BajaNomad

Baja Draws Bargain Hunters in Real Estate as U.S. Prices Rise

Anonymous - 10-2-2004 at 01:51 PM

http://www.newsok.com/article/1327277/

By James M. Woodard
October 2, 2004

As prices for U.S. homes rise to heights unattainable for many people, an interesting trend is emerging: Consumers are looking for bargains south of the border.

The reason is clear. Retirees and people looking for second homes near the coast in the United States will see price tags of $1 million or more, but a similar property in Mexico can be purchased at a fraction of that cost.

"Everyone seems to be focusing on Mexico these days," said Chuck Bedsole, a Latin America real estate specialist with Price Waterhouse Cooper. "Given the fact that Mexico's economy is so interwoven with the United States and the country has investment-grade status, there's a comfort level in Mexico."

In response, U.S. builders have been planning and developing projects in Mexico for some time.

For example, Denver-based Fair Enterprises recently reported more than $50 million in home sales at Paraiso Del Mar in La Paz on the Sea of Cortez. The resort development has been under construction since May and has sold 157 two- and three- bedroom homes and condos, according to a Fair Enterprises representative. Prices for these new units range from $200,000 to $400,000. The Web site is:
http://www.paradiseofthesea.com

Ultimately, this 10-year project will include 2,000 condo units, 1,500 single-family homes, five hotels with 1,500 rooms, two golf courses, retail shops and restaurants, says John Fair, president of Fair Enterprises.

Auberge Residences at Esperanza is a development near Cabo San Lucas at the tip of the Baja California peninsula. It is an exclusive ownership project offering 36 two- and three-bedroom villas sold in one-eighth and one-sixth interest. They range from 2,400 to 3,500 square feet, all with ocean views. The Web site is:
http://www.esperanzaresort.com

Canadians also look in Mexico

Leo - 10-5-2004 at 03:02 PM

In Canada, particularly in the West, realestate is strongly on the way up, combined with a stronger Can.$ and low interest rates we have been looking in the Baja, never as serious as up till now.