[JMitch1959]

Originally Posted by Rogbo

My experiences buying and furnishing an Apartment.
After retiring I downsized my material goods to a small storage unit and headed south to Cali Colombia for many of the same reasons that that lure many men to Colombia. I enjoyed living in Barrio Granada but had reasons to move further south, at the time I saw advantages to buying an apartment and following the advice of my friend Robert Vignola, I looked for pre or new construction, my other search criteria was to be further south, around Palmetto Plaza/ Cosmo Centre, a secure gated complex with pool and playground for kids, mid priced. I found what I was looking for so I bought. In early 2007 there was allot of new apt being built in Cali and where selling well, not so any more. I bought with out the finish package as the contractor wanted a premium price for crap closets. My Apt. was ready to move into, in March 2009, I started buying furniture and making it comfortable for me.
We hear it said about the wonderful south of the border laid back, relaxed, manana lifestyle, and its true! But that also goes for things like customer service after the sale, respect for guarantees, delivery times and dates and just lying there asses off. I have never experienced being stood up and lied to so much. One guy showed up in the morning unannounced to advise me that he would be back in the afternoon to finish his work, I didn’t see that guy for a week. I could have developed an ulcer, but It became comical. I did try to hire people with good reputations and with recommendations, but I believe that it is business as usual here. Okay so most of that is over and I the apartment is very comfortable for me. Definitely a challenge and an experience. For those of you that do business down here, My hat is off to you! You must have the patience of a Saint!

Roger, your experiences are very interesting. I'm glad you have a sense of humor.
Patrick, I hope things work out for you. I monitor this website for real estate. I believe a forum member provided the link. It seems to be like a Colombian Craigs list. Perhaps you can advertise your home here, http://cali.olx.com.co/