Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Modern Caribbean Dream Home in Progreso, Yucatan - Casa Deco



This beautifully remodeled home is in the quaint beachfront town of Progreso, Yucatan. Progreso is about 30 minutes away from the colonial city of Merida; besides the city's famous colonial charm, it is the largest city on the Yucatan Peninsula, offering all services, modern stores, shopping centers, sports complex, excellent hospitals and much more only a short drive away.

Progreso is a small town that combines the charm of Mexican colonial style with Caribbean relaxation and comfort.  Casa Deco offers a beautiful hybrid of colonial and contemporary style ideal for comfortable living.  The rooftop offers views of the sea, only a short block away!

TOPMexicoRealEstate.com; Mexico's Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely.

Mexico Real Estate - Find the best communities in Mexico to live and enjoy the live.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Mexico Real Estate - What Will The Neighbors Be Like? Part 2 - Mexicans


Mexicans are very welcoming in general. They have a very distinct culture, but unlike many parts of Europe, the majority of Mexicans do not have a “protectionist” way of thinking; they don’t see outsiders or newcomers as a threat to their culture.  On the contrary, most feel that “gringos” have something good to offer their country.  This is not only in economic terms, but they also appreciate and like the North American way of thinking! (It’s very unlikely they would adopt it, but they do welcome it.)
Mexican Neighbors
When Americans and Canadians buy Mexico real estate, most will have a few middle-class (and perhaps even upper-class) Mexican neighbors; many of these will know English and will be people you can get to know as good neighbors.
 The Other Mexicans …
As most people very quickly realize, class distinctions are much clearer in Mexico than back home.  Most of those enjoying Mexico retirement (as well as other expats) will also have regular contact with the lower-income working class, perhaps the gardener or cleaning lady, or the guy who runs the convenience store on the corner.  Some will know some English, and will be as happy to chat.  Even those who don’t know any English may try to strike up a conversation; as your Spanish becomes better, you’ll find greeting, chatting and interacting with these people a pleasant experience.  They’ll definitely see you as a wealthy person (even if you’re nowhere near what you would consider “wealthy”) but it’s very rare that they would resent your financial comfort.
 Neighborhood life in Mexico is just that – neighborly.  Back home, Americans and Canadians tend to be friendly but often somewhat distant.  Mexicans, in contrast, will be both friendly and very open to starting closer friendships; expats who have been in Mexico for a while usually pick this up.
Visit TOP Mexico Real Estate; Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely
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Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Is Owning Mexico Property Financially Feasible for Retirement? Vacations?


OK, so a brief glimpse at prices has convinced you that Mexico real estate costs less.  But still – aren’t you just adding more expenses to your lifestyle; even if a condo on the beach in Mexico is a quarter of the price of one in Hawaii, you’re still spending $200,000 USD, adding another property to maintain, more travel expenses, right?
While it’s always good to balance every opinion with another, a closer look will show that this is, in fact, NOT the truth the situation.
Briefly, let’s consider the main reasons people buy in Mexico:
  1. Mexico retirement  – part time in Mexico
  2. Retirement – full time, permanent in Mexico
  3. Vacationing
If you are buying for any of these reasons (as well as others not listed here) buying a property in Mexico will NOT pose any additional expenses.  Essentially it would replace a property you would own elsewhere.  If make the leap 100% and make Mexico your full-time residence, then you would sell your property back home and the savings would be obvious; if you are vacationing or living part time in Mexico, than the property would simply replace a second property in your home country.
In either case, it would offer considerable savings for the following reasons:
Cost of living in MexicoThe home would be less expensive. Whether you’re replacing your permanent home or second property, you’re replacing a property worth $300,000 USD, for example, with a Mexico home for sale that might cost $200,000 USD. Of course, the difference could be more or less or on a larger or smaller scale depending on your situation, but in any case, you’re adding a very large lump sum to your savings.  How can you go wrong with that?
The cost of living is significantly lower. Many expats feel that on average living costs about half that in the U.S. or Canada.  A handful of items are more expensive, but by and large day to day expenses, bills, traveling, groceries, furniture, dining out, etc. are significantly less costly.  Some people will choose to spend their extra savings on living more comfortably, traveling more, etc.  But either way, you win in the end.
But what about travel expenses? But won’t you be spending all of this back in travel?  If you make the move permanently, this isn’t even a concern.  However, even if you make frequent trips home or if you are only living in Mexico part time, the travel expenses are probably lower than you would think.  Good prices on return flights from Canada to Cancun or Puerto Vallarta range between $400 and $600.  That’s about as expensive as it gets, unless you’re looking at a less popular location that requires various flights.  However, in that case, the savings on properties and cost of living would be that much greater.
Cost of living in MexicoNow let’s compare.  For most North Americans, the flights are only slightly more than most flights to warm weather locations in the U.S.  In some situation there is no difference.  But let’s be generous and assume that the difference is $200 per return flight.  Let’s say you’re back and forth often – 4 times a year.  That’s an added expense of $800 USD per year.  It would be rare that you’d actually arrive to the point of spending this much more, but, just for comparison …
If you consider a cost of living that’s about half of that back home, for some people that would mean saving up to $2000 per month.  Let’s just say $1000 to avoid going overboard.  With 12 months in a year, that makes for $12,000 USD savings per year.  If you’re spending only part of the year in Mexico, then we could say half of that – $6000 USD. And don’t forget about that huge chunk you saved on the property in Mexico – $50,000 maybe even $100,000?  So, how does $800 USD more in travel expenses, which you may not even spend, compare to that?
The savings are most certainly a HUGE point in favor of owning a property in Mexico.  Of course, probably the bigger point is getting used to living in another country.  That’s probably easier than you think too, but that’s a different topic.
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Mexico Real Estate - Find the best communities in Mexico to live and enjoy the live.