Every thing About Mexico

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!

Playa del Carmen Real Estate – Playa del Carmen, Mexico is a strong growing investment market. New businesses are coming up left and right. The Mall of America is being built on the north end of town. There is a new shopping area on the south end of town as well and a new Sorania grocery store, Price Club, and a huge Cineplex. There is also a new hospital just outside of Playacar.

All this growth is imperative to provide infrastructure and services to help support the permanent population base and allow the tourist area to develop as it needs to, to support the increased tourism.

 Playa del Carmen has seen great rental returns and increased value in real estate holdings! Many investors who bought multiple units in pre-construction are selling now. This is giving Playa del Carmen an inventory base of good value new condos and villas complete and ready to move into. There are plenty of quality new projects in the works around town and still they are selling out before they are complete. For the buyer who prefers to stand in the condo and see the view rather than buy off building plans, there are also great opportunities. Whether you prefer pre-construction opportunities or finished construction, Playa del Carmen has a lot to offer with a very exciting future. Playa del Carmen has the best of both worlds for their investors.

If you’ve ever dreamed of living in Europe, with its rich cultural heritage, beautiful Mediterranean beaches, and relaxed lifestyle, here’s some good news for you; you don’t have to go as far as Europe, or pay prices that high. Playa del Carmen real estate, on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, offers a very similar lifestyle, only a couple of hours from home, and at a much more accessible price.

One neighborhood in Playa del Carmen, the north end of Downtown, including half of Fifth Avenue, the city’s main pedestrian street with restaurants, bars and shops, has been settled by a very large number of Italians. These same Italians have invested opening hotels, restaurants and cafes, offering you can sit down in a stylish sidewalk cafe, sipping cappuccino, or enjoying find Italian cuisine, as relaxed tourists and local residents walk by enjoying the warm weather and relaxing atmosphere. All the buildings are low-rise, adding to the distinct image.

Italians aren’t the only ones contributing to this area’s lifestyle; many Americans (the only non-Mexican group which surpasses the Italians in numbers) have also opened interesting little restaurants and shops. There are a number of Argentinian grills and bars ideal for enjoying international soccer games.

Of course, a key consideration is the types of properties available. Between Fifth Avenue and the beach, there are many established communities, as well as new developments in the Little Italy area, a block or two from both the area’s beautiful beaches, and activity of Fifth Avenue. Some quaint little homes originally built for local Mexicans are also being remodelled and are on the market for very good prices; these back from the beach, and are mixed into new condos, fruit shops, bakeries and local taco restaurants.

Besides the fact that one of these properties will cost you a fraction of what a property in Europe would cost (starting as low as $100,000 USD), the cost of life is lower than both Europe and the United States. Day to day goods (available in excellent variety in Walmart and similar stores nearby) cost considerably less, furniture and large-ticket purchase have noticeable savings, and bills are lower. No wonder so many Italians are moving here!

What’s more, Mexico’s economy has been showing excellent resilience in the face of global economic turmoil, as opposed to the distressed cases of Europe’s Mediterranean, and even in some ways fairing better than the U.S. (Unemployment is only at 4%!) Real estate values have also been showing a more constant appreciation, and better chances of return for investors.

Consider a European lifestyle close to home, and for a very accessible cost of living! Consider Playa del Carmen real estate.

While the majority of condominiums – in Playa del Carmen, as well as many other places throughout Mexico and beyond – have a kind of box-like shape, placed in the square form that fits into the building. While many fine condos take this form, it’s refreshing to find a Playa del Carmen Condos which makes better use of building lay out to offer more interesting and liveable shape to the units.

In this particular downtown condo, the central hallway runs at a diagonal through the central part of the floor plan. The corner unit, which starts at the end of the hall, has an unique room layout, with two bedrooms facing one wall, where there is a round balcony, and the living room on the other wall; the kitchen is sort of kitty corner to both, but “overlapping” the living room. In the corner of the unit, facing both walls, kitty corner to the kitchen is the third bedroom.

The one and two bedroom units also offer a unique room lay out; while all the rooms are square in each size of unit, they are not lined up in a row – a feel that most condo lay outs give.

Besides unique design, the condos include an excellent set of amenities, such as an elevator, underground parking with security and a rooftop pool with a view of the ocean. The condo complex is a block away from Walmart, and only 4 blocks away from Playa del Carmen’s Fifth Avenue, where residents can enjoy excellent restaurants, shops ranging from local art displays to nick nack stores, trendy cafes or just a pleasant evening walk. Just past Fifth Avenue is the world-famous Caribbean beachfront with its soft sand and turquoise waters.

This complex offers 1 bedroom units for as low as $170,000, with the larger units running up to about $400,000. This development also used the unique design of the building to offer 1,2 and 3 bedroom condos, while most complexes offer only 2 options.

These Playa del Carmen Condos are truly among the best combination of design, convenience, location and price available.

While the Mexico condo market has been a very stable one, generally retaining values, and being quick to show positive appreciation after the recession, some motivated sellers have chosen to offer price reductions for quick sale. With the bulk of the recession-based reductions disappearing quickly, these reductions are a key opportunity for buyers.

Several Playa del Carmen condos – a market which has done well in offering return to investors – fall into this category. The following are two recent outstanding examples.

1. Downtown condo, 5th Avenue

$139,000 USD – Reduced from $175,000 USD

This condo is located a block from Fifth Avenue, the main street in Playa del Carmen with plenty of shops, restaurants and bars, and two blocks from the beachfront. With over 1000 square feet of space, it includes 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, and is a rustic, more traditionally Mexican looking building. The unit comes with furnishings and the condo complex includes a pool and lounge area. It is a very low price for the location, and has good potential rental income.

2. Playacar Oceanfront Condo

$425,000 USD – Reduced from $469,000 USD

This amazing 3 bedroom condo is located in Playacar, Phase I, Playa del Carmen’s original gated, upscale beachfront community. The location is quiet, and it directly next to the beach, which was widened in early 2010. It is near the entrance, only a block or two away from Fifth Avenue and the dock from which the boat leaves for Cozumel. There is a pool, and a poolside bar (you don’t have to leave the pool to enjoy it.) There are 2 bathrooms and several luxury features such air conditioning in each room, and granite counters. Super potential for high vacation rental income, or excellent for a primary or vacation residence.

These are only 2 examples; watch the Playa del Carmen condo market and keep in touch with an experienced Mexico agent to help you find these kinds of deals in a thriving market.