Posted Oct 5, 2007, 9:23 PM
|
Registered User
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 5
|
|
Beware!!!!
I recently visited Mexico in search of investment properties for some of my clients who had been approached by a Real Estate firm that responds to the name of FRAVA. Being that I was on my way to Mexico City I figured I could make a quick stop and visit some of the projects developing in Guadalajara. Wisely, I didn't fall for the nice brochures like the clients who had instructed me to stop by, did. I wanted to physically see what they were up to. I was taken to Aura Lofts and Aura Provadensia. The projects looked fantastic on paper, but once I saw them in real life, I was stunned. Not for their beauty, but for how these people could misslead anybody into thinking they are selling a "first world" product (as the sleezy rep appointed to show me around) emphasized so insistently. It shows he has never left his backyad before...
First of all, they are cheaply built. Interiors look great on the brochure...reality is: There are no interiors, they are delivered bare, empty....nada! A few cheap chinese light switches, no light fixtures, just a bulb hanging from the ceiling on two wires...the worst taste in economical built-ins (a Stove top and dish washer), sloppy masonry, imitation everything and mainly cardboard, chalkboard and stucco walls... and yes, put together very cheaply. There are no closets, and the few shelves and doors included, are made of MDF.
Oh...I almost forgot: There are these horrible yellow gas tubes running up and down the exterior of one of the sites and was informed by Mr. Sleeze, (my guide and later found out, project manager), this was the result of a tube size miscalculation in the duct chambers, so obviously the chambers are now empty and these gas tubes, which are obviously exposed and painted bright yellow, are now supposed to be portrayed and interpreted as "ART".
The workmanship is horrible. Not a straight line or wall. Some of the chalkboard unions were literally falling apart. I can't believe they are charging what they are and getting away with murder. I figure this will blow in their faces when delivery time comes, but certainly not something you would see in Manhattan (other than the price).
To be honest, I saw much better projects built in the ghetto's and suburbs there. Please, there is no comparison! I was presented with probably the lowest quality of construction I have ever seen in Mexico. How they got away with building inspectors not calling the faults is beyond me, but apparently, being way behind schedule on delivery gives these people Carte Blanche to slap together what ever they can find , in order to comply with the demand of desperate buyers awaiting delivey of their unfinished properties. Boy are they in for a surprise!!!
Sad to see an "Up and rising" group, crash and burn on their maiden voyage project just to pocket someone's money. My people will have nothing to do with this, that I can guarantee.
I was later that day invited by "Mr. Sleeze" to visit their Puerto Vallara projects (all expenses paid), being that it is just a 20 minute flight and an overnight stop off, but I passed. I told him I would take a raincheck on his invitation for a latter trip and headed back to my hotel to zip on a few Margarita's. You kidding? You could be shot walking around with this guy after seeing what they were up to.
Not a project I would be interested in participating or having my people invest. I have a reputation to maintain... I guess these people don't.
BE WARNED!
|