Joan here again - Well we got the building inspector's report and as we expected, there was nothing major, just a few minor items, so we signed off on it and Thomas explained the next step which was the wiring of the deposit and the money for the notario plus the money for the furniture. He explained that if we sent the deposit first, and then the balance, we would have to pay two fees for wiring (3 if I sent the furniture money separately), but if we paid everything up front, then we would have only one fee plus - and this is a big plus - if he can move the closing forward, then he will be able to do so because the money is already in the escrow account. So, there is a chance we MAY be able to move into the house even earlier. Apparently the sellers are very amenable and of course, we are too, so we are doing that right now (Colin's on the other computer as we speak).
Also this morning we met with Julie - our contact in Immigration with the Mexican government. We went over what is required to get our FM2 visas (permanent but not the full Immigrado). What we have right now is the FM3 which is the 180 day tourist visa. Shelley and Trevor are going to apply first as they need to have theirs in place before they go back to Canada in December for Trevor's brother's wedding, otherwise the airport in Detroit will make them purchase a return ticket (their policy for some crazy reason). Julie was amazed when we told her this, but she has heard of it before, but not many airports/airlines do it now. Trust us to find one that does!
We met Julie in the Hotel Real de Chapala (where we stayed last year) - it was like going home. Whenever she has to come to Ajijic to do business (her office is in Guadalajara) she does it from the dining room at the hotel - everything is so relaxed here. Anyway, once we officially sign on as her clients (as in pay her fee which is $500 US for the visas per person, and then each year it is $150 and its like having a lawyer on retainer - we get to access her and her staff 24-7 forever and for everything, not just visa issues - anything remotely official, which is awesome. She knows how to 'get things done' which are not necessarily the 'official' way. Another one of the Focus contacts paying off.
Shelley and Trevor have gone up to the bank to open up their Mexican accounts so they can start transferring money here rather than using the ATM and paying fees every time. Plus you have to show that you have a certain amount of dollars coming into your account each month to qualify for the visa - and get this, it doesn't matter where it comes from, so even though it is already their own money in Canada, coming down into a Mexican account, all they have to do is show 2 months of bank statements showing the appropriate amount dollars deposited per month. But Julie said after looking at their bank statements from Canada, that what they already had enough deposited in Canada to qualify for the past few months so they are going to start their visa process in the next couple of days - even though Trevor was on EI for the past 6 months. Anyway, onwards and upwards.\
Colin and I came home after seeing Julie to have some lunch while the kids went to the bank and they're going out tonight with Thomas and his wife and some of their young friends - they meet once a week at a local bar to drink and chat - just the young 'uns - us old fogies get to stay home and dog-sit - lucky us! Will probably watch a movie - last night we watched Buried with Ryan Reynolds - which was very good considering he's the only one in it and 75% of the movie you only have the light from a lighter, cellphone or glow stick. It kept you right on the edge of your seat for sure. Anyway, Shelley and I really enjoyed it but Colin fell asleep, which is par for the course for most of the movies we watch.
Anyway, gotta run and help Colin with the wiring instructions - will return tomorrow with another episode.
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