Real Estate Purchases

billyb says on May 19, 2007, 14:47:

I don't know him one way or another, but... where there's smoke, there's usually fire.

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Cartagena Hooker says on May 19, 2007, 15:13:

terrainica Dear Tierranica
Read the posts!! I am glad you are such a real estate tycoon that you enjoy paying a buyers commission of three percent when you don't have to. I also own four properties here, two in Centro, one in San Diego and one in Crespo. I saved about $9,000.00 USD by not using Paul. If you wish to see properties that really do exist, look on my blog http://cartagenahooker.spaces.live.com/ for photos of three. The Colonial mansion is still under renovation and I have not had time to post photos.
BIG P.S. SLANDER IS TELLING LIES. Informing others what one perceives to be a questionable business practice is a public service, Particularly if it is true. Under your definition you are slandering people who told the truth while touting your friend. HOOKER

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Chelesupercono says on May 19, 2007, 17:01:

Paul Juan I have had some contact with Paul Juan and have found him to be everything that Tierranica says he is.....in real estate there is always people that complain about sales agents and sometimes rightfully so. Most people are so cheap that they think agents should get nothing for their work but everyone is happy to take a profit!!! As they say bad taste and no class is timeless.....

never go to bed with someone crazier then you are, you will do it and you will regret it.......

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White Rhino says on May 19, 2007, 18:04:

high prices I looked at his webpage and he is asking far more than the standard price for apartments for sale. I would not buy using him.

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tierranica says on May 19, 2007, 18:50:

I AM NOT EMPRESS I wouldn't be to excited about what you saved on those purchases, I am not empressed. Two stuffy apts. I saw the one. Not my taste.
By the way I found all but one of my purchases on my own. Paul Juan accepted a 1% commission just for doing the things I needed done as a absentee owner. Since then I have begun more purchases through him.
Saving 9K, not that impressive. I hope you put that toward quality purchases in the future. I glad your feeling good about be so thrifty.
I'd use another word but I am trying to be kind. What is wrong with people making a living, 3% commission COME ON! Where are you from.
For the knowledge and proper direction you pay double that where I from and you still don't get the service that his guy gives.
I'm done with you...

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Robert Jorge says on May 19, 2007, 20:32:

I wish my Realtors in the States only charged 3%. I have bought and sold 4 properties in Florida, and the commission ranged from 5% to 7%. That was on the houses. The lot I sold had a 10% commission ... which is pretty standard for lots or land - at least in the Fort Myers area. 3% doesn't sound too bad.

He who farts in church, sits in his own pew.

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rca_rodrigo says on May 19, 2007, 22:04:

Real Estate purchases Hi
Im Rodrigo, 30, engineer.
I am a member of this forum for about 2 and a half year.

Im new in this enviroment of real estate.
I have a friend of mine ad he would like to make business with all you guys. He has some experience selling and renting places in Cali and around. He also did that in USA.

So, if you have any business on the table and if you like to do it wit us, we can comunicate.

rca_rodrigo (at) hotmail.com

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MrSandman says on May 20, 2007, 01:11:

The only person who would post that Paul is a great Real Estate agent is probably Paul himself.

Here are some FACTS:

1) Paul lists properties which the owners are not really interested in selling unless they land a stupid gringo who overpays. This can be demonstrated by the countless number of people who have tried to buy an apartment from Paul only to discover the price increases after the offer.

2) Paul lists the most expensive and over priced real estate in all of Cartagena. Just compare his prices to others to see this.

3) Paul asks for a 3% commission from the seller and a 3% commission from the buyer totally 6%. Paul is the only agent in all of Cartagena asking for a commission on both ends since he knows the stupid gringos will pay it.

4) Paul does not pay people for sending him clients as he claims on his web site. Everyone else in Cartagena splits commissions. If you send Paul a client he will simply not pay.

Buying in Cartagena is very easy. Just go to the notary, do the background check, and pay. There is no need for a lawyer and there certainly is no need for Paul Juan.

Anyway, I am sure I am wasting my time here talk to you people. Fact is Paul is getting a real bad reputation in Cartagena and time will tell.

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Chelesupercono says on May 20, 2007, 06:48:

Some Facts 1) Stupid Gringos always over pay not only in Colombia but anywhere in the world!! Does anyone think that they get the local price? The locals always jack up the price when they see the white face...and that has nothing to do with Paul Juan!!!

2) How can Paul list a pre-construction condo for a higher price then the developer? Duh....he can't nor would he because you make the deal with the developer and Paul. Do the locals know that he has Gringo clients?...Yes, of course they do and yes, they jack up the price!!

3) Paul has never asked me or anyone I know for an additional 3% comm. So if he does and the STUPID GRINGO PAYS...then good for him! The one thing we all know is that there is no shortage of Stupid Gringos!!

4) I cannot comment on referals and Paul but I will say that if spliting a 3% comm is so important for a referal then you must be broke or way to cheap to live in Colombia or anywhere else......

I have lived outside of the U.S. for most of my life and it still amazes me how many times I have seen and heard how the poor Gringo got screwed by the locals. Most of the time he deserved it for not listening to good advise and trying to be cheap and know everything!!!

And they just keep coming.......

never go to bed with someone crazier then you are, you will do it and you will regret it.......

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Gator says on May 20, 2007, 08:00:

Gee

Mrs. Gator is white, and a Colombian, but they don't raise the price for her????

For what it's worth when were looking to come back to La Costa I played the part of the "Stupid Gringo"with the slick Sr. Paul. After looking, the wife and my brother-in-law then retraced my steps and the price was a LOT less that what I was offered.

I disagree that you do not need a lawyer, at least one well versed in real estate transactions.

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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Cartagena Hooker says on May 20, 2007, 10:47:

TierranicaBusinessmen who Tierranica

Businessmen who like to make money count the pennies as well. $9,000.00 is enough to pay for a two week vacation for me in Europe. But if you are so rich that you want to give your money away, by all means give it to Paul. I am sorry you don't like the small apartment. I paid $17,000 for it and have been offered $ 80,000. The other with the pool I paid $60,000 and it is worth minimum $200,000 Both are within 100 meters of the Plaza Santo Domingo.

You know the formula Location etc. But then again Laguito can be such a romantic site at night and there is always another monger wanting to rent an apartment. Of course, having flipped properties in Key West for ten years. I really detested paying $30,000 commissions, so I am having fun paying 1/2 % to my lawyer for the documents and closings. I think enough has been said about Paul and his practices. Cartagena has grown enough in the past three years to develop a new open real estate market, where one can go to a reliable agency Like Bozimbe or Bustamonte and pay listed prices. Now one can get service without the twists and turns designed to make one pay the GRINGO PRICE.

Well 300% increase on investment in three years is enough to augment my pension. I would really like to see your real estate empire. In return I will show you my 300 yr old mansion in San Diego. . Hooker

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arthur brode (☼Travelguide writer) says on May 20, 2007, 14:55:

tierranica says on May 20, 2007, 16:59:

Now, I see it is the same old story, It was fine for you do business and pay high commissions in Key West, But you move down here and start bitching about locals trying to make a living. This is why we Americans, (mostly your type) are so damn disliked in the world now a days. Please do your business and try to live and let live. I am glad that you will now leave this fellow(Paul) alone, finally.

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mecca says on May 20, 2007, 17:15:

Now this is a funny thread. We need to move this one over to the talkzone. Everyone gets gets into a pissing contest before it's over.

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Cartagena Hooker says on May 21, 2007, 18:57:

Dear Tierranica I have not Dear Tierranica


I have not said I will not comment on your friend when others here post questions about his practices. I have not instituted attacks, only responded to questions and will continue to do so in a truthful fashion. I am aware of the stockholm syndrome response, when one has placed confidence (and money) where integrity is challenged. But my past associations with your friend have not instituted a feeling of trust or confidence in his abilities. You see, integrity always trumps eventually and those who scream slander usually have no factual defense against the truth. Legally, the truth is the only defense against slander, not testimony by phantom charactor witnesses. I am devastated that I will never see your real estate empire. So just a few quotes before " I'm done with you " .

What's a thousand dollars? Mere chicken feed. A poultry matter. (Groucho Marx)

Business, you know, may bring money, but friendship hardly ever does. (Jane Austen)

A fool too late bewares when all the peril is past.
ATTRIBUTION: Elizabeth I (1533–1603), Queen of England (1558-1603).

Paul Juan's favorite"looser"
Cartagena Hooker

PS To Gator (as usual ) and Mr Sandman, thanks for honesty on the internet.

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pauljuan says on May 23, 2007, 18:31:

many thanks Many thanks to Tierranica and Chelesupercono, who without my solicitation, voluntarily spoke highly of me. I appreciate it.

One good thing about this PBH forum is that it gives people an opportunity to consider the merits of opposing views. For those who have expressed bad feelings, my hope is, that in time those feelings will become more reflective and positive in direction.

Those who are moving to Cartagena from a frantic, aggressive and increasingly expensive lifestyle, should, in my opinion, try to enjoy the peaceful and relaxed atmosphere of a great city-Cartagena. Try to understand and accept what is, as life is so short.

My wish for PBH is that it continues to become a fun forum of thoughtful and helpful discussion, and not degrade into a sleazy tabloid of personal gossip, innuendo, slander and half truths.

Paul Juan

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