Update La Paz May 2008

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Sorry about the re-issue I dropped a 0 in the newsletter link.

May is here already with lots of happenings during the month.  We are having great weather here.  Sunny and in the mid 90’s

La Paz Update April 2008

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La Paz Update February 2008

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La Paz Update December 2007

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I hope that all of you had a Happy Thanksgiving.  Lots of Happenings at the moment here in La Paz.  We have been getting some scattered light rain showers the last couple days, which is a nice change and we need the water here in the desert.

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They were shooting a major movie here and in the surrounding areas a couple of weeks ago.  Some of the locals had the opportunity to participate as extras.

Sunday the 2nd will be the Club Crucero’s annual subasta (auction) held at Marina De La Paz.  It is a fund raiser to support the under privileged kids in the area with school materials, school lunches, medical help, and the old age home with food and clothes.

The third condo and other buildings are springing up out of the sand at Paraiso del Mar on El Mogote.  Property titles should start transferring March or April.

The powers that be are investigating the feasibility of building a convention center in La Paz.  La Paz will have two 5 star hotels with the construction of the La Posada hotel/condo rsort and the remodeling of the Fiesta Inn at Costa Baja to upgrade it to 5 star status.  Maybe some of the other hotels will upgrade to 4 star status.

Last weekend Costa Baja went all out for their dedication of the new Beach Club facility, Ampitheater and to launch their sales promotion for the next two areas of development; Vista Mar residences and Las Colinas hillside homes.  Prices strting about $360,000 USD.  Friday was the opening of the Beach Club which was held at sunset with wind surfers on the bay and of course a beautiful La Paz sunset with music, gourmet snacks and cocktails.  Saturday night invited guests were treated to a concert in the ampithearter (which was carved out of the mountain side) by the noted tenor Fernando de la Mora with soprano Monica Hernandez and El Mariachi Gama 1000. Paola Espinosa, winner of 3 gold medals plus other silver and bronze medals in diving was also in attendance.  The concert closed with a fireworks display bursting over the audiance.  Following the concert, gourmet snacks and cocktails were served in the Puebla Marinaro area.  Costa Baja is offering a special package of 5 days, 4 nights with use of the exclusive Beach Club, lunch and dinner at marina village restaurants and an excursion on the Sea of Cortez.  All for ONLY $299 per couple.  If you are interested in viewing these properties send me your complete contact information and the dates that you would like to come to La Paz and I will try to get reservations for your desired dates.  omni@osmx.com

I heard that our neighbors to the South in Cabo now have a Wal-Mart and Sams Club open.  In La Paz we have a new bed & breakfast open in the downtown area.  Rates start at $45 per day.  A new Mexican style restaurant opened on Allende next door to the English book store  Allende Books.  Good food.

The 40th Baja 1000 off road race finished in Cabo this year.  A 70 year old, Rod Hall won his class for the 19th time.  He is the only racer to have completed all 40 Baja 1000 races!

A couple new developments with view lots are now available for sale in El Centenario.  Hacienda Palo Verde development is one.  The other is La Paz Del Sol.  The first phase has 24 homes in a gated community.  Four models to choose from, with prices starting at $259,000 USD.  Now available just North of the city on the hill side are great view lots with homes starting in the $400,000 to $700,000 range.  Also available in the same area is a 10,000 square foot plus lot suitable for a condo project.  Great 180 degree view of the bay.

The old Grand Baja hotel that is being converted to condos had their sales opening today for the professional real estate agents (AMPI members).  The conversion will have 123 units of 1 and 2 bedrooms and a couple penthouses.  Most with a view of the bay.  Prices start at about $187,000 USD  Quite a few pre-sales have already been made.  Future plans include additional condo towers and villas with a couple tennis courts, pools and water sports facilities. 

I will be glad to show you any of these properties, just let me know when you are coming to La Paz.

I will be on vacation from December 20th and back in the office January 7th.  Any emails sent during that period will be answeed when I return.  Also the next updte will be a little late.

Enjoy the holidays.  There are so many I can’t remember them all.  Happy Hanukkah, Sinterklaas, Dia de virgen Guadalupe, Las Posadas, eid-Al Adha, Christmas Day, boxing Day, New Years Eve & Day, etc.etc.

FELIZ NAVIDAD Y PROSPERO AÑO 2008

Saludos

Gordon

La Paz Update November 2007

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We are starting to get a little more activity here now that the weather has cooled down a bit.

The La Posada Privada development has only 12 units remaining for sale.  About 1500 sq. ft. and priced around $200,000 USD depending on a couple options that are available.  If this is in your price range and you will be coming to La Paz soon contact me for more information.

Paraiso Del Mar construction is now becoming visable from the Malecon with the second condo unit about 2/3rds completed and about 90 homes under construction.  If you are interested in a condo, building “S” is now available for sale.  Log in on my web site and use CODE TH0036 to get the latest info. 

Condo units can now be reserved  in the beach front Grand Baja.  Priced from About $225,000 to $450,000 USD. 

New types of construction have finally made their way to La Paz.  Steel 2×4 & 2×6s and drywall is now an option.  Also IFC (Insulating Foam & Concete)  This is being used in individual homes and in a new Luxury beach front condo building.  Meets all U.S. codes and Green requirements.  Hurricane and earthquake resistant.  If you would like to build your IFC dream home let me know and I can put you in touch with the local builder.

Colina Del Sol La Paz has one, 1 bedroom condo remaining for sale.  About $201,000 USD.  Colina Del Sol Los Barriles is moving ahead rapidly with their infrastructure.  The on site sales office is finished.  It is surrounded by a botanical garden with different plant species from within the development.  The Casa Del Sol model is 70% completed and the community center with swimming pool is under construction.  The water treatment plant is completed..  The fresh water and grey water tanks are nearly finished.  The stone roads are being laid from the rotunda to the sales office.

We have a new book store just off the Malecon.  Books and materials are all in English.

November starts off here as a holiday. Dia De Los Muertos (day of the dead)  The first and 2nd are days to remember and respect the dead.  Altars are built and the graves are adorned with photos of the departed, candles, food and drink for their spirits.  Do a Google search and learn about this interesting custom.  November 20th is the Mexican Revolution holiday.  For the states don’t forget the DST change on the 4th.  We did ours last week.

Don’t forget our Veterans on the 11 and of course Thanksgiving on the 22.

For help in finding your retirement dream property contact me omni@osmx.com and for information about buying property in Mexico check out my web site and Links page.  http://osmx.com

Regards

Gordon 

La Paz Update October 2007

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The La Paz weather has been cooling down a little at night.  Daytime temperatures are still in the mid to high 90’s.  So far no direct hits by hurricanes.  The tropical storm Southwest of la Paz is expected to move on North and maybe hit the Baja around Gurerro Negro, but things will probably change as the weather does.  We are getting some clouds from it and a little humidity.  We have bee hit recently by a series of small earthquakes.  Usually the shakes have been minimal.

The Todos Santos development Real de Santa Ana is well underway on the infrastructure, survey, final grade and model homes.  The price increase on the entry level model homes is about $5000.  Financing is available with good credit.  80% LTV is available.  On a $175,000 home you can get in with a $35,000 down payment. 

Speaking of loans, financing including cashout refinancing is available on several approved developments in the area.  With a credit rating of 680 you can apply for financing at the following approved developments:  Paraiso del Mar on El Mogote, Costa Baja Resorts, Maravia, Colina del Sol La Paz and Colina del Sol in Los Barriles.

Costa Baja is moving along with their next phase of luxury units.  The Beach Club is scheduled to open in November.

La Posada Resort Hotel has opened their sales office and joined the Real Estate Row on the Malecon.  Construction should start in November on the beach front 5 star hotel/condo resort.  The resort is to have a spa and restaurant, pool etc.  I have not seen the plans but I hope they include the beach front palapa bar similar to the one that was there. 

As a reminder title insurance is now available in Mexico for added security of your property purchase.  For more information about financing or buying property in Mexico check out my web site and the LINKS page.  http://osmx.com

Lots of activities starting here this fall.  The snow birds will start arriving this month.  October 2-5 in Jijuana is the Baja California Meeting Point with all the big developers and property owners.  The 5 is Realtor’s day for networking.  About the 28th is the AMPI National convention which is on a cruise ship this year.  The Realtors will visit several tourist destinations in Mexico. 

Holidays to enjoy this month include Canadian thanksgiving, Columbus Day and don’t forget Halloween.

Also daylight savings time changes on the 28th.

that’s about it for this month.  Enjoy.

Regards

Gordon

LA PAZ UPDATE SEPTEMBER 2007

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Not a lot happening this summer in La Paz.  All of the developments are moving along with their construction work.  From my office I can see the condos going up at Paraiso del Mar on El Mogote.  Also the golf course work should begin this month and be finished in seven months or so.

The old La Posada hotel is being torn down and will be replaced with high end condos,restaurants etc.  Condo prices will start around the $300,000 range and up to a million dollars for a penthouse unit.

We had a couple light showers last week and a little rain in some areas last night.  We may get more rain tonight and tomorrow from the approaching storm.  It may turn into a hurricane tonight.  We are now under hurricane warnings for Southern Baja.

Saturday we were all shook up by 3 earthquakes.  The first and strongest was a 6.3.  It shook my office pretty hard and lasted a few seconds.  I haven’t heard of any major damage.  The lady in the gift shop next door said that it moved her heavy display cases but only a couple things fell off shelves and broke.

The first couple blocks of 16 de Septiembre street from the Malecon is all torn up for repairs and new sewer lines.  It should be nice when it is finished.

We have a major holiday coming up on the 16th which is Mexico’s Independance Day.  I hope that you all had an enjoyable Labor Day weekend.

That’s about all the shakin news from here this month.

Regards

Gordon