The Complete Guide to Buying a Second Home or Real Estate in Mexico: Insider Secrets You Need to Know [Paperback]

Jackie Bondanza (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 30, 2009

More than a million Americans own second homes in Mexico, according to the National Association of Realtors. As home prices in the U.S. hit record highs, Mexico has emerged as a solid contender for people who are considering either buying second homes or investing in a vacation home or future retirement properties. The U.S. State Department estimates that there are 385,000 Americans permanently living in Mexico, almost twice the number from a decade ago. Many are buying new waterfront resorts targeted to Americans in popular destinations like Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, Sonora, and the Baja Peninsula. The laid-back lure of Mexico s beaches, forests, deserts, people, fishing, golf, and culture has been capturing visitors and second-home buyers for decades. Buying property in Mexico has become easier as a result of the North American Free Trade Agreement and through the use of this groundbreaking new book. Most living expenses are cheaper in Mexico, making this very appealing to retirees or those able to telecommute. Now is the time for that second home purchase in Mexico, before the prices climb even higher. Recent figures from the National Association of Realtors show an upward trend in the number of second homes purchased for investment purposes. Investing in a second home now will be a great way to increase your net worth when you retire, if done properly. You will learn precisely what to look for in a real estate investment and buying prospects, as well as how to make your current home groundwork for potential real estate investments, how to find the best opportunities, how to set values, how to buy with little or no money down, how to close, how to decide where to purchase, how to choose and hire a realtor, how to use your IRA, how to hire an attorney, and how to calculate monthly payments. You also will become knowledgeable about negotiating, financing, budgets, needs and wants, credit reports, home-buying timelines, the process of building a house, manufactured homes, real estate and mortgage terms, home warranties, homeowners insurance, creative financing, moving plans, walk-throughs, closing and settlement inspections, legal contracts, mortgages, what you can afford, which government agencies can help, the offer, and escrow. This book is a must-have for the investor considering a second home below the border.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Atlantic Publishing Company (October 30, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 160138131X
• ISBN-13: 978-1601381316
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,122,648 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jackie Bondanza is a developmental book editor, freelance writer and editor, book author, and acquisitions editor for e-book publisher Schiller & Wells, Ltd. and Stay Thirsty Press. She has written on education, lifestyle, travel, health, and finance for iVillage, MSN, Hemispheres Magazine, College Bound Teen Magazine, Online Degrees Magazine, Northridge Magazine, and Southern California Senior Life. As a developmental book editor, she collaborates with authors and packagers to develop books in a variety of genres from historical non-fiction and literature to pop culture and fiction. Her second book, The Guide to FSBO: How to Sell on Your Own and Save Thousands, will be out by Atlantic Publishing in the spring. Visit her at www.jackiebondanza.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well-Informed Guide for Buying Real Estate in Mexico, February 23, 2010

By 

A. C. Love "Riverblue92" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Complete Guide to Buying a Second Home or Real Estate in Mexico: Insider Secrets You Need to Know (Paperback)

Mexican real estate has changed drastically over the past two decades, and in The Complete Guide to Buying a Second Home or Real Estate in Mexico, Jackie Bondanza explains the ins and outs for prospective buyers. With case studies, charts, and an extensive look at every possibility, this book explains what properties foreigners can buy, how many contracts are required, how closing costs may differ from that of the U.S., and even top locations with the best deals.

Curious about the differences between purchasing Ejihad land, restricted zones, or private property? Want to know which properties must be appraised by the government or what measures are being taken to protect land buyers? Bondanza informs, prepares, and cautions potential buyers on what they should know about purchasing real estate internationally.

The book is broken down into several sections, explaining what to expect, starting the search, following through with the purchase, and what to expect while living in a foreign country. This book is an extremely well-researched, easy-to-read guide that is a must have for anyone considering purchasing land in Mexico.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Complete Guide to Buying a 2nd Home or Real Estate in Mexico, February 4, 2010

By 

PFoman (Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Guide to Buying a Second Home or Real Estate in Mexico: Insider Secrets You Need to Know (Paperback)

Whether you're looking to retire in a tropical paradise or make a real estate investment, this book will open your eyes to another option - purchasing a home in Mexico.

This book is much more than a guide filled with technical and legal instructions on buying real estate in a foreign country, although it does an excellent job in detailing everything you need to know while anticipating every question and concern. This book will lead you through the thought process necessary to determine if buying in Mexico is really for you and offers a great deal of sound advice. Sprinkled throughout the text are real life stories of folks who have purchased properties in Mexico along with the reasons why they chose to do so and the success they have found in their new investment or home.

I found the section on what it's like to live in Mexico especially interesting and helpful. The author covers every aspect of Mexican living including what the local culture is like, safety, religion, food, shopping, how to interact with the locals and the average costs of utilities, taxes and medical care. She also explains Mexican immigration including a clear description of the different types of visas needed depending on your residency status.

In a nutshell, this easy to understand guide will hold your hand through every aspect of buying a home in Mexico from the decision of whether to buy, and in which area - to finding the type of property that is right for you - to how to fit into the local culture.

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful step-by-step guide, February 8, 2010

By 

Julie Souza - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Complete Guide to Buying a Second Home or Real Estate in Mexico: Insider Secrets You Need to Know (Paperback)

Buying real estate in your own country can be a confusing, complicated process, but buying real estate in a foreign country may seem almost impossible to even consider. In the Complete Guide to Buying a Second Home or Real Estate in Mexico, author Jackie Bondanza fully outlines the process of buying property in Mexico. She explains everything buyers should know, step-by-step, in a clear, easy to understand format. Starting at the beginning, the author guides potential buyers through each step of the buying process and gives helpful case studies along the way of others who have purchased property in Mexico. Reading the stories of others who have ventured into the Mexico property market is extremely helpful.
In addition to guiding readers through the complicated buying process in Mexico, the author identifies the most popular areas in Mexico for foreign investments. She tells about the history and attractions of each area and lists the pros and cons of living there in simple, easy to read charts. Bondanza guides readers through selecting the perfect piece of property, deciding whether to build or buy, and financing the purchase. This comprehensive guide is a must-have for anyone considering buying property in Mexico