Best Real Estate in Cabo, Mexico

If you are looking to find the best real estate in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, then Villa La Estancia should be at the top of your list!

Villa La Estancia – Best real estate in Cabo

The Villa La Estancia Cabo resort overlooks the iconic El Arco landmark which is one of the most defining features of Cabo’s natural surroundings. This is prime real estate in a highly sought after area of Los Cabos. Better still there are both full and fractional ownership option available; both give you access to the 5 star amenities and services of the hotel, too. This is an opportunity to enjoy a truly magnificent lifestyle in Cabo.

Best Real Estate in Cabo San Lucas

Villa La Estancia Cabo San Lucas has been praised for world class services offered in a tranquil setting, and it has really put property ownership in Mexico on the map for foreign nationals. Can you imagine the scene upon arrival; your private, beachfront home is in sight of the El Arco rock formation and glittering waves, and the hacienda style villa is the envy and delight of the friends and family who come to see you!

Impeccable Cabo Real Estate

The properties here are impeccable, high-end, and utterly amazing for anyone who is after an investment in this area! The beach in front of the resort is safe for swimming (one of the few in Cabo) you are just a short walk or taxi ride from the downtown area. Imagine all of this plus having full VIP access to all the resort’s facilities. Furthermore this is the only real estate option in Medano Beach which offers both full and fractional ownership options with deeds.

The Best Residences

Your prime real estate options at Villa La Estancia in Cabo San Lucas come in the form of 3 bedroom villas, 2 bedroom villas, and penthouses, all decorated in a sophisticated colonial/hacienda style. All villas have fully equipped kitchens and elegant lounges and dining areas as well as double glazing, steel appliances, marble floors, whirlpool tubs, walk-in closets, and maple cabinetry. However, perhaps the cherry on the cake that make these residences the best real estate in Cabo are the views.

If you want to know more about purchasing the best real estate in Cabo San Lucas, then feel free to call us on 18774991901 to speak to someone about the residences that are currently on offer.

Homeowners and Hurricanes in Mexico

In the summer season when temperatures reach their peak in the northern hemisphere of the country, Mexico can become host to some powerful and unpredictable storms. Hurricanes are born over the open ocean and gather strength there until they make landfall. If you are interested in becoming a homeowner in Mexico and are concerned about the effects of hurricanes in Mexico, read on.

Hurricanes

Hurricane is the name given to tropical cyclones that form in the Atlantic and northern Pacific area. They are storms of high intensity which often show sustained wind speeds of at least 74 miles per hour. They can cause serious damage when they first make landfall, and this can carry on inland when they are particularly big, though they begin to lose power as they progress over land, eventually become a rainstorm once they lose potency.

Mexico’s Hurricane Watch

Late Spring to late Autumn constitutes as hurricane season, but most years the hurricane force storms will appear in late summer or early autumn. It is impossible to predict such storms with any level of precision, of course, how frequently such storms will occur and with what frequency. In Mexico in particular tropical and hurricane force storms are most common between July and October, with September and October in particular being high risk, when the weather is hottest.

Hurricanes in Mexico

Effects of Hurricanes for homeowners in Mexico

Modern technology has made it possible to monitor, track, and mitigate the worst effects of hurricanes in Mexico. Weather monitoring systems, communications technology, modern building specifications, and of course advances in medicine have made casualties and fatalities much less common.

People who live in hurricane prone areas, of course, are more used to the annual storm activity and know how to prepare, weather, and respond to these storms. In Mexico even contemporary hotels are built to withstand earthquakes, hurricanes, and cyclones. No one is immune to the dangers posed by mother nature, but advances in technology have meant that we are no longer entirely at her mercy.

Protection and insurance

Homeowners in the most storm prone areas of Mexico’s coasts will be well aware of the fore-warning systems and procedures in place to ensure that they have time to evacuate with their families, and they will also be insured against loss and damage. This is true of the hotels, too.

Historic hurricanes

One of the most notable of recent hurricanes in Mexico was Hurricane Wilma, which hit the Yucatán peninsula in 2005 and caused huge damage to Cancun and the surrounding areas. Hurricane Patricia in 2015 caused great concern as meteorologists described it as the ‘strongest storm on record’, though when it made landfall on the Pacific coast it lost its potency almost as quickly as it had formed, causing damage to a limited area that was relatively unpopulated. In 2002 Hurricane Kenna caused damage, mainly from flooding and storm surges, when it hit the San Blas area to the north of Banderas Bay.

Safety at Villa La Estancia

You can rest assured that both the buildings and the team at the Villa La Estancia properties in Cabo San Lucas and Riviera Nayarit are fully prepared for eventualities such as hurricanes, meeting all the necessary health and safety requirements. The properties were constructed to withstand high winds and flash tides, and have areas within the complex that offer additional protection in the event of particularly destructive hurricanes, as well as an emergency generator. The staff are also fully trained to follow the emergency instructions from local authorities to ensure the safety of all owners, guests and personnel.</p

Recommended article: Interesting Facts about Banderas Bay

Riviera Nayarit Real Estate For Weekend Getaways

If you have been considering buying a weekend vacation property somewhere sunny you should seriously consider Riviera Nayarit on Mexico’s Banderas Bay. Not only is this a lovely vacation destination within easy reach of major US and Canadian cities, but you will find that it’s not so difficult or complex as you would imagine to own real estate here, even for weekend getaways.

Villa La Estancia – Riviera Nayarit Real Estate for Weekend Getaways

When you buy a residence at Villa La Estancia Riviera Nayarit, you will have access to many great benefits and perks that make owning real estate a convenient investment, even for weekend getaways. When it comes down to things like maintenance and security (common concerns for long-distance owners), Villa La Estancia Riviera Nayarit real estate is a totally stress free option. Better still you get all the benefits of both home-ownership and resort living without all of the heavy responsibilities that sometimes come with owning a second home in a foreign country. How? Read on:

Discover how Villa La Estancia real estate is a great option for weekend getaways.

Short travel time to Riviera Nayarit

One great thing about Riviera Nayarit real estate is how accessible it is when you live in the USA and/or Canada. From cities like Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Laredo the average direct flight will take only 1 to 3 hours to Puerto Vallarta airport, which is about 20 minutes drive from Villa La Estancia by taxi. If you live farther north in a city like Toronto or Seattle it will take a little longer, but you’ll still find the time you get in your home will be worth the travel and feasible for a weekend getaway.

Mexican owners and expats living in other parts of Mexico

Riviera Nayarit is a huge favorite with locals, Mexican nationals as well as international tourists; it’s not uncommon for people to make the 4.5 hour drive from Guadalajara for a weekend getaway. There are even some who will fly or drive from Mexico City, Tijuana, Monterrey, and Leon to enjoy all that this region has to offer.

The homeowners association makes it simple

You could be forgiven for thinking that it will simply be too much work to manage your Riviera Nayarit real estate when you’re not in it, but Villa La Estancia’s Homeowners Association ensures that all common areas are well-kept. This is just one more thing that you don’t need to worry about, and one more thing that will make you happy to arrive at your second home; there’s little that can match a well-kept pool and lounging area when it comes to lifting travel weary spirits.

24-hour Security Provides Peace of Mind

Villa La Estancia also has 24/7 on site security to ensure that you feel your home, your person, and your investment is safe whether you’re in your property or not. Furthermore, all homes in this gated community are fitted with top of the line locks and windows as well as other security features.

Rental income

The stunning waterfront setting offered by Villa La Estancia properties in Riviera Nayarit is not only beautiful; in the local area you will find great bars, restaurants, family attractions, and cultural sites. This also means that when you’re not using your vacation home you can rent it out to cover transport costs and even make some profit!

So, as you can see, buying Riviera Nayarit Real Estate for Weekend Getaways could be one of the best choices you make!

Enjoy our Try and Buy Program!

Mexico Ranks No 8 For International Tourism

Based on 2016 statistics, the United Nations World Tourism Organization ranks Mexico as the 8th most popular destination globally for international tourism. The world tourism rankings are sent out three times per year; they rate countries based on the number of international visitors that arrive as well as the revenue tourism (both inbound and outbound) generates. Mexico has beaten popular destinations like Turkey, Thailand, Portugal, Greece, and the Dominican Republic for the number 8 spot.

Reasons for Mexico’s Popularity for international tourism

According to an article in El Universal, the Mexican newspaper, one of the reasons for Mexico’s sudden increase in popularity in recent years comes from the favorable exchange rates which Canadian, American, and European tourists are experiencing. The article published in July this year claims that the number of tourists coming to Mexico has risen to 64% over the last five years, That amounts to around 9.6 million people visiting the country in 2016 alone!

Nonetheless, Mexico was a popular destination for international tourism even before such favorable exchange rates; the wide range of destinations go from the mountainous and arid to lush and jungle studded. And of course, there are the beach hotspots. Better yet there are many low-cost charter flights from North America and Canada (and even some from Europe). The culture, food, and cultural attractions in the tourist destinations alone will make the trip worthwhile.

Safety in Mexico for international tourism

There are some common misconceptions that people hold about Mexico as a country, and they are often based on the news headline which focus on the troubles some parts of the country have (most notably the US-Mexican border). The major tourist hotspots like Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, and Riviera Maya, however, are safer than many US and European cities. Law abiding visitors are in little danger so long as they exercise the same caution as they would at home.

So, why do you think that Mexico is ranked amongst the top 10 for international tourism? Dont forget to leave your comments below!

Recommended article: Invest in Mexican Real Estate for Vacation Rentals

What is a Fideicomiso? – Q&A Real Estate in Puerto Vallarta

What is a Fideicomiso?

A Fideicomiso is the name of a real estate trust in Mexico which enables foreign nationals to own property within the restricted zones in Mexico. The Trustee is a Mexican bank of the individual’s choosing, though the foreign national remains the named beneficiary of the trust. This means that the beneficiary retains all control of the leasing, improvement, assignment, and sale of the property; it’s not a lease, but similar to a Living Trust in the US. Simply put, the property is placed into a trust owned by the individual, but administered by the bank.

Why do I need a Fideicomiso?

If you are intending to buy real estate in Mexico’s “restricted zones,” which includes land around the coasts and borders of Mexico you will need to enter this arrangement. The purpose is to protect Mexican land and prevent the kind of massive land loss that was experienced in the past whilst still allowing for foreign nationals to own land in the restricted areas of the country. This was made an option as an alternative to amending the Mexican Constitution; homes over 62 miles from the coasts and borders can be bought without a Fideicomiso, though some people opt to have one anyway as there are some additional benefits.

Is your trust an asset of the bank?

No. If you have a Fideicomiso the trust is not an asset of your chosen bank. The bank are stewards of the trust, and you and those you designate are the beneficiaries of this trust. This means that, because your trust is not an asset of the bank, it is not exposed or vulnerable to any legal action against the bank.

For how long does the Fideicomiso last?

The trust is initially established for 50 years after which it can be renewed with a simple form and fee. All trusts are set in 50-year increments and the possibility of renewal is guaranteed in perpetuity.

How much does a fideicomiso cost?

At present, it costs around $500 USD per year.

Can the Government take my property?

Not without good reason, fair compensation, and a legal condemnation proceeding, just like any land in Mexico.

Foreigners often worry about their land and property being vulnerable to expropriation by the Mexican Government, but under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Mexico may not directly or indirectly expropriate property except for a public purpose like road building. Fair compensation means the inclusion of accrued interest and market values.

Can I get a fideicomiso for ejido land?

No. Any land dubbed “ejido” is land that only a Mexican National can own legally, and even then only when they meet strict criteria and in certain circumstances. Ejido land is the only land in Mexico without a title and is intended for those Mexicans who work the land.

Is Living in Mexico Safe for Foreigners?

Although there are isolated incidents of violence that occur, they are almost exclusively related to drug cartels who retaliate against their rivals, most often happening around border towns like Ciudad Juarez where cartels battle for power. The media has sadly and unfairly given Mexico a bad reputation, but huge numbers of expats and retirees who live there know there is another side to this wonderful country. If you are thinking about living in Mexico, here are some tips on how to stay safe:

Make Your Home in a Well-traveled Region

Mexico is home to several coastal areas and cities found all over the country that have drawn large expat communities. Places like Cabo and Puerto Vallarta are particularly appealing to people because they are famously safe and welcoming.

Use Common Sense

Although the unfortunate reality is that drug-related violence can be a problem in certain parts of Mexico, if you are not friendly with anyone in a cartel or buy illegal drugs, it is highly unlikely that you would ever become involved in a dangerous situation. Rather than choosing random victims, cartel members attack their rivals or their families for vengeance, not for the thrill of committing a crime. Keep in mind that no matter where you are in the world, you can never totally safeguard yourself against random crime. In fact, there are many cities worldwide with much higher crime rates than Mexico, including some in the United States. As long as you don’t hang around in certain areas known for danger in big cities or border towns, you should be fine.

Driving Through the Country

Be sure to do some research ahead of time if you have decided to drive across the border from the United States. Only cross the border during the day and pick a border area known for its safety. After you have crossed into Mexico, driving in daylight hours and stopping before dark is highly recommended. One more safety tactic is to choose toll roads which should filter out most, if not all, undesirable roadmates.

Ensure Your Safety

If you want to take it one step further, you can even look for a home within a gated community or hire your own personal 24 hour security. You will enjoy peace of mind whether you are home or away knowing that your home is being looked after.

Head south of the border and move to Mexico, where you can live safely and have a great time doing it!

Recommended article: Why Mexico Tops the List for Happiness

Voladores de Papantla in Banderas Bay

Strolling along the famous “malecon” (boardwalk) is one of the most sought out activities for residents and locals living in Banderas Bay. The beautiful Puerto Vallarta waterfront is actually the heart and soul of the bay. This is where you will find many varieties of boutiques, eateries, bars, as well as unique statues and sculptures that are situated along the boardwalk, However, there is one sight that you won’t want to miss: the Voladores de Papantla. The Voladores de Papantla (Flyers of Papantla) are a tradition throughout Mexico, though they originated in the state of Veracruz. The ritualistic acrobatics of the performers is incredible as they soar through the sky playing instruments.

Voladores de Papantla in Banderas Bay

On the north end of the malecon, you will see a large pole rising from the beach where the talented and amazing performers wait each day to delight visitors, performing several shows a day. The acrobats are dressed in vibrant, traditional embroidered outfits, which look spectacular as they spin around the pole in this special ritual.

The Birdmen

The five voladores are sometimes translated as “birdmen” because they fly through the air. In order to perform this ceremonial ritual, they climb to the top of the pole where they will sit patiently for the master spinner to get to the top of the pole. The master spinner will begin to play a flute, emitting a very distinct tune that you won’t be able to get out of your head for hours afterwards. The four other birdmen will tie one foot with a rope to the top of the pole, then they will each start spinning slowly falling upside down until they each reach the ground. Each of the men will spin 13 times to mimic the cycles of the moon.

Where did this tradition begin?

Hundreds of years ago, ancient legend has it that in central Mexico a sacred ceremony was created in response to a severe drought. The land was ravaged, bringing about starvation and extreme hunger. The locals wanted to please the gods so they would release the rain, believing that the gods were starting to feel neglected. So they created this ceremony.

Five young men were sent into the forest to find the tallest tree. After they had asked and received permission from the mountain god, the men removed all the branches from the tree and cut it down. They dragged the tall trunk back to the village and erected it to create a very tall pole. Then, the five men dressed up as birds, climbing to the top of the tree pole to get the gods’ attention. One of the men remained at the top playing music while the four men jumped from the pole. Legend has it that the gods were pleased and rewarded them with rain.

Ancient Ritual Intangible Cultural Heritage

UNESCO has recognized this ritual as part of Mexico’s intangible culture heritage and is thus protected.

For everyone who visits or lives Banderas Bay the Voladores de Papantla are certainly one of the highlights.

See more activities to enjoy in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit here. 

Why Own a Residence with 5-Star hotel Services?

Why Own a Residence with 5-Star hotel Services? The benefits of owning a second home in the sunshine are many, but did you know that there are specific benefits which come with homes on hotel grounds? At the Villa La Estancia in Riviera Nayarit or Cabo San Lucas, when you opt to purchase real estate you also have access to all of the resorts’ 5-star amenities and services. This means that you can use the spa, the tennis courts, the pool, and make use of the activities program if you wish!

We’ve listed below the benefits you get when you own a residence with 5-star hotel services:

Guaranteed Quality

Not only do you get the familiar feeling of home when you return to a vacation property, but you have the same quality assurances as you would if you were staying with the hotel itself. You can expect the best in terms of architectural design, construction, finishings and fittings, furnishings, and appliances
 and, of course, the very best service from the staff on site!

VIP Living

When you buy a property from a 5-star hotel you’re buying into a lifestyle which will see you being treated like a VIP every day of your stay. When you stay at your home at Villa La Estancia, the staff will know your name and can be called upon to help with anything you may require (even if you’re living here full time!). It’s like an endless, luxury vacation.

Professional Homeowners Association

Amongst the other benefits of the 5-star services and amenities, you will have access to is the fact that you will be represented by a team of professionals. They will make sure that your voice as a homeowner is heard, and to ensure that you can be certain of the standards you will experience in both common areas and your home.

Luxury pools and beach with waiter service

That’s right when you own a residence that has hotel services you can enjoy poolside waiter service and snacks at one of the resort’s pools, and you can even have waiter service while you’re on the beach!

Spa, Gym and tennis courts

When you own a residence with hotel services you don’t need to worry about joining a fitness club or gym; you can make use of the basketball and squash courts, the pools, and the gym for free!

Room service and private chef

What might surprise you, however, is that you can also enjoy room service as an owner! If that doesn’t take your fancy, or you have a special event to celebrate, you can also hire the hotels private chef to make you a special meal.

Activities

The resorts activities program is open to owners and guests alike.

24-Hour Security

You need never worry about your property or safety; this area is within a gated community with 24-hour security.

If you want information about how to own a residence with 5-Star hotel services at Villa La Estancia please call:
Villa La Estancia Cabo – 1 877 499 1901
Villa La Estancia Riviera Nayarit – 1 866 843 7005

Unique Experiences in Cabo – Swimming with Whale Sharks

When you become a resident in Cabo, you will discover there is no end to your enjoyment as you can access a whole host of activities. Swimming with whale sharks is just one example of the kind of unique experiences that await you and your loved ones in Cabo. This is the perfect activity during the early winter months through the late springtime. The feeding waters where you can find herds of the harmless shark species are just a quick boat ride from Cabo, and you can enjoy tours that allow you to swim alongside these gentle giants that come to the area each year because of the abundant food supply and warmer waters.

The Biggest Fish Species in the world

Whale sharks are the biggest fish species in the world as they can reach 18-32 feet in length and weigh more than twenty tons. There have been numerous sightings of whale sharks being longer than 40 feet! These gentle and magnificent creatures are slow moving filter feeders and can live up to seventy years.

A Shark or a Whale?

Whale sharks are, indeed, a type of shark and not a whale. They were named whale sharks due to their enormous size, which is more comparable to a whale. Don’t let their massive body size intimidate you, because the whale sharks don’t cause any danger or threats to human beings.

Whale Sharks Up Close

While the whale sharks are easier to watch while diving or snorkeling, it can also be done on a boat. The whale sharks swim very slowly at a pace around 3 MPH and they don’t pay any attention to humans in the water near them. The diet of a whale shark is made up of small fish, plankton, and plants that are microscopic, and they filter their foods through their gills, which is why they are virtually harmless to people. Because whale sharks swim near the ocean surface to feed, it makes it easy to see the whale sharks up close.

Swimming with Gentle Giants

It’s no surprise that swimming with whale sharks is a highly sought out activity in Cabo San Lucas. Any person that is brave and loves a daring experience should go on this activity. You should reserve a boat excursion spot that will take you to where the whale sharks are feeding, then if you see the whale sharks you can just jump right in and have an experience that you will remember forever.

Protect the Whale Shark Species

The whale sharks species are protected as they are an endangered species. At one time the whale sharks were in abundance around the world in the ocean waters. The Mexican and international laws protects the whale sharks, so if you are wanting to swim with the whale sharks you should look for a touring company that is reputable. They must obtain a license for whale shark touring. These compa.ies will ask you to wear sunscreen that is organic and biodegradable, so the whale sharks are protected. The laws in Mexico only permit two people to enter the waters along with their guide to swimming with whale sharks.

Photo credits: Cabo Adventures Facebook page.

Read more about what to do in Cabo San Lucas here.

Is it possible to Purchase Real Estate Legally in Mexico?

You might have heard that there is no way for a foreign national to legally purchase real estate within Mexico. This is largely due to the constitutional limitations put upon the ownership of land and real estate by foreign nationals within 50 km (31 miles) of the coast and 100km (62 miles) of the international borders. Nonetheless, it is more than possible to purchase real estate legally in Mexico as a foreign national; you simply need to have the land held in trust through a fideicomiso. Thankfully, this process is very simple and straightforward since there are plenty of top Mexican banks willing to get involved these days.

Fideicomisos and Bank Trust Institutions

If you wish to purchase real estate in the restricted zones around Mexico (such as in Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit or Cabo) you will need to establish a fideicomiso, or trust deed, through a bank. The bank will then act as a trustee on your behalf; they will manage and oversee the trust in question, but you will retain all of the rights of ownership to the property in question. This means that you will be able to occupy, rent, transfer, sell, or bequeath in a will the property. The requirement to have a fideicomiso in place for property around the coasts and borders of Mexico does not, however, make it illegal for foreign nationals to own land or property in these area.

Renewable Bank Trusts

The initial life of a fideicomiso bank trust is fifty years, and at the end of this term the trust can be renewed for another fifty years, and so on in perpetuity. If you choose to sell your property at a later date to another foreign national the fideicomiso can be transferred, or cancelled so that they can set up their own, and if you sell to a Mexican national the fideicomiso can be terminated.

Appointing Beneficiaries

When you purchase land through a fideicomiso in Mexico you will be required to appoint substitute beneficiaries when the trust is finalized so that if the worst should happen and you pass on before the fifty year lifespan of the fideicomiso, your heirs will be given all ownership rights to the property. This means that your heirs will not need to follow any probate proceedings with the Mexican courts, thereby saving them time, money, and stress in already stressful times.

If you wish to know more about the legality of buying real estate as a foreign national in Mexico, contact us on 1 877 499 1901 or 1 866 843 7005.

Related article: Are Foreigners Allowed to Purchase Real Estate in Mexico?