Johnson & Associates

Guatemala Villa (Continued)

The following are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Crime: Guatemala City is a huge city. There is crime in certain parts just like there is in Detroit, Chicago, Houston, L.A. etc. Don't go to those parts! We connect through Houston non-stop into the city. A car from the Grand Futura Hotel picks us up at the airport. We stay on the Royal Floor which includes complimentary cocktails and food. A great hotel! The room cost approximately $89.00 per night. The next morning a private car from the lake picks us up at the hotel and we go to Wal-Mart to buy supplies. Then we're off to the lake. When we head home we reverse the process. The airport and hotel are both located on the west side of the city. The lake is also located west of the city so we have no reason to "visit" the rest of Guatemala City. Tourists from all over the world including the U.S. visit Lake Atitlan. Many have chosen to retire there. Each village located around the lake has it's own dress color and the residents are well mannered and clean. The lake is approximately 50 miles from the city. However, due to the change in altitude and traffic, the driving time can range from 2 to 3 hours.

Land Ownership: As with all property that is located on the water, the land is leased. The villa lease runs to February, 2041. The lots are leased to December, 2023. A small annual lease fee (approximately $490.00 for villa and lots) is paid to the government. At the end of the lease period, the property is renewed by paying a small renewal fee. Many people do not realize that many franchise businesses here in the U.S. are built on leased land. They include McDonald's, Wal-Mart, Applebee's, Best Buy, FedEx, Kohls, Wendy's and Starbucks just to name a few. My villa is close to an area known as "Millionaires Row" where many beautiful mansions are also located on the shores of the lake with private helipads etc. They too are built on leased land.

Transfer of ownership: I have a very reputable law firm in Guatamala City that assisted me when I purchased the property. I'm sure that my attorney, Ms. Rita Perez would be happy to assist the buyer in finding another reputable firm to handle your end of the transaction.

Medical facilities: There are many qualified physicians, dentists, laboratories etc. located in the larger villages around the lake.

Cost of Living: The cost of living is VERY LOW! The utilities will run around $110/mo. if you or guests are staying there. Phone (WiFi) around $20/mo. Insurance including an additional liability policy $1,337/yr.

Weather: The best in the world! If you Google the weather you will find that it varies very little year around. High's in the 70's and 80's, lows in the 50's and 60's.

Flight connections: Many major airlines connect into Guatemala City. Fares are a fraction of the cost to many other resort area's.

Employees: I employ a full time caretaker/gardener who lives on the property in his own apartment 24/7. Victoriano is very loyal! No matter what time either you or guests arrive, he is there to open the gates, carry luggage etc. He is paid approximately $350/mo. He is highly respected by the villagers due to his position at the villa. Nancy, the cleaning lady comes in twice a week to clean, do laundry, prepare for guests etc. She is paid $45/mo.

Property managing and bill pay: I have a property manager that takes care of bookings, paying bills, arranging tours, transportation etc. In return, he is paid 10% of all rents received.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions not addressed here.

Master Suite View

Parankaya River & Natural Stone Wall That Borders The East Side Of The Villa

Garage From Villa Side

Garage From Road Side

Caretakers Quarters

Victoriano The Caretaker

Boat Charters Pick Up From The Villa

Late Evening In San Antonio Palopo]]]]]]