Investing in Mexico: Choices To Consider

Do you want to invest in Mexico? Are you hoping to buy real estate for a permanent move, or do you want a vacation home? Or do you want to invest in a vacation club where you can enjoy regular vacations at the top resorts, all while staying on budget? There are many choices to consider including our exclusive beachfront residences at Villa La Estancia. At Villa La Estancia, we offer luxury beachfront homes in Riviera Nayarit and Cabo San Lucas. Read below to learn about the different ways you can invest your money in Mexico.

  • Timeshare Ownership: 

Timeshare ownership is a good choice for travelers who don’t have a ton of time to travel, but want to stay at the best resorts. If you prepay for future vacations at today’s low rates, you actually save money, too. Villa Group Resorts is one of the top timeshare providers in Mexico. They have 9 luxury resorts in the best locations including Riviera Nayarit, Puerto Vallarta, Loreto, Cancun and Cabo San Lucas. To learn more about timeshare ownership, you can tour a property and watch their sales presentations. All the fine details regarding timeshare ownership are in the membership contract. Then, you schedule your vacation time on the timeshare calendar. That way, you secure your preferred travel dates on the official timeshare calendar. All that is left to do is show up for your vacation and have the time of your life.

  • Hotel-Condo Concept at Villa La Estancia: 

A modern concept for investing in Mexico is the hotel-condo concept. A condo-hotel is a condominium or private residence that is attached to other units located in a resort. At Villa La Estancia, our valued homeowners enjoy the benefits of homeownership, but also have access to resort-quality amenities. Our amazing amenities include a professional concierge, room service, beautiful pools, well-equipped gyms, and onsite restaurants. Plus, maid service and private chefs are available as well. For homeowners that travel a lot, a hotel-condo is a great idea. When you leave your property, you know that property management will keep an eye on your home while you are gone. With 24 hour security, you don’t have to worry about your investment. As stated above, Villa La Estancia is a top hotel-condo property with locations in Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta. We have a limited number of beachfront residences for sale. Plus, we also offerfractional ownership where multiple unrelated parties share partial ownershipof a high-value property. That way, each fractional owner can use the home for a set time period each year in their vacation home. Fractional ownership is a great choice for individuals who want a vacation home without the full financial commitment of buying a home outright. Want to learn more? Contact us at Villa La Estancia today to schedule a property tour and request more information. We even offer a Try and Buy program for qualified applicants to test out their dream home in Mexico.

  • Traditional Condominiums and Homes: 

Some foreigners decide to invest in Mexico and buy real estate. Whether they choose a condo or stand alone home, coastal real estate is typically less expensive in Mexico when compared with similar properties in the US or Canada. However, maintenance and upkeep is something to think about if you don’t want to waste your vacation time doing housework. Condos will charge monthly maintenance fees, and standalone homes will require you to find people to handle repairs and maintenance of your home.

Since homes require a lot of maintenance and upkeep, many expats decide that timeshare ownership or a hotel-condo concept like Villa La Estancia is the best choice. That way, they can focus on enjoying a better quality of life in Mexico. What are you looking for in your second home in Mexico?

What type of Mexican real estate do you want to invest in? Remember, Villa La Estancia is a top choice for expats. Our gorgeous beachfront residences allow you to enjoy amazing views, great weather, and access to premiere amenities and services, too. Shouldn’t every day feel like vacation? Contact us Villa La Estancia today to see what you’ve been missing. Don’t forget to see if you qualify for our Try and Buy program too. Make the most of life and take a leap of faith and experience the good life in Mexico. At Villa La Estancia, your second home in paradise awaits.

Thanksgiving at Villa La Estancia

Did you know that Thanksgiving has become more popular in Mexico due to the influence of more than 1 million American citizens live in Mexico? Today, many expats and native Mexicans who lived in the U.S. for some time before moving back home, celebrate Thanksgiving in Mexico. Are you an expat living in Cabo or Riviera Nayarit at Villa La Estancia and want to celebrate Thanksgiving on Thursday, Nov. 28th, 2021? Whether you decide to cook at home in the comfort of your spacious beachfront residence, or decide to enjoy a nice dinner at a restaurant in the Banderas Bay area, keep reading below to learn about Thanksgiving in Mexico.

Thanksgiving Celebrations in Mexico 

While Thanksgiving traditions in Mexico are quite similar to those in America, there are some differences. In Mexico and in the U.S., Thanksgiving celebrations focus on a harvest concept including decorations such as fall leaves, pumpkins, assorted fruits, regional flowers, and autumn color schemes. Thanksgiving is a time where people give thanks to God for their blessings and spend time with their family and friends. It is common practice in Mexico for guests at a Thanksgiving meal to share a short prayer of gratitude at the beginning of the meal. Although a religious component of Thanksgiving is still evident in some American households, it is especially common in Mexico with more than 82% of the Mexican population identifying as Catholic.

Flavors of a Mexican Thanksgiving 

American style Thanksgiving meal usually consists of a cooked turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes & gravy, vegetables and cranberry sauce. Mexico has added some unique foods to make Thanksgiving in Mexico an extra special event. Did you know that some people celebrating Thanksgiving in Mexico will prepare traditional dishes such as marinated roast pork instead of turkey? If a cooked turkey is on the menu, it may be made with a green mole sauce or contain spicy chipotle peppers. Some parts of Mexico you will find turkey enchiladas, chorizo pumpkin soup or a candied pumpkin dessert on the Thanksgiving menu. Are you going to be in Mexico at Villa La Estancia in Cabo or Riviera Nayarit during Thanksgiving this year?

Thanksgiving at Villa La Estancia

At Villa La Estancia in Cabo and in Riviera Nayarit, many homeowners in the exclusive enjoy preparing a Thanksgiving meal at their vacation home to invite friends and family to celebrate with them. Villa La Estancia beachfront residences are Ideal for entertaining and the spacious patio gives great ocean views that your guests will love. The indoor-outdoor living concept really opens up your home, yet it still feels cozy and warm. If you aren’t in the mood to cook or do dishes, Villa La Estancia homeowners can also head downstairs to La Casona to enjoy a delicious gourmet Thanksgiving meal.

Villa La Estancia homeowners, Thanksgiving is nearly here! This time of the year means that we should all be thankful for our blessings and enjoy celebrating together with friends and family.

Celebrate with us Thanksgiving at Villa La Estancia Riviera Nayarit.

 

Thanksgiving Dinner Villa del Palmar Event

 

Read more:

5 Tips for Enjoying Retirement In Mexico

Moving to Mexico Checklist

 

5 Tips for Enjoying Retirement In Mexico

What comes to mind when you think of retirement? Do you imagine sitting peacefully as you read a book or engage in a crossword puzzle as you comfortably relax? While these tranquil hobbies are in no doubt super satisfying for some people, there is so much more out there if you want to live life to the fullest. How do you plan to make the most of your retirement in Mexico? Villa La Estancia residents listen up! It is time to enjoy your second youth to the fullest by implementing the below 5 tips for enjoying retirement in Mexico.

Retirement in Mexico Tip 1: Exercise and Eat Healthy 

Regardless of whether you are retired or still in the workforce, daily regular exercise and a healthy diet are crucial. Keeping your body and mind fit are some of the benefits of regular exercise, and it will certainly make your life better. Get outdoors and enjoy nature at the same time and you reap double benefits. Swimming, walking, hiking and yoga are great activities to stay in shape regardless of your current fitness level. Thanks to Villa La Estancia’s ideal locations in Riviera Nayarit and Cabo San Lucas, you have convenient access to walk some of the best beaches in the area right at your front door. In addition to exercise, eating healthy is especially important during your older years. Choose fresh fruits and vegetables, and try to limit your intake of processed foods. Treat yourself to your favorite foods and drinks, but remember everything in moderation.

Retirement in Mexico Tip 2: Travel

For many people, travelling is one of the best parts of life. Exploring new locations and seeing different cultures is interesting and enjoyable. For those lucky enough to enjoy retirement in Mexico, you are fortunate to have access to a bounty of great places to visit. Beachside towns, quaint mountain towns, and colonial towns are all found in this incredible country. Which places interest you most? Take the time to do some research and hit the road and make your travel dreams during retirement in Mexico a reality.

Retirement in Mexico Tip 3: Get a Part Time Job or Volunteer

Have you heard that some people experience a feeling of loneliness when they retire? It is very common to feel a bit lost or useless when you first retire. However, to avoid the retirement blues, get a part time job or volunteer at a local organization. It’s a great way to stay busy and socialize as human connection and interaction with others is very important. Also, you now have the freedom to choose something that really interests you. Spend time doing something you love whether it is working with children, animals or an environmental organization. Give back to your community and you will enjoy a more fulfilling life at the same time. Ask Villa La Estancia front desk if they have any suggestions on activities and organizations who could use a helping hand.

Retirement in Mexico Tip 4: Take Up a Hobby

Did you spend your years working without having time to devote to a hobby or pastime? Now that you’re enjoying retirement in Mexico, take advantage of your free time and take up a hobby. What comes to mind when you think of your favorite hobby? Is it music, arts and crafts, painting or something else? Do you want to finally write that great novel you’ve been daydreaming about, or get serious and learn photography through a class or workshop? With retirement, you have the chance to discover your passions. Try out a variety of activities so you can find something that will make your retirement in Mexico even more enjoyable.

Retirement in Mexico Tip 5: Prioritize Family Time

Time spent with family is one of the greatest rewards to enjoy during retirement in Mexico. If you are lucky enough to live in paradise at Villa La Estancia in Riviera Nayarit or Cabo San Lucas, it will be easy to invite your family to visit
 in fact, you may even have to kick them out if they get too comfortable at your incredible beachside oasis. While adult children often have busy lives that make it difficult to visit, prioritize family time now that you’re enjoying retirement in Mexico and try to connect regularly. Do you have grandchildren? If so, take extra time with them to create lasting, special memories that both you and them will treasure forever.

Make the most of your second youth by using these 5 tips for enjoying retirement in Mexico to the fullest!

You should read:

Moving to Mexico Checklist

Travel Tips for Expats in Mexico

Key Parties in Buying Mexican Real Estate at the Beach

When non-Mexican nationals buy Mexican real estate at the beach there are four key parties involved in the process in addition to the buyer. Buying Mexican real estate at the beach means that you will be purchasing within the restricted zone that is applicable when the property is within 50 km of the beaches and borders of the country. While it is still totally possible for foreigners to purchase Mexican real estate at the beach within the restricted zone, it requires an extra step, as you will see explained below.

Key parties in Buying Mexican Real Estate at the Beach

● A realtor (optional)
● Buyer’s Attorney (optional)
● Fideicomiso Bank trust (obligatory for foreigners)
● A Notary (obligatory)

A realtor for buying Mexican real estate at the beach

The real estate company offers much needed support and guidance when it comes to finding and buying your home, but also when it comes to the processes, laws, and regulations of real estate in Mexico. Each and every country has it’s own process when it comes to buying property so it never hurts to have the help of experienced and knowledgeable individuals. Nevertheless, using a realtor is not essential and you may well find a property for sale by other means.

Buyer’s attorney

Like using a realtor for buying Mexican real estate at the beach, hiring a buyer’s attorney is not essential, though very reassuring and useful. An attorney will represent and protect you in all legal dealings. In this case they can draw up contracts and reviews the terms and conditions of the sale as well as providing advice. However, only a licensed Mexican attorney should provide such advice as foreign attorneys are not licensed to practice law in Mexico and will not be qualified to provide you with advice on these matters. An attorney may also help you save money as they will be aware of the standard costs and fees and will be able to work to get you the best prices at each stage.

Notary

A Notario Publico (Notary) is a licensed Mexican attorney who has been certified by the state and federal governments to act as an unbiased and official representative for the Mexican government. There is no way that you can purchase Mexican real estate at the beach (or anywhere else in Mexico) without the services of a notary. And that goes for both foreigners and Mexican nationals. Notaries in Mexico have similar duties to those performed by Canadian notaries and have great responsibility (more than a notary would in the US, for example). A Notario Publico has to pass stringent exams and is considered a governmental official; their duties include providing strict security when it comes to original records and documents. They record all documents with the Public Registry of Property, and could be held liable in a court of law if something goes seriously wrong! The role of the notary is so important that any real estate transaction not ratified before one (and duly recorded) is considered invalid and unenforceable! In real estate transactions the notary is equally responsible to the buyer and seller, but ultimately works for and answers to the Mexican Government.

Fideicomiso bank trust

Finally, if you want to buy Mexican real estate at the beach you are going to be buying a property within the restricted zone. This means that you will require a Trustee Bank to act as a fideicomiso (trustee) for you. You can choose any established and qualified bank so long as they are registered in Mexico and have a Trust Department; the bank will ensure that the closing is legal and appropriate and will issue a trust for the real estate for your use alone. The bank cannot transfer ownership, change beneficiary rights, or do anything with the property without your written instruction, too, so you can be sure it is totally legitimate and safe. Better yet, Mexican banks have the protection of the government when it comes to warding off bankruptcy; the trust is guaranteed indirectly by the government.

If you buy property in Mexico you’re likely to deal with these four key parties at some point or another.

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?