Information about Frac

I am just a country bumpkin and would sure like info about what a Frac is? What are the benefits and drawbacks of buying and living in a Frac. Are utilities more expensive? What should one know about them, are there good and bad? Does it mean they are gated? Monthly fees? Any opinions on Mirasol? I know nothing. Thanks Mrs. Hogline

From my website at http://rollybrook.com/finding_a_place.htm

Fraccionamiento (sometimes abbreviated as fracc) can be translated as "neighborhood association" or "development" or "sub-division." Each translation has a different meaning which you should understand.

As a neighborhood association, it probably has rules much less restrictive than a condominium; and probably it won't be gated. The most common purpose is to preserve the architectural integrity of the neighborhood; although there may be other goals. This is like many neighborhood associations in the USA.

While a contractor/developer is building a new development, it will be called a fraccionamiento. Until the project is completed and officially turned over to the city, the city usually has no responsibility for the area. This means there might not be water, sewer, trash pickup, street lighting, or even police protection in the development. It is important to understand this because the developer often will be selling units before full city services are available. This limbo situation also may delay getting a title to the property. For various reasons, the developer may wish to delay turning it over to the city. This can, and does, cause hardships to the people who have bought and moved in. Be very careful when renting or purchasing property in a new development because you could be in for a very long, rocky ride.

After the development is turned over to the city, it may continue to be called a fraccionamiento -- usually "fraccionamiento some name," not unlike named sub-divisions in the USA. This kind of fraccionamiento may or may not come with restrictions.

As you can see, it is important to understand which kind of fraccionamiento you are moving into. As always, a clear understanding at first will avoid misunderstandings later.

Rolly, thank you for your informative info. There is a lot to learn, how does one find out which type of frac we are looking at? When looking at a place on the Internet they don't seem to mention any of this. I was excited to see that you responded to my question.

I am going to sit down and read your link to get some good information. Mrs. Hogline

The two common types of associations you will find are Fracs & Condominios.  So, when you are looking you will want to know which type they are.  Condominios are mostly gated, Fracs can be gated or non-gated.  Condominios rules are to some folks very restrictive, and some folks don't like them.  I don't seem to mind it and I've lived in two different condo locations without any problem.  But to each his own.  If you are out looking at places, your realtor can tell you which type they are.  But, if you decide to buy either type, make sure you get a set of their by-laws and read them BEFORE you buy so you know what you are signing up for.

Juanrey, thank you for your reply. We saw a house online and the info did not say that it was in a fracc but listed the location as Mirasol. We will be down in a month and were wondering if we wanted to look at that house so we are trying to get info. Juan did you have a car here from the start of your adventure?

On our 2 visits we didn't have a car, but when we moved down the following year we rented one from Mark Turford for a couple months and then bought a Mexican plated car. If you are visiting for a month it will depend on where you are staying if you really need a car. Most staying close in to the village find walking is fine, but if you get out in Riberas, Mirasol area you will need buses and taxis if no car.

We live in Mirasol, yes there is a monthly Fracc fee. it covers the maintenance of the Fracc. Garbage, sewer and water, and street lights. We have lived here almost 8 years. There has been some rough stuff with the board this year, but we just voted in a new board that is going to do some good things again, so we will be back on track with peaceful living again.
We love living in between the villages so we don't get all the noise.
Yes we have always had a car, but there are 2 gringo couples that live here that don't have a car and the bus picks up right up on the highway or we walk to SuperLake area or Sunrise for breakfast.

Great info from everyone. This will be our 3rg trip to Lakeside and we will be lucky enough to stay 3 months this year. Can't wait to get to know people and become part of the community. Mrs.Hogline