My husband and I came to Ecuador from the US for a 3-month reconnaissance trip to identify a community where we might like to settle down. We liked Cuenca very much and, days before the end of our trip, on the recommendation of a US expat, we took a quick tour of Cuenca condos and homes with local realtor, Maribel Crespo who showed us a home in the countryside that was a very good fit, given our particular requirements. In addition to speaking excellent English, we found Maribel to be efficient, honest, reliable, resourceful, with a quick mind, and always “simpatica” personality, and a total commitment to customer satisfaction regardless of wealth or the size of the purchase. The home we liked was listed by another real estate agent so her commission was relatively small; however, Maribel was able to match us with that home within about 3 hours. It was simply delightful to work with Maribel. When we later decided to delay our move to Ecuador substantially, Maribel Crespo went the extra distance to help coordinate fit-out of our newly-constructed new home with appliances and accessories, and minor fix-up, as needed for rental. And once the home was ready, she found a suitable tenant even before we had it formally listed. We highly recommend Maribel who provided invaluable assistance to us as we prepared to move to Ecuador. Recommended by Amy O’Connor and Ray Wheeler: integrated100@gmail.com

During my time in the U.S. Army I came across a compliment that was used if some one did something extraordinary. It would be said that the person went ‘over and above the call of duty.’ You, Maribel, have done that for me. I deeply appreciate the time and effort you have taken to help me out. Marty Marzolf

Hi Maribel! We wanted to let you know we made it back home safely and without problems. More importantly we wish to send you a very heartfelt ‘thank you’ for all your kindness during our Cuenca, and environs, visit. Your city is very beautiful. The countryside is beautiful. It was a fabulous trip that exceeded all of our expectations. Your thoughtful, and most likely very time consuming, planning is greatly appreciated. Again, we want to thank you for putting together such a complete tour. Showing the city first certainly should help you to sell the properties. For us, understanding more of the city has helped in our decision process. Best regards, Alan & Annie Anderson St. Augustine, FL

My husband and I came to Cuenca on our exploratory trip in December 2012. Despite the short notice and it being during the holidays, Maribel made time for us and drove us around to give us an idea of properties for purchase and rent. Once we moved here in October 2013, we contacted Maribel right away, and began looking for properties….Maribel had remembered our criteria from the year before and immediately showed us a property which was too good to pass up…we ended up buying it, although we had intended to rent at first. Throughout the process, Maribel was available to us immediately, by e-mail, by phone, and in person. She held our hand, explaining the processes in her impeccable English. We highly recommend Maribel (in fact, relatives of ours are going through the process now to purchase two properties from Maribel) for her work ethic, her non-pushy demeanor, her expertise, and her loyalty. Maribel did not stop helping after we bought the property…she put us in touch with an electrician, a plumber, a handyman, a locksmith, and even helped translate for us when we hired a maid. Moreover, Maribel was helpful in locating a tailor and most recently, a general physician. She is very well-connected and highly regarded in her field, as well as in Cuenca. Thanks Maribel, for helping make our house a home and being genuine throughout the process. Deepa Aggarwal

It’s been said, “a good real estate agent is similar in nature to a conductor of a great symphony coordinating the different players to make a successful transaction a reality.” This is especially true if you are planning on renting/ buying a property in a foreign country and don’t know the spoken language. I’ve just completed a rewarding and successful experience with realtor Maribel Crespo of ecuadorablehomes.com. Coming from generations of living in Cuenca, Maribel has a true interest in property and local architecture that gives her an advantage over other brokers. Because her knowledge and interest level are readily apparent in all her conversations; her clients see that she has a vested interest about the industry. Let me emphasize, Maribel does not just find you a home, she helps you establish a home. My experience with Maribel didn’t stop once the sale was completed. What makes Maribel stand out as a realtor is her network of contacts within the Cuenca area. I bought a condo and within days Maribel had arranged for a reliable painter; electrician, and introduced me to an interior designer. She even made the effort to help with internet connection. It is with great respect and my honor to recommend Maribel Crespo not just as a realtor but as an all-encompassing real estate agent who is attentive to the unique needs of her individual clients before, during and after the sale. Recommended by Valerie Jiannotti: valeriejiannotti@email.com

If you are looking to rent or buy a property in Cuenca or its surrounding locations, I wish to highly recommend Maribel Crespo of Ecuadorable Homes to help you with your search. My sister and I first met Maribel in December, 2013 when we made an exploratory tour to Cuenca and hired her to give us a real estate tour of the city. A native of Cuenca, Maribel knows the city extremely well and she helped us to familiarize ourselves with the various sectors before we located here. After our move in September, 2014, Maribel showed us several rentals and throughout the process, she was very professional and actually listened to what we wanted. When I found out I would have to move again in October, 2015, Maribel was one of the first persons I contacted to help me find an apartment. She is very effective, but not pushy, and she really shows you properties that fit your needs, not just the properties she would like to rent or sell. And, due to her numerous contacts in Cuenca, she is often able to find properties before they come onto the real estate websites, a real plus in the very competitive market in Cuenca. I have friends who have both purchased and rented properties through Maribel, and they have all been extremely satisfied with the process. An added plus for most gringos is that Maribel lived in the US for many years and her English is excellent. I would recommend Maribel without reservation to anyone wishing to find a home in Cuenca. Her website address is www.ecuadorablehomes.com. You should contact her directly by email or phone for all of your property needs. Marcia Glen

Maribel is the most experienced, professional and competent real estate agent we have worked with in our 3 years in Cuenca. She is fluent in Spanish and English. Whether you are looking to rent or buy, she is the agent to call. She returned my calls and emails promptly, listened to what we needed, and then was persistent in finding exactly the right place for us. We searched in Cuenca as well as communities to the north (Paute, Gualaceo), and to the south in Yunguilla Valley. And even when we didn’t find something right away, she kept looking on our behalf and kept initiating communication with us. Finally, through her most excellent connections, she found us the perfect place. When we first started looking, we thought we would have to work with several agents to see all their individual properties. And for the most part that would be true – and it was exhausting and frustrating to deal with all those agents who had a variety of work ethics and maybe they showed up and maybe they didn’t. But when we happened upon Maribel, she is so well-connected that she not only showed us her listings but has already negotiated arrangements with other agents to show their properties too. A big time-saver for sure. She lived in the USA for many years and knows what renters and buyers who come from the USA want. And she delivers. She was also available for help after the contract was signed with setting up utilities, security system and more. Service with a smile. I highly recommend Maribel for all your real estate needs. Recommended by Deb Miller: debjmiller9@gmail.com

In 2012 I purchased an under construction condo thru Maribel. Pretty risky under any circumstances, but not living in a country really compounded the issue. While still in the states, Maribel followed the construction, dealt with issues with the builder, and even helped me make long distance choices on materials.(I trusted her good taste). She also set me up with wonderful attorney's to protect my intrests. Everything went flawlessly, Thanks to Maribel! Neilnagle2765@gmail.com

Maribel recently sold a condo for me in Cuenca and handled the entire process beautifully! She managed each step efficiently, professionally and with grace. Within 24 hours of listing she posted photos and details on her website. She priced it correctly and actively marketed and showed the property. When the buyer was ready she smoothly managed the process to closing in just a few weeks. Her business practices were in direct contrast to the expat realtor I’d previously listed the property with: He priced it way too high, took 6 weeks to post it online and in 6 months showed the place only twice. Maribel is a STAR! I am so grateful to have found her! Sheila Donnell

Maribel has been an absolute delight and has surpassed our expectations in virtually every way. Punctual, informed, courteous, committed and effective are just some of the professional adjectives I would use to describe her. On a personal level she has surpassed our expectations many times by doing things far beyond what one would expect from a realtor. She has, in fact, helped us with countless things outside the normal with helping us with information on schools, banks, lawyers, design firms and the many unanticipated details that an American who is purchasing and moving to Ecuador would run into. Beyond all these wonderful superlatives Maribel is also fully bilingual and, having lived many years in the states, has a robust understanding of foreign wants and needs. We have unhesitatingly referred potential clients to Maribel and will continue to do so because we believe in her and have every confidence that you will as well. Sincerely Derek and Clara Estes Chicago, IL (Cuenca residents in waiting)