We are two Canadians who were falling in love with Montevideo. Interested in buying an apartment in the Old City, we were lucky to find Focus Properties to guide us through the process. Michael and Marina showed us a number of places, historical, new, renovated, and needing renovation, and it wasn't long before they took us to see the one that was just right for us. Buying an apartment in another country is daunting, but Michael helped me set up a local bank account and pointed us to a very capable and bilingual escribana (like a notary here, a lawyer for property transactions) who saw us through to the purchase. Michael made the whole process seem straightforward. We are very satisfied with the services Focus offered us.

Daina Green

As expats searching for a home in Uruguay, we were incredibly fortunate to find Michael and Marina. They were knowledgeable, professional, and deeply familiar with the Uruguayan real estate market. Just as importantly, they connected us with trusted professionals—including an accountant, escribana, and lawyer—who guided us through every step of the process. Looking back, we honestly do not know how we could have done it without them.

Dan Ferguson

We can’t recommend Michael & Marina at Focus Properties highly enough! They were endlessly patient, driving countless miles with us through the Maldonado countryside until we found our dream farm — where we’re now happily settled. Their support went far beyond the sale, working with a trusted group of professionals including our lawyer, escribana, and even finding our wonderful caseros. Knowledgeable, well-connected, and an absolute pleasure to work with — they’re a fantastic couple and true pros.

Dion Kremer & Carol Cochrane

A thousand thanks for all your help in finding a wonderful house in Uruguay, and for your professional support during the contract and the purchase process! I was so lucky I found you at the beginning of my search.

Jeff Pedigo

We had very little available time to look at properties, but because Michael listened so well to our needs and budget, we found our dream home in just one day. Even after the sale concluded, Michael has followed up with useful resources and support to help us settle in successfully. Muchas gracias to Michael and Marina - you're the best!

Miriam Klein

Market knowledge, patience, and understanding…that describes Michael and Marina at Focus Properties. As we are U.S. expats, their knowledge of the wide range of real estate options, their realistic understanding of the pros and cons of living in Uruguay, and their patience, resulted in their finding the perfect home for us. Thank you, Michael and Marina.

Jan & Ken George

I worked with Michael at Focus Properties to find my new home. He listened to my wants and needs and made great suggestions. He help me understand the law and steer me in the right directions. it was so nice to somebody could I trust and contact when I was not yet living in the country. It was a great experience.

Shawn Butler

The stress of a property purchase, even in a familiar town or neighbourhood, can be daunting at best. Imagine this purchase being seen for the first time in real life, not staged pictures online. Now imagine that there are 2 properties that you have narrowed down from a 1000 listings over 10 years of searching. Now imagine that I will be doing this myself on my wife's behalf. She is at home looking after our property and animals. The best and easiest part, I have flown 12,700 KM or 7,900 miles to see them, and have 5 days to look, decide, make and offer. But first, after arriving, get the rental car and drive 300km to get to these 2 properties, make it happen, then drive 300km back to catch a plane to Canada. Consider as well that this is Uruguay, and Spanish is spoken, and I am not close to competent. This has been years in the making, several long vacations. This is for our retirement and our permanent residence, so a big ask to get it done in 5 days, yet Michael and Marina at Focus Properties made the process very simple. Michael speaks English, being Canadian by birth, so there were no lost in translation moments. Michael had the offer in and was accepted with 2 days to spare. He introduced me to English-speaking professionals on the ground to deal with, our Escribana Publica and our Immigration lawyer and notary. Could not recommend their services more highly. Cheryl and I, and our 6 cats, are 3 years and 2 months into our beach retirement in Rocha. Life truly is a beach.

Robert Timco & Cheryl Elley

I have enjoyed working Michael & Marina. I appreciate that he came out with his drone to take an aerial film of the chacra’s 11.62 hectares that showed it well. He has been good about follow-up and prospect opportunities.

Bill Owen

I very much enjoy and appreciate Michael's clear and thoughtful guidance.  He is able to listen.  And he is able to see from the client's perspective. And thus suggest the most profitable course of action.

James Romanek

Exceeded my expectations. Incredibly responsive. Excellent advice. Extraordinarily knowledgeable. I highly recommend.

Jon Bourne

Michael was very attentive and knowledgeable about the properties that he showed me.

Silvia Harding Marks