May Update

Hóla

This will be a short email this month as no new openings have occurred in
La Paz lately.  There are lots of stories and speculation going on as far as new developments but so far nothing for certain.

A new development opened in Los Cabos with a view of the bay.  These homes are nicely decorated and suitable for younger persons.   Because of all the steps to enter and all bedrooms upstairs, it is not really good for retirees with bad knees, backs, etc.  It is difficult to get the developers here to design a home with easy access and with a master bedroom and bath on the first floor.  One developer’s homes even have the laundry room with washer & dryer on the second floor.  Eventually they will get the message that they have to improve their home designs to accommodate the older buyers.

They have opened branches of HSBC and Banamex banks across from Soriana’s at Plaza La Paz.  That will be a good addition for the people in that part of town.

We have had a few holidays here lately with Easter, May 1^st. 
La Paz’s birthday May 3, and Cinco de Mayo  on Friday.

Don’t forget Mothers Day and enjoy the Memorial Day weekend.

Regards

Gordon

APRIL UPDATE

Hóla

It’s that time again.  Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead.  Also keep your umbrellas handy for the April showers.  For those of us in
La Paz we seldom need an umbrella.

Not a lot new going on at this time.  All the developers are still working away on their projects.  The Waldo Group just opened a new WALDO’S store on 5 de Febrero near McDonalds.  It is a one price store.

La Posada Privada phase two construction is underway and already two homes have been sold.  Last Tuesday Homex, one of the largest builders in
Mexico and listed on the NYSE, opened their model at the Marina Sur Residential development.  The project has some bay frontage and is to have commercial areas and a golf course.  Two three bedroom models are available. Sizes range from a little over 1500 to 1800 plus, square feet in two stories.  Prices are from about $148,000 to $165,000 depending on the exchange rate at the time.  Conficasa International will be handling the financing and closings.  There are a few photos on my web site under Homes, Marina Sur.  Financing info is on the financing page.  You can get pre-qualify online.  http://osmx.com

Also to be available this fall are the 2 bedroom bay view hillside condos by Decope.  These are price from about $179,000 to about $279,000.

If you are looking for other types of properties let me know and I will see what is available in the area to fit your needs.

Enjoy the Easter Holidays and stay out of the April showers.

Regards

Gordon

MARCH UPDATE

Hóla

Well Carnaval is finally over.  A lot of people were in town for the week long event.  There were parades with floats, a King and Queen with their courts.  Also lots of loud music, amusement rides, vendors selling food, drinks, bread, blankets and all of the usual trinkets found at fairs.

Traffic on the Malecon is getting back to normal with the removal of all the booths, electrical wires, stages, etc.

Speaking of the Malecon.  The Malecon is becoming a regular real estate row.  We now have about 12 real estate businesses and a Conficasa International mortgage loan office on the Malecon.  Plus about four other offices a block or so off the Malecon.

Conficasa is now making real estate loans for primary or second homes throughout Mexico.  Contact me if you are interested in a loan to buy a home in Mexico.  About all you need is good credit and you can pre-qualify.

A couple of the new developments are now under construction and the homes are being pre-sold.  There are some nice homes in gated areas and the prices run from about $125,000 to about $200,000.  Only five lots remaining for homes a block from the beach and priced between $150,000 and $180,000 depending on the model.  Completion 6 months from the time you make a deposit and signing of the purchase contract.

For the cruisers and boaters the La Paz Bay Fest will be held April 20 to 24^th.

Have a nice March and don’t drink too much green beer on St. Patrick’s Day.

Regards

Gordon

FEBRUARY UPDATE

Hóla

Not a lot new this past month.  The government agencies are all back to work.  All the early birds that paid their property taxes in December and January received a 30% discount. You get a lesser discount for paying in February.

The weather has been cool and windy the last week or so.  We even got a little rain one day last week.

The construction projects are still moving along.  The One Price Store across from Soriana’s  is open and construction is nearing completion on the other buildings in the project.

People are slowly finding out that financing is now available for Americans buying property in Mexico.  We are starting to get requests for loan information.  If you are considering a loan on your home purchase in Mexico check out my web site under financing.  http://osmx.com

The new beach front home in El Comitan at the South end of the bay is nearly finished and is on the market for $1,200,000.  The owners will consider reasonable offers and financing is available.

My web site has been updated after 10 years of minor modifications.  I hope that you will find it more user friendly and easier to navigate.  Check it out, lots of information on buying property and living in Mexico.  The links page has all kinds of information links.  http://osmx.com

Enjoy Ground Hogs Day activities and the Presidents Day holiday this month.

Regards

Gordon

Hóla

Just a note to let you know that there are new loans available and more programs on the way for financing property in Mexico. These loans are for Americans, Canadians and Mexicans. Check out my web site under financing for info or contact me and I will have the loan specialist contact you to answer your questions. http://osmx.com

When buying property in Mexico or anywhere in the world be sure that you hire a real estate professional to assist you with your purchase. Hire a REALTOR or in Mexico and AMPI member.

Regards
Gordon

Hóla,

This update is a little later than usual. It appears that the original newsletter I thought I had sent a few days ago went out into computer never never land.

There were a few tourists in town over the holidays with the cruise ships and the bus tours. Most government agencies, schools etc. were closed and most should be back to their regular schedule by the 15th.

The government buildings all had very nice Christmas decorations this year.

For those of you that have property here it is time to pay the property taxes.

Construction is moving along on the commercial building across from Soriana’s at Plaza La Paz. The One Price store is open already. The home developers are back to work after the holidays and there are a couple new locations that will have gated secure areas. One is about a block from the water. (No View of the bay) There are five lots remaining and the home plans run from about $150,000 to $180,000. The same developer is building 10 homes in a prestige area. These will be in a secure area also.

We finally have home loans available here for American buyers that have good credit. If interested in home loans let me know and I will put you in contact with the loan department.

Check out the rest of the web site for information and links to information about buying property and living in Mexico. On the LINKS page click onto the Baja Insider link for a lot of info about the La Paz and Cabo area of Baja California Sur.

That is about all the news for this month. We should have more activities to report on next month now that the holidays are behind us.

Regards,

Gordon

Hola

We have had a few more tourists here this last month. Also the cruisers are here from the Baja HA-HA. Unfortunately one of the boats that was arriving at night ended up on the rocks. It was destroyed and had to be salvaged the remains were hauled away. The crew was not injured.

More people are coming here looking for large parcels of land for
investment. The speculators are planning on future areas for development
around the La Paz area.

Lots of activity around with the businesses and the government putting up
Christmas decorations. Of course the stores have been full of Christmas
merchandise for some time.

The Applebee’s restaurant is almost ready to open. Construction is moving
along rapidly on the new shopping complex across the street South of
Soriana’s and the Plaza La Paz.

Construction is also progressins well at a couple of the housing
developments. Bay view condos should be available early next spring. Phase II at Privada La Posada will start in January.

Road construction is progressing on El Mogote for the Paraiso Del Mar
development. Log on to their site on my web site to see what is available.

For someone that would like a small 2 bedroom 1 bath home near the
university and only a few minutes from Plaza La Paz, I have one available at
$30,000 USD. Also available is a small corner lot with a bodega (storage
building). It is located near a major street and a hospital. $200,000
Pesos ( a little less than $20,000 USD)
Soon to be available a large home in a good area. Needs the finishing
touches. Will be priced around $170,000 USD. Ten new homes being built in same area priced from $150,00 to $180,000 USD

For information about buying property and living in Mexico be sure to check out the rest of the web site and Bajainsider on the LINKS page.

Enjoy the holidays. Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Regards
Gordon