Posts tagged States In Mexico
A Guide to Purchasing Real Estate in Mexico for Americans
Sep 30th
For Americans buying their dream property in Mexico, it’s important to understand the differences between Mexico’s real estate system and that of the United States. It’s never safe to assume that any law or process is the same between the two systems, and oftentimes they are completely different. There are a few key differences to be aware of between purchasing properties in the U.S. verses Mexico to ensure a seamless transaction.
Real Estate Agents
There is no real estate license required to buy or sell property in Mexico. Unlike in the U.S. where a person must be a trained and licensed agent to sell property, a person with no knowledge of real estate whatsoever can sell a piece of property in Mexico. Foreigners with little knowledge of the local laws and area can be an easy target for fraud.
Even sellers with the best intentions of conducting an honest transaction may not be fully aware of all of the legalities when it comes to zoning, title transfer, foreign ownership, etc. Consider finding a Mexican real estate agency with a solid reputation for foreign client satisfaction.
Property Ownership
As part of a law passed in 1917, citizens of countries other than Mexico cannot directly own property in the “restricted zone.” The restricted zone encompasses a 50km perimeter along the coastline and 100km perimeter along the country’s natural borders.
However, the Mexican government welcomes and encourages foreign investment and has developed ways for non-residents to safely own and enjoy property along Mexico’s picturesque coastline. Foreign investors must first set up a corporation in Mexico that technically owns the property. Under the law, foreigners have full ownership of their Mexican corporation, thus allowing non-nationals complete ownership of property within the restricted zone.
Financing
Mexican banks don’t offer the same types of attractive home loan packages that make it simple to finance a home in the United States. In Mexico, the majority of people tend to build their own homes starting with a small foundation and expanding slowly as income allows. For many years, Americans who wished to buy property had no choice but to pay in cash for the full amount.
Thanks to real estate reform, some American banks now offer loans for property in Mexico. Construction loans are available through U.S. banks as well. Some banks only write loans for second or third homes in Mexico while others offer loans for primary residences and investment properties.
While there are numerous differences between purchasing a home in the U.S. and purchasing a home in Mexico, the process today is easier than ever before. It’s important to find a real estate agency with a solid track record for success in helping Americans to obtain property in Mexico.
There are always numerous factors to consider and steps to take when buying property in another country. By working with trusted advisors, talking with others who have experienced the process, and doing your own independent research online, buying property can be a seamless and fulfilling experience.
The Provinces of Mexico – Cities, States and Municipalities
Feb 6th
The Administrative division of Mexico consists of states and municipalities. Mexico is a union of 31 states and one federal district. Every state has its own legislative body and constitution. The capital of Mexico, Mexico City, is situated in the Federal District, which is a special administrative and politic separation in Mexico. The official states codes of Mexico consist of three letters and are situated after each name of the state. These codes are used for administrative, political and mail purposes.
The states in Mexico are separated into municipalities and the federal district is separated into delegations. There are islands close to Mexican shore that are not settled and which belong to the federal power.
There are several maps that show the changes of the administrative borders within the country. Even within the country the borders of the states changed many times from the formation of Mexico. That is why nowadays it is difficult to know for sure when traveling in what state you are at the time. These maps have a historical value but no value for those who travel across Mexico. Here are some famous cities and towns of Mexico which offer the possibility to know better the culture of the country.
Acapulco is considered the center of Mexican tourists’ attraction. There are a lot of beaches. Every year the city is visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists and local people. It offers excellent service and 24 hours a day attractions and activities. Most of the people who visited Acapulco once return there over and over.
Akumal is a tiny coastal town situated on the Caribbean coast off Mexico, about 60 miles south of Cancun. This town provides a lot of possibilities for good vacations. The reef barrier which skirts the coast offers excellent diving and aquatic caves provide a wonderful world of adventures. In spite of its small size the town has plenty of hotels, cabanas and even a dude ranch.
Bahia Kino is a town situated at the border with USA. The town is divided in two parts one part is generally a small fishing village and which constitutes the old part of the town KinoViejo and Kino Nuevo – a littoral road lined with luxurious and modern villas, many of them are owned by Americans who like to spend the winter time here. Most visitors come to Bahia Kino for its gorgeous beaches, and its proximity to the US.
Bahia Kino offers one cultural attraction, the Museo de los Seris. The Seri are the aboriginal people of this region. They are best known for their ironwood fretworks, and there is a store near the museum which puts up for sale models of their handiwork.
The Copper Canyon is really one of the Western Hemisphere’s extraordinary picturesque and cultural trips, the Sierra Tarahumara (Copper Canyon) is on the list of most every traveler. The title, “Copper Canyon” stands for as a general reference to the Canyons. A more suitable name could be “Sierra Tarahumara”, since the Copper Canyon (Barranca del Cobre in Spanish) is but one of six gigantic canyons in the region covering 64,000 sq. kms (25,000 sq. miles). It is also interesting the fact that copper was never mined here in great quantities. The term depicts the copper/green colored lichen that clings to the canyon walls. Moreover, a main draw to the area is the prosperous original Tarahumara traditions.
Mexico City is the capital and the cultural center of Mexico. Mexico City is one of the biggest cities in the world, and the area of this city allows 30 million residents to stay in it.
Mexico City, also known as Federal District, is known for its historical edifices, fashionable locality, lavish hotels, charming cuisine and innumerable activities. It is situated at the Valley of Mexico, or Anahuac, and it is surrounded by mountains and to the southeast you can see the two snow-capped volcanic peaks of Popocatepel and Iztaccihuatl. The states of Morelos, Hidalgo, Queretaro and the State of Mexico are the political borders of the city.
The capital of the state of Morelos is Cuernavaca. It is positioned about one hour south of the Mexico City, and is one of Mexico’s most historical and attractive cities. Cuernavaca is often called by the locals and not only the “City of Eternal Spring” for having all year round a mild climate. This city has much to offer travelers. Plaza de Armas, Zócalo, the Catedral de la Asuncion de Maria, one of Mexico’s oldest convents in Mexico, Jardin Borda are just some names of the places worth seeing while visiting this city.
Many prosperous Mexico City inhabitants have their second home in Cuernavaca. It is also very famous for its many exceptional language schools. Students of Spanish for all over the world come to be taught the language and learn more things about the Mexican culture.
