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Reporting Rental Income on Mexican Properties
The law has become more formal over the years and the procedures the country has now to seek and find those not reporting income.
May, 2008 - Read Article
New Real Estate Products in the
Bay of Banderas
With the arrival to two powerful developers, Nuevo Vallarta transformed. A big impetus to buyer interest was the creation of two good golf clubs with food and sport
April, 2008 - Read Article
Mexico from a World Perspective
The Mexican Chamber of Commerce for Tourism and Services has released figures for 2007.
March, 2008 - Read News
“Holding our own”
We seem to be holding our own and we are now experiencing serious offers made by American citizens as well Canadians.
February, 2008 - Read News
Pre-Construction Report
Much of the recent real estate growth in Puerto Vallarta has occurred due to the increase in new developments and projects throughout the entire Bahia de Banderas area.
January, 2008 - Read News
Reasons why the mortgage market looks good
Recently there was a question in a local Vallarta paper asking David Schwendeman and Terence Reilly, with MEXlend, was the mortgage meltdown in the US affecting the mortgage market in Mexico?
December, 2007 - Read News
Advice to foreigners buying in Mexico
and their home town agents
Buying south of the border is not like buying property in the US or Canada. Purchasers must always remember that the process is different from purchasing another house in your neighborhood or country.
November, 2007 - Read News
Heard in the bay…
I have had the opportunity the past few weeks to take clients to many parts of the Bay in search of real estate.
October, 2007 - Read News
The Real Estate Market
Where are we in the market? - Mid Year 2007
As we wait for a normally slower summer/rainy season to end and prepare for the “high season,” we think more about the adjustment going on in the USA real estate market.
September, 2007 - Read Article
Capital gains tax in Mexico
There has been much discussion on the tax changes in effect since the end of last year.
August, 2007 - Read Article
Mexican Real Estate Investment - The Future Outlook to 2040
What is happening then with the Mexican economy and how is it viewed as an investment opportunity in comparison to other places in the world.
July, 2007 - Read Article
Ejido Land in Mexico
There is increased demand for building lots in the Bay of Banderas, continuing up the Pacific coastline.
June, 2007 - Read Article
Mexican Real Estate Laws
To better understand buying and selling real estate in Mexico, it is helpful to know some basics about the national real estate laws.
May, 2007 - Read Article
A Glimpse of the Current Real Estate Market in the Bay of Banderas - Part II
How does the Bay of Banderas rank in comparison to the demand world wide for second homes?
April, 2007 - Read Article
A Glimpse of the Current Real Estate Market in the Bay of Banderas - Part I
It is interesting to see how artists flock around the worlds' beautiful places.
March, 2007 - Read Article
How survive and learn to enjoy condominium ownership
For most of you who have owned single-family homes, buying a condominium is a new experience.
February, 2007 - Read Article
Enjoy your guests and still have time for yourself
Most of us have experienced the thrill of being able to share our new second or retirement home with our friends who live elsewhere.
January, 2007 - Read Article
Frequently asked questions on buying Real Estate in Mexico.
December, 2006 - Read Article
6 Big Time Mistakes That cost you money when selling your home
What a joy it was to be able to arrive in Hong Kong, the famous island city which became independent of England in l997.
November, 2006 - Read Article
Letter from Hong Kong - Part I
What a joy it was to be able to arrive in Hong Kong, the famous island city which became independent of England in l997.
October, 2006 - Read Article
Feng Shui and Staging Techniques - II
As discussed in the previous article on Feng Shui, it is the ancient art of placement to promote harmony, wealth, success and health.
September, 2006 - Read Article
What does Feng Shui have to do with Real Estate?
In Thailand, we went to 4 residential developments of varying price ranges. All the homes were designed incorporating the principles of Feng Shui!
August, 2006 - Read Article
Letter from abroad
In Bangkok, Thailand there are newly built homes in private gated communities owned by nationals and expats, alike.
July, 2006 - Read Article
Guatemala, Mexico's Neighbor in Central America
Property titles are kept in the National Registry for Property, which is computerized and run by the government.
May, 2006 - Read Article
What's Been Happening? - What 2005 Gave Us?
Beginning with January 1, 2006, we knew that we were facing large issues of oil prices for the coming year.
April, 2006
The Outlook for 2006 - Part I
This is the year when we are seeing a more concentrated effort by certain lenders to offer residential mortage products in Mexico.
March, 2006
Real Estate Quiz
February, 2006
Test yourself on mexican facts – Part II
January, 2006
Test yourself on mexican facts - Part I
December, 2005
Current Market Conditions and Outlook for 2006
The continued interest in buying properties within the Bay of Banderas has created ongoing activity for the most part of 2005.
November, 2005
Letter from France
Hello from France. When I am here, I always pick up newspapers and speciality magazines with listings of properties for sale and for lease.
October, 2005
"Simpatico"
One of the most common and historic cultural traits of citizens of Mexico is the characteristic of "simpatico."
Harriet Cochran Murray - September, 2005
Letter from Greece
Recently, I had the opportunity to travel to Greece to attend a conference sponsored by FIABCI. This organization is the International Real Estate Federation founded in Paris in 1949.
Harriet Cochran Murray - August, 2005
Casa del Sol Condominium - Nuevo Vallarta
Exclusivity, comfort, luxury and security are the mottos of this development located in front of the beaches of Nuevo Vallarta.
Harriet Cochran Murray - July, 2005
Tips on owning real estate in Mexico
The word "MAÑANA" has more meanings than the limited one of "tomorrow." This one word can create a lot of misunderstanding in the beginning for a foreigner.
Harriet Cochran Murray - July, 2005
Buying a property
We all dream of someday owning property on the beach to take a vacation or to retire alter long years of labor.
Harriet Cochran Murray - June, 2005
Suggestions on buying and owning in Mexico - Part I
The differences in the procedures of buying and owning land vary within Mexico. If you are a foreigner purchasing within a restricted zone, you will have a fidecomiso trust. If you are a foreigner purchasing outside the restricted zone, you will have an escritura, or deed, without a trust.
Harriet Cochran Murray - June, 2005
Golf Destinations in the Bay of Banderas
There are a surprising number of professionally designed and built golf courses within The Bay of Banderas on the West Coast of Mexico.
Harriet Cochran Murray - April, 2005
Mexico's underground entrepeneurs and private property rigths.
I had scheduled time this weekend to write my annual report on real estate sales within the Bay of Banderas for 2004.
Harriet Cochran Murray - March, 2005
Canadian, American and Mexican Business Practices
If we understand some business customs of our neighbors, it is easier to accomplish an objective between parties.
Harriet Cochran Murray - February, 2005
Cultural Orientation of North Americans
The three countries of North America share similarities and differences.
Harriet Cochran Murray - January, 2005
Mexico Future Housing Demans
Mexico may be on the verge of significant changes in the housing market.
Harriet Cochran Murray - December, 2004
Letter from Vancouver , B.C., Canada
Vancouver is a beautiful city in the province of British Columbia.
Harriet Cochran Murray - November, 2004
Real Estate Sales in the Bay of Banderas
This report is a snapshot of the overall market for this period...
Harriet Cochran Murray - October, 2004
Letter from France
A hello from France before I make the trip back to
Mexico!
Harriet Cochran Murray - September,
2004
Condominium changes in Nayarit -
Part II Common Property
In a horizontal condominium development, the
difference is that the land individually owned is NOT
part of the common land ownership.
Harriet Cochran Murray - August, 2004
Recent Law Which Regulates Condominiums
in the State of Nayarit - Part 1 Formation of the Condominium
The state of Nayarit has seen an enormous increase
in condominium development in the past 5 years.
Harriet Cochran Murray - August, 2004
Personal
Experience in Real Estate Sales - Part II
The opinions are my personal ones based on experiences with my clients.
Harriet Cochran Murray - August, 2004
Personal
Experience in Real Estate Sales - Part I
The opinions are my personal ones based on experiences
with my clients.
Harriet Cochran Murray - July, 2004
Cultural Shock
Some experience, many times a very simple
one, can throw you into alienation, confusion, or
surprise from encountering unfamiliar surroundings.
Harriet Cochran Murray - June, 2004
Questions
and Answers about local Ampi* Real Estate Practices,
Part II
"Let a man practice the profession which he best knows." Cicero c. 76 B.C.
Harriet Cochran Murray - June, 2004
The Changing Landscape
Sales activity in the Bay of Banderas for the first
three months of 2004 has remained strong.
Harriet Cochran Murray - May, 2004
Questions and Answers about local
Ampi* Real Estate Practices, Part I
AMPI is a national Mexican Association of Real
Estate Professionals.
Harriet Cochran Murray - May, 2004
Marketing of
Real Estate
The previous article described an exclusive listing agreement
between buyer and seller for the purpose of marketing
and selling real estate.
Harriet Cochran Murray - May, 2004
2003 Property Sales
Last year was active for sales
in our real estate community.
Harriet
Cochran Murray - March, 2004
Current Real Estate Inventory within the Bay
of Banderas
Now, smaller developers are being given the opportunity
to create a diversity of residential and commercial
projects.
Harriet Cochran Murray - January 17th,
2004
Yearly Condominium Meetings
These meetings, both general
and extraordinary, are very important to the successful
operation of the building.
Harriet Cochran Murray
- January 3rd, 2004
More Questions about Real Estate in Mexico
Harriet Cochran Murray - December 27,
2003
Buying Real Estate in Mexico
Costs
associated with a purchase: In the restricted zone,
a buyer holds the property within a fideicomiso, which
requires payment for a permit from the federal government.
Harriet Cochran Murray - December 13, 2003
Some
answers to frequently asked questions about the purchase
and sale of real estate in Mexico.
The Mexican Constitution regulates ownership of land
within a zone 100 kilometers along a state border or
50 kilometers along the coast line.
Harriet Cochran Murray - December 6, 2003
Check
list of things to understand before you buy real estate
in Mexico.
You need to ask questions and think through what you
are going to do before you take the plunge.
Harriet Cochran Murray - November 29, 2003
"I
am not an Athenian or a Greek, but a citizen of the
world." Socrates
Buying real estate and living in Mexico gives you an
opportunity to learn from another culture.
Harriet Cochran Murray - November 15, 2003
Terra
Firma – The Price for Land
The right of the common man to own private property
is a recent event in history.
Harriet Cochran Murray - October 25, 2003
Measuring
Investment Performance
When we purchase a property that we want to enjoy for
our permanent or holiday home, we don’t always
consider the re-sale aspect.
Harriet Cochran Murray - October 18, 2003
Escaping
In countries like the United States of America and Canada,
life expectancy has increased dramatically.
Harriet Cochran Murray - October 11, 2003
Globalization
in an economic sinse, is the movement by countries companies,
organizations and people toward a single market environment.
Harriet Cochran Murray - October 5, 2003
Elements
of an Investment
Four elements can be evaluated when making an investment
in real estate
Harriet Cochran Murray - September 21, 2003
Contrasting
Two Cultures
Several years ago, I attended a local seminar, which
taught the participants to become more sensitive to
the differences and similarities between the cultures...
Harriet Cochran Murray - September 7, 2003
Questions
and Answers about AMPI
Do I need to have a license to sell real estate in Mexico?
Harriet Cochran Murray - August 31, 2003
AMPI
Code of Ethics
of the most important functions of a Real Estate Professional
is to protect his principal against fraud, abuse or
immoral practices in the real estate field.
Harriet Cochran Murray - August 24, 2003
Mortages
and Trust
The sale of properties between persons and companies
can be of several types:
Harriet Cochran Murray - August 17, 2003
Buying
Real Estate In Mexico
A property purchase in Mexico can be just as safe and
secure as in the United States or Canada
Harriet Cochran Murray - August 10, 2003
First
Half of 2003 Real Estate Sales Report
The geographic area for this report includes portions
of the state of Jalisco and Nayarit from Boca de Tomatlan/Mismaloya
on the south to Rincon de Guayabitos/San Blas in the
north.
Harriet Cochran Murray - August 3, 2003
Cultural
Summaries
Last week, some of the cultural characteristics of North
and Latin America were discussed.
Harriet Cochran Murray - July 13, 2003
Cross-Cultural
Relationship
Recently I was privileged to attend a section of the
course taught for certification to become a Certified
International Property Specialist.
Harriet Cochran Murray - July 6, 2003
“Property
has its duties as well as its rights.”
Here are some guidelines for success in a real estate
acquisition in Mexico:
Harriet Cochran Murray - June 22, 2003
Real
Estate Representation
Currently in Mexico, there are no licensing requirements...
Harriet Cochran Murray - June 15, 2003
Million
Dollar Plus Properties for Sale Banderas Bay
Within the Bay of Banderas, there are private villas
and a few select penthouses for sale for one million
US dollars and up.
Harriet Cochran Murray - June 8, 2003
Real
Estate Shopping
Price range $400,000US-$995,000US Vallarta and the south
shore condominiums.
Harriet Cochran Murray - June 1, 2003
Shopping
Selection
If your budget to purchase a property is from $200,000US-$350,000US,
let’s see what we can find.
Harriet Cochran Murray - May 18, 2003
Shopping
List
If you were to have a budget of $100,000US-$150,000US
to purchase a property within the bay, what could you
buy?
Harriet Cochran Murray - May 4, 2003
Languaje,
Bargaining, Dignity
An owner of real estate in Mexico can better appreciate
their experience.
Harriet Cochran Murray - May 4, 2003
Value
in Real Estate
Is harder to determine in a market where there is little
or no information on actual sales prices.
Harriet Cochran Murray - April 13, 2003
Timing
in a Real Estate Market
Last year I wrote an article about a couple from the
United States that wanted to buy a condo in Puerto Vallarta.
Harriet Cochran Murray - April 6, 2003
“For
words, like Nature, half reveal and half conceal the
Soul within.”
Alfred Lord Tennyson 1809-1892
Harriet Cochran Murray - March 30, 2003
Interdependence
Harriet Cochran Murray - March 23, 2003
The United States and Mexico share much more than a
physical boundary.
Escrow
accounts in Mexico Registration of Property
Harriet Cochran Murray - March 16, 2003
In the past, the seller received a deposit and the balance
of the funds directly.
Questions
from Readers
Harriet Cochran Murray - March 9, 2003
We are considering the possibilities
of retiring in Mexico .
Building
Lots
Harriet Cochran Murray - March 2, 2003
Building lots have been a smaller
part of the real estate inventory in the Bay of Banderas until recently.
Bank
Trusts and Succession
Harriet Cochran Murray - February 23, 2003
When a fideicomiso
is established, the bank becomes the titleholder of the property.
Business
Harriet
Cochran Murray - February 16, 2003
To effectively purchase property in Mexico.
Question
to ask
Harriet Cochran Murray - February 9, 2003
Correct answers help clarify
the situation and enable you to make better decisions.
Real
Estate Representation
Harriet Cochran Murray - January 19, 2003
In Mexico, there
is no requirement for persons acting as agents or brokers.
Real
Estate Purchase Contract
Harriet Cochran Murray - January 12, 2003
There are
no standardized real estate contracts.
What
to do after you have purchased real estate in Mexico - Part 2
Harriet
Cochran Murray - December 29, 2002
If you are ever in the position of renting your home.
What
to do after you have purchased
real estate in Mexico - Part 2
Harriet
Cochran Murray - December 29, 2002
If you are ever in the position of renting your
home.
What to
do after you have purchased
real estate in Mexico - Part 1
Harriet
Cochran Murray - December 22, 2002
You may hire someone to manage your property.
Closing
Cost for buyer and seller
Harriet Cochran Murray - December 8, 2002
Closing
costs for the buyer are different…
Americans
Living in Mexico
Harriet Cochran Murray - November 24, 2002
For many decades,
a significant number of Americans have been moving beyond mere vacation travel
and choosing to own real estate in Mexico.
The
spirit of property doubles a man's strength
Harriet Cochran Murray - November
10, 2002
The AMPI Multi-List is now reporting ten months of sales.
The
Differences in Negotiations
Harriet Cochran Murray - November 4, 2002
To
North Americans, negotiations generally end when the contract is approved.
Differences
in Time
Harriet Cochran Murray - October 21, 2002
The differences in the
concept of time, affect our lifestyle and our doing business in another culture..
Mexican
Bank Trusts
Harriet Cochran Murray - October 14, 2002
On a recent trip to
the US, I met with a number of American real estate agents. Almost all of them
wanted to better understand the Mexican bank trust, before they felt comfortable
referring a client to me.
Check
this list for buying property in Mexico.
Harriet Cochran Murray - October 7, 2002
When you have found the villa, lot or condo, which you want to buy.
"In
all things there is a kind of law of cycles."
Harriet Cochran Murray - September
15, 2002
Never forget that real estate goes in cycles. It goes up and it
goes down.
The
real estate market in Vallarta and the Bay
Harriet Cochran Murray - September
9, 2002
In a beautiful resort area where you have primary and second homes,
the qualities that the buyer looks.
A
second story
Harriet Cochran Murray - September 2, 2002
Herb and Kay have
owned a condo in Puerto Vallarta for 15 years. They have enjoyed flying down each
summer from the East.
Anatomy
of a real estate purchase - Part 1
Harriet Cochran Murray - August 26, 2002
Susan knew that the closing costs for a buyer of a purchase would average 5-8%
of the price.
Buying
a lot and building
Harriet Cochran Murray - August 19, 2002
The steps in
buying a lot and building a home in Mexico are not that different from other countries..
Knowledge
is Power
Harriet Cochran Murray - August 12, 2002
Condominiums are a large
part of the real estate inventory in the Bay. The price range is wider, so more
people can afford this form of real estate.
The
Vallarta Multi-List
Harriet Cochran Murray - August 5, 2002
Is the AMPI member
list of condos, lots, houses and commercial properties for sale in the area of
The Bay of Banderas.
"Caveat
Emptor" - Let The Buyer Beware
Harriet Cochran Murray - July 29, 2002
Real estate Tax Reforms in 2002 have made it clear that Mexican citizens claiming
residency of a real estate property do not have to pay capital gains.
Foreign
Ownership in Vallarta
Harriet Cochran Murray - July 22, 2002
In 2001, the
AMPI (Association of Real Estate Professionals) chapter of Vallarta commissioned
a survey to be conducted by a local marketing company. The purpose of this report
was to determine more about foreign ownership in Vallarta. Some of the conclusions
were surprising.
The
Purchase of Mexican Real Estate
Harriet Cochran Murray - July 15, 2002
Foreigners
(non-Mexican) are able to purchase real estate in Mexico. They may directly own
rural or urban land in the interior of Mexico with certain limitations on specific
agricultural tracts.
Viewpoint
Harriet Cochran Murray - July 8, 2002
Since September of last year, the citizens
of the United States become more aware of the importance of being a part of the
international community.
Buyer
Representation
Harriet Cochran Murray - July 1, 2002
Buying property in Mexico
involves many steps, not only finding the right villa or condo in the right area
and at the right price. | 
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