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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

One of most important aspects of Mexico real estate beach front property is, well…………the beach. Unfortunately Mother Nature is constantly changing the shape of our beaches and the Cancun real estate region has been ravaged by hurricanes and tropical storms that have drastically eaten away the white sandy beaches.

In November 2009, the Mexican Government started pouring money into restoring 11.6 kilometers of beach front in Cancun’s Hotel Zone.  The beaches programmed for recovery will start at Punta Cancun and end at Punta Nizuc. The sand will be dredged from two offshore sandbanks. Geotubes are being installed to prevent further erosion. Although the project has been delayed by weather, the project is in full operation and the real estate on the Cancun beaches look amazing.

The total investment for the state of Quintana Roo is over $70 million dollars and is funded by both federal and local governments. The project will be finished in February 2010 and the beaches will be spectacular with about 131 ft of width. And the goal of the program is not only to replenish the sand, but to provide positive long term environmental results.

Not only is the Mexican government investing in the recovery but also will be funding $1.2 million pesos to maintain the beaches clean. This is double the budget from 2009.

Having beautiful white sandy beaches assures the value of your investment in Cancun real estate. It is one of the most important attractions that keep tourists as well as second home buyers coming to our beautiful destination.

Cyndi Ader, originally from the US, has been living in Cancun, Mexico for 17 years. She is a member of A.M.P.I. (The Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals) and is currently a member of the International Relations Committee. She is also an international affiliate of NAR (National Association of Realtors). She is the owner/broker of Cancun Properties Real Estate and specializes as a buyer’s broker.

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

The Cancun real estate market is effected and keeps close tabs on the trends of the tourist industry.  Despite all of the global economic woes, 2009 ended with Cancun as one of the most sought out and attractive tourist destinations in Mexico. This past week Google published their Zeitgeist List for 2009 and Cancun was number one for searches by Mexican nationals in the category of tourist destinations. http://www.google.com/intl/en/press/zeitgeist2009/regional.html#mexico

Cancun was third in Yahoo on an international level, behind Las Vegas and Miami. In another popular search engine, Yahoo Travel, Cancun placed third beating out other popular destinations like San Diego, Cabo San Lucas, New York, San Francisco, Orlando, Hawai and Paris.

The magazine Recommend published in their December issue that Cancun is the most sold destination in Mexico. The voting was done by thousands of travel agencies in the US and Canada. Recommend Magazine is a monthly trade magazine for the travel industry and is distributed to 50,000 professionals in the US and Canada. Cancun was chosen for its diverse natural attractions and activities, as well as the warm Mexican culture.

During 2009, Cancun received various international awards for its world class infrastructure and its famous natural attractions. The Brazilian magazine Viagem awarded Cancun as the best beach destination in the month of October.

The strength of this top Mexican tourist destination has made investing in Mexico real estate one of the best options for those looking for vacation or retirement homes. The continued demand of the tourism industry is a strong boost to the Cancun real estate appreciation as the world works its way out of the financial troubles.

Cyndi Ader, originally from the US, has been living in Cancun, Mexico for 17 years. She is a member of A.M.P.I. (The Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals) and is currently a member of the International Relations Committee. She is also an international affiliate of NAR (National Association of Realtors). She is the owner/broker of Cancun Properties Real Estate and specializes as a buyer’s broker.

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

The Cancun real estate area is the focal point of an ever stronger network of tourist destinations throughout the Yucatan Peninsula, and those living in Cancun always enjoy the benefit of easy travel to various nearby colonial cities,  world-renowned pyramid sites, eco-parks, and other tourist destinations.  There are little Mexico real estate markets that have as many tourist attractions in such a reduced area such as in the Yucatan peninsula.  Due to this unique situation, plans are underway to make transportation from the Cancun real estate area to various key destinations easier and faster.  There are currently plans awaiting approval for the construction of two new branches from the Merida-Cancun highway, and a new expressway.

Mayab, the concessioner for the Merida-Cancun highway, has plans for this year which include the construction of 115 miles of new highways in four tourist areas. The company has requested the rights from the Ministry of Communications and Transport (SCT) to construct and administrate the following segments: El Tintal to Playa del Carmen, with an expressway to Playa del Carmen, Airport to Punta Sam and El Tintal to El Cedral. 
Francisco Rubio Serna, chief of SCT-Yucatan, reported that the company has completed studies for the surveying and pre-planning of overpasses and a pre-evaluation of land ownership. The company is awaiting the approval of the SCT’s General Authority of Highways to commence work. Engineer Serna Rubio said the El Tintal-Playa del Carmen branch would start at just past kilometer 216 of the Cancun-Merida expressway and that it would be 47 kilometers long and connect with a 25 kilometer-long expressway. 
This expressway will allow drivers traveling from the Cancun real estate area to Tulum to avoid hitting traffic and loosing time in Playa del Carmen.   At the same time, with the existence of this branch, those traveling to Playa del Carmen would save an hour.  Instead of spending three and half to four hours traveling along the Chemax-Coba-Tulum-Playa del Carmen route, the trip would be two to three hours and it would be less tiring.

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

Over the last few years we have seen big, well known real estate franchises pop up here in the Mexico real estate market, companies with lots of Mexico real estate agents, flashy web sites, lots of property listings and big posh offices. In the recent past it seems that it was a good thing to be part of a big company. A big company meant security and professionalism. It meant that you were dealing with a well established company that provided back up to their staff and to you as the consumer. But does it really mean good service and security when buying real estate in Cancun or in any part of Mexico

Buying a second/vacation home in Mexico is one of the biggest purchases you will ever make. So is dealing with a large franchise best for you Just because a company has a big well known name does not necessarily mean you will be dealing with reputable agents and that the company will back you up. But remember the franchise is here in Mexico, so don't count on that same security you may have with big franchises back home.

Really, real estate should be relationship based. It's all about people. So find a broker that you feel comfortable with and work towards building a relationship, whether or not is is a big or small company. Do your homework. Is this broker a member of the local real estate professional's association AMPI and an international affiliate of NAR Don't be afraid to ask for references and do check them. Does your broker keep in touch and send you listings that are appropriate for your needs Or just listings that he/she wants to sell you

Big web sites with lots of property listings are great for shopping, but a big selection may not always be in your best interest. In this slow market, there are many pre-construction properties that would be a great risk to purchase. When you build a relationship with your broker you can establish what your risk parameters are and your broker should respect that.

So, like I said, this is a people business. What it boils down to is choosing one person to help you realize your dream of buying real estate in Mexico. So big is not always better. The right broker is.

Cyndi Ader, originally from the US, has been living in Cancun, Mexico for 17 years. She is a member of A.M.P.I. (The Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals) and is currently a member of the International Relations Committee. She is also an international affiliate of NAR (National Association of Realtors). She is the owner/broker of Cancun Properties Real Estate and specializes as a buyer s broker.

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

What you need to know after the closing.

Congratulations! You have signed and closed on your new home in Mexico. But now what Before purchasing your property, you found tons of information about the buying real estate in Mexico.

But what about after the closing Owning real estate in Mexico is very different from other countries. There are important issues that need to be taken care of. Here is a list of some important post closing issues:

1- Pick up the titleescrituras when it comes out of public registry.

After the closing you can request a certified copy of the titleescrituras and it can usually be obtained in a few days to a week depending on the notary office. Your original title may take several or many months to come back from the registry office so it is a good idea to at least have the certified copy.

2- Change of ownership in the assessor s office (catastro). When you purchase Cancun real estate, or even in most areas of Mexico, it is not automatically changed to your name.

3- Change of ownership with the federal beach tax office (if the property is beach front)

4- Change the utilities in your name (or contract these services in case of a new construction)

5- Homeowner s and hurricane insurance

There are also ongoing obligations that need attention:

1-Annual Mexico bank trust fee. This is the amount paid to the bank where your trust is established. It can usually be paid by wire transfer to make it easier.

2- Property taxes must also be paid annually. You will not receive a tax bill. This tax must be paid at the town halls tax office (predial) and you will need to take a copy of the last year s paid receipt so they may calculate the next year s payment. This tax can be paid in December for the next year. There are discounts for paying the year ahead in this month.

3- Federal Beach Tax is also an annual payment. Some condominiums complexes include this payment in the condo fees, but not all of them so do check.

4- Homeowner s and hurricane insurance is also paid annually. Usually the insurance company will advise of any payments due, but it is wise to be aware of when your payments are due so your policy does not lapse.

You can normally contract your attorney, Mexico real estate agent or property manager to assist you with these obligations.

Cyndi Ader, originally from the US, has been living in Cancun, Mexico for 17 years. She is a member of A.M.P.I. (The Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals) and is currently a member of the International Relations Committee. She is also an international affiliate of NAR (National Association of Realtors). She is the owner/broker of Cancun Properties Real Estate and specializes as a buyer s broker.

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

As summer heats up south of the border, the Cancun real estate prices are hot with great beach front bargains. Since the US economy is still very weak, sales have been slow in the Mexico real estate market. For those buyers serious about purchasing in Cancun, now is the ideal time to take advantage of the super deals currently on the market. We are seeing great beach front condos at the lowest prices of the year as many buyers have made reductions to entice buyers.

Because the slow market conditions make it more risky to purchase Cancun condos in pre-construction phases, these beach front bargains are a sure bet as they are already completely constructed. And most are being offered at lower prices than the new pre-construction projects. Many owners that need to sell quickly are pricing their units lower than the price they paid. However, most are not in foreclosure situations as in the US. Since financing has historically been difficult to obtain and is quite costly, most properties were paid in cash. Most of this cash came from refinancing US held assets and because of the weak economy in the US, many of these buyers have now found themselves in difficult financial situation.

Although we are experiencing a downturn in property sales, the future of Cancun s real estate market is bright since the destination has so much to offer. It is the hub of the Mexican Caribbean and offers such a diverse variety of attractions, activities and entertainment. There is something to fit every lifestyle. For golf enthusiasts there are impressive golf courses, for boat lovers there are world class marinas. And for those who enjoy water activities, there is snorkeling, diving, deep sea fishing, wind surfing, kite boarding, wave runners and much more. Adventure seekers will enjoy the archeological sites, cenote diving and snorkeling or maybe a visit to the colonial city of Merida. And then there are those that just want to bask in the warm Mexican Caribbean sunshine on a white pristine beach. With all the Cancun has to offer, this destination will always have great real estate growth potential.

For those serious about buying in the Mexican Caribbean, the timing couldn t be better. When the US economy rebounds, then the Cancun real estate market will rebound too, which means prices will start to work their way back up.

Cyndi Ader, originally from the US, has been living in Cancun, Mexico for 17 years. She is a member of A.M.P.I. (The Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals) and is currently a member of the International Relations Committee. She is also an international affiliate of NAR (National Association of Realtors). She is the owner/broker of Cancun Properties Real Estate and specializes as a buyer s broker.

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

The thought of buying a property in a foreign country can feel like an overwhelming task, but there are ways to ensure the entire process goes smoothly. Here are five tips from my 17 years experience working in the Cancun real estate market to help make your search more efficient.

5 Top tips for buying real estate in Mexico

1. Start your search on the web. The web is a wonderful tool to start comparing areas, properties and prices. However, remember to use it as a guide to get you started. Many properties never make it online, so it is possible the property you end up buying is not even listed there.

The web is also a source of valuable information about areas, trends, legalities, etc. A good real estate web site will help you become an educated buyer. Take the time to learn everything you can and learn tips and tricks from the experts when ever possible, check out Mexico Real Estate Blog For example.

And one of the most important aspects is your ability to start establishing a relationship with a Mexico real estate broker. Start corresponding with several until you find one you are comfortable with and feel will do the best job for you. A good buyer s broker can be invaluable to help you find the property you are looking for.

2. Choose your broker. Once you find a broker you feel comfortable with, let that broker go to work for you. Many buyers make the mistake of contacting various brokers and make appointments to see properties. Usually what happens is they end up seeing the same properties more than once since many brokers handle the same listings. If you have chosen a good buyer s broker, your broker can show you any listed property and will work hard to find just the right one for you. Here is how you can help out ..

3. Be specific about your needs. When you are ready to plan your trip to see properties, you should send your broker a detailed description of what you are looking for and price range. Remember your broker is not a mind reader, so the more specific you can be, the more helpful that information is. With this information your broker can search out appropriate options for you to see and avoid wasting your time as well as theirs.

4. Be realistic. That beach front house for $100,000 USD does not exist. If you are serious about buying real estate in Mexico, stop wasting your time looking for properties with price tags from 20 years ago.

5. Once you find it ..ACT! If your broker has found the right property for you, don t expect it to wait for you. But when I say act, I don t mean act foolishly. Always do your due diligence quickly, then take action. If not, someone else may.

Cyndi Ader, originally from the US, has been living in Cancun, Mexico for 17 years. She is a member of A.M.P.I. (The Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals) and is currently a member of the International Relations Committee. She is also an international affiliate of NAR (National Association of Realtors). She is the owner/broker of Cancun Properties Real Estate and specializes as a buyer's broker.

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

Why use a Mexico buyers broker

With pre-construction Cancun condominiums popping up on every corner there is a huge variety of options in the current marketplace. But with so many options to choose from it is sometimes difficult to sift out the one perfect deal that is worth a second look. Not only is the abundance of options overwhelming, but it can create a risk to the inexperienced buyer here in the Cancun real estate market.

So do you need a Mexico Real Estate Agent to represent you

Many buyers think that if they deal directly with a developer they will get a better price since the developer does not have to pay a commission. However, your chance of sitting face to face with the developer is about zero to none. You will be attended by the developer s sales staff who will receive the commission in place of a broker that would be representing you. There is always a commission paid, whether to your broker or the in-house sales staff. Of course the in-house sales staff is not working for you. Your broker is the one who can help make sure you get the best deal and are protected. Even if a developer has a good reputation, he will still be thinking of himself first, not you. So it is a good idea that he knows you have a broker looking out for your best interests.

In the current Mexico real estate market there is so much available product. A huge variety of options is great for you, the prospective buyer, as you can choose the property that offers you the most for your money. Some developers have lowered prices so it is an attractive time to buy However, this overabundance of projects means that there is a risk that some of them will not be successful with sales and construction may never be finished. This represents a huge risk to the buyer. Knowing which developers have an established reputation and track record is crucial to the success and security of your investment. A good broker who knows the area and the developers will help you determine the projects that represent a safe investment.

An important aspect of purchasing real estate in Mexico is finding the right brokerIt is nota requirement to have a Mexico real estate license, so anyone can sell real estate. However, there is a professional association which adheres to ethical standards. This association is called A.M.P.I. (The Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals) and is recognized by NAR (National Association of Realtors in the USA). Since real estate is a major investment, it is important to choose a broker that forms a part of this association to assure you are dealing with a reputable company in the Cancun Real estate market or any region throughout Mexico.

A good broker should respond to your inquiries and as you build a relationship, you will determine if this person will do the best job for you. It is very important that you find a broker that has extensive experience working with non-Mexican buyers, as the process is much more complicated.

Once you find a broker that you feel will do the best job for you, stick with that broker. Provide them with as many details about your ideal property and price range so he/she can offer you appropriate options. Working with one good broker will streamline your search, saving you lots of time and effort.

Consider using a buyer s broker. This is a broker who concentrates on working with buyers to find what they are looking for. Most brokers are listing brokers, who essentially work for the seller. They spend much of their time hunting for properties to list and their first goal is to sell you their listings.

A buyer s broker is accustomed to showing properties from many sources with the goal of finding the right property for their client. Your buyer s broker will guide you through the entire Mexico purchase process, beginning with the property search as well as closing and post closing assistance.

*Services of a buyer s broker do not cost you more as commissions are built in to the sales price and are shared by listing brokers.

What you need to know before making important decisions about Mexico Real Estate.

Did you know that real estate licensing in Mexico is not mandatory That anyone can sell real estate without having to go through training specific to the field There just recently became available a program to obtain a Mexico real estate professional degree and license but again, this is not mandatory. Yes, unfortunately this is all true. So how can you, as a consumer, protect yourself in such an unregulated market

Even though the field is not yet regulated, there is an association that was established to ensure good business ethics among its members. This association is called A.M.P.I (The Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals) A.M.P.I. National was founded in 1956 in Mexico City with the intention to raise the technical level of the profession and establish codes of ethical business practice. This group is diligently pursuing the matter of licensing as well as ongoing training requirements for the real estate field.

This group has been striving towards a higher level of professionalism and has been recognized by NAR (National Association of Realtors) in the USA. Because of their high standards of ethics, A.M.P.I. members are now recognized as NAR International Affiliate Members. A.M.P.I. is also a member of ICREA (International Consortium of Real Estate Association) an alliance of leading national real estate organizations in the world s major marketplaces.

The constant pursuit for professionalism in the real estate field, has led to the development of courses that members can now take and one day such courses will be a requirement to receive the real estate license. For example, this year in the Cancun real estate region, the A.M.P.I. organization will sponsor a six day course for C.I.P.S (Certified International Property Specialist) as part of the ongoing training for members.

As professional Mexico brokers and agents in the market place, we get to see first hand some of the questionable practices of unprofessional independent orpart time brokers and it is frightening to see the risk unsuspecting consumers are exposed to. Many foreign consumers are unaware that the real estate profession is not regulated. You should always investigate the background of a broker before entrusting them with your business. Beware, some brokers may use the A.M.P.I. logo without being a member of the association. Some may even use the REALTOR logo if they were a licensed broker in the US, but they may not be a member of A.M.P.I. Selling real estate in the U.S. is very different from here in Mexico, so being a REALTOR is not really of great benefit for the consumer.

In hot real estate markets in Mexico, such as Cancun and the Riviera Maya, it is common to find waiters, taxi drivers, etc. moonlighting in real estate to try their luck at making a hefty real estate commission. These part timers may not have bad intentions but their lack of experience could result in a costly mistake for you.

There are still some horror stories from buyers of pre-construction developments throughout Mexico. In many of these situations, the buyer bought directly from the developer. Many consumers think that if they buy direct and avoid a broker, they will get a bigger discount. Unfortunately, that is not the case. There is always a commission paid. If there is no broker, then the commission is paid to the in-house sales staff that works directly for the developer and represent his interests. Without your broker, there is no one looking out for your interests. It is especially important in the current market to always have a knowledgeable broker, one who can recommend developments that are safe for investment. There are so many new pre-construction Mexico condo projects on the market which creates the possibility that some of them will not complete construction. Your broker will know the factors that are important in determining the risk involved based on the developers track record, marketability of the project, guarantees to the buyer and market conditions that affect sales.

Since the boom of foreign buyers in the last few years, professional brokers have realized that the way to do business is by transparent transactions. Many have realized that we have to adjust the Mexico purchasing process to one that the foreign buyer understands and gives them the greatest protection.

It is unfortunate for both buyers and professional brokers, that many brokers in Mexico still have not adopted transparent business practices. This not only puts the consumer at risk but stories of fraud and deception always come back to haunt the real estate field. Thankfully, A.M.P.I. continues to push forward to find ways to better protect and educate consumers to ensure the safety of their investments.

There are fewer fraudulent sales every year, but they still happen. Buying real estate is one of the biggest investments you will ever make. To make sure you are working with an A.M.P.I. professional go to http://www.ampi.org/ Don t be afraid to ask for references and do check them.

I finally found a perfect Cancun real estate paradise, a beautiful two bedroom condo right on the white sandy beach overlooking the turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean and at an unbelievable price of $200,000 USD I am sitting on my terrace admiring the fabulous view, knocking back a couple of margaritas and adding up all the Cancun condo rental income that has come streaming in. I have been enjoying wonderful vacations that this income pays for and not to mention that I have been putting a tidy sum away with the super cash flow it s bringing in.

I kick back and put my feet up and pat myself on the back for my savvy Mexico real estate investment I made.

Then suddenly, I wake up ..It was just a dream.

I think we all have the same dream. If that super deal with super rental income did exist, you would be second in line, because, of course I would have to buy it.

So, what is reality That comfortable two bedroom Cancun beachfront condo will really be upwards of $500,000 USD and vacation rentals will not come streaming in.

The Mexican Caribbean is becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, so the market for vacation rentals is huge. However, when choosing a property these are some guidelines to go by.

1 The closer to the beach, the higher the cost of purchase but also the property has much more potential for a higher occupancy. In some areas such as in the Playa del Carmen real estate market, the vacation rental market is so hot that properties not on the beach also do well. But the further away from the beach the lower the occupancy will be and rental rates must be lowered accordingly.

2- Occupancy rates even on most Mexico beachfront properties do not reach 100% annually since vacation hot spots are seasonal Also there are many factors that influence vacation rental income, such as recovery from a hurricane, economic problems in other countries, acts of terrorism, etc.

3- Your vacation rental income potential will be greatly influenced by the property manager you choose. Also, if you actively participate, the occupancy can increase. You will need to decide how much time and money you wish to invest in promoting your property.

4- Buy a property keeping in mind that vacation rentals should help cover the property s expenses monthly condo fees, Mexico real estate taxes, utilities, etc. Any extra income then starts to help pay for your vacations. It is not wise to purchase with the idea of positive cash flow, however if you do become actively involved and have a good manager you can do nicely with the income.

5- If you plan on using your property most of the winter, especially Christmas week, the rental income will decrease substantially. High season for vacation rentals is Christmas week through Easter.

6- Consider a Mexico condo hotel. You can purchase a fully titled condo but let the hotel operator rent it out. They will normally take care of all expenses and maintenance and you may still receive some income after all expenses and rental operation fees. However, this will limit your own vacation time as there are limits to how many weeks you can use it. Most have contracts for a certain period of years and then you can opt out if you like.

7- Another option would be a small entry level condo in an older beach front complex. There are still some options under $200,000 USD located on nice beaches. However, they are small modest units in older building. These do well for economy vacation rentals and you can have a place on the beach without a huge investment.

Vacation rental income is a definite benefit of buying a second Cancun home here in the Mexican Caribbean, but do be realistic and choose wisely. Buy what you can comfortably afford without relying on the rental income and you will enjoy your place in paradise.

Is your Mexico real estate agent really working for you Do they really have your best interests in mind Are you their client or customer

So maybe you are thinking what is the difference

What exactly is the difference Well, the dictionary definition for client is:

a- one that is under the protection of another

b- a person or group that uses the professional advice or services of a lawyer, accountant, advertising agency, architect, etc.

And the definition of customer is:

One that purchases a commodity or service

Mexico Real estate properties are one of the biggest investments you will ever make, so how do you want to be treated Like a client or a customer

Your broker should be one that works to protect you, one that has your best interests at heart and one who gives you the best professional advice. Sure, all of us get paid by commissions, but those of us who will have greatest success in the business are those who put the client first.

A few weekends ago, I ran into a friend while looking at some Cancun beachfront real estate He had just started training for a very well known US real estate franchise with an office in the area. He is young and ambitious, but has little experience in Cancun real estate sales and even much less experience in doing business in Mexico. So he opted to train and work with a major company. He said he felt the training was good, but then he commented something to me that I could not believe. I had mentioned that I would be glad to share information on my listings so he can help me promote them, and that I would be glad to help promote any of his listings. In our professional association, A.M.P.I. (Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals), this is the ideato share properties, so we may better service our clients.

Well, I was surprised when he told me that in his training, they taught that he should always try to promote their own company s listings. Only as last resort should they promote other broker s listings. And this big company is even a member of our association.

So, how does that affect you Well, if you are working with a broker that only shows you what they have listed, you are certainly missing out on other opportunities that could even be better ones. Your broker should not sell you what they want you to buy. They should help you find what you want.

So getting back to client or customer..don t you want to be a client

Find out how to protect your good faith deposit and Mexico Earnest Money.

Your ready to buy your piece of paradise, but handing money over to someone you don t know in a foreign country is a scary proposition. So how do you protect yourself from a fraudulent situation

Purchasing property in the Cancun real estate market and even in all regions of the Mexico real estate market is a quite different process than in many other countries. And when it comes to handing over deposit money, many buyers make the mistake of leaving their good judgment at home; thinking this is Mexico and this is how business is done here.

Most of those trustworthy buyers have purchased without problem, but there is always a risk. It is not necessary to have a Mexico Real Estate license to sell propeties So it is important to know who you are dealing with and how to protect your interests.

Mexico Escrow Services

Although not widely used in Mexico, escrow services are available through well know US companies and should be your first choice. There is a fee, but the protection it offers is well worth the extra expense.

Escrow is mostly used for re-sales but the property owner must be in agreement This can sometimes be an obstacle as some Mexican owners do not understand the concept of escrow. In most cases the listing broker can convince the owner if it is properly presented.

Mexico Broker

This would be the next option only if the property owner will not accept escrow deposit. Either the listing broker or the buyer s broker holds the deposit. This is more of a risk, so ask for references and DO CHECK THEM.

Mexico Developer

Most developers will not accept escrow deposits as they use incoming funds for construction. Deposits may be refundable or non-refundable (before the contract is signed) so do ask. It is important to work with a broker that you trust to present you with projects by developers with a proven track record.

The Mexico Property owner

It is customary for the initial deposit to go directly to the owner in the case of a re-sale. This is very risky and I do not recommend this situation. If unavoidable, do so in conjunction with your OWN Mexico real estate lawyer, following his advice so he can make sure you are legally protected.

Will you find slashed prices on Cancun real estate properties just like in the suffering US market Find out the reality of the current Mexico real estate market conditions.

Every day I am receiving more and more inquiries aboutdistressed property scenarios. Many savvy investors have shifted their interest from Mexico pre-construction flipping since we are no longer in a profitable market for that type of investment. Now those with keen vision are looking for properties priced under market value. Those sharp investors know that now is the time to buy. Experts in Mexico real estate know the rule.. the best time to buy is when every one is selling and sell when everyone is buying.

We are truly in a buyer s market since we are seeing price reductions on many properties in the area, reflecting the current market conditions. However, the situation here in the Mexican Caribbean is very different from the troubled US market.

Since financing in Mexico has not been easily obtained to purchase real estate, most owners have paid cash for their properties. This means that we do not have foreclosure situations on these properties. There are definitely owners who are motivated to sell and are pricing their properties accordingly, but don t expect the slashed prices like in the US market.

If you are looking for a great investment or a second/retirement home, now is the perfect time to buy real estate in Cancun and the Riviera Maya. Since there are many new developments in the area, some developers have started to roll back prices to reflect the slower market. Also we are seeing price reductions on re-sales. This is certainly an opportune time to get great deals on properties here in the Mexican Caribbean. In other words, bad markets offer great opportunities if you know what you are investing in. If you are looking for a good value vacation/retirement home that doubles as an investment you can't go wrong. And considering the poor options for investments in the US, it may be the best time to park some of your money in real estate in Mexico.

Cyndi Ader, originally from the US, has been living in Cancun, Mexico for 17 years. She is a member of A.M.P.I. (The Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals) and is currently a member of the International Relations Committee. She is also an international affiliate of NAR (National Association of Realtors). She is the owner/broker of Cancun Properties Real Estate and specializes as a buyer's broker for more information (512)-879-6546 www.TOPmexicorealestate.com Where 9 TOP real estate experts from ALL regions of Mexico come together to share their Tips & Knowledge to help you buy safely !