Category Archives: Real Estate

Current Travel Press Releases, Living in Mexico, Real Estate

Real World Home Tours Provide Authentic Snapshot of Nayarit

Bucerias, Nay.  –“Real World Home Tours,” developed by local non-profit PEACE, is growing in popularity, as tourists report glowing feedback regarding their experiences in local homes and communities.  

The Real World Home Tour provides the unique experience of visiting four exclusive homes, from spectacular luxury estates with pristine grounds and gorgeous accommodations, to modest puebla homes. One puebla home belongs to Libo, a local artisan and member of PEACE program, Manos Unidas por la Mujer (United Hands for Women.)

“I found the determination and grace of these women so inspiring, and I left their homes in humbled admiration,” said Andria Burchett, home tour participant. “It’s hard to find a vacation experience like this. Real World Home Tours helped us to respectfully “unravel” the cultural differences in this beautiful country, and also encouraged a relationship among tourists and the local people of the region.”
 
Tour Details Include:
• Departure every Friday (November 5 – April 1) No tour on December 24.
• Ticket sales at 9:30 am from Bucerías Centro(On Lazaro Cardenas, near the gazebo, in front of the Michoacan ice cream shop) or at www.thepeaceboutique.com
• Tour bus departure at 10:30 am – Return 2:30 pm
• Tickets cost at $450 pesos ($35 USD)
• Includes transportation, light lunch and souvenir water bottle
 
100% ticket proceeds support PEACE, an organization that focuses on education, entrepreneurship, animal well-being, and community engagement in the coastal regions of Nayarit, Jalisco and Quintana Roo, Mexico.

For reservations or more information, contact: tours(at)http://www.peacemexico.orgor purchase your ticket online at www.thepeaceboutiqe.com and click “shop online.”

Current Travel Press Releases, Real Estate, Travel

Rosewood San Miguel de Allende Approved for $88 Million Line of Credit

Rosewood San Miguel de Allende, a community that encompasses a 67-room resort and the Artesana Rosewood Residences, is the recipient of an $88 million loan from Mexico’s largest bank, Banamex. It is the single largest loan in real estate in San Miguel de Allende, and in the history of the state of Guanajuato.

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico –(PR.com)– Rosewood San Miguel de Allende, a community that encompasses a 67-room resort and the Artesana Rosewood Residences, is the recipient of an $88 million loan from Mexico’s largest bank, Banamex. It is the single largest loan in real estate in San Miguel de Allende, and in the history of the state of Guanajuato.

“The sheer size of the Banamex loan is significant,” said Richard York, director of sales for Artesana Rosewood Residences. “But what’s more significant is that it was granted to us at a time when more than 180 real estate development projects in Mexico were being shut down. It is a great vote of confidence from Banamex that speaks volumes about the caliber of our project.”

Not only has the Rosewood development invested in San Miguel de Allende real estate, but it also has invested in the local community. It is the largest single venture in San Miguel since the post-World War II era and employees 300 to 900 construction workers daily. The Rosewood San Miguel de Allende resort also partnered with local Via Orgánica, an organization supported by the municipality, to grow organic vegetables and herbs onsite that will supply the hotel restaurants. Guests will have the opportunity to visit these plantations and learn about the organic process. Via Orgánica is an organization that works to minimize environmental pollution and elevate education on nutrition.

Artesana Rosewood Residences is nearing completion on the first phase of construction with 29 custom homes and the Rosewood San Miguel de Allende resort opening in early 2011.
About Artesana Rosewood Residences®

Artesana Rosewood Residences is a $250 million project in the heart of the historic downtown of San Miguel de Allende in Central Mexico. In addition to the residences, the Artesana Rosewood community also includes the 67-room, exclusive Rosewood San Miguel de Allende® resort where Artesana residents have access to a world-class spa and fitness center, 24-hour concierge services, an array of exquisite dining venues, and more. Artesana Rosewood Residences integrate the past and present of San Miguel de Allende into its design while still offering exclusive modern-day conveniences. Homes replicate the Spanish Colonial architecture found in San Miguel de Allende’s centro and the community reflects the timeless way of life in a town known for being an UNESCO World Heritage Site with centuries-old art and tradition. For more, visit http://www.artesanasanmiguel.com/.

Real Estate, Travel

Merida, Mexico Homeowners’ Retirement Equals Business Opportunity

MERIDA, Mexico, Aug. 20 /PRNewswire/ — Being retired nowadays can be about more than playing golf or fishing. For John and Janet Luoma it’s about remodeling a colonial home in Merida and raising a forest in the southern part of the State of Yucatan in Mexico.

The Luomas, from Stillwater, Minnesota, started their adventure in Merida by renovating a colonial home to use for retirement. But John, who grew up on his father’s farm and was a Peace Corps volunteer in Latin America, decided he needed something more to keep him occupied.

The Luomas are now the proud owners of “Aguada La Celosa,” their 1,300-acre ranch in southern Yucatan. With the help of a Mexican national agriculture organization, CONAFOR – Comision Nacional Forestal, John and Janet have started a reforestation project on their ranch.

“CONAFOR, the Mexican National Forestry Agency, approved us for a 60-hectare reforestation project. It allows us to plant forest and crops together. Research done by CONAFOR shows that dual cropping works well in the Yucatan and promotes economic and environmental interests.

“The CONAFOR project is now underway! We are working with the engineers to establishing a nursery, preparing the seed bed and planning the first crop of calabaza (squash). There is a tremendous advantage of raising trees and calabaza together as they require limited amounts of water. This is the dream of a lifetime, a chance to make some money and watch this beautiful forest grow,” says John, smiling.

John and Janet have decided to sell their remodeled home in Merida so they can be closer to their forest and crops. For more information on their remodeled colonial home in the historic center of Merida, see http://mexintl.com/property/002397

  Contact:
  Mitchell Jay Keenan, CRS
  Broker/Director of Mexico International Real Estate
  USA Toll-Free: 866 888 3025
  Mexico: +52 999 920 6856
  Email: mitch@mexintl.com
  Website: http://www.mexintl.com/
Living in Mexico, Real Estate, Travel, Uncategorized

Still a Small Beach Town in Riviera Maya

Jeanine Kitchel

Amazing as it may seem, the Riviera Maya, that white sand stretch of endless beaches  in Quintana Roo, still has one beach town that has defied the odds and retained a spectrum of that “je ne sais quois”  factor we all hope for in our search for Margaritaville.  It’s small with great beaches, a little town square or zocalo, walkways in front of the beach with benches and palapas for idling, and a handful of nearby restaurants of almost every persuasion for snacks and dining. Where is this little gem?

Why Puerto Morelos, of course. Just 30 miles south of Cancun and about 20 miles north of ever popular (and overrun) Playa del Carmen. Even Cancun locals have discovered Puerto Morelos in the past couple years, and Sundays are very popular so come early to reserve your spot on the beach, and stay late and enjoy antojitos or dinner in one of the town favorites – Pelicanos, Hola Asia, Posada Amor Restaurant- all on or very near the square.

The town has become a magnet for foreign travelers in large part because it has a town center, grocery store,  a variety of restaurants, ATM machine, and is self contained without the feel of big city Cancun or the glitzy hotel zone.  Many foreigners own beach villas here which are rented out,  some for sale – as is Casa Maya, just north of town and listed on Sotheby’s at www.sirrivieramaya.com (#196) or google Casa Maya Puerto Morelos – and others listed for rent or sale on  informative websites such as MayanRivieraProperties.com and MexicanVacationVillas.com.

Small hotels are plentiful, with still reasonable rates, and now there are a handful of all-inclusives, too. But the small town feel is what brings people back year after year. It’s the type of place where you get to know the waiters at the local restaurants.

Located at the edge of the low jungle, on the other side of the highway, there’s a Sunday Mayan Market run by former Floridian Sandra Dayton who initiated this project 15 years ago when she helped Mayan women in Puerto Morelos buy two sewing machines so they could earn money by sewing clothing to sell. The market has blossomed and now includes food, Mayan massage, and a variety of handicrafts.  Dayton is a character andher knowledge of the jungle is incredible. If she still offers a jungle tour, sign up for it, because it is well worth every peso. Contact Dayton at starseed@prodigy.net.mx.

Puerto Morelos still has the feel. Try it, you may like it.

Business, Real Estate

Baja Capital Mortgage selected as Primary Lender for Largest Homebuilder in Mexico

Homex is Latin Americas largest homebuilder and is a publicly traded company on the NYSE . Homex have gone about creating a new real estate concept and product under the brand “Las Villas de Mexico”. This new brand caters more specifically to US and Canadian citizens. The Las Villas business model will comprise  a planned total of 22 World Class destinations across Mexico – all golf, beach, spa and fishing specific. These 22 different destinations will comprise of a total of over 3400 beautifully appointed Villas, Townhomes and Condominiums comprising of over 2 Billion dollars in total real estate sales over the life of the project, making it the biggest Real Estate undertaking in Mexico’s history, much in line with the clout Homex is used to delivering.

The position of preferred lender is one which every mortgage company has  understandably been vying for over the last 24 months, but negotiations were recently completed between local mortgage company Baja Capital Mortgage and the Las Villas Group, electing them as preferred provider of mortgage services for US and Canadian citizens. Robert Rios, Partner in RMAC, one of Mexico’s most successful sales and marketing companies and the company partnering up with Homex to market and sell Las Villas gave the following statement “ We selected Baja Capital Mortgage  because we felt they were the best choice to get the job done. The reputation of Founder and President Ryland Apsey and his team for product, ethics, customer service and professionalism left little doubt as to who our logical choice should be and we feel confident we made the right decision and that a long and fruitful business relationship between our companies will follow.”

Baja Capital Mortgage or better known as BCM on the mainland operate in Los Cabos, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta, but fund loans in all resort destinations across Mexico.

http://www.bajacapitalmortgage.com

Business, Real Estate

Mexico Infrastructure Conference: Portfolio of Infrastructure Projects for 2010

Mexico’s Ministers and Federal Agencies’ CEOs will be presenting and discussing their portfolio of infrastructure projects for 2010 and the upcoming years, as well as the different structures for the participation of the private sector in the development and financing of these projects.

The conference will bring together leading Mexican and international companies with participation in the Mexican infrastructure sector.

Multimillion dollar infrastructure projects will be presented and discussed during the conference.

The program offers the opportunity of scheduling one-on-one meetings with Government officials as well as with heads and executives of infrastructure development companies with projects and operations in Mexico.

This conference represents a unique opportunity to meet the heads of the most important Mexican Government Agencies and Secretaries related to infrastructure in a single event (SHCP, SCT, Pemex, CFE, Fonatur, Conagua, Banobras)

  • The participation of infrastructure investment in Mexico’s GDP has increased in more than 66% during the current Administration
  • By the end of 2010 around US$5 billion in infrastructure projects will be initiated
  • A new bill for Public-Private associations in infrastructure has been proposed to the Mexican Congress
  • Mexican pension funds are expected to co-participate in the financing of infrastructure projects contributing with more than US$6 billion in 2010

Conference + Luncheon + One-on-one Meetings

Confirmed Speakers:

Agustín Carstens Carstens. Minister, Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP)

Juan Francisco Molinar Horcasitas. Minister, Ministry of Communications and Transport (SCT)

Juan José Suárez Coppel. CEO, Petroleos Mexicanos (PEMEX)

Alfredo Elías Ayub. CEO, Mexico’s Federal Electricity Commission (CFE)

Alejandro Werner. Deputy Minister, Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP)

Alonso García Tamés. CEO, Mexico’s Infrastructure and Public Services Bank (BANOBRAS)

Miguel Gómez Mont. CEO, Mexico’s National Trust Fund for Tourism Development (FONATUR)

José Luis Luege Tamargo. CEO, National Water Commission (CONAGUA)

When:
Thursday, November 19, 2009  8:00 AM  – 6:00 PM
Eastern Time Zone

Where:
Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers
811 Seventh Avenue
at 52nd St.
New York, NY 10019

Conference Registration:
Member Fee   $200.00
Non-Member Fee   $300.00

http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Summary.aspx?e=586c16ef-0552-42c2-9b45-cb4fcf3f1d45

Current Travel Press Releases, Real Estate

AREA International is Appointed the Exclusive Representation of Oasis12 Luxury Boutique Condominiums in Playa del Carmen

AREA International, a Real Estate Brokerage and Consulting firm, based in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, is proud to be appointed the exclusive representation of Oasis 12, Luxury Boutique Condominiums by the Canadian-Mexican partnership Lisgar Capital, S.A. de C.V. AREA International is launching a brand new ownership experience to accompany an already stellar level of development and design.
Playa del Carmen, Mexico, –(PR.com)– The 28 unit luxury boutique development, Oasis 12, located on Calle 12 and Avenida 20 in the vibrant caribbean town of Playa del Carmen, Mexico, has been under development for the past 18 months. Now with construction advancing to its final stages, AREA International is proud to announce the completion of the condominium regiment, enabling buyers to take title at the final closing. Oasis12 is taking the real estate market of Playa del Carmen to a new level by offering expansive floor plans, bright and airy loft units in addition to the oversized penthouses with private terraces, plunge pools and outdoor kitchens. This development stands out in its intelligent design and unique residence features, taking pre-emptive measures for comfort and security, intellectual and physical at all levels. The common area features lush tropical landscaping, a pool with a waterfall lit up in soft colors at night, creating a unique cosmopolitan ambiance true to Playa del Carmen.

With closing and delivery of titles and residence within 60 days of signing a promise to purchase agreement, Oasis 12 is one of the securest investments available in the Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen. Units will also be available for rent by night or week, with reservations starting Dec 15th 2009. Oasis 12 offers customized transactions to each buyers individual needs, from rental guarantees to optional developer financing and other benefits, Oasis 12 is your investment opportunity for elegance, luxury and lifestyle.

“Oasis 12 represents something new in my 14 years of experience in mexican and international real estate. Being appointed the exclusive representative of a development like Oasis 12 is a true privilege for me and my company.

It is a development that brings avant-garde thinking and really aims to stand out by oversizing floorplans and rooftops, thinking expansively with big open spaces, lots of lush landscaping and waterfalls in common areas. Oasis 12 goes over the top with its design, the quality of craftsmanship and materials used. The features such as garbage shoots, elevators, smart house design options, air-conditioned owner storages and much more that Oasis 12 offers are very hard to find here in Playa del Carmen. Playa doesn’t have the infrastructure of the bigger resort towns which allows it to keep a very intimate feel, that being said, many developments have a shoebox feel and are generally not very practical, catering mainly to vacation renters. I take pride in the vision of Lisgar Capital and what they have produced at Oasis 12, the construction methods and solid feel, as well as pre-emptive thinking and intelligent features brings confidence to any potential owner and my job is to ensure that taking posession will be as effortless as can be.” are a few words from AREA Internationals Principal and broker, Bjoern Koch. AREA International is not limiting itself to only ensuring a secure and effortless investment process, but aims to stay there for the new owners with its complete rental management system. This includes online owner monitoring of future reservations, including income and expenses, enabling complete owner insight, even at great distances.

About Lisgar Capital S.A. de C.V.
Lisgar Capital S.A. de C.V. is a partnership of Toronto based Lisgar Capital development company with over 50 years of international construction experience and Guadalajara based Unique Homes S.A. de C.V. The Oasis 12 development is in essence a demonstration of their commitment to Playa del Carmen and what they intend to bring to the area.

About AREA International S. de R.L. de C.V.
AREA (Advanced Real Estate Advisors) International, a Real Estate sales and marketing company founded by Bjoern Koch offering Real Estate sales and marketing innovations and consulting for buyers and sellers. AREA Interntaional specializes in Resort Real Estate investments, this has been the company’s main area of focus, with successful sales registered in Park City UT, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, and the Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo. The company has extensive experience in Resort Real Estate, where amongst others, Bjoern Koch successfully oversaw and closed 40% of total sales for Tides Playa del Carmen, a success story not beaten yet in the Riviera Maya by a single Property advisor for a single development.