There are numerous reasons why you should seriously consider buying Mexico Real Estate, but it will ultimately boil down to both personal choice and circumstances. Everybody knows that investing in Mexico real estate is an intelligent decision.

One thing is for sure, however, before buying, you need to delve deep in to your reasons for looking at Mexico real estate. Are you planning to live in Mexico for a long time? A long term rental may not be a wise decision. This will mean that you will be paying for a long time and at the end of the stay you do not have any asset to speak of. You may consider buying the property in this case.

Since Mexico is a very well known tourist destination, it serves as a perfect vacation home. A condo hotel in Mexico or a villa can serve as an overseas investment property that will provide a handsome rental income while also providing you with a vacation home whenever you want. Nowadays, condo hotels in Mexico are equipped with all modern amenities to speak of. They mostly have pools, Jacuzzis, gym, spa etc. Since, they are managed by a property management company; you don’t have to worry about maintenance of the property and rentals.

Mexico is also an ideal location, if your company looking for a new location, second headquarters, warehouse or manufacturing facility.

Whatever your reasons for looking at buying Property in Mexico real estate, it is important to realize that it can the best investment decision you ever made. Property values in Mexico have been consistently appreciating every year, just like they do almost anywhere else in world. But, property values of Mexico real estate do not typically appreciate as phenomenally and quickly as they do in the North American countries like United States and Canada or Europe . This makes property buying in Mexico a value for buyers. In addition, as with any property, the true appeal and value of property in Mexico comes down to one thing only ? location!

This brings us to another important thing to think about when you are looking at Mexico real estate is the state of development in the immediate vicinity as well as the surrounding governmental infrastructure of the whole entire area. Some areas are much more developed than others, while some are hardly developed at all. While property values will be cheaper in these areas on account of lack of development and infrastructure, be careful when you are looking at these sorts of locations in the purchase of Mexico real estate. Though rapid development is taking place all over Mexico , any development in that area may take time to catch up.

To summarize: Before purchasing Mexico real estate, you first need to conduct extensive research, choose your location and property with due diligence, and ensure that you then hire the right professionals and that the law is strictly followed. Scores of foreign investors have successfully purchased land and property in Mexico and with the right approach and plenty of research, there is no reason why you should not become one of them if you should decide to buy some Mexico real estate.

Author: Jason Keiller

How would you like to have a really intelligent, honest and well educated president? How about a Harvard graduate? Well, would you believe that Mexico has a 12 consecutive year run of Harvard alumni presidents? They have had a dramatic effect on the Mexican economy in general and real estate values specifically.

Prior to the new millennium, the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) or its predecessor revolutionary parties, had held power for over 70 years in Mexico and was a member of Socialist International. Thanks to the PRI philosophies toward nationalization, expropriation, authoritarianism, and state control of the economy, Mexico held a Third World status for 80 years. With those philosophies, Mexico was probably not the best place for foreigners to invest in real estate, or for that matter, anything else.

The situation in Mexico changed dramatically in 2000 when Vicente Fox of the National Action Party (PAN) first took over power for a six year presidential term lasting until 2006. Prior to his presidency, Fox had earned a Top Management Skills degree from the Business School of Harvard University and had then worked his way up to the presidency of Coca Cola Mexico and head of all Coca Cola Latin America. He was one of the few Mexican presidents to avoid a major economic upheaval during office, whereas previously, the Mexicans were accustomed to devastating peso devaluations. During the ten years that we’ve lived in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, the peso has held firm at about 10.8 pesos per US dollar.

Fox?s term expired in 2006, when his successor, Felipe Calderon, also with the PAN party, won a very close election. Calderon holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, and will serve as President of Mexico until 2012. He supports balanced fiscal trade, flat taxes, lower taxes, and free trade. His motto is to Drive Mexico Into the Future which represents privatization, liberalization, political freedom, and market control of the economy.

These two Harvard graduates have taken Mexico from a Third World Country to a Newly Industrialized Country (NIC) in a very short period of time and are continuing to advance the economy. As an NIC, Mexico has joined the ranks with countries such as China, India, Brazil, Turkey, etc. en route to becoming First World Industrialized Countries. Recently, Mexico has changed from being a beneficiary to a full contributor to the United Nations Development Program. The Mexican Bolsa, or stock market, has more than tripled during the ten years that we’ve lived in Vallarta. The PRI party, still holds local power in the poorest states of Mexico; those where the inhabitants have the least education and are still waiting for subsidies from the government. However, the state of Jalisco where the capital is Guadalajara and the second largest city is Puerto Vallarta, is one of the many states where the local PAN party is in power. This change in power has been quite remarkable and evident in Vallarta during the last seven years.

During the past seven years, the Mexican government has spent billions of dollars improving and upgrading the infrastructures throughout the resort destinations. Puerto Vallarta has new water treatment facilities, power distribution systems, hospitals, university, upgraded airport, maritime terminal, highway system, etc. and is being prepared for the next five years of growth.

We have owned property here in Vallarta, located in the foot hills of the Sierra Madres overlooking Banderas Bay on the Pacific Ocean, for 24 years and have made Paradise our permanent residence for the past ten years. During the first 15 years, there were virtually no changes made here and the property values reflected it. However, during the years that PAN has been in power, the changes have been obvious and dramatic. Our villa has tripled in value and is expected to double again in the next five years as the baby boomers discover Paradise.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, the once sleepy little Mexican fishing village located in the foothills of the Sierra Madres on Banderas Bay along the Mexican Riviera is no longer sleepy or little. The population has literally exploded since the filming of ?The Night of the Iguana? in 1963. Vallarta has grown from 2,000 inhabitants prior to 1963 to the current figure of 350,000 inhabitants in 2007.

Aside from having a progressive government in power, the following are some of the other reasons accounting for this explosive growth:

Climate–Located on the same latitude as Hawaii, the seven month ?high season? of November through May has an average daily temperature of 73*F with virtually no chance of rain.

Scenery–Vallarta, located in the foothills of the Sierra Madres on the Banderas Bay, one of the largest and most beautiful bays in the world, is in the center of the Mexican Riviera on the Pacific Ocean. Beautiful beaches, rocky cliffs, mountain sides overlooking the bay, tropical flowers and wildlife, and all the sights that one would expect to find in Paradise.

Safe–With tourism being the life blood of the economy, North Americans are ?off limits? regarding any sort of criminal activity. Since guns are strictly prohibited in Mexico, burglaries, robberies, etc., are virtually unheard of. The primary objective of most all of the young generation of natives is to assure all North Americans a pleasant and safe visit to Paradise so that they?ll return soon and often. Fear of a terrorist attack in Vallarta? Forget it!

Friendliness–In 2001, a readers poll taken by Conde Nast magazine listed Vallarta as the friendliest resort destination in the world. The locals treat North Americans with dignity, respect, and as friends, family, and almost as royalty.

Clean Food and Water–The explosive population growth has caused a complete revamping and expanding of the city infrastructure. This includes the road system, power generation and distribution, and of course, water treatment and distribution systems. The water is pure and safe to drink from the tap throughout the city. All food products are now available in the many new modern supermarkets equal to the finest in the States. Food for home or restaurant consumption is closely monitored for cleanliness and controlled as in North America.

Medical care–Two new huge modern hospitals and one smaller modern clinic in Vallarta are fully capable of handling all emergencies as well as complicated surgeries. Modern dental clinics are also in Vallarta offering crowns, caps, implants, as well as all the basic dental practices. All of the doctors and dentists speak English and many of them have had at least some professional training in the States.

Friends–Every North American that you see in Vallarta, and they are easy to spot, is either on vacation or retired, i.e., none of them have to go to work tomorrow! They are all open to new friendships and new comers are always welcome. It?s one big party with no looming pressures of the office or the commuter drive in the morning.

Language–Because the economy in PV is based on tourism, it is imperative to speak English. Therefore, it is estimated that at least 80% of the younger generation is now speaking or at least understanding English. Communication is not a problem in Vallarta and there is no need to learn Spanish.

Travel Time–Although Vallarta is on the same latitude as Hawaii, it is only two to three hours from most of the US cities. Even the highways coming down from the US are now all super modern tollroads and the drive to PV can be made in two days from the border.

Connectivity–With high speed internet service available citywide, internet based telecommunications, and satellite TV available everywhere, you have the same contact with the world that you would have anywhere in the US or Canada.

Activities–World class deep sea fishing has been for years, and will always be, a major activity in Vallarta. There are now seven beautiful golf courses with more under construction. There are hundreds of tennis courts, water activities, night life galore, and too many clubs and organizations to mention. If you have nothing to do in PV, it?s only because that?s your choice!

Cost of Living–The cost of basic staples is about the same as in North America, however, housing is roughly half the cost and housing related taxes are a fraction of those in the States. All services are a half to a third of those in the US including medical and dental care because labor rates are so much lower. The cost of dining, outdoor activities, etc., are pretty much in line with those in the States.

Economic Security–The Mexican peso, at approximately 10.8 pesos per US dollar, has held firm for the past ten years. There are no devaluation concerns at this time as the Mexican economy booms.

Political Security–The PAN party has ruled in Mexico since 2000 and will remain in power at least until 2012, assuring a twelve year consecutive run of Mexico being governed by Harvard graduates! Needless to say, they are pro-US and friendly to the North.

Investment–Property values have tripled during the past ten years and are expected to double again during the next five years. With the booming economy, the Mexican stock market has also tripled during the past ten years. There is no slow down of growth in the foreseeable future.

Hopefully, the above 15 items will provide some explanation for the booming economy and explosive growth in Vallarta. They say that the party?s not over, that it has only just begun.

The Mexican National Tourism Development Foundation (Fonatur), has designated a 30 mile stretch of pristine Pacific Ocean shoreline north of Vallarta as the new Riviera Nayarit, where more than five billion dollars will be invested during the next ten years creating 30,000 new jobs as they build close to 20,000 new condos, villas, hotels, etc. As the North Americans continue to flock to Paradise, the infrastructure growth and future planning activities continue at a torrid pace.

Fortunately, Mexico has been governed by US friendly Harvard graduates for the past seven years and will be for at least the next five years, thus assuring a safe and secure real estate investing environment well into the future for retiring North Americans. If you?re retired or close to retirement, you ought to check out Vallarta before it?s too late. If you?re fortunate, you?ll be included in the next 100,000 gringos that migrate to Paradise!

So, you?ve reached a point in your life where you think that you?ve learned a little about business, finance, contract negotiating, real estate, etc. and have at least a layman?s knowledge of law pertaining to each. Being that savvy, you might also be aware of the incredible retirement locations and values south of the border; furthermore, you might even be considering Mexico as your retirement destination. If so, you might as well forget everything you?ve learned and leave your law degree at home!

Mexico, as beautiful as it is, has a somewhat different way of doing business and a completely different set of laws. Additionally, all legal transactions, including real estate transactions, are done in Spanish. Therefore, for those of you that may be considering locations in Mexico as possible retirement destinations, the following information should give you some insight as to how the Mexican real estate industry works, list some of the possible pitfalls, and most importantly, give you the guidance required to assure a pleasant and safe experience.

In 1984, we made our first real estate purchase in Puerto Vallarta; a condominium in Mismaloya, about seven miles south of town. Our second purchase, two years later, was the adjacent condo. A year later, we removed the wall between the two condos and remodeled them into one very spacious three bedroom condo. For thirteen years, while still working in Houston, we thoroughly enjoyed visiting Vallarta two or three times a year.

At some time after the purchases of the two condos, we noticed that our original escrituras (legal property documentation similar to a title or deed that is held in a fidecomiso or bank trust) showed the property values to be about one third of what we actually paid for them. When we inquired about the discrepancy, we were told that the lower values were used in order to reduce our annual property taxes.

It wasn?t until many years later, when we decided to sell the condo, that we learned that capital gains taxes were due on the huge difference between the selling price and the documented purchase price. Ouch, we owed substantial taxes on a paper gain, when in fact; there was very little real gain! We then learned that the condo developer entered the extremely low sales prices on all the escrituras in the condo complex in order to evade paying substantial capital gains taxes. As we later learned, the developer could have entered the selling price, the appraised value, his cost of construction, or just about anything imaginable into the escritura, and we, being the na

A significant section of Mexico?s economy is tourism. For this reason the drop and recovery of the tourism industry Mexico has gone through since June is of considerable importance to those interested in Mexico real estate.

If you are thinking of buying properties in the Ixtapa real estate market it is most likely you are asking yourself ?What?s happing in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo?? Cultural events are an important consideration for anyone looking for Mexico Real Estate; fishing, surfing, cheerleading tournaments, cultural celebrations, great food – Ixtapa offers a wide variety of events and activities for people of all tastes, as this sample of events from the past year shows.

Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo welcomed the year with a spectacular display of fireworks. At exactly 11:59:50 on December 31st, 2008, a 15-minute-long show of continuous fireworks began, with shapes of chrysanthemums and the traditional ?castles in the air.? The incredible display could be enjoyed from various beaches in Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa ? a real bonus for anyone considering Ixtapa Beachfront Real Estate. More than 100 different restaurants and hotels offered wine, liquors and Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo?s famous cooking traditions to visitors and residents who celebrated the New Year here.

One of the advantages of Mexico Beachfront Real Estate is the sea and all the activities and adventure it offers. At the beginning of May Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo hosted the 26th International Sailfish Tournament, which included marlins as well. Ixtapa is internationally recognized as one of the best destinations for sport fishing ? during this season Sailfish in the area can reach up to 175 pounds.
Almost immediately following the fishing tournament, the city hosted the 15th National Cheerleading Championship, organized by the Asociacion Nacional de Porristas (National Cheerleading Association). The event welcomed more than 1000 participants from universities throughout the country. The Association is recognized on an international level, having participated in competitions such as ?The United States All Star Federation?, ?The International All Star Federation?, ?The International All Star Federation for cheer and dance teams? and the ?Australian All Star Cheerleading Federation.? Likewise the competition was judged by an international panel.

Last year, from September 18th to 21st, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo also hosted the Latin-American Surfing Tournament, a six-star competition (the highest possible category in surfing championships), and the most important competition of its type in Latin America. This was made possible by the logistic support, planning and organization of various local and national organizations, and by the ideal conditions in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo. The city welcomed more than 100 participants from various countries including Costa Rica, Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Argentina, Panama, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. The competition took place on ?El Palmar? beach in Ixtapa, one of the most ideal places for surfing not only in Mexico but also in the world.

While Ixtapa Real Estate already offers excellent airline access to most major American airports, with easy connections to many other locations, recently a milestone was reached when the first direct flight was made from Canada to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo. This is excellent news for Canadians thinking of Retiring in Mexico, or just finding a home away from home in an top-quality beachfront resort destination.

The first direct flight from Canada came from Calgary, offered by the Canadian airline, Westjet.

The TOPMexicoRealEstate

Real estate laws of Mexico don’t make it mandatory for a real estate agent in Mexico to have a real estate license. This essentially means that anybody can sell property in Mexico. This makes it important for anyone looking to buy real estate in Mexico to be more careful and choose only the best and most knowledgeable Mexico realtor. This step can be the deciding factor in whether you get the best deal while purchasing your dream Mexico home or not.

A professional association called A.M.P.I. (The Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals) is present which has been given recognition by National Association of Real Estate Professionals (NAR). This association strives to bring together Mexico Real Estate Agents under one umbrella to provide customers waith world class services through extensive training using latest technologies. Since any kind of real estate investment is a huge step for anybody, especially when it’s in a foreign country, it’s always advisable to select a Mexican realtor that is a member of this organization. This ensures that at least the real estate broker in questions is properly trained in all the intricacies of a property transaction. Also, since the real estate company is a member of AMPI, you can be sure that you are dealing with a company of repute which is fit to represent you in Puerto Vallarta real estate market or any other major regions like Playa del Carmen and Cancun.

Once you contact any real estate agent in Mexico, notice how and when s/he responds. A real estate broker who responds to you immediately and strives to build a relationship is a positive signal. Also, check how well the Mexico Realtor is familiar with the location and the town. A real estate agent should be well versed with the all the neighborhoods of the city. Also, ask the Mexican real estate agent if s/he has any previous experience with foreign real estate investors. This is important as there are many intricacies involved when a foreigner buys property in Mexico. Also, make sure that if you are speak in English then the realtor should also know English properly. Any miscommunication at any step of a transaction can be a disaster. So make sure you are comfortable with your agent.

Once you have narrowed down your search, provide your real estate agents with all the details. It’s better to be specific about your budget, property type, location and amenities you prefer. This will help the realtor in showcasing you the properties best suited to you. Though, working with one agent is preferable as it saves you hassle and lot of time (remember you are buying a property in Mexico !), you can talk to a small list of agents until you are sure that any one of them is capable of catering to your needs. Another advice is to select services of a buyer’s broker. A buyer’s broker works with buyers and helps them in selecting the property they want. Many of the agents are seller agents and have seller interests in mind while making a deal. A buyer’s agent will look for buyer’s best interests and will get best prices and terms for a buyer. This can save you lot of dollars while purchasing a property in Mexico.

If you keep these tips in mind while buying a Real Estate in Mexico, you can have a memorable experience even while buying your dream Mexico vacation home.

Author: Tom Budniak

Mexico makes a good retirement state for many senior citizens, who prefer to stay at warm place. With illnesses like arthritis kicking in, elderly people like to think of places, where they can relax under the sun. So, those who are planning to invest in Mexican Real Estate, particularly retirement houses, the time is ripe. At this juncture prices of retirement properties in Mexico have gone down tremendously increasingly the Return on Investment.

Not all Mexico Real Estate can be considered to be a good investment for seniors; you can find many retirement homes and properties that are not well maintained. Besides, homes that require a low down payment may interest you, but in reality these homes may have several problems like pest infestation, leaky roof etc. So, first thing that you should consider while buying any sort of home is the location instead of price. You should seek answers to such questions, like the senior community that you are planning to invest in near to city downtown or other recreational centers? The means of transportation are easily accessible or not?

Apart from location, property also needs to checked properly, to see how the community is operated. There are good bargains in Mexico properties, but it may lead to situation where you are spending dollars but the house may not in livable condition or large amount of money will have to be spent on repairs and renovation. Do check the premises personally and ensure that there are plenty of activities for seniors. And again look-out for someone who has knowledge of architecture and some home improvement techniques to check the condition of the roofs, walls, electricity, water, drains and other important matters. Always remember that there are many homes for selection, so do not even settle for something that is not in good and proper condition.

There is considerable rise in the development of new retirement communities in Mexico. So, if you are not interested in old Mexico Real Estate, you can always check new ones being built. And since decline in the prices of home, you can find a better home in new communities in good bargain. But if you are not a senior with no plans of retiring, you can think of retirement homes a valuable investment. And with many Americans reaching their retirement age, you can always resell your property sooner or later. Regardless of the recent economic downturn, any property investment in Mexico should be seen in context of long term scenario. The prices may be low right now but will surely rebound in couple of years when the US economy comes out of recession. So make an intelligent choice and buy a Mexico Property for your secure future.

Author: Aniruddha Badola

Beachfront Property in Mexico has always been a popular real estate investment option. There is a plethora of real estate investment opportunities in Mexico . The perennial hotspots are Mayan Riviera which covers Cancun, Tulum, Akumal, Puerto Aventuras, and Playa del Carmen, which is the fastest growing city in the region. Playa del Carmen, was originally a sleepy fishing village, but has now been transformed into a cosmopolitan city for tourists from United States, Europe, South America and Canada. The Mayan Riviera region has over 100 miles of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Coupled to it are the ancient Mayan ruins which give the area a one more reason to be visited.

Mexico Real Estate investment is bucking the trends of US recession and many markets pundits that the boom is here to stay for long time to come. This can be gauged from the facts that foreign investors are still lapping up the projects been undertaken by world’s best and biggest international developers. Europeans and other investors have now become even more active in the region because of economical beachfront properties in Mexico. The current prices of real estate in Mexico are still low when compared to similar properties in US and other regions of the world. Mexico is now firmly on road to development. The gap between the developed countries and Mexico in terms infrastructure and standard of living is fast closing. Everyday many American style Malls, recreational centers, multiplexes and hospitals are opening up. Americans can now access almost luxuries in Mexico previously available only in US. Real Estate in Cancun, Playa del Carmen and other destinations are low risk and high gain investment opportunities. The properties bought during pre construction phase are cheaper and once the project is fully developed the prices appreciate considerably. And the industry is seeing increase in property prices every year.

The tourism industry is still witnessing growth. Tourism industry is one of the mainstays of Mexican economy with Yucatan peninsula contributing 70%. Hotels have high occupancy rates and still more hotels are been developed to cater to this rush. No doubt, real estate market in Mexico is flushed with optimism. There are many projects underway south of Cancun . This presents an exciting opportunity for investment in the region. In next decade many more destinations like Mahajual and Xcalak will be put firmly on tourist map of Mexico.

All these point to one fact ? Investment in Mexico real Estate is a wise option. It is clear that the there are numerous investment opportunities still available in Mexico and will continue to be for years to come.

Author: Aniruddha Badola