The dream of living in Mexico is alive and very strong for millions of Canadians and Americans.   Tulum is one of those locations that sparks the imagination with its’ incredible post card perfect beaches and their green lush jungles.   Many people fall in love with the beaches and then begin searching for Tulum homes for sale.  But being the little village is so small…the Tulum real estate market has more land than finished homes for choosing.  So there is plenty of land, on the south side, on the road to Coba, land in the downtown section and projects such as Aldea Zama whose infrastructure has been professionally laid out.    But people worry about the thought of taking on a construction project way down south in another country, in another language, in another business environment.   That is why TOP Mexico real estate wanted to chat with a few contractors from the zone.  We know of many homes, gorgeous homes that have been built by Americans and Canadians from long distance…and they were successes!

Take a look at the video below to see this beautiful home in the middle of the Mexican jungle… don’t feel you need to buy cookie cutter homes down in Tulum or in Mexico,  let your imagination run,  put your dreams down on paper and we can introduce you to contractors who can get the job done.

Thomas Lloyd graduated from Purdue University Krannert School of Management with a degree in Management/Financial Option Investments. He has been living, investing, and working professionally in Mexico for over 15 years. In the summer of 2009, he received the first federally applied Mexico Real Estate Degree and Mexico Professional Real Estate License S.E.P. #5978657. He is the current president of TOPmexicorealestate, you can contact him at (512) 879-6546

“Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely

This is a follow up to a blog on a Playa del Carmen condo project very unique in the Coco beach zone. (see blog click here) They have finished the showroom and it looks fabulous.

They are moving along well in the construction and have recently reduced the prices on select units. This developer has great experience in the Playa del Carmen real estate market and has already accomplished a great complex in Littly Italy ( click here to see property )

This area is becoming more of a residential community with brand new multi-family developments being introduced. They all have easy street access to an outstanding beach,

known as Coco Beach. This north area of the Playa del Carmen real estate region is where the 5th Ave is also stretching and advancing. There are great new shops and restaurants continually opening in this ‘new 5th Ave’ section.

Check out the listing here (click here to see details) for more photos and details on this project

Andy Welbourne
512-879-6546
www.TOPmexicorealestate.com
THE TOP Mexico Real Estate NETWORK; “Mexico’s leading specialists for finding and purchasing Mexican properties safely !”

A new service is now being offered for getting to know Merida’s historical sites – an “audio guide” which allows visitors to take their time and go on a self guided tour, choosing where to spend more time, and where not to.  A great little perk for tourists, right?

Forget tourists, this is great for those of us who choose to live in Merida!  When you buy Yucatan real estate, especially if it’s a charming colonial Mexico home in the old city, you will be surrounded by and immersed in a rich culture and history.  Whether you actually go out to learn more, or you just chat with the locals (both Mexicans and expats who’ve been around for while,) you’ll begin uncovering layers upon layers of stories, anecdotes and explanations.

If you like this sort of thing, the new audio-tour service could be an ideal way for you to get to know this city’s history.  The way it works is that there are 6 different “routes” with audio information about historic sites, parks, monuments, museums, markets, etc. Users can choose which point on the route they wish to hear about, on a digital audio system.  Currently there are recordings for 56 different sites, and the information describes their historical, architectural and cultural significance, as well as related customs and traditions from Merida.

Users can choose the language – Spanish, English, French, Italian or Mayan.  There is a small fee of about $6 USD for the rental of the audio device for 4 hours.

Many expats who live in Mexico enjoy becoming “experts” on their area’s history, culture and little facts.  This service is an ideal way to become an expert on the city’s main historical sites.  This way, when family and friends come to visit, you can be their own personal tour guide!

Mitch Keenan has been a Licensed Broker in the United States since the 1980s. He holds a GRI and a CRS from NAR (National Association of Realtors). With over ten years of living and working in the Yucatan real estate industry, Mitch brings American business ethics and Mexico business experience together to give buyers unparalleled service. 512-879-6546

THE www.TOPmexicorealestate.com NETWORK

“Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely!”

While Mexico homes come in all shapes, sizes, styles and prices, there are a handful which offer a luxury lifestyle at its best; one Tulum beachfront home, Casa Ina Tan Kanab, is an excellent example of this, and just as importantly, is currently for sale at well below the price that a property like this is really worth – with a 36% price reduction!

The home combines some of the best qualities for a luxury lifestyle.  It was designed and built to offer a clean visual atmosphere.  4 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms provide comfortable space, and a 2 bedroom guest house provides extra space for large number of visitors.  (The home is also a good choice for rental income – it has a very strong rental history.)  A spacious, open concept living room is only steps down from the kitchen and large windows on 3 sides offer excellent views of the ocean.  There is plenty of parking and spacious yards, gardens and an infinity pool make life comfortable.

The home is located directly on the oceanfront and is a short walk from 2 large, beautiful beach areas.  The village in which it is located, Akumal, is 20 minutes outside of Tulum, and provides residents with an excellent balance of tasteful homes and nature which has been left very much in tact.  There are protected sand dune areas near the village center, and protected sea turtle habitats near the main beach entrance, as well as lagoons surrounded by lush vegetation.  Residents can enjoy beaches among the world’s best, and the original nature that surrounds them.

The town of Tulum also provides benefits for buyers looking for luxury.  The town is currently small, and has a distinct small community atmosphere, which has placed it on a list to be considered for “Magic Town” status – an official recognition from a federal program in Mexico which promotes and invests in towns such as this one.

While rapid growth is expected for Tulum real estate in the near future, a municipal plan has been designed to allow for low-density sustainable development, and to retain the small town atmosphere with new village center areas.  The new airport which is in planning stages will promote this growth, bringing new services, increased rental demand and hence increased value to homes such as this one in Akumal.  Akumal will remain a quaint village while enjoying new services nearby.

In the meantime, most services, as well as a thriving nightlife, can be found in Playa del Carmen, about 40 minutes away.  Many activities, including world-class golf, marinas and theme parks are available between Akumal and Playa del Carmen.  About an hour and 15 minutes away is the Cancun International Airport.

While some luxury homes in Akumal with this ideal combination of features – location, design, size and lifestyle – are being sold for around 2 million dollars, this home was listed at only 1.4 million.  It has been reduced from this price to $899,000 by a very motivated seller!

Hector Moreno has been working in Real Estate in the areas of Tulum, Akumal, Sian Kaan for nearly 6 years. He is a certified real estate agent and owner/broker of Moreno Realty Associates. (512) 879-6546

THE TOPMexicoRealEstate.com NETWORK
“Mexico’s leading network of specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican properties Safely !”

There are several reasons why Yucatan real estate is an ideal place for your Mexico retirement.  While most of the features can be found in some other parts of Mexico, Merida, the capital of Yucatan, and the surrounding area provide a fairly unique combination of the following features.

Colonial Magic

When the Spaniards conquered the Yucatan Peninsula, the city of Merida was founded on the site of an ancient Mayan city.  The narrow streets, old buildings and traditional Mexican homes still reflect the magical atmosphere of centuries gone by.  With traditional music to be heard in the streets and handcrafts to be found in community markets, retirees can enjoy this rich lifestyle to its fullest.  Mexico homes within walking distance can be found for very low prices.

Beachfront Luxury

Only 30 minutes away from Merida is the beachfront resort community of Progreso, where modern condos can be found with ocean views.  Eastward along the north coast of the Peninsula is the Emerald Coast, which is a beautiful stretch of small communities along amazing beaches.  Whether you live directly on the beach or not, you will be able to spend many retirement days walking in the sand.

Modern Services

Merida is the largest city and cultural center of Yucatan.  It includes new shopping malls, large international stores, an international airport, excellent highways to nearby areas, modern hospitals and much more.  The magic of the old city and beauty of the beachfront is balanced well by modern convenience.

Many Activities

Besides the restaurants and galleries of Merida, and the oceanfront activities on the beach (diving, snorkeling, etc.) retirees can enjoy professional golf, sight seeing in ancient Mayan pyramid sites, swimming in the “cenotes,” which are cool, natural fresh water pools, shopping, English movies, libraries, live Jazz concerts and much more.

Healthcare and Retirement Specific Services

To make all of this even more appealing to retirees, the city government has recently begun to make an effort to attract retirement-specific healthcare facilities, in addition to other services.  This is in addition to the excellent hospitals which already exist.

Retirees can enjoy life in a charming lifestyle in an old colonial city, a close-knit community, and at the same time have easy access to the conveniences and services necessary.  Merida is a rare balance of all of these very attractive features.

Thomas Lloyd 512-879-6546

THE www.TOPmexicorealestate.com NETWORK

“Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely!”

Yucatan real estate offers one of the finest Mexican retirement communities, combining a historic colonial city, Merida, with a very nearby beachfront and a large selection of modern services.  Yet, the government of Yucatan hasn’t just sat back and “let it happen;” the state and the city are continually investing and making efforts to make Merida and Yucatan more attractive and liveable for tourists and retirees.

One of the most recent efforts was announced with an upcoming investment of about $12 million dollars into the maintenance of Merida’s historic center, as well as the development of tourism infrastructure projects in Merida and nearby Yucatan communities such as Progreso and Valladolid.

The investment will include “romantic” touches like the illumination of colonial-aged churches built in Merida’s city center.   It will also include programs to help build awareness of, and offer information about the buildings, museums and landmarks located throughout the city.  In a city already known for romantic evening walks past picturesque old buildings, with the sound of street musicians, such improvements will continue to contribute to the unique atmosphere which this Mexican retirement community already provides for American and Canadian retirees.

Another recent investment focus, interesting on the practical side for retirees, is on attracting a larger number of retirement-specific medical services.  Merida’s hospitals are already known for their high quality and accessible prices, drawing patients from all around the Yucatan Peninsula (even beyond Mexico’s borders.)  This new effort is intended to bring specialized clinics that work specifically with the needs of retired expats living in the city – offering service in both Spanish and English.

These are only two examples of how Yucatan is working to make Merida and the surrounding communities one of the best options for U.S. retirees, combining a very relaxing lifestyle close to home, with culture, activities, and low prices.

Thomas Lloyd

THE www.TOPmexicorealestate.com NETWORK

“Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely!”

The Morelia real estate becomes recognized nationally, Morelia, Latin America’s Illuminated City: President Felipe Calderone came to help celebrate the 244th Anniversary of the birth of the Mexican patriot Morelos. The city of Morelia under Spanish rule had been called Vallolidad and was changed in honor of Morelos..

While in the city, the President inaugurated Phase 2 of “Plan Luz del Centro Historico”  (The lighting of historical buildings and monuments.) The first buildings were lit in 2003. In addition to the 16 monuments already lit, 12 more have been added. More than 21 buildings are included.  Among the buildings  illuminated are Morelia’s famous cathedral, the Bellas Artes school, the statue of the Trashcans, the State Museum, the Teatro Ocampo, Monastery San Francisco, statue of Lazero Cardenas, the Legislative Building, City Hall and the home where Morelos was born, now a library and museum.

While in the city, President Calderon cut the ribbons at two newly remodeled plazas.

Morelia, a true example of XVIth century colonial architecture, now shines at night.  The Mexico real estate market continues growing and shining.

Liliana Gonzalez is a Certified Real Estate Professional in Mexico. She has more than 30 years professional experience as a Mexican Attorney and 10 years experience doing International Transactions. Liliana is committed to help clients reach their goals in real estate in the Michoacan area. She makes sure to get clear title before closing. You can contact her at (512) 879-6546 or through the company’s web site
www.TOPmexicorealestate.com NETWORK
“Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely!”

So, your planning to live in Mexico for your retirement, and you love the beachfront for vacations, but you also love the idea pf having close contact with the country’s wonderful old architecture, colorful culture and strong traditions of festivals and art.  While some beachfront areas offer varying degrees of this as well, you may wish to consider the “other” Mexico retirement option – a colonial city or traditional town.

Colonial Cities – Morelia

This is a beautiful, undiscovered colonial gem.  Located in the beautiful central interior of the Mexico real estate regions, offers romantic, narrow city streets, running in perfectly straight lines through the centuries old buildings.  Just outside of downtown, buyers can find beautiful traditional homes, offering a short walk to the historic area, and parks full of old trees and colorful flowers.  Nearby, modern luxury is also also available.  In the surrounding countryside, beautiful Mexico land is available among rolling hills, lush trees and little streams, where you can build for a more active retirement.  Since it is still undiscovered, prices are also very accessible.

Similar choices – Merida, the city of Campeche, Mazatlan

Traditional Small Towns – Lake Chapala

The quaint villages of this area nestled between the lake and the surrounding wooded hills are defined by cobble stone roads and little white houses with clay tile roofs.  Many modern services are available for the thousands of retirees who call Lake Chapala home, and the many more who arrive in the winter.  The nearby city of Guadalajara (the second largest in Mexico, 1 hr away) offers even more services and a big city atmosphere for those who get the small town blues.

Similar choices – Valle de Bravo

If you prefer to save the traditional for festival time and weekend site-seeing, you can stick with beachfront, and make little excursions; but if a retirement lifestyle defined by the romance of tradition and culture appeals to you, consider one of these locations.

Thomas Lloyd graduated from Purdue University Krannert School of Management with a degree in Management/Financial Option Investments. He has been living, investing, and working professionally in Mexico for over 15 years. In the summer of 2009, he received the first federally applied Mexico Real Estate Degree and Mexico Professional Real Estate License S.E.P. #5978657. He is the current president of TOPmexicorealestate, you can contact him at (512) 879-6546 or through the company’s web site www.TOPmexicorealestate.com NETWORK

“Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely!”

Have you ever dreamed of living in a traditional home in a charming colonial city, where you can enjoy an evening walk down lamp-lit streets, past beautiful old buildings with music in the air?  If you have, you may wish to consider Yucatan real estate, especially the capital city of Merida, which combines all of this romantic charm with modern conveniences, and a wide range of homes, both in style and in price.

Merida is full of culture, both defining the visual atmosphere and lifestyle of the city.  Besides beautiful examples of colonial architecture in old cathedrals and public buildings, there are numerous museums, art galleries and theaters; Merida is also a place where music and dancing are a part of day to day life of the people.  After you have made Merida your home, you also will enjoy each of these as a part of your day to day life.

For those who are planning for this kind of lifestyle, rich in culture, but need to do so on a budget, very affordable properties can be found a short distance from the historic center.  Small, but comfortable homes are available for under $100,000.  Those who like the idea of a personal project can find old, very traditional style homes that are in need of some investment for under $75,000.  Of course, the size of the project depends a lot on the condition of the house; but even colonial age properties can be found, rich with potential to become a home like no one else has!

On the other end of the spectrum, for closer up towards a million dollars, a Mexico home can be found that dates to the beginning of the last century, when the tastes of the dictator Porfirio Diaz influenced many members of the upper classes to use a European for their homes.  Spacious courtyards, elegant fountains, lush gardens and many luxuries will complement a fully restored home from this era.

These are only two ideas; Yucatan real estate in the city of Merida could be a huge mansion from the heyday of the city’s upper class, costing closer to 2 million, or it could be just about anything in between this broad span of ranges, all offering a truly Mexican style home in a city most suitable to offer you its charm and romance.

Merida and the surrounding area also offer many options in modern style real estate, not to mention many modern conveniences.  While the city center is rich with history and tradition, Merida also includes large, new shopping malls, large-screen movie theaters, world-class golf, top-of-the-line hospitals, international restaurants and much more.  And to top it all off, these two worlds which combine in Merida are brought together in a safe and secure city; you will not feel worried about your safety here.

Thomas Lloyd

THE www.TOPmexicorealestate.com NETWORK

“Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely!”

At a 36% price reduction, Casa Ina Tan Kanab, a luxury home in the village of Akumal, is one of the best deals currently to be found on the Tulum beachfront real estate market.  See Video below!

This home, located directly on the beach, was originally listed at $1,400,000 USD, and is probably worth more.  A home right next to it is listed at $2,000,000.  Casa Ina Tan Kanab can also boast an elegant, clean contemporary design by a George Woo, an architect based in Dallas, Texas, who has designed some very high profile homes in that city, as well as numerous large projects in China, including the recent Bank of China Head Office building.  This home in Tulum has won several awards and has been featured in several international magazines.

Recently the price was reduced to $899,000!

Akumal, about 40 minutes away from Playa del Carmen and 20 minutes away from the town of Tulum, is a quaint village, which is a favorite for buyers looking for Caribbean beachfront luxury at its best.  Separated enough from the main growth centers at Playa del Carmen and more recently Tulum, the village maintains its pristine atmosphere of beautiful nature, which has been very well preserved and integrated into the village’s development and quiet beaches, while still being close enough to enjoy all of the services and conveniences.  For this reason luxury homes on Akumal’s beachfront tend to be worth over a million, when well priced.

Casa Ina Tan Kanab offers 4 bedrooms, 4 and a half bathrooms, furnishings and a guest home, with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.  With 180 degree views of the ocean, this home has also provided an excellent vacation rental income, making this Tulum beachfront real estate an eye browse rising bargain.

The home is ideal either for Mexico real estate investors who wish to take advantage of the great rental potential and/or the large price reduction to gain excellent return, or for vacationers who like to enjoy very relaxing and convenient stays on the beach, in style, while still having the possibility to cover expenses through more occasional rental to other vacationers.

Thomas Lloyd

“Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely!”

Owning a Puerto Vallarta Beachfront condo, with the amazing views, and the cool ocean breezes is a very fun way for keeping cool on hot blistering summer days.  Another way to keep your temperature down is to lock all the doors and windows, crank up your air conditioner and chill-out in a catatonic bliss as you dream of being in a Puerto Vallarta beachfront condo.   And let’s face it; on the hottest, most humid afternoons in the “dog days” of August, this can seem like a pretty good idea!  However, this solution is not very frugal or eco-friendly, so here are some other tactics that have worked well for me:

Get the air moving. Even a slight movement of 1 mph can make you feel a few degrees cooler.  Ceiling fans are the best; make sure the blades are pointed so the air is directed downward.  Portable fans are great in spaces where ceiling fans will not work.  Either option allows you to raise the thermostat on the A/C and still remain comfortable.

1. Install shades, drapes and blinds. The best way to keep your home cool is to keep the heat out!  There are some excellent blinds out now that cut out the UVA rays, allow for privacy and still let in the view.  Choose lighter colors that reflect the sun’s rays.
2. Keep down the internal heat. The largest indoor heat generators are the stove/oven and incandescent lighting.  Try to cook outdoors on the hottest days and use your range fan to exhaust heat outside the home.  Replace incandescent bulbs with fluorescents wherever possible.  These produce one/fifth the amount of energy and hear for the same amount of light.
3. Plant trees and shrubs. Just several strategically placed shade trees can significantly reduce your energy bill.  Tree shaded neighborhoods are typically 3-6 degrees cooler here.  Avoid landscaping with unshaded rock or cement especially on the south and west sides of the home as this increases temperatures around the house and radiates heat after the sun has set.
4. Dress the part. Avoid wearing clothing made from synthetic materials.  Light colored clothing in natural fabrics such as cotton and linen not only feels cool, it looks cool too.  A nice sprinkling of talcum powder before dressing will keep you feeling cool.  And if this fails, have a couple of gel packs or moist washcloths handy in the fridge.  These feel great behind your neck on hot day.
5. Take advantage of cool places. Do your shopping, take in a movie, or enjoy a meal in an air conditioned restaurant during the hottest part of the day.

When all else fails and you need to use the air conditioner, make sure that the filters have been changed, nothing is blocking the air intakes and the system is fully charged.  Also make sure your Puerto Vallarta home is sealed tightly, there is no point in air conditioning the outside.  And when you are sweaty and grumpy, don’t forget to drink lots of water and think cool thoughts.  October will be here soon enough and you will be here enjoying perfect weather while your friends back home are facing six months of rain, sleet, snow and darkness!

Do you have a question about the Puerto Vallarta Real Estate market? Just ask!
Michael Green moved to Puerto Vallarta to take advantage of the unsurpassed lifestyle PV offers. Today, with over 12 years of experience, Mr. Green is one of the most recognized brokers in Vallarta. TOP Mexico Real Estate “Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely!”

The Morelia real estate market is a new region that TOP Mexico Real Estate is excited to have the opportunity to present their properties to our viewers.  Liliana Gonzalez is a lawyer licensed to practice real estate law in Mexico with many years of experience.   She has been counseling and representing non-Mexican investors in real estate for decades and will be giving advice and tips on the TOP Mexico real estate blog.

UNESCO officially proclaimed Morelia’s downtown as World Heritage in December, 1991. Morelia is the beautiful colonial capital city of the state of Michoacan. It’s located in the Mexican southwest part. It has around 1.199,02 square kilometers.

Before the Spanish Conquer, the region that is now Morelia was known as Guayangareo valley and it was inhabited by a native group called the pirindas. The city was founded in 1541, but it received de name of Valladolid until 1577. In 1582, it replaced Patzcuaro as Capital of the Province of Michoacan.

During the 17th century Morelia experienced a period of growth and development; the convents of San Francisco and San Agustin were built during the first years, then the ones of El Carmen, La Merced and other important churches.

In 1744, the towers and façade of the cathedral were finished. This century was the most splendid period of the city’s civic architecture, due to the construction of many government buildings (Colegio Seminario, Colegio de los Jesuitas, Colegio de San Nicolás, Las Casas Reales, La Alhóndiga, etc).

In order to provide public services to the city, the squares were decorated with fountains and the aqueduct (with 253 cantera stone arcs) was built ordered by bishop Fray Antonio de San Miguel.

Liliana Gonzalez is a Certified Real Estate Professional in Mexico. She has more than 30 years professional experience as a Mexican Attorney and 10 years experience doing International Transactions. Liliana is committed to help clients reach their goals in real estate in the Michoacan area. She makes sure to get clear title before closing.  You can contact her at (512) 879-6546 or through the company’s web site
www.TOPmexicorealestate.com NETWORK
“Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely!”

The first morning that we spent in Campeche I was off and running early in the morning to see the city first hand.  I have been whispered that the Campeche Real Estate market was getting ready to take off.  There have been some significant investments by a European developer in the zone and several local, state and federal offices as well have been injecting money into the region.

The Campeche real estate industry has been receiving studies from major hospital groups and retailers over the past 5 years and this was evidenced during our visit.  It is a smaller state and capital when compared to other Mexico real estate options in general, and although we did see various European tourists, it still was a small percentage to the tourist flow of Cancun and Riviera Maya.  But…. this might be a good thing for real estate investors.  Cheap Mexico beachfront real estate is still available, while this region is still not well known nor visited.

The Campeche city officials and state realized several years ago that Mexico has some absolutely beautiful land, beaches, countrysides, and picturesque villages and colonial cities.  These resources though, if not properly maintained and preserved, would be eye sores and with the predicted decreases in oil exports that will be affecting this country and the Campeche real estate region…. a plan was urgently required.

Campeche has a very rich and interesting history.  A past full of pirates who ravaged their capital and countryside leading the Spanish leaders to begin construction of walls and forts in order to protect their city and people.  A fort exists on the southern and northern parts of the city on overlooking hills and a large stone wall ran from the coastline and protected nearly 50 city blocks of the downtown city region from attacks of Pirates and Buccaneers.

Today, over 10 museums dot the downtown colonial city, a pirate museum exists in one of the forts and light shows with actors re-enact battles between raiders and the defending soldiers are very popular shows and attractions.  With an infrastructure  project co-sponsored by the Federal Electric company, all cables of electricity and poles have been removed from the Campeche real estate downtown zones and placed underground.  The city also enacted a program with the goal to become Mexico’s cleanest city!  Schools of all ages participated which a) helped clean the city physically and also b)  helped educate the young children of the importance of placing trash in the correct and indicated places.  These programs and the early detection by the city and state over five years ago is starting to pay off as Campeche, this hidden jewel, is slowly becoming discovered as a tourist destination and interesting second/retirement home market.

Along with the public money support and investments the private sector has also been placing close attention to this small capital and state.  As we drove around the Campeche real estate areas, we found retail stores such as Office Max, Commercial Mexicana ( A large Mexican grocery retailer), Kentucky Fried Chicken.

The Mega Commercial store was one of the largest stores of this chain that I have seen constructed with a beautiful facade investment respecting the building guidelines of the city.  ( I was unable to take a photo but will on my next trip to Campeche).  I also found it very interesting to see Walmart store and a Sam’s Club in the city.  These stores have a very extensive analysis of urban trends and when this corporation chooses to invest within a community, there are strong probabilities that growth is projected.   Private hospitals also are available but due to time restraints, I was unable to study closely the status.  What we do know is that a very healthy upper and middle class community exists in Campeche and their health requirements are met with the local health care suppliers.

The Campeche real estate market is a treasure chest of fixer upper opportunities.  If you real estate investment portfolio includes old colonial homes,  please contact us.  As stated above, the city, state and federal offices have initiated a fantastic program to restore the city and their guidelines have created downtown blocks that are stunning attractions for tourists and visitors.

With the “Malecon” boardwalk  only recently face lifted, the visitors coming to the city have been increasing exponentially and several, such as myself with the idea that Campeche would be the ideal Mexico retirement community.

Campeche over the past several years has been investing into their local real estate market.  They have been working on their city’s curb side appeal to begin attracting more tourists, more visitors, and more second home snow birds.

Programs such as restoring the old colonial facades, running underground services, and restoring of the boardwalk have been important investments that will be paying off over the next ten years.  Private investments have been following suit with large multi-national companies introducing their presence in the past three years and so.  If you combine all of these factors, including the waterfront location of this community, it has my full attention and a follow up trip has already been scheduled.

If you wish to see a post about the Campeche Beachfront properties click here.

Thomas Lloyd graduated from Purdue University Krannert School of Management with a degree in Management/Financial Option Investments. He has been living, investing, and working professionally in Mexico for over 15 years. In the summer of 2009, he received the first federally applied Mexico Real Estate Degree and Mexico Professional Real Estate License S.E.P. #5978657. He is the current president of TOPmexicorealestate, you can contact him at (512) 879-6546 or through the company’s web site www.TOPmexicorealestate.com NETWORK

“Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely!”

The Tulum Real Estate region has been growing with bounds in the past several years.  With the economic slowdown in 2009, and a change in the demand, Mr. Fernando Huerta from the company “Ferarma Bufete Inmobiliario” developer of MadreSelva signature condominiums in Sirenis, Akumal, between Tulum and Playa del Carmen, have announced some new attractive features, setting new standards for the area of Akumal and Tulum real estate markets.

 “Although we did not have the intention of providing all these features in our Sirenis offer, we have decided to guarantee investors the peace of mind in terms of legalities and ownership certainty. We feel it is important for the foreign investor to know that MadreSelva has the capacity to ensure that every dollar invested in our Tulum condo project is a solid decision,” said Mr. Huerta.

“We were initially attracted by the accessibility and beauty of the complex, the oceanfront and highway 307 access, surrounded by the exuberant Mayan jungle,” he added.  “A gated community with its own potable water system and grey water treatment made a difference for us. We just needed to provide signature architecture, unique design and topnotch construction. Condominium regiment in place before putting the units on the market is our policy,”

 With a few units left Ferarma feels it’s appropriate to offer the avid investor legal features to guarantee peace of mind and erase any possible doubt in the back of their minds. In January the company will make an official announcement of the unique legal and financing features offered with this project.

Ferarma Bufete Inmobiliario S.A. de C.V. is a Mexico real estate development corporation, established in Mexico city, with operations both in Quintana Roo and Mexico City. The founding partners combined their long experience and many achievements in the construction and real estate sectors in order to develop high value, quality and trustworthy residences.  Their development portfolio includes condominium buildings like “Residencial Morena” in “Colonia del Valle,” Condominium Homes in the “Club de Golf Hacienda” area and “MadreSelva condominium” in “Sirenis” were Ferarma plans to develop 2 more stages in the near future.

Hector Moreno         has been working in Real Estate in the areas of Tulum, Akumal, Sian Kaan for nearly 6 years. He is a certified real estate agent and owner/broker of Moreno Realty Associates. (512) 879-6546

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“Mexico’s leading network of specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican properties Safely !”

Cancun Real Estate is an excellent combination of the high class luxury condos, beautiful beaches and events and culture to suit many tastes.  As Cancun Real Estate prepares itself for the changes and new opportunities to be brought by the city’s future status as an international air travel hub and international business center, the city is also making plans to add more monuments and “sights to see” to the city’s landscape to be one of the leading  Mexico real estate regions.  

As a part of this direction,  the city government has recently presented a plan to build a new park to mark the upcoming celebration of the country’s bi-centennial of independence for next year; the park will include a new City Hall and city Cathedral, designed to serve as tourist attractions and visual improvements to the city, along with the new park.  Cancun Real Estate buyers, Mexican and non-Mexican alike, can look forward to participating in the activities that next year’s celebrations will bring, and to the transformation of the city’s image, culture and investment opportunities to a new international level.

Cancun’s mayor, Gregorio Sanchez Martinez, recently presented the integrated project of “Gran Parque Bicentenario” to the public, which will be located in Super-block 33.  The mayor’s exhibition included the technical details, a virtual tour and the unveiling of a model of one of the most important architectural projects for the municipality, for which there are a total of 87 thousand meters square for green and recreation areas allocated.

During a press conference the mayor said that it will be a majestic work that will give further identity and personality to Cancun’s recreation and family entertainment.  The intention of the park’s style is “to be a place that gives identity to Cancun’s tourism and real estate industry’s, where tourists go and take a pictures” and where residents can enjoy the pleasantness of day to day life.

The construction of the park is planned to start in late November and will be finished and open for the public for the Independence Day celebrations on Sept. 16 2010. The total investment to build the park will be about 11 million dollars, not including the construction of the Cathedral.

According to Salvador López Cabrera, Cancun’s director of Projects, the “Grand Bicentennial Park” will include a civic plaza, walkways, playgrounds, underground parking with 600 parking spots, a skating rink with synthetic material (which simulates ice) and also busts and information in memory of heroes of Independence and the Mexican Revolution.  It will be a very significant ecological undertaking, which will mean an additional open space for the development of cultural, civic, sports and entertainment, not only an option for the national and international tourism, but even more so another option for Cancun Real Estate owners to enjoy life in this city.

The new city hall, as the Cathedral, will serve both to increase practicality, and to beautify the city. The new city hall will have a monumental architectural scale, and will concentrate all government offices in one place, which will mean a saving of approximately a million dollars – the amount that is annually spent for renting properties due to the current low capacity of the government building. There will also be an area of six thousand square meters designated for future expansion.

On the main facade, facing Javier Rojo Gomez (Kabah) avenue, at the center there will be a bronze statue of seven meters in height (not including the base) of Benito Juárez, a president from the mid 1800’s, who is often considered the President who made many of the most significant contributions to Mexico’s history, and whose name has been given to Cancun’s municipality.  On the sides, there will be two statues, five square meters each in high honor of Andrés Quintana Roo and Leona Vicario, two of the founding pioneers of the state of Quintana Roo.  In total there will be invested over 12 million pesos in works of art.

“In every city in the world are there are essential sites to visit, and now we will have a city hall with classical architecture and a cathedral to match what our city deserves”,  observed the mayor.

In an underground area, which has already seen construction work there will be a parking lot with capacity for 600 cars, adding convenience for home owners in the area to arrive and enjoy the park by car.  The mayor has likewise asked the council that the land use in that area be changed to provide three thousand more parking spots to meet new demand. The underground parking will be provided with elevators for wheel chair access.   The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the project has already been carried out and authorized.

THE TOPMexicoRealEstate NETWORK “Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely ! ” (512) 879-6546

Merida Real Estate is an enchanting city with much to enjoy and little to cause complaint. Approachable and friendly, the citizens find their roots in the Mayan, Spanish, French and Lebanese culture. This is a civilized city where people are civil to one another. Neighbors know each other and often, are related.  Family is not just important here, family is everything – as is a sense of community. People belong here in the city of Merida.

The Merida real estate region  is safe. Violent crime is practically unheard of.  As in any city of million people, there is petty street crime. However, no matter where you go in the city or at what hour, you will not feel intimidation. There is not that gut sinking fear that exist in so many cities. There is an overall gentleness that pervades.

Handguns are not permitted. There is a large police presence – traffic police, city police, tourist police, state police and federal police. This police presence does deter criminal activity. However, with all these police available, there is not an atmosphere of police repression. The police are here FOR you, they are not out to GET you.

The streets are energized with people at all hours. The city is alive and the citizens feel safe to be on the streets. People walk here. There is a constant flow of activity – buses, bikes, motor scooters, taxis and cars. Occasionally, traffic can be a test of patience in the center city, but it is a testimony to a vibrant community in an ancient city of Merida.

Architecturally, the Merida properties are a feast for the eyes.  From the grandeur of fabulous French style mansions, to the uncompromising grace of a perfect colonial arch in a small courtyard garden, few places rival the Yucatan homes or the architectural variety and charm. Wander the center city or the outer neighborhoods, and you are delighted when you suddenly stumble upon a turn-of-the-century hacienda, colonial casona, or a charming, worn stone church. There are places here where time literally stands still.

Merida offers an abundance of gastronomic delights. With Merida’s excellent location and climate, residents and visitors enjoy a grand variety of year-round tropical fruits and vegetibles as well as seafood and meat. Located just a 30-minute drive from the Gulf of Mexico, the local markets and restaurants provide a feast of fresh shellfish, mollusks and fish. Ranches that specialize in pork, poultry and beef surround Merida.

Almost any cuisine is available in Merida — French, Italian, Spanish, Lebanese, Vegetarian, Argentinian, Chinese and Japanese, Thai, Fusion and more!  The local Yucatecan cuisine is habit forming.  You will find yourself craving “cochinita, lechon, carnitas, barbacoa, pavo relleno, panuchos, salbutes, frijol y puerco and hundreds of fabulous local dishes and tacos. Yummy!

The cultural scene in Merida Real Estate is top notch! The soul also needs to be fed and Merida serves up a stellar menu of arts, dance, symphony, recitals, poetry readings, theatre, cinema, markets, parks, fairs and bazaars. The government and local residents patronize the arts.  Culture is important and art galleries are flourishing.  Every night of the week there is something “happening” in centro Merida:  Street dances or singing; art openings; wine tasting; music recitals; poetry readings; discussion groups; professional baseball and soccer games; annual festivals, color and fun. Don’t forget – Carnival!   Entry fees and tickets are very inexpensive and often are free. In the year 2000, Merida was named the first American Capital of Culture.

Merida is a vast metropolitan city that seems small. There is something here for everyone and every budget.  For more information on Merida or purchasing homes in Merida, please contact me.

Mitch Keenan has been a Licensed Broker in the United States since the 1980s. He holds a GRI and a CRS from NAR (National Association of Realtors). With over ten years of living and working in the Yucatan real estate industry, Mitch brings American business ethics and Mexico business experience together to give buyers unparalleled service. 512-879-6546

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The Yucatan real estate market has many property types for choosing.  But some with the highest demand are haciendas.   Haciendas are large farms, or can also be plantations, or factories which are mainly found in Mexico, but also present in other Latin American countries such as Brazil and Argentina.  Throughout the Mexico real estate market, some of the most famous Haciendas are in the states of Yucatan, Campeche and in the Yucatan peninsula.  Mitch Keenan is an active broker for the Yucatan real estate region and has become very knowledgeable on these type of properties that have become quite popular over the past several years.

It is amazing what you can pay for some of these old colonial structures, fix them up, and then see a new transformed and restored property.  It can be a very memorable adventure, as you learn of the Mexican history while restoring, search for suppliers of talabera or other typical material found in old colonial Yucatan homes from different cities and regions throughout Mexico. 

This is all part of the fun while taking on a “fixer-up project” in another country or within the Yucatan real estate area.  I was just speaking with some Canadian friends of mine who mentioned she had found a small Mexican village in the middle of no-where outside of Valladolid.  Several families from the village had small crafts/businesses where they were rock carvers.  They made various objects and accesories from rock of which she bought wall light covers for $15 usd and in Cancun they were being sold at $40.  She was very excited of her find and wanted to travel even further into the near by states of Oaxaca and Chiapas to find more crafts and accesories to be able to purchase such products straight from the factory. 

If you have any further interest on Haciendas or the Merida Yucatan region, Mitch has been dealing in this Yucatan region for nearly ten years.  You can see and learn more about him and his listings as he writes and shares some of his stories by clicking here, mexico real estate blog.

512-879-6546

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“Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely!”

Puerto Vallarta real estate is famous because of this areas beautiful beaches, its infinity of natural attractions and its interesting places to explore.  In addition to these benefits, Puerto Vallarta real estate is constantly developing a stronger culture for art, and currently offers a wide range of styles and tastes of art for residents and potential property buyers.

Puerto Vallarta currently has an established community of artists, including painters, writers, artisans and sculptors.  In addition, artists come from various places, not only in Mexico, but from around the world, to display their works in a variety of settings, ranging from modern galleries to art displays on the boardwalk.

One example of the current artwork this city enjoys is the many sculptures found in various parts of the city.  Puerto Vallarta offers an ideal setting to admire sculptures outdoors.  You can find sculptures made of bronze, iron, stone or resin, adding another touch to the beautiful landscapes of the sea and breathtaking sunsets.  The outdoor sculpture museum offers this ideal combination, and is more than worth a visit both for tourists and for art-loving residents.

What might be called the “art corridor” begins in the south part of the boardwalk with the famous landmark known as “Los Arcos.”  These very traditionally Mexican arches were recovered from an hacienda in Guadalajara.  Another example of art rich in tradition includes the “Fountain of Friendship.” This is a sculpture which represents brotherhood, depicting 3 dolphins; according to a legend of the Chumash natives from the south of California, several people were rescued from a shipwreck by dolphins.

Halfway up the boardwalk, you will find a group of stone sculptures in the form of chairs, decorated with shapes of sea animals.   The sculptures are called “La Rotonda del Mar.”  The sculptor, Alejandro Colunga, is from Guadalajara, and has held exhibitions of his work in various countries throughout the world.

The cultural and artistic atmosphere of Puerto Vallarta shows both Mexican and international influences.  Puerto Vallarta is a city that is that is constantly becoming richer in culture, and balances exhibitions of recognized artists with opportunities for new talent.  Puerto Vallarta real estate is an ideal choice for anyone wishing to live in a beachfront paradise for various reasons; a near perfect climate, modern services and stores and excellent infrastructure to name a few.  As the city has expanded an its economy has strengthened, its cultural side has also developed, adding to the list of reasons to make Puerto Vallarta your home.  To find out more about living in Puerto Vallarta and finding your dream home here, contact the TOPMexicoRealEstate   NETWORK; “Your Expert Property-Finders.”

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” Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely!”

 I have been writing in previous posts about our process of doing a small fixer-upper project in the middle of the booming Playa del Carmen real estate region.  Click here to see the previous stories on this Mexico fixer upper project.  If you are dreaming about buying an inexpensive Mexico real estate property, you most likely have some thoughts or  rough ideas in your head on what type of project you want as a final product.  Some of you may have already scouted out a particular neighborhood or some Mexico land and have a good idea on how you want to use the property whether it be for personal use, a long term rental property, a vacation rental, bed and breakfast the options are limitless.  When you choose which plan or the face lift project you want to incorporate into your Mexico fixer upper, the “final use” of the product is one of the most important question that needs answering and below I have listed out several other questions you should be asking yourself and your partners. 

1. Whether the Mexico property is for personal use or for rental, you should ask if the final user will be for a married couple and family or for a single person?

2. If for a family, how many rooms will be required?

3. The amount of bathrooms depending on the quantity of people living in the building will also need to be answered

4. Will you have any other people staying for long periods such as parents or friends?

5. What about visitors, Do you plan to receive many friends who stay for week or monthly periods?

6. What are your work habits, do you require a home office and if so, do you receive many clients at your home?

7. How often do you invite friends and family for entertainment? How many people do you normally invite and what activities do you frequent?  Do you have enough parking and how much is required?

8. What are your habits or hobbies and those of your families?  Or if you plan to rent out, what open areas do you think is necessary to offer to make your product in demand?

9. What architectural design is in demand and which will create the best opportunity for a good resale demand?

10. Do you have space for laundry? for electronic home entertainment?  library? pool?

11. What about a work shop or storage area?  You can never have enough storage area.

Finally, you must also contemplate the green areas and outdoor space.  If you have beautiful or interesting views from your home, take advantage of these and try to contemplate this into the design of your Mexico fixer upper.   Now remember, changes to the exterior of the construction can have some fast positive returns on the value of the property, but changes to the infrastructure might not be so glamorous and these might be so expensive that it can eat up all of the extra points of your utility.  So do your homework before signing the investment and having a Mexico realtor with many years of experience is a very valuable member to have on your team.

By answering many of the questions above, you will be able to have a clearer image for yourself on what your goals are with the property.  Identifying the final users, their needs, their habits, will help you create a real estate project with higher demand.  And with many of these questions answered, your architect and contractors will also have a clearer image of the property’s  needs and better image of your goals.       

 
Thomas Lloyd graduated from Purdue University Krannert School of Management with a degree in Management/Financial Option Investments. He has been living, investing, and working professionally in Mexico for over 15 years. In the summer of 2009, he received the first federally applied Mexico Real Estate Degree and Mexico Professional Real Estate LicenseS.E.P. #5978657. He is the current president of TOPmexicorealestate, you can contact him at (512) 879-6546 or through the company’s web site www.TOPmexicorealestate.com NETWORK

“Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely!”

Buying a fixer-upper in the Playa del Carmen real estate market can be a great adventure and a fantastic method to learn more about the architectural styles from different regions south of the borderVA If you enjoy putting some elbow grease into an old building, enjoy the challenge of reorganizing and redistributing layouts of buildings, and enjoy the challenge of searching for a diamond in the rough in any Mexico real estate market for attractive profits, read more below. One of my earlier stories regarding a Mexico fixer-upper project talks about how to find a good property in Playa del Carmen ideal for such a project. A good rule of thumb to follow is for every dollar invested in the project, it should reflect a two dollar increase in property value. Now your question should be if the local market value will support such an investment. If positive, then you should proceed on putting together your fixer-upper team.

The key player on the team for a Mexico fixer upper project is an experienced architect. Someone who has many years of experience of looking at a room, looking at a wall, looking at a building and knowing how to put life or a new look onto a run down and worn structure. In order to find an architect, talk to people in the industry and people you trust. Once you have identified one or two architects, interview with them. Review some of their previous projects, recent buildings, work that they have designed and supervised in construction. Also speaking with their clients and hearing testimonies will increase the probabilities of hiring a professional who will be able to capture your ideas or someone able to bring life and fresh air to an otherwise run down old building. Find out their strengths and weaknesses and visit their projects. Is the quality of work and the materials satisfactory for your ideas During the work, did the architect keep the clients well informed and on a good time line My wife and I chose an architect from Mexico City. A Mexican architect with many credentials and a professor from one of Mexico’s leading architecture schools. We visited with him in the big city, visiting some of his projects and also spent an afternoon strolling through one of Mexico City’s most beautiful and old colonial neighborhoods; Colonia Coyoacan. He walked us through the neighborhood giving us a lecture of the characteristics of Mexican architecture with the influences from Spain, from the Baroque period, and even influences from famous artists such as Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo.

Once you have the architect, they may already have several other key contractors that you will need to realize your project. In our case, since we chose an architect from outside of Playa del Carmen, we also had to recruit contractors for various jobs. Plumbers, Carpenters, Electricians are all contractors that will require interviewing and selection. Our first contractor to begin recruiting was the plumber. Once our architect had blueprints of the project, we began soliciting bids. The lowest bid does not always signify the least expensive job. Sometimes if the job is terrible, you may need to replace poor quality workmanship or materials with a repeat job.

Our third contractor that we needed to hire was the electrician. We did the same excercise and routine for hiring the plumber. This also included a review of the payment schedule. It is very advisable to put down all agreements onto paper. You should define the work or project to be realized. Put down your estimated start date and more important the finish date. Placing the cost and payment schedule is very important and needs to be understood by all parties. As with plumbers, note clearly the jobs of placement of new materials but also outline if removal of old fixtures, old wiring, or accessories will be required.

The tile layer or bricklayer was another key person for our particular Mexico fixer upper. Our project consisted in laying in a natural stone wall and placement of several cement block walls. During down economies the negotiation switches in favor of the buyer which also applies in paying for these services. And you will also be faced with Mexico contractors who will always ask for money down payments. Try to negotiate these with the minimum amount up front, and payment to occur with completion of work. It is advisable to divide the projects into several micro projects with payments occurring at completion of each micro project. Otherwise you may pay upfront, and the contractor might never show up to even start the job! Other contract work might include carpentry, drywall, painting which all basically use the same recruiting methods mentioned above.

The key to a smooth and profitable fixer-upper project is by putting together a good team. One of the key players in such a team is the architect with good experience and much creativity. Plumbers and electricians are contractors whose jobs are hidden, which makes it even more important to ensure of quality workmanship and skills. Your tile layers, carpenters, painters work and results are very visible and will make or break the success of a fixer-upper project. But these are all pieces of the puzzle, the exciting steps of watching a run down, low demand property be magically transformed into an appealing highly quoted product.

Thomas Lloyd graduated from Purdue University Krannert School of Management with a degree in Management/Financial Option Investments. He has been living, investing, and working professionally in Mexico for over 15 years. In the summer of 2009, he received the first federally applied Mexico Real Estate Degree and Mexico Professional Real Estate LicenseS.E.P. #5978657. He is the current president of TOPmexicorealestate, you can contact him at (512) 879-6546 or through the company’s web site www.TOPmexicorealestate.com NETWORK!

“Mexico s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely