If Buying in Merida, Mexico You Need to Think About These 5 Things for Your House 

I think a water softener is another important thing to include with the RO system.

That's so kind of you to say. I'm glad you're enjoying the content!

I've been working on this, but in our situation it gets a bit complicated. Our renters are informed that we pay for a certain amount of electricity, but they have to pay the excess cost. Because of that our costs are fully-funded. It sounds a bit odd, but it's a normal practice in our situation. That being said, I've been working to increase our solar capacity to a point where it will achieve a "net zero" benefit, even if I am down there lol. Once I have that figured out, I'll feel comfortable making that video. I hope that explains it. I'm a bit frustrated with where we are at this point, but hopefully within the next year we'll be "dialed in".

Thanks, Peter! Yes, our contractor both designed and was responsible for the entire building process. He many of his own people, but yes he managed all of the other trades and providers that were required. We decided on him mainly due to the fact that our real estate agent had worked with him in the past, and his name his reputation was incredible. For us, the additional "fee" (if any) to work with him from the design to construction, and now to property management was absolutely worth it.

Thanks, Peter! I answered in your first post, but just in case - here's the answer again. Yes, our contractor both designed and was responsible for the entire building process. He many of his own people, but yes he managed all of the other trades and providers that were required. We decided on him mainly due to the fact that our real estate agent had worked with him in the past, and his name his reputation was incredible. For us, the additional "fee" (if any) to work with him from the design to construction, and now to property management was absolutely worth it.

Welcome to the reality, it only gets worse. Get involved in commerce and the driving will make sense. If you get past the veneer and see there is no "expat lifestyle" and Farcebook groups have no clue what it's like to live here, or who the Yucatecos really are you will have arrived. In the meantime stay alert and assume the worst. Oh, those are my thoughts. Arrived in '09, love it but after years am immersed and invisible, a worthy goal.

Thanks so much! From what I've seen so far, and obviously at this point my knowledge is more limited, it's simply a cultural difference. It's rare to see a driver actually get angry or seem impolite, but the style of driving tends to be a little more rushed and you have to just be more assertive when you're behind the wheel. If there's a gap, someone will take it, but if you start moving over, they'll stop. In truth, it's the same way with certain places where you're in-line. When we first started going to Mexico I was getting pretty upset because I'd have people just walk right in front of me... then my wife who has been down there much more often pulled me aside, and just explained no one's trying to be a jerk, that's just what happens. Once you catch-on to those things and don't assume somebody's doing to be a jerk - it becomes a much more relaxed world for you! I hope that helps!!

Strange, I've never had trouble driving in Merida. It's just different from the states. Drivers aren't trying to be rude, it's just normal to honk the horn, slip in in front of you in traffic, change lanes quickly, etc. Motorbikes are crazy, watch out. Pedestrians don't seem to have right of way unlike the US where they dare you to hit them. I love driving in Merida, maybe that makes me the odd one. If you just relax and go with traffic flow you'll learn to laugh at these things.

Glad you enjoyed it!!

Thank you, and congratulations on the house - you're so close!!

I live in Kansas City, but the home I talk about is located in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico.

I have not had anyone say that, you are the first!