Excellent news for Americans and Canadians buying Mexico condos on a budget; one new development of Playa del Carmen condos has recently completed its model unit, and the first penthouse unit is nearing completion.

When buying pre-construction, most buyers will want to see a completed model suite to visualize the lifestyle possibilities better. Seeing this model condo first hand will not leave buyers disappointed. The open-concept, modern design with a large kitchen bar, and 2 very spacious bedrooms with walk-in closets are as good, if not better, when seen first hand. The large space of 1400 sq. ft. (130 sq. mt.) is very well laid-out, with 2 large terraces, and a personal pool or jacuzzi as well. Each unit is a separate floor, and their are no adjoining units, making for plenty of natural sunlight and contributing to the open feeling.

The complex pool, shared by only 6 very small buildings, is also complete to be seen. The complex will also include a gym area, which will be completed with future building construction. The beach is only a short walk away, the newly developing community is upscale and gated, and downtown is a 10 minute drive.

What is most astonishing is the price; starting at $130,000, these are probably the best priced Playa del Carmen condos for sale in this kind of location with this much space and such an excellent design.

In the first building which is nearing completion and includes the model unit, the penthouse is also nearing completion for buyers to view. This unit, located on the third floor, includes the same design and all the benefits of the first two floors, with an additional bedroom on the rooftop. The remainder of the rooftop space is dedicated entirely to a terrace, ideal for a shaded lounge area. The jacuzzi is also included on the rooftop.

With plenty of extra space, and the luxury of a completely private rooftop terrace – each penthouse will have a completely separate rooftop – again it is surprising that the price is only $30,000 USD more than the base unit price. This total of $160,000 is the best price and value available for a penthouse in Playa del Carmen.

Located in a gated, upscale community, in an up-and-coming area of Playa del Carmen showing clear signs of becoming perhaps the nicest and most desirable part of town, these condos are an excellent investment, both in terms of lifestyle and in terms of potential for value appreciation.

TOPMexicoRealEstate.com; Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely

TOPMexicoRealEstate.com, a website and network of Mexico’s leading real estate professionals, has added a new feature to their Playa del Carmen Real Estate main page, displaying the most recent of the network’s news updates for the area directly on that page. Future Playa del Carmen Property buyers will enjoy quick and easy access to this information to help them make informed choices at the early stages of their property search.

The TOPMexicoRealEstate blog posts entries concerning real estate news, such as key advice, new properties, buying tips, new laws and noteworthy developments. There are also a number of posts about lifestyle, such as events and new activities. The entries are posted by the network brokers and real estate professionals, who represent various locations throughout Mexico, including the Yucatan Peninsula, the central area of Mexico, the Pacific Coast and Baja California.

With the new feature, any post concerning Playa del Carmen will appear automatically on the main page for that area. Entering the page, potential buyers will see the most recent updates on purchasing real estate in Playa del Carmen immediately without having to enter the blog and search for Playa del Carmen entries.

Among the most popular property types are Playa del Carmen Condos, followed by villas and homes. Updates on new condo developments count for an ongoing part of the blog, as well as special advice, information and steps necessary for making pre-construction purchases.

Playa del Carmen has also established itself as a solid real estate investment market. Investment news and tips, as well as key properties, developments or locations with promising investment potential are commented upon in the updates. Economic situations, such as the strength of the tourism industry, urban development plans, major infrastructure development and large scale private investment are also updated in the blog entries.

The new update section will make this indispensable information accessible for real estate buyers at the moment when they need it most – the point when they are deciding when, where, and how to buy in Playa del Carmen.

Source: TOPMexicoRealEstate NETWORK, Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely

Buyers considering Playa del Carmen Real Estate will notice that, while infrastructure advancements are made quickly and efficiently, they serve to add a unifying factor to the city, further developing the positive urban atmosphere which residents already enjoy here.

The three new bridges are currently about 50% complete and are being built over the city’s main intersections with the Cancun-Playa del Carmen-Tulum federal highway. In addition to easing traffic flow at these main intersections – allowing residents to move from one part of the city to the other without the delays of waiting for all the through traffic – it will make a stronger connection between the new developments in the north of the city and the conveniences located in the south.

One such community is Villas Tranquilidad in El Cielo, which has access to the federal highway just before the point where the bridges begin. At the point where the bridges end, there is a Sam’s Club; Playa del Carmen’s newest shopping mall, Centro Maya, which includes a City Club (a new Mexican version of Sam’s); Soriana, a supermarket/super store similar to Walmart; a movie theater; and many other services. With the bridges, the drive that currently takes about 30 minutes, will take only about 10.

A concern raised when plans for the bridges were announced was that they would visually “divide” the city between the beach side of the highway, and the non-beach side; this factor, however, does not appear to be a strong issue. The bridge design includes posts instead of closed concrete, allowing for clear vision to the other side. Approaching the completed section of the first bridge (next to Sam’s) on a small downtown road, a driver might not notice the bridge until reaching the federal highway itself.

Excellent news for Playa del Carmen Real Estate buyers – Playa del Carmen Properties have received a boost in terms of both lifestyle and in property value; a large scale project to widen Playa del Carmen’s beaches has just been completed, which also included widening the beaches in the nearby real estate area of Cancun. For buyers interested in Playa del Carmen Homes or Playa del Carmen Condos, the project means that as residents they will be able to enjoy the new, wider beaches as a part of day to day life. It also means a further protection of the value of their property for re-sale or rental.

The Governor of Quintana Roo (the state which includes Playa del Carmen and Cancun), Felix Gonzalez said that this is a historical project, and has discussed the important point of ensuring that the restored sand is not lost. Part of the 80 million dollars which invested into the project has been set aside for ongoing maintenance, and the project also included a design to help prevent the washing away of sand, maintaining a width of about 130 ft (40 meters) of beachfront.

During the first week of February, the Governor witnessed the final deposit of sand opposite the Royal Solaris, and announced that the President of Mexico, Felipe Calderon, will personally review the work this month, which brought about the widening of 6.5 miles of beachfront in Cancun with almost 200 million cubic feet of sand, and 2.6 miles in Playa del Carmen with almost 30 million cubic feet of sand.

Condo and home buyers in the area will see several advantages from this newly completed project. The main reason buyers consider a home or condo in Playa del Carmen is the high-quality beachfront lifestyle offered, at an accessible price. The new, wider beaches mean even more space to enjoy a walk in the sand, a picnic on the beach or a relaxing Sunday afternoon in the sun. For investors, the quality of beachfront continues to attract new buyers and renters to the area. For both residents and investors, this large-investment maintenance project signals the level of commitment the government shows towards maintaining and improving the desirability of the area.

TOPMexicoRealEstate NETWORK; Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely

One of the key advantages that Playa  del Carmen Real Estate holds over its larger neighbour, Cancun, and many other favourite beachfront real estate choices, is its unique small city, European-like atmosphere. While the real estate area surrounding and including Playa del Carmen, known as the Riviera Maya, certainly includes many large resort developments with excellent properties, these are balanced by Playa del Carmen’s famous Fifth Avenue, which is defined by small boutique hotels, a broad range of restaurants and shops, all within comfortable walking distance.

Playa  del Carmen Real Estate in the area centered on Fifth Avenue can be compared to the flavour and style of the hotels. Many of these hotels have under 60 rooms. While less internet presence makes gives these small, stylish hotels less attention in booking from abroad, the style and atmosphere they add to this part of Playa del Carmen with their street level restaurants and cafes adds a defining element to every resident’s lifestyle. The condos in small, elegant buildings and homes nearby give real estate owners a similarly stylish lifestyle, but these properties do not lack presence on the internet, and several excellent real estate websites, such as www.mexico-playadelcarmen-realestate.com, provide excellent overviews of possibilities in these areas.

In addition to these hotels, Fifth Avenue, which is a dedicated pedestrian street, has a unique, international atmosphere. The international feeling is reflected in the type of visitors that stay in the small hotels, which in addition to Canadians and Americans, includes a significant number of Italians and Argentinians, as well as many other nationalities. The restaurants and bars range from traditional Mexican, to high quality Argentinian grills, to upscale modern jazz bars, to Jamaican live reggae bars. Real estate owners will likewise feel this atmosphere, with the comfort of neighbours from the U.S. and Canada, together with the interesting experience of neighbours from many other parts of the world.

New property buyers who prefer this kind of atmosphere should consider some of the many condos available within short walking distance to both Fifth Avenue, and the beachfront, famous for its soft, white sand and turquoise blue waters. Of course, those who prefer other styles of real estate, such as the luxury marina development in Puerto Aventuras, or the high quality villas in “El Cielo” will also have only a short drive to arrive to the center of Playa del Carmen.

This December a TOPMexicoRealEstate helped a Canadian client successfully receive a Mexico Mortgage for his Playa del Carmen Real Estate purchase. While in Canada and the U.S acquiring property by means of a mortgage is fairly common, in Mexico the option is relatively new, and is not common yet. While the process is more complicated than in other countries, the client’s Mexico Agent guided him through the process, greatly reducing the time commitment required on the part of the client. This successfully completed process, along with other similar recent cases, represents a real, feasible financing option for buying Mexico real estate.

The Canadian client in question bought a beachfront condo in Playa del Carmen, which his TOPMexicoRealEstate agent managed to find at more than 30% below market value. After the bank gave approval for the property and the borrower, the client was signing the final documents within 10 days, and the deal was closed in the first week of December.

Financing for real estate investments and purchases was basically non-existent for many years in Mexico, and interest rates were historically above 15 points. Almost all real estate transactions were cash deals. Many Americans and Canadians would leverage their Mexico investment using properties from their home countries.

The benefits of receiving a mortgage from a bank in Mexico include:

• using the same Mexican property as collateral; this frees up assets in a buyer’s countries
• interest rates which have dropped by more than 50% from 3 years ago; in October / November of this year, rates dropped 1%
• automatic payments can be arranged with the lender, which are convenient for Mexico property owners

There are some potential difficulties of which buyers seeking a Mexico Mortgage should be aware. One of these is the process time.

“Non-Mexicans should prepare for a longer process to obtain approval for financing than in their home countries,” points out Thomas Lloyd, founder of TOPMexicoRealEstate. “The process might

take nearly 6 – 8 weeks.”

There are also strict requirements regarding the property itself, and many properties or sellers might not qualify. In the operation with the Canadian client, the property did not have insurance coverage which is one of the requirements. His agent set up discounted insurance coverage that not only fulfilled the requirements of the bank but also protected the property from unexpected damaging occurrences.

Ensuring that the property qualifies and has all the documents necessary to fulfill the requirements of the lender is one of the main processes that needs to be administered. A qualified, experienced broker can save a client time and frustrations; clients should find a broker who will know how to identify properties that have a better probability of qualification.

“The key to successful Mexico real estate acquisitions and investments is putting working with EXPERIENCED brokers and an experienced team,” advises Lloyd.

With the announcement that the American economy grew in the 3^rd quarter of 2009, probably marking the end of the global recession in the U.S., American buyers may want to consider the many advantages of buying Playa del Carmen Real Estate.  Despite the economic upturn in the U.S., Playa del Carmen Real Estate is still for sale at excellent price reductions.  The economic recovery in the U.S. is expected to be slow, with improvement coming little by little; although this gives the impression of “lots of time,” it may be better to start looking now, before the price reductions also begin to disappear.

At the end of the last week of October, the official announcement came from the Commerce Department that the U.S. economy had grown 3.5% during the last quarter of 2009.  This compares to the contraction of 0.7% during the second quarter and the contraction of 6.4% during the first.  This is best performance the economy has seen in 2 years.  It also marks the end of 4 consecutive quarters of contraction, which is the worst performance the U.S. economy has had in 70 years.  In all likelihood, this means that the recession is over in the U.S.

As the effects of the economic turn around are felt by more Americans, more Americans will again have the economic means and confidence to begin looking for good investments, a second home or an ideal place to spend their retirement.  Playa del Carmen Real Estate offers excellent options for all three of these, especially in the current market situation, which includes numerous, substantial price reductions on excellent properties.  In terms of investment, Playa del Carmen showed very favorable and constant returns on properties, usually between 15 and 20% before the recession.  The area, with its very well developed infrastructure, which has continued to receive large investment from the Mexican government during the recession, and its strong and resilient tourist economy shows a much better likelihood than most real estate destinations to continue on this upward trend with the end of the recession.  In terms of a second home or retirement living, Playa del Carmen offers very high quality properties, and all the conveniences necessary for a comfortable lifestyle, at a considerably lower cost than comparable options back home, not to mention the world-famous beaches, and the year round warm climate.  Again, all of this is currently available with substantial price reductions.

As for the end of the recession, the recovery is expected to be slow.  Some buyers may feel that this gives them plenty of time.  In one sense this is true, but this time should be spent searching, planning and preparing a real estate purchase. While price reductions are still available now, as the economy recovers, albeit slowly, these price reductions will begin to disappear little by little, and real estate prices will be on their way back up.  It is never a good idea to rush a property purchase, and starting the property search when the last deals are disappearing may put make a buyer the unnecessary and unhealthy need to jump into a decision.  For this reason, now, as signs of recovery are starting clearly showing, it is the best time to begin a property search, giving the buyer enough time to search carefully and investigate all options, and still enough time to choose from great price reductions.

A final point to consider for buyers is that the need for accurate information and clear advice in the buying process.  The most important part of having the right amount of time for the search and buying process is finding a knowledgeable and reliable real estate professional to guide a buyer through the process.  This professional will ensure that procedures are carried out correctly, such as the agents in the TOPMexicoRealEstate NETWORK, “Your Expert Property-Finders.“  For American buyers, who are ready to move on their new economic confidence, now is the time to contact a Playa del Carmen real estate agent and begin their search for the perfect investment or second home.

TOPMexicoRealEstate NETWORK; Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely

Villas Tranquilidad, a gated complex of 6 luxury villas, located in the Playa del Carmen Real Estate area is currently in the pre-construction phase, and the villas are being offered with a 25% discount.  Villas Tranquilidad is in the “El Cielo” community, less than half a mile away from Playa del Carmen’s beachfront.

TOPMexicoRealEstate.com is presenting these villas as an excellent investment and retirement option.

El Cielo, extending over 27 acres of land between the beach to the Cancun-Tulum highway, is only 3 miles away from the center of Playa del Carmen.  The community’s 187 lots include a commercial area at the highway end of the property, a condominium and singe family home section in the middle of the community, and at the beachfront a condominium and hotel section, on the future extension of Playa del Carmen’s 5^th Avenue.

The community includes 14 green, natural areas, and, to enjoy the setting, an complete system of paths for walking and biking.

The infrastructure system is complete, modern, with all utilities underground.  A 24 hour security system at all gate entries provides a high level of safety.

Villas Tranquilidad offers a Mexican design, blending the modern with the traditional.  A large common area includes a pool, and a thatched-roof, Mayan style shelter (called a “palapa”).  Each villa is a 3 storey structure of 1,620 square feet with private yards, 3 bedbrooms, 2 .5 bathrooms and parking. The main rooms include a mini-split air conditioners and ceiling fans.

The kitchen includes various features such as granite counters and hardwood cupboards, as well as complete set of stainless steal appliances, while the bathrooms offer marble countertops, water-efficient toilets, among other features.

The upper floor is the master suite with dressing room, a bedroom, and a balcony, covered with a palapa roof.

Villas Tranquilidad also offers various financing incentives.  At the execution of contract, a 10% down payment is made, and 90% at the completion of the property.  Various banks in Mexico will offer financing for 75% of the value of the villa, before the preconstruction discount of 25%.  The developer also offers short-term financing.

TOPMexicoRealEstate NETWORK; Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely

In a recent interview with Thomas Lloyd (founder and president of TOPMexicoRealEstate.com, a website and a Network of real estate professionals “that specialize in guiding new buyers through the Mexican purchasing process”), the president of the Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals (AMPI), Pedro Trueba, and president of AMPI Riviera Maya, Wilberth Gutierrez discussed the significance of AMPI for Mexico Real Estate and the advantages Mexico offers over other retirement destinations.  Gutierrez likewise discusses the advantages offered by Playa del Carmen Real Estate, such as resistance to the depreciation that many other real estate markets are suffering due to the recession.

In the interview, Trueba and Gutierrez both drew attention to AMPI’s efforts in improving education and professionalism in the field.  AMPI has a code of ethics for its members, but also offers a number of courses, diplomas and educational programs.

“One of the principal activities of AMPI,” said Gutierrez, “is to professionalize the members, the people, the real estate agents who are dedicated to this profession.”

Trueba continued to give some details about a new real estate degree which has recently been implemented.  He pointed that only the States of Sonora and Cohuila have license requirements and laws regulating the interaction between realtors and clients.  But with the introduction of the new real estate degree, realtors who gain the degree will also be given a professional identification number (“cedula profesional”) which is a special identification for highly trained professionals such as doctors and lawyers.  While the degree and professional identification number are not yet required for practicing realtors, they provide another manner for property buyers to confirm the professionalism of agents.

“People who have the degree,” points out Trueba, “have demonstrated their capacity in the field and are professionals” who have received thorough, formal training.

Thomas Lloyd, the interviewer, was one of the first real estate professionals to receive the new degree.  This accomplishment by Lloyd reflects TOPMexicoRealEstate’s commitment to both experience – “thousands of Property transactions & years of assignments in Mexico AT WORK” and to formal training and education in real estate.

Trueba also discussed the significance of the AMPI logo on display at a realtor’s office.  The key point for Trueba was “safety.”  A buyer can feel secure that a realtor who displays the logo will carry out real estate processes correctly and professionally.

Trueba also mentioned AMPI’s agreement with the National Association of Realtors (NAR.)  The connection shows that NAR has the same confidence in AMPI’s members, and can lend further credibility to AMPI realtors for non-Mexican buyers.

Lloyd proceeded to ask about the advantages of retiring in Mexico, as opposed to popular U.S. destinations such as Florida and Arizona.  Trueba focused on the warmth of the Mexican people, the proximity of Mexico to U.S. – with inexpensive, short flights to major cities – and the excellence of the infrastructure and healthcare that Mexico’s retirement destinations offer.  While these services are considerably cheaper than in U.S. destinations, the equipment is top of the line, and the service is highly professional.

Gutierrez emphasized the benefits of real estate in the Playa del Carmen area, referring to the area’s natural beauty and the stability of real estate investments; real estate in the area has maintained its prices during the recession, in contrast to the U.S. real estate market which has taken a “brutal fall.”

TOPMexicoRealEstate NETWORK; Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely

Host a reunion from our luxury vacation homes:

Are you trying to get the old college gang together? Planning a family reunion with your brothers, sisters and family? Having a girls-or-boys-only retreat? Mexico Summer’s luxury Puerto Vallarta Real Estate, Mexico shore will treat you right! Located in exquisite Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific Ocean there is something for everyone to do in this stunning resort town. The girls can go shopping while the guys can head out to sea for an afternoon of fishing or other adventure sports and the kids may host a pool party. At night, everyone can get together for a fun evening in the city or a quiet dinner at your private luxury exican villas. Puerto Vallarta is like no other place on earth. With a tropical climate, beautiful beaches and friendly people you will feel right at home as soon as you arrive. Puerto Vallarta was at one time of time, just a small little fishing village, but has now established itself on the world stage as the one of the most popular and happening beach vacation destinations. So when you are deciding to book your Puerto Vallarta vacation rentals, you should know what you are looking for and what is offered throughout this tropical paradise. This gorgeous area offers visitors and residents alike some of the most luxurious places in the world for the very best price. Puerto Vallarta Rental Villas are so popular because the area offers visitors so many choices – luxury villas, condo hotels, gorgeous beaches, water sprots, art and various entertainment options that all work together to keep this area in the international vacation spotlight. Let your vacation take a magical turn south of the border. You’ll be glad you did!

Live like the rich and famous in Mexican villas:

There are many Villa Rentals, who can reserve your villa vacation in beautiful Mexican villas that will rejuvenate you with private massages, spa services, personal trainers, manicures and pedicures, all in the privacy of your own personal villa. With a trained staff of a chef, butler and waiter a phone call away, infinity pool, jacuzzi, the ultimate bedrooms and baths you can let your hair down and relax on your vacation. Puerto Vallarta is nearby with plenty to see and do, or you could stay in your luxury vacation homes for the entire stay and not miss a thing. Lay by the infinity pool at night, watching as the stars twinkle to life in the southern sky. Learn to surf in the Pacific Ocean. Watch the sunset over the Pacific from your terrace, gather shells from the beach or watch the sunrise over the majestic Sierra Madre mountains. Your comfort and enjoyment is our first priority.

www.Mexicosummer.com is a complete guide to Mexico Real Estate. We specialize in luxury residential and commercial real estate listings in Playa del Carmen, Cancun, Puerto vallarta, Mayan Riviera, and Yucatan Peninsula. Experts in beachfront real estate in Playa del Carmen, Vacation homes in Puerto Vallarta, Beach resorts for Sale in Cabo San Lucas, Condos, condominiums and Villas for sale in Playa del Carmen.

Call us today:

Aniruddha Badola
[email protected]
http://www.mexicosummer.com/

Author: Aniruddha Badola