BajaNomad

Worried?

SDRonni - 12-1-2006 at 02:54 PM

With the current state of affairs in Mexico, are any of you Americans who own property in Mexico at all worried about what may happen to your property there? Of course, I realize it's not really owned by us, but through the fideicomiso.... But, seriously, with the "2 presidents," the drug cartels, the corruption, the murders of American citizens, this person Subcomandante Marcos who runs the "Other Campaign" (see www.narconews.com) trying to instigate the indigenous people into a revolution, I am a bit nervous about having invested in an oceanfront condominium currently under construction in Rosarito. Am I alone in this? Just curious as to your opinions....maybe I'm just Chicken Little, but I wonder if things will blow over by our completion date (10/07) or if things will get worse.....:o

bancoduo - 12-1-2006 at 03:43 PM

I think your biggest worry is the developer running away with your $. Is it coming out of the ground yet?:cool:

Bob and Susan - 12-1-2006 at 03:45 PM

bancodou is right...i can't belive i said that:lol:

fdt - 12-1-2006 at 03:45 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by SDRonni
with the "2 presidents,"

There is only one

Stickers - 12-1-2006 at 03:47 PM

business as usual in Mexico




.

Bruce R Leech - 12-1-2006 at 03:53 PM

not worried:tumble:

djh - 12-1-2006 at 03:54 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by SDRonni
With the current state of affairs in Mexico, are any of you Americans who own property in Mexico at all worried about what may happen to your property there? Of course, I realize it's not really owned by us, but through the fideicomiso.... But, seriously, with the "2 presidents," the drug cartels, the corruption, the murders of American citizens, this person Subcomandante Marcos who runs the "Other Campaign" (see www.narconews.com) trying to instigate the indigenous people into a revolution, I am a bit nervous about having invested in an oceanfront condominium currently under construction in Rosarito. Am I alone in this? Just curious as to your opinions....maybe I'm just Chicken Little, but I wonder if things will blow over by our completion date (10/07) or if things will get worse.....:o


You COULD worry... but what good will that do?

All of us who love & live and / or love and own in Baja could worry, but it seems to me that most Nomads chose not to, and live the adventure (and surprises) as they come.

It is not the US, it is Mexico. While different systems and rules definitely apply, in my humble opinion, the necessary common ingredient in both cases is simply common sense ( like bancoduo's :).

Enjoy your new directions and adventures ~ make the best decisions you can and live (hopefully peacefully) with them.

Bruce R Leech - 12-1-2006 at 04:04 PM

you pay the price for security and that is a price I chose not to pay.:O

Don Alley - 12-1-2006 at 04:10 PM

I wouldn't say I'm really worried about the activities of the cartels, or by the events in Mexico City and Oaxaca, not in the sense of how they might affect my property. But as someone living in Mexico I am concerned and do hope better times are ahead for Mexico.

The smaller petty crimes, such as burglaries and breaking into cars, is a problem too. It may discourage some from buying property, but I think a more likely consequence will be more reliance by expats on "secure" gated, and insulated, communities. And by some Mexicans as well.

Posada-BushPilot - 12-1-2006 at 04:11 PM

Excellent Question, SD Ronnie. I certainly can't say that this issue hasn't been on my mind, as well, given that I plan to live the next 5 months at my place near Mulege, not far from where a tourist was murdered a month or so ago. I haven't been able to figure out if crime in Baja is escalating dramatically or is it just that we, thru this board and others, are being made aware of incidents that, before now, were unknown to us due to the lack of a press corp like we have in the states.
I'm going tospend this winter in Baja because I refuse to allow a few bad people dictate how I live my life. I will, however, be a little more vigilant.

BajaWarrior - 12-1-2006 at 04:13 PM

Worried?

Do ya ever get that look? Ya know, the look when you are in a conversation with someone in the States. When you mention you have a home in Mexico.

"Aren't you afraid they're going to take it away? Like over there in Ensenada?"

Then you have to go into the whole story about how the property you live on is differant than the property those people lived on....

Been asked that question a few times? Explained the story a few times?

Fact is, we sleep more soundly and enjoy our family's time together more when we are away in Baja, and that is how it has been since my first trip south to go surfing 30 years ago.

Worried? Nope. I'm going to use my home as long as I can, they can't erase my memories.

Bruce R Leech - 12-1-2006 at 04:20 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Don Alley
I wouldn't say I'm really worried about the activities of the cartels, or by the events in Mexico City and Oaxaca, not in the sense of how they might affect my property. But as someone living in Mexico I am concerned and do hope better times are ahead for Mexico.

The smaller petty crimes, such as burglaries and breaking into cars, is a problem too. It may discourage some from buying property, but I think a more likely consequence will be more reliance by expats on "secure" gated, and insulated, communities. And by some Mexicans as well.


I don't even see living in gated, and insulated, communities as an option why be in Mexico if you are going to do that.:?:

SDRonni - 12-1-2006 at 04:29 PM

Bancoduo: Yes, it's up out of the ground, several stories are completed and Tower 2 has begun. The developer has already completed one project in Rosarito (Las Olas) and is working on the second (Las Olas Grande) and ours (Las Olas Mar Y Sol). Our property is about 3 miles south of what will be the new Donald Trump Resort.

Thank you all for your comments. Well taken.....I just wish I had a crystal ball and could foresee the future! I don't think I'll start purchasing any furniture just yet.......

Stickers - 12-1-2006 at 04:40 PM

Quote:
I don't even see living in gated, and insulated, communities as an option why be in Mexico if you are going to do that.:?:


Many Americans are living in gated communities in the United States with many more gated communities under construction. Mexico doesn't have a monopoly on crime.



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[Edited on 12-1-2006 by Stickers]

SDRonni - 12-1-2006 at 04:50 PM

Maybe I should stay off the internet!

http://nyc.indymedia.org/en/2006/11/80131.html

Bajalero - 12-1-2006 at 07:11 PM

No , not worried but have taken steps to minimize my exposure .

Unloaded about 75% of my real estate since 911. This worked out to be good timing as there were many clueless buyers grabbing anything they could in baja for a couple of years.

This atmosphere has cooled significantly and I would be extremely cautious before buying any real estate at this time especially with the inflated prices that are being asked.

Add to that the current narcopolitical climate (ala scarface on a daily basis) anywhere you go in Mexico and there will remain the concern for the safety of self let alone monetary investment

No, it really is

Dave - 12-1-2006 at 07:13 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by SDRonni
Of course, I realize it's not really owned by us, but through the fideicomiso....


A fideicomiso (bank trust) is a legal instrument that guarantees all the benefits of fee simple title.

I challenge anyone to prove different.

Mango - 12-1-2006 at 08:00 PM

I'd worry much more if I were in Southern Mexico. Southern Mexico is the nucleus of most of the current and recent political problems. I get a much different "feeling" in the north than I do in the south.

While it is possible for problems to spread across the country, I think most unrest will be contained, as it has in recent history, to the southern states or Oaxaca, Michoacan, Chiapas, and parts of Gurrero. Things have been tense in the south for years. Many indigenous people were killed by the army in the 90's durring times of political unrest. There is a feeling of uneasiness that continues.

Times change. Good and bad. We all go though cycles. I feel much more anti-US sentiment nowdays when traveling in Mexico than I did in the past. I hope this changes in the future; but, with the current real and/or perceived anti-mexican sentiment here in the US it does not look like it will change anytime soon.

Things are changing here in the US as well. The government can now legally take your land so they can build a Wal-Mart. So take your pick. I'll pick the place where the water feels fine and the weather suits my sandles.

When I start to worry, I just think of one of my favorite qutoes ever:

"Don't take life too seriously; because, you don't get out of it alive" - Roy Rodgers

Enjoy the ride.

Baja Bernie - 12-1-2006 at 08:01 PM

"I don't even see living in gated, and insulated, communities as an option why be in Mexico if you are going to do that."

Exactly, Bruce, and yet I got slammed for saying the same thing!..................................I guess it is not what you say, but the way that you say it!

Heck! Baja was never meant to be walled off.

oxxo - 12-1-2006 at 08:06 PM

No, I am not worried. However, I invest in Mexico property very carefully and prudently, always with my eyes wide open. I never invest ANYWHERE more than I can afford to lose and walk away from if need be.

comitan - 12-1-2006 at 08:11 PM

SDRonni

I personly would be more worried if I lived in a Condo in a Hi-rise tower.

JZ - 12-1-2006 at 10:17 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajalero
No , not worried but have taken steps to minimize my exposure .

Unloaded about 75% of my real estate since 911. This worked out to be good timing as there were many clueless buyers grabbing anything they could in baja for a couple of years.


That was a terrible move. Real estate went through the roof since the tech boom ended in 2000.

JZ - 12-1-2006 at 10:20 PM

I'll admit freely that I am worried some. I was getting ready to pull the trigger on my second major investment in Mexico.

A combination of the deal not being as attractive as I first thought and too much of my captial in Mexico combined with all the recent crime/political issues influenced my decison.

I'm going to invest a bit more in US real estate for the time being. That said, I still have a boat load invested in Mexico!


[Edited on 12-2-2006 by JZ]

JZ - 12-1-2006 at 10:22 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaWarrior
Worried?

Do ya ever get that look? Ya know, the look when you are in a conversation with someone in the States. When you mention you have a home in Mexico.

"Aren't you afraid they're going to take it away? Like over there in Ensenada?"

Then you have to go into the whole story about how the property you live on is differant than the property those people lived on....

Been asked that question a few times? Explained the story a few times?



I know exactly what you are saying!

SDRonni - 12-1-2006 at 10:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaWarrior
Worried?

Do ya ever get that look? Ya know, the look when you are in a conversation with someone in the States. When you mention you have a home in Mexico.

"Aren't you afraid they're going to take it away? Like over there in Ensenada?"

Then you have to go into the whole story about how the property you live on is differant than the property those people lived on....

Been asked that question a few times? Explained the story a few times?


Oh my gosh! That is a SCREAM! I can't tell you how many times we've gone through this scenario! I just pray to God none of our friends can later say to us, "I told you so!"

Paula - 12-1-2006 at 10:34 PM

1.Don't invest more than you can afford to lose.

2.Keep it simple. You don't have to be prepared for 20 inches of snow in Baja.

3.Don't worry-- Be happy!
;D:tumble::saint::dudette:

Iflyfish - 12-2-2006 at 01:33 AM

There is a lot of fear on the part of Norte Americanos period. The fears of the people have been used, fanned and manipulated for political gain for many years. The period after WWII was called the Cold War, now there is a war on TERRORISM. Where is the TERROR? It is in the hearts and minds of America. 911 made things worse but the US has always been afraid of minorities.

In this day of twenty four hour news these fears have escalated as we are daily exposed to the most brutal images. Now we have news of disputed elections, legislators hitting each other with chairs, the alledged loser of the election claims he will head a shadow government. Horrible crimes committed by the criminal element splashed accross headlines. A history of Mexico expopriating assets of foreigners. No wonder tourism is down as these images reach the heartland of America.

The good news is that the folks at the top value tourism and US investment. The statements of the new President reflect this. What he/ they will do is an open question as is how successful they will be. Actions often have unpredicted consequences. Fox's attempt at cleaning up corruption in some ways may have unleashed the cartels. There are some on this forum who have raised this issue.

It is my opinion that legalization of drug use in the US is necessary on a number of fronts, though there is a huge industry that is fed on the War on Drugs. Lots of long term vested interest in that industry. Like Prohibition it is a failed policy the creates and underground economy and a criminal class. Take the money away and the problem goes away. Treat drug problems as a medical problem, which it is.

In Mexico with the situation as it is the Federal Government will need to become more involved at some point. They will only tolerate overt crime and social unrest for so long. Bullets will be used. That will mean more soldiers on the streets with guns. That freaks out Americans. Rock and a hard spot.

My reading of Mexico history, such as it is, and others may correct me on this, is that much of the revolution in the past has been localized or regionalized. There are always places that are safer than others.

There is a wind toward social reform that is gaining momentum in Latin America. The issues of how to redistribute wealth have never been adequatly addressed in Mexico and the gulf between the haves and have nots has widened. Poverty is endemic and the root of the labor flight north and much of the social unrest in Mexico. This is not unlike the issue of slavery being built into the founding of the US. Because it was there it will always haunt and be a source of social unrest in the US. Sometimes these issues errupt like sleeping volcanos. Anyway that is how I read history.

I believe you are getting very good advice to be very careful about purchasing land in Mexico. I think you are also getting excellent advice to find a place in yourself where you can let go of these worries and enjoy the days you have on this earth and Baja is a great place to do so.

I am now in my sixties and have known many people who never were clear with themselves as to what is enough. What is enough money? What is enough security? What is enough worry? What is enough...........

Iflyfish when not thinking about such thinks

Lee - 12-2-2006 at 10:33 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Paula
1.Don't invest more than you can afford to lose.

2.Keep it simple. You don't have to be prepared for 20 inches of snow in Baja.

3.Don't worry-- Be happy!
;D:tumble::saint::dudette:


The above is my wife's advice -- so I take it. Otherwise, I'd be camping in my RV and moving around. Still, there's alot to be said about terra firma.

To anyone who's worried, I'd say listen to what you're feeling and avoid Baja -- not sure about mainland Mexico.

:cool:

claro

k1w1 - 12-2-2006 at 04:21 PM

Gracias senor FlyFish. Well posted.
I have no worries re my baja properties. Then again, I'm in for the long haul and am not looking to 'flip'.
In the big picture I feel very optimistic with all that's transpiring.
"It'll all come out in the wash" ... and I feel that the current 'laundry' being done along with more enlightened youth (thanx to information age) coming thru, are definitely a positive.
my 2 pesos

jerry - 12-2-2006 at 05:44 PM

i think that anyone in there right mind if they were honest has some worries about thier investment weather it be in mexico baja or the us of a thats only nateral
weather its obsessive , ruining their quality of life or acceptable is the question
in the last 13 yrs i too was one who said i wont invest more then i can afford to loose and untill about 3 weeks ago when i was notifyed that my moterhome and a friends moterhome on my lot had been broken into and bugerlized and trashed i thought about it less and less over the years till i was lulled into a false sucurity
nowthat this has happened it wont change much as to what i will do but i know it will be a lot more in the forfrontof my thoughts
as for the investment i bought right at the right time and if i sold today it would be one of my better investments% dollar wise its by far the best investment as far adding injoyment to my life
i really dought if id ever sell out
i was planning on building in the next yr or 2 now ill take another look
its not that they stold that much its just stuff its just i feeling of discusted im sure it will pass as soon as i get back in the sun

jerry - 12-2-2006 at 05:51 PM

and yes now when i get that look about having property in mexico
ill now have to say yup i got burgerlized but it wasnt too bad
kinda like the doc says you got cancer but dont worry we can operate on ya

jerry - 12-2-2006 at 11:09 PM

so dont worry be happy

oldhippie - 1-6-2007 at 02:18 PM

"no worries ... married a mexican citizen ... no bank trust involved "

Are you saying property is safer in the name of your spouse than in a bank trust?

hahahaha

that's funny

I married a Mexican citizen and our property is in a trust in my name only. My mama didn't raise no fools.

cabobaja - 1-6-2007 at 02:35 PM

I have been selling property in Southern Baja for 11 years. I am happy to say that all of my current and past client's are very happy and have no direct worries.

I would not even consider returning to the US to live. I too, own several properties here in Baja. Not worried at all!

oldhippie - 1-6-2007 at 04:39 PM

ok, so you have 1/2, he or she has the other 1/2. That's great if you put up 1/2 (or less) the money

shari - 1-6-2007 at 04:43 PM

Me worry? Naaaahhh, but we are making adjustments for the increase in petty crime by crackheads like putting up nice designs of bars over the windows and having a watchperson when we aren't home and keeping the yappy little abandoned mutt who has become a great guard dog. Viva mexico!

jerry - 1-6-2007 at 08:42 PM

changing just the benaficery on a fedio will cost you $1000,00 us