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 !”

One developer of a high-quality, luxury resort-style complex once pointed out the importance of promotion for people renting out their Mexico property; you could have the most beautiful unit an amazing development for a super rental price, but if no one knows about it, it could sit there empty.

This points to one of the key advantages to buying a Mexico condo for sale in a hotel or resort setting (generally called a condo-hotel); professional hotel service providers will often be contracted not only to provide the best service to vacationers, but also to promote the condos as a part of the hotel as a whole to these same international vacationers.

This fact points to a distinct advantage in buying in a condo-hotel as a Mexico real estate investment.  Experienced and successful hotel service providers will already have established networks to bring vacationers directly to the rental units.

For this reason, it is also important to enquire about this point.  If it is a resale, a buyer can enquire about occupancy rates; with a new development, if the rental services is through an established provider, the occupancy history of the provider can also be enquired.  In other cases, simply evaluating the rental strategy can be helpful.

In most cases, having a professional rental strategy is advantageous for those who do not have experience in managing a rental properties; this is especially true for those who are buying to enjoy  a vacation property with the benefit of a worry-free income from that same property.

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

When a Playa del Carmen condo is constructed, one of the most important legals issues is the receipt of the Condo Regime.  This is the legal approval issue by the government.  The state and local city municipalities must give their approval to the details of the project.  And as most government entities everywhere including all regions of the Mexico real estate market, this can be a prolonged affair.

Developer of Playa del Carmen Condo Receives Regime

But until the regime is received by the developer, it is not possible for the buyers to receive their legal title to the property.  This is often months after the project is completed….often 6-9 months, and in my particular case when I moved into my Playa del Carmen real estate property, my wait was over 1 year.  Although the norm is for the buyer to be able to take physical possession once the property is completed, the final “closing” really doesn’t take place until the title is received.

The announcement….you may have seen our information on the Viliv Condominiums.  If not, take a look.
CLICK HERE  Playa del Carmen condos

This 18 unit (six buildings with one unit on each of the three floors) complex is located in a beautiful new gated community just 3 km north of town.  Building one is completed and occupied.  Building 2 and 3 are up and being completed and the entire project will be completed before year end.

Thomas Lloyd reviewing documents of Viliv Condos

What is amazing, is that the regime has been received by the developer ALREADY.  Perhaps the fastest we have ever seen.  This is a great accomplishment by the developer showing his effecient operation and quality of his project.  It is now in the hands of the Notary as they break it into the 18 individual properties which should be completed very soon enabling the new buyers to take take title right away.  This important development also provides an additional advantage to the buyers….the ability to get bank financing.  Since they will have the legal title at the time of purchase, the banks can then lend the money…..an even almost unheard of and most appreciated to the Viliv buyers.

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 !”

On the days off from working in the Playa del Carmen real estate region, I enjoy watching sports.  As to you sports fans, and particularly the soccer/futbol fans out there…..I just returned from the Mexican League playoff game between Cruz Azul from Mexico City and the Cancun team Atlanate.  As you know the playoff is a series of two games with the total goals determining the winner.  Unfortunately for the Atlante fans, Cruz Azul won the series and moves on to the semi-finals.

But it was my second straight Atlante home game and what fun.  Although the Atlante stadium in Cancun is not as large as some, you can’t help but be impressed by the golf green appearance of the major league soccer field…it is beautiful.  The VIP tickets were more expensive for the playoffs but I though 400 pesos for seats right behind the seating area of the team was well worth it.  And it reminded me of the Wrigley Field baseball experience of food and drink hawkers coming at you from every direction.  No peanuts or cracker jacks, but yes you can even get some pretty good steak tacos from the vendors.  And Coronas everywhere as they obviously have an exclusive as a major sponsor…and did I mention the beautiful Corona girls everywhere.

So just thought I would share the fun experience to your sports fans out there….yes major league sports right here in our Mexico real estate region.  And next door to the soccer field, the baseball stadium for the local professional baseball team.  Saturday night the area was busy with sports fans as both the soccer and baseball teams were playing.  So yes, major league sports right in our own backyard.

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 !”

While being able to predict 100% which market (anywhere in any investment) will grow is virtually impossible, in Mexico real estate, it is possible to find excellent real estate deals in healthy markets; this means that you as a buyer can be fairly confident the property they just bought can have substantial margin for growth.

There are two main approaches to take; one is to buy preconstruction condominiums during the discount period – an excellent option, dealt with in detail elsewhere.  The other is to find “fire sales” or drastic price reductions resulting from pressure on the buyer to sell quickly, which is the kind of opportunity we will examine here.

Motivation

In most market areas, Mexico properties retain and appreciate in value healthily; with a given amount of time, a seller will be able to find a buyer for whom both property and price are ideal.  However, in some cases sellers have personal motivations to sell quickly and don’t have the time to wait and sell their property closer to the actual value.  Perhaps they have already moved with their family, and the second property is just a maintenance expense; they have less need to gain a return from the property in resale than to sell it quickly and move on with their lives.  Similar cases can be true for a developer’s unit when the developer is moving on to a new project, and he has already gained what he needs financially from that property.  Other owners may have urgent financial pressures back home.  In all these cases, sellers will tend to list on the lower end of “normal” and even make subsequent large price reductions if the sale doesn’t move quickly.

A Healthy Market

In a healthy market the majority of properties will be listed at “normal” prices.  Significant price reduction may show up regularly, but will disappear quickly.  (Some notable investment experts, like Jim Cramer, will even suggest buying “out of favor” real estate in Mexico, simply because of the country’s growing strength in tourism, and emerging economic strength.)  In general though, it works better for most buyers to have a way of tracking the best price reductions in moving markets.

Where to Look

Online resources, such as TOPMexicoRealEstate.com’s Top real estate deals page, allow you as a buyer to be notified when new price reductions show up.  This tool in particular is excellent for keeping on the ball with e-mail notifications, tracking new price reductions and comparing  similar properties.

Making an Offer

If you see a listing with the word “urgent” or a similar idea tagged onto it – like the majority in the TOP Real Estate Deals page – it’s a good indication that the owner is more interested in selling quickly than getting the exact price they are asking.  If it’s the first listing price, or a modest reduction on the listing price, make an offer; the seller may take the offer to sell quickly rather than waiting it out.  On the other hand, if it’s already the 2nd price reduction at 35% below the original price, another buyer may beat you to the punch if you are still trying to bring the price down.

Like in any real estate purchase, it’s important to balance waiting (for the lowest price and ensuring that the property is right for you) and moving quickly enough, to make sure you get that ideal property.  While you’re waiting for the right deal to show up, take some time and review “normal” prices of the kind of property that you’re interested in, and talk to an agent to get a feel for what price will make for an over-night sale. Also know what your ideal price is.  When the right property shows up at that price, it may be better to move and pay a little more than the “bottomed out” price than loosing your dream home in Mexico to another buyer.

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!”

When investing in Mexico condos for sale, it’s important to consider whether you will be buying a resale condo or a new preconstruction unit. While the main disadvantage is that buyers will have to wait longer to use their Mexico property, there are many advantages to this kind of purchase which usually outweigh this point. The advantages of investing in preconstruction include:

Pricing – The key advantage of buying preconstruction is the pricing. Often new developments are competitively priced, and in the early stages the developer will even lower these prices making them very attractive for purchase. This is currently the case in one excellent new development of Playa del Carmen condos. Developers use this strategy to sell the first units quickly, offering the advantage to subsequent buyers that X many units have already been sold. This is a normal strategy and offers an advantage to buyers.

Flexibility – Buyers must also remember that although these are new sales from the developer, prices are not fixed; in some cases, buyers can make a reasonable offer. However, in cases where the preconstruction discount already makes for a very low price, lower offers may not be accepted, since there will be plenty of other buyers ready to take the discount price. Observing the market and consulting with an experienced agent will allow buyers to determine if it is a advantageous to make a lower offer.

Automatic Appreciation – As units are sold and the preconstruction discounts become less and eventually disappear, the value of your property has automatically appreciated in value; for example, if you bought a unit with a listed price of $250,000 for a preconstruction discount of $210,000, once the later units are being sold for the full $250,000, you already have an increase in value of $40,000 or almost 20%, and this is before any subsequent rise in market value.

Financing Options – Preconstruction payments typically start with a relatively low deposit (usually significantly lower than a mortgage downpayment, for example) and the remainder is paid according to construction progress. (Of course, no interest is charged on these amounts.) This means that while you enjoy the benefit of the lower price from locking in your purchase early, you’re not required to come up with the full payment immediately. In some cases at the point that the total is due the remainder can be transferred to long-term financing, either through the developer or through a bank, after the condominium regiment has been granted. This possibility should be discussed ahead of time. In any case, it’s almost like making a profit on money you haven’t spent …

Rental time vs. Preconstruction Savings Of course, as a condo investor, you are probably also considering income from rental income. Depending where your focus is, you may wish to research what rental rates are and compare this to your savings from the preconstruction discount. While some rental properties are sold furnished and ready to use, you may also need to consider whether it is currently the high season or not. Also, if you are buying in an area which is not the prime vacation rental area, you will need to compare your savings to the long-term rental rates. In most cases, the preconstruction savings are worth the time.

Overall, in normal market conditions buying with preconstruction discounts offers excellent savings, or, from an investment perspective, very good appreciation and potential for return.

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!”

We’ve just returned from visiting some new Playa del Carmen condos for sale called  BLUME .  A project in the heart of Playa del Carmen’s exclusive Coco Beach area, and we’re so excited we couldn’t wait to tell you about it.  It is – in a word – spectacular.

In regards to other Playa del Carmen properties, its architectural design makes it stand out like no other project.  In a world of  box shaped, cookie cutter condo projects, BLUME gives you the opportunity to live your Playa del Carmen lifestyle in a way that can’t be duplicated.  Take a look at the photos …you’ll see what we mean.

BLUME will be the first condominium complex of luxury lofts built in Playa del Carmen, comprised of 43 residential units, each with indoor parking, and 8 upscale retail units at street level.  All residences have double height living rooms and range from two bedroom, 130 sq meters, to three bedroom, 270 sq meters.  Included also are 7 penthouses that include a luxury roof garden and private pool and 7 garden-houses with private pool, garden and terrace

Features?  Where to begin?

• Wide common areas that include two lobbies, outdoor pools, sundeck, outdoor lounge and equipped gym.
• Units will include floor to ceiling anti hurricane windows, motorized mechanical widow opening system (optional at extra cost but wait ‘till you see it!) and Indian marble floors throughout.
• Italian design kitchen with all granite counters, Bosch electric stove and oven and Teka water appliances.
• Marble floors and walls in bathroom wet areas, top line bathroom furniture and appliances and tempered glass doors and mirrors in all bathrooms.

Location?  Two minute walk to the beach; five minute walk to the beginning of the pedestrian mall on famous Fifth Avenue; five minute drive to the nearest of six nearby championship golf courses.

To see more details and the PRICE  click here

PLAYA DEL CARMEN PROPERTIES MLS  PDC-CO0-0614

There is a special discount of 7% on all units that’s effective through March 31, 2011.  Additionally, there are an attractive range of payment options that can reduce your final sales price even more dramatically.

Units in the north building are scheduled to be completed in September, 2011 with the entire project scheduled to be finished in June, 2012.

Excited yet?  We hope so, because this complex is so dramatic, so spectacularly different from anything else you’ll see in the Playa del Carmen real estate market, we can’t imagine them staying on the market much longer.   Want to know more about these and other properties in Coco Beach area?  We are your people….Contact us today to learn about the Coco Beach neighborhood, Playa del Carmen and our Riviera Maya lifestyle.

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

After the success of the first project (click here to Mexico real estate blog) insert hyperlink to ) in the heart of the Playa del Carmen real estate zone, the developers have chosen to construct a 2nd phase right across the street. From a brief market analysis, they have presented this new option that will offer a few improvements that phase 1 doesn’t have,  very important…an elevator!!

This complex will be strictly residential and will contain all 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condos. There will be underground parking with owner storage. Another attractive feature is the common area is on the rooftop with a  pool and lounge area.

The developers are also offering a free membership to the ‘Be-Well Center’ which is located in the phase 1 building. This gym offers a revolutionary new form of exercise called ‘Kinesis’ and its the first in this entire area. Some other important features are 24 hour security, concierge, low monthly maintenance fees and more!

There are just 16 condos and each come with a fully equipped kitchen, marble flooring, washer and dryer, A/C and ceiling fans and are about 1000 sq.ft in area.

The expected completion for this project is December 2011 and these current pre-sale prices are only available for a limited time. The payment plan is 30% down, 50% in 10 monthly payments and the remainder at title.Prices currently range from $180,000 up to $250,000k and only 2 penthouses have a private solarium.

Click here for more details to this Playa del Carmen real estate listing

Contact now for more information!

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 !”

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 !”

There are many advantages to buying a preconstruction Mexico condo for sale.  It is always advisable however to compare re-sale versus a preconstruction purchase to evaluate your personal needs and your personal financial goals.  Normally a pre-construction project will allow you the opportunity to acquire a property at lower than market value. The following paragraphs list a few factors which you can use as an exercise in order to help you decide if buying a pre-construction condo is right for you.

Reputation of the Developer

In any market situation, check that the Mexico real estate developer has a solid reputation and/or is backed by a realistic marketing plan and other reputable companies.  Always investigate the following questions:

• What other projects has the developer constructed?
• What is the developer’s experience?
• Have they had issues in the past? Or currently?
• If so, what guarantee is there that they are improving?

Check the internet and most importantly, talk to your agent.

Payment Schedule

In a purchase of a pre-construction property you will need to analyze the amount of risk you wish to assume.  Many people might quickly respond that the only properties to purchase in a down economy are re-sales.  But investors and realtors who are involved in weekly and monthly real estate transactions understand that you can manage many risks by managing a strict payment schedule.    Some questions to ask the developer of a pre-construction Mexico condo project;

a)                  Will the seller allow payments to go into escrow?

b)                  Will payments be based on construction milestones?

c)                   How much money is requested at the beginning of the construction period and how much at the back end?

Financing

Many preconstruction condo projects offer payment plans running the course of the construction process, which virtually translates into interest-free short-term financing.  This can be beneficial to people who don’t have access to the entire dollar amount and need time to raise funds.  Some mega developers also offer long term financing plans (from the developer itself) once the physical delivery has been realized.

For bank financing, and if you are a non-Mexican, preconstruction properties might have some limitations versus a resale.  A bank cannot offer their services unless a property title exists which does not create any problems for a resale (except for some rare exceptions).  On a preconstruction property though, as the property is in process to be constructed, many developers will not usually obtain an individual title until 90-95% completion of the project.  On a better note though, in the past several years there has been an increase in the amount of developers opting to obtain their Quintana Roo Condominium Regime at an earlier date during construction.  Properties therefore might be 40% or 50% into construction when the Regime has been granted.

Evaluate your financing needs, and talk to your agent to see what kind of preconstruction financing is available, so you can decide if you can buy preconstruction or should focus on resale.

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!”

What’s your dream vacation for the winter months?  A soft beach, with warm water and sunny weather?

Why settle for a vacation?  This can be a lifestyle reality!

Owning a Mexico condo is a great way to have access to warm weather vacations at any time of year, whenever you want them, or even to live here permanently, like you’re on vacation all year round!  The best part is that the prices are very accessible, and you could actually be saving yourself money by buying in Mexico.

One development of Playa del Carmen condos, for example, is selling penthouse units for only $165,00 USD.  The base unit is selling for a very low $137,000!  These units are within walking distance to the beach, and are located in a new upscale gated community.

Other units in a nice community just a little further back from the beach can sometimes be found for just below this price as well.

Playa del Carmen homes can also be found for excellent prices.  A brand-new villa with over 1600 sq. ft. of living space in a small complex with a large pool can be bought for only $200,000.

For those willing to undertake a renovation project to make their dream home near the beach the way they want it can find homes for very accessible prices in the downtown area.

Owning a property in Playa del Carmen is not just an expense; if you don’t use the property all year round, there is an excellent vacation rental market for a variety of budgets so you can generate some income on your property.  Some owners have made use of this idea virtually letting the condo or home “pay for itself,” while others just generate a little income to cover expenses.  There is a variety of options.

Financing is also an excellent option to acquire a property in Playa del Carmen.  A variety of options are available, including developer financing and bank mortgages from institutions such as Scotiabank Mexico.

There’s no reason to keep dreaming; make your dream vacation a lifestyle reality!

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!”

As of December 3, 2010, Playa del Carmen is officially enjoying service from the city’s second Walmart store. The store is especially convenient for the new Playa del Carmen condo developments at the north end of town.

This second Walmart is located in an area which is being developed as a new city center, called “La Cruz,” with city offices, an upscale outdoor shopping center, a large number of shopping and some nicer residential areas.  A large mall with a supermarket, similar to Walmart, and a large-screen movie theater that plays many movies in English, a casino, and many other shopping options, already exists, about a 2 minute drive from the Walmart.

This entire development area is located on the main access road for this part of the city, which is 6-lane bypass looping away from downtown, connecting with the main highway at the north and the south of the city.

The point where this access road meets with the highway at the north is very near to the highway entrances to a number of new resort and condo communities near the beachfront.  For this reason it is a very short drive – less than 10 minutes – from these communities to the new Walmart, and the mall.

Among the best-priced choices in this area is a development of Mexico condos called Viliv, offering units starting as low as $135,000 USD!  They are located within walking distance from the beach, and inside a new gated community, which offers a bike trail and building codes to ensure the development of an upscale atmosphere.  The complex itself offers spacious design, small buildings with no adjoining units, a pool, and a gym area.

Another development within the same community is a complex of 6 Playa del Carmen villas called Villas Tranquilidad.  The 3 bedroom units share a large pool and spacious green area.  As of late 2010, only 2 of these villas were remaining.

This Walmart is only one of many benefits which are beginning to turn up within short driving access to these developments, and helps to indicate that this area has excellent investment potential.

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!”

As the Playa del Carmen condos market begins picking up in demand for the coming high season, people are discovering more options to the north of town.  “The little town is no fishing village anymore”.  That is quite true as you now find more conveniences throughout the community.   You no longer need to travel to Cancun for those hard to find items, as many retailers have opened up stores and shops throughout the booming city.  Soriana, Walmart, Mega Comercial Mexicana, Chedruai and various other mega stores have a location set up in Playa del Carmen including Sams Club and a City Club.  Walmart will be opening up their second Mega Center on the north side near to the Las Americas Shopping Center.

Below see a video on a penthouse for sale on the north end and click here to read more on the newest Playa del Carmen condos being constructed on this north side of town.

As I mention in the video, the northern side is not that far out of town, only 3 minutes or approximately 3 kilometers.  For me the idea of being able to be on the outskirts of town away from all the traffic, yet close enough that you can get to 5th avenue within 5 – 8 minutes…..that is perfect.  See another video that I took talking about more details on this new area and condos by

clicking here (Mexico real estate blog).

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 !”

I’m talking about the newest condominium development in a recently opened gated community just north of the Playa del Carmen Real Estate region.  These are the newest Playa del Carmen condos to come onto the market.

It is 6 buildings, 3 stories each, 18 unit condominium currently under construction with the first building nearing completion.  The location is in a peaceful and quiet secure gated community between the highway and Playa’s fabulous beach.  While not on the beach, in my recent tour of the property, I found it very close and a nice bike ride distance to the beach.  Click here to see details

Why such a bargain?  It’s because of the fabulous pricing for these units.  They start at $125.000.  So, I expect they will go fast.

The units are beautiful….both the exterior and the interior.  Their unique exterior is most attractive.  The six building surround a beautiful swimming pool with interesting shallow area made for lounging in the water as well as deeper swimming area.  The interior is perhaps the best feature as you immediately see and appreciate the open space design.  Since each of the six 3 story buildings has only 3 units, there is only one unit per floor per building, a nice feature.  The interior of the first building is now in process, and there seems to be many extra touches in the finish.  The floor tile work is noticeably attractive as well as the tile work in the two bathrooms and kitchen.  Even the pantry/laundry room has some nice touches.

Again, a new beautiful condo, walking distance to the beach and within a community where you will find other Playa del Carmen villas with underground utilities and other nice features….and starting at $125,000.  That’s why this might be Playa’s best bargain.  Whether as an investment, your new home, or some of each, this might be worth a look.  Let us know if you have interest and we can supply more information and detail.

- Doug Morgan

What do real estate investment and a Mexican retirement lifestyle have in common?  Most people can guess that a good real estate investment strategy could lead to an early retirement in Mexico, but what is sometimes less obvious is that enjoying a retirement lifestyle in Mexico can also become an excellent property investment.

mexico retirement communityLa Escondida, a Mexican retirement community in Playa del Carmen also ideal for families and young investors, demonstrates the point well.  If you are a retiree, anyone else ready to enjoy the relaxation of a retirement lifestyle, and you will be living only part of the year in Mexico, some unique features of this boutique resort will allow to generate an income while you’re not using your property.

Very competitive property prices and accessible condominium fees (compared not only to resorts, but to most condo developments) allow you as a property owner to rent out your property at a rate attractive for small groups of vacationers looking for an more affordable, and more comfortable, alternative to a hotel (they will be renting entire homes or condos, giving them more personal space.)

An optional rental service, which includes promotion and management, as well as an on-line rental portal gives you control over your income while you’re away, with the peace of mind of having leading professionals promote your property.  A study of rates in the area and competitiveness of this development suggest that with 30 days of rental you will have covered expenses and will be enjoying an annual profit.

What else will prompt vacationers to rent your Mexico condo or home?  The same things that will attract you to buying the property to enjoy for your retirement or vacations in the first place.  On one hand, there are many services offered within the community, ranging from putting greens to a fitness center, or chef services.  Within walking distance is also a mall with a theater that plays movies in English.

On the other hand, there is a set of services designed specifically to help you or your renting vacationers to enjoy the many, many things to do surrounding area.  A concierge can make suggestions, bookings, and review schedules and costs.  A eco-friendly transportation service can take you to your destination.  An on-site tour company can arrange and carry out the whole trip for you.  There is a service to drop you and your luggage off at your front door, meaning no hauling bags.  (The community is car-free, and those who own cars can park them in a shaded parking area within the security gate.)

This combination of services is unique within Playa del Carmen real estate to date, and will provide you with an edge over others offering vacation rental properties.  Because of the low prices, the rentals will be targeting a market area which has very little competition from large resorts, small hotels or even condo rentals.

Do you want your retirement or vacation property to be a convenient and profitable investment?  Consider La Esconida.

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!”

I was invited last week to attend a press conference held in the recently finished Mareazul oceanfront condo project, a new project paving the road here in the Playa del Carmen real estate market.  Mareazul is part of the master development called Grand Coral. I was fortunate enough to meet the great PGA golf legend, Nick Price who has designed a signature golf course in this project, and also has offered his name for a brand new fantastic golf view condo that has just commence construction called Nick Price Residences.

One of the questions was why he chose the Playa del Carmen real estate area to design and build a golf course. His team are very selective about where they create Nick Price courses and he feels this area is constantly growing as a hot destination for tourism as well as for Mexico retire industries.

In his opinion, every golf course is unique and he feels his creation works perfect with the Grand Coral lot and there was a high respect for the ecology/environment. It will be a course with the beginner in mind, yet sets out to challenge even the experienced player. 

Nick advised there are 10 holes pretty much completed and the other 8 still under construction. The course will be officially ready for spring 2011, although as most golfer’s know, it will be fully maturing and at its top playing level about this time next year.

Nick Price Residences has been doing well in sales with an attractive option compared to the other Playa del Carmen condo options.  These condominiums also have financing from the developer which is an attractive feature. It is expected to be complete in 2012. The club house as you can see below is very close to being completed and will offer a restaurants, swimming pool, business center, pro shop, spa and much more.

Stay tuned for further updates on this great luxury living community in Playa del Carmen.

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 !”

Exciting news for those retirees and others looking for an excellent Mexico real estate option: one Mexican retirement community in Playa del Carmen, a new development called La Escondida, has just received its building license!  This means that the physical stages of preparing the land for construction can get underway, beginning the process of converting the excellent plans into reality.

David Pepper, the developer invited me to go with him to see and celebrate his milestone event at Playa del Carmen’s city hall.  Below is a photo of David and I in front of the municipality offices with the official permit.

What do these plans include?  La Escondida is a gated, eco-friendly boutique resort, which offers excellent Playa del Carmen homes and condos, and much, much more.

The central concept in La Escondida is design and services focused on creating a lifestyle for residents.  The development focuses on community-centered items much more than most other developments of this kind.  These items include the fact that only 28% of the space is used for residential construction; the other 72% will be green space, swimming pools, a club house and welcome area, putting greens, and playgrounds for children – ideal for families, or for retirees with grandchildren visiting.  The clubhouse includes areas for socializing, a library, and a fitness center.  There will be many planned events in the community.

Grocery delivery and personal chef services mean a complete lifestyle can be enjoyed within La Escondida.  A new mall within walking distance also offers several large international-style stores, as well a movie theatre (movies are usually played in English).

In addition to the complete lifestyle offered within the community, La Escondida is planned to allow residents full enjoyment of the Playa del Carmen area.  There is a concierge service, and an environment-friendly shuttle service to take residents to any part within the city limits, including the beach or Fifth Avenue (the city’s main street, a pedestrian walkway with many restaurants, bars, shops and cafes) both of which are about 10 minutes away.  A tour service will plan outings to the nearby attractions, which include eco-parks, Mayan ruins and historic cities.  Nearby marinas make enjoying deep-sea fishing or sailing easy, and the area’s 8 golf courses have earned Playa del Carmen the title of Latin America’s golf capital.

La Escondida is one of the best examples of a development that offers much more than high-quality homes; it offers a community, and it offers a lifestyle.  The construction license is an important step forward in seeing this excellent plan unfold.  Follow our blog for future updates on this project, or contact us for purchasing details.

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!”

This is a follow up on the Mexico real estate blog that I wrote last summer regarding  a cool 14 units complex near Mamitas beach written about Playa del Carmen condos (click here).  I paid a visit recently as the developer had mentioned that the showroom was about to be opened to the public. This developer has been building in Playa for many years and has many great projects already accomplished.

The location is excellent and these 14 units will share an amazing common rooftop area with an infinity pool and deck, that overlooks the most popular beach zone in all of the Riviera Maya, Mamitas beach. These Playa del Carmen condos have ocean views that are panoramic and to Cozumel as well. It is only 1 block away from both Mamitas beach club and Kool, as well just another block away from the 5th Ave for shopping and dining.

There are 3 different model types of 1,2 and 3 bedrooms ranging from 767 sq.ft up to 1900 sq.ft in 4 levels. The elevator goes right up to the common area and there is underground parking. Top quality features throughout as you can see in the photos I took of the model and construction progress.

There are currenlty 5 units sold and completion is expected early September of this year.

Look at this view from the rooftop!

Check out more information and new photos of the complex and model unit here Playa del Carmen listings

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 !”

Another Addition to the Playa del Carmen condo family……

Ever imagined being able to sit at home and enjoy a meal cooked by a chef in your own kitchen?

Ever wanted to have the chance to go to the Cinema without leaving your own condo complex?

If you said yes to these then you’ll be very interested in this Playa del Carmen condo complex in the gated community of Playacar Phase 2.

I’ve driven past this development a number of times now and I’ve been interested to find out more.

This development boast 239 condos spread over two Phases. Phase 2 being the smaller of the two. There are 149 units in Phase 1 and 90 units in Phase 2. This is a very big development.

Construction is moving very quickly. Every time I drive past, the buildings seem to be getting bigger and more seems to be happening.  The Completion date is set at late October 2010. The other day I walked around the construction site and everything is being built very quickly with 500+ Builders working on the site.

Signs are up advertising an open model unit, and I’m looking forward to getting in there and seeing what this development is going to offer.

Looking at places the development has 40 Towers in total, with 3 floors in all, and from what I can see you will have 4 choices of units.

• 2 bedrooms 2 ½ bathrooms
• 2 bedrooms 2 ½ bathrooms Penthouse
• 3 bedrooms 3 bathrooms

3 bedrooms 3 bathrooms penthouse

The Penthouses have their own private roof top area, with a covered seating area, whirlpool and shower.

I’ve been reading that this development will have 24hr security and secure underground parking for all the residents as well as reserved parking spots for guests.

You will also have access to cleaning services, Concierge, 5 swimming pools, spas and boutiques, gym, movie theatre, medical and first aid services, chef and sous-chef services, personal training and more.

Prices for your own condo here range from $250,000USD to $310,000USD (These are prices as of pre-construction and are subject to change) So far 5 months away from completion 60% to 70% of the condos have been sold.

This is an interesting development and I’m going to be following it closely and I will be posting another blog soon with pictures and my first impression of the model unit.

Contact us if you would like more details.

(Details I have mentioned here may change as this Development is still in its construction stage)

-  Robert Young

I have been working in the Puerto Vallarta real estate market for several years and from my experience the first thing is to ask the developer’s representative to accompany you on a “walkthrough” inspection of your new home in Puerto Vallarta.  During this inspection you want to make a written “punch list” of any damaged or missing items and note any repairs that are necessary.

You may want to start by reviewing all doors and windows. They should be well-fitted, easy to open, close and lock. The floor tile should be evenly laid with no high spots, cracks or scratches.  In the bathrooms make sure there are no chips in the bathtub, toilets, sinks and flooring. See that the cabinets are not loose, lights and fans work, and the caulking is applied correctly. Check for leaks. Open and close all the kitchen cabinets and make sure there are enough electrical outlets and they are working.  Counter tops, sinks, and appliances should not have any damage during the installation. Test all the appliances for proper functioning including the hood fan and light as well as the kitchen lights and switches. Check the paint job throughout and note any scratches, splotches or drops.  Then you want to review the cooling systems (air conditioning and ceiling fans).  Make sure they are all in proper working order and get the remote control units if these are included.  Next, locate your electrical breaker box and confirm there are enough circuits available and they are labeled.  Then check the hot water heater for proper function.  Turn on the hot water and check the temperature and the pressure.  Ask if there are main shut off valves for gas and water and note these locations.

Finally, review the common areas for note items still to be completed. Check the status of the pool is it complete, where is the machinery, is it operational. Elevators and garage doors need the same reviewing. In the garden areas note any lacking green areas or construction materials that are still left on grounds. Have the developer’s representative sign and date the punch list and keep a copy for your records. The items listed “needing attention”, are delivered to the developer and a timeline should be agreed upon so that he can repair such items.

If you miss something on the punch list, or there are unseen problems arise in your unit, here is some good news!  In the Puerto Vallart real estate market, the Jalisco state law provides a six month guarantee of workmanship and function.  This also covers hidden defects.  As we discussed above, it is best if you have the majority of defects listed on a written punch list.  This can save a lot of time and effort on your part.  However, when items do crop up, most developers will professionally attend your requests.  They know that your goodwill and happiness are the keys to success in future projects.

Do you have a question about Real Estate in Puerto Vallarta?  Just ask!