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

Colonial Magic

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

Beachfront Luxury

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

Modern Services

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

Many Activities

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

Healthcare and Retirement Specific Services

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

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

Thomas Lloyd 512-879-6546

THE www.TOPmexicorealestate.com NETWORK

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

There are many, many reasons to live in Mexico for retirement; just a few of them are:

• Excellent Mexico condos and home options for comfortable retirement
• Warm weather all year round
• Low cost of living
• Excellent services and infrastructure
• Good healthcare (at much lower prices)
• Many excellent retirement activities – anything from sailing, to visiting ancient pyramids, to golf

In addition to all of this, here’s another key point; retiring in Mexico is actually one of the best ways to get to know other retirees.  While even back home, we can feel a little lost in the crowd, many of Mexico’s main beachfront destinations, as well as the most popular colonial cities and lakeside towns are home to a significant number of expats; many of them are here in Mexico for the same reasons as you, and you will find close friendships quickly.  The fact that you are both expats retiring in Mexico will give you an immediate connection.

Some residential developments are going one step further; they are actually planning and designing specifically to foster the lifestyle you are looking for.  One excellent example of this is a new Mexican retirement community in Playa del Carmen, named La Escondida.

La Escondida’s plans include thoughtful features for good deal of details for the relaxing retirement you’re looking for.  In terms of community planning, it is worth noting that only 26% of the development is dedicated to residential construction (which includes a variety of options, including condos and single family homes).

The other 74% is dedicated to shared green space, swimming pools, a club house with activity rooms, a gym and a reception style and welcome area.  Here, you will be able to get to know your neighbors easily, and have plenty of options to spend time together.

But this is not all.  As a full boutique hotel, it also offers many ways to enjoy the surrounding area, with a concierge, baggage delivery, green transportation service and an associated tour company.  The services will allow you to focus on getting to know the neighbors, and enjoying Playa del Carmen and the surrounding area with them.

This is one example of how retirement in Mexico can be the best way to spend these relaxing years.  Contact us to talk about the possibilities best for you.

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!”

A development of 6 Playa del Carmen villas on the north end of town, in a new, gated community has homes available only 900 yards from the beachfront, with many services within the community, for only $209,000 USD!  If you are planning ahead for an active retirement lifestyle, these villas may be the right choice for you.  Here are some main points which the villas offer to help you evaluate if they will suite your needs:

Excellent Location

Besides close access to the beach, this community is only about 10 minutes from many of the benefits that Playa del Carmen offers for a Mexico retirement.  These include new malls, large stores like Walmart and Sam’s, a new modern hospital, owned by a European company, Fifth Avenue, with lots of shops and restaurants geared towards tourists and 8 golf courses (some are a bit further, within 30 minutes.)

Nearby Conveniences

Within the gated community itself, there is a commercial component has been included in the plans, meaning there will be shopping withing the community.  There will also be an extension of Fifth Avenue.  Walking and biking trails are ideal for exercise, either on the way to the beach, or just to enjoy the many green areas.  Within the complex of villas, there will be a shared pool, shaded lounge area, and a yard.

Excellent Design and construction

Each villa has 3 bedrooms, and 1620 square feet of living space.  The over-sized master bedroom has access to a private rooftop patio.  Air conditioning and special air-flow designs help to balance the hot Caribbean sun, and the contemporary Mexican design makes these homes visually appealing.  The only downside for some retirees is the stairway access to the 3 storeys; those concerned about this may wish to consider a Playa del Carmen condos (make sure there’s an elevator!).  Retirees looking for a physically active lifestyle may not have problems with this.

Competitive Pricing and Financing

One of the most attractive points for retirees is the competitive pricing.  Besides prices that are considerably less than similar homes in more fully developed communities, financing options are available with a down payment of only slightly over $60,000 USD.

Consider these Playa del Carmen villas for your retirement.

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 !”

Are you ready for an early retirement in luxury?  One Tulum beachfront home, Casa Ina Tan Kanab, provides an ideal opportunity for an active retirement in a property with high-quality design, located in an environment-focused community, and close to many activities and services.

This home was created by Dallas architect George Woo, whose work includes several luxury homes in that area as well international projects.  His design is modern, clean and elegant – ideal for a relaxing retirement lifestyle.  The living room offers one-hundred and eighty degree views of the ocean, and there is an infinity pool, as well as large yard and garden areas.  There are 4 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms, plus an extra guest house.  At the back, there is lush, green vegetation.

Close contact with nature, and an effort to preserve it and include it in development has in many ways help define Tulum real estate.  If you want to retire in an eco-friendly community, Tulum, located on the Yucatan Peninsula, about an hour and a half from Cancun, is one of your best choices.  The village of Akumal, 20 minutes away, where this home is located, is no exception.  In addition to sand-dune preservation and sea turtle protection areas, residents enjoy close access to beautiful nature, both on the beachfront, and in the surrounding lagoons.

One of the defining points of Mexico retirement has become the excellent quality of services available; just down the road in Playa del Carmen (a 40 minute drive), there are new malls, large screen theaters, which play movies in English and world-class hospitals – a little bonus is that they cost around 50% less than comparable hospitals in the U.S.!  There are also many excellent golf courses (one PGA), and several marinas in the area.  The Cancun international airport provides direct flights to many cities within the U.S. and Canada.

Tulum itself is also on the verge of growing significantly, which will make retirement more convenient.  New upscale neighborhoods with stylish village centers are begin to sell homes and land.  A new international airport is in the bidding stage for private construction and operation rights.  But Tulum has also taken a special angle, designing an urban growth plan to promote low-density development which respects the area’s natural setting.

While conveniences grow in Tulum, both Tulum and Akumal will retain their small-town atmosphere, and continue to provide high-quality retirement lifestyle with a consideration for nature.

The growth in the area will also increase rental demand; for any retiree who buys this home and uses it only part of the year, a considerable income can be gained in this way.  The current owner has enjoyed a very successful return through his rentals.

Consider a luxury retirement on the Tulum beachfront.

A new project from the State government of Yucatan is to build a new high-speed train connecting major points along the Yucatan Peninsula, focused on tourism purposes, and also offering a new benefit to Yucatan real estate owners, as well as those in Playa del Carmen and in Campeche, which are the long-term start and end points of the route.

The initial stage of the project will offer service from the city of Merida to the pyramid site at Chichen Itza, allowing residents and tourists in Merida to visit the site easily and quickly, as well as the other way around.  Construction for this stretch is to begin early in 2011.  The affect on the Mexico real estate market will be positive for all of these regions.

Later phases will extend service eastwards to Playa del Carman, ending just south of town at a ferry dock to Cozumel, and westwards to Campeche, another colonial city with a growing tourism industry.

Located in a very well established and growing tourism center, Playa del Carmen property owners will benefit from yet another transportation option to arrive to various other points in the Yucatan area.  A growing trend among real estate developments in the area has been the option of a care-free lifestyle, for those who find it more relaxing not to worry about payments for maintenance, insurance and other costs involved, as well as traffic and parking issues (although traffic, to be honest, is still very minimal in Playa del Carmen).  The trend has been growing especially among retirees.  The high speed will also serve as a benefit.

For Campeche real estate, the train will probably help to increase the tourism traffic to this newly growing tourist destination, bringing visitors from the more popular areas further east.  An increase in tourist traffic will help to bring new services; Campeche, a beautiful, fully restored colonial city, already enjoys the presence of good hospitals and a Walmart, and has 2 golf courses and a marina along the way.  More shopping options and and increased number of activity choices will develop.  Of course, the transportation option for residents will also be a bonus.

So far, a bit over $3 million dollars have been spent on studies on the feasibility and functionality of the project.

This project will help continue to unify the Peninsula into one large tourism area, as well strengthen new tourism areas on the Peninsula.  It will make the entire Yucatan region more attractive for people looking to retire to the region and  retirement communities to establish presence by offering more attractive amenities such as good transportation options for day site-seeing trips and outings.

Thomas Lloyd
512-879-6546

THE www.TOPmexicorealestate.com NETWORK

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

Jim Cramer, a past manager for hedge funds, host of “Mad Money” on CNBC and a co-founder of TheStreet.com, has made his opinions about two important factors of Mexico real estate very clear:

1. It is profitable to invest in real estate in this country

2. The drug wars in Mexico do not effect most of the country

Cramer’s comments about investment focus on diversification for those who are already investing the U.S. and Canadian market.  I have always felt strongly about diversifying investments, and, Cramer points out, Mexico is an ideal market.

In addition to Cramer’s statements about buying “out of favor real estate in Mexico” because of very low property taxes and easy maintenance, a Mexico property investment offers the advantage that it is a less sophisticated market than in the U.S. or Canada; market information is not as accessible, and you as an investor have more opportunities to discover hidden investment “gems” – locations not many people are paying attention to now, but show a good deal of potential for a real estate boom, or turn around.

More so than the U.S. or Canada, Mexico is a top real estate investment choice for those looking for double digit return potentials.

Cramer also pointed out that “Mexico is a big country” and “not every … state is involved in the drug trade.”  Hundreds of people have been pointing this out, and groups of Canadians and Americans who live in Mexico have dedicated websites to revealing the facts about Mexico; while the drug trade is real, the majority of residents and communities in this country never seen any of it.  This is true for local Mexicans who live in non-expat communities as much as for the expats who have made Mexico their home.

Why is it in the news so much? Shocking news catches attention much more than non-shocking news; any chance to put one of these stories in the headlines means more attention for that news source.  When you live in Mexico, you will open your window every morning, walk through the streets, see children playing and wonder where all these stories come from …

Consider investing in Mexico, and living in Mexico; the number of high-profile experts suggesting both of these is growing.  Come and discover its benefits for yourself.

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!”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thomas Lloyd

THE www.TOPmexicorealestate.com NETWORK

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

As a favorite for Americans who choose to live in Mexico, Playa del Carmen’s history draws attention to how quickly this area has become a top retirement destinations.  50 years ago, the only retirees in Playa del Carmen may have been a few fishermen, enjoying retirement on one of the world’s finest beaches decades before it was discovered by the outside world.  Now Playa del Carmen real estate is home to as many as 5000 retirees living in the area.  At the end of July, 2010, a key event in this progross was celebrated – 17 years from the date it gained official status as a separate municipality.

The town’s history actually goes back somewhat further; although it was an important point on a Mayan trade route from the mainland to Cozumel, after the Spanish conquest of Mexico (starting in the 1520’s), the area remained virtually uninhabited until a group of fishermen founded a village on the current site during the 1930s.  Not much more happened until the founding of Cancun in the late 60s as Mexico real estate ’s first Integrated Resort Community.

Once Cancun began to establish its reputation as a tourism site, visitors also made excursions to the ruins in Tulum and the island of Cozumel; these tourists began to take notice of Playa del Carmen (the point for the ferry crossing), its beautiful, wide beaches, and the quaint shops of Fifth Avenue, its main street.  Gaining popularity among groups like European back-backers, the town soon became one of the main attractions, instead of just a stop along the way.  By the early-mid 90s, the town had become popular enough and had grown enough to become a separate municipality (previously it was the mainland section of the municipality of Cozumel).

While some retirees (or soon-to-be retirees) were already taking notice of Playa del Carmen at that time, since then, Playa del Carmen has grown significantly, not only in size, but also in the services and property options it offers.

Some of the conveniences Playa del Carmen has grown to offer in the past 17 years include:

• international stores such as Walmart, Sam’s and numerous similar choices
• 2 modern shopping malls
• English movies
• 8 golf courses (2 PGA)
• 4 full service marinas
• modern hospitals – similar quality to good, private U.S. hospitals, but lower prices
• a large number of well priced direct flight options (Cancun International Airport)
• the “New Fifth Avenue” or Little Italy, with its distinct European flavor

Playa del Carmen real estate has also greatly expanded its variety, now including;

• excellent condo and home options
• gated golf course developments
• marina condos
• full service retirement communities (with condo-hotel services, including transportation)
• a variety of locations, ranging from neighborhoods next to downtown to beachfront developments, to new gated communities close to shopping, golf and many activities

Playa del Carmen has grown in many ways since 1993, and even more so since 1930.  For you as a retiree, these new services and options are good news.  Consider enjoying retirement in Mexico here.

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

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

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

Colonial Cities – Morelia

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

Similar choices – Merida, the city of Campeche, Mazatlan

Traditional Small Towns – Lake Chapala

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

Similar choices – Valle de Bravo

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

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

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

Retirement in Mexico – beaches, warm weather, low prices, colonial cities, site-seeing, playing golf, sailing …

It all sounds wonderful, but when you start taking steps towards planning your retirement in Mexico, you realize that there are dozens of different places and lifestyles under this huge umbrella term.  The good news is you have many great Mexico retirement communities to choose from; the bad news – somehow you have to choose one great location over another.

One favorite type of area is beachfront; consider these brief descriptions of two main options for beachfront retirement.

Beachfront Favorites – Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya.

With about about 5000 American and Canadian retirees in the area, and many more in the nearby city of Cancun, these communities offer a very wide selection of high quality Mexico condos in gated communities.  Amenities range from world-class healthcare (at very accessible prices) to English movie theaters, to golf and full-service marinas, complete with shopping and dining.

Similar choices – Puerto Vallarta, Puerto Penasco

Less Developed Beachfront Areas – Costa Maya

While areas such as Costa Maya provides fewer large shopping centers, and requires a bit of a drive to get to many amenities, they also offer a very quiet, relaxing lifestyle for retirees who prefer to be “off the beaten track.”  The expat community is small, but very supportive and close.  News is passed on at the local bar or restaurant, and the small town atmosphere defines day to day life.  Excellent Mexico homes, and some good condo choices for retirement are also available at lower prices.

Similar choices – Campeche beachfront, Tulum

Beachfront sounds great, but you’re looking for something a little more cultural?  Consider colonial – some areas even combine the two.  Or if beachfront sounds perfect, browse through our Mexico condo or home listings to start finding the one right for you …

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!”

While there are a number of favorite Mexico retirement communities, with a very significant population of retirees from the U.S. and Canada, reaching up to 15,000 in places such as Puerto Vallarta, there are also some areas which are just now being discovered as good locations for expats to choose as home.  If you are wondering which Mexico real estate option is  ideal for your retirement, here’s a brief comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of the two options.

Established Expat retirement communities

Advantages:

• large community of neighbors from back home in a similar age group, and of various interests
• most modern, world-class services available to serve a large tourism industry and expat community
• up-to-date hospitals (significantly cheaper than in the U.S.)
• large shopping malls
• English movie theaters
• international selection of restaurants
• world-class golf
• direct flights to most major U.S. and Canadian cities
• cost of living and real estate noticeably low compared to North American counterparts

Disadvantages:

• “small town” feeling not as strong with growth and development (not in all cases)
• prices higher than other parts of Mexico (but still cheap compared to U.S.)
• some world-class luxuries (PGA Golf, for example) will have world-class prices; this is true globally

Examples:

• Puerto Vallarta (on the Pacific coast)
• Lake Chapala (in the Central Mexican interior, close to Guadalajara)
• Cancun & Riviera Maya (Playa del Carmen, Tulum)

Up-and-coming Mexico Retirement Communities

Advantages:

• small town, quiet atmosphere
• close-knit expat community
• very relaxed society, slow pace of life
• lower priced real estate (some excellent deals can be found)
• generally very low cost of living – retirement savings go further
• basic services available, some areas including world-class healthcare and modern malls, others with few options

Disadvantages:

• Some services are less convenient, requiring a longer drive
• Fewer expats, harder to find similar interest groups
• Further drive to international airport, or not as many flight options – stopovers necessary

Examples:

• Campeche (Yucatan Peninsula, Gulf coast)
• Costa Maya (Yucatan Peninsula, 5 hrs south of Cancun)

Think about what kind of retirement you are planning on.  Explore your options and talk to an experience agent.  These two categories are very broad generalizations, and within each one the variety is broad.

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!”

Just about everyone likes the idea of living in Mexico on the beachfront, in charming colonial city, or in the magic of a traditional village.  While most people know that high-quality and affordable Mexico real estate is available in many places throughout the country, and that the cost of living is considerably lower here, what fewer people know is that you don’t have to wait for retirement to enjoy this lifestyle; making money through investment or over the internet makes living in Mexico an option for just about anyone, or a relatively easy way to add some funds to retirement years from the comfort of home.

One option is investment.  If you are only using your property part of the year, even inexpensive real estate can provide income from vacation rentals, or, if you can buy a second property, long-term rentals are an option.  If this idea sounds like a possibility, explain your plan to your agent, who can help you find the right property, and point you to information about rental income.  Other investment options exist.  Mexico has a healthy, growing economy, benefiting greatly from free trade and globalization.  You can also benefit from it.

Another way to make money from your new home in Mexico is over the internet.  Access to high-speed internet has given more Americans and Canadians the option of working from a home office, and more are doing so.  If you can find work that you can do from your living room in Denver, you can do that same work from a cottage overlooking Lake Chapala, or the dream home you had built on the Yucatan beachfront.  More experts are suggesting this as an option.  And over the past decade, high-speed internet has become available in the majority of tourism areas, and well beyond.

Suggestions include tutoring, online.  If you have a special skill or specific knowledge, students and others who need those skills are willing to pay to learn that skill through a chat room.  It could include anything from tutoring children for English, to teaching a high-tech skill for adults redifining their labor skills.  Direct video communication improves the face-to-face aspect.  Online payment systems and direct bank transfers make it easy for your students to pay, and for you to check that they’ve paid.  Your students can live anywhere in the world.

If writing is your thing, you can also write on a large variety of topics for internet or printed magazines, or work as an editor.  If you know more than one language, you can work as a translator; translating French texts to English for a Chinese company might sound absurd, but it’s the reality of today’s globalized world.  Another job people do from home is answering services, to give personalized service for a company after hours, or as a call center rep; both jobs are commonly done from home, and can easily be done in another country through certain internet services.

These jobs can pay between $15 and $100 per hour.  While the initial pay isn’t usually high it almost always increases with time.  More importantly, you can do them from your home in Mexico, and perhaps most importantly, the money will go a whole lot further in Mexico than back home in the U.S. or Canada.

There are many options available.  Consider what skill you have, and you could be enjoying living in Mexico in a warm climate much sooner than you think.

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!”

Linda Neil and I share ideas and advice in our one day tour with realtors®  networking session in the “Glimpse of Michoacan, the Real México!”.

Mexico retirement options have been growing as a more viable option and interest over the past various years.  With Mexico real estate market growing along the coastal regions, many people over look the wonderful lake front and low costs of living in the interior sections of this country too.  Why is the Morelia real estate market of interest and why is Michoacán unique and why should a broker be interested in this state as a top Mexico retirement option? John Glaab from La Paz and Puerto Vallarta has compiled an interesting list of items which stand out:

• Michoacán, the world’s avocado capital  abounds with agricultural richness
• Rich in culture and crafts, taught by the Spanish clergyman Don Vasco
• Great Spring Like Climate throughout the year
• Morelia, is a five hour distance to Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo
• The state has a strong infrastructure base with many  high speed roadways
• Morelia has many cultural events and festivals
• The meseta Purepecha is rich in tradition and indigenes culture
• The deepest lake in Mexico is Lake Zirahuen
• Lake Patzcuaro has an Island with a statue of Morelos a Mexican patriot, that is taller than the Statue of Liberty
• The state has the  first hospital for Indians in the new world and the oldest music school
• On the coast, the port of Lazero Cardenas is quickly outpacing L.A. and Long Beach
• Michoacan has its own special Mexican cuisine
• The village of Paracho produces world class guitars and violins
• 6,000 extinct volcanoes exist in Michoacán
• In comparison to the beachfront properties, there are many inexpensive real estate for sale

Don´t miss this realtors networking while enjoying Michoacan’s  culture & beauty.

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

It was indeed a pleasure to be invited to one of the long awaited events in the Playa del Carmen Condos market.  The event was held last Thursday evening in Playa’s newest gated community that will include a brand new Nick Price PGA golf course, that is currently being constructed. It was a very well elegantly planned and larger than expected. There had to be at least 500 people of combined owners, real estate agents and other VIP’s.  Truly a top event for any Mexico real estate project from any region.

The latest release into the Playa del Carmen condos market started off the night event in the massive zen garden area, where there were performers dressed in traditional Mayan costumes that set the mood. From there we were escorted closer to the pool area, where there was a large stage set up, flashy bright video screens and lights all around. The developer was presented along with several members of the municipality, who gave warm speeches and followed by 2 musical guests that performed.

I was accompanied by some clients that are purchasing in the 2nd released project, Nick Price Residences which are currently still in pre-sale and will offer incredible views to the golf course.  They had a wonderful time and were quite happy to be back vacationing in the Mexican Caribbean after such a miserable winter back home.

I have been keeping a steady update of the construction progress of these Playa del Carmen beachfront real estate properties, yet its always a tremendous feeling to see the final outcome once a developer accomplishes his mission. Especially on such a grand scale as this project was planned to be.

For more details on this great project, click here or contact us.

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 !”

The Tulum real estate market is growing as fast as a vine in a jungle.   I went out this past week to see how the Aldea Zama project was progressing.  “PLEASANT SURPRISE”.   Tulum is a small village still.  There are not many options to choose for condos or for homes yet when you review the Mexico real estate market in comparison to this region there are some exciting potential in this southern tropical paradise.  Especially with all the buzz in the past 3 months with the President of Mexico making announcements of the International Airport regarding the nod of approval from the federal offices to proceed in this mega project and investment into this small little Mexican Caribbean village…. the Tulum real estate is showing great appreciation potential.  Look at the progress of this residential community in the film below.

Call me so we can chat further on investment strategies or to see more information on having a beautiful house in the jungle in Tulum.

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!”

After the success of a small community of homes in Chemuyil, located just south of Akumal and 30 mins south of Playa del Carmen, we now are reviewing some very cheap Mexico homes options near the small town of Puerto Morelos. The town is very small and not as much of a tourist destination as Playa del Carmen, yet it has many wonderful things that attract the people that love visiting it inlcuding….cheap Mexico real estate.   Just to mention a few, the easy access to the Cancun International Airport, which is about 15 mins away. The quaint area with the town square with neat little cafes and restaurants. You won’t find a Starbucks here! And of course one of the main attractions, the gorgeous Caribbean beaches, which in this area can still be fairly rustic, yet very wide and sandy with gorgeous blue turquiose waters for long stretches. Diving and snorkelling are also a big attraction as Puerto Morelos is part of national park that contains the long extensive Grand Mayan Reef. As you can see in the photo below, the town has recently constructed new malecon pathways on many of the streets that access directly on to the public beaches

This Cheap Mexico real estate community, which is about 5-10 mins drive into town, is a fair size and will contain about 1000 or so homes once completed.  The homes are very simple and are delivered basic, with not many ’extras’. They all come with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, kitchen, living area and a small back patio space. The land is about 142 m2 and the construction is 64m2 and there is allowance to build a 2nd level. All services are underground and there is a nearby park with soccer field.

This is a great option to be able to vacation or retire in Mexico at a very affordable price of just $45,000.  Practically for the price of a luxury car, you can own a private home in paradise!

For more details click here.

I have always had the image of the water on the Gulf of Mexico being the same as what I see off of the west coast of Florida.  I even heard and read from some people that the beaches in Campeche Mexico were ugly because of the high concentration of the oil industry operations off of Ciudad del Carmen coast line in the southern corner of the state.  But, the Campeche Beachfront real estate that I visited ripped all of my previous assumptions!   These were definitely some of the most desirable Mexico real estate properties that I have visited.

As soon as we drove over the summit of a large hill as we approached Champoton driving in from the north from the capital,  we caught a glimpse of a completely different type of water shades and beaches.  This was turquoise green, transparent water, shades of green tones for approximately 300 meters on white beaches.  Once we passed Champoton (sea food heaven which I will chat about in a later post), we stopped at a l little beach side restaurant and walked on the sand.  SEASHELLS GALORE.  In less than 10 minutes my kids had ran out and gathered about 15 – 20 shells which we never see on the Mexican Caribbean.

The Campeche beaches with white sands run for approximately for a 60 mile stretch south of Champoton till the Isla Aguada.  Most of the Campeche real estate on the beach is rocky except for this 60 mile stretch.

On the backside of these Campeche beachfront lots you will find a lagoon.  The lagoon on the back side connects from Sabancuy water entrance south till the Bay of Terminos.
Nice calm waters and hundreds of miles of waterfront for exploring. Campeche beachfront lots have varying sizes but the majority have 20 meters of beach frontage.  These go back deep with some of the lots having at least 900 meters depth until you reach the back side.  Homes in the area are normally designed to open up onto the beautiful gulf of Mexico and beaches.  There is a 3 story height build restriction and much attention is placed rightfully so in protecting the wild life and natural settings of the zone.

In the past three years, a large project developed by a Spanish group has invested nearly 200 million dollars.  This project is estimated to begin deliveries of their residences in the summer of 2010.  With a Jack Nicklaus golf course and 115 slip marina, it promises to bring much publicity and attention to the region for the following decade.   In the two nearby fishing villages private money is following suit by making some investments to the area preparing for the inflow of new tourists and winter home owners.   Companies such as Chedraui and a private hospital group.  Home depot, Walmart, Mega Comercial Mexicana are all other companies with plans for near future openings in the areas.  Along the coastal highway, we saw men and machinery busy at work with government funded projects placing water pipes and tubing underground.  New bridges and a new by pass are underway to divert the traffic of people driving to Villa Hermosa and other northern destinations away from having to drive through Ciudad del Carmen and along the coastal road.

The Campeche real estate properties along the coast line  that we visited were a surprise of the natural beauty that exists on this hidden little corner of the Gulf of Mexico.  Turquoise green waters and beaches lined with palm trees are what many people dream about for their winter homes.  With large amounts of private and public money being injected to the zone over the past three years, the opportunities on waterfront Mexico real estate is growing on a monthly basis.  If you want to read an article on some information of the CAMPECHE REAL ESTATE market in the capital click here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Campeche is the state capital of Campeche state on the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico. The Campeche real estate market has caught our attention and TOP Mexico Real Estate decided to make a discovery trip to find out first hand what is going on in this region. Bob McCain, a good friend of ours who has been working very successfully in the Playa del Carmen real estate market for the past 6 years, invited us out to see some cheap Mexico beachfront real estate!

We left Friday morning and decided that we would take a road “less traveled”. We wanted to see the countryside in the Yucatan peninsula and drove south from Playa del Carmen, passed Tulum, and travelled for another 2 hours until we reached the city of Carillo Puerto. At Carillo Puerto we decided on traveling west across the peninsula leaving the Mexican Caribbean to arrive to the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. We needed a map so we began searching the town. Usually a gas station would be a good place to search. Without luck here, we began looking in “papelerias” or a stationary shop. The best we could find was an elementary map of the Yucatan that we had to blow up in order to see the roads. So there we go, 4 hour trip across secondary roads through Mayan country with a black and white blow up copy of a state map.

The Yucatan region is rich in history and ruins from the ancient Mayan culture. You will find world famous pyramids such as Chichinitza, Tulum, Uxmal. But the locals say that there are still thousands of sites that have not even been revealed nor have been found throughout the deep thick jungles. That is very interesting and exciting to think about the many artifacts and articles that are still laying out in the countryside, waiting to be discovered. The history of the Mayans have been examined closely due to their surprisingly advanced knowledge of mathematics and their understanding of the solar system, the sun, Orion Nebula and many other astronomical observations. I picked up a high interest myself on this civilization and started collecting and trying to understand some symbols here and there so I could try to identify and recognize on ruins.  Below for example are the symbols used for counting and you can see these symbols on the Mayan calendar.   The seed type of symbol represents the 0 and the bar is equivalent to 5.  Very interesting.

Our road took us zigzagging through many small villages where we would see the traditional Mayan huts. No corners, but rounded oval walls and thatched roofs.

In one little village we saw in the center square an old church that was built in the 16th century. Haciendas were also seen in the trip which were large plantations of farming communities.

We stopped during our trip at an orchard where many trees for lime and Maymey were being harvested. At the front end of this large parcel of land they had an outdoor, road side kitchen with fold up chairs and tables. They were announcing Maymey fruit, rabbit barbecue food, and roasted chicken tacos. It all sounded good so we stopped and to our pleasant surprise… we had an extremely delicious lunch with Maymey ice cream to round off the meal.

Two hours later, we started to pull into the capital city of Campeche. It was night but immediately we noticed that the downtown area was extremely…. clean. All of the electric wiring had been wired underground and all of the buildings had color combinations that ran the length of the streets. There was not one corner that my wife yelled for me to stop in order for her to take pictures. The Campeche real estate area was looking very exciting as the city was looking very tourist friendly, there were people on the streets and it felt full of life, and the boardwalk along the coast line had people jogging and biking. Campeche definitely had a comfortable inviting curb side appeal.

To see Day 2 visiting the downtown Campeche real estate market
CLICK HERE   MEXICO REAL ESTATE BLOG

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!”