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

Ken and I want to thank you for your time and effort in familiarizing us with the market here in Cuenca. We have enjoyed out 7 weeks in this beautiful city and look forward to returning next year. We value your thoughts and assistance in finding a rental. We return home with so many good memories to savor and share with our friends and relatives. Sincerely Jane and Ken Patterson

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

We decided to move to Ecuador from The US a few months back. We visited many locations and finally decided to visit Cuenca. A friend in Guayaquil recommended Maribel to help us find a place to purchase. We have bought and sold at least half dozen places in US, we visited Portugal, and Croatia, and Metz France as well before we decided on Cuenca, so we have worked with many agents in the US as well as other countries. Without a doubt, Maribel is absolutely the best agent we have ever worked with. She always, always has the best interest of her client in mind. She never pressures you to purchase. After all that is how she makes her money. Yet, she patiently showed us place after place. Finally, after almost three months we found a place that we liked. Still, it wasn't an easy task to finalize the purchase. Yet, she was with us through the entire process until we finally closed on our condo. Not only we are grateful for all her tireless efforts, but she is also an unbelievable kind person who helps you without any expectation to make sure you are settled in and if you need any resource, she is there for you. We are soooooo lucky to have met her, and we consider her a dear friend for life. You only have yourself to blame if you do not engage her to help you find a place in Cuenca. Thank you, Maribel, for making this very difficult situation so bearable. Recommended by Siamak Masoudi: sia.masoudi@gmail.com

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)

Maribel Crespo from EcuadorableHomes is a gracious lady and a true professional, who found for me my rental condo. She spent a great deal of time with me, and brought me back to see the condo again when I wanted to refresh my memory a few days later as to whether or not this was in fact the condo of my choice, and how I might imagine furniture layout as well. Maribel setup an appointment and provided translation between myself and the condo owner, and arranged all the negotiations, copies of the association governance in English and the lease signings, as well as arranged the monthly rental payment with the appropriate bank. She provided transportation, and did a thorough job of responding to all my questions related to the building. What I particularly appreciated from Maribel was the fact that she did not steer me toward properties that did not match the criteria I had set out for her in what I was seeking. I very much enjoyed working with her, and appreciated that she was not pushy in attempting to foist a sale or rental on me. Maribel also has experience in helping in the purchase of property and businesses, serves as a financial consultant, and can be helpful with the assessment of property value. Sincerely, James Mola

Hello, Maribél! You are a wonderful ambassador for your country; you made me fall in love with it. Thank you, Maribel for the heartfelt introduction you gave us to Cuenca, it was extraordinary and wonderful! Eric The Eric Berendt Studio

I would like to make a long over due recommendation for Maribel Crespo, of Ecuadorable Homes here in Cuenca. I had the pleasure of meeting Maribel in the Spring of '12. On that exploratory trip, Maribel showed me a large number of properties. I made a decision on one of them, but responsibilities back in the states caused me to put my plans on hold. On Christmas I got a nice greeting from Maribel, and she mentioned the owner/ builder was still interested in doing business with me. Maribel had set me up with a wonderful attorney team on my initial trip, and a deal was made long distance. This was a new construction project, so all manner of decisions had to be made. Through email she sent me pictures of choices to be made in the construction faze. It helps that Maribel has such wonderful taste. She pointed me in the right direction on numerous choices. She dealt directly with the architect and the builder. She was at the building frequently while it was being constructed. I was not fortunate enough to be bi- lingual, so I was blessed to have Maribel there as an intermediary. She speaks flawless English. When I arrived back in the Spring of'13, all had been contracted, and Maribel again aided me in last minute details that all new construction projects incur. I am more than happy, and confident to recommend Maribel for her expertise in the Real Estate field, and all things Ecuador. She also has contacts in every area you will need to make your house, your home! Neil Nagle

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. Louis St. Augustine, FL

Maribel helped us find the perfect condo in Cuenca and then helped us through each step of the purchase process. Now she has helped us find our second home on the coast. We turn to Maribel to give us good advice and introduce us to people who can provide us with additional assistance. Sincerely Bob Cox