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Another difference is it is difficult to evict renters, and it sometimes takes

years. And finally, there is a difference in finding a rental. Yes, there are the clas-
sifieds--if you can read Spanish. If you see a sign in a window, knock on the
door. It may not be for that home, but it can provide you with a lead. In Gringo
communities, look on the message boards--The Pacific Pearl office has an
excellent community message board. You can also post requests on the
MazInfo and whatsupmaz lists at no cost.

But word of mouth and signs are used quite a bit in Mazatlán. You ask

everyone you know, and those you meet for the first time. If you don't know
anyone, go to the Coral Reef Bar and Grill in the Golden Zone any Sunday
between 4-6 p.m. A Gringo Internet group meets there every week and can pro-
vide you with several leads.

You may not have time to do that, so some enterprising people have formed

rental companies to assist you. Please note that if you would like to rent out
your home. That is how they get their listings.

Mazatlán Rentals: Two of my favorite people in Mazatlán are the propri-

etors, Marlene, from Canada, and her spouse, Humberto Santana, from
Mazatlán. The advantage you have is an English-speaking person, and a bilin-
gual man who can help you dealing with needs peculiar to Mazatlán. Their
motto is, "We hit the streets while you hit the beach." They have houses and
apartments all over, but primarily in the central part of town. You can email
them at mazrental@prodigy.net.mx.

Sinaloa Sun Properties: Owned and operated by Mike and Kim Peters, who

are transplanted Americans. They specialize in houses and condos in El Cid,
and Estrella del Mar--both golfer communities, but manage properties else-
where in the tourist zone. They managed my house in the El Dorado neighbor-
hood before I started staying half a year and they did a good job and provided
many special services. Their email address is mike.kim.peters@Mazatlán.com
and a web site at http://www.mazinfo.com/sinaloasun. Telephone them at 916-
7794.

Home Ownership

Let's first get past a myth about foreign ownership of real estate in Mexico.

Foreigners can legally buy land in Mexico, other than the Prohibited Zone,
which is within fifty kilometers from the coast and a hundred kilometers of
borders. Wait, Mazatlán lies in the Prohibited Zone. Not to worry, the Mexican
government has figured out a way to save face (and help the banking indus-
try). They invented something called the Fideicomiso or bank trust to encour-
age foreigners to purchase real estate.

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Char les A. Hall