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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mexico’s president, Felipe Calderon talks in the interview below about the beautiful Mexico retirement communities and the great retirement option this Country could be for an ever increasing amount of Americans and Canadians.   The Mexican government is preparing for more and more of the 55+ north American population as they begin buying their second homes and as they plan to retire to Mexico.  President Calderon also addresses the crime issues which have been on many headlines during the past year.   He states that 2010 actually had over 20 million tourist visitors last year and they expect this to increase in 2011.  An interesting point which I will be writing another blog upon, is that quietly, the economy of Mexico has been growing steadily in the past years, creating a very strong base for a continued growth for the next decade.

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!”

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!”

Many people wonder of the type of Mexico retirement life would await them when they move down south of the border.  With a nice home in the Mexico real estate region, what activities and what areas can be explored for a new couple looking to experience a retirement in Mexico?   

Once you have purchased your Mexico home, and you have bought all the furniture, fixed some of the leaks, creaks, and details around the house, now is the time to start to explore and discover the surroundings.  Beaches are one of the popular attractions of many a Mexico retirement community.  There are thousands of beaches in Mexico.  Some beaches are well known and well mapped on guides, and others are hidden, virgin, not known except for a few locals.  Pack up the basket for sandwiches, beer, a barbecue.  Take the snorkel gears and bring the grandchildren.  Memorable outings that your family will remember for a life time.  Along with the natural beauties of the Mexico beaches are the amazing history and culture of this warm society.  The history goes back to pre-Hispanic years with the famous Aztec and Mayan civilizations.  Or you can also discover at museums and sites the Hispanic history of the Spanish conquering years in this country.  Read about the Cortez wars, the independence years, and the Pancho Villa revolution stories.  Visit hundreds of colonial towns with small cobble stoned roads, and zocalos in the center of town.  Or go site seeing, visiting ruins and pyramids with  exciting trips deep in the jungles and in the mountains for amazing excursions.  These trips can be quite exciting trips as some of these ruins have yet to be discovered or properly identified in the books of the museums and with the historians.  The Mayan culture has become very internationally popular over the last several years with the famous calendar and predictions of December of 2012.  This is the rumored end of the registered calendar life and some Mayans believe is when the planets are to aline causing global changes to the life on earth.  Hundreds and thousands of ruins and history to explore and to study with colleges and museums giving courses and guided trips through the regions to teach and help non-Mexican residents discover the marvels of these ancient people.  The exploring never seems to end and allows for years of learning experiences for your Mexico retirement plans in your new Mexico homes.
 

Along with discovering new sites, new attractions of the regions, many non-Mexicans have become very involved in the communities and organizations near to their Mexico Retirement homes.  “I found a child in a local store who was extremely blue and so I began talking with his mother to find out if the boy was ok” commented Lavonna an expat living in Playa delCarmen “the mother told me he had a difficult heart illness”. Lavonna decided to get involved and with the direct help from other visiting Americans and Canadians the child was placed on an airline to Michigan State University where a successful surgery was performed curing the little Mexican boy. 

“soon we created a non-profit organization called ANGEL NOTION and today there are more than 300 Canadian and American volunteers some who are year round non-Mexican residents and others who come for the winter.  But it is an incredibly gratifying organization full of friends where you can witness first hand the results of your volunteer and contributions.” 

Some retired expats get involved in the education and helping local people further their education.  With the wide spread access to internet throughout many small communities of Mexico, education programs can be easily mounted within organizations.  “I find the Mexican children extremely eager to learn more and really appreciate that someone is taking the time teach”  stated Elaine a retired international high school teacher.   She has been helping a local school with their programs and bringing support educational materials to open up the doors of opportunities for numerous young children and their families. 

 
A retirement in Mexico is full of incredible activities and options that will have you busy 365 days of the year.  The natural sites available for exploring, the man made attractions such as pyramids, cathedrals, old picturesque colonial towns.  Hundreds and thousands of years of history in the back yard in Mexico can create hobbyist out of anyone.  Many new retired couples have also realized that getting involved in the needs of the communities have brought the most gratifying sense of contribution and the recognition of “really being needed”.  It is a wonderful match.

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!”

Las Villas de Mexico is a new concept being introduced to the Mexico Real Estate Market Nearly 250 Cancun condos and villas are scheduled to begin construction this fall of 2008

The newly released plans not only include the Cancun Real Estate area, but also will include projects in Puerto Vallarta Real Estate, Cabo San Lucas, and in the San Jose del Cabo Real Estate markets

If you are one of the snow birds who now feel that retiring in Mexico is the path to take, then you will be mesmerized with this Mexico Gated Community option The developers plan to have gated communities throughout Mexico located in old colonial Mexico villages and settlements These old villages would include places such as San Miguel de Allende, Playa del Carmen, and Oaxaca to name a few

The market here in Mexico has been receiving and witnessing an increase in the amounts of ex-pats from the United States, Canada, and UK over the past five years Many of these semi-retired Mexican Foreigners are investing in multiple properties, as well as reserving properties for themselves so that once they have reached full retirement, they have a place established in Mexico Thus, Las Villas de Mexico has been attracting the attention of both investors (Mexico preconstruction condo), and final users from the international market

Las Villas de Mexico offers various amenities and new unique concepts that have resulted from the requests and in response to the Mexico Real Estate market This includes the Open Door partnership and the Casa Care services It allows buyers to own the property with full 100% ownership, yet be allowed to stay at a number of homes in other popular Mexico locations In Casa Care, the owners can relax and be back in their home country thousands of miles away with the comfort and confidence that their Mexico property is being maintained and secured by on site property managers The Project expects to have over 10,000 Mexico Homes constructed and completed within five years, in other well-known popular Mexico second home vacation spots across the country.

The owners of a Mexican home in Las Villas de Mexico will experience a whole new concept of retiring in Mexico They will be able to live in the heart of Mexican colonial cities, in the center of exotic tourist destinations, and all within secured gated communities Mexico real estate investors will find an opportunity with this new product that has been created in response to the international market Write or call me for more information about this project or to talk further about opportunities in Mexico Real Estate.

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. Active broker and current president of TOPmexicorealestate, you can contact him at (512) 879-6546 or through the company`s web site www.TOPmexicorealestate.com

Many Americans and Canadians choose to drive down to Mexico for their vacations, or to have a set of wheels for maneuvering while they stay at their Mexico Second home A common question that we receive quite often How can I get my car down to Mexico.

I did some researching on this subject, and this is what my report reveals The Mexico Law has allowed for permits and a regulated process for Americans and Canadians (any Mexican Foreigner) wishing to drive their Mexican foreign owned vehicles south of the border into Mexico.

GENERAL INFORMATION ON TEMPORARILY IMPORTING A CAR INTO MEXICO

Mexico law does not allow for automobiles to be imported and nationalized into this country if they are less than 10 years of age.

Mexico does allow for nationalization of cars imported over 10 years of age, whereby taxes will need to be paid * There may be a new law that will only allow cars made in 1998 to be legally imported. Cars newer than this date is competition to the manufacturers and cars older than this date may be seen as an environmental and safety hazard

Mexico will allow for the TEMPORARY IMPORTATION of automobiles for Americans and Canadians whose importation permits will be valid during the same period as the importer s tourist visa FMT, or using your resident s visa, the FM3 or FM2 LINK TO MEXICO FM3

Maximum amount of time allowed on a FMT=6 months

Maximum amount of time allowed on a FM2/3 = 12 months

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO TEMPORARILY IMPORT A CAR INTO MEXICO

There are basically 2 methods for individual people to bring an automobile into Mexico Either driving across from the US border, or having your automobile shipped into Mexico at one of the several Mexican ports Each area of entry will have a module or office where you the importer, can register for your FMT tourist documentation and fill out the documentation for your temporary automobile permits The documentation you bring needs to have the original, and a set of copies to deliver to these offices Remember, that first the importer needs to place his personal documentation in order (FMT or FM2 or FM3) before importing his automobile The National Institute of Migration has offices on all borders and terminals of entry into Mexico

The importer of the automobile must bring (one of the following) to prove citizenship:

1) Mexican foreign passport or Birth Certificate (the Birth Certificates may no longer be allowed due to changes in international policies)

2) Valid drivers license

Afterwards, the importer must present either of the following documents to prove ownership of the automobile.

1) Vehicle Title

2) Valid vehicle registration certificate

3) Invoice

4) Credit contract from the financing institution or an invoice letter with a validity not older than 3 months (for automobiles that are not paid for in full)

If you are not the owner of the automobile

1) Family Vehicle:proof of ownership of the family member

Family Relation:proof of relation between owner of the automobile and the importer (eg Marriage certificate or Birth certificate)

2) Company Vehicle:proof of ownership of the company

Company employee:proof of work relation employer employee

(eg Letterhead document stating this fact)

3) Rented Automobile:proof of rental agreement

Authorization:proof of rental company authorizing that automobile be taken out of country

MEXICO AUTOMOBILE TEMPORARY IMPORTATION SERVICE FEES

The importer of the automobile must pay a SERVICE FEE with either of these 2 methods

A) CREDIT OR DEBIT CARD

1) credit card must be in the name of the importer

2) card must be valid internationally

3) card must be issued from either USA or from Canada

4) card must be activated to accept charges internationally

5) a charge of $39.60 at General Consulates

a charge of $29.70 at modules at the crossing points

B) CASH

1) You will only be able to pay cash at the border crossings (double check this fact given that some ports will also accept cash)

2) If you pay cash, another DEPOSIT AMOUNT, will be charged apart from the SERVICE FEES The DEPOSIT AMOUNT will be returned to the importer when the importer returns the vehicle to the country of origin Also note that the return needs to be realized within the time period allowed on the permit, otherwise the DEPOSIT AMOUNT will be forfeited by the importer.

3) The DEPOSIT AMOUNT is determined according to the automobile s date of manufacture.

1995 and older = $200 usd

1995 1999 = $300 usd

2000 present = $400 usd

MEXICO AUTOMOBILE CROSSING THE BORDER OR PICKING UP YOUR VEHCILE AT THE PORT

Always bring the original documentation and at least 2 copies for delivering to the offices The automobile will be physically inspected at the border as well as at any port It is also normal, especially along any border state, to have several required inspection stations to review your documentation and to verify correct ownership and permits When you import the automobile, the officials will give you the permit, as well as a sticker to place within your vehicle for such inspections.

WHO IS ALLOWED TO DRIVE THE TEMPORARY IMPORTED CAR

Mexicans: the importer, his spouse, ascendants, descendants or siblings, only if they have legal residence abroad; a foreigner with the appropriate migratory status, and any other person, as long as the importer travels on the vehicle

Foreigners: the importer, his spouse, ascendants, descendants or siblings, even if they are not foreigners; foreigners that hold migratory status authorizing them to do so or a national, as long as any of the authorized persons travel on the vehicle

THE RETURN TO THE ORIGINAL COUNTRY OPERATION ON A TEMPORARILY IMPORTED CAR INTO MEXICO

When you leave the country with your Mexico foreign owned vehicle, locate the module for temporary importation to register your automobile of its proper exit You will be required to present the vehicle and the temporary import permit The officials will then capture the automobile as having returned to the country of origin A Return Certificate will then be presented to you for your files The DEPOSIT AMOUNT will also be returned as this time

NOTES:

On some occasions, you can re-register the automobile for an extended time period without physically taking the vehicle across the border This can be done at the nearest module located within Mexico This is normally done by first obtaining an extension or renewing your FMT tourist VISA for another 6 months, or by obtaining a renewed FM2 or FM3 residence card You will register your car at the nearest official module, they will capture your car as exported, and they will then deliver another TEMPORARY IMPORT PERMIT based on your new FMT or FM2/3 visa Such renewal will require another SERVICE FEE

You can obtain insurance on your Mexican Foreign automobile These companies will cover your foreign vehicle for the same accidents which can occur in your home countries

Click here to read about what items are allowed to cross the border into Mexico within your car What Items Allowed to Cross the Border

Thomas Lloyd

www.TOPmexicorealestate.com

(512)879-6546

Before you start looking for property….This hold true no matter where you are purchasing a property Realtors are very busy people and should know that their client is qualified for a mortgage before they start running around showing properties to them Getting qualified will also help the Realtor know exactly how much house you can afford Once you are qualified, we will issue a letter of acceptance, and put in writing the dollar amount of what you can afford.

So first stop on your house shopping, should be your Mortgage Broker (Doug Payette, Partners Mortgage Services 860-399-7776….Mexico Mortgage Made EASY!!!!!!!!!)

Refinancing a property in Mexico is really EASY! The Mexico property values have exploded and if you are looking to take cash out…..This is a great time…Banks are eager to help with getting that loan on your property and getting out 80% of its value Because of the talk of Tulum opening up an airport…Using that money to purchase another property would be a great way to increase your portfolio.

Banks will currently give loans on Condos, Single Family Residence, and Land and Lot

Doug Payette, Partners Mortgage Service 860-399-7776

This afternoon we were invited to see the advancement of a new Playa del Carmen preconstruction condo project La Papaya is the newest downtown Playa del Carmen Real Estate project being constructed at the moment La papaya is a Mexican fruit, very orange, and also known as Paw Paw in the regionFollow this link to see a picture of this unique fruit La Papaya Strange name and strange color for a condo building but we were pleasently surprised with the progress, the design, and the location of this Mexico preconstruction condo project See a La Papaya video interview of this Mexico Preconstruction Condo

The developer was waiting for us at the main door and gave us a tour of the building It is nearly complete, about 3 months and they will begin delivering the finished units It is important to note that the Condo Regime is complete which will allow for financing if needed by the buyersMr. Cruz took us along avenida 20 and showed us the commercial lots that were for saleCLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO ON CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE He also pointed out the location of a Walmart store which is a block north and a block east from La Papaya

As we turned the corner from the street, we looked down the lane to see the beautiful Caribbean Ocean about 5 blocks away One of the main attractions for tourists are the beaches There are a very few amount of cities that have developed alongside the oceanfront such as what can be seen in Playa del Carmen We interviewed with Mr. Carlos Cruz and had a very interesting conversation PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO INTERVIEW ON RENTAL POTENTIAL

The unique location of La Papaya being downtown, 1 block from the main square, 2 blocks from an indoor shopping mall and block buster, 3 blocks from 5th avenue and 4 blocks from the beach, make this an ideal investment for a rental property or personal use Mr. Cruz pointed out that there is underground parking with a large storeage room for personal items”We also included a beautiful lap pool with an area for lounging during those hot afternoons” included Carlos I was impressed with the comfortable, European freshness feel of the interiorsThe top floors were most memorable distributed on 2 flats Top floor had the master bedroom which opened onto a solarium deck which included a chest deep whirlpool / plunge tub And yes, there were fantastic views of the Caribbean ocean from the sun roofs

In my opinion, if you have a budget near the $200 – $300 range, and are looking to invest for vacation rental potential, you should visit this project for a closer review or better yet, CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO INTERVIEW ON COMMERCIAL SPACE OR TOPMEXICOREALESTATE.COM TO SEE ALL LISTINGS If you have any additional questions on this Playa del Carmen condo, please contact us by leaving a comment on the post below, or contact us via email or phone

Thomas Lloyd www.TOPmexicorealestate.com

On the southern part of Quintana Roo, following highway 307 towards the Beliz border, you run across a beautiful quiet little town nestled along the lagoon called Bacalar Bacalar has various oceanfront real estate properties that are for sale which have caught the attention of many northerners The majority of Mexico oceanfront real estate in Quintana Roo is located in Cancun, the Riviera Maya, Cozumel, and of Costa Maya But Bacalar's oceanfront properties are unique in that the water is not salty, but fresh water fed from underground springs.

Mexico Oceanfront Real Estate:City Bacalar

We made this road trip with the final destination being Chetumal, the state capital to do some business for my husband Thomas On the trip, we decided to stop for a bite to eat in the beautiful oceanfront town of Bacalar

In all fact, the city does not sit in front of the ocean, but it is a lagoon that feels like a summer lake Many buildings still have the Mayan style thatched roofs like the restaurant that we visited pictured to the left The afternoon was calm that Thursday, we saw one boat skimming along the waters and the rest of the water movement came from the birds and winds

The town is small with about 15,000 people, a very quaint downtown center, with a fort that hosts a local museum The town attracts visitors mainly because of the beautiful turquoise waters known as the lake of 7 colors

The water is fresh water and can be very attractive site for small sail boat or motor boat frequenters Many of the homes built along the waterfront put in docks for lounging and for tying up their boats.

Mexico Oceanfront Real Estate: Chetumal

15 or 20 minutes away from Bacalar, you find ChetumalChetumal is the state capital of Quintana Roo along the Mexico Caribbean ocean It is the furthest city to the south, bordering the southern country of Beliz Chetumal is about 250,000 in population and borders on the Chetumal bay

The bay is known for the natural life and especially the manitee marine mammels (sea cows)

It is a very peaceful capital Many state buildings and offices throughout each corner of the city, and museums that are located on the main avenue called Heroes

A new shopping center is operating on the northern part of the city with movie theatres, department stores, and food courts with various franchise establishments.

Downtown, one of the famous museums is the Museum of the Mayan Culture This is a great place to start to learn about the Mayan Culture and history for all of the Yucatan peninsula It shows and introduces the visitors to many ruins and important sites throughout the Mayan zone

The pyramids at Oxtankah were an amazing and memorable visit One of the few pyramids in Quintana Roo that is completely engulfed by the jungle

Alongside the Chetumal Bay these ruins are also one of the last few that the officials actually allow the visitors to walk up the structures to explore and learn

This site was believed to be inhabited during 200 upto 600 AC There are basically 5 structures all believed to be either administrative and ceremonial in their functions The body of one of the city's rulers was placed in this pyramid tomb

The Mayan would lay his arms and legs outstretched and his head would be pointing northward Here in the sacred buildings, priests would carry out ceremonies which would strengthen the rulers ties with their gods I know that many people when searching for a second home investment down here in Mexico, choose the location on basis of nearby attractions or cities to visitThe cities found along the Mexican Caribbean are fortunate to have many nearby attraction points to visit and explore Merida, Campeche, are gorgeous colonial cities full of history and culture Hundreds of miles of beaches to explore and cenotes to discover Mayan history and the ruins are found in practically every village and who knows, as many experts state, hundreds of Mayan structures have yet to be uncovered You might end up discovering a new pyramid yourself!

Beatriz www.TOPmexicorealestate.com

Homarus Americanus has arrived to MexicoAnd how delicious it is If you are wondering what exactly is this Americanus thing, well maybe this photo will clue you in.

Yes, this is lobster or better known as the Northern Lobster found on the north Atlantic coast of Canada and USA Did you know this lobster can vary in weight from 1/2 a kilo upto 4 kilos, yet have been seen to reach upto 20 kilos! Well, these lobsters are now available in some of the top quality Cancun restaurants, Playa del Carmen restaurants, Tulum restaurants, and various Riviera Maya restaurants here in Mexico!

The lobsters are being imported “live” from Canada They are being delivered to various internationally famous restaurants along the Riviera Maya coast with all care and attention to quality to ensure a delicious lobster meal Did you know that when a lobster takes on a posture of a jet, as seen in the photo to the right,it means that the lobster is happy of his environment and in good health

We spent the afternoon riding along the coast tasting and visiting with some of the region's, some of the country's, and I would say some of North America's top chefs to review this delicous sea food plate

To the left we see one chef and the suppliers discuss methods of preparing the seafood platter Did you know that the delicous lobster tail that we eat is not actually the tail but his abodomen

Finally, at the end of the afternoon, we get to sit down alongside the Mexican Caribbean Ocean to enjoy a fresh lobster platter that I won't forget for years to come I am sure

Did you know that non-Mexican citizens can be 100% owners of a Mexican corporation And with such a Mexican Corporation, you can purchase and sell Mexico Oceanfront properties under such entity Write to us for more information on this subject or for a list of restaurants where you can experience a memorable fresh North American Lobster dinner

Beatriz

Playa del Carmen Luxury real estate, and the Riviera Maya has been the attention of major five star developers over the past 2-3 years With the natural beauty of the Mexico Caribbean beaches, the crystal blue Cenotes, and thick green jungles,Mexico Oceanfront condos and Mexico Oceanfront properties have become …. a hot item for Mexico Luxury real estate buyers If you recall, the Lloyd's Real Estate team was invited out back in April which we were very impressed and fell in love with the developers and the Mayakoba Banyan Tree Mexico Luxury Real Estate project they were constructing See the blog that I wrote Mayakoba Playa del Carmen Real Estate Banyan Tree If you need help on any type of information about Playa del Carmen Mayakoba golf or Mayakoba real estate for sale… please feel free to contact me, or you can continue reading to learn little more of my own experience earlier this afternoon

Mayakoba Banyan Tree

Sunday afternoon my family and I were invited out to the Mayakoba Golf Course, “El Camaleon” I took the opportunity and took my kids along for a few lessons to see if we could detect any future promises or natural talent potential.

I was pleasently surprised!Both of my kids have talent!

The afternoon was gorgeousThe golf course, the Mayakoba grounds, holds an annual PGA tournament which is in February of each year This is the first and only PGA tournament held in Mexico Playa del Carmen real estate, and the Cancun real estate market is finding many new golf courses being introduced up and down the coast These new professionaly designed courses has brought yet another wonderful passtime for visitors and for people who own property here in the Riviera Maya.

Who REALLY needs lessons and a pro to fix his swing is the old man

There are nearly 15 Mexico golf courses here in the Mexican Caribbean You can click onto this link to find some further information on location, description of the golf courses, and fees Riviera Maya Golf Courses.

After the warm up, a quick round at the Mayakoba Banyan Tree course.

Can you imagine owning a Mayakoba real estate property and waking up to these fairways on the Mexican Caribbean ocean The entire enclosed grounds here in Banyan Tree are surronded by canals of transparent blue waters which have electric boat taxis to transport you from your private residenct docks to the club house, to the beach clubs, to the restaurants

Right after hole 14 we took a stroll along the Mexico Caribbean Mayakoba Oceanfront

The most incredible aspect of the Mayakoba Real Estate….is the layout You get lost completely in nature You never notice the structures or the buildings, they seem to be hidden in the canals, behind the jungle, beyond the dune It is you and your family and the beauties of nature This is a place where Sunday afternoon memories are created.

(If you would like a copy of this post please contact me, I will be very glad to work with you)

Thomas Lloyd www.TOPmexicorealestate.com

Doing a mortgage in mexico is not any different than doing a mortgage in the United States We are able to do a mortgage for United States Citizens, Canadian and British Citizens……You can get a loan up to 80% of the value of the home and we have full documentation and Stated Income loans We can do Constructions, Condo, Single Family Residence, Land or Lot loans and can also do cash out… I invite your questions and comments or call 860-399-7776

There have been several articles and news clips throughout various countries about the world wide inflationary pressures Inflation on the basic goods of everyday living including the obvious which is the cost of oil, but also the cost of Rice, Milk, and other food products.

A little more than a year ago, I collected some prices from the grocery store here in Playa del Carmen and I put them up on the web page to give new buyers an idea of the Mexico Costs (MEXICO COST OF LIVING FOOD COSTS year ago) Today, on my visit to the grocery store, I thought it would be interesting to see todays prices vs. those of last year, and also to compare with the readers prices from their home country Below are some costs on everyday food items.

Mexico Cost of Living Food Costs

I think it is very interesting to note that the prices here in Mexico have not jumped tremendously I hope this trend remains The food costs from our first collection, were already less expensive than many of our home country food costs If the prices have increased sharply in other countries, than the cost difference gaps will only widen with that of Mexico These daily costs of living have been some of the attractive factors which have brought and is bringing many Americans and Canadians to consider Mexico as full time retirement home or winter getaway home.

Beatriz Lozano www.TOPmexicorealestate.com

Last week I had the opportunity and pleasure to meet with Richard Lapper, Latin America Editor for the FINANCIAL TIMES Richard was visiting us from Brazil, to do a report and analysis on the Mexico Real Estate market, in particular the Mexican Riviera

What did we talk about

Real Estate

Puerto Aventuras has the attraction of being a closed gated community, golf course, and a marina here in the Middle of the Riviera Maya If you are a boat lover, this is paradise With the new expanded highway being constructed from Playa del Carmen south towards Tulum, it makes all road travel safer and more comfortable People are only 15 minutes from a Sams Club, Walmart, Mega Comercial, Soriana shopping centers, and the same distance to visit the famous 5th Avenue for their 100s of restaurants Hospitals.again on the south side of Playa del Carmen only 15 minutes from this community The marina, is the only residential marina in all of the Riviera Maya Tulum, approximately 30 minutes to the south, which allows for easy access to their ruins and amazing beaches Cenotes, many beaches, other golf courses and a new airport in Tulum…..Well, this community definitely needs to have a flag placed next to it for investors, for second home buyers, and for people planning on retiring to these parts of the country Other closed gated communities in the region may include Puerto Cancun, up in Cancun, which you can read a little more details from another post http://www.topmexicorealestate.com/blog/2008/05/10/new-cancun-preconstruction-condos-novo-cancun/

The average pricing on properties here in Puerto Aventuras runs for condos on the golf course approximately $1,800 – $2,000 usd per m2 Condos on the canal run approximately $2,000 – $2,300 per m2

A home would run at an average of about $450,000 usd on the golf course, and $900,000 usd on the canal (Canal lots have their own private slips and quite popular for boaters)

You can see and look up ACTUAL PRICES of properties in Puerto Aventuras Real Estate at this site www.topmexicorealestate.com

So who else is buying in Puerto Aventuras

Well, the demand is coming from second home buyers, but also from people who are working and living down here year round These people can be Mexican as well as foreigners (ex-pats) Playa del Carmen is not only one of the fasted growing communities in Latin America, but also the entire region Tulum has on their plans a new international airport The amount of hotel rooms existing today run a rough 3,000, but is projected to reach near 18,0000 We all know that population growth is the major factor for increase in pricing, so this has a major influence on the future pricing of this unique community It is a lovely community, small restaurants, little cafe, general store, drug store all exist within this “Mexico Retirement Community” settingYou can even swim with dolphins and visit the sea lions and a family of manatees (sea cows)

What has been going on during the 2008 season here in mexico

Mexico has traditionally been a cash market, unlike the USA, Canadian, and British markets, here in Mexico nearly 95% of all real estate transactions occur with cash, no financing (Side Note: during the President Fox administration, new programs to help the working class people here in Mexico have been introduced and established to give credit for the purchase of homes, the industry has boomed throughout the country) But, as my readers and people who my team and I help in Real Estate investments and purchases are Mexican Foreigners…… I normally research and study programs available for Non-Mexicans Over the past 2 years, several financial institutions have begun introducing credit available on Mexican properties to Mexican Foreigners This is still a very new program, and still has various obstacles to iron out in the process My experience has been that the majority of the buyers, finance their Mexican Real Estate Purchase using their home country assets as collateral BUT…. once the process of financing is improved, the quantity of potential buyers will INCREASE tremendously and of course….the pricing will increase tremendously tooRemember, this is oceanfront and canal front properties CARIBBEAN OCEANFRONT << READ POST ON MEXICO FINANCING>> How much time for financing to be more readily available I am guessing… maybe in about 3 or 4 years

- Thomas Lloyd www.topmexicorealestate.com