Baja Coastal Real Estate - Larry French

It also means tourists as well as locals may be safer than many believe. In Fact they may be safer than in the US.

Mexico City's homicide rate today is about on par with Los Angeles and is less than a third of that for Washington, D.C.

Yet many Americans are leery of visiting Mexico at all. Drug violence and the swine flu outbreak contributed to a 12.5 percent decline in air travel to Mexico by U.S. citizens in 2009, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, a blow to Mexico's third-largest source of foreign income.

Mexico, Colombia and Haiti are the only countries in the hemisphere subject to a U.S. government advisory warning travelers about violence, even though homicide rates in many Latin American countries are far higher.

"What we hear is, 'Oh the drug war! The dead people on the streets, and the policeman losing his head,'" said Tobias Schluter, 34, a civil engineer from Berlin having a beer at a cafe behind Mexico City's 16th-century cathedral. "But we don't see it. We haven't heard a gunshot or anything."

Mexico's homicide rate has fallen steadily from a high in 1997 of 17 per 100,000 people to 14 per 100,000 in 2009, a year marked by an unprecedented spate of drug slayings concentrated in a few states and cities, Public Safety Secretary Genaro Garcia Luna said. The national rate hit a low of 10 per 100,000 people in 2007, according to government figures compiled by the independent Citizens' Institute for Crime Studies.

By comparison, Venezuela, Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala have homicide rates of between 40 and 60 per 100,000 people, according to recent government statistics. Colombia was close behind with a rate of 33 in 2008. Brazil's was 24 in 2006, the last year when national figures were available.

Mexico City's rate was about 9 per 100,000 in 2008, while Washington, D.C. was more than 30 that year.

"In terms of security, we are like those women who aren't overweight but when they look in the mirror, they think they're fat," said Luis de la Barreda, director of the Citizens' Institute. "We are an unsafe country, but we think we are much more unsafe that we really are."

Of course, drug violence has turned some places in Mexico, including the U.S. border region and some parts of the Pacific coast, into near-war zones since President Felipe Calderon intensified the war against cartels with a massive troop deployment in 2006. That has made Ciudad Juarez, across the border from El Paso, Texas, among the most dangerous cities in the world.

"The violence, homicides and cruel and inhuman assassinations, which fill the pages of our media, make us feel that there has been much more violence since this war against drug trafficking," said Bishop Miguel Alba Diaz of La Paz, a vacation city at the tip of the Baja California peninsula.

Mexico's violence is often more shocking than elsewhere in Latin America because powerful cartels go to extremes to intimidate the government and rival smugglers.

In just one week in December, the severed heads of six police investigators were dumped in a public plaza, kingpin Arturo Beltran Leyva died in a two-hour shootout with troops at a luxury apartment complex in a resort city and gunmen slaughtered the family of the only marine killed in that battle.

In the new year, it's become even more grotesque. Three weeks ago, a victim's face was peeled from his skull and sewn onto a soccer ball. Days later, the remains of 41-year-old former police officer were divided into two separate ice chests.

Authorities say the vast majority of victims are drug suspects, but bystanders, including children, sometimes get caught in the crossfire.

Mexico has the same problems with corrupt police, gang violence and poverty as other Latin American countries with higher homicide rates. So why the decline in murders?

Experts say while drug violence is up, land disputes have eased. Many farmers have migrated to the cities or abroad and the government has pushed to resolve the land disputes, some centuries old.

During the height of the Zapatista uprising in the mid 1990s—a rebellion fueled by land conflicts—southern Chiapas state had a rate of nearly 40 per 100,000 people with 1,000 homicides a year. By 2008, that fell to 8 per 100,000 people with 364 killings.

De la Barreda attributes the downward trend to a general improvement in Mexico's quality of life. More Mexicans have joined the ranks of the middle class in the past two decades, while education levels and life expectancy have also risen.

Critics of Calderon's drug war say his frontal assault on cartels is giving Mexico a reputation as a violent country but doing little to stop the drug gangs' work.

"It's a bad international image that affects foreign tourism and foreign investment," said Jose Luis Pineyro, a sociologist at Mexico's Autonomous Metropolitan University who has studied the drug war.

Drug violence has encroached on the resort towns of Zihuatanejo, Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta and Cancun. The millions of foreign tourists who visit each year are almost never targeted, but a handful have gotten caught in the crossfire. In 2007, two Canadians were grazed by bullets when someone fired into a hotel lobby in Acapulco. In January, a Canadian couple was shot and wounded in a robbery attempt just outside Zihuatanejo.

The U.S. State Department travel alert says dozens of U.S. citizens living in Mexico have been kidnapped over the years, and warns Americans against traveling to the states of Chihuahua and Michoacan.

Chihuahua, home to Ciudad Juarez, had a horrifying homicide rate of 173 per 100,000 in the city of 1.3 million, or more than 2,500 murders last year.

Michoacan, famed for its Monarch butterfly refuge, Day of the Dead celebrations and picturesque colonial capital, is now also widely known as the place where five heads rolled across a dance floor. Drug violence is blamed for many of the state's 660 killings last year.

But in many parts of Mexico, villages are more tranquil than ever—a fact that retired nurse Marilyn Wells struggles to drive home with her American friends back home in LeMars, Iowa.

"'We're OK, there's no problem,'" Wells said she tells friends about the home she bought four years ago in Cabo San Lucas on the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula. "I don't feel any less safe down here than I did before."

BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO - Imagine beautiful oceanfront Real Estate for 50-80% off U.S. prices, 40% off U.S. cost of living, tax benefits, the best weather on the planet, a large English speaking population, huge ex-pat community, tourism and a lively arts scene all within 30 MINUTES of the United States – you must be dreaming!  Or, you just found yourself in Rosarito Beach in Baja California, Mexico. I visited Rosarito several times in 2008 and 2009 in the hopes of buying oceanfront property during a period of heavily discounted real estate values.  For the first time in over a decade the area has experienced a major dip in prices and I believe now is the time to buy.  However, getting a steal and all the benefits that come with owning in Rosarito has its pros and cons.

Life in Paradise

Aside from San Diego-like weather and beautiful oceanfront properties, Rosarito offers great surfing, picturesque beaches, golf, whale watching, fishing and exceptional nightlife.  Downtown becomes a lively party at night and a great shopping and tourist area during the day.  It is also the home to the Baja 1000.  It is just a short 30 minute drive to the San Diego border and forty minutes from the city of Ensenada with Mexico’s largest port and an internationally renowned wine country.  The vineyards make for a great daytrip.  Five minutes south of Rosarito is Puerto Nuevo, a world famous lobster village loaded with great restaurants, shopping and night life.  In Rosarito there is Fox Studios where they filmed Titantic and are set to film the Chronicles of Narnia 3.  This is a great trip for the whole family.

The area is on the rise, bringing in Home Depot and a super Walmart that just opened to accommodate the growth.  A growing community of artists produce local crafts such as pottery, blown glass, metal and wood work.  In downtown Rosarito the streets are lined with gorgeous hand made fountains and local products for sale at bargain prices.  Food is very diverse with eclectic restaurants mixed with old fashioned Mexican style food that range from gourmet to some of the best taco stands in the world.  In Puerto Nuevo a 3 pound spiny tail lobster can cost as little as $14 and shrimp burritos the size of a football will only sap your wallet for around $3.  You can run the gamut from a Japanese restaurant to an oceanfront Mexican organic steakhouse with live music.   

If you cannot find what you want in Rosarito you can just drive over the border to San Diego and pickup whatever you need or spend the night out on the town.  A sentri pass makes traveling over the border fast and easy and is basically the equivalent to a fast-pass you might get for highway tolls.  Any American with a vehicle and a residence in Mexico can apply for one.  It turns a normal 90 minute plus border crossing into a 10-15 minute process.

The Good, the Bad, the Future

In late 2007 new mayors for both Tijuana and Rosarito took office with a newfound dedication to cleaning up the police corruption, violence and drug trade that has run rampant in the area for decades.  The Mexican military has backed up the initiative by deploying troops to the area to help in creating a police presence.  However, over the past 18 months there have been numerous news stories about violence in the area that has prompted the U.S. State Department to issue a warning to U.S. tourists crossing the boarder into Tijuana. 

The gross mischaracterizations in the press are far from the reality of everyday life in the area. Visitors and residents enjoy a peaceful relaxing environment with no signs of the apocalyptic depiction of the news services. While this press barrage has decimated the Rosarito Beach tourism industry that has averaged hundreds of thousands of visitors a year the area still maintains it’s welcoming charm, fantastic food and spectacular shopping. Lobster, carne asada and margaritas are still served up with chips and charm.

Californians, who make up a large percentage of ex-pats in the area, have been hit hard by the implosion of the Californian housing market.  Many of those owners have seen their cash evaporate and have liquidated their Mexican holdings to free up capital.  Those that had the capital to keep their property have been spooked by the recent collapse of the tourism industry and seen a once spectacular rental market fall apart.  With declining prices, cash shortages and little rental income, many owners are holding a fire sale on their Rosarito properties.  Those with a keen eye on opportunity and willing to take risk can jump on this opportunity to get a true bargain. 

The reality is that the collapse of the tourism industry has helped to create a 180 degree turn in the mentality of locals.  For as long as I can remember Northern Baja meant police shakedowns and not wanting to be out alone at night.  Now police stop to ask you if you need directions or help changing your tire if your car breaks down and locals work double time to please foreigners in the hopes of them coming back to an area starving for tourists.  The near doubling of the police force has helped to create an entirely new feeling in Northern Baja.  The area is safer then it has ever been and they have already seen a massive reduction in crimes just in the last six months.  When I am there I feel safer than I do in my home in the U.S.  The face of Northern Baa is changing for the better and the time to buy is now. 

Buying a Bargain

In Mexico, foreigners cannot own real estate near the ocean but can purchase it through a trust and the title can be insured through a U.S. title insurance company.  The advent of U.S. funded mortgages in the early 90s has helped to make Mexican real estate affordable without having to make a cash purchase.  This has also helped to keep demand high for property and makes buying a much more standard process.  Because of Rosarito’s proximity to the U.S. border a smart accountant will help you get incredible tax benefits through the NAFTA agreement and other Federal tax credits.  Additionally the federal tax rate in Mexico is a flat tax of 15%. 

Rosarito offers one of the best positive rental cash flow investments around with great tax benefits to boot!  Direct oceanfront condos in the two thousand square foot arena can be scooped up in the low 200s.  There are mega-resorts and condo community that have brought a wave of high end resort-like oceanfront developments that can be had in the high 300s.  Equivalent properties just 30 minutes north in San Diego are going for 10-15 times those prices!  I purchased a 4,000 square foot penthouse condo with two stories in a 24-hour guard gated community with a two car garage and double oceanfront balconies for just over $600k.  There are no real property taxes to speak of, but there are some annual costs that will run you about $800 a year if buying oceanfront.  The property rents for about $500 a night with a long history of 180 days a year rental rate.  This equates to $90,000 a year in rental income on a $500,000 property.  Top shelf maintenance and security comes out to about $300 a month in dues, but there are many communities with dues under $100.  Nearby is an oceanfront golf community with incredible views and a golf course accurately described as the Pebble Beach of Mexico.  Oceanfront condos start there in the 300s.  Gas prices and general cost of living expenses are about 40% off U.S. prices.  

I chose to renovate some of the condo I bought, mainly because it is so inexpensive to do whatever your mind can imagine.  A full kitchen remodel with custom hand made maple kitchen cabinets and granite countertops cost me $8,000 installed, while 4,000 square feet of ¾ inch thick travertine floors with marble inlays ran me $5 a square foot installed.  For other renovations my crew cost $25 per person per day and all spoke perfect English!  Part time top quality housekeeping help will cost you about $3 an hour while an experienced massage therapist will cost you about $35 for a two hour massage.  Everything here is top quality and dirt cheap. 

My realtor, Larry French of The Baja Real Estate Group, took service and knowledge to another level over any experience I have ever had in the states.  He helped me bargain shop, completely oversaw the entire process, and set up some great contacts for my renovations and for getting myself settled in the area.  We researched properties on his Baja MLS website and he preformed all the due dilligence. He set up meetings with accountants, plumbers, furniture makers, mail delivery services, and much more.  Moving to a foreign place can be overwhelming but having the right realtor, or in this case a great new found friend, can make all the difference in the world.  If you are interested in renting or buying in Rosarito you can contact Larry on his website at www.oceanfrontbaja.com. His knowledge, integrity and service will be a unique experience that will culminate in a very successful lifestyle investment.

Low cost of living, perhaps the best weather in the world and the proximity to the U.S. all help to make Rosarito Beach a great ex-pat location.  There are definitely places in the world that offer less expansive real estate opportunities but none with the proximity that Rosarito has to the U.S.  For those in the know this is a great time to buy a bargain oceanfront property in an area set to grow at an incredible rate for years to come.

J M. - Florida

North Rosarito, Baja California  -  Announcing a price reduction on Brisas del Mar, #15 Calle Adriatico, a 1,670 sq. ft., 3 bath, 3 bdrm single story. Now $129,750 USD - New Super Bargain!. One of a kind front row largest unit plus garage. dont miss this if you are looking for a bargain!

Property information

Baja Real Estate at the best bargain available. Club Marena at km38.5, Rosarito  -  The price reduction on Club Marena Oceanfront Villa #2, (a 2,700 sq. ft., 4 bath, 2 bdrm + den with privatge bath, 2 story "Upstairs Oceanfront Master Suite". Now $439,500 USD - LUXURY - Reduced $300K!) represents a spectacular deal. Properties on the coast have begun to sell off at these prices. It represents a time to invest and we have not seen prices at these levels for 6 or 7 years. Call me for more information.

Property information

Club Marena at km38.5, Rosarito  -  Announcing a price reduction on Club Marena Las Brisas Penthouse #901, a 3,600 sq. ft., 4 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story "Private Elevator". Now $698,500 USD - Motivated SALE Price!.

Property information

This spectacular property is now available at a shocking bargain price as a result of personal issues for the seller. Take advantage of this once inn a lifetime bargain and live in your dream home as a second residence or retirement retreat. Breathtaking views from everywhere and luxury finishes throughout. Marble travertime & granite as well as spa appointments likje a 4 person sauna, double jacuzzi tub, all the way open panel sliding glass doors, luxury appliances. All in Baja's finest community CLUB MARENA!!!! No where has finner amenities or a more spectacular setting. Make an appointment to see this today!!!

Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.  August 14th, 2009 - As part of the celebration of Baja’s wine harvest festival Bajamar, the premier golf course in northern Baja, hosted the first ever Vendimia Open Golf Tournament in support of the Baja Scholarship Foundation (BSF). The local Baja Real Estate Association, AMPI, which is Mexico's franchise of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) organized and sposored the event in cooperation with Bajamar. The tourney combined spectacular oceanfront golf with the spirit and magic of Baja’s Wine Country. The result was nothing less than spectacular when on the beautiful morning of the event a “maxed out” field of 156 golfers tee’d up for the shotgun start with over half of them venturing down from the US.

The event was a two man scramble with a $6500 purse at stake. There were prizes and events on each hole and an opportunity to win a HUMMER for a hole in one. All inclusive oceanfront golf packages, premium golf equipment and roundtrip airfares were among the donated items for the tournament. As if that isn’t enough the premier vineyards of México’s Guadalupe Valley presented their internationally acclaimed, award winning wines. There were Wine Tastings on five holes paired with culinary creations from Ensenada’s celebrated chefs. Château Camou, Emeve, Valor and several other wines were presented on the day. At the turn a classic Baja carne asada, carnitas, pollo asada lunch was served at the turn and sumptuous Steak & Lobster was served at the awards dinner in the scenic Bajamar clubhouse restaurant. At the awards ceremony dinner there was music & dancing, prizes & raffles and rousing auctions.

Bajamar has long been known as one of the most spectacular oceanfront golf courses on North America’s west coast. Five holes play right along Baja’s scenic pacific coastline and most of the rest of the 27 championship holes play in a lava desert layout that looks out to spectacular ocean views. A challenging yet rewarding course layout the 18 original holes, now the Lagos and Vista nines, were designed by Percy Clifford in 1976 and redesigned in the early 1990s. The Oceano nine, was designed by Robert Von Hagge and opened in June 1996. Since the addition of a new desalinization plant for the courses water sources the condition of the course has improves to a caliber that any golfer would consider impeccable.

The event had the support of AMPI, México’s franchise of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and Provino’s Vendimia events council. Gracious volunteers from BSF and AMPI donated their time and worked the course to insure a smooth tournament. Sponsors for the event included Bajamar Premier Properties (Platinum Sponsor), Mahon International, Telnor, Cannon Power Group, BajaBound Insurance, First Title Services, Baja-Rentals.com, Children’s Fund of SB, Chicago Title of Orange County, Realty Executives, Hostal San Angel and Santa Barbara at Bajamar.

The event was in support of the Baja Scholarship Foundation; a nonprofit 501 C3, that provides education to high potential children in Baja California from needy families. They have graduated students who have become doctors and engineers and who are giving back to their local communities to help change the lives of others in the region. It is a great cause run by great people. Approximately $10,000 was raised for the charity and Judie Kesson, the president of BSF said “these guys really did it!” expressing great satisfaction with the result. For more information on the Baja Scholarship Foundation go to http://www.bajascholarshipfoundation.org.

Larry French is a member of the Baja Real Estate Group and can be found at http://www.oceanfrontbaja.com.

Club Marena, one of Baja’s premier coastal residential resorts, enjoys a rich social scene that is continuously enriched by an evolving suite of spectacular amenities. For nearly 20 years the developer, Marena Development, has added new more exciting phases to the resort. With each phase come new more beautiful amenities.

Recently a new pet park was added to the resort that adjoins the tournament quality tennis facility. The perro park is about an acre of lawn and trees set aside specifically to exercise the canine residents of Club Marena and give them some space for those much needed morning walks. The completely fenced in area allows owners to let the pooches bound freely as leash rules are relaxed in this area. It is a great example of how this developer is completely responsive to the needs of his community.

Last year a second new oceanfront pool complex was unveiled by the projects developers. The pool and huge hot tub are cantilevered out to the sea at the tip of the coastal protrusion adding an exclamation point to an already spectacular setting. The project included the addition of a spacious second workout facility and a beach locker room for surfers and sand lovers. The oceanfront resort center overlooks this pool and includes a beautiful new entertaining hall (adorned in 36 inch porcelain tile & fine finishes), a kitchen, restrooms and a shower. There is also a rooftop bar and BBQ complex that has a panoramic, promontory, perspective of Bahia Descanso, one of Baja’s most scenic settings.

It is on this patio that the residents of Club Marena enjoy a scheduled Saturday social hour to relish the setting sun off Calafia point and enjoy cocktails and aperitivos while discussing the quality of life they all enjoy on this idyllic portion of the pacific coast. In the background surfers take advantage of some of the coasts finest waves and provide yet another point of entertainment for the parties’ participants. A typical gathering would have Local wines from the Valle de Guadelupe paired with fresh Mexican pannela cheese and tropical fruits from the local markets. Topics of discussion ranch from critique of the current vinicultural offerings to embellishment of the days catch from one of the resident fisherman.  Regardless of the topic it is accompanied by a gleeful tone and knowing smiles that come with the mutual recognition between Marena members.

It is a relaxing, welcoming and friendly fiesta, with the warmth of the pacific sunset, which serves to revive, rejuvenate and coalesce the members of Club Marena. It is typical of the rhythm and sensation of life at pace that is indigenous to the Baja lifestyle.

For more information on Club Marena and Baja Real Estate see Baja Coastal Real Estate. For Rentals in Club Marena see Baja Rosarito Rentals.