Frequently Asked Questions | Casa Avra, San Miguel de Allende
Frequently asked questions

The questions people actually ask.

How do I get started?

Book a free 20-minute Discovery Call. No pressure. Just a real conversation about what you're actually trying to figure out, and whether I'm the right person to help.

What does it cost?

It depends on what you need, so I quote after we talk.

What I can tell you now: my fee is separate from any rent, it doesn't change based on where you stay, and it doesn't change based on what you decide.

Do I have to stay at one of your homes to work with you?

No. Plenty of my clients stay in a hotel, an Airbnb, or a house they already own. The guidance is the same and so is the fee. Where you sleep is your business.

Do I have to hire you if I stay at one of your homes?

Also no. You're welcome to just stay and explore on your own. I'm right there if you need anything, and there's never any obligation.

I found a house that's for sale. Can I live in it before I buy it?

Sometimes, yes, and this is one of my favorite things to arrange.

If a home is sitting on the market, particularly in low season, a lot of owners would rather have a serious prospective buyer living in it than have it stand empty. I'll approach the agent and ask.

It doesn't always work. But nobody thinks to ask, and the answer is yes more often than you'd expect.

Are you a realtor?

No. I'm not licensed, I don't list homes, and I don't show homes.

When you're ready to rent, buy, or build, I introduce you to people I trust. The decision is always yours.

What's the difference between Live Before You Decide and Concierge?

Live Before You Decide is for people still deciding. Two to four weeks living the actual life, so you get a real answer.

Concierge is for after you've decided. Residency, healthcare, banking, the house, and the harder part, which is building a life you recognize.

Can I hire Jorge without hiring you?

Yes. Some people need the practical side handled and nothing else. That's a perfectly good reason to call.

What if I decide San Miguel isn't right for me?

Then you saved yourself from a very expensive mistake, and I did my job.

A clear no is a good outcome. I'd rather you get there with me than get there after you've sold your house.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

Not to work with me. Jorge is fully bilingual and handles anything that needs it.

To genuinely be part of this town, though, you'll want the language eventually. I'm in intensive classes myself and I'll point you to the best schools.

My spouse and I don't agree about moving. Can you help with that?

Honestly, that's one of the most useful reasons to do this.

It's very common. One of you is ready and the other has reservations they haven't fully said out loud. Living here for a few weeks surfaces the real conversation faster than another year of talking about it.

I have a health condition. Is that a problem?

It's the reason a lot of people hesitate, and it's the thing Jorge handles best.

He takes your full medical history, finds the right physicians, schedules the appointments, comes with you, translates in the room, then fills your prescriptions and delivers them to your door.

Can I bring my dog? My horse? My art collection?

Yes, yes, and yes. There's an equestrian community here waiting for you, excellent vets, and people who have shipped serious artwork before and know exactly how.

I already live here. Is there any point in calling you?

A lot of people find me six months in. They've sorted the bank and the doctor, and what they're missing is people.

That's the part I'm best at.

How far in advance should I plan?

For a stay, the earlier the better between November and April, when the good houses go by August.

For Live Before You Decide, most people call two to six months out. I only take a few at a time.

What if my question isn't here?

Ask me on the call. Most of what people actually need to know doesn't fit on a page like this.

Ask me on the call.

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