mrtibbs
American looking for information about Puerto Rico
Forum posts
65
Contacts
3
About me
American
Lives in Aguadilla
Speaks english and spanish
Registration: 03 February 2018
Buying a car/renting? by ashyfay02
Hello All! I am moving to Puerto Rico in October, as of now I am only going to be living there about 6-7 months and I am wondering what to do about transportation there. Since I wont be there to long I will not be shipping my car because the cost ...
Good questions. I would like to buy in Aguadilla seeings it most likely has better options to car shop considering its a bigger town. Following to read and learn. Read More
Utilities by rambla
In terms of electricity (AEE) and water (AAA) getting turned on when you are a new home owner, is this something I can do online/phone? If not, is this information I found online (not on the uitilities site) still correct and current in your ...
To make things simply clear for anyone reading these mixed responses for WATER|SEWER you can NOW request the activation ONLINE instead of waiting in line at the office. Just go to the website eambla listed and its all there in black n white. For ... Read More
Time Is Here To Buy by mrtibbs
Hello all, So the time is upon us to buy and we will be in Puerto Rico (our home away from home) in a couple of weeks to start looking at properties. Initially, we were going to make a cash purchase but have decided it'd be wiser for our ...
Rey, you are absolutely right and I have to say that I feel much less stress about the whole process. Read More
Time Is Here To Buy by mrtibbs
Hello all, So the time is upon us to buy and we will be in Puerto Rico (our home away from home) in a couple of weeks to start looking at properties. Initially, we were going to make a cash purchase but have decided it'd be wiser for our ...
UPDATE: Browsing for property as a first time home buyer has been a little overwhelming with so many beautiful properties all over the areas we were considering. Carlos Torres offered some pretty sound and straight talk advice on FB that really made ... Read More
Time Is Here To Buy by mrtibbs
Hello all, So the time is upon us to buy and we will be in Puerto Rico (our home away from home) in a couple of weeks to start looking at properties. Initially, we were going to make a cash purchase but have decided it'd be wiser for our ...
Such an informative descriptive post! I guess I should be referring to my future purchase as a vacation property. That seems to be the most fitting. I agree with you that real estate is definitely much cheaper outside Rincon. There was a perfect ... Read More
Time Is Here To Buy by mrtibbs
Hello all, So the time is upon us to buy and we will be in Puerto Rico (our home away from home) in a couple of weeks to start looking at properties. Initially, we were going to make a cash purchase but have decided it'd be wiser for our ...
Thank you for breaking it down in that manner. It is useful and helps paint a better picture of how to configure the best option. To clarify, I want to purchase what would be our first home. We would live in it part time and rent out short term ... Read More
Time Is Here To Buy by mrtibbs
Hello all, So the time is upon us to buy and we will be in Puerto Rico (our home away from home) in a couple of weeks to start looking at properties. Initially, we were going to make a cash purchase but have decided it'd be wiser for our ...
We are a Puerto Rican family that grew up going to the island all the time. It has always been my dream to buy property there and now I am finally able to do so. This purchase for us isn鈥檛 a land grab and is a very personal connection to the ... Read More
Time Is Here To Buy
Hello all, So the time is upon us to buy and we will be in Puerto Rico (our home away from home) in a couple of weeks to start looking at properties. Initially, we were going to make a cash purchase but have decided it'd be wiser for our ... Read More
IVU Taxes & Short Term Rental Houses by melendezki
Is a vacation home in Puerto Rico, with a NAICS Code of 721199, required to pay 10.5% IVU taxes to the Hacienda Department and 1% to the appropriate municipality, in addition to 7% to the Tourism Company?
This information you have provided is a HUGE help. Thank you so much for clarifying and sharing your experience. Read More
we are looking at moving there and buying a house by Billclin
Hello I have read some of your posts and found them to be very helpful thanks we are looking at moving there and buying a house I would love to chat to get some more information we are retiring I am 54 years old but I am ready to enjoy life
Correct, HUD homes are all over the US. I never knew of anyone buying through this process. So thanks for sharing your personal experience. Read More
we are looking at moving there and buying a house by Billclin
Hello I have read some of your posts and found them to be very helpful thanks we are looking at moving there and buying a house I would love to chat to get some more information we are retiring I am 54 years old but I am ready to enjoy life
Would you mind sharing your experience buying this way? Basically, wondering specifically about the bidding process. Read More
First bank
HI, would you mind recommending the lawyer that you used to close on your home? Read More
New Financial Plan for PR by ReyP
The PROMESA board (http://www.promesacodex.com/oversight-board.html) has decided they had enough with the government delays and financial plans, so they have drafted and are about to implement a new financial plan for the island, the university, ...
Correct, the board is playing hard ball and if the politicians delay in implementing the measures, the board will revise the budget down to make up for the amount that was not saved due to the delay, which makes things worse for the politicians. So ... Read More
Just curious about the expat scene in Rincon by mrgood100
[color=#ca34c7]I am guessing that most gringos in Rincon are snowbirds but maybe someone can shed some light regarding how many there are who have sold everything they owned in the States and moved there for good. Also, maybe someone can give me an ...
Thank you Rey for clarifying and sharing your personal experience. That is something I would not want my family to experience especially on their own motherland. It helps explain why so many expats love Rincon with the servitude they receive among ... Read More
Just curious about the expat scene in Rincon by mrgood100
[color=#ca34c7]I am guessing that most gringos in Rincon are snowbirds but maybe someone can shed some light regarding how many there are who have sold everything they owned in the States and moved there for good. Also, maybe someone can give me an ...
Would you say that the gringos out number the native Puerto Ricans? This is my wife鈥檚 concern with moving to Rincon. She is Puerto Rican and doesn鈥檛 want to be the minority in the town she lives in in PR. As she says, 鈥渟he could ... Read More
Just Brought a House in Boqueron by dejahre
GET A GOOD BANK AND LAWYER FIRST!! My wife and I just purchased a house in Boquer贸n, Cabo Rojo. PR. We currently live in the Washington DC area but have also lived in Venezuela and Mexico. We are both retiring again and picked PR at the advice ...
Thanks so much for clarifying, Larry! Read More
Just Brought a House in Boqueron by dejahre
GET A GOOD BANK AND LAWYER FIRST!! My wife and I just purchased a house in Boquer贸n, Cabo Rojo. PR. We currently live in the Washington DC area but have also lived in Venezuela and Mexico. We are both retiring again and picked PR at the advice ...
I wanted to make sure I understood your post correctly. Do you mean the seller pays for the buyer's attorney fees by law in Puerto Rico? Read More
Just Brought a House in Boqueron by dejahre
GET A GOOD BANK AND LAWYER FIRST!! My wife and I just purchased a house in Boquer贸n, Cabo Rojo. PR. We currently live in the Washington DC area but have also lived in Venezuela and Mexico. We are both retiring again and picked PR at the advice ...
Congratulations on your new home and life in Puerto Rico. You offered very practical and WISE advice. How long did it take you from beginning to end to seal the deal? We will be on the island soon to start house hunting in the Augadilla/Isabela ... Read More
Buying Vacation Property to Eventually Live In by mrtibbs
My wife and I were planning on buying a home in the Isabela/Aguadilla area to live in seasonally. However, recently we have been discussing the possibility of using the home as a vacation rental to generate income instead of having it sitting there ...
Is your property manager located near Aguadilla/Isabela? If so, would you share her contact info? Read More
Buying Vacation Property to Eventually Live In by mrtibbs
My wife and I were planning on buying a home in the Isabela/Aguadilla area to live in seasonally. However, recently we have been discussing the possibility of using the home as a vacation rental to generate income instead of having it sitting there ...
Both of your advice Anna and Igustaf were extremely helpful (and piece of mind for my wife!). I am going to get to researching on AirBnB and VRBO to get a better handle of everything we will be getting into. Thank you both so very much and I hope ... Read More
Buying Vacation Property to Eventually Live In
My wife and I were planning on buying a home in the Isabela/Aguadilla area to live in seasonally. However, recently we have been discussing the possibility of using the home as a vacation rental to generate income instead of having it sitting there ... Read More
Group from States coming in June to help victims of Hurricane Maria. by Journeyandbeyond
I am looking to assist a group of women coming in June to help victims of Maria. They want to paint, clean or whatever else a person or family need close to the Metro Area... They are only here for 5 days. Please contact me to let me know if ...
You may also contact Pastor Bob or Christie in Guaynabo at Second Union Church. They are bilingual and are very active in helping communities during the hurricane recovery. My wife has been active with them since last summer and they are really ... Read More
Business by Bklynpizzaman
I am owner of a restaurant/bar in Fajardo. I am considering re-opening this upcoming month. Any insight into the feasibility of operating on the island what with the power surges and financial woes? Can I plan on business traffic being close to ...
Wishing you safe travels and much sucess! Read More
Six Months Post Maria by mrtibbs
Would you all please share your location and how recovery has been post hurricane Maria in the area you live? I think it would be very helpful for those of us stateside looking to move with knowing the level of towns affected from a personal ...
What a nightmare! Especially with hurricane season right around the corner. Read More
Six Months Post Maria by mrtibbs
Would you all please share your location and how recovery has been post hurricane Maria in the area you live? I think it would be very helpful for those of us stateside looking to move with knowing the level of towns affected from a personal ...
He did a phenomincal job reporting on the current situation and has been wonderful with his journalism in general regarding Puerto Rico. Thanks for sharing the link. Read More
Six Months Post Maria by mrtibbs
Would you all please share your location and how recovery has been post hurricane Maria in the area you live? I think it would be very helpful for those of us stateside looking to move with knowing the level of towns affected from a personal ...
Thank you so much SawMan for sharing. These pictures really did a good job in capturing the recovery in certain areas of the island. Read More
Six Months Post Maria by mrtibbs
Would you all please share your location and how recovery has been post hurricane Maria in the area you live? I think it would be very helpful for those of us stateside looking to move with knowing the level of towns affected from a personal ...
There鈥檚 been a lot of footage on social media of the super high turf. Very scary! Thanks for sharing the chart and link. We鈥檙e one of the people not trusting the numbers being reported by the media due to the conficting reports. Seems ... Read More
Is it rude to refuse to speak english? by sontek
Hey! The primary reason for us wanting to move to Puerto Rico is for our kids to grow up bilingual. We are currently on the island and are going out of our way to eat at restaurants and practice our spanish as much as possible. Our issue is ...
I think it鈥檚 wonderful that you want to emmerse your family in the culture. Some may switch to english also to avoid any misunderstandings when providing a service like taking a food order. Read More
Six Months Post Maria by mrtibbs
Would you all please share your location and how recovery has been post hurricane Maria in the area you live? I think it would be very helpful for those of us stateside looking to move with knowing the level of towns affected from a personal ...
Are you on Instagram to follow? If so, please provide your handle. Thanks for sharing and helping with the recovery. My wife has been helping with Second Union Church in Guaynabo. Read More
Six Months Post Maria
Would you all please share your location and how recovery has been post hurricane Maria in the area you live? I think it would be very helpful for those of us stateside looking to move with knowing the level of towns affected from a personal ... Read More
Last Name confusion in PR.... by meljai97
If you are a married "gringa" like me that uses your married (husband's) last name, how do you deal with the name confusion in PR when filling out forms? "Apellido Paterno / Apellido Materno" ....I haven't used ...
Not for my wife either! She has both last names, as well. Speaking as a gringo I think it is a smart idea. However, I definitely see the confusion and inconvenience it could cause for someone living in a different culture. Read More
A Different Perspective of Living In PR by chrishamrick103
Hey everyone, it's been a long time! I spent about 22K moving my family of 5 to the island in December 2016. We had an awful experience overall and one morning, something just told me to leave the island and I did.... then the hurricanes hit. ...
Very much true, Rey. It鈥檚 not a Puerto Rico 鈥渢hing鈥�. Classicm, racism and prejudices are everywhere even moreso in the US, unfortunately. Read More
A Different Perspective of Living In PR by chrishamrick103
Hey everyone, it's been a long time! I spent about 22K moving my family of 5 to the island in December 2016. We had an awful experience overall and one morning, something just told me to leave the island and I did.... then the hurricanes hit. ...
I think that it's safe to say that when you move somewhere else different culturally it's expected that your not going to be treated the same as the native locals. It's not a Puerto Rico thing it's an all over thing. Even here in the ... Read More
Closing a home purchase by tymrtn
Hey there, My wife and I are trying to close on a property in Condado. Unfortunately we're not act20/22 investors with millions of $, so we also have to get financing. So far we've had some promising progress. Our lawyer indicates that we ...
Larry, I must say you are on top of your game and a wealth of knowledge! Thank you so much for the detailed information we all are learning from to point us in the right direction to make better purchasing decisions. You truly are appreciated! I ... Read More
Tips on Buying a Home Cash Down by mrtibbs
Hello all, We are looking to buy a turn key modest home in Isabela or Aguadilla. There is a lot of useful information on this Forum. However, I know that the rules are different in terms of house hunting in Puerto Rico as opposed to the states. Our ...
Yes, we are definitely using a lawyer and not their realtor who happens to be a lawyer. I have a couple of highly recommended lawyers on the island. Read More
Tips on Buying a Home Cash Down by mrtibbs
Hello all, We are looking to buy a turn key modest home in Isabela or Aguadilla. There is a lot of useful information on this Forum. However, I know that the rules are different in terms of house hunting in Puerto Rico as opposed to the states. Our ...
Thank you so much for going into detail with specifics. We definitely intend on buying a concrete home that鈥檚 for certain. I actually have been making notes from all the information I could use that you all have helpfully shared. I appreciate ... Read More
Jobs coming to P.R. Some good news. by Frankie1adrian
https://www.elnuevodia.com/english/english/nota/linkactivwillcreate3000jobsontheisland-2400507/
Or you can choose to focus on both seeing the news press releases make people aware of what is going on. Of course, it鈥檚 smart to know not to believe everything you read and hear. We鈥檝e been focusing much of our deeds on hurricane ... Read More
Jobs coming to P.R. Some good news. by Frankie1adrian
https://www.elnuevodia.com/english/english/nota/linkactivwillcreate3000jobsontheisland-2400507/
鈥淎ccording to Rossell贸 these new jobs will be created within a three-year period, once the company invests $11 million in three new facilities in Roosevelt Roads Naval Station and in Can贸vanas, Guaynabo, Aguadilla and ... Read More
Jobs coming to P.R. Some good news. by Frankie1adrian
https://www.elnuevodia.com/english/english/nota/linkactivwillcreate3000jobsontheisland-2400507/
I agree that there is no short term solution. Especially when it comes to a long history of issues. It is, however, a step towards progress and anything that is a move for positive change makes me optimistic for the island鈥檚 future. According ... Read More
Jobs coming to P.R. Some good news. by Frankie1adrian
https://www.elnuevodia.com/english/english/nota/linkactivwillcreate3000jobsontheisland-2400507/
What wonderful and hopeful news shared! I hope this will slow down the native locals migrating to the states for jobs. It鈥檚 awfully sad to hear how they are leaving their homeland in droves. This opportunity will help provide jobs for so many ... Read More
Four months after Maria by Gary
Yesterday we 'celebrated' four months after Maria. Still no electricity here, a faith we share with 36% of the island. We have water, 7% of the households do not and the quality of the water is such that a boiling advice is still ...
Thank you so much Elcalipocho for the update. That is the area we are definitely hoping to buy in. My wife is Puerto Rican and has this sense of urgency to purchase property now more than ever. We are planning to live there part time and once we get ... Read More
Buying a car in Puerto Rico by Rapidr28
I am thinking about buying a used car in Puerto Rico. I dont want to buy a stolen car. What types of proofs do I need to get from the seller to make sure its not stolen? Is it safe to buy from a private seller? I dont want to show up with cash in ...
Great advice, Rey. We will make sure in doing this to have our dicks in order. I agree from what you鈥檝e said it makes the most sense to sell our cars. I looked at the hacienda website provided and for one car alone the price was astronomical. Read More
Four months after Maria by Gary
Yesterday we 'celebrated' four months after Maria. Still no electricity here, a faith we share with 36% of the island. We have water, 7% of the households do not and the quality of the water is such that a boiling advice is still ...
This is all very discouraging to read. It appears there are more setbacks than progress. We will most likely still go forward with purchasing a home in the Aguadilla/Isabela 谩rea but are going to stick to our plans with living there part time. ... Read More
Moving to Ponce this summer
Ponce is a beautiful city filled with history and events. My wife's family is originally from there and it has always been a pleasure to visit. You may want to try searching the forums on here for Christian english speaking schools in Ponce to ... Read More
Four months after Maria by Gary
Yesterday we 'celebrated' four months after Maria. Still no electricity here, a faith we share with 36% of the island. We have water, 7% of the households do not and the quality of the water is such that a boiling advice is still ...
Oh wow, this is unfortunate horrific news to hear. These desperate times are bringing out the worse in people. Thanks for sharing what you know. Read More
Buying a car in Puerto Rico by Rapidr28
I am thinking about buying a used car in Puerto Rico. I dont want to buy a stolen car. What types of proofs do I need to get from the seller to make sure its not stolen? Is it safe to buy from a private seller? I dont want to show up with cash in ...
Good questions. We were just discussing this today whether to buy a used car or ship our car instead. I was under the impression that shipping is expensive (we鈥檙e in CT). My case with my wife was that we鈥檇 need to sell our two vehicles ... Read More
Four months after Maria by Gary
Yesterday we 'celebrated' four months after Maria. Still no electricity here, a faith we share with 36% of the island. We have water, 7% of the households do not and the quality of the water is such that a boiling advice is still ...
As of to date, has anyone living in the Aguadilla and Isabela area noticed a change for the better with electric? Stateside I am reading in the news that electric companies have been heading to the states to restore power. However, I am interested ... Read More
Four months after Maria by Gary
Yesterday we 'celebrated' four months after Maria. Still no electricity here, a faith we share with 36% of the island. We have water, 7% of the households do not and the quality of the water is such that a boiling advice is still ...
What is NOT working is making generalized statements like "typical liberal tactics". Again, PLEASE try making a point without the unnecesary name calling and generalized degradation of another's political beliefs. Read More
Four months after Maria by Gary
Yesterday we 'celebrated' four months after Maria. Still no electricity here, a faith we share with 36% of the island. We have water, 7% of the households do not and the quality of the water is such that a boiling advice is still ...
Lib-tards!?!?!?! I can鈥檛 believe the usage of stating lib-tards (meaning liberal retards) is acceptable on here. This was very informative reading for those of us making or considering making the move to Puerto Rico but name calling is ... Read More
Activities for young kids in San Juan
Unfortunately the Children鈥檚 Museum in Old San Juan is closed and being rented out by Disney child star, Brock Pierce and his business associates. Read More
Interesting Article: by ReyP
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/02/making-a-crypto-utopia-in-puerto-rico.html
I noticed that that little piece of information was left out of the article. However, in the comments section it was mentioned there. Apparently, they have their eyes on Roosevelt Road to make their own little city for them. Read More
Interesting Article: by ReyP
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/02/making-a-crypto-utopia-in-puerto-rico.html
So maybe they are being welcomed with open arms to create a new municipality by building their own Puertopia elite city for themselves like they plan. Read More
Interesting Article: by ReyP
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/02/making-a-crypto-utopia-in-puerto-rico.html
Yes, in the articles I've read about this that is exactly what they are doing. Which is why so many of them sold their homes and cars in hopes of avoiding paying California state and federal taxes on the millions and billions of dollars they ... Read More
Interesting Article: by ReyP
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/02/making-a-crypto-utopia-in-puerto-rico.html
I agree and it comes across as neo-colonialism. I honestly can't see the native Puerto Ricans, statesiders or expatriates embrassing this situation. Read More
Interesting Article: by ReyP
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/02/making-a-crypto-utopia-in-puerto-rico.html
Apparently they want to buy up a lot of land (around 250,000 acres) to build a city for themselves on the island and call this new municipality, Puertopia or Sol. This is the part that stood out the most to me in what I've been seeing about ... Read More
Tips on Buying a Home Cash Down by mrtibbs
Hello all, We are looking to buy a turn key modest home in Isabela or Aguadilla. There is a lot of useful information on this Forum. However, I know that the rules are different in terms of house hunting in Puerto Rico as opposed to the states. Our ...
Does anybody know of a good lawyer on the west side of the island (Rincon, Aguada, Aguadilla & Isabela) area to recommend? Thank you again for taking the time to respond. Read More
Tips on Buying a Home Cash Down by mrtibbs
Hello all, We are looking to buy a turn key modest home in Isabela or Aguadilla. There is a lot of useful information on this Forum. However, I know that the rules are different in terms of house hunting in Puerto Rico as opposed to the states. Our ...
Yes, we are very well aware and have friends who would be checking on property while we are away. Read More
Tips on Buying a Home Cash Down by mrtibbs
Hello all, We are looking to buy a turn key modest home in Isabela or Aguadilla. There is a lot of useful information on this Forum. However, I know that the rules are different in terms of house hunting in Puerto Rico as opposed to the states. Our ...
We will be dividing our time up living stateside and in Puerto Rico so renting isn't an option. For us it'll work best to buy a home to already have there in order to avoid "rushing" into when it's time to move there ... Read More
Tips on Buying a Home Cash Down by mrtibbs
Hello all, We are looking to buy a turn key modest home in Isabela or Aguadilla. There is a lot of useful information on this Forum. However, I know that the rules are different in terms of house hunting in Puerto Rico as opposed to the states. Our ...
This is extremely useful information. I agree that it would be in our best interest to have a seperate lawyer from agent seeing in the end he is most likely going to have the seller's best interest at heart. Now we have to start the search for a ... Read More
Tips on Buying a Home Cash Down
Hello all, We are looking to buy a turn key modest home in Isabela or Aguadilla. There is a lot of useful information on this Forum. However, I know that the rules are different in terms of house hunting in Puerto Rico as opposed to the states. Our ... Read More