Travel Tips for Expats in Mexico

Travel Tips for Expats in Mexico

Are you an expat in Mexico and curious about the latest travel alerts for the new year? Mexico has long been a top tourist destination for foreigners that flock to its beautiful beaches to enjoy the warm, year round weather, friendly people, and delicious cuisine. More and more foreigners are also deciding to make the move and establish their home in this great country. Are you a proud expat Mexican resident or wanna be local and curious if Mexico is safe for travel in 2019? While some crime does occur in the country, the majority of criminal activity is restricted to drug related and gang members. For travellers wanting to experience a new life in this incredible country, but are unsure about safety, rest assured you can avoid becoming involved with a safety issue simply by avoiding those type of unsavory individuals. Read below below for tips for safe travel in Mexico so you can make the most of your retirement or daily life in paradise.

Tip #1: Location, Location, Location – Expats in Mexico

Mexico has had long time success in the tourism industry with thousands of foreign travelers regularly visiting and enjoying travel in the area. In fact, more and more individuals fall in love with all things about this lovely country and choose to either regularly return or even purchase a vacation home here. There are great real estate options like the beachfront residences at Villa La Estancia near Puerto Vallarta in Riviera Nayarit where homeowners can realize their dream of beachfront living. The allure of Mexico is a complex one – it is culturally rich, has consistently great weather, and the food is out of this world. Perfect ingredients for a great place to vacation or even to buy a vacation home. Mexico’s beautiful climate, friendly people, and delicious food inspire individuals into falling in love with the country. Mexico truly has something that every traveler or expat dreaming of a new life will appreciate. Looking for small town charm or upscale modern amenities? You can find it all in Mexico. The most attractive destinations to travel or live such as Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit are experiencing significant growth in their expat communities that are flourishing due to great security, quality of life and lower cost of living that they enjoy.

Tip #2: Safety In Numbers & Common Sense

Another tip for safe travel for expats in Mexico is to practice safety in numbers and simply use common sense. It is not complicated to stay safe in Mexico as long as you practice good judgement and are aware of your surroundings. By doing so, you are unlikely to have any issues during your daily life in Mexico. While isolated violence does occur in some parts of the country, in general the issues are limited to those involved with drug-related or other illicit activity. Stay safe and avoid encountering danger by avoiding these types of situations and individuals. While there is no way to completely protect yourself from random crime, the reality is most expats in Mexico enjoy a great quality of life and high sense of security. In fact, statistics prove that there are many cities and countries worldwide with much higher crime rates than Mexico, including the majority of large cities in the United States. Biased media in some countries such as the United States has regularly mislabeled Mexico as an unsafe travel destination. The truth is, Mexico is a wonderful and very safe place to visit and live if you practice basic safety smarts. Always travel in a group at night, watch your alcohol consumption and avoid isolated locations to stay safe.

Tip #3: Invest In Real Estate With On-Site Security

Another safety tip is to purchase or rent real estate with on site security such as Villa La Estancia in Riviera Nayarit. A newer concept, condo-hotels such as the Villa La Estancia are now offering luxury private residences with both full and fractional ownership options. The vast majority of top condo-hotels in Mexico like the Villa La Estancia have on site security staff that work 24 hours a day to keep their owners safe. Anyone that wants to enter the property has to first pass through security. Only authorized visitors are allowed to enter, so this added safety feature virtually eliminates the risk of unsavory individuals looking to cause problems at your home in paradise. Real estate at properties like Villa La Estancia is a simple and easy way to enjoy a higher level of security so your expat life is completely relaxing and enjoyable.

To conclude, always use common sense and good judgement in your daily life. By doing so, you will have an exciting yet safe adventure that will make you proud to call Mexico home. Ready to take the leap and move to paradise? Consider the luxurious and high security condo-hotel Villa La Estancia for a solid real estate investment in the Banderas Bay area. It is simply the best place to enjoy Mexico’s beauty and mystique in a safe and naturally beautiful setting. Visit our website and learn more about our Villa La Estancia’s beachfront residences that are for sale now at www.villalaestanciarealestate.com. Are you ready to own your dream home in paradise? Our lovely beachfront residences at Villa La Estancia could be just what you’ve been searching for! Don’t hesitate and contact us today to learn more.

Articles for you: A Simpler Life: Expats in Mexico

Pre-Construction Real Estate in Mexico: What To Know

It’s easy to see all the major changes that have been happening in Puerto Vallarta within the last five to ten years, especially if you know the Puerto Vallarta area well. Within the past few years, the Old Town and Downtown neighborhoods of Puerto Vallarta have experienced major transformations as developers are building more and more condominiums to meet the demand for people who are relocating to make Puerto Vallarta their new home. With many new construction projects under way, it has surely altered the charming appeal of Old Town, and many people are not very happy about the effect to the authenticity, charm, and ambiance that has been altered. There are more construction units underway and the change is not going anywhere, so the question is should people purchase pre-construction real estate in Mexico? Continue reading below if you would like to know the top tips to buy pre-construction real estate in Mexico to determine if the investment is worth the risk.

Upscale Condominiums
If you take a quick stroll through Old Town Vallarta, you will quickly notice all the new construction buildings being built amongst the charming, older buildings. Many of the new condominiums that are being built come with modern décor, gyms, an infinity pool on the rooftop, and many high end appliances. These high end amenities are fantastic for people who are wanting to purchase a modern condo that still provides access to the Mexican lifestyle they desire. These new condos come with luxurious amenities, and buyers will not have to worry about keeping up with the maintenance and repairs that come with older, out of date condominiums.

Problems to Avoid
One of the major problems that occurs when purchasing a pre-construction Mexican real estate property is that the product is unfinished, which is a huge risk. It has happened more than once when a real estate property in Mexico has had financial issues, which led to the construction being stopped when it was only halfway done, which left many investors upset along with being scammed out of a lot of money. When you purchase pre-construction real estate in Mexico, it comes with this risk and this can occur anywhere, but you can lessen the chance of becoming a victim to real estate scammers or a developer that is dishonest when you know the tips to prevent it.

Reputable Developer
When you are purchasing Mexican real estate, the most important tip is to make sure the developer is reputable. To find out if a developer is reputable, you should look over their qualifications, and to review the properties that they have completed on time. You should always ask the developer for references and then research the developer thoroughly. If you want to protect yourself, then you should always research and do your homework on the developer before you decide to purchase a pre-construction Mexican real estate property. Don’t decide to purchase any pre-construction Mexican real estate before the research has been done even if the developer promises you big discounts or incentives.

Construction Delays and Risks
It is not uncommon with any new construction projects to have delays, especially with real estate in Mexico. Many of the real estate developers in Mexico will include a contingency clause of 3-6 months past the due date of completion so that they have a buffer in case of delays. You should be aware that your construction may not be ready by the due date, so you should make sure that you are prepared for this so you avoid any unwanted stress. When you are dealing with any pre-construction real estate in Mexico, you should try to negotiate with a small down payment so that your initial investment is minimal. Once you have the key and you can move into the completed property, you can finish paying for it then.

Experienced Realtor
Another helpful tip is to always deal with a realtor that is experienced and qualified when you are wanting to purchase pre-construction Mexican real estate. You should look for one that has an outstanding reputation, and one that knows the local real estate market very well. When you choose a realtor that also has experience with pre-construction real estate in Mexico, then it will be a big help when you purchase your property.

Avoid Risk – Buy Completed Real Estate in Mexico
Last, but not least, a risk-free tip is to only purchase a unit from a property that is already completed. You may miss out on discounts that are generally offered on pre-construction Mexican real estate, but it will be worth it in the long run to avoid the unwanted risks and delays that could occur. One of the best real estate in Mexico properties to consider that is fully complete and move-in ready is Villa La Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta. With solid construction, spacious units, high-end furnishings, and finishes as well as beautifully landscaped grounds, Villa La Estancia is a guaranteed solid investment if you want high-quality real estate in Mexico. In addition to the amazing units, Villa La Estancia is considered a condo-hotel where you also have access to professional and courteous staff twenty-four hours a day who are available to help you with any reservations, tours or transportation arrangements you may need. Visit https://rivieranayarit.villalaestancia.com/ to learn more about all the amazing amenities and services available at this award-winning property.

Villa la Estancia Nuevo Vallarta Real Estate

We hope this information will assist you in evaluating whether purchasing pre-construction Mexican real estate is right for you.

Mexican Lifestyle: Is it for you?

Many people have been lucky enough to visit beautiful Mexico a time or two for vacation. Thanks to its excellent year round climate, reasonably priced accomodation & restaurants, and endless stretches of stunning beaches, Mexico has long been a top tourist destination. Now the question is, did you fall in love with Mexico and are considering buying a second home or even moving full time to this wonderful country? Here are some of the things to consider if you are itching to give up the fast-paced American (or Canadian) way of life and ready for an authentic Mexican lifestyle.

Rich History
Some of most attractive elements to Mexico is its rich and interesting history. From its incredible Mayan archaeological ruins to the detailed Spanish influenced architecture and religious practices, Mexico has a lot to offer. There are a large amount of museums, cathedrals and art galleries located in the majority of Mexican cities, especially the two largest cities of Guadalajara and Mexico City, now better known as Ciudad de Mexico or CDMX for short. Even in the smaller towns, you will find cathedrals and interesting Mexican history in every corner if you look for it.

Cultural Festivities
Another important aspect of Mexico is the culture you will be surrounded by on a daily basis. Mexico loves a good party, and there are plenty of bank holidays and religious holidays which means a great time is virtually guaranteed. With festivals and cultural events held on a regular basis, you can be sure to enjoy how colorful and exuberant Mexico and its heritage is at its core. Whether you socialize with the locals or find yourself in a group of expats who have also decided to make Mexico their home, you will never run out of things to do. Your social calendar will likely be much fuller than it was at home where work can interfere with down time with friends and family.

Colorful and Relaxed
In addition to valuing down time, Mexico is truly a country that shines from within. From its food, flowers, street art and colorful buildings, Mexico loves a good color palate. The amazing colors of Mexico create a feeling of coziness and peace that you can’t find everywhere. Another point about living a Mexican lifestyle is that you need to be ready to adapt to a slower paced life in all areas. While most people enjoy relaxing on the beach, be prepared to deal with a lack of punctuality when dealing with businesses and workers. Knowing ahead of time that it is acceptable to arrive late in general, you can avoid stressing yourself out or feeling frustrated by this apparent lack of respect. It is simply part of the culture and can take some getting used to. However, showing up on time for work or appointments is standard practice.

Quality Luxury Beachfront Real Estate
Another huge benefit to a Mexican lifestyle is the opportunity to own a little piece of luxury beachfront real estate. With some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Mexico is a great spot to invest for a vacation home or relocation. When compared to luxury beachfront real estate in the United States or other countries, Mexican real estate in coastal towns is still well priced, especially considering the natural beauty and charm that Mexico offers. Wondering where some of the best Mexico beachfront real estate is found? Check out Villa La Estancia Real Estate at https://www.villalaestanciarealestate.com. With amazing properties in both Riviera Nayarit and Cabo San Lucas, Villa La Estancia offers high quality construction with luxurious finishes and amenities that are hard to beat.

villa la estancia residences riviera nayarit

Does this Mexican lifestyle appeal to you? Are you ready to make the move to Mexico yourself?

Is dollar king for Mexico’s real estate market?

If you are thinking about purchasing real estate in Mexico, you may be wondering about which currency you will use to make the transaction. While the official currency in Mexico is the Mexican peso, you can still carrying out transactions for Mexico’s real estate market in dollars in top tourist areas such as Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas. There are advantages and disadvantages to this, as will be discussed below.

Is dollar king for Mexico’s real estate market?

Mexican Pesos

Technically, it is not legal in Mexico to use foreign currency to pay for goods; however, in practice, areas where there is a large community of expats and foreign investment will find that prices for high cost items like real estate are quoted in US dollars. Therefore, Mexico’s real estate market allows buyers to purchase properties with US dollars so long as both parties agree. However, you must remember that, even if you pay for your property in US dollars, the price quoted on the title deed to your property and used for calculating your property taxes in Mexico will be documented in Mexican pesos.

Remembering that the value of your property is recorded in pesos is important when navigating Mexico’s real estate market, particularly when you come to sell your property. For example, if the Mexican peso continues to devalue against the US dollar—as it has in the last few years— when it comes to calculating your capital gains taxes on your house, you may find that you will be subject to higher taxes, even if the equivalent sale price in US dollars is the same as when you bought it.

Let’s say you bought real estate in Mexico three years ago when you would have got 16 pesos for each US dollar, and it cost you the equivalent of 100,000 US dollars when you bought it, which would be 1,600,000 pesos. Today, one US dollar is worth between 18 and 19 pesos, which means if you were to sell your house for 100,000 US dollars, that would be at least 1,800,000 pesos, so you would pay capital gains on 200,000 pesos even though your property is not worth any more in dollars. You will essentially pay taxes on the profit that it appears you have made in Mexican pesos, even if there is no profit in real terms when you convert the price into dollars.

US Dollars

There are very real advantages to advertising your property in US dollars in Mexico’s real estate market in popular tourist areas, regardless of whether your buyer ultimately pays in US dollars or Mexican pesos. The reason for this is that historically the US dollar has been more stable than the Mexican peso and is less open to fluctuations during the selling process.

Selling real estate in dollars is attractive for foreign investors, though some Mexican nationals may be deterred from making an offer on your property as it becomes complicated when it comes to signing, particularly if the buying is relying on a Mexican mortgage, which will be calculated and awarded in Mexican pesos. If you insist that the offer price be paid in dollars, local buyers will not have a clear idea how much the property will cost them until the day of the signing. Such variables can lose a sale. Often, the best compromise is to advertise real estate in US dollars but be open to accept Mexican pesos or US dollars in payment.

If there is one fact you should take away from this article about Mexico’s real estate market it would be to remember that your title deeds will be quoted in Mexican pesos regardless of whether you paid in Mexican pesos, US dollars or coffee beans!

Read more: Introduction to Types of Real Estate in Mexico

Introduction to Types of Real Estate in Mexico

When it comes to real estate options for vacation homes, Mexico is the place to look. Mexico can deliver if you are looking to buy an amazing villa that overlooks breathtaking tropical waters or even if you want to design your own home. There are many real estate opportunities in Mexico awaiting you. Here is our guide to the types of real estate in Mexico.

Guide to Types of Real Estate in Mexico:

  • Houses and single family homes in Mexico

Usually the houses in Mexico are two story houses. In the cities the houses are generally bigger. Traditionally houses in Mexico would come with a courtyard, designed purposely so on hot and humid summer days the homeowner can remain cool. Nowadays you will find more variety, with many modern homes in Mexico resembling North America and Europe homes.

  • Condos in Mexico

Condos are becoming a more and more popular option for real estate in Mexico, particularly in tourist areas where foreign investment is becoming more prominent. When you own a condo, you own a unit that is in a large building or complex, and you usually have access to a pool and/or a gym; your association fees will help maintain these common areas. There are some limits on condo owners as to what changes you can do to the interiors of your apartment, but in general, you can decorate your unit as you like. Changes to the common areas will be controlled by the homeowner’s association or the company that is employed to administer the condo.

  • Villas in Mexico

A ‘villa’ traditionally refers to a large luxurious home that is elegant and sophisticated, usually fairly big and overlooking some kind of impressive view. For example, the villas at Villa La Estancia offer incredible ocean views. Villas are certainly one of the most luxurious options for real estate in Mexico.

  • Condo-Hotels In Mexico

A condo-hotel in Mexico refers to real estate option for people to purchase homes at a hotel complex. The units you can purchase come with many added features such as using room service and concierge services with the hotel. Sometimes there will be great restaurants, a spa and multiple pools.

  • Apartments in Mexico

An apartment in Mexico is usually in a large building and the apartment can be rented or even purchased. The location, style, and size can vary as there are one bedroom apartments that are located in a family style neighborhood and all the way up to five bedroom apartments that is located within the city and these come with added features such as a Jacuzzi and a balcony that you can enjoy.

  • Building Your Own Home in Mexico

You can purchase land, then have your own home built for you in Mexico. If this is what you are wanting to do, then you should hire an experienced contractor. You should always be available and let them know exactly what you want done through each of the construction processes, so you can avoid any costly mistakes and surprises that wasn’t included in your original design.

What is your favorite type of real estate in Mexico? Leave us your comments.

Mexico Luxury Real Estate in Bucerías, Riviera Nayarit

Mexico luxury real estate in Bucerías, Riviera Nayarit is one of the most attractive lifestyle investments you could make if you are looking for a year-round combination of great climate, wonderful scenery, lavish accommodations and warm people. Luxury real estate in Bucerías is a fabulous opportunity to make Mexico your second home in a totally safe and beautiful part of the country.

Why is Mexico Luxury Real Estate in Bucerías such a great investment?

Bucerias, Riviera Nayarit is one of those destinations on the Pacific Coast of Mexico that provides a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of luxury real estate opportunities to suit the US and Canadian search for quality, luxury and safety. There are many benefits to living in Bucerías, Riviera Nayarit, whether just for the winter season to escape the cold, for a month at a time or permanently. Among such benefits, a warm climate throughout the year is one of main attractions, in addition to Bucerias’ lengthy beach that stretches miles from Nuevo Vallarta to La Cruz to Huanacaxtle.

Bucerias’ stunning natural surroundings has attracted many expats to purchase Mexico luxury real estate in Bucerías, enchanted by the delightful offering of restaurants, bars and farmers’ markets as well as plenty of activities to keep you entertained. Golf, fishing, diving, horseback riding, spas and more are common pastimes among those who invest in luxury real estate in Bucerías.

At Villa La Estancia, you will find a fabulous range of two and three bedroom luxury residences and penthouses on offer for full and fractional real estate purchase. Not only do you enjoy elegantly designed luxury residences with incredible ocean views, but also Four Diamond services at one of the most luxurious hotels and spas in Riviera Nayarit. Real estate opportunities in Mexico, don’t come more comfortable or more elegant than this!