Viajero503
Newbie
Posts: 2
Registered: 11-24-2018
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build or buy in Loreto???
So, I'm considering buying something in Loreto. I want something in the neighborhoods in town and started looking last month- build on a lot or buy?
Anyone have experience or know something about it? thanks.
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
Registered: 9-16-2003
Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
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Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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If you decide to build, you had better plan on being there every day with a set of plans or you will get what the builder "thinks" you want instead of
what you want.
Required reading for anyone thinking of building in Mexico
https://www.amazon.com/God-Mr-Gomez-Building-Dream/dp/088496...
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Craig B
Newbie
Posts: 14
Registered: 10-4-2018
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We built a place in Loreto a couple of years ago, we love it here! In fact still have small projects going on..
Which real estate person are you working with?
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tobias
Nomad
Posts: 188
Registered: 1-10-2014
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There are some very cool looking overgrown empty lots around Loreto so close to the plaza . Very tempting. I have built houses in the US and have
always wondered how hard it would be to get an owner builder permit.
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Cancamo
Nomad
Posts: 345
Registered: 4-5-2011
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If your language skills are worthy you can easily do everything the "architect" does and build for less than half of what they charge.
Contractors here are actually architects whom do little more than secure the permits, hire the crew, and are supposed make sure the materials and
labor are paid for.
Open an account to pay for social security to the crew, secure a permit plans, open an account at a builder's supply, find a reputable maestro, (lead
guy/journeyman), 2/3 albaniles, (masons), and 1/2 peons, (laborer). As someone familiar with construction you can oversee the obra negra, (rough
construction), and hire out or do the finish work yourself, (wiring, plumbing, paint, etc...), and build for 25/50% of what an architect would charge,
AND avoid the inevitable "extras". The square footage figures in line with stateside prices are not reality, just a mark-up, gringo tax. Although
materials can get costly, labor is still very inexpensive.
I would personally look for a local fixer-upper rather than breaking ground, AND rent a year, make sure you like roosters and barking dogs first.
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ncampion
Super Nomad
Posts: 1238
Registered: 4-15-2006
Location: Loreto
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Mood: Retired and Loving it
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We built an off-grid home just a few miles north of town (Loreto) on the beach about 9 years ago. Used a local architect to draw the plans and get
permits but then did as Cancamo said and became our own “contractor”. Not sure we saved 50% (maybe 25) but got what we wanted with high quality
workmanship all the way. We did a lot of finish work ourselves including the design and installation of a 8,000 watt solar power system, which did
save a lot of money. Would I do it again? Not at my current age (72) but it was a great experience and produced a very satisfying result.
Most lots in town are quite small so that limits the size of the home you can design, and then you have to put up with neighbors, cars, dogs, roosters
etc. We like the peace and quiet of an out of town home, but everyone to their own tastes. Good luck with whatever you decide, Loreto is a great
place most of the year.
Living Large in Loreto. Off-grid and happy.
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pacificobob
Super Nomad
Posts: 2238
Registered: 4-23-2006
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the above advice is golden.
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Phil S
Super Nomad
Posts: 1205
Registered: 10-28-2003
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Mood: After 34 years. Still in love w/ my wife
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There is a "ton" of great gringo's living/wintering in Loreto. Ask around for Rita Westfall. She's bought. Sold and is a wealth of information, and
isn't a Realtor ??? Just a sweet lady from Oregon who appreciates incredible Oregon wines. She's a must for a "local" who's very social.
;Also take some time to look around Nopolo. We lived there some years ago, and the "social" aspect was great. Tennis facility. Golf facility. Hotel.
Condo's. Haven't visited for a number of years, but is an option to get away from the rooster problem that living in town will provide you.
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Mulege Canuck
Nomad
Posts: 386
Registered: 11-27-2016
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We bought someone else’s dream home rather than building our own. For us it was cheaper and less risk.
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