricing. Too many not negotiating price and just paying what is asked. Now the locals expect to get that. If your renting online in USD its priced specifically for foreigners. Locals rent by word of mouth from other locals.

There are way too many cheap places in south and central America to pay that much. Maybe consider heading farther south to Colombia, Ecuador or Peru. You can rent a whole house for $200 to $300 easily. Right now, I am ocean front in Ecuador and my whole budget for 2 people is just over $1250 a month. I was in Colombia for 1.5 years and was @ $1000 a month budget. I have only visited Peru but the costs there seem very comparable to Colombia and Ecuador. The more foreigners in a location the higher the locals will charge. I would seriously reconsider any long-term commitment until you explore more. There are way too many great places to live in CA or SA if you haven’t traveled much you are jumping the gun settling down this fast. If your looking for an expat community where I am now near Manta would be a good spot. Tons of Americans and Canadians here.

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