Lake Michigan Real Estate

Lake Michigan is one of the Great Lakes and the only one situated entirely in the United States.  There are many beautiful attractions in the area and it is no wonder why there are so many visitors to the area.  Lake Michigan is also a thriving community for the long time residents and there are many advantages to purchasing Lake Michigan real estate.  Whether you are looking for a primary residence, vacation home or retirement living, there are many wonderful options from which to choose.  Depending on your needs and tastes, you can choose from lakefront property or golf properties.

 

The view from Lake Michigan homes is second to none.  You can view the miles of beaches and enjoy the sand and shores.  Either single family estates or luxury condominiums are available for your lakefront needs.  Do you enjoy boating and life on the water?  What better area to come to than Lake Michigan where you can walk out of your home and onto your beach?  The beaches in the area provide a variety of entertainment choices, shopping and dining for your convenience.  If luxurious living is something you desire, owning a home on Lake Michigan means living in style.

 

For entertainment options, there are plenty from which to choose on Lake Michigan.  On the lake there are plenty of water activities available to you.  The sandy beaches offer a wonderful array of sunbathing, camping, swimming, boating, fishing and other water sports.  The surrounding towns have various quaint shops and dining establishments that are sure to suit your tastes.  Taking a walk around the towns is a great way to soak up some of the culture of the city and thoroughly enjoy the architecture and atmosphere.  Golfing is one of the most popular sports in the area and Lake Michigan is home to some of the most beautifully planned courses.  There are plenty of recreational activities available for the entire family.

 

For the adults, Lake Michigan has a thriving night life.  There are plenty of night clubs and bars for those who want to have a few drinks and go dancing.  For live music venues, some of the local pubs have a great variety of local bands and entertainment, even karaoke.

Those who live on or near Lake Michigan will attest to the variety of benefits afforded.  There are real estate opportunities available for those looking to purchase or rent a home on Lake Michigan.  Single family dwellings, cottages and condominiums are all available for rent or purchase.  If you are a frequent visitor to the area, consider renting or purchasing a vacation home.  For those looking to relocate to the area, there is bound to be an ideal residence awaiting you that will suit your needs.

 

Mexico Homes Offer Safe Family Living – Cozumel Real Estate Area Named Safest Community in Mexico

When we consider buying a Mexico home, either for retirement, for a vacation home for our family, or to move permanently, one of the first factors we consider is safety for our families and for ourselves.    Cozumel Real Estate offers one of the safest communities in Mexico; with all the news reports we hear about crime and robberies – sometimes seems as much as our home countries as in Mexico or anywhere else – this makes buying a home in Cozumel one of the best options for a relaxing retirement or family life with peace of mind.

This high level of safety is more than just a local claim.  Recently Cozumel was recognized as the safest city in Mexico, despite a shortage of police, according to international standards.

On the island of Cozumel, the Mexico’s Navy, the Mexican Army, the Air Force and the Federal Police all have a presence.  And this is not a reaction to any problems that have ever occurred.  The crime has been consistently low, and the various security forces on the island work together with the municipal government, and collaborating with the state and federal governments as well, to prevent crime, keeping the crime rate low and protecting citizens.  It is a plus for buying Cozumel real estate to hear the word “prevention,” when so much of what we hear in the news is reaction to problems which have already occurred.

International safety parameters indicate that for every 100 inhabitants, there should be one policeman. There are almost 90 thousand inhabitants, so there should be about 900 policemen, a number higher than the actual amount on the island. However, because the armed forces and state and federal police work together with Cozumel’s Public Safety department, the island does not currently need more police.

Cozumel has the advantage of having the presence of the three branches of the armed forces, which does not occur in any other municipality in Mexico, adding a particularly high level of preventative security.  A part of the coordinated effort of crime prevention are regular meetings to discuss safety strategies in which staff participate from the National Security Research Center.

In addition, The Director of Public Safety has announced that are already talks with the commissioner of the Federal Preventive Police, which currently has a presence only in the international airport, to join the security operations on a wider scope.

Considering these factors – low crime rate and a high level of crime prevention – where could be a better place to buy your Mexico home?  Chances are it is even safer than your town back home.

Puerto Vallarta Real Estate; Retirement, Tradition and Convenience

There’s a good reason why Puerto Vallarta Real Estate is one of the favorites for Americans and Canadians choosing to Live in Mexico. The area provides the best of day to day activities, both in town and as outdoor recreation, as well as beautiful nature, wonderful wildlife and excellent food.

The city’s international airport provides direct flights to all major North American destinations at reasonable prices and a short travel time of only 2-4 hours.

The city offers a rich history, which, blended with its modern conveniences and services, defines day to day life in the area. It was founded on December 12, 1851 with the name “Las Peñas de Santa Maria de Guadalupe,” because of the famous holiday on that day the celebrating the Virgin of Guadalupe – a sort of “patron saint” for Mexico, and marking the beginning of Christmas holidays. These 150 years of history can still be seen in the very traditional town center with its cobble stone roads, clay-roofed homes and farmers arriving on mules.

 

For retirees, this history makes the city quaint in an authentic way that adds something to day to day life which cannot be created artificially or imitated.

 

But since its very humble beginnings, Puerto Vallarta has grown to be recognized as a world class tourist destination, and has a widespread reputation for the services and activities offered both for tourists and expats who choose Puerto Vallarta as their home.

 

Courtesy, friendliness and respect from both the local Mexicans gives such a welcoming touch to the city that many people from all over the world, (including about 50,000 Americans and Canadians) have chosen to return several times a year, every year, or even make it their new home for life.

Going for a walk in Puerto Vallarta is not only a matter of walking down the long boardwalk that is over a half a mile long, watching the palms sway in the salty wind and seeing the reflection of sun in the sea, but the atmosphere of harmony and serenity that these bring, for those seeking just that. For those who love fishing, the clear waters in the Bay of Banderas is ideal. Sport fishing focuses on the most extravagant fish like sailfish or marlin. Golf is another sport of international level here. Eight golf courses in the area had the honor of hosting the PGA Golf World Cup.

Of course, for retirees, it is also necessary to choose an ideal property. Many retirees prefer the convenience of Puerto Vallarta Condos, because maintenance is made much easier. Two communities near downtown which offer beautiful condos with excellent views of the bay, the town and the surrounding hills are Amapas, Alta Vista and El Cerro. Condos in these areas start around $200,000, and are only a short walk away from the old town center. Nuevo Vallarta is another favorite, about 30 minutes away from town; this newer community has several golf courses and a shopping mall. Golf course condos start around $250,000, and beachfront around $450,000.

 

If you are considering retiring in a warmer climate, consider Puerto Vallarta; life here is a pleasant mix of tradition and modern convenience.

 

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

 

Baby Boomers Still Fueling Florida Real Estate Options

Whether it is buying a second home or acting on the long-planned dream of retiring to a sun destination, Baby Boomers are moving to Florida to take advantage of a well-deserved rest from the corporate world, or other nine-to-five path they had been on. The current excess of properties at reduced prices in Florida provides a perfect opportunity for new retirees to purchase a home and join the fun in an active community.

Of course, the old adage “location, location, location” still applies when purchasing a retirement property in Florida. Baby Boomers are at an age where they can take advantage of activities such as golf, water sports, biking and other outdoor adventures. The life span for healthy Baby Boomers will allow them to still be celebrating birthdays long into their 80s or 90s. However, aging also means needing easy access to medical facilities, which is part of their decision making when purchasing homes in Florida.

As one of the largest demographics in the country at roughly 28%, or 74 million adults born between 1946 and 1964, Baby Boomers were part of the “me generation” and had access to a plentiful job market and a good economy in the 1980s. This allowed people to get into their first home and they took advantage of the rise in real estate. Many people succeeded in putting away funds for retirement and are now reaping the benefits of good planning. Being able to sell their home at a significant profit has further allowed Baby Boomers to purchase their retirement residence in the destination of their choice.

You know a topic is current when there is a conference promoting the subject, like the 2010 Florida Boomer Lifestyle Conference. This event highlights the state’s lifestyle offerings and shines a light on how vibrant this generation is today, and how it will be in the years to come. As the saying goes, “60 is the new 40.” Baby Boomers are taking advantage of all that life has to offer, from education to travel to starting their own businesses. Buying a home in a sun destination is just one piece of their retirement plan.

Many promotional pieces show images of couples enjoying retirement activities, but there are also many single men and women who, after years of marriage, are living the single life and enjoying every minute. These people are Baby Boomers who are also looking into purchasing homes in retirement communities, where they can join in on activities with other adults, either singles or couples.

Information options for Boomers wanting to retire in Florida include a number of books and websites devoted to the topic. In the spring of 2004, a Baby Boomer survey was conducted and it noted that 55 percent of boomers would move when they retire. They plan to purchase a home in an Active Adult Community, and Florida is an ideal choice with its sunny climate and plethora of activities for men and women. Recently, a retirement-based website stated that six Florida cities made the list for 20 Most Affordable and Best Places to Retire.

Retirement Real Estate in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

How would you like to have a really intelligent, honest and well educated president? How about a Harvard graduate? Well, would you believe that Mexico has a 12 consecutive year run of Harvard alumni presidents? They have had a dramatic effect on the Mexican economy in general and real estate values specifically.

Prior to the new millennium, the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) or its predecessor revolutionary parties, had held power for over 70 years in Mexico and was a member of Socialist International. Thanks to the PRI philosophies toward nationalization, expropriation, authoritarianism, and state control of the economy, Mexico held a Third World status for 80 years. With those philosophies, Mexico was probably not the best place for foreigners to invest in real estate, or for that matter, anything else.

The situation in Mexico changed dramatically in 2000 when Vicente Fox of the National Action Party (PAN) first took over power for a six year presidential term lasting until 2006. Prior to his presidency, Fox had earned a Top Management Skills degree from the Business School of Harvard University and had then worked his way up to the presidency of Coca Cola Mexico and head of all Coca Cola Latin America. He was one of the few Mexican presidents to avoid a major economic upheaval during office, whereas previously, the Mexicans were accustomed to devastating peso devaluations. During the ten years that we’ve lived in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, the peso has held firm at about 10.8 pesos per US dollar.

Fox’s term expired in 2006, when his successor, Felipe Calderon, also with the PAN party, won a very close election. Calderon holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, and will serve as President of Mexico until 2012. He supports balanced fiscal trade, flat taxes, lower taxes, and free trade. His motto is to Drive Mexico Into the Future which represents privatization, liberalization, political freedom, and market control of the economy.

These two Harvard graduates have taken Mexico from a Third World Country to a Newly Industrialized Country (NIC) in a very short period of time and are continuing to advance the economy. As an NIC, Mexico has joined the ranks with countries such as China, India, Brazil, Turkey, etc. en route to becoming First World Industrialized Countries. Recently, Mexico has changed from being a beneficiary to a full contributor to the United Nations Development Program. The Mexican Bolsa, or stock market, has more than tripled during the ten years that we’ve lived in Vallarta. The PRI party, still holds local power in the poorest states of Mexico; those where the inhabitants have the least education and are still waiting for subsidies from the government. However, the state of Jalisco where the capital is Guadalajara and the second largest city is Puerto Vallarta, is one of the many states where the local PAN party is in power. This change in power has been quite remarkable and evident in Vallarta during the last seven years.

During the past seven years, the Mexican government has spent billions of dollars improving and upgrading the infrastructures throughout the resort destinations. Puerto Vallarta has new water treatment facilities, power distribution systems, hospitals, university, upgraded airport, maritime terminal, highway system, etc. and is being prepared for the next five years of growth.

We have owned property here in Vallarta, located in the foot hills of the Sierra Madres overlooking Banderas Bay on the Pacific Ocean, for 24 years and have made Paradise our permanent residence for the past ten years. During the first 15 years, there were virtually no changes made here and the property values reflected it. However, during the years that PAN has been in power, the changes have been obvious and dramatic. Our villa has tripled in value and is expected to double again in the next five years as the baby boomers discover Paradise.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, the once sleepy little Mexican fishing village located in the foothills of the Sierra Madres on Banderas Bay along the Mexican Riviera is no longer sleepy or little. The population has literally exploded since the filming of “The Night of the Iguana” in 1963. Vallarta has grown from 2,000 inhabitants prior to 1963 to the current figure of 350,000 inhabitants in 2007.

Aside from having a progressive government in power, the following are some of the other reasons accounting for this explosive growth:

Climate–Located on the same latitude as Hawaii, the seven month “high season” of November through May has an average daily temperature of 73*F with virtually no chance of rain.

Scenery–Vallarta, located in the foothills of the Sierra Madres on the Banderas Bay, one of the largest and most beautiful bays in the world, is in the center of the Mexican Riviera on the Pacific Ocean. Beautiful beaches, rocky cliffs, mountain sides overlooking the bay, tropical flowers and wildlife, and all the sights that one would expect to find in Paradise.

Safe–With tourism being the life blood of the economy, North Americans are “off limits” regarding any sort of criminal activity. Since guns are strictly prohibited in Mexico, burglaries, robberies, etc., are virtually unheard of. The primary objective of most all of the young generation of natives is to assure all North Americans a pleasant and safe visit to Paradise so that they’ll return soon and often. Fear of a terrorist attack in Vallarta? Forget it!

Friendliness–In 2001, a readers poll taken by Conde Nast magazine listed Vallarta as the friendliest resort destination in the world. The locals treat North Americans with dignity, respect, and as friends, family, and almost as royalty.

Clean Food and Water–The explosive population growth has caused a complete revamping and expanding of the city infrastructure. This includes the road system, power generation and distribution, and of course, water treatment and distribution systems. The water is pure and safe to drink from the tap throughout the city. All food products are now available in the many new modern supermarkets equal to the finest in the States. Food for home or restaurant consumption is closely monitored for cleanliness and controlled as in North America.

Medical care–Two new huge modern hospitals and one smaller modern clinic in Vallarta are fully capable of handling all emergencies as well as complicated surgeries. Modern dental clinics are also in Vallarta offering crowns, caps, implants, as well as all the basic dental practices. All of the doctors and dentists speak English and many of them have had at least some professional training in the States.

Friends–Every North American that you see in Vallarta, and they are easy to spot, is either on vacation or retired, i.e., none of them have to go to work tomorrow! They are all open to new friendships and new comers are always welcome. It’s one big party with no looming pressures of the office or the commuter drive in the morning.

Language–Because the economy in PV is based on tourism, it is imperative to speak English. Therefore, it is estimated that at least 80% of the younger generation is now speaking or at least understanding English. Communication is not a problem in Vallarta and there is no need to learn Spanish.

Travel Time–Although Vallarta is on the same latitude as Hawaii, it is only two to three hours from most of the US cities. Even the highways coming down from the US are now all super modern tollroads and the drive to PV can be made in two days from the border.

Connectivity–With high speed internet service available citywide, internet based telecommunications, and satellite TV available everywhere, you have the same contact with the world that you would have anywhere in the US or Canada.

Activities–World class deep sea fishing has been for years, and will always be, a major activity in Vallarta. There are now seven beautiful golf courses with more under construction. There are hundreds of tennis courts, water activities, night life galore, and too many clubs and organizations to mention. If you have nothing to do in PV, it’s only because that’s your choice!

Cost of Living–The cost of basic staples is about the same as in North America, however, housing is roughly half the cost and housing related taxes are a fraction of those in the States. All services are a half to a third of those in the US including medical and dental care because labor rates are so much lower. The cost of dining, outdoor activities, etc., are pretty much in line with those in the States.

Economic Security–The Mexican peso, at approximately 10.8 pesos per US dollar, has held firm for the past ten years. There are no devaluation concerns at this time as the Mexican economy booms.

Political Security–The PAN party has ruled in Mexico since 2000 and will remain in power at least until 2012, assuring a twelve year consecutive run of Mexico being governed by Harvard graduates! Needless to say, they are pro-US and friendly to the North.

Investment–Property values have tripled during the past ten years and are expected to double again during the next five years. With the booming economy, the Mexican stock market has also tripled during the past ten years. There is no slow down of growth in the foreseeable future.

Hopefully, the above 15 items will provide some explanation for the booming economy and explosive growth in Vallarta. They say that the party’s not over, that it has only just begun.

The Mexican National Tourism Development Foundation (Fonatur), has designated a 30 mile stretch of pristine Pacific Ocean shoreline north of Vallarta as the new Riviera Nayarit, where more than five billion dollars will be invested during the next ten years creating 30,000 new jobs as they build close to 20,000 new condos, villas, hotels, etc. As the North Americans continue to flock to Paradise, the infrastructure growth and future planning activities continue at a torrid pace.

Fortunately, Mexico has been governed by US friendly Harvard graduates for the past seven years and will be for at least the next five years, thus assuring a safe and secure real estate investing environment well into the future for retiring North Americans. If you’re retired or close to retirement, you ought to check out Vallarta before it’s too late. If you’re fortunate, you’ll be included in the next 100,000 gringos that migrate to Paradise!

Ixtapa Real Estate, Excellent Option for Retiring in Mexico, offers Direct Flights to Canada

While Ixtapa Real Estate already offers excellent airline access to most major American airports, with easy connections to many other locations, recently a milestone was reached when the first direct flight was made from Canada to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo. This is excellent news for Canadians thinking of Retiring in Mexico, or just finding a home away from home in an top-quality beachfront resort destination.

The first direct flight from Canada came from Calgary, offered by the Canadian airline, Westjet.  This first flight was given a special “grand-opening” type speech from the president of Westjet, Tyson Matheson.  In an interview Matheson outlined a number of the benefits of Ixtapa Real Estate and tourism, which led the company to offer its customers a direct flight to this retirement and beachfront lifestyle destination.

The direct flight from Calgary to Ixtapa is approximately 5 hours, the first flight leaving Canada at 9 am (Mountain Time), and arriving in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo at 3 pm (Central Time).  It is scheduled landing two flights a week from this month until May 2010, a number which could increase according to demand.  Matheson also mentioned the possibility of expanding to offer flights from other destinations, again according to demand.

This new milestone comes as excellent news for Canadians searching for a property ideal for retiring in Mexico; beautiful beaches, excellent infrastructure and a laid-back beachfront lifestyle with a large North American community are only a broad overview of what Ixtapa Real Estate offers.  Canadians looking for a second home in a warm climate will also welcome the news, meaning that soon more direct access home will be available, making visits back home quicker and easier, as well as visits from friends and family.  To investigate more of what life in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa real estate offer, contact TOPMexicoRealEstate.com; “We are certified professionals that specialize in guiding new buyers through the Mexican purchasing process.”

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

Lake Chapala Real Estate – High Quality Retirement, for Much Less

How much money do you need to retire? While many people seem to think it’s up around $1,000,000, there are more and more experts focusing on the possibility that you can retire comfortably with considerably less; and, in fact, if you consider a Mexico retirement, it becomes much easier to plan for a comfortable retirement on less. Or, on the other hand, if you have that million in savings, it will get you that many more little luxuries in life. In either case, either budget includes year-round warm weather, for free!

 

Considering retiring in Mexico you will see that retirement in Mexico will help significantly in planning your budget, with both less expensive real estate prices, and a lower cost of living, and make for a more comfortable lifestyle in general.

 

A favorite for American and Canadian retirees is Lake Chapala real estate. Homes in the two towns of Chapala and Ajijic ideal for retirement typically start around $150,000; while some homes can also be found for less, there are also mid-ranged and high-end priced homes offering greater degrees of luxury, larger lots, etc. Whichever price range you buy in, retirees will enjoy very pleasant weather, yacht clubs, social clubs (the large number of expats who already live here have brought several U.S. clubs with them,) quaint little villages on the lake shore, lush, green natural surroundings, perfect for a relaxing bike ride, or sight-seeing tour, and much much more.

 

One expert on retirement describes three financial tasks for retirees; the first task is to cover basic needs, such as food and healthcare. In the Lake Chapala area, shopping expenses will be noticeably cheaper (as in much of Mexico) and excellent healthcare is available in these communities for low prices. Even for larger procedures, Lake Chapala is only about 1 hr away from Guadalajara, Mexico’s second largest city, and one of the main focal points for “medical tourism;” in Guadalajara world-class healthcare facilities with state-of-the-art equipment, and highly trained doctors (who speak English) provide services for fifty to seventy percent less than in the U.S. The World Health Organization has ranked private Mexican hospitals on par with private hospitals in the U.S.

 

As for the second task listed by that same expert – non-essential enjoyment expenses, the lower cost of living leaves more cash available for these, which are also available at a lower price. The third task is planning; while planning is always easier when expenses are lower, the prices of Lake Chapala real estate allow retirees to buy ahead of time, making an income on renting the property out until the big day comes.

 

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

Lake Chapala Real Estate ideal for Retiring in Mexico

If you are thinking about Retiring in Mexico, or just looking for the ideal place to retire anywhere, Lake Chapala Real Estate is one of the best choices available.  Besides easy access back home, a near-perfect climate, lots of activities for all tastes and a large North American community, Lake Chapala Real Estate prices are very low, not only compared to American and Canadian prices, but also compared to other favorite Mexico retirement destinations.

If you choose Lake Chapala as your retirement destination, you will find getting here and back is quite convenient, for you or for friends and family who want to visit.  The main towns on Lake Chapala, Ajijic and Chapala, are about 50 minutes away from Guadalajara, Mexico’s second largest city.  The international airport is on Lake Chapala’s side of the city, so it’s only 45 minutes away.  This airport offers direct flight to most major cities in the United States and Canada.  Toronto or New York are about a 5 hour flight away, and many American destinations are even shorter.  If you friends or relatives who love road trips, Lake Chapala is only 600 miles from Texas.

While Chapala and Ajijic offer most services you’ll need on a daily basis, anything not availabe here can easily be found in Guadalajara, a major metropolitan city.  Top notch medical service with modern, state of the art equipment is readily available for very reasonable prices, compared to back home, with excellent speed as well.

Climate

When it comes to climate, Lake Chapala is perfect for retirement, offering a warm climate, that also never gets uncomfortably hot.  At 5200 feet sea level, the average temperature for the year is 74º F.  During the hot season – April and May – temperatures can reach up to 90º, but the evenings are still quite refreshing, often going down to about 60.  The “rainy season,” lasting from June to October, is the favorite time for most retirees, either visiting or living here, because of the overall moderate temperature, balanced with sunny mornings and rainy afternoons to cool things down.  During this season the trees are greener, the flowers are in bloom, watered by the rain, with their colors brought to life by the sun, and the air has a fresh feeling to it.  Since it is not by the coast, there is no problem with hurricanes or tropical storms.  It is not surprising that National Geographic has named Lake Chapala the second best climate in the world.  What better weather could you as for for your retirement?

Activities

Lake Chapala also offers a large variety of things to do, fun for everyone, and especially suitable for a retirement lifestyle.  If you enjoy sports, there are golf courses in the area; tennis, volleyball and softball are popular as well.  The climate and picturesque roads winding through provincial villages, the lush, green hills of the countryside, or mountain trails are perfect for jogging, walking, cycling or even horseback riding.  The lake offers more than just a beautiful view; you can enjoy boating and fishing very close to home.  Other kinds of activities are common, such as playing cards, craft clubs and shows, garden and plant shows or just having a barbeque in your back yard.  Lake Chapala offers something for whatever kind of retirement lifestyle you prefer, unless, of course, you like stress; here, there’s only relaxation!

Foreign community

Lake Chapala is one of the favorite retirement destinations for Americans and Canadians.  In Ajijic and Chapala and the surrounding villages, there are about 6,000 Americans and Canadians, not to mention a European community.  Many of these are retirees, but there are a large number of younger families as well.  You may find that most of your neighbors are from Ontario, New York or Texas.

Real Estate

one of the most important steps in getting ready for retiring in Lake Chapala is finding the right property to do so.  In Ajijic and Chapala there are properties available in a variety of styles.  There are colonial style Mexican homes to match the cobblestone roads, or modern recently built condos, and many choices between.  Real Estate prices in Lake Chapala are considerably lower than similar properties in the U.S. or Canada, and even lower than other destinations for retiring in Mexico.  A small, but well designed and built condo can be found for less than $100,000 US.  Larger, luxury condos and beautiful single houses can go up to around $300,000 US – which is more like the starting price for something very simple and small in many destinations near the ocean!

Since, finding the right house or condo for retiring in Lake Chapala is one of the most important decisions you will make, it is equally important to find a real estate agent who will provide you with all the information you need and make sure that the paper work and transactions are carried out correctly; this way all you have do is choose the place that’s best, and get ready to enjoy retirement!  Contact TOPMexicoRealEstate.com, “Your Expert Property-Finders,” to get start your property search on the right foot!

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

Yucatan Real Estate – Up-And-Coming Retirement Destination

Are you considering a Mexico Retirement? Have you considered a Yucatan Real Estate purchase, in the city of Merida for your retirement? While Merida and the surrounding communities in the state of Yucatan have not yet become a favorite for American and Canadian retirees, they show all the signs of become one very soon. Those looking for an affordable retirement, with all the comforts of warm weather, excellent health care facilities, great shopping, and many other conveniences of modern life, will do well to consider Merida Real Estate for their retirement.

In Merida, there are currently hundreds of Americans and Canadians who have chosen this colonial city as their home because of the warm weather, inexpensive cost of real estate and day to day expenses, as well as top-quality health care available at much more accessible prices. This combination presents the elements needed for ideal retirement.

While Merida and the surrounding Yucatan area most certainly offer more expensive homes around $500,000 US and up, it also offers something that’s much more appealing to retirees these days. More accessibly priced homes in Merida can be found for as low as $50,000 US for those who have the time to invest in a renovation; for only a little more properties can be found that are ready to be used as vacation homes until the big day comes, and can double as a rental income. Property management companies make this kind of income very easy and accessible.

Life in Merida is most certainly life in community. For retirement, it is important to know that communities in Merida are truly neighborly. In addition to the existing community of expats, Merida is a place where Americans and Canadians can enjoy a healthy relationship with their Mexican neighbors as well. There are many opportunities to be involved in the community; in terms of activities, there are many places to shop, dine international and local food, visit art shows, museums, live music concerts and much more. There are also many ways to contribute to the community. A recent jazz concert hosted at a nearby beachfront village, and sponsored by Mexico International (the office of TOPMexcioRealEstate Network’s Merida broker), donated all funds to a local school in a less well off community.

Merida’s health care facilities are likewise considered to be the best in this part Mexico and beyond, drawing clients from central America. As Merida realizes its potential for retirement living, a recent meeting between city and state officials with businessmen and investors indicated that the next few years will see a special importance placed on investment into hospitals and care facilities specially focused on retirement.

All of these benefits are available in Merida at a considerably lower cost of living compared both to options back home and other locations within Mexico. This is important for planning retirement and being sure that retirement savings will go as far as they possibly can.

Experts predict that by 2012, there will be at least 100 million Americans either retiring or planning on retirement; those who want the best retirement lifestyle at accessible prices will be buying real estate in places like Merida.

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

Retirement Real Estate Of The Future

Fifteen years ago, retirees wanted a spacious home overlooking a golf course in Florida as their ideal retirement real estate. Today, things are looking a little different.

Polls among Americans aged 55 or over are showing new and different trends. Many are still attracted to Florida and Arizona for their warmth, but the often-high cost of living, and cost of real estate/rental agreements, in these states are leading many to reconsider. The two top retirement states now? North and South Carolina, according to home builder surveys.

Further, expensive golf courses no longer rule the retirement roost. Hiking trails, bike paths, and other amenities that are friendly to the active lifestyle are now higher on these older Americans priority lists.

Then theres size; most older Americans are now quite serious about downsizing, for several reasons, particularly the lower cost and the lower maintenance. These two reasons are even further connected by the fact that most retirees list service and maintenance amenities, such as housekeeping, landscaping, and home repair as services that they want in retirement rental agreements or real estate purchases.

Whats the common denominator? In a word, money.

Todays economy has many older Americans retiring earlier against their will, and most retirees will be on fixed income. To make things worse, many will not recover nearly as much money from their current real estate as they were counting on, and which pulls the reins in even tighter. And then theres fact that many of these older Americans have aging parents who require a lot of time and money to care for, and they themselves grow likelier to develop their own health problems, or a spouse with health problems, that cost a great deal of time and money as well.

Older Americans will search for low cost of living, inexpensive rental agreements or real estate prices, and as much bang for their limited bucks as possible. Among homebuilder surveys, they elected for less frills (such as entertainment features and wood-burning fireplaces) than their younger counterparts, and more safety and ease-of-use features, such as non-slip flooring, bathroom grip bars, garage door openers, and easy-to-use thermostats and windows. Analysts expect the demand for luxury inclusions in rental agreements and real estate for retirees to drop steadily over the next decade.

They do want easy access to services, however. Rental agreements and real estate locations with food, shopping, and entertainment services within walking distance are highly valued, which ties into the desire for an active lifestyle and a reduced dependence on driving and expensive vehicles generally.

These older Americans reaching retirement age will want something different from what their parents wanted, and from what younger Americans want, and these desires will all center around affordability and ease of use. They still desire warm climates, but their priorities are shifting towards low cost of living areas, with inexpensive rental agreements and condominiums with high availability of services to make their lives easier. While California, Florida, and Arizona are still high on the list of retirement destinations, less expensive newcomers are starting to make headway, and are expected to continue to do so.

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