• REAL ESTATE, RELOCATION & TRAVEL PLANNING SERVICES IN ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA •
"Fake ads are posted just to get attention..."
"I feel like I'm being treated unfairly because I'm a foreigner..."
"Agents here don't call me back..."
If any of those frustrations sound familiar, you're not alone. Many people arrive in Guatemala expecting real estate to work the same way it does in many other countries. In Canada, for example, an agent can access available listings through a centralized MLS system and will guide you through the process from start to finish. Their job is to solely represent you until you buy, sell or rent what you need.
In Guatemala, properties are often advertised through multiple agencies, Facebook groups, WhatsApp networks, property managers, and private owners. Some opportunities are widely advertised, while others are shared only through local relationships and referrals. And each agency may set a different price! There's nothing wrong with this system - it's just different.
In Guatemala...
If you want to buy or rent a home or business, a realtor's job is not actually to find what you need but rather to offer you their own personal listings.
It is considered your job to contact each listing agent separately.
If you have a home or business to sell or lease, a realtor's job is not to actively promote your property, but rather to offer it when specifically asked.
It is considered your job to list your property with multiple agencies.
UNLESS you have a dedicated agent... like me!
No more weeding through unverified listings... No more frustration chasing agents to call you back... No more uncertainty about neighborhoods, pricing, contracts, and local practices.
Instead of trying to figure everything out on your own, you'll have one dedicated person on the ground who can find the best options, screen out the bad ones, keep communication moving, and guide you through the process from first search to signed contract. Whether you're already in Guatemala or searching from abroad, working with me means I will be available and responsive.
I work with a large network of cooperating realtors, property owners, and local contacts throughout Antigua and the surrounding areas. As a bilingual (English and Spanish) Canadian living in Guatemala, I can help bridge language barriers, explain cultural and procedural differences, and guide you through the process to help you find the perfect place.
WORKING WITH CHRISTINA RHYSER
Getting started is easy! I'll send you a short form asking for details about what you're looking for. Then I get to work, and soon you'll get a new set of keys!
(Do you have land, a home or business for sale or lease? I can help with that too. CONTACT CHRISTY >)
01.
YOU TELL ME
Start by sharing details such as your budget, timeline, priorities and wish list through a short, online questionnaire. The more I understand what you're looking for, the better I can focus the search, identify strong opportunities, and recommend properties and neighborhoods that fit your goals.
02.
I'LL SHOW YOU
Once I understand what you're looking for, I'll search my network, identify strong options, and recommend properties that meet your needs. I'll also coordinate with agents, verify listings, organize viewings, and provide honest feedback to help you avoid wasting time on unsuitable properties.
03.
CONGRATULATIONS!
When you've found the right property, I'll help navigate the final steps, including price and contract negotiations, lawyers appointments, and communication between all parties. My goal is to help you avoid common pitfalls and move confidently from property search to signed agreement.
RENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Renting land, a home or a business in Guatemala comes with some unique requirements. Although these requirements are considered standard - many owners do allow for alternative arrangements, so let me know right away if you need help to navigate these.
To rent a home you will normally be asked for:
Bank statements: Copies of three months of recent bank statements.
Letter of employment: In case of self-employment, this letter may be written by you and should include business details and income verification.
References: Usually three personal or business references. You may be asked to provide phone numbers or sometimes written letters.
DPI or Passport: Copies of government issued ID.
Application form: Each owner or property manager will provide you with their own application forms.
Deposits: Normally one month damage deposit is required at time of signing the contract with a lawyer. Sometimes you may be asked to submit a portion of this deposit to hold the property while gathering your documents and completing the application process. This amount should be deducted from the damage deposit. Some agents also request an additional application fee that would be collected by them personally, but this is not standard.
Lawyers Fee/Contract Fee: The renter is also responsible to pay this fee that may range from $50-$250 USD depending on the type of contract the owner requires. This fee is paid directly to the lawyer or property manager at time of signing.
A Guatemalan Guarantor. This person will be legally responsible for the tenant's obligations under the lease - including making rent payments if you abandon the property or are unable to pay. They will also be required to submit the same paperwork as the renter (bank statements, letter of employment, references and ID.) Don't have a Guatemalan guarantor? In lieu of this requirement, sometimes an owner will allow a foreigner to act as guarantor - and often with an extra month deposit. Some owners will not accept any substitutions so ask this question early on.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The applicant AND the guarantor must normally be physically present to sign the contract. If you live outside of Guatemala, some owners will allow E-signatures but not all will. Again - please make sure to let me know right away if this is a concern for your situation.
Any questions? Ask me anything!
WHAT ARE YOU SEARCHING FOR?
Fill out and submit this form to let me know what you need. I'll contact you to ask any clarifying questions and then start sending you options! When you see something you like, I'll take you to see it and help you decide if it's a good fit. Whenever we find the perfect place, I'll help you to write an offer and finalize a fair contract. From start to finish, I'll be there to see you through the process. That's it!