For Sale: Third in Chipipe Beach

This building is very well maintained inside and out. Definitely one of the best looking buildings in Chipipe.

Floor: 7th

Sq. ft: Approx. 1,700

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2 ½

Social Area: No pool, only lobby gathering area.

Parking/Storage: One covered parking space with storage closet.

Price: $240,000 negotiable, includes furniture

Impression:  This is an impressive building to look at. This condo needs nothing to make it a very nice ocean front retreat. It has excellent rental potential for possible long term renters 6-12 months. There is no true outside balcony but the sliders open fully. The kitchen and bath remodel was done a while ago but still looks fresh. However, it was done with lower end materials. The vaulted ceiling in the living room helps to make it feel bigger. This condo suffers in two areas. First, it is a narrow/long condo, I call it “hallway” living space. You never truly get an open feeling in this type of condo even with sparse furnishings. Secondly, it is priced just over $140.00 a sq. ft. It would take a substantial reduction to get it closer to a reasonable $100 per sq. ft. 

The vaulted ceilings and full sliders help make the living room feel more spacious. 

The kitchen and baths were remodeled, but with lower-end materials. It is clean and functional but not as impressive as the price would suggest.  

The bedrooms, including the master, are in the back of the building.

For Sale: Second in Chipipe Beach

As we stated earlier, Chipipe is our favorite beach area in the Salinas peninsula area. It’s no mystery why we purchased a condo here. The condos in Chipipe offer magnificent panoramic views of  beach and ocean. 

Another typical building.

Floor: 3rd

Sq. ft. Approx. 2,100 inside with additional outdoor living area of Approx. 1,400 sq. ft.

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 3 ½

Overall Condition: Very original condition. This condo has not been remodeled or updated. Would require complete remodel of kitchen and bath areas including removal of walls. The water supply lines would all have to be replaced. The electrical panel and much of the wiring would also require updating. The outdoor living area needs a complete renovation.

Social Area: No pool only lobby gathering area.

Parking/Storage: One covered parking space with storage closet.

Price: $160,000 firm

Impression: This is a very original condition condo that shows its age. This one is only for the serious remodeler. I would call it a chunk of coal waiting to be transformed into a diamond. The sheer size of this condo is impressive. Normally you would only find this amount of space in a penthouse. Being on the third floor may put off some. However, it is high enough and designed such that sweeping views of the beach are offered. The biggest draw is the potential for unlimited outdoor living possibilities. The price is keeping this one on the market. I would estimate a remodel cost of $50,000 to transform this into an impressive condo with an unparalleled outdoor living area.  A total investment of approximately $220,000 would put this at the high end of the market with little or no immediate equity. This is definitely a hold-and-enjoy condo for 2-3 years and see if appreciation offers a reward.

This building is maintained well on the inside. The building needs to be repainted on the outside.

 The outside living area is large, approx. 1,400 sq ft.

The living room is good sized but could be made larger by removing one of the front bedrooms.

The kitchen and laundry area are divided by a common wall. Once removed a large kitchen could be planned.  

The master bedroom is in the front of the building offering ocean views from the sliding doors.

Typical bedroom on backside of building.

For Sale: Chipipe Beach

There are three distinct beaches in the Salinas Ecuador area where you find the majority of ocean front condominium buildings: the Salinas Malecon, San Lorenzo, and Chipipe. In the next series of postings we will present typical condominiums for sale in each of the three areas.

Chipipe is by far our favorite of the three beaches. Its wide, soft sand beach stretches from the tip of the peninsula to the Salinas Yacht Club. The condos in Chipipe offer magnificent panoramic views of  beach and ocean.

The condominium buildings in Chipipe are older, averaging about 30+ years. However, the buildings are very well maintained. Despite there being fifteen ocean front buildings, condos for sale in Chipipe are few and far between. Rarely is a “Se Vende” sign posted on a Chipipe condo. The few that are for sale are mostly offered by Ecuadorian Realtors. Making it a little more difficult to inquire about but well worth the effort. This may change as more North Americans are expressing a high desire to purchase in Chipipe.

The following condo is typical of what you will find for sale in Chipipe.

Floor: 2^nd

Sq. ft. Approx. 1700

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 3 ½

Overall Condition: Older remodel in kitchen and baths. Original woodwork and doors with obvious and extensive termite infestation.

Social Area: No pool only lobby gathering area.

Parking/Storage: One covered parking space with storage closet.

Price: $160,000 including all furniture.

Impression: Not currently a show place but, with a rehab of approximately $40,000 mostly spent on the kitchen and baths, this condo could be  impressive. Being on the second floor hurts this unit if you desire sweeping views. The furniture is older but looks good in the condo, definitely makes this one instantly a good unit to rent out. Some renters may be put-off by the older finishes. But would rent very well in the local market.

The building is very well maintained.

The living area has been extended past the original sliding doors. Look closely at the wall jetting out on the right and the change of the floor tile. This marks the original location of the sliders. This modification is popular in area beachfront condos but eliminates a true outdoor living area.

The kitchen has an older rehab. While not attractive, it is functional.

The master bedroom is in the front of the building offering ocean views from the window.

Typical bedroom on backside of building with no views.

  

Last night's sunset over the Mar Bravo:

Bar Stools

Had made-to-specification bar stools made by a local carpenter. $25 each. And comfortable too!

Local Market

fruta

verduras

legumbres

mariscos

carne

I walked to the outdoor market in Salinas yesterday morning. Bought 6 onions and 6 tomatoes, all for $1.75. Also 1 pound of fresh shrimp, which was a lot of shrimp, for $5. I made pasta and shrimp for dinner tonight. 

Pasta con camarones