Marea Investment

1.  It is sunny 300+ days a year (us expatriates actually like the rare rainy days).

2.  Fresh fruits and vegetables offered throughout the year.

awesome smoothies, salads, and other healthy choices

3.  Dozens of yoga studios, wellness centers, and outdoor activities year around.

4.  Warm Caribbean beaches and cold water cenotes (underwater caves) allow you to swim, snorkel, scuba dive, paddle board, kayak, and kite board.

5.  People happily vacation here and people who live here are incredibly friendly, outgoing, and engaged in the world around them.

6.  You have neighbors from all the states in Mexico as well as neighbors from the US, Canada, Belgium, Italy, Chile, Brazil, Spain, Argentina, Germany, and the UK to name a few.

7.  No other place in the entire Caribbean has so many nationalities represented which translates into the best food and dinning anywhere.   The Spanish make paella, the Italians make pizza, the Argentinians make chimichurri….you get the idea.

8.  In this warm climate you cannot help but be more active and lose a few pounds.

9.  People of all ages go out and socialize often.

10. Hot food lovers paradise from the peppers to the salsas.

The list could go on and on…….

By: 

Jeff Fisher

Marea Investment

The other day I turned away potential business to a gentleman in my home of Puerto Aventuras, located in the Riviera Maya.  The prospective buyer asked to see properties he found on my website and then briefly mentioned he was meeting other agents to see additional properties.  When I explained that you only need one competent, professional, and qualified buyer's agent, he said he understood and that his daughter is a REALTOR® in the states.  However, the gentleman went on to say that he did not wish to commit to one person because of Mexico's reputation were anyone can sell anything.  The potential buyer is right. Anyone in Mexico can sell real estate.  Knowing this, makes it all the more important to know, interview, and research your real estate agent, their company, and their reputation in the area.  

In the US and Canada, prospective buyers research, interview, and allow a licensed REALTOR ® to earn their business as a buyer’s representative.  In Mexico, as well as the US and Canada, real estate agents have access to all properties regardless of what websites or signs advertise.  Again, I recommend treating a possible purchase in Mexico like a purchase in the US or Canada.    

As I sit down to renew my real estate license, (# RS293392 National Association of Realtors) that members have to renew every 2 years, I feel it important to explain why I turned away the potential business.  Like buyers should, I need to qualify who I spend my time with.  With todays competitive market, real estate professionals have to choose wisely who they allocate their time with in this beautiful Caribbean destination.  A real estate professional needs to assess, qualify, and uncover the motivation and criteria of the potential buyer.  I am a actively licensed REALTOR®  and business owner committed to the profession, but more importantly, I am a husband, father, friend, and local expatriate who has to determine how my time is best spent.  

Below are my suggestions for potential buyers.  I suggest interviewing at least three professionals before one has the opportunity to earn your business. The potential buyer should also expect to answer some questions.  Take your time to choose a qualified professional.  Real estate agents know that buying a property can be a slow process of working together with explicit communication and trust.

 Some questions/suggestions might be: 

      1.  Know your agent (we live in a transparent and social media world…. information is out there).

      2.  Why are they living in this area of Mexico, do they own property here and what’s their story?

      3.  What did they do prior to real estate sales in the Riviera Maya? 

      4.  Do they have a photo of themselves?

      5.  What area is their expertise?  (Mexico is a huge country and some sites purport to cover it all)

      6.  Are they a member of NAR, AMPI, or are they part of any professional organizations in the Riviera Maya.  Many of us reputable real estate agents are part of groups that exchange ideas, inventory, and business related information with other qualified, reputable, and ethical professionals.

      7.  Ask why you should choose them or their company to represent you?

      8.   Do they have personal testimonials where clients actually signed their full name?       

      9.  Ask them who they would recommend if they themselves were not in real estate (this is my favorite question to be asked)?

      10. When looking to purchase in a development, please seek out an impartial and objective real estate professional who does not work for the developer.  Agents for developers are exactly that…….agents who work for and answer to developers.  Individual real estate professionals and companies have access to all the developments in the Riviera Maya and our job is to represent YOU, not the developer.  

Finally, commit to one professional after your research and keep communication open and ongoing.

     

Professionally Yours,

Jeff Fisher

Business Owner

Property Owner

REALTOR® 

Buyer Representative

 

 

 

 

Every winter my family and I travel to the United States to ski and snowboard. On arriving home to Playa del Carmen last week, I realize how convenient and easily accessible Cancun and the Riviera Maya are to other international destinations.  I literally can walk my dogs along the Caribbean in the morning and be skiing that same afternoon in Park City, Utah.  With direct flights to Denver, Salt Lake City, and dozens of other cities, this area of the Caribbean is like living in any major metropolitan area where unlimited destinations are only a short flight away. 

There is not another place in the Caribbean that has hundreds of direct flights to major cities in the US, Canada, and Europe on a daily basis.  When you live in a beautiful destination like the Riviera Maya you still miss family, friends, and the snow.  Living here allows me to easily and continually visit family in Philadelphia and friends out on the West Coast. 

The accessibility and increased flights to and from Cancun International Airport has also been and will continue to be a major reason why so many people continue to invest and live on Mexico's Caribbean Coastline.  Cancun International Airport continues to bring millions of tourists to this booming area.  In short, we love to live in the Riviera Maya, but we also love traveling.  No other place in the Caribbean has daily flights and the accessibility to all parts of the world like Cancun International Airport.  

Written by:

Jeff Fisher

I find myself explaining about the irregularities in financing in Mexico on a daily basis.  With all the websites, misinformation, and general lack of regulation, I have decided to clarify the truth about financing.  Getting a loan in Mexico is becoming more common for foreigners.  However, it is still in the early stages so rates are higher and more conservative than in the US and Canada.

1.  Yes, there is financing in Mexico.  You can fill out a pre-qualification form attesting to your credit worthiness (similar in US), employment, tax records, credit history, income to expense ratios, and overall financial standing.

2.  Rates start around 7.99%-8.99% for a Mexican bank or broker.  I suggest getting  2 or 3 different quotes from your real estate professional or broker.

3.  You need to put 25%-30% down as a minimum down payment

4.  There is developer and owner financing.  Sometimes developer financing is more competitive. The master planned community on the north end of Playa del Carmen called "Grand Coral" has the best financing in Mexico with 30% down and LIBOR +4, which is about 5% right now.

5.  Yes, you can use a self-directed IRA for an investment or vacation home/rental property.  I am happy to explain how to do this.

6.  Rates starting at 3.5%-4.5% DO NOT EXIST 

7.  Down payments of 5%, 10%, 15% DO NOT EXIST

8.  Owner financing is also an option but make sure you get the full details.

9.  Construction loans are rare and many banks do not offer them right now. 

10.  You may also obtain financing using a equity line of credit or possibly a local bank that you have a relationship with in your home country.  

Hopefully, this helps cut through the confusion about financing.  If you see companies advertising rates that seem to good to be true, move on.  These companies are just trying to get your information.  Like all real estate inquires, you should interview several companies and real estate professionals before you settle.

 

Jeff Fisher 

Broker/Owner

Realtor® Marea Investment

jeff@mareainvestment.com

Last Friday is what living in this beautiful area is all about.  My morning started with walking my 2 dogs to the beach so they could swim in the ocean.   After I came home, I made some calls and followed up on my emails.  It was windy when I was walking my dogs so I knew I had to get out and surf .  When I finished working, I went to meet some of my friends in Puerto Aventuras to kiteboard for a few hours.  My wife and beautiful 4 month old daughter came along and hung out on the beach.  We came home and had a quick lunch together before I headed to Playa del Carmen for some afternoon appointments. 

After my 2 appointments in Playa del Carmen were finished I went to meet my wife, daughter, and brother for dinner at Fusion (excellent and economical restaurant directly on the Caribbean in Playa del Carmen).  I ended up inviting the gentlemen (now my friend) at my last appointment to Fusion.  We had a great dinner and ran into a few new friends who were on vacation.   Needless to say, I was in bed by about 9:30 Friday evening.  Being outside, working, playing, and meeting people in this intoxicating area called the Riviera Maya is what living here is all about.  Just another day in the Caribbean…

Jeff Fisher

Marea Investment

Market's Crash Right?

Without going too far back into United States history, I want to highlight something that is often overlooked and that is what markets do not crash.  The US had several stock market meltdown's in the 1980's.  A good mortgage rate was 13% if you wanted to invest in a home.  1990 had many people up in arms on Wall Street followed by a decade of increased wealth, low unemployment, and almost no inflation.  This ended when the stock markets took another nose dive in 2000 followed by the housing and mortgage crisis peaking in 2008 and still going strong today.  The past 3 years have been devastating for home owners, banks, and most importantly, retirees.  However, I still see many people re-investing in the same old, while still angry about the astronomical compensation of the bank tycoons.  Maybe, all these workers, retirees, and investors just assume all markets eventually crash and the average worker/investor can do nothing about it.  I DISAGREE

Real estate markets that are financed conservatively and often paid in cash along beautiful coastlines do not crash.  I cannot speak intelligently about the rest of the world but if you actually want control of your investments and see opportunities first hand, look at the Yucatan Peninsula.  They are not making anymore beach front property so whether you want to invest in the future, retire soon, or simply have more control of your investments, I challenge you to inquire about beach property, land, and investment opportunities along Mexico's Caribbean coast and the Yucatan and Campeche Gulf coast's.

I urge you to do your own due diligence, read about the Cancun boom, and notice that beach property in this beautiful area of Mexico is similarly priced to beach property in the US………..in 1960.  Savvy investors from all over continue to take flights to Cancun or Merida to see what is happening in this area. An area not listed on any stock exchange or not going to make a huge conglomerate's quarterly profits rise.  This opportunity is solely for the investor, worker, saver, retiree, or someone looking to control and counter balance their portfolio with a tangible asset in a increasingly limited supply.  Contact Marea Investment for more information.

By,

Jeff Fisher   
info@mareainvestment.com
Marea Investment

Caribbean Beach Lots  50% Sold

Campeche Beach Lots  Phase 1 Sold Out

 

Quintana Roo has released the projected bypass around the city of Tulum to accommodate increased traffic with the proposed building of the Riviera Maya International Airport.  This is welcome news to current residents and Tulum lovers from around the world.

Federal highway 307 currently cuts the town/city of Tulum in half.  The town is where all the restaurants, hostels, and nightlife are located off the beach.  For the past 15 years (when concrete/black top was put down on the road) all kinds of traffic literally came right through the center of town just 15 yards from all the stores.  Now, only local traffic is allowed to drive through town.  Tractor trailers, buses, and most other commercial vehicles need to go around this booming town on the new bypass which is still a work in progress.

I commend the transportation and tourism authorities for having the foresight to realize that the town of Tulum, not become the busy boulevard that is the hotel zone in Cancun.  Tulum is unique, exclusive, and more laid back then its sister cities of Playa del Carmen and Cancun.  Although, the airport has yet to start construction, this progressive move by the transportation authority is a step in the right direction and a necessary move to alleviate traffic and allow Tulum to grow in a more responsible manner.

By, 

Jeff Fisher 

Marea Investment 

This past weekend was the annual 5K and 10K run in Puerto Aventuras.  My wife got motivated by our good friends from the Cayman Islands to run the 5K just 5 weeks after giving birth to our beautiful daughter.  I had a blast playing Mr. Mom with some close friends as we cheered my wife and dozens of other friends and their families on throughout the race.  One of our friend's ran the 10K while all 4 of her kids ran the other races.  In addition to a 5K and 10K there was also a teenage run about 1K, a shorter run for preteens, and a 200 yard run for tots.

It was another day in paradise watching families from all over the globe enjoy the the festivities as well as watch some serious runners fly to the finish line.  After all the races were finished the hundreds of runners and gatherers socialized in the streets and made plans to party afterwards.  We ended up taking some champaign and orange juice to make Mimosa'a to Joe's Pub (local restaurant in Puerto Aventuras) where we probably hung out to long.    

As my family and I headed home there were still dozens of families out and about talking in Spanish, English, German, and Italian.  Sunday's like these are what living in the Riviera Maya are all about…getting outside, exercising, and enjoying friends and families from all over.

By, 

Jeff Fisher

Marea Investment

Whether you will be staying a few weeks, months, or years, please bring your furry family members to Mexico.  You are legally allowed to travel with and bring your pets to Mexico.  

When my wife and I decided to move to Mexico, it was never an option not to bring our dogs.  After doing some initial research, we realized it is safe, legal, and a common practice for an increasing number of expats who choose to enjoy the quality of life a little further south.

Before I left for our 4 day excursion from Philadelphia to the Riviera Maya, I got a international health certificate from my veterinarian stating that Carl (Shepherd-mix) and Kaia (Labrador retriever) had all their shots up-to-date and were in good health.  Some people said you do not need an international health certificate.  Even though the agents at the Mexican border did not ask for it, I highly recommend it, if for nothing else, some peace of mind.

Carl, Kaia, my brother and myself spend an enjoyable 4 day excursion down along the eastern coast of the US, through the border in Texas, and hugged the Gulf Coast (so the dogs could swim in the Gulf of Mexico) until Veracruz where we decided to take the federal highway to our last destination…..The Riviera Maya. 

We have numerous friends that have also driven down who now reside full-time in places such Cancun, Merida, Campeche, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Mahahual.  Some snow birds drive down annually from Canada and a few friends have flown and even boated their pets to this beautiful area of Mexico.  Carl and Kaia have plenty of expat "furry friends" down here where they play in the Caribbean, search for crabs in the sand, and run around fairways at night.

Please let me know if you have any questions as I am happy to explain the process for any animal lover looking to move to Mexico. 

Click link for useful information and required documents  

Pet Travel to Mexico

by

Jeff Fisher 

Broker/Owner Marea Investment

 

Attention investors and those looking for a great beachfront lot to build your dream home and retire in Mexico. These lots are the best beachfront lots available-guaranteed! Titles-guaranteed! Electric, water, phone and internet-guaranteed! Building permits-guaranteed! You´ll love them or we´ll give you your money back -guaranteed! These beautiful beachfront lots are located in sabancuy Mexico, near the city of Campeche, only 15 minutes to Campeche playa golf marina and spa resort, an $800 million dollar world class development complete with Jack Nicklaus golf course, a 150 slip marina, healthcare facility and museum. A nice condo there will cost you $500,000 USD or more. You can have your own private virgin beachfront lot for $55,000 USD and we can build your dream home for $70-80 USD/ sq.ft. Enjoy the peace and tranquility of the turquoise waters and breathtaking sunsets from the privacy of your own bechfront home.

Incredibly located between 2 international airports, near the colonial city of Campeche and in the heart of the ancient maya civilization. You can enjoy the traditions, cousine and music of the spanish-mayan culture and enjoy the quality of life you have always dreamed of having  for yourself and for your family. These lots will not last long because of their incredible location, amenities and value. Contact us today to reserve your own beachfront lot!

Fine dining has always been part of the magical “feeling” of Playa del Carmen. Both residents and tourist alike enjoy the casual walking on our world famous 5^th avenue.  Lined with shops, cafes and restaurants, 5^th avenue has always been the hearth of Playa del Carmen. For years we have enjoyed the ambiance and the food at John Gray´s place on “calle corazón”  just steps from  5^th avenue.  If you are buying Playa del Carmen real estate this will quickly become a regular dining venue.

  The atmosphere, the food and the service are all top noted.  Definitely one of the best in Playa del Carmen and a dining experience that is not to be missed.  John also has restaurants in Puerto Morelos “John Gray´s kitchen” and Cancun “John gray´s downtown”.  All these offer a dining experience second to none and boast an impressive menu and wine list.  A Riviera Maya must.

     

There are many reasons why you should seriously consider buying Playa del Carmen real estate, but it will ultimately come down to both personal choice and individual circumstances. One thing's for sure, however, before buying, you need to decide what your reasons are for looking at Playa Del Carmen real estate. Are you planning to live in Mexico for a long time and therefore you view a long term rental as a waste of possible equity? Are you looking for an overseas investment property that will provide a handsome rental income while also providing you with a vacation home whenever you can get away? Is your company looking for a new location, second headquarter, and warehouse or manufacturing facility?

Whatever your reasons for looking at property in playa del carmen, it is important to realize that it can be a very smart investment. For one thing, property values in Mexico have been consistently going up every year, just like they do almost anywhere else – as we know, one thing that is NOT being manufactured is more land. However, property values of Playa Del Carmen Mexico real estate do not typically appreciate as quickly as they do in the U.S. , Europe, Canada and other ‘developed' countries, making it a value for buyers from these other nations at almost any given time. In addition, as with any property, the true appeal and value of property in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico comes down to one thing only – location!

This brings us to another important thing to think about when you are looking at Playa Del Carmen real estate is the state of development in the immediate vicinity as well as the surrounding governmental infrastructure of the whole entire area. Some areas are much more developed than others, while some are hardly developed at all. While property values will be cheaper in underdeveloped areas, be careful when you are looking at these sorts of locations in the purchase of real estate in Playa Del Carmen.

As you can see, Playa Del Carmen has many excellent Real Estate Investment oportunities like Beachfront Condos, Rental Villas, Apartments etc. If you have any questions, requests or need any advise regarding real estate in Playa Del Carmen, feel free to contact Bob McCain of Caribe Properties Playa Del Carmen's best Real Estate company.


CALL US TODAY!!!

One of the very first questions of get from these inquiring about Playa del Carmen real estate is how far is it to the beach? The magical beaches of Mexico hold a great fascination with people from all parts of the world and perhaps the most intriguing and most mesmerizing of all Mexico beaches are the beaches located in Playa del Carmen and Tulum. White sand, glistening water, endless views, lapping surf — you know the drill. The characteristics of a great beach are no secret.

But what’s also important is what’s around the sand; after all, you’re not beach-going in a vacuum. And the best beaches of Mexico offer a real panorama of options. There are stretches of practically virgin beach that cling to a still-wild status in between the untamed jungle and the roiling surf. There are beaches with relics of the Mayan civilization nearby—and how many places can you relax on a beach after climbing around on temples?

The beaches around Playa del Carmen may be some of the most famous in Mexico and around the world.

 

As Mexico grows more popular as a tourist destination, beaches are more in danger of being overrun by a Cancun-like caravan. The beaches of Acapulco will always have their place, but for those in search of solitude, the teeming throngs make it an increasingly tougher task.

Fortunately, Mexico still harbors plenty of options — and not always far from the crowds. South of Cancun, Tulum has plenty of pristine sand. And there's yet more just off the coast on Isla Mujeres. Even in popular Playa del Carmen, travelers don’t have to soak up the sun while sitting sardine-like in the sand.

On the western side of the country, the coast is rockier and the waves stronger, which makes it great for surfers, but not always for swimmers. Still, there are plenty of protected, hidden spots (read on for a couple of them). Cabo san Lucas continues to attract the jet set, and further south, Oaxaca offers some lesser-trafficked beaches. So whether you choose an untamed beach or a stretch of sand complete with thatched palapa and frozen drinks, you’re sure to find those essential elements that make it a “best” beach: fine sand, azure water, shady palms, and the feeling of utter, complete relaxation. Beaches like this are just one reason so many find Playa del Carmen real estate and Cancun real estate so attractive.

Why retire in Mexico? Why vacationing in the Riviera Maya?  Why is Playa del Carmen real estate some of the most desirable in the world? It´s probably easier to answer why not? There are hundreds of great reasons to retire in Mexico, from year round tropical weather to low cost health services,  vacationing in the Riviera Maya is a guaranteed fun filled and relaxing time of your life experience Playa del carmen real estate has been “hot” for a decade and it will continue to be for a long, long time. One of the reasons is that Playa del Carmen offers not just great beaches and lots of sunshine, but world plans entertainment as well. One of my favorite times of the year is November when the Riviera Maya jazz festival comes to Playa del Carmen´s Mamitas beach. Located just steps from the Caribe Properties real estate office you can be assured I will be a nightly attendee.

Truly music in paradise, this year festival runs from Nov. 25^th -28^th and features world renowned musicians such as: The royal band, Aguamala, Colin Hunter, Sac be and many more. All concerts take place at mamitas beach starting nightly at 7:00 pm and entrance is free. Located in the hearth of the most beautiful tourist destination in the world, for four days and nights Playa del Carmen once again becomes the host for the best national and international jazz acts of all time. Combining the most varied expressions of the jazz  genre. In its seventh edition, Playa del Carmen shares with its visitors an unforgettable fiesta of sun, ocean and music- where a great time is guaranteed. Playa del Carmen is definitely the place to be  November 25^th-28^th.

The vast majority of my past and present clients have made their Mexico real estate investments in cash and therefore can typically wait out any downturn in the real estate market. In down markets, cash is king and real estate investors in the game for the long haul can certainly find great asset bargains. As good investments become harder to find in today’s financial markets, Playa del Carmen real estate and Cancun real estate are two markets that are attracting alot of attention from foreign real estate investors. With the slowdown in sales, developers are now open to offering discounts on their Mexican Caribbean real estate and savvy investors can pick up as much as 10-15% on their investments immediately.  Investing in real estate in the Mexican Caribbean is very different than investing in the stock market, gold or other types of investments. While they all may rise or fall, investing in Playa del Carmen real estate or Cancun real estate, two of the “hottest” tourist destinations in the world, is also an income producing investment. With millions vacationing in these areas annually, most investors choose to use their Mexico real estate as a vacation rental property which can produce a net profit of 6-18 %. They also have the benefit of using their dream home in the Caribbean for their personal use and enjoyment.  In addition, income producing properties are less volatile and tend to remain much more stable during times of economic devastation. 

So while the dow may be up and gold prices may be on the rise, it is only a Playa del Carmen real estate or Cancun real estate investment that can give you a sense of security, a fair ROI and a breathtaking view of the white sand beaches and pristine turquoise waters of the Caribbean.