Medellin Rental Guide for Expats (AVOID Gringo Pricing & Scams)

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Күн бұрын

✅ Get your Rent Like a Local Guide here: medellinmaster...
This includes 30+ vetted real estate agents, who have hundreds of properties available at local rates.
Moving to Medellin? If you don't want to pay pay stupidly inflated gringo prices on Airbnb rentals, then you need to watch this!
I've teamed up with 13 year Medellin expat, Andrew Macia to bring you this in depth video which covers EVERYTHING you need to know about renting in Medellin, whether it be short term, long term furnished or long term unfurnished. We also share certain challenges you may face when trying to face long term deals with Colombian real estate agents and how to combat these challenges.
LINKS:
📖 JOIN The Medellin Masterclass: medellinmaster...
☎️ BOOK a Life Redesign Consult with AK: www.akjoel.com...
🌄SCHEDULE a Medellin Life Call with AK & Andrew: medellinmaster...
💵 How I Make Money to Travel (Full Course): / @akjoel
📽️ Promos & Sponsorships: akashjoel@gmail.com
G'day, my name's AK and on this channel I explore expat life in Medellin, Colombia. Whether you're considering moving to Medellin or just visiting Colombia, I've got you covered. Join me as I show you exactly what living in Medellin and Colombia as an expat is really like.
#medellin #colombia #medellincolombia #expat #digitalnomad

Пікірлер: 92

@AKJoel Жыл бұрын

📖 JOIN The Medellin Masterclass: medellinmasterclass.com/ ☎ BOOK a Life Redesign Consult with AK: www.akjoel.com/consultations 🌄SCHEDULE a Medellin Life Call with AK & Andrew: medellinmasterclass.com/book-call/ 💵 How I Make Money to Travel (Full Course): kzfaq.info/love/8848QXue5LVeCkbo6FL3awjoin 📽 Promos & Sponsorships: akashjoel@gmail.com

@masedogg98 Жыл бұрын

Hey AK I know we’d talked before on here and you said to book a call but I think I’m just going to wait until I’m in Medellín and then reach out! I’ve been chatting with some of the other expats too so that way I have a few people that are around and would be able to help me navigate and get around as a new person to the city and what not :) I’d still like to be able to meet you guys once I came over and learn more because you guys seem super cool and knowledgeable so I’ll message or email as I get closer to coming over or when I’m over! I hope this reply finds you and Andrew well and I can’t wait to see the city with my own eyes and not through a screen! I honestly can’t wait to see everything haha :D

@AKJoel Жыл бұрын

Hey mate that's exciting, you're gonna love the city! We've actually had a few people asking about the meet and greet so we've added an option for this - check it out here: medellinmasterclass.com/book-call/

@masedogg98 Жыл бұрын

@@AKJoel that’s awesome to hear brother I think that’s wise marketing and I think it will do well! I also wish the best of success for you and Andrew in the Medellin masterclass! Unfortunately I was just looking for something more organic like once I touched down just being able to call if I needed help figuring out something here or there but it’s not a big deal I’ve connected with other expat content and people traveling or living out there already I just don’t have $500 for a meeting I hope you understand I’m just below lower class for sure haha that’s why I’m looking into transplanting my life over to Colombia :D Nonetheless you’ve got me as a subscriber for life as I don’t unsubscribe ever haha and I can’t wait to see what the future brings in terms of content and I’ve really enjoyed watching the videos with both you and Andrew I think he would do well to have an individual channel too! But I’ll let you get back to it brother and who knows maybe I’ll see you guys out and about in my travels in Medellin when I get there and I’ll wave haha so if you see a random expat covered in tattoos waving and grinning like a donkey don’t be alarmed 🤣😝👋

@AKJoel Жыл бұрын

haha no worries at all mate I completely understand! Thanks for the support and I really hope you love Medellin as much as I do!

@masedogg98 Жыл бұрын

@@AKJoel of course always my friend! And thank you for chatting it’s always cool to hear from the creators :D as for Medellin, I really don’t see how someone couldn’t fall in love with the city or the country it’s just got a realismo magico about it! I cannot wait to visit and hopefully start the first steps of a new life at the same time :)

@henrypollard4906 7 ай бұрын

Hello I think you content is very informative and I like the way you two tag team in your videos. Excellent!

@AKJoel 7 ай бұрын

Thanks Henry!! Glad you're enjoying the vids :)

@ramonsantiagojr Жыл бұрын

No middle class Colombian rents for more than 200 per month. After that your better off buying.a house. $50,000 USD gets you a very nice house.

@AKJoel Жыл бұрын

Yeah when you realize that minimum wage is only $250 a month you start yo realise what rent price should actually be

@ramonsantiagojr Жыл бұрын

@@AKJoel That's exactly right. By that standard, rent is 175 average and to Colombians that's expensive when that only leaves them 75 USD for food, water and internet. Thats a tall order. Now can you imagine dating someone there and telling them that you apartment is 1,000 per month?! My girlfriend would flip out!

@k.beasley5860 7 ай бұрын

FANTASTIC point of view! I'm considering moving to Cartagena as opposed to Medellin but I'd gather that the same here applies to any city @ramonsantiagojr Roo!

@morganmullins8751 2 ай бұрын

@@AKJoel if you have a Colombian GF would you be better off having them contact the leads and rental companies etc? And get legit native Colombian price ?

@dareasonx24 Жыл бұрын

My first home and my current home i found by walking around the neighborhood looking for signs that say for rent. They usually leave a phone # or you can knock on the door to speak with them. It is by far the easiest and cheapest way to rent. I currently live in villavicencion and pay about 400 dollars a month [with utilities] for a 2 floor 5 bdroom house with gatage and balcony. Anyone who seriously wants a bang for your buck you wont find it in medellin. Too many gringos driving the place up. Ive been living in villavicencio for 3 yrs and got my residency just for having ecuadorian nationality 😀

@AKJoel Жыл бұрын

Yeah if you want the cheapest cost of living in Colombia - stay away from Medellin - you'll have to spend like $2k a month for a good life here. If you prefer a slower, less varied life then yeah living in a smaller town could be for you!

@ramonsantiagojr Жыл бұрын

If you rent from an American or European owned real estate business, you get owned. Remember 280 USD is the average months pay in Colombia so there is no $2,500 rent. Those theives who set up shop in Colombia are trying to capitalize off of your buying power. If you want local pricing, buy or rent from local businesses and always have your Colombian girlfriend or connected friend from there do the talking for you and always let them know that your ready to walk. I wouldnt dream of spending more than 300 per month on an apartment. Remember guys this is not the U.S.A. most people here pay way less than 300 per month. You dont need a gentrafied 2,000 apartment when your trying to live your best life. Thats why ypu left the U.S.A. to pay less, not more. Make local friends that live in a relatively safe neighborhood and look for 200 plus per month rent. They are nice and avoid foreign housing developments looking to raise the local real estate prices.

@AKJoel Жыл бұрын

This is exactly why we make videos like this one, to educate people on more cost effective ways to rent!

@Gierboo Жыл бұрын

I was looking foward for the breakdown of the Rents! A lot of great info, thanks!

@AKJoel Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful mate!

@juanvaldez7633 Жыл бұрын

Perfectly happy with a 1-bedroom furnished unit I rented in Estadio back at the beginning of 2021 for 1700mil/mth. In the interim, rent has increased to 2300/mth, but considering what comparable units in estrato 5 neighborhoods are going for these days, it's still a good deal. However with the dollar losing a lot of value against the COP recently and more rent increases likely in the future, starting to consider ways to cut housing costs. Don't particularly want to deal with all the hassles and expense of getting into the unfurnished market as mentioned in the clip; rather, the more I've traveled around Colombia the more I've started to realize Medellín isn't the ´be all and end all´ many seem to think it is. So what I'm contemplating instead is a move to a smaller city with a lower cost of living (there are several good options available) where I also hope to benefit from a quieter and less frenetic environment.

@AKJoel Жыл бұрын

Yeh there's definitely many smaller cities that are a fraction of the price, but also offer a fraction of the options that Medellin too - I guess it's all personal preference!

@ej1692 7 ай бұрын

@@AKJoel There are also cities that offer more and could be even cheaper in some instances ie. Bogota. Yes, you can pay less in Bogota these days.

@k.beasley5860 7 ай бұрын

Love that perspective and honesty.

@k.beasley5860 7 ай бұрын

Red flag #1 for me is looking for apartment and the quote me prices in USD, because why? I automatically don't like that because you should be talking to me in Colombian pesos..

@AKJoel 7 ай бұрын

That's a good point!

@colombianspanish Ай бұрын

Awesome video 👍🏻😎🇨🇴

@Matthew-gz4oh Жыл бұрын

You are really a great vlogger, as you offer practical real word advice, Shocking to me your subs are not so much higher as your so much better than most.

@AKJoel Жыл бұрын

Thanks mate, that's very kind! The only explanation I can offer is that I'm like Ferrari, I appeal to a higher class of person so naturally I have less subs lol 🤣

@markrush2319 Жыл бұрын

I lived in Buenos Aires Argentina for 10 years. I found if you are able to pay your rent in advance you will cut thru a lot of red tape and get a better price.

@AKJoel Жыл бұрын

Yup definitely! Just gotta find trusted agents so you don't get scammed - which is unfortunately a real problem in Medellin.

@markrush2319 Жыл бұрын

@AKJoel I agree 100%. But I have family in Argentina 🇦🇷 and they are aware that all the scams begin played in the real estate industry in Argentina 🇦🇷. Unfortunately Americans are seen as rich marks to be taken advantage of in South America. But these types of scams are also being done in the United States 🇺🇸. Sometimes it's even better to pay for legal advice to protect your interests in South America. I prefer to deal with the owners of the property directly, I purchased land and built a house in Mar del Plata, Argentina and I had no problems whatsoever, you just have to be aware of your situation. I would never purchase something under construction 🏗 in South America.

@morganmullins8751 2 ай бұрын

@@markrush2319I’d love to connect. Mar Del Plata is on my radar

@thejago55 2 ай бұрын

Check out Sabaneta. Great place, cheaper than Poblado and very safe.

@mjl8197 5 ай бұрын

Any Gringo in Colombia had better be extremely careful renting from anything other than a super host vetting service like Airbnb. Although the average person is good there are WAY too many cold-blooded and desperate people there with criminal connections and intent. In an informal less visible arrangement, if the hosts themselves don't scam, rob, or kidnap you, someone indirect that knows their place might. You need to be thinking Security First and foremost.

@AKJoel 5 ай бұрын

To avoid this you need to go through well vetted agents and agencies, not just any random listing you see on Facebook 👍🏾

@Noshu4me 23 күн бұрын

@@AKJoelI know the facebook listing work well in most latin america, is it not the case in Colombia?

@Sinnombrefs Жыл бұрын

Great content! Another idea for finding an apartment for rent is to go unidad a unidad asking the porteros if there are apartments for rent and if you really like the area leave your phone number and if something opens up to call you and let them know you’ll give them some form of payment for thinking of you. Found my apartment through this method.

@AKJoel Жыл бұрын

Yeah Andrew mentions the portero hack right at the end, guess you clicked off before that 🤣

@morganmullins8751 2 ай бұрын

@@AKJoelthe unknown yet safe areas of Medellin usually majority locals no gringos. Looking for that. But the only concern is really reliable and fast internet. So gotta find a balance I guess

@AZANDAE Ай бұрын

Hi guys any suggestions fir drop shipping groups

@elkamps Ай бұрын

Good content, but still have in mind you would never hide you are a gringo immigrant for Colombian ppl, they'll notice it a mile away. and even for us here in Medellin a rent that cost $500 or less is cheap even for us way before you gringos came. Don't fool yourself, were not structured economically the same way and the Colombians that earn $250 a month live in the bad hill, not the normal neighborhoods so keep it clear and real for the ones thinking about immigrating.

@dsharpent 11 ай бұрын

What's a reputable site for 1-2 month rentals in Medellin?

@AKJoel 11 ай бұрын

You can start here, these are 2 of the most well known ones that locals use: www.metrocuadrado.com/ fincaraiz.com.co/ If you want more options, as well as agencies that will rent to foreigners with just a passport - we've compiled 20+ options here. medellinmasterclass.com/rent-local/

@Travelinlad Жыл бұрын

Hello Joel. Enjoyed the vlog. Thank you for the tips especially the scam tips. I am moving to Medellin in October. My gf has been looking for an apartment to rent. She has seen several apartments by going through an agency. The agency has told her due to the bad experience with local Colombians being late with rent or not even paying at all they are asking for up to 2 local references with proof that they make good income. What do you think about agencies like Ciencuacdras or Espacio Urbano?

@AKJoel Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed the video mate! I'm gonna wait for Andrew to see this and comment about the 2 agencies you mentioned, I'm not too familiar with them but I bet he is.

@morganmullins8751 2 ай бұрын

Im wondering too. Did you have a good experience with them or another you’d be ok to mention ?

@shabadime10 11 ай бұрын

Sorry you had to go through this AK. Diana should of been more clear with you regarding the legal process. I hope you situate your visa process.

@AKJoel 11 ай бұрын

Such is life in Colombia, seems like it's very hard to find people who do their job properly lol

@ElJefe0719 Жыл бұрын

Sounds like Puerto Vallarta, where every Uber driver offers to double as your real estate “agent”

@AKJoel Жыл бұрын

Really? Wish I knew that before paying an arm and a leg for my accommodation here lol

@brooksconlee3489 4 ай бұрын

@akjoel is there a market to rent and sublease the rental thru airbnb?

@AKJoel 4 ай бұрын

As far as I know, there is not.

@matiasrodriguez3155 Жыл бұрын

So how do you hire a local to do this work for you? Seems like there should a bunch of people willing to do this

@AKJoel Жыл бұрын

That's what we teach our Masterclass Members, we have a few recommended and vetted contacts who are great at exactly that

@aahsimovieprojects Жыл бұрын

Hey Joel, off topic question but where do you play tennis in Medellin? And how much does it cost to access the facilities. I live half the year in Medellin and half in Miami, but I never bring my racket because I haven't found any apartment buildings that have tennis courts over there. The weather is just perfect for tennis but I don't know where to play.

@AKJoel Жыл бұрын

Hey, I play here and the court hire is free if you book online. goo.gl/maps/y2hYS8VMbLz83A1Q8 I usually train with my coach and that costs $6 per hour.

@aahsimovieprojects Жыл бұрын

@@AKJoel oh wow that’s super close to me, didn’t know there was a court there. Thank you so much!

@AKJoel Жыл бұрын

Enjoy!!

@semhalgoldja349 10 ай бұрын

There’s no link for reputable sites rental agencys

@AKJoel 10 ай бұрын

Here you go: medellinmasterclass.com/rent-local/

@flawlesscreative5996 Жыл бұрын

What facebook groups would you recommend to join that are trust worthy? Great content btw

@AKJoel Жыл бұрын

Medellin For Nok Jerks GringoPaisa Those are the only 2 I use 👍🏾

@Repomex01 Жыл бұрын

For Long Term, use a Notaria with Direct Contract with Owner, and negotiate a 3/6/9/12 month paid up front lease. Did this In Cali back in 2011 6 month lease. Foreigner Gentrification will only increase as this Country's benefits become apparent.

@AKJoel Жыл бұрын

How much did you pay per month back in 2011?

@Repomex01 Жыл бұрын

@@AKJoel 3 bedroom 2 bath duplex lower level house in Barrio La Flora to the North Near CHIPICHAPE - Centro Comercial Cali for a total of 700 a month but Dollar was at 1800

@AKJoel Жыл бұрын

haha wowwwww that exchange rate is crazy!

@festumstultorum1462 11 ай бұрын

so you already figured out the label colombian price foreign price The bad thing is that it doesn't just stop there, people here are ambitious and that eventually ends up charging everyone equally and we don't earn dollars here

@AKJoel 11 ай бұрын

Hey I don't blame local property owners for getting every dollar they can get - that's just good business! That's why I show people how to avoid that and rent for less :) This also helps fight rising prices.

@festumstultorum1462 11 ай бұрын

@@AKJoel the problem is not wanting to earn money because in the end it is the reason for doing business; it's the culture behind it and the form that ends up evolving here. Remember that here in Latin America the term "marrano" exists and it is a term widely used because it is determined by who applies it and not by who ends up receiving the nickname, I will give you an example, if you make a video helping people to avoid cost.They will see it and to overcome the laziness of identifying foreigners they will equalize the prices of everything for everyone, what will not be to the taste of the locals, it is the culture that is managed here and that is why we are so careful with money that we spend, that's why we haggle prices or completely refuse to pay something, that's why we don't give tips, or spend more money on a date, that's why we lie about taxes and anything that involves money, because we know that if we are honest we will not be rewarded for that, quite the opposite, if we tip the next time we enter that business they will charge it as a charge and not voluntarily like is suppose to be(which they are already doing thanks to foreigners), if we spend too much on a girl on a date, she won't think (oh what a nice and attentive guy) nope what she will think is and tell her friends is (hey I got a pig ....oe levante marrano) and so on with everything else) it's not your blame Joel, you come from a very different culture, but remember what I told you about the rolos, here there are several regions that share that mask to a greater or lesser extent. And in Colombia we know about the paisas that they usually put honey in their words but a good part of those words are just shit, ask a paisa woman how much you can believe a paisa man just as a cultural exercise and tell her to be honest true with you then you will know

@NM-it2vo 2 ай бұрын

Joel, just curious: what is your ultimate intent/purpose of being in Colombia? The more I watch, the ore I wonder why someone from a Western country in the prime of their life is spending so much energy invested in staying in Colombia long-term. It's great, but it also has many drawbacks. What is your reason for investing so much energy in CO and Medellín, specifically? Is it truly just in pursuit of women (frankly), at the end of the day? Yes, I'm aware you met someone and have been dating someone for at least a year (last I saw, in a video)...but you were committed to CO even before then. I'm just wondering if the raw bottomline for why guys like you are investing so much extraordinary hassle/energy/effort into being in a place where things are great but also routinely don't work, etc -- is it literally just in pursuit of the affection of women you believe are more attainable here than in your home country.

@YuZeLuNa 22 күн бұрын

a lot more free time, much cheaper cost of living

@maryfreedom5 8 ай бұрын

If you work for free, it's worth it, otherwise I speak Spanish very well, and I'm very good at searching and negotiating.😮

@AKJoel 8 ай бұрын

That's great, you'll find a good deal then!

@cbttrainee5961 Жыл бұрын

👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿 This video is 💰💰💰💰💰💰🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

@AKJoel Жыл бұрын

Cheers brother, glad you enjoyed it!

@BigChaz Жыл бұрын

Sorry AK but hopefully our experience helps other viewers in their search!

@AKJoel Жыл бұрын

Haha yeah it definitely isn't the most time effective method that's for sure!

@Travel.with.ChrisAdams Жыл бұрын

Do you know of good realtor(s) in Cartagena?

@AKJoel Жыл бұрын

Unfortunately not, sorry. Only Medellin!

@ElJefe0719 Жыл бұрын

I’m a Seinfeld fan as well

@AKJoel Жыл бұрын

Best show ever !

@ElJefe0719 Жыл бұрын

“The show about nothing” 😅

@rudyrobertson1540 10 ай бұрын

If people are so gullible as to pay for a place before ever seeing it and giving away their information just to anyone you really should just stay where ever you are from because you're not even close to being ready for the real world

@AKJoel 10 ай бұрын

I always ask myself who the heck would do something so careless, but then I keep hearing stories of people doing it weekly lol

@semhalgoldja349 10 ай бұрын

Why the fuck do they put it up so high

@AKJoel 10 ай бұрын

lol capitalizing on newbies who don't know how to find apartments the local way I guess?

@LuisFigo4 Жыл бұрын

Tip my wife and I use: ask the doorman / security. They usually know who is renting / selling in the building. Edit: 27 minutes till you gave this advice

@AKJoel Жыл бұрын

Yeh not sure if you watched til the end of the video but that was Andrew's final tip!

@LuisFigo4 Жыл бұрын

@@AKJoeljust saw it. Best tip

@LuisFigo4 Жыл бұрын

@@AKJoel also Sabaneta near the park is an awesome place to live if you don't want to be around gringos all the time but also want a safe neighborhood

@morganmullins8751 2 ай бұрын

@@LuisFigo4just have to choose wisely when you want to travel to areas of Medellin because of traffic yeah ?