May
2007 - A quick recap for those just tuning in: A crash in the Argentine
economy (2001 "The Crisis") created political instability for awhile; both
of these situations were addressed by the election of Kirschner to the
Presidency of Argentina. Buying in Bariloche To get hard currency
into the treasury a lot of the real estate in the San Martin to Bariloche
to El Bolson area was sold to foreigners. Property was priced in dollars
(that should have been a hint). Now that the "Crisis" is over (2004), Argentina
wants their real estate back. They have stopped granting Titles to Americans.
The law now requires a minimum of 2 years permanent residency (which follows
2-3 years of temporary residency) to apply for Title (to a foreigner).
(But) As a matter of fact they are denying title to Americans no matter
what their status. The Real Estate agencies still say "No Problem - you
can buy what-ever you want."
If
you buy a house or even a lot, you will lose all or most of your money.*
If your retirement plans are formulated around buying a house immediately
think Chile; which has simple, legal, access to a registered Title. Americans
can buy real estate with a Passport and a Chilean government issued "Rut"
number. Scenery that would cost millions of dollars in Argentina is available
in Chile for a lot less.
However... for me and many others,
Bariloche Argentina is THE PLACE I want to live. I will pay rent happily
waiting (& hoping) someday things will change. A home is more than
a house and a city is more than a collection of buildings and streets.
There is an 'ambiance' to Bariloche that goes past the hospitality and
the snazzy architecture. There is an energy here at the meeting place of
land and Lago.
The mountains surrounding the landward
side of town are barren, stark and impressive. The mountains along the
Lake and on the other side are as wild as any you will ever see. The backdrop
is stunning with streets appearing to end in the lake.
This is the Heart of Argentina. As
an American, you compromise your plans, follow their rules, and get to
live in a very special place.
To
me it is worth it.
Singles - Particularly Single
Women: No one wants to be socially isolated.
For many potential expats the fear of being cut off in a country where
you don't speak the language keeps people home. It is difficult to explain
why this fear is so wrong - so ironic. When you buy a new car, suddenly
you notice every passing car of the same make or model. This same phenomena
happens with travelers and expats.
You notice other foreigners. Hearing
someone speak English can start a conversation. The awkwardness of first
meetings is pushed away by tribal recognition. The fact is, you will meet
more (and more interesting) Americans in Bariloche than you will in your
life routine, in the States. The beauty and exciting activities like chairlift
rides to mountain tops (Cerros Campanerio and Otto, and the magnificent
Cerro Bella Vista on Isla Victoria) create a naturally romantic atmosphere.
Surrounded by people having a good time is ideal for forming friendships
and romance. People used to take a cruise for a chance at romance - Bariloche
provides the same atmosphere in a hundred ways and places.
The institution of "tea" an early
evening (sort of) dinner party gathering is very common, in Argentina.
The
beauty of "tea" is the definite time frame. If you are bored or see that
others are, you simply leave at the designated time. If something is going
on, conspiring to spend more time together creates nice possibilities.
Argentines love to mix and match their social and professional contacts
at tea. Most Argentines are friends-to-romance, remembering the single
status of friends, when they invite friends.
San Carlos de Bariloche is the
future home of many Americans.
Escapees and retirees are settling
into long term rentals all around the Lakes District. With the crime, religious
conflicts leading to anti-immigrant backlash in Europe, many expats from
the States and European countries are moving towards the Lakes District.
Bariloche, already a sophisticated little city, becomes a richer place
for the newcomers. The new legal limitations on owning property are healthy
attempts to control and regulate the population growth, and diversity.
This is good for the long term welfare of the natural environment. Bariloche
is surrounded by national park lands and needs strong protection. Americans
will come, play by the new rules, to enjoy living in Bariloche, Argentina.
May
2007 - A quick recap for those just tuning in: A crash in the Argentine
economy (2001 "The Crisis") created political instability for awhile; both
of these situations were addressed by the election of Kirschner to the
Presidency of Argentina. Buying in Bariloche To get hard currency
into the treasury a lot of the real estate in the San Martin to Bariloche
to El Bolson area was sold to foreigners. Property was priced in dollars
(that should have been a hint). Now that the "Crisis" is over (2004), Argentina
wants their real estate back. They have stopped granting Titles to Americans.
The law now requires a minimum of 2 years permanent residency (which follows
2-3 years of temporary residency) to apply for Title (to a foreigner).
(But) As a matter of fact they are denying title to Americans no matter
what their status. The Real Estate agencies still say "No Problem - you
can buy what-ever you want."
Copyright 1996 -
EscapeArtist.com
Inc. All Rights Reserved