Interview With Butch Harbin -- Lake Chapala

Q: What made you decide to move to Mexico?

A: My wife and I are not really retirement age we are in our early 50's and decided that we would not be able to retire in the states. Having visited this area (Lake Chapala) many times since our first trip in 1980 we decided to try it on a permanent basis. We invested money in Lloyd's and the annualized interest rate has run from 15 to 33% during the last year or so. This has allowed us to live comfortably.

Q: Did your immigration go smoothly?

A: I doubt that immigration ever goes smoothly. We applied for our FM3s at the Consulate in Corpus Christi. We decided to do everything exactly right in hopes that this would expedite border crossing. We spent an extra $106 for the "Manaje" which is an itemized manifest of everything we were bringing into Mexico. Everything we were bringing was in our Astro Van. This seemed to backfire on us. We reached the border at Laredo at 6AM. We were told that since we had the Manaje we must employ a customs broker which was going to be expensive and unavailable for a couple of days. We watched many others with more stuff than we had go happily across the border with no more than a glance at what they were carrying. Fianally after the shift changed I was able to persuade the new guy to let me rip up the Minaje and pay tax (about $90) and be on our way. This was six hours later!

Q: Have you worked at all since moving to mexico?

A: I have an "amplification of activities" commonly known as a work permit. The hard cost of the permit is around $100 US but the going cost including mordida is around $1500 US, yes mordida is alive and well. This limits me to work only for one particular company and states what work I may perform for that company. The tax burden is substantial about 36% of net income with very few deductions allowed to offset income. It helps with the bordom factor and creates a little income.

Q: Describe Your Home Situation?

A: We had intentions of buying a home when we came down. We found a rental from and individual. The home has 3 brs. 2.5 baths. Has excellent mountain and lake views a nice pool and is furnished. For the first year we paid $350 US plus the gardener, maid, electricity, propane, phone, and satellite subscription. My thought was that we could keep our money and have it make enough to pay our rent and go along way to pay monthly living expense, so far so good. Our rent has gone up to $400. We feel a little uncomfortable not having a home of our own and I am always looking for a deal. They are few and far between.

Q: How do you fill your time in Mexico?

A: Other than my work schedule we are very active in the American Legion in Chapala and spend a lot of time working and yes playing there. We like to travel and probably average a long weekend trip at least once a month. Oh yes, we have a lot of guests from the states.
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As a real estate agent and expatriate himself Butch Harbin is the ideal person to help you find a property in Lake Chapala. Contact him: butchinmex@hotmail.com