Ejidos? Mexican lands!

Ejidos are a complicated part of Mexican history. An ejido is land which Mexicans are given the right to use for living and working (usually farming). The land cannot be sold, leased or transferred to anyone not an ejidatario. The permission to use the land can be transferred to other Mexicans, but not to non-Mexicans.

When ejidos were originally granted, they were placed in non-prime locations at the time, usually in places where the towns weren’t. Nowdays, you can find ejidos situated on beautiful and highly desirable beach locations. Non-Mexicans see these beautiful beach front properties being used by a few Mexican peasants and offers are made to purchase the property. Money changes hands and often homes are built by the non-Mexicans. Tough luck for these non-Mexicans who didn’t consult with a qualified and dependable Mexican real estate attorney about a title search and what is ejido land and who is eligible to own it.

All non-Mexicans who occupy ejido land are illegal trespassers on that land, because only Mexicans are allowed to use the ejido land. Before buying property in Mexico, make certain you are buying property which you can legally own. 

 

For more information on the latest real estate and development work contact us at www.american-development.com

A perspective- what it looks like and sounds like to own in Mexico...

Have you ever wondered what it really looks like and sounds like to be an owner of Mexican property? What better way to understand what you might be getting into as you consider owning in Mexico than to hear the perspective of others…According to a recent source, getting a glimpse of what Mexican property ownership looks like to Canadians Wanda and Mark Eiler and their four children is a ¨two thumbs up¨ perspective.The Calgary family owns a couple of condominiums in Mexico, which they visit five or six times a year just hangin' out, soakin' up the rays and the laid-back Mexican lifestyle.

 "We have owned in Mexico since October 2007 when we bought our first two-bedroom condominium on the beach," says Wanda. "Then last November (2010), we bought a second property, a three-bedroom condo in a neighboring building."

Among the many positives, the Eilers comment that ¨the look and feel of the development is spotless cleanliness, friendly and helpful staff, the attention to detail, and the access amenities both on-site and off.¨ In that short time, developers are realizing the importance of Canadians, like the Eilers to the success of the resort occupancy. 

"Mexico  has seen a tremendous increase in interest from the Canadian market over the past year." says Gerardo Rojano, vice-president of a marketing group. While the strength of the Canadian dollar and economy have certainly played a big role in this surge in interest, we think Mexico, and more specifically Playa Del Carmen offer a great lifestyle, unique culture and strong value for those seeking a vacation home. Also the fact that Air Canada offers daily service into Cancun has helped raise the profile of the area that Playa Del Carmen offers Canadians.

With the Greg Norman Signature Golf Course, world-class marina and restaurants in neighboring Puerto Aventuras, Playa Del Carmen has something for everyone," The Eilers also add personal safety to the list of reasons why they have purchased in Mexico. "We would definitely recommend Mexico to other Canadians as our experience has been that it is a very safe, clean, friendly, beautiful, well managed place to relax" says Wanda Eilers. "When we are in Mexico whether at the resort or in downtown, we do what we want in a peaceful, relaxed environment, without incident."

Wanda and Mark Eilers Background: The Eilers purchased the first of two condominiums in Mexico in 2007. Then last year 2010, they purchased another apartment condo. The couple and their four children spend Easter and Christmas vacations at the resort, while Wanda and Mark manage to get down there three or four more times on their own.

www.american-development.com

Condos in Playa

Playa del Carmen preconstruction condos and finished condos have been extremely popular over the past several years. As many buyers coming to this city are seeking properties for winter escapes or for their second homes, the concept of owning property through a joint community is very appealing to many non-Mexicans. Many condos in Playa del Carmen have been designed with this criteria or this market in mind when they develop and construct these buildings.

Another feature that is attractive to investors and buyers of the condos here in the community is the rental demand. Mexico has been seeing steady increases in the visitors coming to this country every year. With projections estimated of double digit increases in tourism, the demand is outpacing the available room units that exist in the Playa del Carmen condo market.

Due to this high demand of rental units, a new concept of ownership with in-house rental management emerged for the area approximately four years ago. This hundred percent ownership concept involves purchasing a condominium within a hotel designed infrastructure. Such a building will have a reception area, an administrative office/s, amenities such as pools, small kitchen and restaurant. The choices of placing your Playa del Carmen condo within a rental pool is completely dependant on the owner. If the owner decides to maintain the condo locked up during his time away from the unit is a choice completely dependant upon the buyer. Many times the owner welcomes the idea of a professional marketer and hotel administrator taking control of the units for the optimal service of the property.

www.american-development.com

Sustainable Design in Playa Del Carmen

A noticeable trend taking shape in Playa Del Carmen has been to incorporate environment-friendly (or sustainable design) aspects into the design of the properties. In the subdivisions of Playacar and the yet to be developed ¨La Escondida¨ community - located across the highway for Playacar- some of the innovative features are focused on renewable energy, photovoltaic cell, and wind turbines. In addition to rain-water capture and use of natural vegetation, the La Escondida community is planned to include an easy recycling program and a green shuttle service. The eco-community aims to use solar power and keeps much of the natural vegetation in tact, and combines a state-of-the-art development using the most energy efficient designs. Buyers have been noticing these trends, and taking them into consideration.

One of several movements to help promote this direction took place early in September 2010, with a presentation from the municipal government to outline an urban development for Puerto Aventuras, Akumal and Playa del Carmen in a way considering short-term, mid-term and long-term sustainability. Members of the Housing and Urban Development of the aforementioned Solidarities met and gave their backing to the draft program of the Urban Development Plan. This does take a step toward giving the appropriate thought to sustainable design in the local political process.

The meeting and the draft were given the specific representation of the Playa Del Carmen Real Estate industry through the presence of the Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals (AMPI) and the Association of Owners and Investors of the Riviera Maya (APIR). Also present were the College of Engineering, the Business Coordinating Council of the Riviera Maya, the College of Architects, among others. Each of these groups expressed satisfaction in the plan, and the plan is soon expected to be approved by city council.

The mayor of Playa pointed out that to bring order and channel accelerated development of the Playa del Carmen area in recent years, (with a population growth of more than 16 percent annually,) "it was urgent to lay the foundation for the development of sustainable design and urban plans."

He added that for that reason the city is putting special emphasis on developing the Municipal Ecological Management Plan to introduce an "integral order in the development of Solidarity as a whole, and specifically that of Playa del Carmen, Akumal and Puerto Aventuras." The Urban Development Plans of each area are based, according to the mayor, on a regional economic models and social perspectives, which will promote and attract investments to Solidarity.

There are also projections for economic diversification, modernization of roads, the various types of land use, urban facilities and the provision of services, and, last but not least, increased care for the environment, together with the development of a culture for the preservation of our environment, the good news for those considering Playa del Carmen real estate is that the focus on environmental issues is growing to match and even surpass expectations of buyers!

www.american-development.com

Featuring Playacar...Playa´s premier residential district

Playacar is the name of the gated community at the south of the city which includes a golf course and various hotels and resorts, offers the most single family homes.  The above picture is an arial view of the layout. It is situated for an ordered development. There are two phases in Playacar; phase 1 is very small and private – there is no through street - and is only about 3 blocks from the beach. Phase 2 is much larger with many access points and surrounds the golf course. Of course, Playa del Carmen homes can be found in other parts of the city as well. However, we are taking some time to highlight Playacar´s unique offerings.

While there is always the option of buying a house in Playa del Carmen as permanent year-round home, only a small percentage of home owners have chosen this option. Most Playa del Carmen homes are rentals – the majority of owners buy with the intention of using the house with their family only for vacations and visits; during the rest of the year, they rent the house out, so it doubles as an investment, with an impressive income. Purely rental investments are also common; in some cases houses have been constructed or remodelled by builders, and are probably intended solely for rental or sale.

According to one owner, ¨Not only can we take advantage of owning a Playa del Carmen home that doubles as an investment (it serves an income rather than an expense!), but it can also be a really good investment, since the rental income for houses here is very impressive. ¨Part of the reason for this is that the demand is relatively high. In the case of condos, for example, many 2 bedroom apartments are advertised on line, while, as rental agencies have reported, most people come down in groups, so they need 4 or more bedrooms. 

Although the rental demand is generally being met, the supply is lacking somewhat for the 5 bedroom + category. Also, in the case of 4 bedrooms, the demand is still high enough to make for an excellent rental investment. Another advantage of houses is that there are no condo fees, which tend to be high near the beachfront. Maintenance costs for repairs, maids, etc., can be fairly high too, but this is outweighed by the fact that rental income on homes is much better. Of course, the income and occupancy depend a lot on good promotion and selecting the right managing partner for your real estate needs. At American Development we recognize that value and deliver to our clients.

www.american-development.com

10 tips to buying real estate

Whether you are just getting started to consider buying in Mexico or have been engaged with an agency for a few months, these tips will come in handy.  If your purpose is for getting returns on investment, development, or for your enjoyment, or a personal project these tips work for you.

1. Analyze the market. Before buying or lending money to a developer , look at other neighboring properties. A handful of savvy buyers have managed to find rental properties where the rental income covers the maintenance costs, utility bills, property taxes, insurance and even the monthly mortgage payment.It may happen that rents have risen in the last five years, but you must know how much potential there. If rents are high but there are few shops, offices or homes empty is a sign that you can still grow.

2. Diversify. It is important not to invest all in the same market. For someone who invests in real estate, diversification can be cheaper to buy more houses and then rent them instead of one.

3. View the property well. You can tell the status at a glance, but it is worth seeking the advice of a civil engineer, because there are some things that can escape into a first inspection.

4. Make sure that the papers are in order. See our earlier blog ¨Rights as Foreigner.¨ Obtain certificates of no debts of water, property taxes, among many payments. Get support from a lawyer or notary for the transaction.

5. In societies and condominium, look to be well clear of what you own and what they own. This constitutes the condominium regime war from breaking out between tenant and owner. And you do not want to be somebody who ends up piping that tune.

6. Have the title deeds and land use licenses.

7. If the property is for lease, make sure you have collateral. That the guarantee is honorable. Some people resort to any security, but these are difficult to enforce.

8. If you are renting, find all the references that you the tenant.

9. Get the plans for the property and specifying the boundaries of the property in the scriptures.

10. When you invest in something that is under construction, see the construction bonds have to ensure that work is completed. 

www.american-development.com

Why a Notary Public is important in Real Estate transactions.

The Mexican Notary Public is a specialized attorney, almost like a judge in the US, who participates in commercial and civil matters as a public attester and legal adviser to investors, entrepreneurs and individuals.

In Mexico, acts that are executed before the presence and under the advice of a Notary Public have full evidentiary value in all courts around the country, and are an absolute guarantee of legality and legal certainty.

The Notary Public shall intervene in:

·         Real estate purchases and sales.

·         Incorporation of companies.

·         Granting of powers of attorney.

·         Purchase and shares of companies.

·         Trusts in beaches and borders.

Though Notaries are vital in the Real Estate process, they by definition represent the Government and are given their power to levy and collect taxes.  It is imperative that you have an attorney who represents your interest.  It can be a rocky road to find one that you can trust, but thankfully we have done the heavy lifting for you and can recommend the most honest, competent ones in the area.

The only way you can be secure from start to finish in a transaction is to have competent representation in every step. 

  

American Development Company is the only American owned and operated luxury home builder in Playa del Carmen , Mexico. It's our duty to assist clients in the acquisition of properties and the construction of single family residences, apartments or condominiums up to US standards.

Real Estate Riviera Maya - Ocean Front For Sale

Price $140,000 USD 

More information