Last week I put up a post offering the exciting news that there is an exciting new development available from Viliv, one of the most successful – not to mention best priced – options in Playa del Carmen condos for 2011.  But the other side of the coin, and news that is just as exciting, is that there are still 4 units left over at Viliv!

A view of the condos, from the pool

During late 2010 and 2011, these condos sold like hotcakes fresh of the griddle; excited buyers are now enjoying their new life in a beautiful unit, a nice complex and an excellent neighborhood.    Besides the fact that there are still units available, other parts of this exciting news include:

• Prices are still low! Starting at $140,000 for the remaining units.
• You can get a mortgage in Mexico to help fit this condo into your budget
• You can already see the nearly-completed complex, and appreciate its success

The open-concept kitchen with its beautiful tile work

These 2 bedroom Playa del Carmen condos have proven to be everything promised

• Beautiful tile work, counters, and other finishes
• Very nice open-concept design
• Plenty of balcony and terrace space
• Comfortable pool and lounge area
• Gym & exercise area
• Walking distance or very short bike ride to the beach

The quiet streets of El Cielo, exclusive gated community

The community is coming along nicely, with more nice developments and individual homes showing up all the time; there are bylaws to ensure that new developments will maintain and even improve community image.  There are also the following features:

• 14 green areas
• Bike trails
• Gated, 24-hour manned entrance
• 10 minute drive to downtown, malls and new shopping areas

Why wait another winter to be enjoying life in Paradise?

TOPMexicoRealEstate.com; Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely

After working my entire career in the financial industry…the last 30 as a financial advisor specializing in wealth management and retirement and estate planning, I think I have a good overview from working with so many clients on their retirement plans and dreams.  Now I am dealing with the same issues but mixed in with the Mexico real estate industry.

Unfortunately, retirement and certainly early retirement is only that…a dream.  Largely due to the increasing cost of living in the USA, the retirement goals are becoming cloudy, deferred or in some cases a big question mark.  Health care, living costs, taxes (income and property)…..all making it difficult to feel comfortable about retirement and the financial impact.

Those lucky to be considering retirement now or in the near future at least can feel fairly secure that social security and medicare will be in tact.  But for those late baby boomers or the next generation, the financial discussion about the future of these critical issue are for sure up in the air making retirement planning even more difficult.  Their financial pressure are sure to mount as they start focusing on their later years.

It is becoming more obvious to more and more people these days that the best solution is relocating outside the US and a Mexico retirement seems to be the first choice of many Americans.  They are enjoying a better living on far less dollars.  But I know many people not familiar with retiring to Mexico think it is too much of a hassle….leaving friends and family….different rules and laws….and even the language issue.

But Mexico offers many benefits and advantages for retirees.  In this series of articles we will explore many of them for your consideration as a better alternative of a better retirement lifestyle.  Your quality of life in your Mexico home will be beyond what most people can imagine.   The lower cost of living will allow a more luxurious  lifestyle and less concern on the purse strings.

Money Magazine has reported that over 250,000 Americans are leaving the U.S. every year for good.  So consider the following articles in the 9-part series to better understand the exciting alternative of your very own Mexican casa and a new adventurous retirement south of the border.

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 !”

What is going on with the Playa del Carmen real estate market and prices?   This is an often asked question by our clients who are considering purchasing real estate in Mexico, and rightly so.  Are real estate prices going up, dropping as in the US, or holding their own?  “Is this the time  to buy now, or should we wait”, is often asked. Let me make some important comments on the subject and hopefully give you a better idea of what’s going on here in Mexico, and in Playa del Carmen in particular.

The biggest and most important point, especially for our US clients, is that most all real estate purchases in the past have been made for CASH.  No mortgages, and therefore no defaults and virtually no foreclosures.  That is why prices here have continued to be relatively stable here. But, I would say the market here is soft, primarily due to the worldwide cautiousness that has everyone being a bit careful with their money these days.  We don’t see the aggressiveness of a couple years ago when property was selling like the proverbial “hot cakes”.  Playa del Carmen is still one of the fastest growing areas in Mexico, if not in all of Latin America.  I assume most of you have been here and can appreciate the many reasons why.  As for a Mexico retirement option, it’s a lovely small beach town with one of nicest beaches anywhere.  Small enough to pretty much walk everywhere.  It has a wonderful mix of local life along with the great shops and restaurants of a tourist town….the best of both worlds.  It was just listed as one of the safest towns in all of Mexico.  It’s friendly and hospitable and of course, the cost of living is so much cheaper that where you might be living. But yes, there are some really great deals right now…some real bargains on the Playa del Carmen beachfront for sale.  And of course, nobody knows what the future hold for prices…my crystal ball is a bit fuzzy as always.  We won’t know if now is the best time to buy until later when we can look back at current prices. There are some urgent sellers who need to sell, whether because of lifestyle changes, death, or perhaps overextended financially.  There are always bargains to be had for all type of reasons.  The sellers know it is not a robust market now and some, not all, are offering great deals as a result. I guess that’s where we come in.  Use us to help find you the best possible deal.  The more information you give us, the better we can help.  The location, the style, the size and of course, you budget.  Then we can go to work for you representing you to find the best deals and best options that fit your idea of your own personal home in Mexico.

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 !”

Overall Cost of Living
-One of the most popular questions we get from prospective buyers for Mexico homes for sale is about this subject…cost of living in Mexico.   It definitely ranks among the top advantages of a Mexican retirement and living south of the border along with a simpler casual lifestyle.   But it is a bit difficult to quantify the cost of living issue as everyone has their own personal standard of living.

Are you used to living a “top shelf” lifestyle, or perhaps an average day-to-day routine and way of living is fine?  Obviously your standard of living will dictate your financial budget. But it is easy to say that most everything is less expensive in Mexico.  Perhaps electricity is the only budget item that might be considered expensive here.  Based on the primary issue of amount of air conditioning you want to enjoy, your electric bill could be as high or even higher than in North America.  Other than that one item, everything else is cheaper.  Not dirt cheap, but whether groceries, other utilities, clothing, auto and gasoline expenses to restaurants, taxes (especially almost non-existent property taxes, monthly condo fees…..all are cheaper than you are used to paying. It is easy to say you can live like a king on a modest budget here in the Mexico real estate region.  And yes, it is quite a nice change.  I have enjoyed the surprised look of many clients when showing a total property tax bill of less than $400-500 per YEAR!  And condo association fees a mere fraction of what they are used to “back home”. Medical costs are much lower here as well, but I can assure you the quality of care is as good, if not better than I had living in Florida.  In fact, my medical costs here are probably less than I would pay if I were back in Florida just for my deductible and my co-pay.  When paying for my doctor’s visit last week, they deducted 25% from my already low fee since I was a “local”. And perhaps the cheapest item in Mexico is people…labor.  Whether your person cleaning the house, or cooking,  or doing the laundry to someone doing yard work, washing the car or even doing construction, that is really a surprisingly low expense. So, yes…the cost of living is a big plus when considering a move to Mexico.   Living better for less…what a nice feeling.

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 !”

After working my entire career in the financial industry…the last 30 as a financial advisor specializing in wealth management and retirement and estate planning, I think I have a good overview from working with so many clients on their retirement plans and dreams. Unfortunately, retirement and certainly early retirement is only that…a dream.  Largely due to the increasing cost of living in the USA,  retirement goals are becoming cloudy, deferred or in some cases a big question mark.

Health care, living costs, taxes (income and property)…..all making it difficult to feel comfortable about retirement and the financial impact.  Those lucky to be considering retirement now or in the near future at least can feel fairly secure that social security and Medicare will be intact.  But for those late baby boomers or the next generation, the financial discussion about the future of these critical issue are for sure up in the air making retirement planning even more difficult.  Their financial pressures are sure to mount as they start focusing on their later years. It is becoming more obvious to more and more people these days that the best solution is relocating outside the US and the Mexico real estate territory seems to be the first choice of retiring Americans.  They are enjoying a better living on far less dollars.

But I know many people not familiar with retiring to Mexico think it is too much of a hassle….leaving friends and family…different rules and laws….and even the language issue. But Mexico offers many benefits and advantages for retirees.  I will be blogging a series of articles in which we will explore many of these issues for your consideration as a better alternative for a better retirement lifestyle.  Your quality of life in your new Mexico homes for sale will be beyond what most people can imagine.   The lower cost of living will allow a more luxurious lifestyle and less stress on the purse strings. Money Magazine has reported that over 250,000 Americans are leaving the U.S. every year for good.  So consider the following articles in the upcoming series to better understand the exciting alternative of your very own Mexican casa and a new adventurous retirement south of the border.

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 !”

The Settlement Company® based in the Mexico real estate regions,  is pleased to announce that Raoul Rodriguez Walters has joined our team as a consultant.

Raoul is a US certified financial planner™ who was raised in a bicultural and bilingual household in Mexico City. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin in Economics in 1989 and a master’s in personal financial planning from the College of Financial Planning in 2003.

Together with his wife, who worked for over ten years with the High Commissioner for Refugees, they lived in Venezuela, Sudan, the Republic of Georgia and then again in the Mexico real estate market. He has traveled extensively in Latin America, Africa, Europe and to a lesser degree the Far East. Having been an expatriate himself, Raoul has a deep appreciation of the needs of those living abroad.

Raoul is a veteran in the financial planning industry with more than twelve years of international experience. He launched and managed the first cross-border financial planning firm, Mexico Advisor. It specializes in US-Mexico issues. Concurrently, from 2001 to 2005 he worked as a technical expert for the US delegation that negotiated the International Standard Organization’s standard for financial planning, known as ISO 22222.

He has particular expertise in issues related to international taxes and estate planning. Raoul has written and spoken extensively on issues related to US- Mexico personal finance and international personal finance issues. In 2009 he co-wrote the chapter on estate planning law in Mexico, published in International Successions, edited by Oxford Press.

In addition to being a CFP, Raoul is a registered tax preparer, is a member of the Financial Planning Association, and was a founding member of the Cross-border Financial Planning Alliance.

Raul is now available to serve our clients from Canada and the United Sates with their financial planning and taxes.

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!”

When planning your Mexico retirement, it’s important to have a clear plan of how to access your funds while in Mexico.  While at the beginning you will probably do best to rely on credit cards and debit withdrawals, at some point you will want to open a Mexican bank account, leaving the possibility of direct wire transfers to that account.

Transfer companies such as Western Union allow funds to be sent without an account, but it is generally better to open an account in Mexico for direct international bank transfers.  To open an account, you will first need your Expatriate Visa (FM2 or FM3); your Mexico real estate agent can refer you to a lawyer to help with this process.

In most large expat communities, you will have access to a variety of modern international banks.  For example, if you choose a Puerto Vallarta retirement, not only will have access to a variety banks, some of which are affiliated with U.S. or Canadian banks, but you may be able to choose between several branches of the same bank.

Once you’ve opened your bank account in Mexico, making wire transfers is a fairly straight forward and secure process.

Information Needed

To start, you will need information from your bank in Mexico, including:

ñ a SWIFT number which identifies your bank on an international level (SWIFT stands for “Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication”.)

ñ your account number

Of course, you will always want to double check that these numbers are correct, perhaps even with a bank officer for the first time.

With this information, and your complete name as it appears in your bank account information (be sure that this is correct when you open your account!) you, or someone managing your accounts from the U.S., can make a wire transfer to your Mexican bank account from the U.S.

Cost

The cost is usually between $25 – $35 USD, depending on the bank and the amount.  There is usually a maximum for each wire transfer, and it’s best to wire larger amounts to avoid repeating fees.  Wire transfers using SWIFT numbers are generally considered the most secure way of making large transfers.

Online transfers

If you use online banking from your home account, some banks allow you to make wire transfers online.  Generally, you need the same information, and the fees are similar.  The advantage is that you can do this from an internet connection in Mexico.  In this case, you will want to ensure the numbers are correct, and use regular online banking safety precautions (i.e. use only your own computer from a secure internet connection with anti-virus.)

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

Over the past few decades, Mexico has been making a very strong effort to modernize its healthcare system, with a combined effort from the government and private investment, both national and international.  A growing number of Mexico’s top-rate hospitals are gaining international accreditation. While the results have provide Americans and Canadians enjoying Mexico retirement with a very high quality of equipment and service, and non-existent waiting lines, prices in Mexico remain considerably lower than those of the U.S.

The situation parallels that of Mexico real estate, where retirees are choosing this country simply for the accessibility of cost for a quality of life much higher than they could enjoy back home on the same budget; in the case of healthcare, most procedures are not optional, and saving the 50-70% which Mexico offers just means that retirees will be able to continue living comfortably, even after major medical expenses.

A few items where retirees can enjoy savings include:

• prescription drugs manufactured in Mexico – 50% cheaper that similar drugs manufactured in the United States
• doctor’s office visit, including specialists – $20 – $25 USD
• lab tests – 65% less than the same tests in the United States
• CAT scans – 25% cheaper than in the US
• overnight stays in a private hospital – $25
• dental cleaning – $20
• dental work in general – 20 to 25% lower than in the U.S.

Near the Mexican border, some insurance companies are selling less expensive plans which require plan holders to use facilities in Mexico, where the costs are considerably cheaper.  In fact, insurance tends to be correspondingly cheaper in Mexico.

A number of American retirees also choose to take advantage of Mexico’s public insurance system, which has it’s own hospitals, with some experts estimating that the numbers run into the thousands.  The Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) offers a health care plan with no limits, no deductibles, free medicines (and even vitamins if the doctor feels they’re necessary), tests, X-rays, eyeglasses, even dental work for a single annual fee of about $250.   While this system has weak points compared to the private system (the prices given above), many of the retirees who use it feel that it is usually a good, professional service, and doctors take very good care of them; health experts support this impression.  the fact that it doesn’t have any cost over and above the annual fee makes it attractive.

In any case, even those who prefer the convenience of the private hospitals will see considerable savings in everything from doctor’s visits and medicine to major procedures; this is a real advantage for choosing Mexico retirement.

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

Remember Ron Popeil?  He’s the legendary inventor and direct marketing proponent (still going strong at 75) who invented the Showtime Rotisserie and sold it on half hour late night infomercials.  He’d jam a rib roast onto a set of revolving skewers, lock it into the gizmo and the studio audience would join him in shouting “set it and forget it”, each audience member transfixed with a goofy, trance-like grin as the roast began its revolutions.

Fun memories, but Popeil was a marketing genius who invented all sorts of stuff (remember the aerosol can remedy for male baldness?) and sold his company for $55 million dollars.  And it occurred to us recently that “set it and forget it” is a great way to think about investing in potential retirement real estate in Playa del Carmen in the Mexican Riviera.

Say you’re looking to retire in 5 or10 years, but are thinking about investing now, while inventories are plentiful, prices attractive and interest rates inviting. There are two terrific ways to do this and at the same time realize an above average annual return on your investment here in our Mexico real estate market:

• Purchase a property in a “condo hotel”.  Almost all of them have in-house rental programs that manage your property, book rentals, handle post-rental clean ups and maintenance and generally keep track of everything for you.  Most programs allow you generous personal usage of your property, usually around 8 weeks annually.  Some even guarantee a specific return on your investment over the first few years.
• Purchase a Playa del Carmen condo for sale within a development and hire a local independent property management company to handle this function for you.  There are some excellent, absolutely reliable folks down here that do this and, in truth, a few that aren’t quite so reliable. We know who they are, on both sides of the equation, and we’re able to recommend the good ones unhesitatingly.

So what better way to begin planning your Mexico retirement dream home now?  Especially with year round occupancy rates hovering around 75-80%?  Let us help you find the perfect spot (on the beach, on a Mexico golf course real estate, downtown near Play del Carmen’s famous Fifth Avenue) and then just “set it and forget it” as your property provides steady profitable income for years and appreciates in value, all the while enabling you and your family to enjoy it when you want to.

Want to learn more?  See our Videos on retiring, golf courses in Mexico and property options by

CLICKING HERE.

Imagine your very own perfect kitchen in paradise, with a brand new Veg-O-Matic slicer sitting on the counter!

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 buying Mexico real estate, one of the most important steps in planning your Mexico retirement is arranging to have access to your funds from the U.S. while you are in Mexico.  Since there are numerous ways to access funds while in Mexico, this is usually not a complication, but careful planning will allow you to take advantage of the best exchange rates and avoid high fees.

While you can have complete access to your funds through credit or debit cards, as well as transfer companies, opening a Mexican bank account will help you manage your money more securely, so you can make direct wire transfers to this account, and also deposit any cash you may receive (e.g. cash debit withdrawals or transfers through companies like Western Union).

Choosing your bank

If you choose a Playa del Carmen real estate property, for example, you have a wide variety of modern banks with a variety of services to choose from.  These include Scotiabank, Bancomer, Banamex, Banorte, IXE and Santander.  All are international banks, except Banorte which is Mexican, and most are affiliated with banks in the U.S. and Canada. If, for some reason, you may be withdrawing cash from your Mexican account back home, it is worth choosing a bank that has an affiliated U.S. or Canadian bank, since you can make cash withdrawals from ATMs for free, only paying the current exchange rate.

Another factor to consider in the bank you choose is the line ups.  While most banks are a nightmare on   payday (the 15th and last day of every month) as well as the 2 days after, some banks tend to have less traffic (Scotiabank); Banamex also has  nice system where you take a number and sit down until your number appears on screen.  Many banks, Bancomer for example, offer “Preferred Customer” cards to international clients, meaning you can go directly to a short line only for Preferred Customers.  Lines also vary from one branch to another of the same bank.

Documentation

Generally, you will not be able to open your Mexican bank account right away. To open an account you need what’s sometimes called an “Expatriate Visa,” or officially, an FM2 or FM3 visa.  When you arrive into Mexico, they will give you an FMT (Tourist Visa).  Once you have settled into your new property, you can contact the lawyer you worked with in your real estate transaction or ask your real estate agent for a recommendation to help you apply for your FM2.  You will need your passport for I.D., and a “proof of address,” which is simply an phone, water or electricity bill, and usually doesn’t  even have to have your name.  In the meantime you will need to rely on credit purchases and debit withdrawals.

Services  & Security

Mexican banks have been heavily modernized and offer a variety of account types, packages and services.  International credit cards and online banking are standard features to offer at the time of opening an account.  As with most offices in Mexico, you might have some run-ins with annoying bureaucracy, but  patience, and simple mental preparation for the fact that this could happen, can help you overcome get through these annoyances without any real complication.

Since Mexican banks have become fairly modern, retirees can feel confident in the security of their funds.  Some commentators have pointed out that unlike U.S. banks, Mexican banks required no bailouts during the recession.

On the whole, opening a Mexican bank account is not terribly difficult, and Mexican banks have become convenient and easy to use, and having one will make your retirement in Mexico more convenient.

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 is a Mexico retirement community?  Well, simply put, it’s a community in the Mexico real estate region where Americans and Canadians retire, or any group of Americans and Canadians retiring in Mexico.  This definition leaves the doors wide open for specific definition of different community style; and, in fact, Mexico offers a large variety of different styles of places where expat retirees enjoy life in Mexico.

The following are a few of the favorites.

Beachfront Condos – Mexico beachfront for sale has been a long-time favorite for retirees, combining warm weather with soft-sanded beaches, beautiful views of the ocean, and many activities such as sailing or fishing. Many of these locations are also among Mexico’s favorite tourist destinations and for this reason offer golf courses, theme parks and many nearby tours and sight-seeing options.  Some options include the Playa del Carmen real estate area, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlan.

Gated Communities – These are typically located in the same beachfront tourist communities, but can be either right on the beach, or just a bit back.  Some are located in colonial cities and small central Mexican towns as well.  Mexico homes for sale, as well as condos, in this kind of community offer a quieter lifestyle, often with bike trails and numerous parks.  Soe are centered around a golf course.  They usually include 24 hour manned security.

Activity-Oriented Retirement Community – A trend which is just beginning to turn up is one which focuses on creating a specifically retirement-focused lifestyle within a gated community.  These are often car-free (with parking at the entrance, and offer many activities, such as pools, a clubhouse, restaurants, and social areas, and services such as transportation on site, and to and from town or other nearby services.

Colonial Cities – A couple of Mexico’s classic colonial cities are becoming favorites among groups of retirees; while modern homes and condos are available, a trend to buy classic homes and renovate has become more common, offering retirees the charm of living in a beautiful, historic home and city.

Lakefront towns – A number of towns in central Mexico which also date back to colonial times offer retirees a very traditional Mexican charm, combining a beautiful and quaint visual atmosphere, overlooking a beautiful lake surrounded by hills, with centuries-old traditions.  A handful of these already have a very large community of American and Canadian retirees, where a very healthy relationship has developed with the locals.

If you are considering retirement in Mexico, consider these options; choose one or two, and let a top agent know what catches your attention; they will be able to help you select an area ideal for your tastes and 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!”

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!”

When considering Mexico beachfront for sale, retirees will not only want to consider the comfort of the property, but also the distinct advantage of the quality to price comparison in the Mexico healthcare system. The concept of quality in Mexican healthcare isn’t too much different from that of Mexico homes for sale for your retirement; although prices are much lower, quality is at least as good as back home, if not better.

The quality of Mexican hospitals is reflected in several ways. One is the fact that very modern, state-of-the-art hospitals are available throughout the country. Several locations, which are main destinations for Mexico retirement, are specializing hospitals and clinics for retirement needs. Those who have used Mexican healthcare will attest to the fact that the service is top-notch, and evaluations from international organizations back this impression.

Hospiten - World Class Health Care in Mexcio

On top of offering the most modern equipment and highly professional service, those who have experienced healthcare in Mexico will tell you that the service is also much more personalized. Doctors will take time to talk about health, and in general, patients feel a much higher level of commitment.

For example, those considering Playa del Carmen homes for sale in Playacar will find themselves a very short drive (less than 5 min) away from Hospiten, a state-of-the-art hospital where North American clients have been surprised by both the low prices and the quality, speed and personalization of the service.

On top of excellent hospitals, there is also a variety of small office practices and clinics likewise offering highly modern and professional service at very accessible prices. Some patients feel this service is the most personalized; many of these doctors will be able to offer variety of choices for hospitals if there is a more major process necessary, so you as the patient can compare and choose. In some areas of the country, house visits are still a common practice, which is comfortable and convenient.

Besides on-par service at much better prices, another fact which makes retirees comfortable with Mexican healthcare is that it’s virtually never necessary to wait for a medical process.

The combination of these facts has actually drawn a growing number of Americans and Canadians to make special visits to Mexico simply to take advantage of the healthcare system, and special packages are sold in what’s known as “medical tourism.” The pleasant weather and relaxing atmosphere is also conducive to recovery from major processes.

The good news is that once you’re enjoying Mexico retirement, you will have access to all of these benefits without having to make a special trip; in the case of Mexico, the quality of healthcare is an advantage to choosing this country as your new home for retirement.

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!”

Five years ago, Mexico retirement options were very rarely even considered as a choice for Canadians and Americans.  Today,  Mexico is now pulling forward and challenging the traditional warm states such as California, Arizona, Florida as top retirement choices for many snow birds.  Mexico real estate regions such as Puerto Vallarta, Lake Chapala, and Playa del Carmen retirement destinations are seeing increases each year from more and more north Americans.

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!”

On Friday, March 18, CNN Money reported that the housing market in the US is continuing to lag, and especially in Florida where 18% of housing units sit vacant.  What’s more, in parts of the Florida gulf, that rate rises to 32% – almost 1 in 3 housing units remaining vacant.  And Monday, March 21, Reuters reports the National Association of Realtors findings that in February US housing hit a 9 year low, supporting the claims that the US housing has not yet hit bottom.  In fact, Moody’s housing market analyst, Celia Chen, predicts that prices will continue to fall for the next two years and it will be as long as 2030 before there is a full recovery in the US housing market.   Reuters quotes Ingo Winzer, housing market analyst and founder of Local Market Monitor as saying, “If you’re buying in Florida for retirement, maybe you should buy next year when prices will be near the bottom. If you’re buying [Florida real estate] for investment — don’t.”

So where to buy real estate for investment AND for retirement?  Many US, Canadian and European residents are choosing in Mexico and in the Playa del Carmen real estate region!  In fact, a great majority of current real estate sales here are to Americans, Canadians and Europeans.  Why?  Prices are low and ownership costs are pennies on the dollar compared to US properties.   Typical condominium fees run on average $150 to $300 a month, Homeowners Association Fees in some of the nicest areas are less than $200 a quarter, and property taxes run in the hundreds, not thousands of dollars as in the US.  Playa del Carmen real estate for sale is moving.

Playa del Carmen is a part of the Mayan Riviera on the Yucatan Peninsula, an area recognized for its natural beauty, and international flavor, and sits at the edge of the second largest barrier reef in the world, making it a diver’s paradise.

And there’s more, as we found when we first visited Playa del Carmen two years ago.  The beaches are fantastic with sand that doesn’t burn your feet and crystal clear tourquise water.  And even in the busy season, you can find plenty of space on the beach to stretch out your towel and enjoy the sun.  Temperatures here are warmer than Miami in the winter and cooler than Miami in the summer.  Golf courses abound, and at reasonable rates.  The people of Playa del Carmen are so friendly and helpful!  We, as well as our ex-pat friends, feel safer here than in the US.  Playa del Carmen also offers state of the art medical and dental care at a fraction of the cost in the US.  And our auto insurance premiums dropped from almost $6,000 a year in Miami to just under $300 a year when we moved here.

So, next time you are thinking of a vacation, come visit us in Playa del Carmen.  You may find yourselves moving here, just as we did less than three months from our first visit.  As Bob said last night while enjoying cocktails on our terrace and watching the sun set, “I never dreamed we could afford to live in such a beautiful place only a couple of blocks from the Caribbean.”

Who knows – Maybe you can, too!  Let us show you how.  Give us a call or send us an email.  We’re happy to share our new home town with you!

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

While making the decision to start a Mexico retirement, and starting the process of looking for Mexico real estate ideal to enjoy the warm-weather and relaxation Mexico is known for, retirees will also want to consider which approach they wish to take to healthcare in Mexico.

Private healthcare in Mexico is of very high quality, and is very affordable, usually presenting savings of between 50% and 70% compared to costs in the U.S.  While for most retirees or soon-to-be retirees this is enough in itself to make Mexico even more attractive for retirement.

However, some Americans living in Mexico also consider the possibility of insurance to cover their healthcare costs.  There are several important points to consider if taking this approach.

U.S. Insurance

It is a feasible option to continue using insurance from the U.S. while living in Mexico.  Many plans will cover healthcare in Mexico, especially since the cost is significantly lower, which means savings for them as well. Some insurance companies in California offer less expensive policies that are valid only in Mexico because of the low costs.

It is important, however, to check ahead of time, or at least before any major process if the hospital can accept the plan directly, or if you will have to pay upfront, and later request reimbursement from your insurance company.  It is becoming more common that international insurance plans will accepted directly in hospitals and you will only have to pay the deductible, with more Mexican hospitals gaining international accreditation.  This will be dependent both on what insurance plan you hold, and on what hospital you go to.  It is best to investigate this ahead of time.

Price of Insurance in Mexico

On the other hand, an average health care insurance policy in the U.S. can cost as much as $5,000.  International plans are also very expensive, since they are intended for travelers who will be visiting many countries, often for business reasons, with the price covered by the company.  For many retirees, the high cost of healthcare and insurance is one of the main motivations to move to Mexico.  For this reason, it may be a better choice to consider private insurance in Mexico.

Both national and international insurance companies are present in Mexico, and both offer options worth considering.  Mexican banks also offer insurance packages which include health coverage.  Many larger hospitals have insurance offices on site.

On average, Mexican health insurance for a small family costs $1500 USD per year – a savings comparable to the savings seen in paying the expenses out of pocket.  Of course, this price varies depending on age, etc.  Deductible also tend to be considerably smaller.

Age Coverage

As in the U.S., it will be important to investigate the age covered by any given insurance plan.   Younger retirees will have no issues with age limits.  Some companies which have an age restriction will also respect the coverage of someone who held a long-time insurance plan.

Service Coverage

When choosing a health insurance plan in Mexico, it’s important to investigate which hospitals it covers, the quality and reputation of those hospitals, and the range of services they offer.  Sometimes, it may be reasonable to work the other way around; if you find a hospital which covers your needs, check for a policy that includes that hospital.  Also, if you are going sight-seeing and travelling through Mexico, find out which hospitals in other regions are covered.

Insurance plans in Mexico tend to cover a wider range of health care issues and are much wider in scope.  Of course, this varies with plan and price, and while you can find less expensive plans, you also have the option of very complete coverage for considerably less than in the U.S.   While pre-existing conditions do have to be taken into consideration, associated costs will still be lower than with U.S. plans.

Mexico’s Public Insurance

Mexico’s Social Security Institute has it’s own hospitals, which have a very wide presence throughout the country.  A flat annual fee of $350 with no deductibles and no limits, includes free medication (both in hospital and prescription), tests, X-rays, glasses and dental work.  U.S. citizens with their FM2 (permanent resident visa) are eligible.  Those who use it say the healthcare is of good quality, but the hospitals are not state-of-the-art (as the private ones) and there tends to be a lot of paperwork and waiting in lines involved.  For some people the price isn’t worth it, but a handful of retirees are finding it covers their needs.

Medicare Coverage

Currently, Medicare does not cover health care in Mexico, but Mexico’s President Felipe Calderon has been discussing the possibility with the U.S. Government to authorize certain Mexican hospitals to be covered.  This would save substantial funds for the currently strained U.S. Medicare budget, and would present a real benefit for retirees who qualify for Medicare and choose Mexico retirement.

Whichever option you choose – insurance or just paying medical expenses out-of-pocket – Mexico’s hospitals and healthcare will present you with considerable savings, making it easier to gain the best medical service quickly, and to keep your retirement funds in tact, enjoying this relaxing stage of life the way it should be.

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

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

Have you been considering a Mexico retirement?  If so, you’ll certainly have your own motivations.  Consider the following list of the top 5 reasons we’ve put together from talking to those who have already made the move; some of the reasons will most certainly be similar to your own, but others may pleasantly surprise you!

1)  Climate and Nature – People first think about heading south when white winters have long lost their charm and we begin to feel the aches and pains that go with the cold; living in a place that has an average temperature around 70 degrees, and rarely if ever goes below 60 is very appealing!  On top of this, the warm weather allows you to enjoy the ocean, beaches, biologically rich wildlife reserves and much more!

2)  Prices & Quality of Life – The next big motivation is price; even those who can put up with (or mostly avoid) the cold, the cost of retirement in the U.S. or Canada just eats away at savings too quickly.  While other cheap locations can be found, Mexico offers the distinct advantage of being both affordable and conveniently modern. Fresh food, household items, dining, and especially healthcare can be found at much lower prices, but at the highest level of quality.

Perhaps most importantly, the price of Mexico condos for sale is the point where you will find savings first, and some of the largest savings.  Real estate in Mexico ideal for retirement, or easily adapted for retirement, can be found for excellent prices matching just about any budget and lifestyle.

3)  People and Culture – For those who aren’t familiar with Mexican culture, you will fall in love with it quickly.  The people are warm, friendly, welcoming, and respectful of their elders.  The food is also wonderful; in addition, Mexico’s rich traditions are defined by music, dance, art, museums, historic cities, and ancient pyramid sites from the civilizations of their ancestors.

4)  Easy Travel to the U.S. – Mexico’s combination of culture, quality of life and warm weather is unique (despite common misconceptions, Mexico’s traditions and culture are not universal throughout Latin America.)  What’s more, it’s the closest country to the U.S. and Canada.  Modernization of infrastructure and economy has made more international airports available with frequent direct flights to anywhere in North America, and even beyond.  The flights are very affordable, making visits back home easy, as well as visits from family and friends.  Many retirees enjoy travelling by road as well.

5)  Safety – This is perhaps the most surprising to those who have never visited Mexico, due to the out-of-context news on violence we keep seeing, but those who visit and live here will confirm that for the most part they often feel even safer than in their home cities.  Drug violence is isolated to specific pockets of the country – mostly along the U.S. border – and even most Mexican nationals live quite apart from these problems.  Mexico homes for sale can be found for very accessible prices in gated communities, which offer added security and less traffic, but for the reasons just mentioned, many retirees feel very comfortable buying a home or condo in the downtown or village center areas.

Do you have reasons not on this list?  It’s not surprising if you do – the list could go on much, much longer!  Come and experience retirement in Mexico, and you’ll begin to discover even more reasons!

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

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

Have you ever noticed that, while back home, you’re getting ready for the winter, watching the first snowfall, getting out the shovels, you see the neighbors, like you, storing away the lawn chairs and the barbeque, but unlike you, packing their bags to head south?

What lure does a Mexico retirement community hold anyway?

Seeing the first snowflakes fall probably feels romantic for the first five minutes, until you actually have to go outside, and you’re reminded of how cold the snow is.

Besides escaping from the cold, owning a Mexico home for your retirement winters holds plenty of other advantages.

A few possible examples are a sandy beachfront or a beautiful lake surrounded by forested hills.  There are also many nearby sights to see, and a good deal of nature to experience.  For those who love golfing or sailing, there couldn’t be a better place to spend the winters.   Mexico’s amazing history and culture also provide many things to do, ranging from visiting colonial cities to enjoying Mariachi music, or traditional Mexican food.

On top of the culture and nature, Mexico has come a long way over the past few decades, and now offers many modern conveniences and services.  These include everything from shopping centers to modern hospitals, which offer health care at a fraction of the cost in the U.S.

Many soon-to-be retirees are also thinking ahead.  Some are buying condos or homes to enjoy during the winter holidays.  Others are buying Mexico land to build for their retirement.  There are many property styles, and even more different areas to choose from, so you won’t be at a loss to find something that suits your tastes.

So, don’t you think it’s time to forget about the snow shovels and winter tires, and start heading south with your neighbors?

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 deciding to retire in another country, like most people, you will probably be concerned about, and give a good deal of thought to health care.  Here’s some very good news; when you choose Mexico retirement, healthcare is not going be a concern.  In fact, healthcare in Mexico offers several distinct advantages over healthcare in the U.S.

The following are a few of those advantages.

High Quality – The World Health Organization has ranked private hospitals in Mexico closely with those in the U.S. in terms of quality treatment and up-to-date equipment.  Anyone who has used healthcare services in Mexico can confirm that the best private hospitals are state-of-the-art and offer an excellent level service.

Low Cost – At the same time, major procedures generally cost anywhere from 50-70% less than in the U.S.  Similar savings will be enjoyed for regular doctor’s visits as well as medication.  Insurance is also much lower priced.

Convenient Access – Most of the area’s where retirees look for Mexico homes for sale or Mexico condos for sale are the same areas where the largest amounts of private investment have brought excellent hospitals to the area.  Other retirement communities have basic (but high-quality) clinics nearby, and within a reasonable drive there are very reputable, specialized hospitals.

Personalized Care – On top of the official ranking of quality, many Americans and Canadians who have used Mexican healthcare feel that the service is much more personalized.  Doctors will actually take time to sit down with you and talk to you about your health.

No Waiting Lines – Waiting lines for any medical procedure are virtually non-existent.  Considering the lower prices, this comes as surprise to many retirees.  This point also makes a huge difference in comfort with the system.

Options – Most retirement areas will have a variety of hospitals and small practices, meaning that retirees can choose the doctors/hospital with which they feel most comfortable and where they find the service best for their needs.

Because of the combination of these points, many Americans and Canadians have actually Heathcare in Mexico, rather than being a deterrent, is actually a motivation to choose retirement in this country.  Once you’ve experienced it, you’ll wonder why you waited so long.

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!”

One of the central ideas gaining more emphasis for a healthy retirement is that of “preventive health;” that is, eating healthier, exercising, relaxation, etc. in order to keep yourself healthier on an ongoing basis.  Here’s a very important tip that could make a huge difference; a Mexico retirement can help you accomplish this and stick to your budget at the same time!

The point is that so often back home, we look at all the tips and advice out there, and we find that it all just ends up being to expensive.  Healthy foods cost twice as much – they like to make us pay for what we’re not getting!  Finding a place to enjoy walking or biking in the winter is too difficult and too cold, and gym memberships just cost too much.  So, what happens to healthy living?  It’s just to inconvenient and often even costly.

If you choose to retire in Mexico, on the other hand, you’ll find that suddenly both of these factors – convenience and price – just disappear.  The following are a few features you will enjoy in Mexico retirement that will help you live healthier and cheaper.

• Warm Weather, Year Round. It’s much easier to get out there for a jog, a good walk, a bike ride or a game of golf when the weather is warm all year round.  Many of the most popular retirement locations within Mexico have an average annual temperature of about 70º, and rarely go below 60º.

• Beaches. If you find a Mexico condos for sale next to the beach, or even a couple of blocks a way, going out for a long, relaxing walk suddenly doesn’t  feel like exercise anymore; it’s just pure relaxation.  Of course, it’s still a very healthy way to remain active.  The same is true if you live in one of the beautiful lakefront communities in central Mexico.

• Trails for Biking and Walking. Many Mexico homes for sale are located in well designed gated communities which include a trail system for walking, jogging or biking.  Many of Mexico’s retirement destinations also have nearby nature parks or culture-focused theme parks which are beautiful places to enjoy either walking and sight-seeing or a good bike ride.

• Parks and Picturesque Town Squares. Even outside of gated communities, especially in Mexico’s charming old colonial cities, there are plenty of parks and town squares filled with trees and flowers, again making walking a true pleasure.

• Car-free lifestyle. Both gated communities and downtown areas offer retirees the option of a car-free lifestyle, meaning you’ll be walking short distances to everything; every little bid adds up! For a growing number of people, car-free simply means more relaxation.  (Of course, if you want, or you’ve had your fill of exercise for the day, taxis are always cheap.)

• Fresh, Natural Food, Low-Priced. The whole problem with healthy food being overpriced is not a problem in Mexico. A large variety of fresh fruit and vegetables are available all year round.  Freshly caught seafood is likewise very common, especially in the beachfront communities.  Again, all of this is available at prices surprisingly low compared to what you’re used to.

• Activities. Golfing, swimming, biking, camping, jogging, soccer, baseball, and many other physical activities are available for retirees. (Of course, there are many non-physical activities too!)  Most offer large savings on the same activities back home, and many simply don’t have a cost, other than the time to get there.  Again, the warm weather makes all of this easier all year.

• Affordable Gym Memberships. With all of this, you probably won’t even think about the gym.  But if for some reason a gym is more convenient, they are frequent and easy to get to.   Many condo complexes offer a gym which is included in the monthly fee.

With all of this, you’ll never need to complain that living healthy costs to much; in fact, it might be more correct to say, you can’t afford NOT to live healthy – you can’t afford NOT to retire in Mexico!

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!”