I am planning to look at homes and land in and around Tulum, Mexico in April. Does anyone own property there or has anyone had any experience with the purchase of land or the building of a home? I read Robert's post about Tulum. What a sleepy town it was when we first started going there! I think that the bottom is about to fall out so that is why I am researching property there now. I speak Spanish and am interested in making a good investment in terms of retirement and rental equity. Any advice?
Aline

Good for you! That's a smart move, Aline!(pretend it's a marguerita! )

I'm in the process of developing a working relationship with a family of realtors who are located in a gorgeous area along the water on the west coast of Mexico. I'm going to be representing their condos in that area and I am presently putting my office ads together for the newspapers for next week, as we speak!

I'm not an expert in Mexican real estate, but I may be able to give you some assistance, if you like. I have had to learn a whole new skill set for the real estate industry in Mexico, as it is quite a bit different from Canada's real estate legislation. It's always good to learn new things, so I'm excited about this opportunity!

I also have friends who just bought a home in another area of Mexico, so I can ask them for info, also.

Here is a little bit that I've learned about some of the variations in real estate transactions that can affect your home purchase in Mexico...
Formerly, foreigners were not allowed to own property in Mexico, but since a new law went into effect in 1993, they can buy residential property. Under a different set of regulations, foreigners can own property for commercial use. Foreigners cannot buy property in the “restricted zone” outright.

Anyone can sell property in Mexico, but I'd advise using a registered real estate agent, because they have access to the processes of acquiring a mortgage, maintaining a clear title for the buyer and having a property inspection completed. If you want, I'd be happy to help with finding out more about this for you.

My realtor friends are going to be in this area next week, putting on a seminar to educate and inform people about the lifestyle in their corner of the country. I can ask them to answer any questions you might have, Aline.

"I was taken in by the bravado and the sounds of Mexico... not so much the music, but the spirit." ~ Herb Alpert
Brenda

Hi Brenda,
Thanks for your reply. I would love to chat some more. I am planning to be in Savannah for the Slow Travel gathering. Will you be there?
If so let's try and find a time to meet and talk. I am actually exploring the possibility of creating trips to Mexico or the Yucatan for those intested in cooking. Just in the infant stages but I could be persuaded to do this in another part of the country as well.
Aline

Hi, Aline...
Savannah it is!
I'll be there for 10 days, mostly before the Gathering weekend, so we can get together then. I'll make sure to bring some photos and contact info for you.

This coming Wednesday, I'm actually meeting with the builders and both of the realtors involved with these projects in this area. We're getting together with them for another info session and I'll bring back boxes of educational materials for my clients.

I sent the photos of the beach and computer-generated images of 'furnished' condos to my ad person at the newspaper and she's created the most fantastic series of ads for me! Of course, I'm so excited...

What I like most about this area is the quiet and the peacefulness, as well as the closeness the town and the development are to the water...no place for me is worth anything unless there's water close by, so this location is perfect.

I'll put something together for you, so you can check it out. I think it would be a good idea for you to talk with the developers of this area, because there is likely a way for you to work with them, with your cooking tours and their accommodations.

"Round the centre of the covered market, where there is a basin of water, are the flowers: red, white, pink roses in heaps, many-coloured little carnations, poppies, bits of larkspur, lemon and orange marigolds, buds of madonna lilies, pansies, a few forget-me-nots.
They don't bring the tropical flowers.
Only the lilies come wild from the hills, and the mauve red orchids." ~ D. H. Lawrence
Brenda

Tulum is a lovely area.

BGE did you watch that W5 program on the Canadian woman who went down to Mexico, got a job as another Canadian's cook? He got arrested and then she was arrested and has been in prison there for 2 years. They both say she was not involved in his criminal activities, but she remains in prison.

Hi Brenda (again!)
Where will you be staying in Savannah. Perhaps we can try to meet at the cocktail party on Friday night. Let me know.
Aline

Hi, June,
Yep, I did see that...quite scary! I have been to a very open and informative education seminar on property ownership in various areas of Mexico, and there are many more fantastic things happening there that balance out the negative that we hear.

The specific area where this development is located is quite calm, peaceful and very safe, according to the people I've met who have lived there since 1999. I think it's like anything else that happens in today's news...the press pick up the controversial and splash it around, while the wonderful is left languishing in the shadows.

Hi, Aline!
I'll send you a PM plus an e-mail. I don't post my accommodations on the internet. I have quite a stash of information on these gorgeous condos that I'm happy to share.

I'm going to post about them on my blog as soon as I have time this weekend!

“My driving abilities from Mexico have helped me get through Hollywood.” ~ Salma Hayek
Brenda