Mexico

Yucatan Real Estate: What type of home to choose?

Posted in Mexico on March 15th, 2012 by admin – Be the first to comment

When most buyers decide to purchase Yucatan home, the first type of home that they think of is an old colonial Yucatan home in Merida.  But the choice is not so restricted, they can also buy classic Mexico homes for sale in the nearby beachfront towns.  Here we will list out the type of homes ot choose from [from www.mexlistings.com]

Colonial Homes in Merida

There are lots of colonial homes in Merida because it has the second largest colonial city center. The buildings are well preserved and maintained. These are perfect for buyers who want a colonial feel.

If you choose to buy a home here in the old colonial city of Merida then you are centrally located. Shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, museums and libraries are just a short walking distance away.  The old city has a unique charm with colonial architecture dominating. Mariachi bands and an old world feel are very enchanting.

The city center is the cultural hub with concerts, museums, art galleries abound.  There are lot of expats also from America, Canada and Europe which are very active and friendly. [from www.mexlistings.com]

Classic Beachfront Homes

Classic beachfront homes can be found in the nearby port town. These are very ideal choices because you get classic homes on the most beautiful beaches. The expat community is small but very close. The Merida is a short drive away but still very conveniently located.   [from www.mexlistings.com]

In the end the buyer will have to judge which lifestyle suits more.

How to choose your Playa del Carmen real estate agent

Posted in Mexico, Playa del Carmen on October 6th, 2010 by admin – Be the first to comment

When looking for Playa del Carmen real estate, it can definitely be a good idea to take a little look around while you’re down on vacations, see what’s for sale, what kinds of neighborhoods you like, etc. But what about your agent?

Easy, just call the number on the sign, right?

No. Here’s a very important point: your search for the agent to represent you in your real estate search and transaction should be a separate process, independent of finding the right property. Why?

The agent on the sign might not be the most qualified agent to ensure that you find the best property for you, and guide you through the process safely.
This agent might be dedicated to selling that property in particular. It is always to your advantage to have a variety of suitable properties shown.
How should you go about finding the right agent, then?

You can start buy checking on the internet, asking around town (if you are there) or talking to friends who have already bought.
Ask your agent for references, qualifications (certificates, degrees), experience, etc.
Make sure you feel confident with this person and know that you can trust them; this is a big decision for you.
Also, don’t think that just because it’s a big, international name, that they are more qualified. They could be, but make sure you research and ask for proof; don’t assume anything. Just like the agent you saw on the sign, they could be a good option, but you always need to do your homework to check things out, and find the best option.

After making contact with an agent, if you feel they are pressuring you to make a decision about property, you might want to find another option. This includes pressure to buy only one certain property, pressure to make a decision quickly without getting all available information, or evaluating your own needs and finances.

An agent who offers further information, and more options, on the other hand, is probably a good sign that they want to help you find what is best for you.

These guidelines apply to Mexico real estate in general. Go ahead, do some personal property and neighborhood research, on-line, using MLS listings, and while on vacation, but don’t fall into the trap of thinking that this replaces the search for your agent. If you invest the time into doing your agent search properly, the property search and buying process will go much more smoothly!

Exciting Mexico Honeymoons

Posted in Mexico on September 27th, 2010 by admin – 2 Comments

Mexico honeymoons have a little something to offer everyone. The coastal regions of the country have been highly developed into tourist towns, destination cities, and honeymoon havens for those who seek a romantic and scenic getaway. There are many different exotic cities to visit and plenty of places that you can choose to stay.

You can find your destination either by location or simply based on the different amenities or activities that you seek for your trip. Some people who enjoy hiking and other active adventures will have different ideas of great locations for a honeymoon than those who are looking for a five star resort on one of the many white sand beaches that offers all of the pampering that a person could ask for.

Resorts for Mexico honeymoons come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles. If you want a room with a view and a spa package that rivals the best in the world, you can find it in Mexico. If you want a cabin or a private room on the water that is secluded and romantic, there are resorts that offer that, as well. You can even have room service and concierge services deliver champagne, wine, flowers, and other romantic items to your room at any time in many of the resorts. Some even include honeymoon packages that will offer a romantic bed of flowers, a bubble bath for two with rose petals and candlelight and other romantic gestures that are sure to set the mood for your honeymoon.

Cozumel, Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta, and even Cancun offer some of the best Mexico honeymoons that you could ask for. The resorts are all top-rate destinations, and include many different amenities for every type of person that visits. Some popular resorts include the Hyatt Cancun Caribe Resorts, the Villas in Cancun, the Fairmont Acapulco, Las Rocas Resort and Spa, The Westin in Puerto Vallarta, and El Cozumeleno Beach Resort in Cozumel. These resorts have spa treatments, fitness centers, private pools, Jacuzzis, and much more to provide the most romantic backdrop possible for your honeymoon.

There are many different destinations that you can visit and tourist attractions that you can see during your Mexico honeymoons, including exotic cities, local shopping, and even water activities like day cruises and snorkeling excursions in the crystal clear waters of the Pacific Ocean or Gulf of Mexico. For a romantic, adventurous, and unforgettable honeymoon, Mexico has something for everyone.

Playa del Carmen Condos less than $150,000 – Great Locations

Posted in Mexico on August 20th, 2010 by admin – Be the first to comment

When most people imagine a condo in Playa del Carmen they think of luxury on the beachfront with luxury prices. The good news for buyers on a lower budget is that cheap Mexico real estate is available in Playa del Carmen, while still offering the relaxation, services, warm-weather and high quality of life, not to mention close proximity to the beachfront. Several examples of Playa del Carmen condos for sale at less than $150,000 will demonstrate this point well.

One prime example is what may be the cheapest condo available in Playacar, Playa del Carmen’s original upscale gated neighborhood. This well kept-up 2 bedroom unit includes 2 bathrooms with a jacuzzi, specially designed cypress kitchen cupboards and closets in the bedroom, a balcony overlooking the complex’s poolside yard, and, overall, high-quality fixtures and finishing from the current owner’s investment. The current owner’s family outgrew the condo, and has already relocated to a new one, and so it is an urgent sale.

The asking price is only $125,000; condos in neighboring units are selling at about $140,000 (still well worth the price, after this one sells). Throughout Playacar, it is unlikely that buyers will find a unit cheaper than this one. This unit is near the west entrance of the community, and within walking distance to a Sam’s Club, a new mall with a large-screen movie theater and a golf course. The north entrance to the community is very close to Playa del Carmen’s famous 5th Avenue, a nice, outdoor shopping center and the beachfront. The north enterance is about a 5 -10 minute bike ride away – bike trails run along Playacar’s main roads. The streets in the community are tree-lined, quiet and safe.

Heading downtown, a cozy, 1 bedroom condo about 3 blocks from the beach can be found for as low as $105,000 U.S. While these units are not in the tree-lined, gated community of Playacar, they enjoy the convenience of being downtown, only a short walk from both 5th Avenue and the beach. Also nearby is a Walmart, many restaurants and a complete range of services.

For those who prefer a resort community outside of town, in Coral Maya, for example, an elegant new 2 bedroom condo can be found for as low as $105,000. This type of community provides a relaxing, quiet neighborhood, away from town, in new, modern atmosphere, with close access to nature and to Playa del Carmen’s beaches.

While these condo’s are not directly on the beachfront, each example is only a short distance away, often only a comfortable walk. They are also close to many other services and conveniences, and are available for a much more accessible price than Playa del Carmen’s well-developed reputation leads many to believe. To find a condo within your price range that suits your needs, start looking today.

Travel Made Easier With New Flights for Cozumel Real Estate

Posted in Mexico on August 23rd, 2010 by admin – Be the first to comment

New flight options coming available will give Cozumel Real Estate buyers increased convenience for visiting nearby cities and sites of interest. While Cozumel MLS properties have the benefit of being within close access to the islands many beautiful attractions, such as the Mezoamerican Reef for diving, excellent snorkeling locations and Mayan ruins, no name only a few, they also have the benefit of being close to many of Mexico’s top visitor destinations, making for excellent weekend outings.

The typical choice for travel to and from the mainland is a ferry to Playa del Carmen, which is 45 minutes away; from there Cancun and Tulum are less than an hour away, as well as the many beautiful sites of the Yucatan peninsula. These include the world-famous Mayan pyramids at Chichen Itza (now one of new Seven Wonders of the World), the beautiful colonial cities of Merida and Campeche, a remote, natural flamingo habitat, where, after arriving by boat, you can see the birds in their natural setting.

But all access to this is becoming easier. Besides the Playa del Carmen ferry, there are also well-priced and convenient flight options for MLS property shoppers to consider when making their choice to make Cozumel their new home. One flight operator, MAYAir, currently offers flights to Cancun and Merida for very accessible prices. The operator is also planning to offer flights directly to Chichen Itza for the summer of 2010, for quick, direct access for visiting these amazing pyramids, and for the special events which take place there, such as the Elton John concert in March 2010.

The principal purpose of these flights is quick access for cruise visitors who extend their stay in Cozumel. The recent decision of the Pullmantur cruise company to make Cozumel a Home Port means that cruise travelers will not just be stopping over in Cozumel, but will be arriving to await their cruises here, and many will stay up to a week afterwards. In addition to the new real estate opportunities that increased tourist stays will create, there will also be new conveniences, such as these new flight options from Cozumel.

International travel to and from home is already highly convenient for American and Canadian property owners here, since the island has its own international airport. Flight options are also expanded with the nearby Cancun International Airport.

MAYAir is relatively new, having started operations in early March, reaching 20% of its passenger capacity after 20 days from 20% and 50% for Easter, showing potential to become an excellent regular provider of transportation to local areas for Cozumel Real Estate owners. The flights already show a tendency for foreign property owners on the island traveling to Merida for vacation and for business.