New Chilean Apartment: Next Steps
With the work progressing on the apartment, we needed to make the transaction legal. This was just one of the steps in making the apartment ours. Here we were at the Notary's office where our lawyer read through a legal document describing the property and the transaction. After making a few corrections, getting signatures and handing over the funds, we were one step closer to being owners. The transaction didn't become final for nearly 2 more weeks when it was officially registered, so we didn't get the keys until after that.

In the meantime, the work was ongoing in the apartment. The last major job was in the kitchen and service area. The doors were replaced on all the old cabinets in the kitchen and laundry room, some new cabinets were built, damaged ceramic tiles were replaced where needed on the walls, the granite counter tops were finished, the ceilings were painted, the door between the kitchen and dining room was converted into a swinging door, and electrical outlets were upgraded. We went to see the progress every day, and there was always something new.

This view from the master bedroom window seat doesn't do it justice. We can picture ourselves curled up with a book, enjoying the mountains, open skies and neighborhood activity. We certainly like the neighborhood. Evidently we aren't the only ones...

		The day after we got the keys, all the local newspapers covered the story that the newly elected Chilean president Michelle Bachelet, the first female president in South America, had chosen a home 2 blocks away! The map below shows the location of our new apartment (in red), the President's new home, and a variety of nearby embassies. Two convenient metro (subway train) stations are marked with the triple diamonds. Our favorite pizza shop, DaDino, is at the end of our street. What a great location!

		With unique architecture, lots of greenery, pretty apartment buildings like ours, and residential homes like the President's, you can understand why we (and the President) are enjoying livng in this special part of Santiago. The views from street level, or up in our terrace, sure look good from any angle. The apartment was now ready for the finishing touches.