I wanted to provide a quick update on construction progress of this Riviera Maya condos for sale called Papaya Plus and coincidentally there is a large preparation going on for the festivities of Mexican Independence day or El Grito de la Independencia . Every year on September 15, the president rings the bell in the National Palace in Mexico city and shouts ‘Viva Mexico’ various times. Cities througout Mexico mimic this celebration.What a great location to be able to attend events such as this just 1 block away! Here you can see the preparations below:

Papaya Plus, one of only a few Playa del Carmen condos for sale that will have an elevator, now has all 4 levels constructed and they are currently working on the rooftop common area and fine tuning the interiors. Just to refresh some of the unique and excellent features they are offering: 1) Elevator that goes from the underground parking to the rooftop. There aren’t that many projects, especially in this price range that offer this. 2) Onsite concierge to maintain the low condo fees and they assist with repairs, act as security, lend a hand to the owners with groceries or receiving bottled water, etc 3) Fully equipped kitchens and high end finishes throughout. 4) Only 16 exclusive units of 2 bedrooms, that share a spacious common rooftop with sensational views of the downtown area. Here are a couple updated photos I took today:

Still offering a 6% pre-sale discount off the pricelist. Consider the Try and Buy option available, either way come and have a look for yourself!

Click here for more details Riviera Maya Condos for sale

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 !”

More than 600 Mexico real estate agents who are members of the Mexican Association of Mexican Realtors (AMPI) from Western Mexico met recently in Guadalajara. They came to attend the twenty first annual Forum of the AMPI Section in that city.

The “Key Note” address was given by Andres Oppenheimer from the Miami Herald. His column is syndicated and appears in more than seventy newspapers mostly in the United States, but as well in Argentina. Andres is a Pulitzer Prize winner. He is the author of the bestselling book, “Bordering on Chaos.”

Alonso Ulloa Velez, Secretary of the Economy and Promotion in Jalisco opened the FORO. He made a special reference to work being done on a Mexico real estate licensing law in the Jalisco Congress. Deputy Mariana Fernandez is heading a Commission of the Economic Development Department. It had its first meeting on August 31st. A major objective will be to eliminate “coyotes” (non professionals) from performing   legal real estate transactions. NOTE: While a handful of states now have licensing, meetings between AMPI President, Adan Larracilla and the Chamber of Deputies at the federal level are ongoing. The most recent work session was August 5th.

Andres Oppenheimer touched on several economic and social themes. He said that Mexico can take advantage of new high salaries in China to increase activity in the Mexican manufacturing sector. He suggested that Mexico is in a great position to promote, medical tourism.   “Every day, there are more than one million Americans looking outside the U.S.A, for medical services.” he said. “Forty six million citizens are without medical insurance. “ He added that Mexico should accredit the largest number of hospitals possible to satisfy certified organizations in the U.S. Mr. Oppenheimer told the FORO that in order for Mexico to be competitive with China, India, Brazil and other Latin American countries, a new emphasis should be placed on educating engineers and scientists.

Other sessions included a panel on the future of real estate in Mexico, a presentation on creativity and innovation, and architecture in Mexico. A warm reception was given to Dr. Carlos Andrade Garin, Director General of the organizing committee for the sixteenth edition of the Pan American Games. They will take place in Guadalajara from October 14 to 30th in Guadalajara. In addition to athletic activities there will be 451 cultural events. The media center, which has almost been completed, will be larger than the one for the Olympic Games held in Beijing. Dr. Garin’s presentation received a standing ovation.

Attendees at the FORO were invited to attend AMPI’s Fortieth Annual Conference and Annual Meeting. It will be held in Merida, Yucatan from October. 3 to 7th.

Author John Glaab CIPS is a founding member of AMPI Los Cabos. A Certified International Property Specialist he is active in the National Association of Realtors® Global Business Alliances Group. John was recently appointed as a member of Ampi’s International Relations Committee. for more information (512)-879-6546 THE www.TOPmexicorealestate.com NETWORK

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

Last Sunday a garage sale was held at the popular Travel’In restaurant in my Costa Maya real estate region, south Mahahual.  A great mix of locals and foreigners were there to see what treasures were on offer and it was such a success that another one will be held in a couple of months.

A TV crew were filming on the beachfront in Mahahual yesterday.  They were filming various areas of Costa Maya and Quintana Roo state as they are putting together a publicity programme, “El Mundo en Reverse” for the Costa Maya’s Tourist Board, which will be televised next week.  Wonderful publicity for the area and the film crew all want to buy real estate in Costa Maya now!

Additional publicity for Mahahual and Costa Maya will come this Friday evening when the swim-suit competition for “Miss Earth” will be held on the malecon.  This is an annual event held in various parts of Mexico and Mahahual has been chosen to host this part of the competition.

With Costa Maya real estate listings, there are some great deals on beachfront properties at the moment.  Several beach lots have been reduced recently in order to sell quickly.  A great deal in the south of Mahahual offers 30 metres (60 feet) of soft sands and clear water, with the road being towards the back of the property to give great privacy.  Only US$175,000, which makes a fantastic price per linear metre, which is how most beach properties are priced.  This is underpriced and a great bargain. Check out listing: CMY-LTW-1517 and email us for further details.

Rebecca Loto is from the United Kingdom and has been traveling and living in Latin America for nearly ten years. Costa Maya has become her home residence in the past 5 years where she and her husband have settled and have become involved and active in various community organizations. Rebecca brings British 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!”

La Paz, Baja California Sur, is a very special place.    First, it is important to understand that the words, La Paz mean City of Peace.   And it is!   Residents live full and happy lives and are not interested in conflict or unhappiness.   We help one another!   Over the next few weeks I will share some of the places and activities that make my La Paz real estate region so special for quality living.

Let’s start with RANCHO EL CAMINO

Peter and Cher Gatto, from the United States have an oasis on 40 acres of Mexico real estate located against the rugged coast mountains that  hug the Sea of Cortez just south of La Paz.    When they arrived at the ranch some years ago it had a dilapidated dwelling, beautiful springs, lots of rattlesnakes and scorpions and not much else.  This has become a training camp and learning place for hundreds of children from La Paz who have not had this type of opportunity in the past.  It also attracts  young people from all over the United States who spend their summers at Rancho El Camino helping building, working with children, tending the animals.

This summer, 2011, 100 students will come from the US as interns, learning to work and play together, sharing their experiences which range from KP duty, to building dormitories, caring for the animals (goats, cows, horses, a rabbit, chickens, etc) and having a healthy spiritual experience.

Peter and Cher consider this a ministry and are thankful to have the opportunity to share beauty, nature and goodness with others.

They are especially proud of the horse ministry in which young ones learn to love and care for horses.   This is good for the horses but seems to be even better for the children, many of whom have never been close to a large animal before.

They have also established a camping ministry which makes the ranch available for weekend camping to young people from churches of all denominations and sizes from La Paz and the surrounding communities.

Located on a dirt road at the edge of the mountains after passing through the Marquez de Leon neighborhood of La Paz, Rancho El Camino is a paradise in the desert.

Author Linda Neil has over 35 years of hands on experience in all aspects of Mexican real estate. She holds membership in AMPI, NAR, and FIABCI and PROFECO Certificate 00063/96.  Founding  member of AMPI Los Cabos and two time member of the national advisory board she is the owner broker of LINDA NEIL PROPERTIES for more information (512)-879-6546 THE www.TOPmexicorealestate.com NETWORK

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

“I find inspiration in layering transparent colors to create depth and composition.  Rothko is a foundational influence.  As a colorist, I try to evoke emotion and a visual dialogue of ethereal and intangible realities.  Using references of the universal elements to invite the viewer’s personal perception of reality where an environment of appreciation and presence can be shared.”

-  Victoria Sterkel

One of Playa del Carmen’s most talented artists, Victoria Sterkel shared some of her most latest inspirations in Cancun this week.  The ME boutique hotel by Melia, was the proud host of this colorful event.   Her work has become very popular with many Playa del Carmen real estate owners as her talent with colors captures… the Mexican Caribbean magic.   Congratulations Victoria!

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

At the beginning of the decade, neither the U.S. Department of State nor U.S. cable TV stations had started their relentless campaigns to inhibit U.S. citizens from coming to the Mexico real estate regions, doing tremendous damage to both the tourism and real estate industries. More on that below.

When the person listed by Forbes magazines as the wealthiest in the world, you would expect when he undertakes a new enterprise it would be big and of the highest quality. This is the case with Carlos Slim, his new world class museum and commercial/residential development.

• 8.2 million – the number of international tourists in Mexico for 2010 -  (from Jan. to Oct., arriving by air)
• 17.8 % – The increase compared to the same months during 2009
• 13.4% – The increase in American travelers during that period over 2009
• 6.4% – The increase compared to 2008, which was the best year for tourism in Mexico in history

The first quarter of 2011 has seen a mini recovery for the real estate market.This I am told includes the $1 million USD plus market at the Palmilla project. Following is an excerpt from the recent newsetter issued by my friend Martin Posch of Nieman and Posch in Cabo San Lucas:

Author John Glaab CIPS is a founding member of AMPI Los Cabos. A Certified International Property Specialist he is active in the National Association of Realtors® Global Business Alliances Group. John was recently appointed as a member of Ampi’s International Relations Committee. for more information (512)-879-6546 THE www.TOPmexicorealestate.com NETWORK

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

Puerto Vallarta's Malecon

Buying Puerto Vallarta beachfront for sale for your retirement means owning an excellent property in a beautiful location; but it also means much more. Puerto Vallarta retirement is a complete lifestyle. One important aspect of this is the community of international artists which call this beachfront paradise their home.

This important aspect of Puerto Vallarta will be reflected in the first International Forum of Poets and Writers entitled “Free at Sea.” The forum has been brought about through the combined efforts of two university centers of the University of Guadalajara, the City of Puerto Vallarta, hoteliers and restaurateurs. It will be held from April 12 to 15.

The event will welcome writers and poets from Puerto Vallarta itself, various from other parts of Mexico, and others from Uruguay, Argentina and Sweden.

This event is only one example, and the area is actually home to an artistic community from Mexico, Latin America, Europe, the U.S. and Canada.

Those who buy Puerto Vallarta real estate and have artistic inclinations will feel at home; on the other hand, those who are simply interested in enjoying can do so as well. This includes enjoying everything from traditional Mexican art to decorate their home, to live concerts, and, as this event shows, poetry presentations.

The conference will last for 12 days and will begin with a major exhibition of poems in The Arches of the Malecon, the guests will visit Los Mangos Library, where they will unveil a plaque with names, a workshop on the importance of translation of poetry, and a tribute to Tennessee Williams with the screening of three of his most famous films: “Night of the Iguana,” (filmed in Puerto Vallarta) ” Cat on a Hot Tin Roof “and” A Streetcar Named Desire.”

The following days will include a variety of talks, presentations and special events.

While you don’t have to be artistic to retire in Puerto Vallarta, living here most certainly helps to keep in touch with (or get back in touch with) your artistic interests.

For 13 years Michael Green has dedicated himself to providing the highest quality service to American and Canadian real estate buyers, gaining the experience and knowledge necessary to become a leading Puerto Vallarta agent and gain a strong reputation. Green’s credentials include a Realtor’s license in Washington State, membership in AMPI, NAR, ICREA, and state and local Real Estate boards, the CONOCER Real Estate course, and ongoing classes on key Mexico real estate subjects. As a published author, he writes the weekly Real Estate column in local English language newspaper. He has also assisted in preparing the course content of introductory classes for new agents. For more information (512)-879-6546 THE TOP Mexico real estate NETWORK

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

Trish Youngstrum & Bob Hyde with Professional Golfer Nick Price

Bob Hyde and Trish Youngstrum are the newest members of the TOPMexicoRealEstate team, with a special focus on Mexico golf course real estate. They are also American retirees who have chosen to leave South Florida to enjoy a Playa del Carmen retirement. For this reason they can comment on the advantages of retiring in Playa del Carmen and Mexico in general over one of the favorite retirement destinations within the U.S., and, generally, the benefits that Playa del Carmen offers.

TMRE: Very generally, how would describe your experience being retired in Mexico?

Trish and Bob: We love it! Mexico’s lower cost of living makes possible a retirement lifestyle – in our case right on the Caribbean – that we simply couldn’t enjoy in the US.

TMRE: What first made you interested in living in Mexico?

Trish and Bob: We have a good friend who has traveled extensively in Mexico, loves the country, and decided to make Playa del Carmen his retirement home. He urged us to check it out. We did, and moved here three months later.

TMRE: How would you compare living in Mexico to living in Florida?

Trish and Bob: Florida is a big and diverse place, but we can certainly make comparisons to Miami and Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Two big things…it’s much less expensive and much safer (yes, safer – more on that later) here in Playa del Carmen than in south Florida.

TMRE: How can you compare Playa del Carmen real estate costs to Florida?

Trish and Bob: While the south Florida real estate market seems to have bottomed out and there are still “fire sale” deals available, sales price should not be the only consideration. Fees and property taxes on Playa del Carmen condos for sale are as a rule 90 % less than what you would pay in South Florida. That’s a significant savings over the course of ownership. Here there’s lots of inventory – and lots more on the way – and some really great opportunities to find retirement, second home and investment property bargains.

TMRE: Do you still live in Florida part of the time? Why or why not?

Trish and Bob: No, we like it too much here! We lived a “big city” life in Miami, on the 41^st floor of a downtown condo that overlooks American Airlines Arena, the Arscht Center and the cruise ship port. It was a very nice lifestyle, but we enjoy Playa so much more!

TMRE: How would you compare safety?

Trish and Bob: We feel perfectly safe here, much more so than in Miami. There are simply none of the drug related safety issues that plague northern Mexico communities here in Playa. There is a large but non intrusive police presence throughout the community and on the Federal Highway 307 that connects us to the rest of Mexico.

Continued in Part II

Authors Trish Youngstrum & Bob Hyde bring over 50 years’ combined sales experience in the United States, most recently in South Florida. Trish is one of the few Realtors in the US and Mexico to hold the professional designation of Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI) and is a Certified Transnational Property Specialist working with agents and buyers of resort properties from the Americas and Europe. Trish and Bob moved to beautiful Playa del Carmen in 2009 where they now work with TOP Mexico Real Estate. For more information (512)-879-6546 THE www.TOPmexicorealestate.com NETWORK

These past weeks have been busy in the Costa Maya real estate territory with Mahahual’s annual carnival hitting the streets in style. Many local business and school children participated and the usual fun of the parade finished in style on the “malecon” (promenade/boardwalk) with music and dancing until the early hours.

A fishing tournament was held in honour of the governor, Felix Gonzalo Canto. Despite some rough looking seas in the morning, the wind died down and the boats were able to go out and a good competition was underway. The fishing tournaments always attract people from both Quintana Roo and Yucatan, with a large portion of participants coming from Mahahual’s nearest city, Chetumal (about 1.5 hours drive away).

On the Costa Maya properties front, there’s a great listing for two adjacent lots in Rio Indio, just to the north of Mahahual, with 40 metres (approx. 131 ft.) of beach front. The lots are located in a quiet cul-de-sac with a couple of beautiful beach-front homes nearby. The lots have been cleared already and there’s a lot of depth between the beach and the road, which will give you even more privacy once you have your house built here. These lots have been reduced last week to US$155,000 each.

For those of you interested in experiencing living in Mahahual for a while before purchasing property, or for those simply looking for a Caribbean adventure, Costa Mayan Properties offers some amazing vacation rentals. Jollymon, beachfront studio and Casa Felipe Flores are still available for Easter due to cancellations.

Rebecca Loto is from the United Kingdom and has been traveling and living in Latin America for nearly ten years. Costa Maya has become her home residence in the past 5 years where she and her husband have settled and have become involved and active in various community organizations. Rebecca brings British 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!”

When choosing the property for your Mexico retirement, one of the most important points you will need to decide is whether you wish to live in a gated community or downtown. This choice is not only important in the beachfront tourist areas, but also in the colonial cities and lakefront towns of Mexico’s central interior.

The choice between the two isn’t always determined by the type of property you want; for example, Playa del Carmen beachfront for sale can be found both downtown and in the best gated communities in the surrounding areas.  On the other hand, in the small towns or colonial cities, it might be easier to find a preconstruction Mexico condo for sale in one of the gated communities, while a colonial fixer-upper project will only be available in the historic downtown area.

The follow are a few advantages of each, which will help you make the choice.

Gated Communities

• Less traffic
• More green areas
• Walk to golf course & marina (depending on the community)
• Higher percentage of Americans and Canadians
• Quieter lifestyle
• Bike Trails
• Tree-line roads

Typically, gated communities are favored by those who want to live in a quieter, greener area; for this reason, it tends to be the preference among retirees.  Downtown areas, however, offer their own strengths that can be equally appealing to a certain retirement lifestyle.

Downtown

• Walk to grocery stores, restaurants, bars, etc.
• Walk to the beachfront, lakefront
• Scenic historic sites (in colonial cities and towns)
• Local markets – fresh fruit and vegetables
• Town squares and urban “parkettes”

The advantage of downtown areas is the walk-everywhere lifestyle.  This is appealing to retirees who want to live car free, and be active just through day to day shopping, etc.  The charm of the old towns and cities also has strong appeal of its own.  While retirees tend to prefer the quieter gated communities, quieter downtown neighborhoods can usually be found as well.

If you are not sure about which one is best for you, contact an agent, and visit the city of your choice; seeing, living and experiencing the two choices will help you see which lifestyle works best for your needs.

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 La Paz  Hotel and Tourism Association (Emprhotur) met recently to review and approve its marketing and promotional budget for 2011.  The La Paz real estate market benefits from such programs as the regional attractions are promoted to tourists and second home buyers.   The budget had been approved by the Association’s technical committee in December. At the General Assembly presided over by Pedro Aguilar from Hotel Cantamar, the budget and marketing plan was approved in detail.

Funds generated by the 3% hospitality tax, plus money coming from a coalition of businesses are in a fideicomiso. (Trust Fund) and are used to promote La Paz as a tourist destination.

The trust fund for 2011 totals $ 1,638,814. Of this amount, $ 207,725 will be used for direct promotion in the Mexican market and $ 136,266 in the international market. EMPRHOTUR will participate jointly with the State Secretary of tourism in tourism fairs and conferences, both in Mexico and abroad.

In addition to this advertising and promotional literature an ongoing campaign will be aimed at social networks and the maintenance of the web site VIVALAPAZ.net.

Last year the Secretary of tourism was in La Paz to discuss the construction of a convention center. Technical experts have concluded such a project is viable. Funds have been designated to be used for the planning of a new center.  The promotion of Mexico as a world wide tourist destination helps not only the tourism industry but a wide variety of related sectors such as the Mexico real estate industries.

Author John Glaab CIPS is a founding member of AMPI Los Cabos. A Certified International Property Specialist he is active in the National Association of Realtors® Global Business Alliances Group. John was recently appointed as a member of Amp’s International Relations Committee. for more information (512)-879-6546 THE www.TOPmexicorealestate.com NETWORK

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

In this video below, you will see a shoot where we take a walk down to the warm beaches in the Mexican Caribbean.  These Playa del Carmen condos for sale are only about 1/2 a mile from the closed gated community on the growing north side of the community.  If you want to see further details on these Mexico condos…      CLICK  HERE       (playa del carmen condos)

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

One of the major benefits of owning a Mexico home in Cozumel is the quiet serenity that it offers as a island just off of Mexico’s Caribbean coast.  While the island has its own airport, and offers residents thea large number of services, it is also an advantage to be only a short ferry ride away from Playa del Carmen and Cancun, which offer a large number of additional shopping options, services, and Mexico’s second largest international airport.

While this connection is already fairly easy with regular service to the mainland, a new company will begin offering additional service starting during 2011.

Cozumel has grown as an important Mexico retirement community, because of the relaxing lifestyle it offers.  Another point which has been important for retirees in Cozumel is the low cost of living.  The new line helps to develop this factor, as an affordable alternative for transportation to and from Playa del Carmen.

The new company, called “Isla de la Paz,” will operate a ferry called “Cozumel II,”  and has worked closely with the municipal government to ensure a high level quality, while offering price of up to 40 percent less than the current cost of the trip.

Besides increased motivation for buying Mexico beachfront for sale on the island of Cozumel, the new line is also expected to bring an increase in tourism, drawing further investment for the island; this in turn also benefits the quality of living on Cozumel.

Rita Sheese is the Cozumel AMPI chapter president. She is also a member of the Cozumel Urban Planning Commission and Foundation for Strategic Planning for the Caribbean Island. She began her career in Property Management and Real Estate Sales since 1985.
(512)-879-6546 www.TOPmexicorealestate.com
“TOP Mexico Real Estate NETWORK; Mexico’s leading specialists for finding and purchasing Mexican properties safely !”

Have you heard of “Shopping therapy?”

No, this is not a treatment for to get shop-aholics off their addiction; quite the opposite, it’s actually using shopping as a therapy for stress and related problems resulting from the overly busy modern lifestyle.

Anyone who own’s Cancun real estate will know exactly what this is all about.  In addition to offering relaxation through it’s famous turquoise beaches, it also offer the among best variety in modern shopping in this part of the world.

This is true to such an extent that one company has actually begun offering “shopping” tours to Cancun, in which visitors choose from featured hotels, and from there are taken to individualized shopping tours in the city’s most exclusive and luxurious stores.

While this is great for visitors, imagine actually living in Mexico, and enjoying the benefit of these excellent shopping options right on hand, any day, any time you want it!

This goes to show that owning Mexico real estate is much more than just affordable property in a warm climate; in addition to beautiful nature, rich traditions and culture and amazing food, residents can enjoy the best of a modern lifestyle.

Cancun also offers excellent golf courses, modern marina developments and many other ways to enjoy pure relaxation!  It is also home to Mexico’s second most traveled airport which is on its way to becoming the connection hub for this part of the world; this means getting home, or to many other parts of the world is easy and hassle free.

Living in Cancun is all about relaxation; whether it’s lounging on the beach with a martini in your hand, shopping in excellent stores or a sailing on the ocean, you’ll find many ways to relax here, and fully enjoy the area’s warm weather!

John DeRotache, originally from Saint Louis MO., he has been living in Cancun, Mexico for over 16 years. John completed his University studies at St. Louis University in Missouri and their Campus in Madrid, Spain. With a diploma in real estate from a top Mexico University, John comes well prepared to find and help you with your Mexico real estate needs. MexicoRealEstate NETWORK “Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely ! ” (512) 879-6546

In the Mexico real estate market, one key attraction tends to be the number world-class services available within a given area; during the past decade or two, Mexico has excelled in this area.   This is especially true of regions like the Cancun real estate market, where thriving international tourism has brought a large amount of investment, as well as lifestyle related services, such as golf courses, marinas, and international-quality gourmet restaurants.

One of the most recent examples of this is the Japanese restaurant, Katsu, which opened with the goal of becoming the best specialty restaurant offering Japanese food and social entertainment in the Mexican Caribbean.  It is located in the Cancun’s Hotel Zone.

The recent grand opening was an event which included key businesspeople from the area, government officials and distinguished personalities of Cancun’s society, as well as special guests such as the Mexican actress Jacqueline Bracamontes.

The restaurant is located on Kukulcan Boulevard at km 13.5, across from Plaza Kukulcan

The Hotel Zone in Cancun is also a favorite area for Americans, Canadians and Europeans buying Mexico condos.  Since the city was created from scratch 40 years ago, the Hotel Zone has come to offer residents many modern and international lifestyle features, ranging from shopping malls to professional golf courses.  The opening of this restaurant is the most recent development in the gourmet food culture which has been growing in the area.

The concept of high-end oriental food in the new restaurant is to be driven by “the passion and dedication in preparing food, customer satisfaction in a relaxed atmosphere … to create a unique food experience in this area,” said Rodolfo González, Director General of the restaurant.

Some of the dishes being offered include Teppanyaki, ceviche, fish strips, butter clams, garlic fish, crispy shrimp and “shabu shabu,” among other Asian specialties.

The restaurant has a capacity of 271 people (121 people in the restaurant and 150 in the bar area).

The Holiday Season in Mahahual, Costa Maya real estate region, is very different for many of the foreigners who have decided to make this Mexican Caribbean home, including myself. Somehow it just doesn’t feel right soaking up the sunshine and swimming in clear warm waters, when family and friends are freezing with cold temperatures and snow. This is the time when beachfront property owners here can make others envious simply by sending one photo of a white sandy beach, palm trees and the Caribbean water in the background!

However, some traditions stay the same, and the Mahahualenas, a group of female residents (with help from their partners), organize the annual children’s Christmas Party; each year with growing numbers and increased success. This year was no exception, a photograph with Santa following by gifts and refreshments for all school children made a magical evening located at Tequila Beach Club right on the malecon, steps away from the beach. A lovely reminder of how many residents are willing to give their time and resources to integrate into the local community, regardless of whether they speak Spanish or not.

On the Costa Maya real estate front, the owners of “Mio Maya”, an incredible Mayan-influenced designed beachfront house in Costa Maya, in the Xcalak area, have decided to reduce their home from US$599,000 to US$499,000. An amazing opportunity for those looking for an investment as a rental home or for their own piece of paradise. For my details check out my Costa Maya listings and type in MLS PROPERTY NUMBER 1518 or just  (click here).

Rebecca Loto is from the United Kingdom and has been traveling and living in Latin America for nearly ten years. Costa Maya has become her home residence in the past 5 years where she and her husband have settled and have become involved and active in various community organizations. Rebecca brings British 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!”

I have been working in the Costa Maya real estate region for various years.  Many people like me, after visiting Mahahual, Costa Maya, for their first time, immediately fall in love with the area and want to find a way to help the people in the local community. In fact, many people decide to help out before even coming here. Two such ladies are Tara Shields from the US and Julie Martin from Canada.

Tara Shields originally visited Costa Maya on a cruise and has been returning for the past few years. She started “Lak’ech Project, Inc.”, ( www.mexicoclinic.org ) a non-profit organization which helps provide Mahahual and the surrounding area with medical supplies.

As a Registered Nurse, her medical background will no doubt ensure that her plans to start a clinic in Mahahual will be successful. On her last visit recently she brought down fluoride and with the help of a local lady (a former dentist), Maria Denegri, she administered fluoride to all of the local school children. This is just one example of the great things she has organized here, with many new projects to follow!

Julie Martin, a professional music teacher, (www.lepetitatelier.ca) was planning a family holiday to Costa Maya and decided to volunteer her time and experience by giving free music lessons to the children of Mahahual.

She had never visited the Costa Maya before but as she had lived in Cancun years before, she was eager to help. Staying in Xcalak, she traveled to Mahahual where she gave music lessons at the local Montessori school. Being open to all the children, it proved very popular and they loved playing the percussion instruments and being stimulated by something very different and new. These same instruments were then donated to the school where they will surely be used many times again.

Thank you to both these ladies and the many others who take effort to donate supplies and their time to Costa Maya and it’s community; it really is appreciated.

On the Costa Maya real estate side, an incredible opportunity has just become available for a piece of Mexico land in Placer, to the north of Mahahual. With 16 metres (52 feet) of beachfront, this lot is in the prestigious zone where the building density is high. With the clear Caribbean Ocean gently lapping the white soft sand, some tall palm trees, the road already placed towards the back of the lot, this new Costa Maya beachfront property is the ideal place for those looking at an investment or a place to build their future home. For more details check out our listing.

Rebecca Loto is from the United Kingdom and has been traveling and living in Latin America for nearly ten years. Costa Maya has become her home residence in the past 5 years where she and her husband have settled and have become involved and active in various community organizations. Rebecca brings British 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!”

Mexico Resort Real Estate Update ………….

From The Settlement Company®

Welcome to our 4th Quarter newsletter. It is the final edition for this decade.  TOP Mexico Real Estate will divide this newsletter into several posts which will be aired over the next several days.  The decade started out with a strong world-wide economy and few if any signs as to how it would close. It has been a rather rocky road.  The words, “bail out” are heard almost daily. The latest of course is the bail out of the Irish banks by the European Community.  Economists are sending mixed signals. The stock issuance by General Motors was a bright spot, but followed too quickly by events on the Korean peninsula which set back the market. A new book, “All the Devils are Here; the Hidden History of the Financial Crisis, is co-authored by Barbara McLean. While it does not place blame, it is a rather accurate chronicle of what has caused the crisis. “Black Friday” was hopefully a good omen for retailers in the U.S. Shoppers came to buy in droves. Macy’s Inc C.E.O. said the retailer had 7,000 shoppers outside its flagship Herald Square store in Manhattan at 4.am. on Black Friday. That is 2,000 more than last year.

La Paz Real Estate region Makes Record Book: Those who habitually walk and exercise on the Malecon had a surprise on day, last month. Lining the route were tables with a white paper covering. We left the house early for our normal trip to the gym, but the road was closed.  So we walked to the start of the Malecon. On the way we saw a large unit making dough. We continued to the end where we met Ralph Hannah who had been sent from Uruaguay by the Guinness Book of Records group. He had been sent to La Paz to act as Adjudicator. Employees from 54 restaurants, along with 3000 volunteers were busy creating the world’s largest burrito. A pickup truck had been modified so that a conveyor coming out of the back would spew out a seamless tortilla. As the truck moved ever so slowly down the Malecon, and workers lifted the tortilla on to the line of tables.

The tortilla would be filled to create the burrito. Ingredients used were, two tons of flour,250 liters of milk, 400 kilos of tomatoes, 40 large onions. 300 chiles 200 kilos of salt 3 tons of minced fish.  When finished, the burrito weighed 5.7 tons. I walked down to the Malecon a couple of times to watch the work in progress. On one trip, I was treated to a famous La Paz real estate sunset.

After 15 hours of work (and two years of planning) Adjudicator Hannah proclaimed the record was official. The burrito was then cut into 27,000 pieces to be shared by the spectators. Mr. Hannah mentioned there were several Mexican groups seeking a record this year. These included Guadalajara (largest Mariachi Group) and Mexico City a large enchilada which he told me was smaller than the burrito. Mr.  Hannah accredited the activity to Mexico’s celebration of Independence and the end of the revolution.

John Glaab

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

How do you imagine your life in Mexico?  Most people imagine comfortable Mexico real estate, probably on the beachfront, enjoying walks in the sand, sailing in the ocean, visiting ancient pyramids, etc.

But what about an underwater museum??

Besides all of the other benefits of owning a Mexico condo in Cancun, residents will also now be able to enjoy diving under the ocean to visit visiting 400 sculptures in a museum under the sea!

Late in October, the last of the 400 sculptures that make up the Cancun Underwater Museum National Park, which is located near the coral reef between the east coast of Isla Mujeres, Punta Cancun and Punta Nizuc.

This last sculpture was a “Buddha” 4 feet in height, and about 330 pounds in weights, a work of the  British sculptor Jason de Caires Taylor, who is known for his works in concrete.

The marine museum, which is a fairly unique tourist attraction, is expected to draw over 750,000 visitors each year.

The completion of this museum is the latest of a series of new attractions and services which continue to make Cancun real estate one of the best world-class choices, offering everything from large shopping centers, to professional golf courses, from state-the-art hospitals to Mexico’s second busiest airport.

In Cancun, whether residents are looking for fine international dining, or the latest movie on big-screen, most of it will be readily available.  Of course, no one forgets what many consider to be the  most beautiful beach in the world.

John DeRotache, originally from Saint Louis MO., he has been living in Cancun, Mexico for over 16 years. John completed his University studies at St. Louis University in Missouri and their Campus in Madrid, Spain. With a diploma in real estate from a top Mexico University, John comes well prepared to find and help you with your Mexico real estate needs. MexicoRealEstate NETWORK “Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely ! ” (512) 879-6546

Mexico real estate on the island of Cozumel is soon to benefit from another direct flight option to and from Chicago, one of the main cities for flights heading to Mexico.

The new flight will be offered by American Airlines, and officials in Cozumel are expecting that it will generate an increase in tourist numbers to the town of Cozumel.  The mayor-elect of the municipality said that the flight from American Airlines was created both to meet the demand of vacationers from the Midwest and to help promote Cozumel in that part of the country..

In addition to increased tourist numbers to the island, the new option will benefit anyone from the Midwest who chooses to buy a Mexico home on Cozumel, offering increased travel convenience for visits back home, or friends and family joining Cozumel residents for vacations.

In general, an increase in tourism will also benefit Cozumel real estate by offering increased services and activities.

The flight is scheduled to begin on February 12, 2011, and the municipal government also includes plans to follow up on the new flight option by working with tour operators and airline management, always in view of increasing visitor arrivals to the island of Cozumel. The flight will connect Cozumel and Chicago on a weekly basis.

Rita Sheese is the Cozumel AMPI chapter president. She is also a member of the Cozumel Urban Planning Commission and Foundation for Strategic Planning for the Caribbean Island. She began her career in Property Management and Real Estate Sales since 1985.
(512)-879-6546 www.TOPmexicorealestate.com
“TOP Mexico Real Estate NETWORK; Mexico’s leading specialists for finding and purchasing Mexican properties safely !”