BajaNomad

El Dorado Ranch

bajamedic - 10-11-2012 at 09:20 PM

I realize that every area or neighborhood can have some negatives or negative type people that can be very vocal and not present a factual feel about an area. I am considering some property in EDR and just a quick question from actual owners, would you purchase in EDR again if you had it to do over with? JH

Riom - 10-12-2012 at 02:07 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajamedic
I am considering some property in EDR and just a quick question from actual owners, would you purchase in EDR again if you had it to do over with? JH


For buying in the San Felipe area, yes. Certainly a gringo enclave :-) but that can also be a feature if you want to deal with day-to-day things mostly in English and with standards that make an attempt to follow those north of the border. They got caught out when the money stopped a few years ago, so promises have slipped, but they're hardly unique for that.

Buy a finished house (with working electric), rather than land. Plenty of them available at below build cost and it'll save you years of stress and open-ended expenses.

Rob

[Edited on 2012-10-12 by Riom]

nbacc - 10-12-2012 at 03:47 AM

I would again..........I would do as Riom suggested though and buy a finished house. Lots of good deals out there at this point. Nancy

CortezBlue - 10-12-2012 at 05:44 AM

I didn't buy in EDR, but I will reflect why I didn't

1. When we bought many years ago we visited El Dorado Ranch first. We were introduced to EDR on a HOT August day. We met at the area next to the main swimming pool. There were so many folks in the pool I could have walked on the water. It was an immediate turn off.

However, that has changed and now there are several pools. 1 or 2 for the La Ventana condos and a new one of the west side of Hwy 5

2. At the time EDR has a Master Fidi, which I could never understand. I think since then they are started offering Fidi's for individual home owners.

There is a yahoo group for EDR that you should look into. There is always a lot of conversations regarding the current issues of EDR

I would also look at Playa De Oro in the north and Las Saguaros in the south. They both seem to be great locations as well

grace59 - 10-12-2012 at 06:21 AM

We purchased our first lot in EDR back in 2004. At that time there was no grand entrance and the road down to the beach/pool was sand. The sales people there told us about the paving, condos, pools to come, planned golf course etc. We thought, "Yeah, right!" We bought our lot, not on promises for future upgrades, but on the fact that we loved the area.
Three years ago we began to build our house. We debated at the time if we should buy a finished home since the price of buying had dropped lower than what it would cost to build, but we loved our lot, the neighbors and we love our home. We built so we could "have it our way". But I agree, it is cheaper right now to buy a finished home. Just be sure it is constructed using quality materials (Rastra etc) and is in an area with electicity. You can get an excellent deal right now. Our best friends just purchased a beautiful furnished home around the block from us which was built by our contractor and they got an awesome deal!! By the way, only original purchasers of lots can remain in the Master Trust. If you purchase you will get an individual Fideo.
Right now there is a small, vocal group of people who are unhappy with EDR. The economic downturn stopped things on the ranch from progressing, but Pat Butler has refinanced and things are moving forward again. There are MANY more of us who are happy there and would build/buy again.
I have been around with many realtors there as our friends have looked at homes. I really liked the folks over at BajaSun Realty. They have an office across from the Saltillo Rd. entrance to EDR (across from the crocodile). Darryl and Michelle are knowledgable and low key....I do not like pushy realtors.
Good luck in your search. In the end it is a big decision, but look with your own eyes, talk to people on the ranch....you'll find most of us are happy there and miss it every second that we are away!!

Tacodawgtim - 10-12-2012 at 06:56 AM

I purchased my first lot in EDR almost six years ago. I liked the area. It was an area to be developed and the electricity is there. We met some friends that are down there 4-9 months a year. They lived in the solar section. We bought a second lot there. We built our casita there and have a very efficient solar system. We do not live there year round not retired yet... Soon hopefully. I would definitely buy on the ranch. Too many horror stories about land lease deals gone bad. Lease rates go up, family changes the rates,no real ownership. It is much cheaper to buy an existing home if one fits your needs. Just remember it is not like the US. the folks at Baja Sun are real nice. Good time to buy. Prices are very low. Some owners will actually carry the loan as most of these house are paid for,no loans.

Playa De Oro

mcfez - 10-12-2012 at 08:31 AM

VERY nice place. The pool - Clubhouse-Bar is extraordinary. Modern and very clean. All services at this residential community....that has a nice layout plan. I haven't heard anything negative about this place.

ED is another story.........

Campos Ocotillo has a few super nice homes for sale BTW......
Quote:
Originally posted by CortezBlue
I didn't buy in EDR, but I will reflect why I didn't

1. When we bought many years ago we visited El Dorado Ranch first. We were introduced to EDR on a HOT August day. We met at the area next to the main swimming pool. There were so many folks in the pool I could have walked on the water. It was an immediate turn off.

However, that has changed and now there are several pools. 1 or 2 for the La Ventana condos and a new one of the west side of Hwy 5

2. At the time EDR has a Master Fidi, which I could never understand. I think since then they are started offering Fidi's for individual home owners.

There is a yahoo group for EDR that you should look into. There is always a lot of conversations regarding the current issues of EDR

I would also look at Playa De Oro in the north and Las Saguaros in the south. They both seem to be great locations as well

Bajajorge - 10-12-2012 at 08:51 AM

No

E.D.R.Rick - 10-12-2012 at 12:07 PM

NO!!! too

mcfez - 10-12-2012 at 12:10 PM

No "what" folks?

sancho - 10-12-2012 at 01:19 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajamedic
would you purchase in EDR again if you had it to do over with? JH



Mc Fez, I believe the 2 NO's are in response to the OP's
?, I'm sure there quite a few happy El Do owners,
but on the El Do board they sure do whine alot

el dorado ranch

amigobaja - 10-12-2012 at 01:49 PM

What I would be asking do I want to invest in SF. After over twenty years in SF we took a trip to La Paz looking at other areas. We ended up in Mulege but there was at least a dozen sites that we would rather have invested in then SF. If you have driven the Baja ignore this if not do yourself a favor and take a drive.

mcfez - 10-12-2012 at 02:24 PM

Txs sancho :-)

amigobaja......off grid as well?

capt. mike - 10-12-2012 at 03:55 PM

we looked at EDR years ago and were turned offf by the VERY pushy on site sales staff. We can get to SF airport in 100 minutes anytime from Phx area. I ended up in Mulege with a palapa at the Serenidad but i lost that in 2008.

i would consider SF and EDR today but only as by buying a re sale. For me the big deal is i want to be close to the US border if i or my wife needed a medical issue resolved FAST!! SF is close by driving or flying.

Would I Buy In EDR Again

wornout - 10-12-2012 at 05:07 PM

That depends on whether or not there was a deal at Casa de Oro, across the highway. Casa de Oro would be my first choice. I have lived in EDR for over 14 years. I am happy with most of the progress but not with the HOA that came about in the last 10 years. The biggest problem right now is the pool that the HOA took on building when the developer got caught up in the recession. Bottom line: Ground was broken for the pool in August, 2011. It is still not done.

If I found a good deal on a finished house in the electric area, with electricity installed (a lot of electric home areas don't have electricity due to financial problems, along with something going on with CFE) I might consider it, if it was NOT on the golf course side of the highway.

grace59 - 10-12-2012 at 06:23 PM

I guess it all depends on what you are looking for: My husband and I looked at many developments (some we are so glad we did not buy into as they are now defunct). We did not like Playa de Oro because the lots are so small and close together. We like our neighbors, but prefer a bit of space between us. We like our 1/2 acre lot at EDR with the greenbelt. EDR has some kind of neighborhood that will fit most tastes and budgets. Whatever you do, just look around and choose what fits you!! Some people are not happy with EDR for a variety of reason, but as I've said many more people are very happy....they are just too busy out there having a good time to be here on line.....wish I was there now enjoying myself!!!

nbacc - 10-12-2012 at 07:34 PM

so do I...............wish I was there NOW! Nancy

Larana - 10-12-2012 at 08:08 PM

17 years in solar and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Great friends and a wonderful life. Can't wait to be back.

bajamedic - 10-12-2012 at 09:38 PM

Thank you for the input, I have been monitoring the yahoo board and found more negative than positive comments, which is what prompted my question here. My family does enjoy a resort type of atmosphere, I like a little more of the culture and ruggedness that Baja has to offer, and it would appear that EDR would offer some compromises for each of us. After reading so many horror stories about leased land in Baja, the Fideicomiso does make me feel a little more secure with my investment. And yes, I am still trying to figure this whole Mexico land ownership/Bank Trust issue. JH :?:

nbacc - 10-13-2012 at 06:14 AM

Remember.......what you read on the board is often done by people who have lots of time on their hands, and many of them are working to make things better there also There are a load of fun things to do around San Felipe and El Dorado Ranch is just one of many places you could choose to live. Just look at everything and see what works for you. By the way, you will never figure out the whole Mexican thing, Some have been working at it for years. The learning curve is always steep. My advice.......go and enjoy it. Nancy

mcfez - 10-13-2012 at 06:28 AM

Nancy always has a plate of good advice.



Quote:
Originally posted by nbacc
Remember.......what you read on the board is often done by people who have lots of time on their hands, and many of them are working to make things better there also There are a load of fun things to do around San Felipe and El Dorado Ranch is just one of many places you could choose to live. Just look at everything and see what works for you. By the way, you will never figure out the whole Mexican thing, Some have been working at it for years. The learning curve is always steep. My advice.......go and enjoy it. Nancy

wornout - 10-13-2012 at 08:08 AM

I agree totally with Nancy. Don't put too much faith in a Yahoo Group that has been hijacked by unhappy people with too much time on their hands and beer in their fridge.

Come down and see the fun yourself. Look around and if you like what you see remember, it is a buyers market here too and there are great bargains everywhere now.

Quote:
Originally posted by nbacc
Remember.......what you read on the board is often done by people who have lots of time on their hands, and many of them are working to make things better there also There are a load of fun things to do around San Felipe and El Dorado Ranch is just one of many places you could choose to live. Just look at everything and see what works for you. By the way, you will never figure out the whole Mexican thing, Some have been working at it for years. The learning curve is always steep. My advice.......go and enjoy it. Nancy

meme - 10-13-2012 at 09:14 AM

We have lived in EDR for 15 years. Not sorry about bying here just sorry that some things have turned about as they have. As for HOA issues Playa De Oro has just as many problems with two HOA's there (as I understand it) as we do in EDR. The HOA in EDR appears to be only a problem for those that are not members of it, most times. The HOA gets blamed for many things not of their making. Some tend to forget tho we have an HOA but , Pat Butler still runs things here as always & always will until his demise anyway.
The above advice as to buying re-sale or building , I agree with the buying resale rather than the headaches of building as "yes" there are many places for sale that are good buys now. Buy it & make it "yours" would be my advice. We started building in 1997 & are still building as we needed re-models of some rooms & added another room this past spring. Things here do progress but not as fast as some would like--anyone that has been here in Mx. SHOULD know this about any venture here. Manana does" NOT" mean tomorrow. EDR has many things to offer that you will not find elsewhere, such as , close to the border if medical is a priority, security is best of any campo here we believe as we have a security force of 88 people I think it is now, 2 resturants on site, a golf course, tennis courts,pools etc. Yes new pools are in progress also & will be done when they are done!!!The worst thing that came about was giving people a date when they would be done!
The eldoradoyahoogroups is the very last place I would look for good information about EDR, TSFG@yahoo. is a second runner up but not a really wise choice either. Come here talk to the people that live, play & enjoy life here before you buy, is the best advice you can get.

Bajajorge - 10-13-2012 at 09:38 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by mcfez
No "what" folks?


I answered "No" for the same reason the EDR salespeople are forbidden from allowing potential buyers from intermingling with EDR owners.:o:O

EDR has progressed to something that I didn't buy there for. No I'm not selling, I'm just putting it into my head that I will try to ignore the BS that's going on in EDR and try to enjoy what's left of the place. I no longer attend any of the developer meetings, suporvisor meetings, or join any of the committees trying to make EDR a better place. The aggrevation they cause is just to much for my blood pressure meds to handle. :fire:

If you want to buy, let me say I hope you enjoy the CCRs, on top of rules and regulations and exhorbitant fees to build.
EDR has done a complete 180 from what it was prior to 2003.:no::no:

wornout - 10-13-2012 at 06:14 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajajorge


I answered "No" for the same reason the EDR salespeople are forbidden from allowing potential buyers from intermingling with EDR owners.:o:O

EDR has progressed to something that I didn't buy there for. No I'm not selling, I'm just putting it into my head that I will try to ignore the BS that's going on in EDR and try to enjoy what's left of the place. I no longer attend any of the developer meetings, suporvisor meetings, or join any of the committees trying to make EDR a better place. The aggrevation they cause is just to much for my blood pressure meds to handle. :fire:

If you want to buy, let me say I hope you enjoy the CCRs, on top of rules and regulations and exhorbitant fees to build.
EDR has done a complete 180 from what it was prior to 2003.:no::no:


And that my friends 'Hits the nail on the head'. If you want a place that is being Californicated, and some people do, then EDR is for you.

[Edited on 10-14-2012 by wornout]