Get started · buying

Tell us about the home you’re looking for.

It takes about ten minutes, and it means we only show you homes that really suit you. Rough answers are fine, and you can skip any question.

What happens to your answers

Only the two of us read them

Your answers come straight to Russ and Mike.

We put them to work for you

We look through every home for sale around the lake and pick out the ones that fit.

We email you the homes

The homes that fit come to your inbox the next morning. If you like, we’ll also send new ones as they’re listed, and our weekly Lakeside Letter.

About you

Just the basics, so we can get back to you.

We'll send your list of homes here.

Most people here use WhatsApp. It's the quickest way to reach us.

Best way to reach you
Language

It helps us explain prices and sizes in a way that makes sense to you.

Have you spent time at Lakeside?

There's no wrong answer. It just tells us how much of the area to show you.

Are you already working with another agent?

If you are, just let us know. We're happy to step back.

What you're picturing

This is our favorite part. Write as much or as little as you like.

The view, the quiet, walking into town, friends dropping by. Whatever comes to mind.

The weather, the cost of living, the community, family or friends nearby. It helps us suggest the right towns.

How you'll use the home
What will the home be for?

A full-time home, a holiday home and a rental each need different things.

Who will be living here
When are you hoping to move?

If you're a year or more away, we'll keep you posted on the market rather than send homes that will be sold by then.

Your budget

Your comfortable top price helps us show you homes you'll actually want to see.

A note on dollars and pesos

About half the homes here are priced in pesos and half in dollars. When the exchange rate moves, the dollar price of a peso home moves too. Whenever we compare the two, we’ll tell you the rate we used.

Just one number, please: your top price.

Currency

If you think in another currency, such as Canadian dollars or euros, put the amount in US dollars and mention it under Anything else at the end.

Optional. If very low-priced homes aren't for you, put a number here and we'll leave out anything cheaper.

Is your top price firm?
How are you planning to buy?

Almost every home here is sold for cash, because mortgages are hard to get in Mexico as a foreigner. If you'll need a loan, let's talk about that early.

Many homes here, especially in gated communities, have a monthly fee for things like security, a shared pool and gardens. Put 0 if you'd rather have no fee, or leave it blank if you're not sure.

Currency
The home itself

Optional, so leave it blank if you're not sure. Most two-bedroom homes here are 120 to 250 m², and most three-bedroom homes 220 to 350 m². 1,000 sq ft is about 93 m².

m²

Optional. If a garden matters to you, this is where to say so. Most two-bedroom homes sit on 150 to 500 m² of land.

m²
What you're open to
Would you buy a home that needs some work?

Some homes need fresh paint, some need a new kitchen, and some need much more. Tell us how much fixing up you'd be happy to do.

Must-haves and nice-to-haves

For each item, choose how much it matters to you. Keep “Must have” for the few things you truly can't do without. Homes missing a must-have are left off your list, so if you choose too many, there may be nothing left to show you.

A view of the lakeSome listings just say “a view”. We keep those on your list and check for you.
A view of the mountains
A poolSome listings count a shared community pool. If you want a private pool of your own, mention it under Anything else at the end.
A garden or yard
A covered terrace
Off-street parkingThis could be a garage or an open carport. We check when we visit.
A guest casitaMany listings don't mention this, so “Nice to have” usually works better than “Must have”.
Inside a gated community
Walled or fenced
All on one levelThis is about the floors inside. If steps up from the street would be a problem, check that under Deal-breakers too.
Wheelchair access
High-speed internetMany listings don't mention internet. If you work from home, mark it and we'll check for you.
Pet friendlyMainly matters in gated communities and condos, which can have pet rules.
Solar panels
On municipal waterTown water, rather than a well or water delivered by truck.
Comes furnished“Partly furnished” counts too. What stays with the home is agreed with the seller.
Deal-breakers

Anything that would make you say no to a home straight away.

Check any that apply

In your own words. For example: a steep driveway, a hot afternoon sun, a bathroom that won't fit a wheelchair.

Things like air conditioning, a modern kitchen, a home office or a quiet street. Listings rarely mention these, so we check for them when we visit homes for you.

Where you'd like to live
Areas you like

Check as many as you like, or none if you're not sure yet.

The feel you're looking for

Check any that sound like you.

Anything else

Anything at all that helps us understand what you're looking for.

How should we send you the homes that fit?

Either way, the homes that fit come to your inbox the next morning.

By sending this, you're letting us use your answers to find you homes and get in touch. Our privacy notice (aviso de privacidad) is on our privacy page.

What happens next

  1. One of us gets back to you, usually the same day

    We may have a question or two. Think of it as the start of a conversation.

  2. We send you the homes that fit

    Not just our own listings, and we mention any that came close.

  3. You tell us what you think

    Your feedback helps us fine-tune the list.

Thank you for taking the time. We look forward to getting to know you.