BajaNomad - I dream of beach front - buy now retire later

I dream of beach front - buy now retire later

jcorder - 12-17-2007 at 10:10 PM

Hi all,

Thank you for this awesome web site. I live in Arizona and dream of retiring in Mexico. I go to Puerto Penasco all the time, and I really want a beachfront lot on the Sea of Cortez to park a trailer and eventually build my retirement home.

I love to fish and kayak and just enjoy being close to the water. I'd like to find a place that is not developed at all and reasonably priced.

I speak about half Spanish now and plan to become fluent. I want to become a member of a small community, not an outsider.

I'm envious of all of you who are already there! I just have to finish raising my kids (about 10 years). It'll be vacations on my lot for a while, and then start building.

Anyway, any tips or suggestions would be appreciated. I believe that if I don't buy now I probably won't be able to afford it later.

Regards,

Jim

Al G - 12-17-2007 at 10:30 PM

Jim you are right...well maybe. while out of the way places are avilable... if any of us knew of the place you look for and could not use it...we do share.
Best bet is come on down...get to know locals...tell realtors to take a hike, and learn...you have time. The market is cooling...welcome aboard, get to know us and little things do come out :lol:

mostly on the humorous side, but this is the place to "get er done"

Come on Down..

msawin - 12-17-2007 at 10:46 PM

Hello Jim,
Yes we have a great website to explore. I would be lost without it. I check it nightly. I to am planning on semi-retire in Baja. We have been going that way for 20 years.
You should come down and see what we still have open for new neighbors in Tripui... Just south of Lorerto. I too have gotten kyacks this last year with only a few hundreds yards to the water. We have a great number of original folks before the fire and a bunch of newbies, a number of which are my close friends from North Calif.

We have alot of flexabilty in what you want to spend on your Casita. some very open, some very nice "mason" homes. You do not need to start out balls to the wall to start with. Its been three years since the fire and Iam one of last originals to build... My walls are up and the roof is on...It looks great...

Come down and check us out....

martin-o

gnukid - 12-17-2007 at 11:21 PM

Its strange that real estate agents will tell you its all sold out from TJ to Cabo but you can drive for hundreds of miles and see nothing? No one... and the RE market has effectively crashed meaning more for sale and less buyers.

So:

Don't believe its sold out and expensive-thats complete BS.
Don't use agents-they are outside the general market and largely uniformed and worse.
Don't buy in an arroyo-buy somewhere safe.
Do spend time somewhere before buying.
Do go for what you want and stick to it.

fishbuck - 12-18-2007 at 12:25 AM

Wow there was another post just like this one earlier today.
I had this same dream. I had some time off and spent about 4 months driving all over and looking at different properties. I found them on the internet and through agents and wherever I could. I learned alot.
I learned what I liked and what I didn't like. I was able to figure out what was practical and what was not.
What I could afford and what was out of reach.
I found my place and made a decision based on what would work for me.
I bought lots on the water.
Pacific side.
But like you I intend to build a casa to spend long weekends and vacations and then eventually retire.
So get some tips off here or wherever you can and go take look. It's the only way.
How will you get to your dream? Drive from Arizona? Think about that a little. It's a long way to the Baja side of the Cortez.
Airliner? Could be an expensive weekend.
Will you realy be able to use it or will it sit empty.
My place for example is about 7 hours from my home. I can do it on a three day weekend but it's still alot of driving. But it gives me 1 full day on the beach or fishing or whatever.
So just think it through that's all.
Good hunting!

capt. mike - 12-18-2007 at 05:20 AM

where do you want to be? i'd target location 1st. you like Penasco? are you aware of what's planned for puerto Libertad? check it out.
mainland or peninsula? both are on SOC.
check out Kino bay - a sleeper.
do you have family to keep track of in AZ?
driving to baja from AZ takes forever.

and remember............people buy on emotion and sell on need. = good deals abound no matter what the market, so called, is doing.
consider long term leases even if you build - just don't put your life savings into a baja paradaiso, if you lose...........you really lose.

i am in the same boat - 9 years and i become a full timer mexico resident - but i am undecided on locale even tho i have 27 years racked up traveling all over. top selections are east cape at El Rincon, La paz and San Carlos or kino bay mainland.
and if i hit the big pay day one day............Quintana Roo!!

Osprey - 12-18-2007 at 07:31 AM

Hard to guess what the cost/availability of gas for aircraft and autos will be in the U.S./Mexico in 2017. To be a healthy gas situation I think Mexico will finally have to privatize elections and get exploration/developement help and the U.S. will have to open the Alaska oil fields and cement the plan to get Iraq's oil long term. Those are just 2 of skittyeight hundred other options for both countries -- not taking into consideration the options left to those other countries around the globe with huge reserves. Just do whatever Captain Mike does -- you'll be fine.

gnukid - 12-18-2007 at 08:21 AM

It is nice to live on on near the beach where you surf fish and can launch a kayak-- no gas needed. Houses are over rated too.

Becky10449 - 1-24-2008 at 10:08 PM

Hi Jim,

Johnny Johnson has property for sale that is south of Loreto at El Juncalito Bay right on the beach.
He is having trouble getting on the site to respond to you. He said to email him at racetopaz@yahoo.com and he would be happy to send pictures and more info to you.

John's girlfriend,
Becky

Becky10449 - 1-24-2008 at 10:51 PM

Hi Jim,
Becky again,
In fact as soon as I can sell my Aquarium Maintenance Business, I will be moving down to beautiful El Juncalito Bay myself. I love it there and can hardly wait to be there full time. You would be our neighbor. We are next door to the one that is for sale. Anyone know anyone that would like an established Aquarium Maintenance Business in San Diego County?
Help!!!!! I want to retire in Baja with John!!!!
Becky "The Guppy Girl"

Bob and Susan - 1-25-2008 at 07:19 AM

come to mulege...

just a little too far for the weekend traffic...

roamingthroughbaja - 1-25-2008 at 08:15 AM

Last year, we bought an isolated beachfront lot on the Sea of Cortez. It is on a beautiful sandy beach about ten km north of San Juan de la Costa, 48 km north of El Centenario where we currently live full time. (La Paz area). We paid $16000 for it and intend to let it sit for about five years until we are too crowded here in Centenario, and then move out there. It took us about a year to buy it, but it was well worth it. We are dreaming of being able to kayak and fish right from the beach.

If you don't mind being off the grid, we know of a gorgeous lot a lot closer to civilization, about 20 km north of Centenario. The owner is from the US and is asking $70,000. Who knows? In this area there may be electricity and services out that way in 10 years. Happy hunting.

rts551 - 1-25-2008 at 08:27 AM

You need to go and take a look at the areas you are considering. You mention Rocky Point which is far from "I'd like to find a place that is not developed at all and reasonably priced. "

There are still underdeveloped locations, both on the mainland as well as Baja California, but being underdeveloped means you have to visit to find what you are looking for. No real estate agents usually. Look South of Rocky Point or South of San Felipe. Little further and there are lots of places in BCS. Good hunting

And these places are not that far from Arizona!

DianaT - 1-25-2008 at 09:31 AM

Again---same advice---travel and travel some more. We didn't think we would buy a place in Baja, but suddenly we found ourselves in a place where we really wanted to be.

When you find the place, you will know it. Then and only then would I even think about buying from pictures and then only if you remember and have tons of photos of the place and know every little detail.

Good luck and remember, some areas are developing quickly, but if they are too crowded when you retire, you will probably make money on your investment.

Many years ago we thought Rocky Point was a nice little town---last time we drove there, we turned around and went home.

Diane

After thought---when reading the for sale ads, remember all the Real Estate Jargon like
Cute = small
Step-saving = tiny
view possible = yes, if you build at least three stories
view possible = yes, unles some one builds in front of you
quiet neighborhood = cemetary
family neighborhood = elementary school next door
rustic = shack
utilities possible in near future = next century
working on title = dispute is being handled in Mexico City

etc.

[Edited on 1-25-2008 by jdtrotter]

Osprey - 3-7-2008 at 07:34 PM

Winthy, tell me you're not gonna search the whole history of the board for any realty talk, dredge up old posts to sell real estate. Puleeeze. Just enjoy the board, advertise where and when appropriate.

nancyinpdx - 1-19-2009 at 03:39 AM

I, too, wanna buy a cheap vacation home on the beach and maybe retire to it later but am scared of getting fleeced. Sometimes I see cheap ones advertised on craiglist.

Hook - 1-19-2009 at 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Osprey
To be a healthy gas situation I think Mexico will finally have to privatize elections and get exploration/developement help and the U.S. will have to open the Alaska oil fields and cement the plan to get Iraq's oil long term.

I suspect you MEANT to say privatize exploration, no? :lol:

Osprey - 1-19-2009 at 08:03 AM

No, I meant let the candidates pay for the election process, not the government. Probably a bad idea though since it would spawn uber-rich candidates who might later steal more money than the hand-picked lackeys.

Hook, how did you get me to wreck this thread anyway? Sorry. Hope you find your dream. I did, in East Cape.

[Edited on 1-19-2009 by Osprey]

BajaGringo - 1-19-2009 at 08:29 AM

Some good advice here. Another thing I like to tell folks is assume nothing, take nothing for granted. Ask, look, explore and decide for yourself. Lots of folks will tell you where you SHOULD buy but make that decision for yourself AFTER you do all your homework. This is a good time to buy as the market is soft but there are lots of opportunities and no need to rush into anything.

Good luck!

ncampion - 1-19-2009 at 09:42 AM

Don't forget that buying the land is only the beginning. Getting proper title set up can be difficult and don't forget the latest in Mexican government red tape - the Environmental Impact Study. Let the buyer beware !!!

nancyinpdx - 1-20-2009 at 02:25 AM

Is buying using an attorney and with a bank trust the safest way to go?
What if we live in USA and only visit Mex a few times a year?

I know we gotta study and learn a lot of stuff before we plunk down our pesos and not to risk more than we can afford to lose without hating ourselves.
I guess it would be like a trip to Las Vegas!

abreojos - 1-20-2009 at 05:39 AM

Sharks swim in all waters, some disguised a real estate agents, some as your amigos. Some things to consider:
How will your purchase improve the life of the person you are buying from and keep them and their family from resorting to selling drugs or sending family members to the states for work to make up the difference? Cabo for instance has had many local land owners become very rich and has improve their lives, by selling property through a reputable real estate agency. Where as the bargain hunters usually are looking to take advantage of someone for their own benefit. Hard to believe but very true!

The Gull - 1-20-2009 at 06:55 AM

Most important before you buy - do not contact people who post on this board who offer to help you find a place.

You can contact Nomads after you have done your basic shopping and ask about the background of the property, neighborhood and price.

This way you will avoid scummy predators who swim close to your bank account.

ligui - 1-20-2009 at 07:31 AM

Boy , after reading all of the remarks on this post i would be afraid to buy even a taco in mexico.

Wish everyone would lighten up ...

Mexico is a great place to look for your property . They have laws and rules reguarding the tranfer of title . Go by the laws and rules and you should be fine.

Alot of Nomads have owned land in mexico for many years without any problems. Some have bought and resold , some have made money and some have lost money .

Just take your time , look around for the spot you like and do your homework on the paper work .

Anyone have any good things to say about their
land purchase ? ... :bounce:

I've had nothing but wonderful times working with the people involed in my land purchase.

Viva Mexico...... ligui

roamingthroughbaja - 1-20-2009 at 07:55 AM

Yes, we have had good experiences buying land here and helped some of our friends too. We still call the man we bought our lot in Centenario from "Tio Oscar".
A couple of nights ago, we drove out to our beach lot north of San Juan de la Costa at around 4;30, got there well before dark and built a beautiful campfire, ate dinner while watching the sun go down and the stars come out, listening to the waves on the beach. Hoping to live out there sooner rather than later although we really love Centenario. One day.....

Anyway, that lot (actually two lots side by each) took us about a year to buy, but it was a great experience that really added to the learning curve. Relax and do your homework, something will come up for you.

ligui - 1-20-2009 at 08:01 AM

Thanks Roaming , That's what i'm talking about ! :yes:

Good friends , good life , ... alittle effort can bring good results.

God do I love Baja ! :tumble:

ligui

windgrrl - 1-20-2009 at 09:15 AM

Went over to a local Los Barriles RV park with leased land arrangements. There were 4 situations available from a renovated beach-front park-style trailer (60,000), an older RV inside the park (38,000) or a 2-storey home with great views on tne beach for $110,000. We're stilll dreaming, but if you want the contact info, send me a U2U. The park is full of character, quiet, owner occupied and very friendly. The units include a variety of things like patio, outdoor ktichen, palapas, locked storage, etc.

Gaucho - 1-20-2009 at 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ligui
Boy , after reading all of the remarks on this post i would be afraid to buy even a taco in mexico.

Wish everyone would lighten up ...

I've had nothing but wonderful times working with the people involed in my land purchase.

Viva Mexico...... ligui

I concur liqui...I had a great experience purchasing my property. Very easy with no drama. I did alot of research though and years later I have no regrets. My land has appreciated nicely and it's still the only place I want to be :yes:

CortezBlue - 1-20-2009 at 09:09 PM

If you like Rocky Point you will love San Felipe. We also travel from Phoenix to San Felipe and our Casa on the Playa.
Let me know if you have any questions about how to get there etc. U2U

MitchMan - 4-20-2009 at 05:53 PM

If you are of normal financial means (can't pay $300,000 USD or more in cash, but you can come up with $60,000 to $100,000 cash) you can get a great place just minutes away from La Paz or Loreto. YES, IT CAN BE DONE TODAY.

In Loreto, lots with city services (water, sewer, electricity, telephone, concrete sidewalks, paved streets) are expensive, they start at $80 USD per sq meter NOT ON THE WATER AND UP TO ONE MILE INLAND to up to $700 USD per sq meter for beachfront property. In La Paz, for similar inland property with most city services, you can find lots 4 to 8 miles from downtown La Paz but at least 1/4 mile inland from the water, you can get lots at $30 USD per sq meter and up.

In my view, to be tuly comfortable, you need at least 5,000 sq ft (450 sq mts). 10,000 sq ft would be better. Build a 7 or 8 ft cinder block wall all the way around the property and put barbed wire on top, concertina preferably (you cant really see it very well against a blue sky or the sun) for security and privacy. That costs about $45 to $50 USD per linear foot. Spend $4,000 to $10,000 to landscape the property (include plumbed electricity and irrigation lines) and install a nice barbecue.

Next have a house constructed 600 to 1,000 sq feet is all you need (the locals in the baja spend most of their time outside and limited time inside the house - basically the house is for sleeping, bathing, and cooking). Use simple floor plan but put plenty of airconditioning power (1 ton per 165 sq ft of living space). That is not expensive and well worth it. Use 1 to 2 ton minisplits. Also, electricity is cheap in La Paz, about $.04 to $.05 USD per KWH whereas in California, I pay $.20 per KWH. The cost for construction is around $75 per sq ft. If you are a good negotiator, you can get it even cheaper. If you are not a good negotiator, you will pay at least $85 USD per sq ft.

OK, let's see. 5,000 sq ft lot in Loreto = $40,000 USD plus closing cost. Cinder block fence = $15,000 USD. Build 900 sq ft 2 bedroom house = $70,000 USD. Landscaping = $10,000 USD. Total cost = $135,000 USD plus closing cost for a new, secure house, fully landscaped with a very private block wall fence and just 5 to 10 minutes from town. Not bad.

You can cut the cost way down by getting a slightly smaller lot, a 6 ft block wall fence and a 700 sq ft one bedroom house, and do your own landscaping, should come in at less than $100,000.

Now, if you do the same thing in La Paz, you will save even more money on the land as comparable lots in La Paz are up to 60% less in price and construction labor and materials are a little bit less expensive.

Bajahowodd - 4-20-2009 at 11:33 PM

Mitchman= Pitchman

Welcome jcorder

fixtrauma - 4-21-2009 at 04:34 AM

We too have fallen in love with Baja. My wife began coming to Mexico to visit family when she was very young. We have been coming together to Baja for 12 years. Fortunately 6 or 7 years ago she found a beautiful view lot in Centenario. We knew we would build "some day". Last week we finished getting a fence built around the lot. I don't know how many times I have taken pictures of the view from the future build site! I never tire of it and am anxious to get started. As simple as the fence was to get built, is still was like "we had started".

I don't know how many times Linda and I have gone up on the property and watched the lights come in La Paz over the bay as the sun set behind us. One day we will be sitting up on the top of the house doing the same.

From your post, I can tell that you have spent considerable time envisioning your dream.

Enjoy!

Martyman - 4-21-2009 at 02:15 PM

My two cents;
If you are using it as a vacation get away, find a couple of compatible friends to share the place with. Some people tire of going down often and the place is unused and gets broken into. I have a place with two buddies and at least one of us goes there every couple of months. Once we all retire and are there more often...we'll get a new plan.

Cypress - 4-22-2009 at 02:32 PM

" A new plan." :yes:

Woooosh - 4-22-2009 at 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by The Gull
Most important before you buy - do not contact people who post on this board who offer to help you find a place.

You can contact Nomads after you have done your basic shopping and ask about the background of the property, neighborhood and price.

This way you will avoid scummy predators who swim close to your bank account.

Predator Realtor Nomads do exist? For real?

bledito - 11-16-2015 at 05:23 PM

I have a lot. nice and close to the beach in los barriles. power and water at lotline. not for sale. took two years looking to find it. good luck in your search.

Loreto View property

loreto115 - 11-17-2015 at 06:47 AM

We have a half acre lot above Loreto with sweeping views of the Sea of Cortes and the Sierra Gigante mountains to the west. Property is fenced, serviced and provides a turn key 35 ft. 5th wheel under a 25 x 40 ft. palapa. There is an outdoor kitchen and shower. The palapa is situated near the property line allowing for a premium building site. A serviced trailer plot is also developed. Asking $88,000.00 US