Guadalajara Mexico - Residential & Commercial Real Estate and Relocation

Guadalajara neighborhood CHAPALITA

2012-01-23T18:43:00.002-06:00

Chapalita is very dear to my heart! When I first got married Sergio and I rented our first house in Chapalita. Throughout the years, and they are many, Chapalita has been able to maintain its charm and has only increased in value. It was founded in 1948 by the developer Jose Aguilar Figueroa who's goal was always to create a city garden. He donated lots of land to parks and green areas plus to the Catholic church. That is why the streets of Chapalita all have religious meanings. He was also the first to break with the idea of having just perpendicular streets, making little glorietas throughout the neighborhood. Many of the houses have front porches which invite neighbors to sit and relax in the afternoons.

Here are some numbers regarding Chapalita...

located on 435 acres
112 blocks
2,448 houses
15,000 residents
98 acres of green space
5 deep water wells

It is unique in Guadalajara, as to the perfect location within the city limits, the quality of life, security, restaurants, shopping and services. There are about 500 businesses located within Chapalita, so you really do not need to go far to get any type of class, service or product!

To know more or less where Chapalita is , all you have to do is locate the highest hotel in Guadalajara - the RIU and the new bridge Matute Remos. Chapalita is to the SOUTH of those two points. The limiting streets are Lopez Mateos, Lazaro Cardenas and Nino Obrero. Probably the only other neighborhood in town that it could be compared to would be Providencia. Chapalita though is less expensive though it is getting up there in price and has less traffic and is more family oriented where Providencia is more young couples and yuppies.

Another name that Chapalita , which means Little Chapala, has is the Garden Colony. Chapalita has its own parks and recreation team that takes care of the many green areas through out the Colony. There are no gated communities located within Chapalita. And very few highrises as the Homeowner Association is very strong and is controlling the growth as best it can. It controls its repaving of the streets, green area, street lighting, garbage pickup. There is an HOA fee for those living in the houses in this neighborhood. There is a great cultural center also located in the neighborhood.

According to the HOA website these are limitations of CHAPALITA. The round glorieta in the middle is the Chapalita glorieta, that has a wonderful art festival every Sunday. Chapalita is also choosen for Sunday bike riding, as one of the routes for the Via Recreativa in the mornings.

For 68 years the HOA manages its own water system and other services such as trash pick up. They are dedicated to keeping the green spaces and family environment a priority.

One of the most famous streets in Chapalita is Parque Juan Diego *foto above * . In 1986 it was declared as an ecological reserve. It has more than 100 species of plants that attract all kinds of birds.

If you are interested in purchasing property in Chapalita or any other area of Guadalajara, please give us a call and we will be able to help you. I hope you enjoyed this small summary of the great neighborhood Chapalita in Guadalajara!

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

Relocation Connection in Guadalajara Mexico

2012-01-19T15:41:00.004-06:00

RELOCATION CONNECTION IN GUADALAJARA MEXICO.

Be sure to check out our website that explains our corporate relocation services and fees to those who are moving here to Guadalajara.
Janet and I have been relocating expats moving to our city for more than 15 years and are sure that our services will not only save you and your company money, but frustration and time! Check us out at www.relomexico.com
We have associates in Monterrey, and Mexico City - be sure to contact us for prices! We can help you with a Look See to see if the city is a right match for your business move, Home Search and Orientation, Settling in plus many other services tailored to your needs. We have immigration associates who can help you get your work papers locally - and quickly!
Looking forward to hearing from you!!

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction - selling or buying and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

2012-01-17T11:34:00.003-06:00

Trilenium Real Estate

Relocation Connection

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com - 520-505-6793 OUR US NUMBER

Real Estate agents in Guadalajara Mexico to help you!

2012-01-17T10:46:00.002-06:00

Do you REALLY feel up to navigating a city of 6,000,000 without local assistance from a qualified Real Estate broker or Relocation Connection specialist??

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com 520-505-6793 OUR US NUMBER

Relocation Guadalajara? We are the "go to" relocation company!

2012-01-17T10:30:00.001-06:00

Guadalajara is booming! Daily we hear of new companies moving to the area. Why? It basically boils down to the quality of life for those living here. We may complain about of the traffic, since it has increased with the city growth throughout Zapopan, Tlajomulco and Guadalajara municipalities. But companies choose the city because of the amount of incredible university graduates available for their workforce.

Companies like Turner construction are here to build out the new Intel facilities down in the Bajio area. Our software companies continue to grow, making our other city name, SILICON VALLEY of Mexico still be pertinent.

The Relocation Connection - www.relomexico.com
continues to be the Cadillac of relocation services in our city. We have had many companies come in to Guadalajara, especially from Mexico City to try to offer Relocation services to Guadalajara, but none of them have the resources, experience and the quality of services that we offer. Nor do they know the city, landlords, schools, etc. that we do. In real estate, working relationships with agents, to get the best properties when they come up on the market are key to a good relocation company. We are owner operators, plus we are expats that have made international moves ourselves and know exactly what that entails. In relocation, it is all about the support and care that you give the family or executive to make them have a more pleasant experience during a stressful time - a major international move. Usually, the bread winner has to get right down to work, and the family is left to their own to settle in. This should not be the case! Be sure to ask your company when you are planning to move to Guadalajara for relocation destination services! It will make a world of difference!!

Please feel free to email either Janet or me to get a quote on our services and see how we can help you with your move, whether a Look See to see if this is the right move for you, or a Home Search and Orientation. If you are already here, you may find that our Settling in Services can help you to quickly feel at home in our beautiful city.

Looking forward to assisting you in your relocation to Guadalajara!
We work closely with landlords and agents to help you find the perfect rental in gated communities through out the city. Santa Anita Club de Golf, El Palomar, Bugambilias, Las Fuentes, Puerta de Hierro, Colinas de San Javier, Rancho Contento Golf community, Atlas Colomos, San Gonzalo, Zapopan, Providencia, etc. Whether apartment or house, furnished or not, in a gated community, or in the city, we can help you. We work in conjunction to find you other options, such as commercial property for your business with Trilenium Real Estate.

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com 520-505-6793 OUR US NUMBER

2012-01-03T17:49:00.001-06:00

A photograph from the luxury condo along MAR TIRRENO- overlooking the Guadalajara Country Club golf course, where Lorena Ochoa learned to play golf!!

Wow! I just saw that I have had 11,305 pageviews of this blog!!

If you have any questions about real estate here in Guadalajara and it´s metropolitan zone of Zapopan, Tlaquepaque, Tlajomulco and even the Chapala lakeside area, especially Ajijic please email me and I will get back to you asap. If you would like us to promote the sale of your property in our city please let us know. We offer referrals to qualified agents from the US AND MEXICO.

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

FELIZ AÑO NUEVO!! HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012 TRILENIUM REAL ESTATE

2012-01-03T17:16:00.000-06:00

Wow, these Guadalupe Reyes holidays are killing me!! Pretty much starting the 12th of December all the way to the 6th of January of this year Guadalajara goes semi comatose. It is very frustrating for those of us who did not escape to the nearest beach, Manzanillo or Puerto Vallarta. The city is beautiful, calm, no crazy traffic, beautiful weather...and a perfect time to be showing property but when you want to try to do some business that is based on networking, such as our business is..it is very difficult!! No one around!!

Starting about the 16th of December the Notary offices close, and the public registry and every other government office that you might need a slip of paper from. As long as I have been here I still can not
" when in Rome " and be able to turn off my working brain for such a long time!! Just spend a lot of time catching up on paperwork, organizing the office and marketing property to the public as the agents are out having a good old time. You would think I would be able to do it after 20 some years!

Our office was open all except the 24th of December and New Years eve and day. Then there was some kind of holiday in the States on the Monday so bank transfers, etc. could also not be done between our countries!!

So when people ask why things don´t move quickly here..this is just a little example. It is the Funnel effect - one thing stops and we all back up!! And then of course its make up time when things get rolling again and they go very slowly !! We should be okay up until about May WHEN all hell breaks loose again with fiesta fiesta fiesta!!!

This month is called the " cuesta de enero " which means the January UPHILL. We are all playing catch up!!

Hope this year is a great one for you and your family. We are thankful for your business and hope to help you sell and buy and rent many properties this year!!

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com 520-505-6793 OUR US NUMBER

TOP STOLEN CARS IN MEXICO 2011 - FROM CNN EXPANSION

2011-10-31T17:11:00.000-06:00

BRAND	MODEL	NUMBER STOLEN THIS YEAR
Nissan	Tsuru	14,779
Nissan	Pick-up	3,712
Volkswagen	Jetta	2,552
Nissan	Sentra	2,500
Honda MOTORCYCLE	125	1,847
Volkswagen	Bora	1,574
General Motors	Pick-up	1,183
Ford	Pick-up	1,041
General Motors	Chevy	892
Honda	CR-V	871
General Motors	Silverado	825
Nissan	Xtrail	767
Ford Pick-up	Pick-up Lobo	756
Honda	Civic	755
Honda	Accord	751

Fuente: AMIS.
If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com 520-505-6793 OUR US NUMBER

INTERNATIONAL REALTOR® IN MEXICO - A LIST FOR YOU!!

2011-10-03T13:28:00.001-05:00

Name	City	Province	Country
Acuna Ortiz, Carlos Fernando,	Atenea Realty	San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato		MEXICO
Aguilar Leal, Arnulfo,	Ampsa Bienes Raices	Tlalnepantla, Estado De Mexico		MEXICO
Aguilar Leal, Leticia ,	Ampsa Bienes Raices	Tlalnepantla, Estado De Mexico		MEXICO
Allen, Sandi,	1st Choice Homes Lakeside	Chapala, Jalisco		MEXICO
Arenas Xicotencatl, Gerardo,	Arenas Xicotencatl Sc	Puebla, Puebla		MEXICO
Berlanga Espinosa, Bertha Aurora,	San Angel Asesores Inmobiliarios, S.C.	Torreon, Coahuila		MEXICO
Berlanga Quintero, Rosa Maria,	Abitare	Torreon, Coahuila		MEXICO
Blanco Mateos, Galo,	C.I.A.A.P.	Benito Juarez, DF		MEXICO
Block Abrahamovits, Alberto,	Block Y Asociados	Cuernavaca, Morelos		MEXICO
Brame, Pamela Ann,	San Carlos Homes Real Estate	San Carlos, Sonora		MEXICO
Buck , Ross E. ,	Fisrt Title Services	Playas de Rosarito		MEXICO
Budniak, Tom,	Mexico Smart Realty	Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco		MEXICO
Cabello, Beba,	Baja Open House	Playas de Rosarito		MEXICO
Canedo Macouzet, Leticia,	Firme Servicios Inmobiliarios, S. C.	Torreon, Coahuila		MEXICO
Cantu Martinez, Cesar Servando,	Promotora Agropek,S.A. De C.V.	Monterrey, Nuevo Leon		MEXICO
Cardenas Cardenas, Betriz Eugenia,	Villacero	Monterrey, Nuevo Leon		MEXICO
Carranza Almaguer, Santiago,	Carranza Monrroy Bienes Raices	Cancun, Quintana Roo		MEXICO
Chambers , Rex Clay,	Networks Mazatlán Real Estate S.A. De C.V	Mazatlan, Sinaloa		MEXICO
Chisholm, Pamala,	Discover Baja Real Estate	La Mision, Playa del Rosarito		MEXICO
Cochran Murray, Harriet,	Cochran Real Estate	Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco		MEXICO
Corcoran, Wayne,	Remax Legacy	Puerto Penasco, Sonora		MEXICO
Covarrubias , Ramon,	Baja Shores Realty	Tijuana		MEXICO
Cuadros, Jorge,	Cuadros Asociados	Playas de Rosarito		MEXICO
Dana, Aloysius William,	Landmark Real Estate	Morelia, Michoacan		MEXICO
Diaz Name, Benjamin,	Koinox Developers	San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon		MEXICO
Dufayet Casparious, Alexander M.,	Duquez	Guadalajara, Jalisco		MEXICO
Duran Falcon, Lupita Guadalupe,	Bahia Principe Residences	Akumal, Quintana Roo		MEXICO
Elias A., Silvia L.,	P.V. Realty S.A. de C.V.	Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco		MEXICO
Ellinger, Gretchen,	Century 21 Sun & Sand	Puerto Penasco, Sonora		MEXICO
Faulkner, Russell,	Cochran Real Estate	Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco		MEXICO
Feldman-Bicas, Maty,	Uninmobiliaria S.C. REALTORS® Link	Mexico, D.F.		MEXICO
Fernandez, Angela Sue,	Baja Rosarito Realty	Playas de Rosarito		MEXICO
Flores, Jose C.,	Valorem Baja Real Estate	Playas de Tijuana		MEXICO
Flores Dominguez, Ramon,	CB Richard Ellis, SA De CV	San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon		MEXICO
Francis, Jonni,	Coldwell Banker	Puerto Penasco, Sonora		MEXICO
Franklin, Wayne,	Tropicasa Realty	Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco		MEXICO
French, Lawrence George,	Baja Real Estate Group	Las Gaviotas, Playas de Rosarito		MEXICO
Gibbs, Diane,	Realty Executives Gibbs & Associates	Playas de Rosarito		MEXICO
Glaab, John,	The Settlement Company	La Paz, B.C.S.		MEXICO
Gonzalez De La Vega, Maria Luisa,	Las Casas Aca, S.A. De C.V.	Acapulco, Guerrero		MEXICO
Gonzalez Garcia, Maria Del Carmen,	The Real Estate Store	Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco		MEXICO
Guerrero, Blanca,	RE/MAX Baja Realty	Playas de Rosarito		MEXICO
Hawkins, Jim,	Jim Hawkins Baja Real Estate	Puerto Nuevo, Playas de Rosarito		MEXICO
Hernandez Martinez, N. Job,	Interlago Real Estate	Chapala, Jalisco		MEXICO
Hernandez Ontiveros, Manuel,	Hernandez Realty Group	Ajijic		MEXICO
Hernandez Wetzel, Ema,	Corporativo Bienes Raíces	Los Mochis, Sinaloa		MEXICO
Herpst, Gordon,	Omni Services S.A.De C.V	La Paz, Baja California		MEXICO
Holt, David,	Propiedades Playas de Baja California	San Antonio del Mar, Tijuana		MEXICO
Jones, Teena,	Cabo Realty	Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur		MEXICO
Juvinall, Drew,	Rosarito Beach Realty	Playas de Rosarito		MEXICO
Kaddatz, Matthew Martin,	Associa Mexico Realty Services de RL de CV	Primo Tapia, Playas de Rosarito		MEXICO
Katz, Kathy,	Baja Real Estate Group	Las Gaviotas, Playas de Rosarito		MEXICO
Katz, Max,	Baja Real Estate Group	Las Gaviotas, Playas de Rosarito		MEXICO
Kershner , Julie ,	Los Cabos Sotheby’s International Realty	San Jose del Cabo, BCS		MEXICO
Kimball, Teresa,	Prudential California Realty Vallarta Division	Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco		MEXICO
Koch, Bjoern,	Koch	Playa Del Carmen, Quintana Roo	UT	MEXICO
Leal Tijerina, Guadalupe,	Re/Max Laguna	Torreon, Coahuila		MEXICO
Leon Aguilera, Reyna,	Century 21 Terranova	Villahermosa, Tabasco		MEXICO
Loza , Victor ,	RE/MAX Baja Realty	Cuenca Diaz, Playa del Rosarito		MEXICO
Luna Gutierrez, Jorge,	Koinox Developers	Monterrey, Nuevo Leon		MEXICO
MacMahon, Lynda,	International Realty	Ajijic, Jalisco		MEXICO
Macedo Cue, Isabel,	Sarti Bienes Raices	Queretaro, Queretaro		MEXICO
Marquinez Seemann, Dulce,	Construcciones Ms. S.A. De C.V.	Veracruz, Veracuz		MEXICO
Mellado Flores, Eduardo,	Capitel Desarrollos	Monterrey, Nuevo Leon		MEXICO
Mendez De La Cruz, Monica,	Monica Mendez, Venta -Renta Administracion	Cancun, Quintana Roo		MEXICO
Mills, Mimi,	Bajamar Premier Properties	Bajamar, Ensenada		MEXICO
Morel, Pierre,	Grupo Morel Internacional SA De CV	Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S.		MEXICO
Moreno Cota, Jose Manuel,	Ing. Jose Manuel Moreno Cota	Los Mochis, Sinaloa		MEXICO
Neil, Linda,	The Settlement Company	La Paz, Baja California		MEXICO
Nelson, Norman H.,	Costa Rivera Real Estate	bahia de banderas, Nayarit		MEXICO
Niembro Montemayor, Jaime,	Ajijic Real Estate	Ajijic, Jalisco		MEXICO
Norton, Jane,	MLS Baja	Playas de Rosarito		MEXICO
Obregon Serrano, Hector,	Century 21 Obregon	Leon De Los Aldama, Guanajuato		MEXICO
Ogilvie, Alexander Wayne,	Alexander Real Estate And Investments, S.A. De C.V.	Loreto, Baja California		MEXICO
Paredes, Cesar,	Global Commercial & Investment Real Estate, Corporation	Garza, Garcia, NL		MEXICO
Paredes Guerra, Gerardo,	Global Commercial And Investment Real Estate Corp.	San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon		MEXICO
Pereda, Citlalitl,	My Baja Insurance	Zona Centro, Playas de Rosarito		MEXICO
Philippe R., Jorge,	QUALITY INMOBILIARIA HABITAT	MÉXICO CITY		MEXICO
Pullen, David J. A.,	P.V. Realty, S.A. de C.V.	Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco		MEXICO
Ramirez, Juana Catalina,	Ramirez	Leon De Los Aldama, Guanajuato		MEXICO
Ramos Garcia, Ruben,	Century 21 Mexico, S.A.De C.V.	Ciudad De Mexico, Distrito Federal		MEXICO
Rosas Lizarraga, Alma Rosa,	Negocios Patrimonio Y Vivienda	Guadalajara, Jalisco		MEXICO
Rueda Esquivel, Gerardo,	Grupo Afimex, S.A. De C.V.	Ciudad De Mexico, Distrito Federal		MEXICO
Sanchez Hernandez, Arturo,	Promo Real S.A. De C.V.	Leon De Los Aldama, Guanajuato		MEXICO
Sanchez Lara, Angel,	Inmobiliaria Inversion	Puebla, Puebla		MEXICO
Sapien De Anda, Juan Carlos,	Corporativo Mexicano De Inversionistas	Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua		MEXICO
Sloane, Fay,	El Grupo Bienes Raices	Bucerias, Sinaloa		MEXICO
Steele, Steven,	Realty Executives	Calafia, Playas de Rosarito		MEXICO
Stirling de Duenas, Mercy,	Trilenium Bienes Raices/Real Estate	Guadalajara, Jalisco		MEXICO
Susel, Matias R.,	RE/MAX Baja Realty	Zona Centro, Playas de Rosarito		MEXICO
Taylor, William,	Bill Taylor	Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco		MEXICO
Timothy, Carl,	Timothy Real Estate Group	Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco		MEXICO
Tingen, Richard,	Coldwell Banker	Chapala, Jalisco		MEXICO
Trueba De Torres, Pedro,	Century 21 Trueba De Torres	Ciudad De Mexico, Distrito Federal		MEXICO
Vazquez Gomez, Jose Ramon,	Gabinete Inmobiliario, S.A. De C.V.	San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon		MEXICO
Villalobos, Javier,	Castaneda Real Estate	Cozumel		MEXICO
Wosak, Heidi,	Century 21 Sun & Sand	Cancun, Quintana Roo		MEXICO
Zanella Zichinelli, Jose Luis,	Zanella Bienes Raices	Puebla, Puebla		MEXICO
Zapata Castillo, Laura,	Seaview Properties	Playa Del Carmen, Quintana Roo		MEXICO
,	CaboRealty Partners S. de R.L. de C.V. - Lic. Jay West, Broker	Los Cabos, BC

PANAMERICAN GAMES IN GUADALAJARA - OFFICIAL SONG!

2011-09-26T18:52:00.000-05:00

(TEMA JUEGOS PANAMERICANOS GDL 2011)

click above to hear the official song for the PANAMERICAN GAMES!!

 

Tengo un pensamiento q m abraza
y en mis pasos las distancias
q m qdan x vencer

Tengo en cada reto una esperanza
de llegar hasta la cima
q la recompensa llega con la fé

somos el futuro de la historia
quedara en nuestra memoria
cada dia q paso

Somos alas libres en el viento
con un solo sentimiento
somos todos alma, fuerza y corazon

Sigo caminando y no me rindo
vengo de muy lejos a ganar
en mi corazon una bandera
colorea la alegria de mi pueblo y mi ciudad



sigo hasta el final y no m rindo
sueño con mi tierra y su calor
somos el amor de un continente
y aunq seamos diferentes
nos alumbra el mismo sol

** A todos alumbra el mismo sol

soy de la montaña, de la costa y de la selva
soy amigo de la libertad
tengo la alegria de saber q yo he nacido
para ser mis sueños siempre realidad

Somos el futuro de la histortia
qdara en nuestra memoria
cada dia q paso

Somos alas libres como el viento
con un solo sentimiento
somos todos alma, fuerza y corazon

sigo caminando y no me rindo
vengo de muy lejos a ganar
en mi corazon una bandera
colorea la alegria de mi pueblo y mi ciudad

sigo hasta el final y no m rindo
sueño con mi tierra y su calor
somos el amor de un continente
y aunq seamos diferentes
nos alumbra el mismo sol

Nadie me puede parar
yo se q arriba ahi una luz
q me ilumina
llegue hasta la cima

Nadie me puede parar
mi corazon solo sabe ganar

Sigo caminando y no me rindo
**sigo caminando
vengo de muy lejos a ganar
en mi corazon una bandera colorea
la alegria de mi pueblo y mi ciudad

sigo hasta el final y no me rindo
sueño con mi tierra y su calor
somos el amor de un continente
y aunq seamos diferentes
nos alumbra el mismo sol

somos el amor de un continente
y aunq seamos diferentes
nos alumbra el mismo sol
***nos alumbra el mismo sol

Fuente: musica.comIf you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

LUXURY CONDOMINIUMS IN GUADALAJARA MEXICO

2011-09-25T15:47:00.005-05:00

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In the last 6 yrs. we have seen luxury condominiums going up like mushrooms around our city. For those of us that have lived in Guadalajara for many MANY years, this is quite a change. My husband, Arq. Sergio Dueñas, said that when he was going to Architecture school at the University of Guadalajara MANY MANY years ago, one of the famous engineers in Guadalajara, Ing. Juan Palomar y Arias , who ran OBRAS PUBLICAS in the city, said, no buildings to go up that higher than the CATHEDRAL TOWERS. Sergio' s teach, Arq. Diaz Morales said the same thing!

So, the other day, I did a tour of the condominium complexes that have gone up in the NORTHWEST part of the city, Andares and also to the condos going up on Chapultepec street, near Niños Heroes.

This photograph is taken from Acueducto 360 near the Andares shopping center. Good thing that I am not afraid of heights. We were on the 22nd floor! Bird´s eye view of the city for sure.

This apartment rented for $20,000 pesos a month - which right now is about 1,800 USD. The challenge becomes when you have to pay the MAINTENANCE fees - cuota de mantenimiento, which in many of the condos can run as high as 600 USD a month in addition to the rent. And that fee is really just for the use of the ammenities - no utilities included in that!

Another additional fee that sometimes clients are not counting on - is the CURTAINS. They need to be special curtains, approved by the HOA - no sheets allowed! And those special curtains can count as much as 6,000 USD more if you are planning on a three bedroom apt.

Though Guadalajara is a very safe city of 6 million people, security is still an issue as is it is in all of Mexico , and one of the things that your maintenance fee is covering is a 24 hr. security at the entrance of the building. More and more people are choosing to live in gated communities or apartment buildings now in our city.

LATER I will write a blog on what these condos are going for!!

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

Boutique hotels in Guadalajara!

2011-07-26T10:49:00.000-05:00

As you can see the Colonia Americana, Chapultepec area is a great place to stay! Most foreigners love it there for all the things that you can do within walking distance ! I must say that I know that zone very well, having been brought up on Calle Marsella ( one block from Chapultepec and Lopez Cotilla!)

If you are looking to PURCHASE a bed and breakfast in Guadalajara, please get in touch with us. We know of quite a few that are for sale that you may be interested in seeing!

I just found a great article on the boutique hotels of Guadalajara and I thought that I would add the links here so that you can check them out on your own. Very cool places and in great locations!
Villa Ganz - www.villaganz.com (down near Chapultepec area)
Clarum 101 - www.clarum101.com ( in the Chapalita area)
Casa Madonna - www.casamadonna.com.mx (Colonia Americana)
La Mansion del Sol - www.lamansiondelsol.com (Ciudad del Sol area)
Casa Pedro Loza - www.casapedroloza.com.mx (downtown area)
Gardet Boutique Hotel - www.gardetresidencehotel.com ( Colonia Americana)

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com 520-505-6793 OUR US NUMBER

El Polo Norte Ice Cream parlor and restaurant Guadalajara soooo yummy

2011-03-05T12:10:00.000-06:00

Oh boy...you know when you go to a restaurant for the first time and you are like NERVOUS cause you don't really know what you are getting? Well, last night my husband and I went to a great little restaurant here in Guadalajara - called El Polo Norte Neveria.
Sergio had taken me there before for an Ice Cream (therefore the name Neveria) but I had not eaten any " real " food there before. He said (being a tapatio, native of Guadalajara) that the Polo Norte had been around forever ( I saw on the menu it said 100 years!) and that everyone would go there for homemade icecream made out of exotic fruits or for the Tejuino.
I need to look up and see what Tejuino really is, but last night when he ordered it and I tasted it..I thought, well, I wouldn't be driving across town for THAT!! Tasted like a salty michelada (beer and lemon mix with salt and chile) but without the beer. And it had something mysterious floating on top too, that I decided I wouldn't ask what THAT was...
But I, being more conservative, ordered the HORCHATA (rice drink) that was delicious and a tostada!! Sergio order a tostada de cueritos ( which is pork skin, and it ain't the crispy kind, it was white and fleshy) but I, being the more conservative again..choose the TOSTADA DE PANELA - which was a Mexican kinda of chewy white basket cheese tostada. Covered with tons of shredded lettuce, salsa and tomatoes. See the picture!! Well, now that I am looking at the picture it doesn't look as great as it TASTED..but believe me!! it was great!!

You guys, it was sooooo good. I know that I didn't make Sergio's dish sound too great, but I could have eaten REALLY...THREE OF THE TOSTADAS. But I didn't cause I wanted to leave room for the ICE CREAM - which was really a sherbet I think officially - because it had no cream - of MARACUJA..a fruit that I became addicted to while living in Brasil. Maracuja is passion fruit in English.
El Polo Norte is the only place I know of in Guadalajara that sells Maracuja ice cream. Lordie.....I think I am hooked!
The only bad thing is trying to find parking. Also the decor is quite 1950 (but not cool) but it will do just fine if the food is great. My husband told me to notice that it was filled with nuns...and is every time we go..so I guess that means something... Godly food?
Try it!! you will love it!

EL POLO NORTE NEVERIA ★ Av México No. 2200, Guadalajara, Jal, (52) (33) 36159000
If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

GUADALAJARA - a city of highrises?

2011-02-12T06:27:00.000-06:00

In a recent interview with the press, our AMPI president, Armando Trujillo stated that Guadalajara is a city that has more than 150 parcels of land that have all the characteristics necessary for high rise building for housing.
"About 10 yrs. ago, when the vertical boom started in our city, people were not willing to accept the fact that we were going verticle. We could not get used to apartment living, but now there is a great deman, it is part of the culture and we are a city that is going vertical. " says Armando.
Our INEGI which takes the population of Guadalajara census, shows that the population within the Guadalajara city limits are decreasing therefore the city is interested in keeping those people by building apartment buildings that meet the needs of the citizens. But, as we all know, it has to be done in an organized way (ah ha! this the is the question!!)

In AMPI, our association , the majority of the properties that we promote are used properties for sale or rent. And now, that our city is growing, it is cheaper to knock down the older homes and go verticle. Most people want to live within the CITY limits (we are surround by a loop that separates many of the suburbs from Guadalajara - the periferico. Land outside the periferico is cheaper and therefore the gated communities for HOMES are being built outside the periferico. But inside the periferico, we find that land is going up.
Our traffic growing pains are also huge. We recently inaugurated a new bridge, Matute Remus, that has helped a bit with the traffice coming from Vallarta onto Lazaro Cardenas and going OVER LOPEZ MATEOS South. .

In Guadalajara, like the world over it is LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION. When I first came to this city in 1967 there were 1 million people. Now we say it is 6 million in the metro area and growing! The area of growth is to the south and to the east. We have the Primavera mountains that limit growth on the west side of the city and north we have the Barranca - our huge gorge near the zoo.
So, for investment purposes, Guadalajara is great place to look!!

IN CASE OF A CAR ACCIDENT IN MEXICO

2011-02-10T18:40:00.001-06:00

In case of accident:

Don't move the car from the place where the accident occured until the authorities arrive, cops or adjuster.
Don't come to any agreement with a third party.
If you are in an accident be sure to request a medical report even if you feel no pain, sometimes you can be hurt and not know it till later. If you don't ask for it then, you may have to pay for the costs later.
If there is an accident be sure to have the FOLLOWING IN YOUR CAR to give to the authorities and adjustor.
POLICY NUMBER
NAME OF INSURANCE PERSON ON POLICY
INFO ON THE VEHICLE
THE TYPE OF CAR
MODEL TYPE
COLOR
LICENSE PLATE NUMBER
SERIAL NUMBER
NAME OF THE DRIVER
PLACE AND ADDRESS YOU ARE CALLING FROM
ANYONE HURT?
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF WHAT HAPPEND
THE NAME AND PHONE NUMBER OF THE PERSON THAT IS REPORTING THE ACCIDENT.

You should have all of this info printed up INSIDE YOUR CAR AND READY TO USE in case of an accident!!
This info comes from a flier from CAS AGENTE DE SEGUROS SA DE CV

Selling your property in Guadalajara!

2011-02-01T16:48:00.000-06:00

How much to have a baby in Guadalajara?? here is the info!

2010-12-14T11:19:00.001-06:00

We are expecting our FIRST GRANDSON in May and sooo excited!
My daughter is going to a great OB/GYN -

he charges $400 pesos a visit, and that includes the dvd of the Eco each time they go!!

Delivery at the Real San Jose - for a NORMAL birth - 1 day in the hospital - is $13,500 pesos (that is about $1,080 USD. and includes: the nursery care, the labor room for 2 hrs. the recuperation room for 1 hr, general monitoring for 2 hrs, bomba de infusion which I don't know what means, blood if needed, CBC count, 4 hours in the incubator, oxygen for one hr., 2 hrs. on the oxymeter, private room, and all materials and medicine up to $5,300 pesos ($425 USD).
DOES NOT INCLUDE: doctors fees, complications, extra night,change of room.
But room prices are: $727 pesos (divide by 12.50!!! to get USD) for a private room
$1,789 pesos for a Master suite
$3,290 pesos for a PRESIDENTIAL SUITE!!!

A C-section cost $22,000 pesos...up to two days in the hospital.

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

BUYER BEWARE IN REAL ESTATE!!!

2010-11-19T16:12:00.000-06:00

It is important to remember that in Mexico only a handful of states have any type of registry for those selling real estate. It has been an on going battle of AMPI , the Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals at state levels to get registries and certification of those of us involved in selling property. Because of this we occasionally here horror stories about " real estate " agents or even brokerages in our city that can make your hair stand on end.

Real Estate has always been an area that can have " coyotes ". Coyotes in real estate are those people that place a sign, have a cell phone and no registered business and do business out of cafes and cars. Please please if you are doing business in our Guadalajara area , be sure that you call ONE of the 3 real estate associations to make sure that the person you are dealing with is legitimate. Do not give money to ANYONE without first having REPRESENTATION on YOUR SIDE. Do not do real estate without someone REPRESENTING YOU AND YOUR INTERESTS. They can help you to protect your investment.

The three organizations in Guadalajara are AMPI (the only legitimate National real estate association) MIO and PAIS. I would suggest you get a representative from AMPI (CHECK OUT THE WEBSITE WWW.AMPIGDL.MX) . Of course I would love it to be me..but if not you can find a list of brokers on that page that can help you.

There is no " black list" available in our profession. We once had an agent name Armando Chanveri who we fired from our office because of ethics and non-professionalism and found that he was hired to another company. We warned the other company about him - but they hired him anyway (hope springs eternal) and just recently they also got rid of him. And now we hear that he has started his own company! He is not in AMPI ..but continues to say that he is in the process of membership (not) and also that he worked with us!!! We want nothing to do with him or any other unethical agents! Beware - we are a big city of 6 million and it is very difficult to catch all the cucarachas that are out there!!!

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

DIA DE MUERTOS - MEXICO!!

2010-11-04T11:39:00.000-06:00

MUY POCOS RECUERDAN LOS DIAS DE LOS FIELES DIFUNTOS O SEA NUESTROS MUERTITOS COMO DECIAN LOS ABUELOS, UNA TRADICION MUY MEXICANA, SABIAS QUE LAS FIESTAS DE LOS MUERTOS SE CELEBRAN POR 6 DIAS Y NO SOLAMENTE SE CELEBRAN EL DIA 1 Y 2 DE NOVIEMBRE? QUE SON LOS DIAS CONOCIDOS POR TODOS, SEGUN LOS ABUELOS LA TRADICION COMIENZA EN ESTE ORDEN
COMIENZA EL DIA 28 DE OCTUBRE Y SE PRENDE LA PRIMERA LUZ (VELADORA BLANCA) y UNA FLOR BLANCA PARA DAR LA BIENVENIDA A LAS ANIMAS SOLAS.......



EL DIA 29 DE OCTUBRE SE PRENDE OTRA VELADORA Y SE COLOCA UN VASO CON AGUA DEDICADO A DIFUNTOS OLVIDADOS Y DESAMPARADOS........

EL DIA 30 DE OCTUBRE SE PRENDE UNA NUEVA VELADORA SE COLOCA OTRO VASO CON AGUA Y SE PONE UN PAN BLANCO (BOLILLO O TELERA) PARA LOS DIFUNTOS QUE SE FUERON SIN COMER O LOS QUE TUVIERON ALGUN ACCIDENTE.........

EL 31 DE OCTUBRE SE PRENDE OTRA VELADORA, PONEMOS OTRO VASO CON AGUA, OTRO PAN BLANCO Y COLOCAMOS UNA FRUTA (MANDARINA, NARANJA O GUAYABA) ESTO ES PARA LOS MUERTOS DE LOS MUERTOS (ANCESTROS) O SEA LOS ABUELOS DE TUS PAPAS QUE ALGUNOS TUVIMOS O TIENEN EL GUSTO DE CONOCERLOS (BISABUELOS) ..............
            EL DIA 1 DE NOVIEMBRE QUE ES EL DIA QUE SE CONOCE COMO DIA DE LOS MUERTOS PEQUEÑOS, CHIQUITOS O NIÑOS EN ESTE DIA SE PONE TODA LA COMIDA DULCE, CALABAZA, GUAYABA, CHOCOLATE, MIEL, FLORES..............

EL DIA 2 DE NOVIEMBRE CONOCIDO COMO EL DIA DE LOS FIELES DIFUNTOS O DE LOS MUERTOS GRANDES QUE ES EL DIA QUE SE COLOCA TODA LA COMIDA, CIGARROS Y SUS CHEVES Y EN TODOS LOS DIAS DE LA CELEBRACION OBVIO SE PONEN FLORES, SE QUEMA INCIENSO DE COPAL DE PREFERENCIA.........

Y EL DIA 3 DE NOVIEMBRE SE PRENDE LA ULTIMA VELADORA BLANCA SE QUEMA COPAL Y SE LES DESPIDE PIDIENDO QUE VUELVAN EL SIGUIENTE AÑO, por fas comparte esta informacion ancestral principalmente con tus hijos para salvaguardar las verdaderas tradiciones mexicanas, por que el Halloween es solo una fiesta de disfraces y no es tradicion.
GRACIAS POR COMPARTIR.........If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

HEWLETT PACKARD IN GUADALAJARA - THE BRAIN OF THE COMPANY!

2010-10-07T09:35:00.000-05:00

Great article today about HP in Guadalajara and how it will be the purchasing hub for all of the world!! Yes, we are the SILICON VALLEY of Mexico here!! And the good news is that we are back in the business! After many of the companies either downsized or left Guadalajara during the mass exodus to China years back, many have found that this was the right place to be all the time!!

And I personally am grateful for HP and IBM for not only creating Guadalajara as the Technology base for Latin America and the vision that they had many years ago when they invested in our city.

HP will no longer just be manufacturing but also services for the whole company. If you get an HP paycheck, it is going to come through Guadalajara!!

It was just announced that our HP will be the purchasing center for the world of HP. No matter what is purchased in HP world, it will have to go through HP Guadalajara. Why? Because not only do we have top notch graduates coming out of our many universities, the turn over of employees is small because, well, NO ONE WANTS TO LEAVE Guadalajara once they have lived here!! Especially young college graduates that find the quality of life to be extraordinary. None of the boredom of smaller town (small town big hell is a saying in Spanish) none of the craziness of the DF and none of the extreme weather of Monterrey!! Our city now has wonderful, hip restaurants and bars, tons of cultural courses and events plus on top of all of that, well, this wonderful weather!!! Of course from business point of view - it is more based on the labor costs and proximity to the USA!

The director of HP in Mexico , Octavio Márquez, says " The Guadalajara instalations are the fruit of a non-stop search for the " perfect location" . I couldn't have found a better quote!!

The average salary in our city which is considered in a medium range in salaries (whoa...as compared to those Silicon Valley California salaries!!) for a company like HP run about a monthly salary of $13,600 PESOS to $31,000 pesos (our exchange rate today is about $12.50 pesos to a dollar) .

TONALA TIANGUIS IN GUADALAJARA!! FLEA MARKET

2010-10-03T09:52:00.000-05:00

The Tonala tiangus (open air market) is located on the main street of Tonala - on THURSDAYS AND SUNDAYS..FROM 8 in the a.m. till 3 p.m.. Some sellers show up at 6 a.m. and leave at about 6 p.m.

During certain times of the year, Easter from Palm Sunday till the last Sunday of Easter and Christmas from the 12 of Dec. until the 6th of Jan. the tianguis is there permanently.

There is also a part of the Tianguis that is called Nativity Tianguis, that is specializing in the " nacimientos" - including all the subjects of the nativity, animals, and that is held during the FIRST Thursday of Oc. until the 24 of Dec. on a different street - Lopez Cotilla, Tonaltecas all the way to Emiliano Zapata Street.

If you would like to see the Tianguis official website (in Spanish only at the moment) It has videos, old fotos and lots of information that will be useful to you when you visit our lovely city!

Guadalajara REAL ESTATE MARKET UPDATE Sept. 2010

2010-09-30T13:54:00.001-05:00

Recently our AMPI President - Armando Trujillo was interviewed by the newspaper as to the real estate REALITY in Guadalajara. He commented that more than the insecurity that Mexico is facing, what is affecting our market is the lack of BANK LOANS is what is affecting us!

Currently people are NOT able to get loans -so 54% of our business is RENTALS...and 46% sales.
It used to be just the opposite - people preferred to BUY instead of spending their hard earned money on rentals!The majority of the purchases now in Guadalajara are done with bank loans - hipotecas in Spanish with the interest rate going for a AAA client getting their mortgage, if they CAN get one - at 10.5% interest rate!

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

GETTING A DRIVER'S LICENSE IN GUADALAJARA??

2010-09-23T15:36:00.000-05:00

requisito - REQUIREMENTS Birth certificate, proof of address and official ID with photograph	Acta de nacimiento, comprobante de domicilio oficial e identificación oficial con fotografía

solicitar - Where to apply? Secretaría de vialidad y transporte

dónde ir - Where to go? Avenida Circunvalación y Prolongación Alcalde.	Mon-Fri - Lunes a viernes: 8.30 a 14:00 horas.

JALISCO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA INFORMATION

2010-09-21T17:50:00.000-05:00

JALISCO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA INFORMATION:
The Orquesta Filarmonica de Jalisco at the DeGollado Theatre.

Tickets purchased through Ticketmaster.
Tickets can be purchased at the Theatre ticket booth (taquilla) also.
The DeGollado is at the far end of Plaza de Liberacion downtown. The theatre was magnificently restored four years ago after a two-year closure and is a crown jewel in Mexican state theaters. It provides a delightfully intimate ambience for the Jalisco orchestra’s performances. A charming café, offering light meals, smoothies, wine and espresso complements the genteel atmosphere of the theatre.
If you enjoy the glamour of a night out at the theatre, consider the Friday night concerts. Or, if a mid-day concert followed by a light comida at your favorite restaurant suits you, Sunday performances are just the thing.
Information on the complete program of concerts is available at www.ofj.com.mx. Tickets range between 80 and 150 pesos, which represents an almost 50% reduction from last year’s prices. They can be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet, or by phone at 3818-3800. Mexican citizens over 60 years of age with an INSEN card, or senior foreigners with a valid passport, are eligible for a 50% discount ONLY at the taquilla at the DeGollado. Each ticket buyer must present either of these two id’s. There is no need to commit to all of the concerts. Review the list on the website, make your selections, and bring your list to the taquilla. You may also buy tickets before each concert. Taquilla hours are 10am-3pm and 4 to 8pm Wednesday through Sunday. For more information, call 3614-4773.

On Fridays at 7pm at the Sala de Camara at the Morelos entrance to the theatre, the public is invited to take part in a free music appreciation discussion in Spanish relating to that evening’s particular selections. Become your own music critic! Enjoy what Jalisco’s finest orchestra has to offer. Get out of the house and rejuvenate yourself with some of the world’s most famous musical offerings. Make yourself a date….see you at the DeGollado!

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

Cost of PRIVATE Education in Mexico

2010-08-18T17:53:00.001-05:00

I just helped a client sign her kids into a local private school. This is not an American school - but it is a bi-lingual school. I thought it might be interesting for you to see the cost of private education in a private school in our city.

These are prices for 1-12th grade. It is only the inscription and tuition. No books, no uniforms, no extra costs are included here.

Annual inscription fee - $7,950 pesos
10 monthly tuition payments of $2,830 pesos

If you take those two numbers and calculate out the cost per student for 12 years of education it comes to
$435,000 pesos = $34,800 USD aproximately. Per child...so if you have 3 kids (which is the average here)
you will pay aproximately $104,400 USD for tuition and annual inscription fee for your three kids to get them out of high school. Add to that books and other school supplies, uniforms, etc.

The American School (my alma mater) and other more expensive schools are almost double this cost.

NO COMMENT!!! I am glad my kids are out of school!!!!

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

REAL ESTATE STATISTICS FOR GUADALAJARA FROM AMPI MLS

2010-08-11T17:29:00.000-05:00

This last July, we found some very interesting data on the marketing of properties in Guadalajara such as the following:

* 44% of the real estate operations are on sales of houses and apartments and 56% are rentals.

* The range with the most movement are property sales between $1´000,000 and $2´000,000 pesos ( $77,000 USD - $154,000 USD)

* The range with the most movement - are apartment sales between $500,000 and $1´000,000 pesos ( $37,000 USD - $77,000 USD)

* The range with the most movement in rentals is properties between $5,000 and $10,000 pesos a month ( $385 USD - $770 USD)

* In May 2010, we had the most activity in the whole year - with sales up 8.2% and in July we had the most rentals - going up 53.8.5% in comparison with the beginning of the year!!

Our market has improved considerably since 2009, showing that rental property investments continue to be a great income generator for investors. Also, we believe that we will have better sales than last year, as we are at the halfway point and have exceeded sales by 8%. We hope that these numbers keep on going up, though we also see that in the last three months, sales have gone down since May 2010.

L.C.P. Armando Trujillo Villa

President AMPI Guadalajara
August 11,2010

ASOCIACIÓN MEXICANA DE PROFESIONALES INMOBILIARIOSIf you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

COST OF FOOD AND OTHER STUFF IN GUADALAJARA!!!

2010-08-01T16:54:00.000-05:00

Okay, it is Sunday afternoon so please don't expect me to get out my calculator and do ALL THE WORK for you. You can calculate it yourself with these two figures.
The amount posted in PESOS - divide by 12.50 and you will know what the U.S. DOLLAR amt. is.
The amount posted in kilos - divide by 2.2 and you will know what the US pound amt. is.
Okay, ready?? This is for July 2010 - compared with YOUR prices and let's see if it is cheaper or not to eat in Mexico!!
These prices are from a SORIANA SUPER in Guadalajara, Mexico flier - dated the last week of July of 2010.

Kleenex Cottonelle 4 rolls toilet paper - 23.90 pesos
Nescafe instant clasico - 100 grs. 20 pesos
Cooking oil - soy - 1 lt - 16.50 pesos
Canteloupe - 9.95 pesos a kilo
radish - 8.95 a half kilo
white grapes - 21.95 a kilo
cucumbers - 9.95 a kilo
lettuce - 8.95 a piece
carrots - 6.95 a kilo
green onions - 21.95 a kilo
pineapple - 11.95 a kilo
cherries - 49.95 a bag
Granny apples - 23.95 a kilo
beef - milanesa steak - 91.90 a kilo
ground beef - 89.90 a kilo
stew meat - 48.90 a kilo
boneless chicken breast - 54.90 a kilo
cooked shrimp - 109.90 a kilo
cheese - manchego - 89.90 a kilo
sliced turkey breast - 99.90 a kilo
margarine tub - 400 gr. 24.50
yoplait yogurt - 22.50 a kilo
ice cream - holanda - 26.90 a lt.

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

Driving from Guadalajara to Tucson and back!! everything you ever wanted to know!

2010-07-21T17:56:00.000-05:00

Hi, I just finished the trip with my daughter and thought that someone might like some of my notes on the trip!! We only did toll roads!

Left early - at 8 a.m. arrived in Navojoa at 7:20 p.m. - so about 11 hrs. and 20 min. drive. Going a little above the speed limit most of the time :)
EMERGENCY number to call when you are on TOLL ROADS - 074
That is going to connect you to Mexico City and they in turn communicate back with the closest toll road or Highway Patrol (policia federal de camino)
Tolls run about $1,300 pesos (100 dollars US) from Gdl - Nogales.
We were travelling right before the elections - so we saw about 4 different times military trucks driving by - but they never stopped us. Just drove by..
We only saw the GREEN ANGEL once in the 20 hrs. we were driving...
There are a couple stops where they want to know if you have fruits and veggies and they have you open your trunk of your car.
GREEN ANGELS supposedly number is 066.
We were stopped near Huatabampo before Navojoa - police check point. They just wanted to know where we were going.
My daughter swears that if you have a poodle and an " elderly woman " (me) in the car no one bothers you.
We arrived at Navojoa and stayed at the Best Western - affordable - clean and has a good restaurant. We got a Pizza One that was okay. Next time Dominos.
Cd. Obregon is only 67 km. from Navojoa - and we should go all the way there since we arrive when it is atill very light to Navojoa..but I don't know of an affordable hotel where you can take a poodle and I hate sneaking a dog in a room!

Next day up and at em - saw in the Imparcial that there had been a shoot out 12 kms. from Nogales - in Saric - 24 dead...that was a bit scary! As we had to drive up to Nogales that day! But the trip was uneventful. We left Novojoa at 8:20 a.m. and arrived in Nogales (Mariposa crossing) at 4:50 p.m. (this is all Gdl. time - in Nogales it was two hrs. earlier!! )

We crossed with no problems - the lady asked for Chico's papers - and we gave them to her - she actually CALLED HIS NAME to see if he responded and of course he did (good boy!) ...we immediately zoomed over to the Taco Bell for our long awaited dinner!!

All in all - a great trip - good time - xm radio kept pooping out - so we had long conversations about life in general..I love my roadie daughter!!

Next blog - driving back!!

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

Everything you ever wanted to know about GUADALAJARA RENTALS

2010-06-04T22:35:00.003-05:00

Everything you ever wanted to know about GUADALAJARA RENTALS…but didn’t understand!! No hablo espanol!!

In Guadalajara, we are not like Mexico City - filled with a million apartment buildings. Only recently apartments popped up in our city. Newer are normally more upscale – rents starting probably at about $14,000 pesos ( $1,000 plus USD a month) plus the HOA fee that can be pretty steep ($5,000 pesos a month!) in some of the more upscale.
We do have smaller apartment complexes that are geared more toward younger couples, students, etc. with two bedrooms, and in buildings that can be up to four stories high, with no elevator. Parking is also an issue at most of the older apartment buildings, as they were built 20 some years ago, when most Tapatios only had one car!
So, if you are looking for an apartment there are some things that you should contemplate first!
• Your budget – what do you want to spend? As real estate agents, that is the first question we need to know. Why? Because we don’t want to be searching all over the MLS or finding properties that you will not be able to afford. So figure out how much you want to pay MAXIMUM a month on rent (and be sure to say if it is to include the HOA fee!) This way – it makes the search a lot more efficient and no one wastes time! Once you see what you can get for $900 USD you might decide to bump up the budget to get into something more suitable to your needs.
• Once you have your budget – think about what type of apartment and neighborhood you would like to live in. Most of the apartment buildings are urban – and near transportation, shopping, etc. Three bedrooms with two baths, living room, dining room and kitchen!
• How many bedrooms do you need? Furnished or unfurnished?
• How long will you want to rent? You can almost forget short term here in Guadalajara unless you rent in a place that is dedicated to short term furnished rentals with everything included. Those are few and far between – and they all start at about $1,000 USD. The locations vary – some are better than others, but because of the need for this type of rentals – they are not the fanciest but they are better than staying in a hotel long term!
• Now that you have thought about it – be aware that furnished apartments usually require TWO MONTHS deposit and first month rent. The deposit is returned at the end of the contract once all the bills have been paid – and normal wear and tear. It is not applied to the last month rent.
• You will also need what is called a fiador or aval – a co-signer. This is a challenge especially if you are not from here – and know no one here that will do this for you. They have to have local property that is lien free. They become responsible to pay anything if you do not. It is a big deal. If you don’t have a fiador – and you are a good prospect – some owners will work out either more months paid in advance or you can get a “ contrato de transaccion” - a judicial contract added to your normal contract – so the landlord at least can throw you out if you don’t pay the rent – instead of having to go to court. You will have to pay for this contract – and it runs about $1,500 pesos.
• Now, this is what I suggest – you find a reputable real estate broker / agent. They should be members of the local Realtor association – AMPI – as this is the equivalent of the NAR in the USA and CREA in Canada. If you later have a complaint about the person – as least you have an association to complain to . The others are considered “ coyotes “ – people who just do it on the side and do not normally have an established business – or just do it with a cell and a car! Beware…you want to make sure that YOU ARE BEING REPRESENTED! You will not have to pay a fee - normally the listing agent gets a commission (one month normally) of the rent and will split it with the agent that is representing YOU. A GOOD AGENT – wants repeat business and recommendations and will be on your side and represent your best interests.
• If you see a sign on a property that looks interesting – give the number to your AGENT. They will call, can get information, pictures, etc. and set up appointments in most cases. Some owners do NOT PAY COMMISSIONS. In that case, it would be in your best interest to pay the agent a fee to represent you.
• Make sure you know what is included in the rent. You can put in an offer on the property – and as a foreigner many people prefer to rent to you. So this is a good negotiating point right from the start.
• Once you see something you like there is normally a form that needs to be filled out – with your information. You do need to be legally in the country to sign a contract. You can be a tourist (FMT) – though that is normally only for 180 days and you need to leave the country and come back in again. There are also investigations – lots of paper work normally and IDs, etc. to be presented. You will give a holding fee - un apartado – so that the property is being held until your paperwork is in order. If for any reason YOU BACK OUT of the deal – you lose the apartado. If it does not go through – or they back out – you get your money back. Make sure that this is in writing and clear to everyone. Normally the listing agent holds the check.
• Make sure the dates are clear and when you take possession have a walk thru with all the details photographed and written. Who pays what and when – get a copy of the electric bill, the gas bill, the telephone bill, everything so that you know whose name it is in. Normally those will remain in the name of the owner. You just need to have a copy of your contract with you sometimes to prove that you are in that property.
• Properties normally do not have washers, dryers, and refrigerators. Only a stove and oven.
• Sign off on anything. Don’t let things just go by verbally. Ask that they be sent to you in writing to your email so that you have it in writing. Contracts are contracts and need to be signed, sealed and delivered as such. You have to abide by the contract and so does the owner.
• Keep your agent’s card so you can call them if there is a question down the road. Make sure that it is understood who pays for WHAT repairs in the apartment. If the handle falls off the toilet after a few months – chances are you have to call a plumber. That is fine – but make sure that you know who pays for what, IN WRITING.
If you are looking for an apartment here in Guadalajara, or any other property, buying, selling or commercial & residential – I hope that we can help you here at Trilenium Real Estate. If you are interested in RELOCATION SERVICES – please get in touch with Relocation Connection – we have many different destination services that will help make your move so much easier!!
If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

Mexican women working...sign of the times!

2010-05-28T14:45:00.004-05:00

I just read an article in CNN about Mexican women and working...hum....I remember when I first got married I thought..." easy streeeeeet " this is going to be fun!!! Painting my nails, going out to have breakfast with girlfriends, community work..but..hum...as the family grew and the expenses right along with it - reality kicked in and here I am working..many years later still working away!

Women in Mexico are still very tied to the home and " domestic activities ". Mexican women over 14, for example, spend about 10.2 hrs. in the kitchen fixing food and another 14 hrs. in things related to the kitchen ( does that mean, like mopping the floor?? cleaning the fridge? ) ...jeeeez...now that is about 23 hrs. more than me...

Oh how life has changed for the gringos in the states..Mexican men in 2002 ( I guess when they did the survey) spent less than ONE HOUR a WEEK fixing food. Yeah, cause the women are in there doing it for them!!

Well, as the country grows and things get a little more crazy, things will even out ..they always do! In the mean time....should I go fix something in the kitchen for my dear sweet esposo? He is the modern day Mexicano..and I am very very lucky!! Plus his cooking is so much better than mine!!

http://www.cnnexpansion.com/mi-carrera/2010/05/27/mujer-laboral-madre-vida-cnnexpansion?newscnn1=20100528

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

NEW IMMIGRATION PROCEDURES FOR MEXICO

2010-05-20T16:09:00.005-05:00

NEW CHANGES IN IMMIGRATION PROCEDURES IN MEXICO ARE NOW IN EFFECT

The INM has introduced changes that will hopefully facilitate all the paperwork in their Immigration Institute. It is online now for everything - or at least for the first part of the process. No long lines to reach the senorita who then would start you all the way back to stage one. Now you arrive with stage one in hand - because you did your homework online! You will even be given a PASSWORD so that you can see how your process is going along!!

For many years - each regional office would sometimes require DIFFERENT paperwork which prompted a lot of confusion for those looking to either retire or work in Mexico. This new system is done with the idea that now - everything goes to MEXICO CITY offices first and then filtered back to the regional offices.

You do need to speak Spanish or have someone that does with you to navigate the system, at least right now. In the future they hope to have a very comprehensive English site on board.

The changes will have to do with applications, any tourist visas, and the newest is going to be that now they will be issuing NEW credit card size ID for your FM2 & FM3. No more beaten up passport size green booklet for you! BTW - under Mexican law, you should carry your immigration card with you at all times.

You need to log on to http://www.inm.gob.mx/ for the HOME PAGE and there is an English section http://www.inm.gob.mx/EN/index.php

They also have a new call center 01-800-00-46264 ( 1-800-INAMI)
--
Mercy Stirling de Duenas
Trilenium Bienes Raices / Real Estate
www.trileniumbienesraices.com
Av. Ninos Heroes 2686 A
Col. Jardines del Bosque
Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico cp 44520
(01152) 33-3647-5854
celular 044-333-952-1796
MAGIC JACK 520-284-0182
http://guadalajararealestate.blogspot.com/
AMPI member & TRC certified

MOST USEFUL WEBSITES IN MEXICO!!

2010-05-12T18:30:00.001-05:00

Thank you for sharing!!

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

Useful Websites

Government

Chamber of Deputies www.diputados.gob.mx

Chamber of Senators www.senado.gob.mx

Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation www.scjn.gob.mx

Federal Public Administration

Presidency of the Republic www.presidencia.gob.mx

Ministry of the Interior www.segob.gob.mx

Ministry of Foreign Affairs www.sre.gob.mx

Ministry of Finance www.shcp.gob.mx

Ministry of Economy www.economia.gob.mx

Ministry of Communications and Transportation www.sct.gob.mx

Ministry of Tourism www.sectur.gob.mx

Ministry of Energy www.sener.gob.mx

Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food www.sagarpa.gob.mx

Ministry of Agrarian Reform www.sra.gob.mx

Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources www.semarnat.gob.mx

Ministry of Social Development www.sedesol.gob.mx

Ministry of Education www.sep.gob.mx

Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare www.stps.gob.mx

Ministry of Health www.salud.gob.mx

Ministry of Public Administration www.sfp.gob.mx

Ministry of the Navy www.semar.gob.mx

Ministry of National Defense www.sedena.gob.mx

Ministry of Public Security www.ssp.gob.mx

Office of the Attorney General of the Republic www.pgr.gob.mx

Other agencies

Airports and Auxiliary Services www.asa.gob.mx

Supports and Services for Agricultural Marketing www.aserca.gob.mx

Banco de México www.banxico.gob.mx

National Foreign Trade Bank www.bancomext.com

Federal Toll Highways and Bridges and Related Services www.capufe.gob.mx

Federal Commission on Competition www.cfc.gob.mx

Federal Commission on Regulatory Improvement www.cofemer.gob.mx

Federal Telecommunications Commission www.cofetel.gob.mx

National Banking and Securities Commission www.cnbv.gob.mx

National Commission of the Retirement Savings System www.consar.gob.mx

Tourism Promotion Council of Mexico www.cptm.com.mx

National Science and Technology Council www.conacyt.mx

National Tourism Promotion Fund www.fonatur.gob.mx

Institute of the National Workers’ Housing Fund portal.infonavit.org.mx

Mexican Industrial Property Institute www.impi.gob.mx

Mexican Social Security Institute www.imss.gob.mx

National Statistics and Geography Institute www.inegi.gob.mx

National Immigration Institute www.inm.gob.mx

Nacional Financiera Development Bank www.nafin.com

Petróleos Mexicanos www.pemex.com

Office of the Federal Attorney for Consumer Affairs www.profeco.gob.mx

Tax Administration Service www.sat.gob.mx

National Seed Inspection and Certification Service www.sagarpa.gob.mx

National Agro-Food Health, Safety and Quality Service www.senasica.gob.mx

Mexican Postal Service www.sepomex.gob.mx

Government Electronic Formalities System www.tramitanet.gob.mx

Government Electronic Procurement System www.compranet.gob.mx

State Governments

Aguascalientes www.aguascalientes.gob.mx

Baja California www.bajacalifornia.gob.mx

Baja California Sur www.bcs.gob.mx

Campeche www.portal.camp.gob.mx

Coahuila www.coahuila.gob.mx

Colima www.colima-estado.gob.mx

Chiapas www.chiapas.gob.mx

Chihuahua www.chihuahua.gob.mx

Distrito Federal www.df.gob.mx

Durango www.durango.gob.mx

Guanajuato www.guanajuato.gob.mx

Guerrero www.guerrero.gob.mx

Hidalgo www.hidalgo.gob.mx

Jalisco www.jalisco.gob.mx

Estado de México www.edomex.gob.mx

Michoacan www.michoacan.gob.mx

Morelos www.morelos.gob.mx

Nayarit www.nayarit.gob.mx

Nuevo León www.nl.gob.mx

Oaxaca www.oaxaca.gob.mx

Puebla www.puebla.gob.mx

Querétaro www.queretaro.gob.mx

Quintana Roo www.qroo.gob.mx

San Luis Potosí www.sanluispotosi.gob.mx

Sinaloa www.sinaloa.gob.mx

Sonora www.sonora.gob.mx

Tabasco www.tabasco.gob.mx

Tamaulipas www.tamaulipas.gob.mx

Tlaxcala www.tlaxcala.gob.mx

Veracruz portal.veracruz.gob.mx

Yucatán www.yucatan.gob.mx

Zacatecas www.zacatecas.gob.mx

Chambers and Entrepreneurial Associations in Mexico

Banks Association of Mexico www.abm.gob.mx

Mexican Internet Association www.amipci.gob.mx

Mexican Chamber of the Construction Industry www.cemic.org

National Chamber of Consulting Firms www.cnec.org.mx

National Chamber of the Graphic Arts Industry www.canagraf.com.mx

National Chamber of the Canned Goods Industry www.canainca.org.mx

National Chamber of the Cinematography Industry www.canacine.org.mx

National Chamber of the Tanning Industry www.canalcur.com.mx

National Chamber of the Processing Industry www.canacintra.org.mx

National Chamber of the Cable Telecommunications Industry www.canitec.org

National Chamber of the Iron and Steel Industry www.canacero.org.mx

National Chamber of the Apparel Industry www.cniv.org.mx

National Chamber of the Mexican Editorial Industry www.caniem.com

National Chamber of the Electronics, Telecommunications and Informatics Industry www.canieti.org

National Chamber of the Pharmaceutical Industry www.canifarma.org.mx

National Chamber of the Textile Industry www.canaintex.org.mx

National Chamber of Industrialized Corn www.cnmaiz.org.mx

National Chamber of Electrical Manufactures www.caname.org.mx

National Chamber of Restaurants and Seasoned Foods www.canirac.org.mx

National Chamber of Road Freight Transportation www.canacar.com.mx

National Chamber of Passenger and Tourism Road Transport www.canapat.org.mx

Confederation of Industrial Chambers of the United Mexican States www.concamin.org.mx

Mexican Entrepreneurial Council for Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology Mexican Industrial Estates Association www.comce.org.mx

Mexican Industrial Estates Association www.ampip.org.mx

Confederation of Customs Agents Associations of the Mexican Republic www.caarem.org.mx

International Agencies

Inter-American Development Bank www.iadb.org

World Bank www.worldbank.org

International Trade Center www.intracen.org

Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean www.eclac.org

International Monetary Fund www.imf.org

World Trade Organization www.wto.org

World Tourism Organization www.unwto.org

Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development www.ocde.org

Ibero-American Network of Foreign Trade Promotion Organizations www.redibero.org

How to open a new business in Mexico

2010-05-12T17:51:00.002-05:00

Wow - here is all the info that you need to open a business in Mexico!! This is from the website PRO MEXICO that promotes opening businesses in our country!

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

Opening new business in Mexico

1. Business Visas
1. Visa for Visiting Business Persons
2. Visa for Visiting Investors
3. Visa for Visiting Commercial Representation
4. d. Visa for Visitors who will perform commercial transactions
2. Foreign Investment Law
1. Foreign Investment and Foreign Investor Definition
2. Activities reserved for the Mexican State
3. Activities reserved for Mexican Nationals
4. Activities subject to specific regulations
5. Acquisition of real estate
6. Neutral Investment
7. Investment for foreign legal entities
8. National Foreign Investment Registry
9. Foreign Investment Modalities
10. Classification of economic activities. Kinds of business corporations
3. Procedures before the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE)
1. Incorporation of companies
2. Amendment to the By-laws of companies
3. Notice of amendment of the foreigners exclusion clause for an admission clause
4. Notice of authorization, liquidation, merger or spin-off of companies
5. Authorization to incorporate a trust in the restricted area
6. Purchase of real estate by foreign individuals or entities outside the restricted area
7. Concessions for the exploration and exploitation of mines and waters in Mexico
8. Response time and costs
4. Property and Commerce Public Registry, Commercial Notary and Notary Public
5. Procedures before Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS)
6. Procedures before the National Worker's Housing Fund (INFONAVIT)
7. Expedite Business Start-Up System (SARE)
1. Procedures before the Ministry of Treasury (SHCP) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE)
2. Procedures before the Ministry of Labor and Welfare (STPS) and Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS)
3. Procedures before the Ministry of Health (SS)
4. Procedures before the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT)
5. Federal Procedures Scheme
6. Three government levels procedures: federal, state and local

1. Business Visas

Responsible authority: National Immigration Institute. Ministry of the Interior.

www.inami.gob.mx

A visa is required by foreign citizens who enter into Mexico with the purpose of looking for investment options, making an investment or supervising it, representing foreign companies or doing commercial transactions. The General Law on Population (LGP) and its By-laws (RLGP) regulate this matter in Mexico.

The proceedings shall be carried out before the National Immigration Institute. The petitioner will receive a reply within the legal term (35 calendar days).

The interested person shall comply with the following requirements:

General requirements:

1. The foreign citizen or his legal representative shall complete the 'Immigration Procedure Request' form and meet the requirements for each case. All documents shall be filed in original and in copy.

2. Foreign passport in full force and effect, filed in a copy and the original to be reviewed by the immigration authorities.

3. In case the party carries out the process through a proxy or a legal representative, they shall prove their capacity through a power of attorney granted by the foreign national and a copy of the ID document containing the photograph and signature of the proxy or legal representative, as the case may be.

Specific Requirements:

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a. Visa for Visiting Business Persons

Article 42, Section III of the (GLP) and Article 163, Section I of the Regulations to the General Law on Population (RGLP)

1. Invitation letter in letterhead, written in or translated into Spanish, from the relevant trade or industry chamber, business association, public or private organization, or from an industrial or business company or a financial institution, stating the purpose of the visit and that the foreign citizen has sufficient financial back up so as to cover his/her expenses in Mexico, and in any location within the country where he/she will develop his/her activities (company affiliates).

2. Prove financial solvency with a bank letter evidencing that every month during one year, he/she will have available an amount equal to 500 days of the minimum wage in effect in the Federal District, or a financial solvency letter of his/her principal company for the term of his/her stay in Mexico.

3. If the applicant is a legal entity or an individual with business activities, he/she shall submit:

* The company's articles of incorporation.
* Certificate issued by a notary public attesting the denomination, social purpose and domicile of the company.
* Last tax return filed (e-receipt of the last tax return filed).
* Certificate of the National Foreign Investment Registry.
* Registration in the corresponding chamber, association or organization.
* These requirements are not applicable to a government entity or agency or to a public higher education institution.
* In the event that the individual with business activities is a foreign national, he/she must submit an immigration document in effect.

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b. Visa for the Visiting Investor

Article 42, Section III of the GLP and Article 163, Section I of the RGLP

1. Certificate of the National Foreign Investment Registry or the documentation proving the minimum investment corresponding to 26,000 of daily minimum wages applicable in the Federal District.

2. When the investment consists in real estate acquisition, file the public deed containing the purchase of the property or the trust agreements where by beneficial rights are acquired, for a minimum amount equal to 40,000 daily minimum wages applicable in the Federal District.

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c. Visa for visiting Commercial Representatives

Article 42, Section III of the GLP and Article 163, Section I of the RGLP

1. Letter addressed to the National Immigration Institute written in Spanish and signed by the foreign company appointing the applicant or a copy of the agreement(s) binding the foreign party with the Mexican party or with the foreign legal entity registered in Mexico, as well as the places in Mexico where it will perform its activities (company affiliates).

2. Prove financial solvency with a bank letter evidencing that every month during one year, he/she will have available an amount equal to 500 days of the minimum wage in effect in the Federal District, or a financial solvency letter of his/her principal company for the term of his/her stay in Mexico.

3. If the applicant is a legal entity or an individual with business activities, he/she shall submit:

* The company's articles of incorporation.
* Certificate issued by a notary public attesting the denomination, social purpose and domicile of the company.
* Last tax return filed (e-receipt of the last tax return filed).
* If applicable, certificate of the National Foreign Investment Registry.
* Registration from the chamber, association or corresponding organization.
* These requirements are not applicable to a government entity or agency or to a public higher education institution.
* In the event that the individual with business activities is a foreign national, he/she must submit an immigration document in effect.

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d. Visa for Visitors who will perform commercial transactions

Article 42, Section III of the GLP and Article 163, Section I of the RGLP

1. Purchase agreement for an amount equal to 26,000 daily minimum wages in the Federal District. ÿ

2. Prove financial solvency with a bank letter evidencing that every month during one year, he/she will have available an amount equal to 500 days of the minimum wage in effect in the Federal District, or a financial solvency letter of his/her principal company for the term of his/her stay in Mexico.

3. If the applicant is a legal entity or an individual with business activities, he/she shall submit:

* The company's articles of incorporation.
* Certificate issued by a notary public attesting the denomination, social purpose and domicile of the company.
* Last tax return filed (e-receipt of the last tax return filed).
* Certificate of the National Foreign Investment Registry.
* Registration from the chamber, association or corresponding organization.
* These requirements are not applicable to a government entity or agency or to a public higher education institution.
* In the event that the individual with business activities is a foreign national, he/she must submit an immigration document in effect (copy).

See: Immigration Procedures Manual, National Immigration Institute:

http://www.gobernacion.gob.mx/archnov/MANUALm.pdf

http://www.inami.gob.mx/index.php'page/Visitar_Mexico_Persona_Negocios

General Law on Population (GLP): http://www.diputados.gob.mx/LeyesBiblio/pdf/140.pdf

Regulations to the General Law on Population, see:

http://www.gobernacion.gob.mx/Portal/PtMain.php?pagina=orden-juridico

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2. Foreign Investment Law (FIL)

Responsible authority: Foreign Investment Office. Ministry of Economy.

www.economia.gob.mx

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a. Foreign investment and foreign investor definition

Foreign Investment is:

* Participation by foreign investors in any percentage in the capital stock of Mexican companies;
* Investments by Mexican companies in which foreign capital has majority interest; and
* Participation by foreign investors in activities and acts contemplated by the Foreign Investment Law (FIL).

A foreign investor is:

* An individual or entity of any nationality other than Mexican, and the foreign entities with no legal standing.
* The Foreign Investment Law provides that foreign investment may participate in any proportion in the capital stock of Mexican companies, acquire fixed assets, enter new fields of economic activity or manufacture new product lines, open and operate establishments and expand or relocate existing premises, except as otherwise specifically provided in the law.

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b. Activities reserved for the Mexican State

The activities determined by law in the following strategic areas are reserved for the Mexican State:

Article 5 of the FIL

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c. Activities reserved for Mexican Nationals

The following economic activities and companies are exclusively reserved for Mexicans or Mexican companies, with a foreigners' exclusion clause:

Article 6 of the FIL

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d. Activities subject to specific regulations

In the following economic activities and companies, foreign investment may participate in the following percentages:

Article 7 of the FIL

Foreign investment may participate in a percentage higher than 49 percent in the economic activities and companies referred to hereafter after approval by the National Foreign Investment Commission.:

Article 8 of the FIL

A favorable resolution from the Commission is required for foreign investment to participate, directly or indirectly, in a percentage higher than 49% of the capital stock of Mexican companies when the aggregate value of the assets of such companies at the date of acquisition exceeds the amount determined annually by such Commission.

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e. Acquisition of real estate

The foreign individuals and entities intending to acquire real estate outside of the restricted zone or to obtain concessions for the exploration and development of mines and waters anywhere within Mexico, shall previously submit before the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a statement agreeing to the terms of Section I of Article 27 of the Political Constitution of the United Mexican States and obtain the corresponding permit from that Ministry.

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f. Neutral Investment

Neutral investment is a mechanism that allows foreigners to hold larger shares of the equity of Mexican companies. This equity shall not be computed to determine the percentage of foreign investment in the capital stock of Mexican companies.

The Ministry may authorize trustee institutions to issue neutral investment instruments which shall solely grant pecuniary rights to their holders and, if applicable, limited corporate rights, but without granting their holders voting rights in Regular Shareholders' Meetings.

The Ministry may authorize companies to issue non-voting shares or shares with limited corporate rights, which is considered neutral investment.

The National Foreign Investment Commission shall resolve upon the neutral investment that International Financial Development Institutions intend to perform in the capital stock of Mexican companies.

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g. Investment by foreign legal entities

Foreign legal entities who intend to perform business activities in Mexico shall obtain authorization from the Ministry of Economy.

Foreign entities that intend to set up in Mexico, even if not governed by corporate laws by the Federal Civil Code, shall obtain authorization from the Ministry of Economy.

This authorization will be granted within two weeks prior accomplishment of the following requirements:

a) Foreign entities shall prove that their companies have been incorporated pursuant to their countries laws;

b) Their social contract and other constituent documents shall not be contrary to the Mexican laws, and

c) For foreign legal entities that are established in Mexico or have settled an agency or branch in the country; or for foreign entities that have a representative with residence in the seat of operation, authorized to comply with the relevant obligations assumed.

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h. National Foreign Investment Registry

Article 32 of the FIL

The following shall register before the National Foreign Investment Registry:

* Mexican companies that hold, even through a trust, in foreign investment, neutral investment or Mexicans who have or acquire another nationality and who reside outside the Mexican territory.
* Foreign individuals and entities or Mexicans who have or acquire another nationality and who reside outside the Mexican territory, and who usually perform business activities in Mexico.
* Share or membership interest trusts, real estate and neutral investment trusts by virtue of which entitlements are created in favor of the foreign investment or of Mexicans who have or acquire another nationality and who reside outside the Mexican territory.

Registration shall take place within 40 business days as of the date of incorporation of the company or the foreign investment participation; of formalization or protocolization of the respective documents of the foreign society; or of incorporation of the respective trust or granting of trustee's rights in favor of the foreign investment.

Persons obliged to obtain a registration, shall renew it annually; for such procedure it will be enough to submit an economic-financial questionnaire.

Refer to the Information System of the National Foreign Investment Registry:

http://www.si-rnie.economia.gob.mx/home.htm

http://www.economia.gob.mx/

Foreign Investment Law: http://www.diputados.gob.mx/LeyesBiblio/pdf/44.pdf

Regulations to the Foreign Investment Law and to the National Foreign Investment Registry:

http://www.diputados.gob.mx/cedia/biblio.htm

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i. Foreign Investment Modalities

Foreign investment may:

* Hold equity in Mexican corporations or partnerships
* Acquire fixed assets
* Enter new fields of economic activity or manufacture new lines of products
* Open and operate establishments (branch offices, agencies)
* Expand or relocate existing establishments (joint ventures)

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j. Classification of economic activities. Kinds of business corporations

The General Law of Mercantile Corporations (GLMC) acknowledges the following mercantile companies:

Article 1 of the GLMC

* General Partnership
* Limited Partnership
* Limited Liability Corporation
* Corporation
* Limited Liability Partnership
* Cooperatives

Any of these companies can be incorporated as a company with variable capital stock.

In corporations and limited liability corporations, the partners will respond only to the extent of their contributions. There are other mixed liability companies, such as limited partnerships and limited liability partnerships, where some members are liable without limitations for the company's obligations and others are only to the extent of their contributions.

Companies will be incorporated in the presence of a notary and the amendments to the by laws shall also be recorded. The notary public does not authorize the deed when the by laws or the amendments thereto contravene the provisions of the General Law of Mercantile Corporations.

The General Law of Mercantile Corporations acknowledges legal standing of foreign mercantile corporations that are duly incorporated.

Foreign companies can only carry out business in Mexico upon registration in the Public Registry of Commerce, which registration shall take place prior authorization of the Ministry of Economy pursuant to Articles 17 and 17a; of the Foreign Investment Law.

General Law of Mercantile Corporations: http://www.diputados.gob.mx/LeyesBiblio/pdf/144.pdf

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3. Procedures before the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE)

Responsible authority: Legal Affairs Office. Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

http://www.sre.gob.mx

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a. Incorporation of companies

Article 15 of the FIL and 13 of the RFIL

An authorization of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is required for the incorporation of companies. To that effect, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, pursuant to the provisions of Article 13 of the aforementioned regulations, shall grant authorization for the incorporation of companies solely when the intended corporate name or denomination has not been reserved by another company. Likewise, if the requested corporate name or denomination includes words or terms specifically regulated by other laws, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall condition approvals to the obtainment of other authorizations required by such legal provisions.

Article 17 of the RFIL

Once an authorization has been obtained for the incorporation of a company, the applicant shall within ninety days after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has granted such authorization, appear before a notary public and cause the formalization of the incorporation of the company. Should the aforementioned term lapse without the issuance of the relevant public instrument, the authorization shall become void. In this case, the re-issuance of the voided authorization shall be applied for.

Article 18 of the RFIL

Likewise, within the six months following the issuance of the authorization for incorporation of a company, the interested party must provide notice to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Such notice shall refer to the insertion within the relevant instrument of the foreigners exclusion clause or, if applicable, the agreement provided for in Article 14 of the RFIL (whereby the present or future foreign equity holders obligate themselves, before the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to be considered as nationals with respect to the shares, equity participations or rights acquired from said companies; the assets, rights, concessions, participations or interests that said companies may hold, and the rights and obligations derived from the contracts to which said companies may be a party). The mentioned agreement or pact must include the waiver of invoking protection from their governments under penalty of otherwise losing the rights and assets they acquired, in favor of the Nation.

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b. Amendment to By-laws of companies (Change of corporate name or denomination)

Article 16 of the FIL and 15 of the RFIL

The authorization of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is required to change the corporate name or denomination of duly incorporated companies. To that effect, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, pursuant to the provisions of Article 13 of the aforementioned regulations, shall grant this authorization, provided that the corporate name or denomination intended to be used has not been reserved by a different company, and the will of the legal entity to conduct the requested amendment is proven.

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c. Notice of amendment of the foreigners' exclusion clause to the admission clause

Article 16 of the FIL

Companies amending their foreigners' exclusion clause to the one of admission must notify such amendment to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, within the 30 business days following said amendment. In case of failure to notify, the relevant company shall be subject to the corresponding penalties.

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d. Notice of authorization, liquidation, merger or spin-off of companies

Article 18 of the RFIL

Notice of incorporation or amendment of corporate name or denomination must be given to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs within the six months following the issuance of the relevant authorization, and the notices of liquidation, merger or spin-off of the relevant company must be submitted before the Ministry of Foreign Affairs within the month following the date on which the relevant act took place. In case of failure to notify, the relevant company shall be subject to the corresponding penalties.

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e. Authorization to incorporate a trust in the restricted area

Article 27, section I of the Political Constitution of the United Mexican States

Foreign nationals are impaired from acquiring direct ownership of land and waters located within a strip of one hundred kilometers along the borders, and fifty kilometers along the beaches, but they may use and enjoy real estate located within this restricted area through the incorporation of a trust that shall be governed by Title Two of the Foreign Investment Law.

Authorizations issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the incorporation of trusts serve the purpose of enabling the use and enjoyment of real estate located within the restricted area in favor of foreign nationals (individuals and entities), or Mexican companies that have an admission clause, provided the real estate is devoted to residential purposes, for a maximum term of 50 years. The trust agreement must be formalized through a public deed.

The authorization shall be granted to financial institutions (banks) so that they may be able to acquire as trustee the ownership of the real estate, and enable their use and enjoyment to foreign nationals.

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f. Purchase of real estate by foreign individuals or entities outside the restricted area

Article 27, section I of the Political Constitution of the United Mexican States

Only Mexican nationals by birth or naturalization and Mexican companies, may acquire ownership of land and obtain a concession for the exploration and exploitation of mines and waters in national territory. The Government may grant foreign nationals the same rights, provided they submit before the Ministry of Foreign Affairs a statement agreeing to consider themselves as nationals and waiving their government's protection regarding such, with the penalty, in case of violation, of forfeiting the acquired goods for the benefit of Mexico.

In this regard, and in accordance with the General Agreement published on March 2, 1998, which entered into force the following day, nationals of those countries with whom Mexico maintains diplomatic relations may benefit from the provisions of the last paragraph of Article 10-A of the Foreign Investment Law. Thus, they shall only be bound to submit before the Ministry of Foreign Affairs an application whereby they agree with the provisions of section I of Article 27 of the Mexican Constitution in order to be able to purchase real estate outside of the restricted area.

Nationals of those countries with whom Mexico does not maintain diplomatic relations, and who intend to purchase real estate outside of the restricted area, must submit before the Ministry of Foreign Affairs an application whereby they agree with the provisions of section I of Article 27 of the Mexican Constitution for the purchase of real estate outside of the restricted area, and obtain the relevant authorization from such governmental agency, pursuant to the first paragraph of Article 10-A of the Foreign Investment Law.

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g. Concessions for the exploration and exploitation of mines and waters in Mexican territory

Article 27, section I of the Political Constitution of the United Mexican States

Only Mexican nationals by birth or naturalization and Mexican companies may acquire ownership of land and obtain a concession for the exploration and exploitation of mines and waters in national territory. The Government may grant foreign nationals the same rights, provided they submit before the Ministry of Foreign Affairs a statement agreeing to consider themselves as nationals and waiving the protection of their governments regarding such, with the penalty, in case of violation, of forfeiting the goods they have acquired for the benefit of Mexico.

In this regard, and in accordance with the General Agreement published on May 11, 1998, which entered into force the following day, nationals of those countries with whom Mexico maintains diplomatic relations may benefit from the provisions of the last paragraph of Article 10-A of the Foreign Investment Law. Thus, they shall only be bound to submit before the Ministry of Foreign Affairs an application whereby they agree with the provisions of section I of Article 27 of the Mexican Constitution in order to be able to benefit from concessions for the exploration and exploitation of mines and waters in Mexico.

Nationals of those countries with whom Mexico does not maintain diplomatic relations, and who intend to obtain concessions for the exploration and exploitation of mines and waters in Mexico, must submit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs an application whereby they agree to the provisions of section I of Article 27 of the Mexican Constitution for the purchase of real estate outside of the restricted area, and obtain the relevant authorization from such governmental agency, pursuant to the first paragraph of Article 10-A of the Foreign Investment Law.

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h. Response time and cost

Amounts of these procedures are expressed in Mexican Pesos, and are subject to the amendments to the Federal Law on Duties in force.

See the section on procedures and requirements for submission at:

http://www.sre.gob.mx

http://www.sre.gob.mx/tramites/juridico/costos_27.htm

Federal Law on Duties: http://www.diputados.gob.mx/LeyesBiblio/pdf/107.pdf

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4. Property and Commerce Public Registry, Commercial Notary and Notary Public

Property and Commerce Public Registry (PCPR)

The PCPR is a public institution that guarantees certainty, juridical security and protection to the property, its transmission, obligations and the effects of the inscribed rights, as well as the juridical acts carried out by individuals and legal entities.

A simple or certified copy of the registry of the property to be alienated or a certificate of the obligations of the real estate located in the Mexican republic, can be obtained in the PCPR; the registry offers the service to know who is the proprietor of the real estate to be purchased or for sale, and to know if a society or association (legal entity) is duly recorded in the Public Registry.

The main procedures and services that the PCPR carries out in the purchase and sale of real estate are:

* Certificate of Existence or nonexistence of Obligations.
* Certificate of registration of the Accountants Registers in book or folio.
* Certificate of non-registration.
* Certificate of acquisition or alienation of real estate (not property).
* Acts and Juridical Facts Registration.

The PCPR is an institution subject to each State of the Mexican Republic responsible of providing security and publicity to certain juridical acts implicating real estate or business corporations.

For further information on PCPR, visit: http://www.consejeria.df.gob.mx/rppc/index.html and

http://www.consejeria.df.gob.mx/rppc/fac/consultaFaq.html?tema=34

National Directory of Public Registries:

http://rppc.jalisco.gob.mx/imderac/Web/Director.asp

Federal Civil Code, Chapter III of the Real State Property Registry and Inscribable and Notated Titles:

http://www.diputados.gob.mx/LeyesBiblio/pdf/2.pdf

Regulations to the Property Public Registry of the Federal District:

http://www.consejeria.df.gob.mx/rppc/mnormativo/reg_rppc.pdf

Commercial Notary

A commercial notary is a private individual, legal expert, specialized in commercial and economic-financial matters, who has been entrusted by the Mexican Government to act as a mediating agent, appraiser, legal advisor, arbitrator, public attester and other activities indicated by the Federal Law on Commercial Notaries and other laws and regulations, through the corresponding entitlement issued by the Federal Executive through the Ministry of Economy.

According to Article 6 of the Federal Law on Commercial Notaries, a commercial notary shall have the following authority:

1. To act as a mediating agent, for the transmission and exchange of proposals between two or more parties, and for advising in the execution or adjustment of any contract or agreement that has a commercial nature.

When acting as a mediating agent, he/she acts in the transmission and exchange of proposals between two or more parties regarding any good or service that is offered in the national or international market, and he/she advises on the execution or adjustment of any contract or agreement that has a commercial nature.

The Commercial Notary offers security, trustworthiness, efficiency and expediency to his/her contributions, since he is a qualified market technician, and not just a simple intermediary; rather an expert mediator, honest and impartial that causes contact and adjusts commercial contracting in general, whether for goods or services. As a mediating agent, the Commercial Notary is obligated to propose business with accuracy, clarity and precision, maintaining professional secrecy in not revealing, as long as the commercial transaction has not concluded, the names of the contracting parties nor the data or reports on the transaction, unless the law or the nature of the transaction demands otherwise or the parties have agreed to such revelation.

2. To act as an expert appraiser for the estimation, quantification and valuation of goods, services, rights and obligations that are submitted to his/her consideration, either through a private mandate, or as a result of an order issued by a competent authority.

As an expert appraiser he estimates, quantifies and valuates the goods, services, rights and obligations that are submitted to his/her consideration, either through a private mandate, or as a result of an order issued by a competent authority.

The Commercial Notary is legally authorized to valuate within judicial proceedings or otherwise, including the following goods and services:

a. Physical goods, such as jewelry and objects of art.

b. Companies as whole for the purpose of strategic alliances conducted via mergers, acquisitions, associations, joint ventures, etc.

c. Tangible assets: a) real estate, such as land and constructions: residential real estate, warehouses, industrial real estate, special facilities, etc.; b) moveable goods, such as shares, equity interests, industrial, commercial and services machinery and equipment and their accessories, automobiles, airplanes, vessels, etc.

d. Intangible assets, such as copyrights, royalties, trademarks, trade names, authorizations for use, commercial notices and origin rights, franchises, commercial credits, credit rights, assessment of damages and loss of profits for judicial purposes, etc.

Appraisals conducted by a Commercial Notary shall have full legal evidentiary value for commercial and tax purposes.

As an expert appraiser, the Commercial Notary is a professional with knowledge of the market and the commercial practices and customs. His/Her knowledge is sufficient so that as regards valuation matters, he/she can estimate, qualify, appraise and assess whatever is submitted to his/her judgment in his/her capacity of a qualified, responsible and impartial intermediary.

The Commercial Notary, in his/her capacity of just appraiser of goods, services, rights and obligations, issues expert opinions. Depending on the expert opinion to be rendered, or of the objectives or purposes for which it is to be prepared, all appraisal necessarily requires the expert choice of valuation method, which shall be adjusted to the techniques regarding valuation practice that are deemed acceptable. This provides great reliability and impartiality in such appraisals and is precisely what justifies and validates the performance of the Commercial Notary as an expert appraiser, while serving as a basis for the expert opinions rendered by him/her.

3. To provide legal advice to merchants or businessmen in activities that are inherent to trade.

In his/her capacity as a legal adviser, he/she provides legal advice to all kinds of companies, commercial entities and individuals who undertake entrepreneurial activities.

The Commercial Notary is a reliable and impartial adviser, with vast legal knowledge who exercises control over the legality of businesses.

4. To act as an arbitrator, upon request by the parties, in the resolution of disputes derived from acts, contracts and agreements that are commercial in nature, as well as regarding those that result between suppliers and consumers pursuant to the relevant law.

As an arbitrator, he/she acts upon request by the parties, in the resolution of disputes derived from commercial acts, contracts and agreements that are national or international in nature, as well as regarding those that result between suppliers and consumers pursuant to the Federal Consumer Protection Law.

Currently, the National Copyright Institute and the Federal Consumer Protection Agency include Commercial Notaries interested in acting as arbitrators within their lists of independent arbitrators.

Arbitration is a mechanism for the resolution of disputes through the voluntary agreement of the parties in conflict, instead of resorting to courts, which generally implies long, complicated and costly proceedings.

In arbitration, as in judicial proceedings, a judgment is rendered on the application of the legal applicable provisions to the specific situation that is resolved. The Commercial Notary in his/her capacity of arbitrator, issues arbitral awards.

5. To act as a public attester in order to evidence contracts, agreements and acts that are commercial in nature, except in the case of real estate, as well as for the issuance of debentures and other securities; as regards mortgages on ships, vessels and aircraft that are executed before him/her; as well as to attest to facts that are commercial in nature.

As a public attester, he/she issues policies (p¢lizas) and deeds that are public instruments that have full evidentiary value pursuant to applicable law. Part of the legal security provided by the Commercial Notary is his obligation to maintain his/her own public instruments and to that effect, he/she must daily create a file of all policies and deeds, which shall be dated and chronologically numbered; and in that same order, he/she shall insert a summary thereof in the special ledgers maintained to that effect, providing the greatest legal security.

In his capacity of commercial public attester, the Commercial Notary has the following characteristics:

a. Provides legal certainty of a specific date to the execution of a business.

b. Has the obligation of verifying the identity and legal capacity of the parties participating in a business, as well as giving advice and explanation on the legal consequences of the acts they are involved in.

c. Is responsible for his/her participation in a legal action the purpose of which is physically or legally impossible, or contrary to law or good customs.

d. Issues a public document that has an assumption of validity and, in some cases, becomes an executive instrument. Since it is a public document, it is an instrument that may be recorded with the Public Registry, and the business provided thereby may be used as evidence against third parties.

The current activities of a Commercial Notary (mediating agent, expert appraiser, legal advisor, arbitrator and public attester) make him/her a useful and practical legal concept which enables expeditiousness to trade and aids merchants and entrepreneurs, providing them legal security for their operations, quickly and at the less possible cost.

6. To act as an attester in the incorporation and other acts provided by the General Law on Business Corporations (Ley General de Sociedades Mercantiles), including those that evidence the authority of those appointed to corporate office.

7. Compare and certify copies of the policies and deeds that were issued by them, as well as those documents seen by them, provided they are among those referred to by Articles 33 to 50 of the Commercial Code, and

8. Any other tasks provided by other laws and regulations.

The foregoing tasks are indicated without prejudice of the provisions of any other laws, and shall not be deemed exclusive to commercial notaries.

Only the persons entitled as such by the Ministry of Economy may represent themselves as commercial notaries.

Commercial Notaries entitled by the Ministry of Economy:

http://www.economia.gob.mx/'P=865 and

http://www.correduriapublica.gob.mx/correduria/Site

Federal Law of Commercial Notaries: http://www.diputados.gob.mx/LeyesBiblio/pdf/105.pdf

Regulations to the Federal Law of Commercial Notaries: http://www.cddhcu.gob.mx/LeyesBiblio/regley/Reg_LFCP.pdf

Notary Public

The Mexican Notary Public is a specialized attorney with advanced legal knowledge, who participates in commercial and civil matters as a public attester and legal adviser to investors, entrepreneurs and individuals.

In Mexico, acts that are executed before the presence and under the advice of a Notary Public have full evidentiary value in all courts around the country, and are an absolute guarantee of legality and legal certainty.

The Notary Public is a legal professional, who undertakes public tasks within the framework of non-contentious activities initiated by the State, and he/she performs numerous social tasks within the scope of Mexico's national society, and to this extent he/she is a public official and autonomous delegate of State's public authority.

The public and societal tasks of the Notary Public are, to a very special extent, at the disposal of respect and safeguard of legality and maintenance of legal security and equity

.

The Notary Public performs his/her tasks by establishing authentic acts that have evidentiary and executive force, through the rendering on the one hand, of full legal consulting and assistance services to citizens. These activities are intimately linked to authentication duties, as well as the performance of judicial acts within the confines of voluntary jurisdiction proceedings, through which the Notary public contributes to expediting the judicial powers of the State.

The Notary Public exercises his/her public tasks impartially, maintaining professional secrecy as well as substantial, economic and personal independence within the framework of a liberal profession specifically governed, thereby providing specific contribution to consumer protection.

The Notary Public, due to the territorial organization of his/her profession within the framework of its competence, guarantees legal assistance in favor of citizens within an entire sub-federal territory.

The Notary Public is subject to regular and severe control in connection with all of his/her activities and tasks by the National Association of Notaries Public and by the Colleges of Notaries of the states, as well as by the State itself, and, therefore, he/she ensures the personal responsibility of his/her activities and tasks.

The Notary Public is able to acquire and maintain his/her legal competence through university entitlement, postgraduate practical training and permanent continuing education in furtherance of his/her professional formation.

In sum, the Notary Public provides certainty and security, and is a qualified legal adviser, who impartially advises and guides the interested parties, suggests the ideal legal tools, so that through the execution of the suitable legal act, they may be able to govern their rights and legal events in general; he/she inserts such events in a document authored by him/her. Once it has been signed by the relevant person, it is authenticated by him/her as a continuous act so that he/she may provide authentic evidence of its execution. Besides, the notary public is an officer that is vested with public faith so that the documents authorized by him/her and the copies and reproductions issued have full evidentiary value in court and out of court, and, consequently, that its content be deemed as good and valid by all the persons involved or related to the effects of the acts or facts attested in such documents, and in general, by the entire community, notwithstanding the fact that is has no evidence of the provisions thereof, since this is the legal quality of public faith.

When doing business in Mexico, your assets will be legally backed if before entering into an agreement or conducting an investment, you consult directly a Notary Public, who will consult with the College of Notaries of the relevant city or state.

Agreements executed before Notaries are provided with a guarantee of legal certainty that is granted by the Mexican Government in favor of those who request its services.

The Notary Public shall intervene in:

* Real estate purchases and sales.
* Incorporation of companies.
* Granting of powers of attorney.
* Purchase and shares of companies.
* Trusts in beaches and borders.
* Wills and inheritances
* Financial and credit operations
* Civil and commercial arbitration, etc.

National Registry of Attesters-Notaries in the Mexican republic by entity:

http://www.sat.gob.mx/sitio_internet/sitio_aplicaciones/

National Association of Notaries Public, A.C.:

http://www.notariadomexicano.org.mx/

Colleges of Notaries of the DF:

http://www.colegiodenotarios.org.mx/

General Archive of Notaries of the Federal District:

http://www.consejeria.df.gob.mx/legislativos/archivo_general/organ_fond.html

Notaries Law for the Federal District:

http://www.asambleadf.gob.mx/al/pdf/010803000056.pdf

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5. Procedures before the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS)

Responsible authority: IMSS.

http://www.imss.gob.mx

1. Employer registration before the Mexican Social Security Institute.

Refer to this procedure, at:

http://www.cofemertramites.gob.mx/intranet/

Upon completion of this procedure, the companies will be automatically registered in the National Workers' Housing Fund and the Retirement Savings System.

2. Company registration with the Occupational Risk Insurance of the Mexican Social Security Institute.

Refer to this procedure, at: http://www.cofemertramites.gob.mx/intranet/

These procedures with IMSS shall be carried out within five business days after hiring the workers.

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6. Procedures before the National Worker's Housing Fund (INFONAVIT)

Responsible authority: INFONAVIT.

http://www.imss.gob.mx

Pursuant to the Law, employers shall comply with the following procedures:

1. Registration of the employer and the employee in the INFONAVIT;

2. Submitting before the INFONAVIT a notice of any change regarding domicile, denomination or firm, increase or decrease of fiscal obligations, suspension or renewal of activities, closing, merging, division, alienation and bankruptcy statement and payment suspension, as well as any other circumstance that affects its registry before the Institute;

3. Submitting before the INFONAVIT a notice of entry, ending, wages modification, absences and disabilities and any other fact regarding employees that is necessary for the INFONAVIT;

4. Determine and pay contributions in the housing account of the National Housing Fund, as well as to withhold and pay allowances in the INFONAVIT's offices, or if necessary, in the receiving entities as indicated by the INFONAVIT.

5. Employers shall register their workers by means of the authorized forms from the INFONAVIT, in its offices, or in the entities previously authorized by it, within 5 business days as of the date the labor relationship was initiated. In case a worker renders his/her services to several employers, each employer shall be obliged to register him/her in the INFONAVIT.

6. The employer shall submit the IMSS social security number of the employee in order to register him/her.

Refer to: http://www.infonavit.gob.mx and

http://www.infonavit.gob.mx/empresario/abc_empresario.shtml

Payments to the INFONAVIT

The payment of contributions and/or allowances to workers due to credit amortizations from the INFONAVIT shall be effectuated in banks (receiving offices) within 17 days at the most of the next month following the two months term when the payment has to be done.

If the employer has five workers or more in payroll, he/she shall pay at the bank or in the receiving office submitting a diskette through the Single System of Self-calculation (SUA) as well as the payment amount.

If the staff is of four or less workers, the employer shall pay at the bank or at the receiving office submitting information through the Certificate of Calculation of Credit Fees, Contributions and Amortizations, as well as the payment amount. The bank shall deliver a receipt for such payment. In case, adjustments are made to such certificate or if the payment is inopportune it will be necessary to create a file in the SUA. If support is required for this activity, the certificate or its modifications can be submitted before the corresponding IMSS office.

Refer to: http://www.infonavit.gob.mx/empresario/pagos_al_infonavit.shtml

Receiving entities: http://www.infonavit.gob.mx/trabajador/cuanto_ahorro/entidades_recep.shtml

Dates of payment:

http://www.infonavit.gob.mx/empresario/sua/fechas_de_pago_de_aportamortiz.shtml

Single System of Self-calculation: http://www.infonavit.gob.mx/empresario/sua/sua2000.shtml

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7. Expedite Business Start-Up System (SARE)

Responsible authority: Federal Commission for Regulatory Improvement (COFEMER).

http://www.cofemer.gob.mx/

The Expedite Business Start-Up System (SARE) is a scheme that promotes the opening of all kinds of companies in one business day through the identification of the minimum federal procedures necessary to complete the set up and start operations, simplification of procedures and the expeditious processing by the federal authorities.

In addition, companies performing one of the 685 business activities (agribusiness, industrial, trade and services) deemed of low public risk and that are described in the Exhibit to the Decree establishing SARE, issued in the Official Gazette on January 28, 2002, will have up to 3 months to meet other federal mandatory requirements after obtaining the Taxpayers' Registry Number. During that period, the federal authorities may not request information or perform visits to verify compliance with such procedures.

As regards low risk activities and their benefits, the scheme was based on the 1999 Mexican Classification of Goods and Businesses (CMAP) by INEGI. Such activities account for 80% of the most frequent businesses in our country and are susceptible of being developed by micro, small and medium enterprises.

Please refer to Decree at:

http://www.apps.cofemer.gob.mx/sare/sare.pdf

http://www.economia.gob.mx/pics/p/p1376/A4.pdf

For procedures, see:

http://www.cofemer.gob.mx/index.asp'tipo_nav_bar=2&contenido=2&

Federal Procedures

According to SARE, the procedures to be performed with the Federal Government to open a company or start working as an independent professional are:

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a. Procedures before the Ministry of Treasury (SHCP) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE)

Individuals: registration in the Federal Taxpayer's Registry (RFC) assigned by the Tax Administration Service of the Ministry of Treasury, and

Legal entities: procedure SRE-02-001, to obtain an authorization for the incorporation of companies registered in the RFC as required by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The procedure can be carried out by the commercial and public notaries that took part in the incorporation of the company, through electronic means.

In addition, those companies that make use of the Expedite Business Start-up System (SARE) shall comply with their fiscal obligations, including the payment of federal taxes.

Refer to RFC registration at: http://www.sat.gob.mx/sitio_internet/servicios/noticias_boletines/33_6467.html

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b. Procedures before the Ministry of Labor and Welfare (STPS) and the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS)

In the event of hiring workers, companies will carry out the following procedures:

1. The employer shall be registered before the IMSS and he/she shall register his/her workers in the obligatory regime within five days after the respective contracts have been made, through the procedure: IMSS-02-001-A Employer registration, mode initial A. Companies will be automatically registered in the National Worker's Housing Fund and at the Saving System for Retirement.

For this procedure, refer to:

http://www.cofemertramites.gob.mx/intranet/

2. Registration of the company in the Labor Risk Insurance before the IMSS, within five business days after the contract has been made.

For this procedure, refer to:

http://www.cofemertramites.gob.mx/intranet/

3. Approval of Teaching and training plans and programs, through the procedure: STPS-04-001-A, which shall be resolved in a one business day term, concluding this term the constructive assent will be applied. The procedure shall be submitted in a simplified format through the internet and, if the company does not have a collective employment contract, it must be carried out, , within the first sixty days of the following odd year after the company was established and began operating, or, in case the company enters into this contract, within fifteen days following this act, and these plans and programs shall be at the STPS disposal.

For this procedure, refer to: http://www.cofemertramites.gob.mx/intranet/

4. Incorporation of the Security and safety commission at the working centers, through the procedure STPS-05-001-A. It will not be necessary to carry out a request form or submit any information before the STPS, in any case, it is important to keep this information for disposal if necessary.

For this procedure, refer to:

http://www.cofemertramites.gob.mx/intranet/

5. Incorporation of the Mixed Commission of teaching and training, through the procedure STPS-04-004. It will not be necessary to carry out a request form or submit any information before the STPS, in any case, it is important to keep this information for disposal if necessary.

For this procedure, refer to:

http://www.cofemertramites.gob.mx/intranet/

6. Finally, companies shall pay the respective social security and saving for retirement contributions.

Refer to: http://www.infonavit.gob.mx/empresario/tramites_ante_el_imss.shtml

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c. Procedures before the Ministry of Health (SS)

In those activities where the Notice of Functioning is required, companies shall submit before the Ministry of Health the procedure: SSA-04-001-A Notice of Functioning, mode A initial, within 10 business days after obtaining the registration in the Federal Taxpayer's Registry.

For these procedures, refer to:

http://www.cofemertramites.gob.mx/intranet/ , or

http://www.cofemertramites.gob.mx/intranet/

Refer to the Ministry of Health agreement for information on the establishments that must submit the Notice of Functioning, within the framework of the Expedite Business Start-up System agreement, in: http://www.apps.cofemer.gob.mx/sare/sare-ssa.pdf

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d. Procedures before the Ministry of Environment (SEMARNAT)

In addition, when the Notice of registration as a company that produces hazardous waste is specified in the activities carried out by the company, it shall submit before the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources the procedure: INE-04-004-A, Notice of registration as a company that produces hazardous waste, mode A General, within three months at the most after obtaining the registration in the Federal Taxpayer's Registry.

For this procedure, refer to:

http://www.cofemertramites.gob.mx/intranet/

Refer to the Agreement from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources where the activities that require to submit the procedure: INE-04-004-A Notice of registration as a company producer of hazardous waste, mode A general, are specified, as referred in the Agreement established by the Expedite Business Start-Up System, at: http://www.apps.cofemer.gob.mx/sare/sare-semarnat.pdf

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e. Federal Procedures Scheme

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f. Three government levels: federal, state and municipal procedures

The opening of new businesses involves the three government levels; therefore it is essential to coordinate actions to make agile and reduce the corresponding procedures to the minimum.

Sare's success depends mostly on its implementation in the States and Municipalities, since they establish regulations and procedures for a new business to incorporate and start operations in their territory.

To implement an expedite business start-up system in most of the States and Municipalities, it is necessary to add the steps for land use and the operation license.

AMERICAN SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL REUNION!! MAY 29TH

2010-05-06T09:36:00.002-05:00

Hey, this is for all you EX ASFG - Guadalajara American School alumni!!
The 12th Annual Reunion for Alumni at the school on Saturday the 29th of May - at 2 p.m. in the green area of the school - $150 pesos per person that will include (so you can go down memory lane) botanas, tacos and lonches de pierna with frijoles, desserts, coffee, music, gift raffles and a chance to see old friends and remember old times!!!
Please get in touch with Gabriel Ponce

Ex Alumnos

T. (33) 3648-0299 ext.1006

gabriela.ponce@asfg.mx

www.asfg.mx

A nombre de la Asociación de Ex Alumnos del ASFG, tenemos el gusto de invitarte a nuestra 12va Fiesta Anual de Ex Alumnos.

La cuota de recuperación incluye: botana, bebidas, comida (taquiza y los tradicionales lonches de pierna y frijoles), postres, café, música, rifa de regalos sorpresa y la oportunidad de re-encontrarte con tus amigos y recordar viejos tiempos.

TE ESPERAMOS !!

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

GUADALAJARA - attracting investors into our city!

2010-05-03T12:38:00.002-05:00

One of the main reasons that companies love to relocate to our city is because of the large amount of stable educated work force in the city. When you have a maquila up on the border, many of the employees are there quite temporarily - and there is quite a bit of turnover. We have more than 10 universities in the Guadalajara area, many of them with SPECIAL programs that meet the specifications of local international employers.

Investment goal raised

Guadalajara, Mexico,- Jalisco Ministry of Economic Promotion raised their expectations for this. year and are planning to attract US$2.318 billion in investment to the State, US$67 million more than in 2009.

"Our goal is definitively exceeding this amount, US$2.3 billion; right now we have projects, more than 140, which are in different stages and which may materialize to reach this goal", said Jacobo Gonzalez, Head of Investment Promotion.

In 2009 the State of Jalisco received investments for US$2.132 billion – the goal was US$2.251 – 41% less than the capital received the previous year, when a record figure of US$3.611 billion was reached.

Only electronics industry is expecting investments for US$300 million this year, above the US$101 million invested by the sector last year.

2010-02-25

Source: El Norte / MaquilaPortalIf you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

GUADALAJARA IS BOOMING AGAIN IN TECHNOLOGY

2010-05-03T12:33:00.002-05:00

Things are definitely heating up around our city in terms of technology! We have been helping people to move to our city - helping them find not only land, but retail outlets and homes! Now, when you hear the CHINESE are moving to Guadalajara you KNOW that things are happening!!

Jalisco gets second Intel plant; they are now after AEXA.

Mexico City,- After reaching agreements for the construction of Intel’s second plant in Jalisco, which represents the generation of 300 high quality jobs and support to small and medium companies in the area; Jalisco Governor, Emilio Gonzalez Marquez, presented to President Felipe Calderon a request to have Mexican Space Agency (AEXA) headquarters in this State.

In a visit to Los Pinos Presidential House in Mexico City, Paul Otellini, Intel President and CEO, informed that the investment amounts to MXP$2.3 billion, which will be spent in the next three years in the construction of their second design center in Jalisco. Jalisco State Government will participate in the investment with incentives granted by the Ministry of Economic Promotion through the State Council for Economic Promotion (Consejo Estatal de Promocion Economica - CEPE) for MXP$40 million and through the State Council for Science and Technology - Coecytjal) for MXP$54 million more.

2010-04-27

Source: El informador / MaquilaPortal
If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

SHORT TERM HOUSING IN GUADALAJARA MEXICO

2010-04-29T22:08:00.006-05:00

Jalisco civil code makes it very difficult to rent short term. So many foreigners arrive, whether for work on a project or just as snow birds, looking for short term all included rent and there are very few in Guadalajara.
Quite a few are looking a little beat - they have been around a long time and never really been updated ...so most clients are a bit reluctant to stay there. Yet they don't want to pay more than a hotel either!!
I have found a great place, short term, all inclusive that is located a few blocks from great restaurnats, shopping center and grocery stores. Public transportation is right down the block so easy access to everything!!!
If you are interested in SHORT TERM housing, all utilities includes, internet and cable too, 24 hr. security, daily maid service plus great green areas - I can put you in touch with complex. To me, it is the best option in Guadalajara for short term housing!! plus VERY affordable if you take into consideration the cost of the services that are included. The three bedroom, two bath, living, dining room can hold up to 6 people per apartment! Can't beat that!!!

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

USED CLOTHING STORE IN GUADALAJARA - NEED DONATIONS!

2010-04-24T15:39:00.003-05:00

the Junior League of Guadalajara runs a second hand store in Guadalajara - to not only offer affordable clothing in the community but also to raise funds for its operations and projects.
If you have any used clothing - IN GOOD CLEAN CONDITION!!! - or household items that you would like to donate please take them to the JL office/ Casi como nuevo store that is located inside the AMERICAN SOCIETY of Guadalajara!
They receive clothing Monday - Sat - from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and they have the store open for sales every Tuesday - Sat. from 10 - 2 p.m.
The telephone for the store is 3121-0887 where they can give you all kinds of information! The store address is Av. San Francisco No. 3332 - which is very close to the HORSE STAMPEDE glorieta on Lopez Mateos & Ninos Heroes!! The colonia is called Vallarta Sur.
Please resend this out to all your friends and acquaintances that you think might be interested in supporting this wonderful cause. I would also suggest that if you have household help or those that don't have a lot of money to spend on clothing - that they check out the store!! It has some great deals!! Very affordable items!! But more than anything the store needs YOUR DONATIONS in clean good shape - so that they can price them and sell them!! Household items such as towels, sheets, blankets, pots, pans, plates, etc. sell very quickly! Why don't you take the time to do some SPRING CLEANING and help a good cause!! And don't forget - the League is getting ready for its 11th GOLF TOURNAMENT in Santa Anita - helping a very needy orphanage as our partner association. Be sure to either buy a ticket to play or sponsor a tee - WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN GUADALAJARA!!! AND PASS THIS ON!!

El horario en el que se recibe mercancia es de lunes a sabado de 9:00am -2:00pm y el horario de venta es de martes a sabado de 10:00am-2:00pm
El teléfono es 3121-0887 es el de la oficina porque en la tiendita no hay, pero aqui yo las puedo atender con mucho gusto excepto los sabados, que tendrían que venir directamente a la tienda ubicada en Av. Sn. Francisco No. 3332 col. Vallarta sur, allí las atenderá Hasibe que es nuestra excelente vendedora. Estamos frente al colegio Guadalupe como a 4 o 5 cuadras de la glorieta de los caballos que esta en López Mateos y Niños Héroes hacia la Gran plaza.
Por favor les pedimos si lo reenvian a sus amistades para apoyar a la Liga, pues de ésta manera tendríamos más ingresos para poder realizar nuestros proyectos para ayudar a los menos favorecidos...

Gracias por toda su ayuda y cooperación,

Araceli Gómez Aceves
Junior League de Guadalajara A.C.

Tel. 3121-0887

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

Short term housing in Guadalajara

2010-04-18T17:38:00.004-05:00

Short term housing - what a challenge in Guadalajara!!
Most landlords do NOT want to rent out short term. They feel the turn over is not worth the effort to get the property ready and then to have it be returned with the need to start all over again! Most rental contracts are ONE year here in Jalisco.
But short term housing does exist and if you are interested please get in touch with me.
As a real estate agent and relocation expert we normally find housing for long term , but many companies do not want to have the hassle of contracts (excpet month to month) or paying bills such as electricity, gas, internet, cleaning service, etc.
There are quite a few places here - each having something in their favor , though different. Some are a bit more " funky " than others, but affordable and great location! We have our favorites!
So whether you are here takng a class, on vacation, on a project with a local company and you do not want to have the expense or the inconvenience of a hotel, we can help you!! There are up to two - three bedroom places for the whole family!

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

Rancho Contento Golfing days!!

2010-04-03T14:20:00.003-06:00

If you are looking for a place to play a little golf while you are in Guadalajara, check out the affordable (well, at least compared to the OTHER golf courses) golf at Rancho Contento - Km.15 of the Nogales Hwy (aka as the road to Tequila, to Puerto Vallarta).
Ask for Laura - (she doesn't speak English though!!) (33) 3682-1026 / 3682-1154

For more than 40 years Rancho has had a nine hole golf course - par 35.
The length is 2,549 yards for professionals, & 5,214 yards for the ladies. It is simple bermuda grass (San Agustin in places too!) Blues - 72.7, Whites 70:9, Gold 66:7 and Reds 70:4. Tee marks: Blue, white and reds. Bring your own equipment! No carts or caddies available!!

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

Guadalajara Historical Cener - a great day for walking!

2010-03-02T10:47:00.003-06:00

Yessssssssss...our great weather is back (about 78 degrees today!!) and it is absolutely beautiful outside! Guadalajara has one of the best climates in the world..I recently read an article about Guadalajara in the New Yorker that was written in 1972 and what a haven it was for gringos. They believed that if there was a nuclear war (the scare of the 50's) that the contamination would not reach Guadalajara because of its altitude..so way back in the 1950's Guadalajara started its love affair with gringos!

It said that Guadalajara and Nairobi had the best climate in the world! Hummm..I will have to check that out!! In the meantime - enjoy our beautiful city -and definitely take the tour of downtown. If you click on the title of this blog - it will take you the interactive website of the Guadalajara tourism site!!

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

Pre-sales in Mexico - a good thing or not?

2010-02-28T14:20:00.002-06:00

Presales anywhere in the world can be a great opportunity or a risk. Recently, with the real estate market the way it is, we have seen many developers that have taken the pre-sales money and yet can not finish their projects! Imagine!! Here you are excited about your dream house and it is staring back at you with only one half of the walls finished!

The developers , unfortunately many times do not have the funds in the very beginning and use the presales to finance their projects. This is not a good thing people!!

The idea is that you buy presale and then by the time the project is delivered - you have made some money on the equity in the property. Many people in Mexico quote 15%-20% by delivery time.

Another selling point is that you have the chance to make some changes to the property - as it is not finished yet and now is the time. You can pick the color or type of wood,floor, installations, etc. Making it " really " feel like you have a custom built home!

BUT!! Those positives also have a negative - so you need to make sure that the developer and his project have certain items that can guarantee the security of your investment. I have, in the past, suggest to a client who REALLY wanted to buy pre-sale in a development in Puerto Penasco, that they NOT - and to go with a little more expensive, older property - but that already had its bank trust and where they would be able to start enjoying their vacation home immediately. Later, the pre-sale development went under - and my clients to this day when they see me thank me so much for my professional advise.

You should
1) work with a recommended professiona in real estate (not directly with the developer) that can best represent YOUR INTERESTS in the purchase. Many of the developers do pay a commission to the real estate agents - but if they are members of AMPI (the real estate association equivalent to the NAR in Mexico) they are bound by a code of ETHICS to represent YOUR needs and your best interest.
2) Ask around to other who have already purchased in the town - the real estate community and buyers many times can also give you an idea of what is going on in the local developments.
3)Ask to see all the sales papers that they should have ALREADY at their office -
The land title ( escrituras in Spanish) where it will say who are the owners of the project - the land size, etc.
Construction permits - to see if they really are authorized to build what they are promising.
They should have a scale model - (maqueta) that shows that they are selling you.
The architectural plans -
They should have some type of building bond (fianza) to guarantee they have the money to finish.
They should have all their environmental paperwork in order.
Make sure that they have a delivery date.
Be care buying in a area - for example - a gated community - where you buy the land and build your own home. Make sure that there are building dates. I have seen many many gated communities where people are only speculating on the price of the land and never build and you will be living FOREVER with construction!!
You can negotiate CONTRACTS - so be sure to have penalties included if they DON'T finish their project. There have been developments where ONE TOWER was finished and for ever those that have property in that tower have to look down on UNFINISHED pool areas, lack of landscaping, or worse - a half built tower obstructing their views.
Make sure you know what your payments are - you should be able to get a bank trust immediately - even though you are being financed by the development. It is called a Fideicomiso de Garantia - a guaranteed bank trust. You have title but the developer is first on the mortgage.
Another HUGE thing is the HOA - Asociacion de CONDOMINOS. I have seen many a project be delivered with an ill made HOA - that later only causes problems when the developer hands over the project to the HOA (the majority foreigners who don't know squat about HOAs in Mexico!!)
Administration of the property - who is going to be administering the property once it is handed over? the HOA or profesionals? VERY IMPORTANT!!
In terms of timing for hand over - depending on the project - it could be handed over in a year or more. Bigger projects take sometimes between 18-36 months.
One of the syndromes we have in Mexico when people come to purchase is the Margarita syndrome - you just fall in love with Mexico and HAVE TO BUY NOW!! please don't
" leave your brains at the border!!"
Work with professionals that have been RECOMMENDED by other PROFESSIONALS - don't try to save money by using someone that you met at the local bar who said he can do the work for you for 1/2 price. Be sure they are registered businesses.
We want your purchase in Mexico to be a good one!

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

GREAT NEIGHBORHOODS IN GUADALAJARA!!

2010-02-24T16:09:00.002-06:00

If you are looking for safe, nice middle class and up neighborhoods in Guadalajara in which to purchase or rent - here is a list of them for you. Those that are in BOLD are more expensive than the others!!

* Autónoma
* Arcos Vallarta
* Camino Real
* Chapalita
* Ciudad de los niños
* Ciudad del Sol
* Colinas de San Javier
* Colomos Providencia
* Country Club
* Jardines del Bosque
* Jardines Guadalupe
* Jardines Universidad
* La Calma
* La Estancia
* Ladrón de Guevara
* Lomas del Bosque
* Lomas del Valle
* Lomas Universidad
* Los Cubos
* Plaza México
* Gran Plaza
* Prados Tepeyac
* Prados Vallarta
* Providencia
* Puerta de Hierro
* Rinconada Santa Rita
* Univa
* Valle Real & Rancho Contento golf course

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

Car prices in Mexico 2010 - least expensive!!

2010-02-24T10:16:00.004-06:00

Peso is about 13 pesos to a dollar - so divide these prices by 13 to get the dollar value for the most inexpensive cars in Mexico for 2010..
See whole article (in Spanish) here

En orden de precios del menor al mayor, las opciones que tienes para poder estrenar un auto son:

- Pontiac Matiz G2: Desde $81,710 hasta $103,900
- Chevy Hatchback: Desde $85,090 hasta $127,228
- Dodge Atos: Desde $94,900 hasta $117,900
- Chevy Sedan: Desde $99,336 hasta $121,440
- Nissan Tsuru: Desde $111,400 hasta $143,000
- Volkswagen Gol Hatchback: Desde $111,469 hasta $146,415
- Nissan Platina: Desde $116,100 hasta $161,200
- Chevrolet Aveo: Desde $118,83 hasta $164,730
- Nissan Aprio: Desde $126,300 hasta $157,200
- Dodge Attitude: $128,900 hasta $167,900
- Volkswagen Gol Sedan: $128,980 / $164,975
- Ford Courier: Desde $131,500 hasta $160,300
- Renault Sandero: Desde $134,300 hasta $176,300
- Chevrolet Tornado: Desde $134,720 hasta $167,720
- Fiat Albea: Desde $134,900 hasta $152,900
- Ford Fiesta: Desde $136,800 hasta $189,700
- Fiat Strada Trekking: $137,900
- Peugeot Partner: Desde $139,900 hasta $165,900
- Fiat Panda: Desde $139,900 hasta $149,900
- Peugeot 207 Compact: Desde $142,900 / $172,900
- Peugeot 207 Compact Sedan: Desde $149,900 hasta $192,900
- Nissan Tiida Sedan: Desde $152,500 hasta $204,000If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

Changes in Immigration Procedure in Mexico

2010-02-20T17:00:00.001-06:00

San Diego Immigration Attorney - Changes in Immigration Procedure in Mexico

Mexico’s National Migration Institute published its Manual of Criteria and Migration Procedures. The Manual will be enforced as of 5/1/10 throughout the 32 delegations of the National Migration Institute in Mexico. Courtesy of AILA member Enrique Arellano.

The intention of the National Migration Institute is to clarify, streamline and simplify
processing requirements for each immigration category. Applications currently being
processed and those filed before May 1, 2010 will be analyzed and processed based on
current policies, practices and procedures.

Some of the most relevant aspects of the Manual are the following:

• All migratory forms for tourists, business visitors and technical visitors with
lucrative activities, who intend to stay in Mexico for up to 180 days, will be
replaced by a single “FMM” form (“Forma Migratoria Múltiple”).
The FMM willserve as evidence of the foreign national’s immigration status while in Mexico;

To read more on this subject - check out his blog

• If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

RENTAL GUADALAJARA - FURNISHED AND READY TO GO!

2010-02-16T17:56:00.001-06:00

virreyes

Click on the picture to see the house! Rents for $3,000 USD a month...great location in gated community. View and close to shopping, periferico loop and restaurants.

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GUADALAJARA!! 468 YEARS!

2010-02-14T12:30:00.005-06:00

Que linda esta la manana!!!

Today is Guadalajara's birthday!! 468 years old! There are celebrations all over the city all this month.

When I tell people that I live in Guadalajara most people (especially if they have been here!) say OHHHHHHHHHHH Guadalajara so beautiful!!! Que bonito Guadalajara!!!
And it is !!! and the weather is actually a HUGE calling card for the city!
There is a survey on El Mural newpaper to find out what are the key words that are tied to Guadalajara...

Ocupo - people who are from Guadalajara use the word OCUPO instead of NECESITO...I need..
So you would say - " Ocupo alguien que me ayude con esto! " All over the country they know you are from Guadalajara if you use this unique word!
Mariachi - of course everyone knows that Mariachis are from Guadalajara!!
Torta ahogada - this is our most typical food - a hard bread roll, normally stuffed with pork and bathed in a hot sauce! Soooo yummy!
Ciudad de las rosas - City of Roses - though we don't have that many roses now as we did when I firsted moved here in 1967 - we still have them and luckily the name has stuck!
Atlas - MY SOCCER TEAM!!
Ruta 380 -
Chivas - THE OTHER SOCCER TEAM!!
Tequila - Salud! To be called tequila, it has to come from this part of Jalisco!
Catedral - Our beautiful downtown cathedral - a must see!
Plaza del Sol - This was one of the first shopping centers ever in Mexico - built in 1965. It is an outside shopping mall - and to this day - still is going strong! It is located in front of Cd. del Sol.
Mujeres bellas - The tapatios (people from Guadalajara) all talk about the beautiful women in Guadalajara - and based on the comments of visitors I guess it is true! They are famous for their beautiful big eyes..ojos tapatios!

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

TWEETING IN TEOTIHUACAN!

2010-02-11T12:47:00.003-06:00

Love this design...it is TWEETING in Teotihuacan!!!

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

Metroscubicos article on what you can buy with your monthly income

2010-02-05T11:24:00.003-06:00

Lordie! Thank goodness I have my own house and don't need to get a mortgage!
This article (in Spanish) by Metrocubicos out of Mexico City has a graph (above) that shows that type of salary you need to make in order to qualify for a mortgage loan in Mexico - and based on the fact that you put 25% down payment.

Basically - for example - if you would like to purchase a $2.5 million pesos house ($200,000 usd) you need to have a monthly salary of $72,000 pesos ($5,500 USD a month)

The interest rate averages to about 14.2 %.

Therefore - you can see that many of the homes that are purchased in Mexico are for personal use - not as rental investments as we see in the USA.

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

MEXICAN CITIZENSHIP - NATURALIZATION TEST - STUDY GUIDE

2010-02-04T17:46:00.001-06:00

I wrote to the office and told them that the link to the English study guide didn't work. They responded in three days (yes!!!) and in the mean time gave me this study guide en espanol. I thought it would be fun to post here to see how many of you actually KNOW the answers!! I am going to have study a bit I think to get them all right!!

1. Deidad del México antiguo conocida como la “Serpiente Emplumada”:
a) Coatlicue
b) Huitzilopochtli
c) Quetzalcóatl
d) Tláloc
2. Cultura que se desarrolló en la ciudad de Palenque:
a) Maya
b) Mexica
c) Olmeca
d) Tolteca
3. Las cabezas colosales son creaciones de la cultura:
a) Mexica
b) Mixteca
c) Olmeca
d) Tolteca
4. Terreno construido sobre las lagunas del valle de México que sirvió de base al sistema productivo del altiplano central. En la actualidad, puede encontrarse en Xochimilco:
a) Chinampa
b) Encomienda
c) Ejido
d) Hacienda
5. Manuscrito en papel amate o sobre cuero con representaciones pictóricas que relataba asuntos históricos y religiosos del México antiguo:
a) Jeroglífico
b) Pictograma
c) Libro
d) Códice
Página 1 de 20
6. ¿En dónde se encuentran las pirámides del Sol y la Luna?
a) Palenque
b) Chichén Itzá
c) Teotihuacan
d) Uxmal
7. Al lugar mítico de donde partieron los mexicas e iniciaron su migración se le conoce como:
a) Aztlán
b) Tula
c) Mictlán
d) Tenochtitlán
8. La base alimenticia de los pueblos mesoamericanos fue:
a) La papa
b) El trigo
c) El arroz
d) El maíz
9. Chichén Itzá fue una poderosa ciudad:
a) Tolteca
b) Maya
c) Totonaca
d) Olmeca
10. Año en que los españoles conquistaron México-Tenochtitlán:
a) 1521
b) 1555
c) 1650
d) 1689
Página 2 de 20
11. Nombre de México durante el periodo colonial:
a) México
b) Nueva España
c) Tenochtitlán
d) Nueva Granada
12. Nombre del conquistador que derrotó al Imperio mexica:
a) Hernán Cortés
b) Francisco Pizarro
c) Pánfilo de Narváez
d) Cristóbal Colón
13. Nombre del último emperador mexica, a quien los conquistadores españoles torturaron quemándole los pies:
a) Moctezuma
b) Cuauhtémoc
c) Cuitláhuac
d) Tizoc
14. "La Malinche" fue:
a) Una mujer indígena que sirvió de intérprete a Cortés
b) Una heroína en la lucha por la Independencia
c) Una famosa curandera de Oaxaca
d) La primera mujer en ocupar una diputación federal
15. Nombre de la batalla en la que se afirma que los españoles perdieron hombres, caballos y cañones en 1520. Cortés lloró al llegar a la orilla del lago:
a) De la Calzada de Tacuba
b) Derrota de Atizapán
c) De la Noche Triste
d) Matanza de Cholula
Página 3 de 20
16. La máxima autoridad civil en la Nueva España era el:
a) Virrey
b) Gobernador
c) Presidente
d) Primer Ministro
17. La "encomienda" y el "visitador" fueron instituciones:
a) Prehispánicas
b) Coloniales
c) Del México recién independizado
d) Del gobierno de Lázaro Cárdenas
18. En México, a partir del virreinato, se denominaba criollos a:
a) Los hijos de padre español y madre indígena
b) Los hijos de esclavos negros
c) Todas las personas que no tuvieran tez blanca
d) Los hijos de españoles nacidos en la Nueva España
19. Acapulco fue durante los siglos XVII y XVIII un importante puerto porque controlaba la navegación en el:
a) Océano Pacífico
b) Golfo de México
c) Océano Atlántico
d) Mar Caribe
20. El principal culto religioso de la sociedad novohispana y que perdura en la actualidad es:
a) La Virgen de los Remedios
b) La Virgen de Guadalupe
c) El Cristo Negro de Chalma
d) San Judas Tadeo
Página 4 de 20
21. El mineral que más se extraía en la Nueva España era:
a) El níquel
b) El cobre
c) El estaño
d) La plata
22. Nombre de la poetisa más importante de la época novohispana:
a) Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz
b) María Anna Agueda de San Ignacio
c) La Malinche
d) Tonantzin
23. Fecha en la que se celebra la Independencia de México:
a) 5 de mayo
b) 5 de febrero
c) 16 de septiembre
d) 20 de noviembre
24. La Independencia de México inició en:
a) 1810
b) 1821
c) 1910
d) 1921
25. ¿Cuál fue la importancia del sacerdote Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla en la historia de México?
a) Inició la Guerra de Independencia
b) Inició la Revolución mexicana
c) Promulgó una nueva constitución
d) Encabezó la Guerra de Reforma
Página 5 de 20
26. ¿A quién se conoce como “El Padre de la Patria”?
a) Francisco I. Madero
b) Benito Juárez
c) Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla
d) George Washington
27. Cadetes militares que defendieron el Castillo de Chapultepec de la invasión norteamericana en 1847:
a) Insurgentes
b) Niños héroes
c) Defensores de la Patria
d) Liberales
28. En México el 5 de mayo se celebra:
a) La Batalla de Puebla
b) La Revolución mexicana
c) La promulgación de la Constitución
d) La Independencia de México
29. Presidente mexicano al que se le atribuye la frase “Entre los individuos como entre las naciones, el respeto al derecho ajeno es la paz":
a) Benito Juárez
b) Francisco I. Madero
c) Emiliano Zapata
d) Lázaro Cárdenas
30. México perdió la mitad de su territorio a mediados del siglo XIX, como consecuencia del enfrentamiento con:
a) Francia
b) España
c) Portugal
d) Estados Unidos
Página 6 de 20
31. La Guerra de Reforma fue entre:
a) México y Estados Unidos
b) Liberales y conservadores
c) El Ejército mexicano y el Ejército francés
d) México y Francia
32. El presidente que duró más de treinta años en el poder en México fue:
a) Antonio López de Santa Anna
b) Porfirio Díaz
c) Benito Juárez
d) Francisco I. Madero
33. El Porfiriato se conoce como una época de extensión de:
a) Las vías férreas
b) La esclavitud
c) El ejido
d) La radio
34. Fecha en que se celebra el aniversario de la Revolución mexicana:
a) 5 de febrero
b) 5 de mayo
c) 16 de septiembre
d) 20 de noviembre
35. Nombre del líder agrario que encabezó la Revolución mexicana en el estado de Morelos:
a) Venustiano Carranza
b) Emiliano Zapata
c) Francisco I. Madero
d) Francisco Villa
Página 7 de 20
36. El lema “Sufragio efectivo, no reelección” fue la bandera política de:
a) Francisco I. Madero
b) Benito Juárez
c) Plutarco E. Calles
d) Francisco Villa
37. ¿Quién fue Francisco Villa?
a) Un famoso bandido del siglo XIX
b) Un líder de la Revolución mexicana
c) Un personaje de la novela Sálvese quien pueda
d) Un cantante de música vernácula
38. Las "Adelitas" acompañaron a sus hombres al combate en:
a) La Guerra de los Pasteles
b) La Guerra de Independencia
c) La Revolución de 1910
d) La Guerra de 1847
39. Composición musical característica de la época revolucionaria:
a) El corrido
b) El vals
c) El jarabe tapatío
d) El mariachi
40. El 18 de marzo de 1938 el presidente Lázaro Cárdenas:
a) Expropió el petróleo
b) Redactó las Leyes de Reforma
c) Nacionalizó la banca
d) Inició la Revolución mexicana
Página 8 de 20
41. Señale el orden cronológico correcto de los siguientes acontecimientos históricos:
a) Revolución mexicana, Independencia, Conquista
b) Conquista, Revolución mexicana, Independencia
c) Independencia, Conquista, Revolución mexicana
d) Conquista, Independencia, Revolución mexicana
42. Representante del muralismo mexicano:
a) Diego Rivera
b) Octavio Paz
c) Luis Barragán
d) Agustín Lara
43. Nombre del partido político que gobernó durante siete décadas en el siglo XX:
a) Partido Comunista
b) Partido Socialista Único de México
c) Partido Revolucionario Institucional
d) Partido Auténtico de la Revolución Mexicana
44. ¿En qué conflicto bélico internacional participó el “Escuadrón 201”?
a) Guerra de Texas
b) Guerra de los Pasteles
c) Primera Guerra Mundial
d) Segunda Guerra Mundial
45. El Tratado de Tlatelolco, logro de la diplomacia mexicana, atañe a:
a) Los derechos sobre el mar patrimonial
b) Los derechos de los pueblos indígenas
c) La no proliferación de las armas nucleares
d) Los intercambios comerciales en América Latina
Página 9 de 20
46. Los símbolos patrios de México son:
a) El Escudo, la Bandera y el Himno Nacional
b) La Bandera, la Moneda y el Himno Nacional
c) El Águila Real, el Escudo y el Palacio Nacional
d) El Ángel de la Independencia, el Himno Nacional y la Bandera
47. El tema dominante del himno nacional mexicano es:
a) La celebración de la unidad latinoamericana
b) Una exhortación a la guerra defensiva
c) La exaltación del mestizaje en México
d) Un llamado a la paz internacional
48. En el himno nacional, la expresión "Mas si osare un extraño enemigo" significa:
a) Son peores que osos nuestros enemigos
b) Abundan los huesos de nuestros enemigos
c) Pero si se atreviera un enemigo extranjero
d) Con más razón si el enemigo fuera extravagante
49. El águila y la serpiente que aparecen en el escudo nacional mexicano, incluido en la franja blanca de la bandera:
a) Figuraban en el escudo de armas de un conquistador español
b) Son una respuesta nacionalista al águila estadounidense
c) Evocan una leyenda prehispánica
d) Aparecían en el estandarte de Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla
50. ¿Cuántos estados tiene la República Mexicana?
a) 22
b) 31
c) 36
d) 50
Página 10 de 20
51. México tiene fronteras con:
a) Estados Unidos, Guatemala y Belice
b) Estados Unidos y Guatemala
c) Estados Unidos y Belice
d) Estados Unidos, Guatemala y Honduras
52. El estado de la República de mayor extensión territorial es:
a) Tlaxcala
b) Nuevo León
c) Chihuahua
d) Jalisco
53. El puerto de Acapulco está en:
a) Oaxaca
b) Veracruz
c) Baja California
d) Guerrero
54. Las ruinas de Monte Albán se localizan en:
a) Guerrero
b) Chiapas
c) Veracruz
d) Oaxaca
55. Las tres ciudades más grandes y pobladas del país son:
a) Ciudad de México, Guadalajara y Monterrey
b) Ciudad de México, Guadalajara y Torreón
c) Ciudad de México, Puebla y Toluca
d) Ciudad de México, Toluca y Monterrey
Página 11 de 20
56. ¿En qué estado de la República se encuentra la ciudad de Guadalajara?
a) Estado de México
b) Jalisco
c) Nuevo León
d) Sonora
57. Tres destinos de playa en México son:
a) Acapulco, Huatulco y Cancún
b) Acapulco, Varadero y Río de Janeiro
c) Hermosillo, Los Cabos y Playa del Carmen
d) Cancún, Ixtapan de la Sal y Xalapa
58. ¿Cuántas penínsulas tiene México?
a) 1
b) 2
c) 3
d) 4
59. ¿En qué estado de la República se encuentran las ruinas de Palenque?
a) Chiapas
b) Yucatán
c) Quintana Roo
d) Puebla
60. Capital del estado de Nuevo León:
a) Saltillo
b) San Luis Potosí
c) Hermosillo
d) Monterrey
Página 12 de 20
61. Ciudad de la República Mexicana con abundante arquitectura colonial:
a) Puebla
b) Villahermosa
c) Tepic
d) La Paz
62. ¿En qué estado de la República se encuentra el “Cañón del Sumidero”?
a) Yucatán
b) Tamaulipas
c) Chiapas
d) Morelos
63. Nombre del volcán que se ubica entre Morelos, Puebla y el Estado de México:
a) Pico de Orizaba
b) Tepozteco
c) Chichonal
d) Popocatépetl
64. El mandato presidencial en México dura:
a) Cuatro años
b) Cuatro años con posibilidad de reelección
c) Seis años
d) Seis años con posibilidad de reelección
65. Los tres niveles de gobierno en México son:
a) Estado, Departamento y Capital
b) Federación, Estado y Municipio
c) Federación, Departamento y Capital
d) Federación, Estado y Departamento
Página 13 de 20
66. El organismo encargado de regular la participación de los partidos políticos en las elecciones es:
a) El Instituto Federal de Acceso a la Información (IFAI)
b) El Instituto Federal Electoral (IFE)
c) La Secretaría de Gobernación (Segob)
d) La H. Cámara de Diputados
67. “Los Pinos”, en la capital de México, es el nombre de:
a) Un jardín público en el barrio de San Ángel
b) El Palacio Legislativo
c) La residencia oficial del presidente de la República
d) Un museo de arte
68. Señale en orden a los más recientes presidentes de México:
a) Felipe Calderón, Vicente Fox, Ernesto Zedillo, Carlos Salinas
b) Ernesto Zedillo, Carlos Salinas, Felipe Calderón, Vicente Fox
c) Vicente Fox, Ernesto Zedillo, Felipe Calderón, Miguel de la Madrid
d) Carlos Salinas, Miguel de la Madrid, Vicente Fox, Felipe Calderón
69. Señale el nombre oficial de México:
a) Estados Unidos Mexicanos
b) República Mexicana
c) México
d) Estados Unidos de México
70. ¿Cómo se llama la ley fundamental de México?
a) Constitución Política de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos
b) Carta Fundamental de la República Mexicana
c) Régimen Político Federativo del Territorio de México
d) Marco Regulatorio para los Estados Unidos de México
Página 14 de 20
71. ¿Con qué países celebró México el tratado comercial conocido como TLCAN o NAFTA?
a) Estados Unidos y Canadá
b) Estados Unidos, Alemania y España
c) Tailandia, Líbano y Canadá
d) Nicaragua, Argentina, Filipinas, Turquía y Alemania
72. México es importante exportador de:
a) Plata, oro y papel
b) Textiles, zapatos y juguetes
c) Aceite crudo de petróleo, autopartes y productos de cobre
d) Gasolina, gas butano y productos agrícolas
73. En el México actual, las lenguas indígenas habladas suman:
a) Menos de 10
b) Entre 15 y 20
c) Entre 30 y 45
d) Más de 60
74. ¿Cuál de las siguientes aseveraciones sobre México es falsa?
a) México es uno de los países con menor desigualdad social en América Latina
b) México es uno de los países con mayor biodiversidad en el mundo
c) México cuenta con una amplia red de tratados de libre comercio en el mundo
d) México cuenta con tres premios Nobel
75. El verso Hombres necios que acusáis a la mujer sin razón es de:
a) Pita Amor
b) Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz
c) Irma González
d) La "Güera" Rodríguez
Página 15 de 20
76. El llano en llamas fue escrito por:
a) Juan Rulfo
b) Mariano Azuela
c) Alfonso Reyes
d) Nélida Piñón
77. La muerte de Artemio Cruz es una novela de:
a) Enrique Krauze
b) Carlos Fuentes
c) Octavio Paz
d) Ángeles Mastretta
78. Nombre del mexicano que recibió el premio Nobel de Literatura:
a) Octavio Paz
b) Carlos Monsiváis
c) José Emilio Pacheco
d) Juan José Arreola
79. El pintor José María Velasco es famoso principalmente por sus:
a) Retratos de notables de su época
b) Pinturas murales
c) Paisajes
d) Escenas bíblicas en iglesias
80. El teatro de mayor prestigio en la ciudad de México es el:
a) Palacio de Bellas Artes
b) Juárez
c) Chapultepec
d) Centro Universitario de Arte
Página 16 de 20
81. En la ciudad de México, "El Zócalo" alude a:
a) El edificio de la Secretaría de Educación Pública
b) La antigua sede del gobierno municipal
c) El edificio adjunto a la catedral
d) La plaza principal
82. Son famosos los grabados de "calaveras" (esqueletos) de:
a) Diego Rivera
b) José Guadalupe Posada
c) Rufino Tamayo
d) Manuel Álvarez Bravo
83. Versos festivos que se escriben en noviembre con motivo del “Día de muertos”:
a) Calaveras
b) Corridos
c) Sones
d) Redondillas
84. María Félix y Dolores del Río fueron personajes destacados en el ámbito de:
a) La política
b) La música
c) El cine
d) La educación
85. Cómico que representó al mexicano de las clases populares en el cine:
a) Arturo de Córdoba
b) Joaquín Pardavé
c) Charles Chaplin
d) Cantinflas
Página 17 de 20
86. Figura del cine nacional que encarnó al charro mexicano:
a) Jorge Negrete
b) Diego Luna
c) Cantinflas
d) Luis Miguel
87. Comida tradicional mexicana:
a) Fabada
b) Pizza
c) Bacalao
d) Mole
88. ¿Cuáles de las siguientes opciones corresponde a productos originarios de México?
a) Chocolate, aguacate, tomate y pavo
b) Chile, papa, plátano y kiwi
c) Maracuyá, arroz, aguacate y tequila
d) Páprika, soya, trigo y caña de azúcar
89. Bebida originaria de México, que se obtiene del agave:
a) Atole
b) Chocolate
c) Tequila
d) Tepache
90. Las "posadas" son fiestas privadas o vecinales que se realizan:
a) El 21 de marzo
b) El 15 de septiembre
c) El 12 de diciembre
d) Los días previos a la Navidad
Página 18 de 20
91. El arpa tiene un lugar privilegiado en la música de:
a) Sinaloa
b) Puebla
c) Veracruz
d) Sonora
92. Es costumbre cantar "Las golondrinas" para:
a) Despedir a alguien
b) Celebrar los enlaces matrimoniales
c) Dar la bienvenida después de una larga ausencia
d) Celebrar a las madres el 10 de mayo
93. En los cumpleaños se suele cantar en homenaje al festejado:
a) "Cumple años feliz"
b) "El Rey"
c) "Cielito lindo"
d) "Las mañanitas"
94. La cajeta es:
a) La tela preferida para confeccionar vestidos de gala
b) Una golosina hecha a base de leche de cabra quemada
c) Una piedra muy utilizada para recubrir los muros de las casas
d) Un juguete artesanal hecho de madera
95. La guanábana es una fruta:
a) De cáscara marrón y pulpa amarilla
b) De cáscara morada y pulpa roja
c) De cáscara verde y pulpa blanca
d) De cáscara roja y pulpa negra
Página 19 de 20
96. En México, las estaciones de taxis se conocen como:
a) Certificaciones
b) Acordadas
c) Alineaciones
d) Sitios
97. En México, una tlapalería es:
a) Un taller de orfebrería
b) Una tienda de pinturas y solventes
c) Un restaurante barato
d) Un taller de reparación de automóviles
98. El vocablo "chaparro" significa:
a) Envejecido
b) Con cicatrices
c) Bajo de estatura
d) Ebrio
99. En el habla popular de México, el término "marchante(a)":
a) No tiene que ver con la actividad comercial
b) Se aplica en exclusiva al vendedor
c) Se aplica en exclusiva al comprador
d) Se aplica por igual al vendedor y al comprador
100. La palabra "jarocho" alude a lo que es propio de:
a) Colima
b) Guerrero
c) Campeche
d) Veracruz
El contenido de la presente Guía de Estudio ha sido aprobado por el Instituto Matías Romero de la Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores, de acuerdo a lo establecido en el Artículo 15 del Reglamento de la Ley de Nacionalidad, publicado en el Diario Oficial de la Federación el 17 de junio de 2009, así como de conformidad con el oficio IMR-00114/09, y se encontrará vigente a partir del 1 de julio de 2009.
Página 20 de 20If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

Housing price increase 2009 and appreciation in Mexico

2010-02-03T13:43:00.003-06:00

According to SHF (Sociedad Hipotecaria

Federal - The Federal Mortgage Society ) housing prices in Mexico have gone up an average of 3.10% in 2009 (Jan-Sept data)

Of course, we find that it is always local in housing - and depending on where you are affects the housing prices. Durango had the biggest appreciation of 7.28 % followed by Oaxaca with 7.01 %, Zacatecas 6.93 % and Yucatan with 6.26%.

Quintana Roo and Querétaro on the other hand had the smallest increase (about 0.45%)

Nationally , prices averaged 1.98 higher than 2008.

Yeah! We are finally getting some numbers in Mexico on which to compare data from year to year!

They also inform that from 2005 to the end of 2009, housing prices APPRECIATED IN MEXICO..though we don't have the crazy numbers like in the USA during their boom - we see that Aguascalientes - 29.5 %, Tijuana 20.7% , La Paz 20.9%, Campeche 36.3%, Tuxtla Gutiérrez 28.3 %.

I would be curious to see what the local real estate agents think about these numbers.

Ciudad Juárez housing appreciated 21.3 % (but I bet that is going to go down due to the problems in the city!) Torreón 28.2% , and Mexico City areas, like Benito Juárez 45.3% , Cuauhtémoc 48.1% and Iztapalapa 36.2 %.

I am not familiar with those zones in Mexico - but I believe that they are lower income areas.

León 24.8% , Acapulco 37.2 %, Tlajomulco de Zúñiga 26.1% ( yeah!! finally a number for Guadalajara - that is our county at the south of the city - road to Colima) Morelia 29.1%, Tepic 30.3% .

So, we shall see if these numbers hold up - I wish they had numbers for the coastal areas - I will have to do a bit more investigating and will let you know if I find the answers!! Now, remember, this is for those who get MORTGAGES in Mexico. Most foreigners buy with cash when they purchase in Mexico.

Cost of living - eat fruits and veggies in Guadalajara

2010-01-26T15:32:00.003-06:00

Got a flier today from Soriana and thought that I would list the prices for Jan. 2010 of the fruits and veggies they have on the flier. 1 dollar = 13 pesos. 1 kilo = 2.2 lbs

limes - 6.95 pesos a kilo
lettuce - 5.45 a head
red delicious apples - 19.95 a kilo
yellow onions - 9.95 a kilo
papaya Maradol - 12.95 a kilo
fresh pineapple - 11.95 a kilo
guayaba - 16.95 a kilo
pears - 21.95 a kilo
strawberries - 32.95 for 4.50 grams (1/2 kilo aprox)
tangerines - 5.95 a kilo

Now for other groceries -
beans - 21.90 a kilo
cooking oil - 8.50 a liter
bag of frozen veggies - 16.90 for 1/2 kilo
bucket of ice cream - 78.50 for 3.78 lts.
chicken thighs - 14.90 a kilo
philadelphia cream cheese - 15.90 a package
Beef steaks - milanesa - 69.90 a kilo
Tilapia fresh fish - 29.90 a kilo
bottle of shampoo Pantene - 42.90 for 500 ml.

so, how does that stand up to USA / Canada prices?

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

HAITI - SUPPORT DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS

2010-01-14T10:11:00.003-06:00

They have been in Haiti doing projects and are the most equipped to get the help ethically to the people that need it.

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

2010 JANUARY SICK WITH A BAD COLD!!

2010-01-11T09:47:00.002-06:00

I thought that I would just write a quick blog about a bad cold that is going around our family. I believe we picked it up on Christmas vacation in Arizona and now have brought it down to Guadalajara. Thank you very much for the global health information!

Just a heads up - it starts with wheezing in the upper chest, then goes to a headache, baaaad headache that nothing helps, no temperature, tiredness and then goes to a baaad cough. My brother in law got bronchitis and pneumonia - so you better watch out!!

Took OTC medicine - like Teraflu Exthegran - for resfriado extremo - and it helped a little bit. Now am taking Celestine ns - which is a steroid! One every 12 hrs. for a while until I feel better. I do feel better today - so will start getting on the 2010 " New Year New Life" attitude that I always start out with!

So, watchala..cause it is very contagious - and you will NOT LIKE IT!
Drink lots of tea and caldo de pollo. You won't have much of an appetite, so this might be a good thing and the way to start that 2010 diet you need!

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

PAISANOS returning to Mexico for Christmas!!

2010-01-06T22:04:00.002-06:00

Lordie..that is quite a wait!! This is at a checkpoint Dec. 21,2009 outside of Mazatlan Mexico - the Mexican military was checking all cars coming into the area. Checking for arms and large quantity of cash - both which are illegal to bring into the country.

I took this photo as we were driving in the opposite direction, thank goodness! We did have a two hour wait getting into the USA at the Mariposa border crossing in Nogales. Go figure...let's stop tourism completely between the two countries for God's sake!! That is what it looks like to me!!

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

The new AMPI GUADALAJARA BOARD 2010

2010-01-06T16:56:00.002-06:00

PRESIDENT:
ARMANDO DAVID TRUJILLO VILLA
VICE-PRESIDENT:
MARIA ESTELA TAMAYO GONZALEZ
TREASURER AND ADMINISTRATOR:
CARLOS ESQUIVEL AVILA
MLS DIRECTOR :
ING. ALEXANDRE MAURICE DUFAYET CASPARIUS
PR DIRECTOR:
GUILLERMO JIMENEZ CONTRERAS
DIRECTOR OF IMAGE AND MEDIA:
PATRICIA VAZQUEZ MORA
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR:
LUCINA RAMIREZ PALOS
TRAINING DIRECTOR:
SONIA ROSALINDA GUILLEN GARIBAY
SECRETARY:
FRANCISCO DIAZ DE LEON ROMO

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

2010 Real Estate Challenges in Mexico

2009-12-15T18:55:00.004-06:00

According to a CNN Expansion article, there are going to be 6 big challenges in Real Estate here in Mexico next year. More challenges? Lordie...
Here are some of the highlights:
1) They are expecting a growth of at least 3% in housing
2) construction will grow 4.6%
3) There should be about 20% more mortgages available over 2009.
4) We should be back on track about the third trimester of 2010.
5) Some mortgage companies will go out of business or will merge.
6)In the next 3 years financing for housing will have a dynamic growth.
7) In order to stimulate construction the housing authority of the government (SHF) will be offering more credit - not only to banks for bridge loans and financing but also capital financing for developers.
8) FOVISSSTE will place between 90,000 and 100,000 credits in order to meet the housing demands between 17 & 23 years.
9) 75% of credit that was placed in 2009 by Infonavit was for NEW HOUSING and only 25% for resales - this is the highest ever placed for used housing.
10) There is a Infonavit housing deficit for 2010 of 266,000 houses.
11) The goal is to place 475,000 Infonavit credits and will be actively promoting different programs in businesses and through their promoters. They will also have available State subsidies for housing - that for every 1 pesos the State will offer 4-6 pesos in materials or cash.
12) Comisión Nacional de Vivienda (Conavi) has already been approved for 5,381 millon pesos in subsidies for 2010 and hopes to distribute 60% in the first semester of next year.
If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

TIANGUIS AKA Travelling Street Markets in Mexico

2009-12-13T12:59:00.005-06:00

This time of year there are tons and tons of Tianguis (travelling street markets) throughout Guadalajara. I read a Mural article on how they are set up and I thought that it was interesting enough to share as we know that there are tianguis all over Mexico.

Here in Guadalajara area there are 165 in the Guadalajara area, 75 in Zapopan, 56 in Tonala and 48 in the area of Tlaquepaque. They are managed by the municipal government (ayuntamiento) in each one of those cities /counties. And they travel all over the areas day after day. You can see where they are located at this site - http://www.tapatios.com/guadalajara/tianguis.shtml

The Ayuntamiento charges between 3 to 7 pesos a lineal meter. Most are only 3 meters wide! They sometimes charge 4 pesos more per meter to include the cleaning up after they pick up and leave. And believe me they leave a MESS!

There is a quote from the paper where the person says that having a tianguis stand is better than having a retail outlet because " you sell more and pay less." They go on to say, " in an established retail outlet you have to pay rent, light and lots of other requirements." Yeah, like TAXES and licenses!! At a recent tianguis I observed in Guadalajara ,the store owners that are on the same street that tiaguis are located were saying that occasionally , and especially during the holiday season, because of the large amount of tianguis stands that steal the lights from the street cables - lights go out in the zone!

The requirements to be a tianguista, as they are known, are pretty simple too. This is why they just continue to grow and grow all over the city! The first thing you have to do is get to the place where the Tianguis is taking place early in the a.m. about 6 - and sign up on the list. And about 8 a.m. the " inspectors" from the Ayuntamiento hand out the spaces that are vacant in the order of arrival. The idea is that " in order of arrival" but goes on to say that " you can sometimes work a deal with the representatives of the County. Yeah " work a deal".

Most of the stands have owners - but if someone doesn't show, those are the stands that are handed out early in the a.m. Previously you would earn a stand by arriving early and often, but now you can buy one. The going price for a regular stand, depending on the tianguis area, goes from about 10,000 pesos to 150,000 pesos. Lordie..that is about 15K USD!

Now just what can you find at a tianguis? Lots of fresh fruits and veggies, food stands, clothing and pirated music CD and DVDs! Hum, how does that approval process go through I wonder? And of course food food food!! But I have even seen beauty parlors set up where not only do they cut hair, they will highlight, etc!

They have been doing Tiaguis for about 70 years here in Guadalajara. I doubt that they will go away soon - just the opposite more and more will probably sprout up. So, the idea is hold tight to your purses close to your body and embrace the experience!

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

EXCELLENT BUYER’S REAL ESTATE RISK CHECKLIST

2009-12-12T11:38:00.006-06:00

This list was written by my friend and colleague - Wayne Corcoran who does business in Puerto Penasco, Sonora - Mexico. Wayne is a great guy - super involved in AMPI Puerto Penasco - and a consultant there on projects plus sells real estate. Wayne put together this list for the AMPI Penasco website and I thought that it was worth reposting...especially for those of you who are buying on the coastal areas of Mexico. Click on the Title EXCELLENT BUYER’S REAL ESTATE RISK CHECKLIST - to get to Wayne's home page!!

BUYER’S REAL ESTATE
RISK CHECKLIST
PROVIDED TO YOU BY AMPI PUERTO PENASCO - GET ANSWERS BEFORE MAKING ANY REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION! AMPI - MEXICAN ASSOCIATION OF REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS
www.rockypoint-mls.com
GENERAL REAL ESTATE QUESTIONS ANSWERS
Are the ownership papers available from the owner?
Have they been reviewed by a professional representing you ?
Is the property in the restricted zone? What does that mean?
Is the property part of ejido land?
What are the special risks?
When I get a fideicomiso (bank trust) do I own the property?
How many years are left on the bank trust?
What bank?
How long will it take to transfer the trust into my name?
Is the private contract written to protect me?
Can I influence it?
What are some of the contingencies I should include in the contract?
Can I get a deed or title on the property?
What are closing costs in Mexico?
Who pays what?
What is the role of a Notary (Notario Publico )in the real estate transaction in Mexico?
Does the buyer pick the Notario that they want?

REAL ESTATE RESALE QUESTIONS ANSWERS
How is the property owned? Deed, title, bank trust, private contract, LLC, Mexican corporation?
Does the property have clear title?
Is it held by a married couple and do both agree to the sale?
Does the property have liens or lawsuits preventing title?
Is there a recent certificate of no liens and encumbrances?
Is the property held free and clear of debt?
Are all the HOA fees, utilities, property taxes, etc. paid and letters of no debt available?
Are there city or state bylaws that limit ownership or usage?
If the property is for a business, is it zoned for the business I am doing?
Is there a condo regime in place? What are the restrictions? Pets?
Can I rent my property?
Are there HOA (home owner association) rules?
How do they impact your usage?
Is there an available copy of the HOA?
Do I have voting rights in the bank trust?

DEVELOPER QUESTIONS ANSWERS
Who are the developers?
Where are they from?
What experience do they have?
Do the developers have CLEAR title to the property?
Are there any lawsuits against them?
Is the project an idea on a brochure only?
How many units have sold?
Are they investors or second home owners?
Will they be rentals?
Is the project registered with PROFECO (the Mexican equivalent of the Better Business Bureau)?
Are building and sales permits in place?
Do they have an Arizona Public Report?
IS there title insurance?
What state of development is the project in? Does the project clearly describe what you are getting?
What about changes in the future?
Is your deposit protected in an escrow account held by a third party?
Is the letter of instruction favorable to you?
Is the purchase reservation, offer to purchase, promise of trust agreement and other legal documents written to protect you?
Is there a courtesy copy in English?
Are there warranties and consequences and penalties if the performance expectations are not met? How is the project financed?
What percentage of the financing comes from the developer, investors, financial institutions or buyers?
Will the developer provide proof of the answers to questions, including compliance with legal and regulatory requirements?
Are documents available at the sales office?
Can your funds be used for promotion or construction or how are they protected if commitments are not met?
If the project fails to be adequately funded, are the investors left with anything real?
Does the developer hold performance bonds (fianza) that are valid and payable to the investor/buyer against contract warranties?
Do the developers have construction insurance? If so, for how much?
How are inspections carried out to ensure construction standards are complied with? Does the developer have a good history of building similar projects?
What does the developer have to lose if the project fails?

Elaborated by - Wayne Corcoran - AMPI VP of Ethics
International Marketing & Project Director Century 21 Sun & Sand Puerto Penasco SonoraIf you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

IDX in Guadalajara to MLS so now you can search on your own!

2009-12-06T11:59:00.003-06:00

As I am sure many of you have seen it is a bit frustrating trying to search for property on your in Mexico - and especially in Guadlajara! Well, our AMPI association website has finally been able to link to individual websites like our so that that you can search on your own and then let us know what properties you would be interested in. Check it out on our website!

Internet and real estate are born to be partners. I remember when my husband Sergio Duenas was president of our local AMPI in 2001 he started pushing the members to use internet. We had brought a web company MEXWEB to Guadalajara in 1996 when NO ONE knew about internet!! We were before our time!!!

So, check it out - it is in Spanish since most of our Guadalajara clients are Mexicanos.

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

On Being a Speaker at the NAR CONVENTION

2009-11-20T11:17:00.002-06:00

I had the opportunity in 2008 at the Orlando NAR convention to be a speaker (presenter? trainer?) on the DOING BUSINESS IN MEXICO course that they have prepared in order to help NAR convention attendees to understand a little bit more on what exactly the process for purchasing property is in Mexico, how it is different from the USA and how to comfortably refer clients to AMPI (Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals - Asociacion Mexicana de Profesionales Inmobiliarios) agents in Mexico.

My husband, Arq. Sergio Duenas , was the past National President of AMPI and one of the consultants of the DBIM course along with Linda Neil (La Paz Settlement company) and Adrian Arriaga (past liason with AMPI on behalf of the NAR). It was a quite a job gathering information that in 4 hrs. would be able to make the student knowleagble in Mexican real estate. So many issues come into place as to why our real estate is handled differently in some areas (along the coast and border) than from the inland areas. The course covers from Aztecs all the way to Felipe Calderon, our president, and the changing face of Mexico.

I love giving the class as I have lived the majority of my life here in Mexico (Guadalajara to be exact - the second largest city of 6 million) and love to share not only my knowledge of the country but the culture. My experience with selling real estate, not only in Guadalajara where you can purchase fee simple, but also in Puerto Penasco (aka Rocky Point) on the Sea of Cortes. As you, I have seen and heard it all in real estate! When you give a class, one of the great parts is what you learn as a teacher from your students!

Even though the internet is filled with websites on how to purchase property in Mexico - it is so important to work with a knowledgeable LOCAL AMPI agent (www.ampi.org for the directory). EVEN IF YOU ARE GOING to purchase or your referral is going to purchase in a PRESALE or a condo development that has their own sales force - your referral needs to be represented by someone who will be looking out for them!!

From Cancun to the Sea of Cortes, Mexico has INCREDIBLE beautiful locations for second homes or for retirees. The market is soft now, as everywhere in the world and a great opportunity to buy for those that have wanted to buy but could not afford it.

The DBIM course has a great handout that is updated constantly by NAR & AMPI and such a great reference book. From how to shake hands in Mexico to the buying process - it is all there! As a trainer - I have been also in the uncomfortable position of having to listen to some stories of those who have lost money in their real estate purchases in Mexico - either to unscrupulous real estate agents (remember, we only have licensing in 3 STATES in Mexico - Sonora, Coahuila and Tabasco) who belong to no association (we call them COYOTES here!!) or by owners selling direct and even by developers. In most cases the buyer did not do their homework, did not work with an AMPI agent representing them.

The DBIM is taught by those that the NAR feel have the experience of working in Mexico in real estate plus that know the culture. They are always looking for more qualified trainers - so you should get in touch with them if you are interested!! The more knowledge that is out there on DOING BUSINESS IN MEXICO the better for all of us! Those referrals are wonderful when you feel you are sending your referral to someone who will ethically represent them!
If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

The REAL day of the dead - in Patzcuaro!

2009-11-13T17:06:00.005-06:00

This is just a quickie - too much to do and tomorrow is my hubbie's BDay so I have to get that organized too! Hijole..pura fiesta!
But wanted to blog about going to Patzcuaro for the DOD. I had never been there during this holiday and believe me - EVERYONE NEEDS TO GO!
They had the most incredible ARTESANIA fair, filled with award winning pieces for all over the region. Clay, textiles, wood, furniture..you name it they make it! Plus artesanos from all over Mexico (Chiapas, Oaxaca) show up and had incredible prices on their beautiful textiles...Lordie, I could have bought up the whole fair!!
We were there for 4 days. It took about 3.5 hrs. to drive from Guadalajara to Morelia on the toll road. It was clear sailing the whole way!!! No one was on that toll road on a Sunday morning!!! Once we got to Morelia we followed the Patzcuaro signs and it took us about 45 min. to get to Patzcuaro. Great road too! I think there was a bit shorter way, but we really didn't want to take short cuts...The toll was about 300 pesos one way.
Once we got to Patzcuaro - that is where the traffic backed up with everyone arriving on the Nov. 1st holiday. But it was such a lovely little back up traffic drive that we didn't even mind and even had a chance to take pics along the way.
The story is that those that are a bit tired of beautiful San Miguel Allende are purchasing old properties (when I say old I mean some of those walls are 400+ years old!!) in this Pueblo Magico and remodeling, rebuilding (always needing though to go through a INAH construction approval first! Don't want to screw up the beauty of the little town!!) and then relaxing and enjoying this magical town.
One of the loveliest (is that a word?) holidays I have EVER EVER EVER had...good friends, great place, wonderful food, GREAT 3 hr. massage!! Lordie...doesn't get better than that!! Felt like I had been gone a week when I got home!
The trip back was great too cause we stopped at the Costco right there off the loop that goes around Morelia, had something quick to eat, clean bathrooms and off we went. Coming back was a bit longer, as there is constrution on the loop right now and then of course, coming into my lovely city...have highway construction going on here on Lazaro Cardenas and Lopez Mateos intersection so that backed us up a bit. But all in all is was WONDERFUL and I can't wait to go back!!! If you want to get a real DEAL DEAL DEAL on great piece of TOTALLY FIXER UPPER property on one of the best locations in Patzcuaro - let me know!! It even comes with the architectural plans!! I am telling you, Patzcuaro is going to go up in price down the road because there are only a dozen PUEBLOS MAGICOS in Mexico - and this is one of them and so close to Morelia, another beautiful city that has all the modern conveniences of home (medical, Costco!! etc)

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

Day of the Dead

2009-10-31T12:42:00.001-06:00

Day of the Dead in Guadalajara - it's parque Morelos!

2009-10-31T12:21:00.005-06:00

I am off to the REAL dia de los muertos in Patzcuaro but wanted to let those of you in Gdl. know that the tianguis is down at the Parque Morelos - they sell everything...I bought papel picado (big) for $3.50 a sheet...went a little crazy..now what!!? We are planning to do an altar de muertos at Cristina's - with my dad and Janet's dad... and lots of margaritas de jamaica.

To get to Parque Morelos you just go straight down Juan Manuel towards downtown. The park is on the left before you reach CALZADA INDEPENDENCIA. You can get yummy raspados de coco across the street! This is my husband Sergio's old neighborhood! Went to kindergarten a lonnnnng time ago at Basilio Vadillo or something like that!! Right there at the park!

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

SALARIES IN MEXICO - HIGHEST PAID

2009-10-28T09:15:00.002-06:00

The cost of living in Guadalajara is much lower than the USA - see my previous blog on this. But what many people don't realize is that also salaries are very low compared to the USA.

In a recent report from the Secretaria del Trabajo y Prevision Social, which got its date from a national survey on jobs (www.empleo.gob.mx)the best paying job are in transportation engineering, aeronautics, and pilots. Their monthly salary is...ready for this? Average $14,894 pesos a MONTH ( $1,128 USD @ $13.20 pesos to each dollar).

After that salary, the second best paid are in physics and astronomy, at $14,644 pesos a month. Other engineering jobs follow, metal, energy making $ 13,696 pesos.

Architects and Urbanists average about $ 13,459 pesos - with going green following with ecologists, environmental engineers and atmospheric engineers making $ 12,845 a month. Social scientists make aproximately $ 11,469 pesos.

Those tradicional degrees like Administration, Law and Accounting are considered among the top five best paid and those with the most competition. Their entry level salaries are running about $10,000 pesos a month!

So, when foreigners coming to Mexico wonder why the Mexican government does not hand out work permits to any old CPA - you can see now that not only would you not be making that much but also, you would be taking a well paying job away from a well deserved college graduate!

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

COST OF LIVING GUADALAJARA MEXICO 0CT.2009

2009-10-26T23:04:00.004-06:00

Cost of living in Guadalajara Oct. 2009
Wow – Mexico on 20 dollars a day? Yeah…right…I don’t think so – maybe back in the 50’s!!! But there is still a BIG difference between the cost of living in the US and Mexico. My daughter lives in San Jose (Silicon Valley) and believe me, there is a huge huge HUGE difference between Guadalajara (our Silicon Valley of the South!!!)
• Housing in Guadalajara ( I am NOT talking Chapala here I am talking the metro area of a city of 6 million !!) in a golf course gated community ( for example, Santa Anita, Rancho Contento, Las Canadas…older developments) in 2009 is running about $350,000 USD and up. And these are not NEW houses. Approximately 3 bdrm and 3.5 baths and 2,300 sq. ft. size.
• Medical - Foreigners that immigrate to Mexico can get into the Seguro Social medical system for about 250 dollars a year for the family. Also, medicine is much less expensive in Mexico – probably about 30 -40% cheaper and most are over the counter. This is not to mention the very popular GENERIC stores that are popping up all over the city – hey – 4 VIAGRA PILLS FOR 199 PESOS – that is about $3.50 a pill. Such a deal!! Such quality of life!!
• Dr. visit run about $ 500 pesos now – for a specialist and the appt. times last about 40 minutes!! 500 divided by 13.20 = $37 dollars.
• Dental – you can get your teeth cleaned for approximately $25.00 USD. Most dentists tell me that it is cheaper for an American to fly down and stay two weeks in an affordable hotel and get their teeth repaired than it is do it in the US.
• Automotive – gas (MAGNA – GREEN) is $7.72 a liter which equals 3.78 to a gallon. So…if my math doesn’t fail me – 29 pesos to a gallon – so at 13.25 to the dollar (God..this is not fun ..) YEAHHHHH $ 2.20 DOLLARS A GALLON FOR MEXICAN GASOLINE in Guadalajara!!! It is about $2.35 a gallon in Tucson – Oct. 2009. I just got a car battery at Wal-mart for approximately $68 USD for my Xterra.
• Car wash in Gdl. Run about $3.50 USD at a car wash.
• To get the oil changed, etc. run about $20.00 USD
• Housing – rentals of course depend on where and why type of house you want. Location location location. But you can find a one- two bedroom furnished over in Chapalita for about 5,000 pesos which is about $370 USD. But rentals in gated communities go from about $800 USD (un furnished) and up!
• Hair cuts – I get my hair cut at a great little salon on Guadalupe for 150 pesos..about 12 dollars. I get my hair highlighted for about 350 pesos – 26 dollars!! My daughter for the same two things in San Jose – well, she didn’t even want to TELL ME!! We figured that she could fly down here on Volaris from Oakland almost for what it costs her!! My husband gets his hair cut (what there is) for 100 pesos about $7.50 USD. Need I add that an HOUR MASSAGE here runs 25 USD. And that is a very very nice massage in a NICE spa salon.
• Movie going – the movies cost approximately 50 pesos for a movie - $3.75 USD for a first run movie (in English with Spanish subtitles) Remember, if you are over 60 you are considered a “ tercera edad” and can get discounts at many places! Bus tickets go even HALF PRICE (but you need to get an official I am an old person card called INSEN in Guadalajara)
• Utilities in Guadalajara – the good thing is the houses here don’t have heaters or AC. We get by with a fan or with a little room heater! May is the worst for heat..and Dec. does get a bit chilly if you are not walking on the sunny side of the street. Many of us sit in our cars if our house gets too cold…it is an old Guadalajara trick!
o Electricity – My apt. for three adults runs about 2,000 pesos every 2 months – a thousand a month – which is about 75 dollars for the electricity. Now we are not real energy savers ( I am trying!!!). I think our carbon footprint is carbron as they say here in Mexico. WE leave radios on, things plugged in, have a big double door refrigerator, etc. You get the picture. So I am sure that a NORMAL family would spend less than we do.
o Propane for cooking and clothes dryer – It runs about 500 pesos a month – about 37 USD.
o Basic Telephone with high speed internet runs $389 pesos a month (yes, this is why Carlos Slim, the owner of Telmex gets richer and richer!!) So that is about 30 USD a month. You get 100 local calls with that – anything over you are charged.
o Bottled water – of course this is optional if you want to BOIL your tap water for 15 minutes!! But we buy a big 20 lts. Bottle of water 2 times a week and that runs 40 pesos (but I always leave a tip cause he has to carry that big old bottle!) So that is 3 dollars week – 12 dollars a month!
• Housekeeping – I have someone help me for about 5 hrs. for about 200 pesos – about 15 dollars. Yep…isn’t that wonderful for me!!!?? This is what we are talking about when we talk about quality of life…
• Ironing – I have a place iron 12 business shirts for my husband and put them on hangers for 60 pesos – that is $4.50 USD for the dozen…oh that is the best money I have EVER SPENT here!!! Give me ironed clothes any day!!! For laundry take in and have washed and folded runs 22 pesos a kilo – now, I have no idea how much that is going to be..you are going to have to take your dirty laundry to the scale and remember that 1 kilo equals 2.2 lbs.
• Restaurants – A really nice restaurant will run you about 150 pesos a meal plus drinks and dessert. Of course you can go up and down from there. But count on cloth napkins, nice restaurant and great food for that price. A bottle of XA good Mexican red wine will run about 200 pesos - 15 USD - at the restaurant and good for about 6 glasses. You can get a breakfast for about 70 pesos – and that is a good breakfast – an omelet and juice and coffee.
• Poodle care – my poodle goes in about every three weeks for a bath – and that is 150 pesos (includes the tip) about 12 dollars. When he is groomed it goes up – but he get the whole shebang – and that is about 20 USD. Chico was ill once and at the vets for about 5 days and it ran about 150 USD. He was on IVs and had a very delicate stomach problem (ahh, the SPAGHETTI that someone fed him since he was begging).
I hope this helps you all a bit to get an idea of prices here. Fruits and veggies of course are the biggest deal here. A kilo of hot fresh tortillas will get you far for 10 pesos!!
Once I go to the store I will try to get prices on all of that and add them !!
If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

RENTALS ...can be a pain!! Be careful!!

2009-10-23T13:19:00.004-05:00

Renting in Mexico is not like the USA (and I imagine Canada)in that we don't have a big credit bureau from which to pull any or all credit issues. We have a BURO de CREDITO but according to most Mexicans that I know, they are in it and not because they are bad credit risks, but because of errors in the systems and lack of organization in retail stores or financial companies, ie. banks. So, the majority do NOT use the system to check to see if you will be a good renter or not using the BURO.
But this is not about that - this is about what you should look for when YOU want to rent in Guadalajara - whether a house or an apartment.

Here are the suggestions -
1) use a real estate agent. You are not charged, the owner pays the commission to the agent, and that is normally ONE MONTH rent. If you have an ethical professional agents, they will make sure that you get the best bang for your buck and protect your interests - as they prefer to have referrals from you than from making a commission. We are in a service/volume business!!
2) That agent should be in AMPI - which is the only NATIONAL association for real estate professionals in Mexico and the equivalent of the NAR in the USA and CREA in Canada. If you had a complaint about the agent you have at least an association where you can place your complaint!!
3) Be sure to give them the PARAMETERS you need in your rental property - for example, your budget, the area of town, furnished or un , do you have pets, how many people will be living in the place - this way they can go to our MLS and do a search for you. WE have to go pick up keys and a lot of footwork - not like the USA with automated digital lock boxes, etc!!! So it takes TIME to coordinate seeing houses that some one is living in, getting the keys from other agents, etc.
4) If you see a property or hear about a rental - after you have been working with a real estate agent - and it is NOT ON THE MLS, give them the phone number and address and let them contact the owner for you - this way they will appreciate the opportunity of at least making some type of commission after working so hard with you!! They can be looking out for your best interest - on the price, etc.
5) Think of school - grading the houses - after you see a bunch , sometimes it is hard to remember what the heck each house had. Bring a piece of paper and pen and grade them from 1-10 - 10 being YOUR DREAM HOUSE!! That way it will help you in the future when you want to make an offer - and you can compare prices, location, etc. of the properties.
6) Do a walk thru with the agent. Bring your camera. Check the installations - gas, light, etc. to make sure that everything is in order BEFORE you offer - many times the owners will fix things up AFTER you have signed a contract but you want to make sure it is all in WRITING and documented - so that you get what you are paying for!
7) Make sure all - ALL - bills are updated and paid. Be sure to ask about the cable/sat TV connection. Many times previous renters get a contract and leave without paying and the company will not install the system in a house that has a previous debt. The owners do not want to pay either! GET COPIES OF THE BILLS - and have them in a special home folder for reference - especially when all are due!!
8) Make sure your FURNITURE will fit in the door, the refrigerator fits in the kitchen, etc.
9)If you do not have a local co-signer - you need then to have some alternative way to guarantee the rent. This is why a professional real estate agent can help you come up with some solutions to this very important dilema that foreigners especially find themselves in when wanting to rent.
10) Is there a maintenance fee for the condo (cuota de mantenimiento in Spanish) or neighborhood? Is it UP TO DATE? Have your agent call the Association the house in located in to find out - sometimes owners don't want to pay what is due and it WILL AFFECT you (your garbage might not be picked up, you might not be able to use the facilities, etc) Who is going to pay it? What does it include? When is it due?

These are just SOME of the issues that can come up while renting property in Guadalajara!!

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

GETTING A REFUND OR GUARANTEE IN MEXICO ON ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT

2009-09-29T17:37:00.003-05:00

I purchased a VTECH 2 piece wireless phone set at Costco here in Guadalajara. About 15 days later the darn things did not work. I called the 1-800 number in Mexico city and they said, after we tried to reprogram it by pushing a million codes, that the base was damaged and I would have to wrap it up and return it to them in MEXICO CITY.

I live in Guadalajara, the second largest city in country! I said, don't you have a local place where I can take it? I had thrown out the box ( I know I know!!!! I have a million other products that I purchased and saved THOSE BOXES but for some freaky reason THREW out this particular box!) No, nothing local! I told her, no senorita, I am not going to do that, it is almost not worth my time and energy!

She hesitated a little and then said, well, there might be another way! If you will scan the receipt and destroy the phones and send me evidence that you have, I can send you a replace set.

I said, DESTROY?? You mean, like take a hammer to it!!? She said yes and then take a picture and email me the picture and the receipt scan!!

I said, wow...well, okayyyyyyyy if you say so!!! I got her name and email and went to get the whole shabang going. I scanned and then walked over to the phones and stared at them with the hammer in my hand. I hesistated. I thought...hummmm what if I was being tricked!!? How can I ever then send them back or take them to Costco if I have attacked them with a HAMMER!!!???

So I called the service center back and asked for the same gal and said " I just need to double check that I understood what you told me to do in order to get a replacement of my damaged phones!" She again, patiently went over the requirements.
I said " muchas gracias" and walked over to the brand new wireless phones on the carpet and proceeded to beat the hell out of them. It is NOT EASY to damage those things!! Finally, I cracked the little viewer on the phones - that appeared like crystal stars and thought that was good enough!

To make a very quick story shorter - I want you to know that today I received an email from the service center saying that they had received everything in order and that they would shipping out tomorrow two new phones to me! That they would be sending me the shipping number and would let me know that so I could be expecting it!

Now isn't that a great story!!! I am assuming that it will end as they said - but just in case you might want to check back with my blog! But this is wonderful!! Service centers have gone CYBER!!! Thank you lordie and thank you VTECH service center!!
If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

Guadalajara and its different housing areas

2009-09-29T16:14:00.007-05:00

Guadalajara is a big city. Most people who live here quote about 6 million in the
" mancha urbana" which means, literally the " urban stain". We call it ZMG - Zona Metropolitana de Guadalajara.

We have our big city and capital of our state of Jalisco - Guadalajara. Little towns that years ago were retreats from the city, have been swallowed up
1) El Salto (this is manufacturing now mostly - and low income housing with middle class- IBM & Honda are just a few that out in El Salto. El Salto is on the northeast side of town.
2)Tlajomulco de Zuñiga - this is on the south side of town. This has tutti frutti - A few years ago it was the fastest growing area but now finds itself with a one year inventory of housing (mostly low income). Costco has just opened a new store along Lopez Mateos Sur. Neighborhoods such as Santa Anita Club de Golf, El Palomar, Bugambilias and other newer neighborhoods of " residential " houses are located along the Lopez Mateos Sur avenue.
3)Tlaquepaque - this was always famous for shopping and artesans. It is mostly lower class housing to middle class - working class. There has been a new amount of building of low income housing out in this area plus investment of shopping centers. There is high density out near this part of Guadalajara. Tlaquepaque is north east
4) Tonalá - this is where the artesans actually have their work shops. It is on the Northeast part of Guadalajara on your way to Mexico City. There are TONS of new housing developments (lower) where the houses sell for about 45,000 USD.
5) Zapopan - and my neck of the woods - This is on the north west side of Guadalajara and one of the richest areas of the city. This is where the new Plaza Andares has gone up, many universities, high end technology plants like Flextronics & Jabil. This is where the middle and upper income purchase- with neighborhoods such as Valle Real, Las Lomas, Puerta de Hierro, Rancho Contento (pictured above) and other gated communities. But it also has lots of lower income and middle classes housing! I guess the bottom line is that - as those that are familiar Mexico know - urban planning is not their forte - thus a bit of everything in all the different sectors.
But if you are an expat coming to work in our city, chances are you will in Zapopan, Tlajomulco or the city of Guadalajara itself. Our traffic has become congested. I remember about 5 years ago you could say, I will be there in 20 min. to just about anywhere. Now I would say, especially during rush hour - I will see you in about 45-50 minutes!!

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

AMPI GUADALAJARA FORO AT THE CAMINO REAL

2009-09-13T17:56:00.000-05:00

Here Sergio and I are with Marilu Guerrero - the Guadalajara AMPI President. We had lots of good information about our local market presented by SOFTECT - Eugene Towle that I was scribbling down on paper as he presented. He said that he will give AMPI the presentation so I will post some of the info when I see the presentation. Easier than reading my notes.

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

RANCHO CONTENTO - GUADALAJARA PARADISE

2009-09-10T16:28:00.003-05:00

Rancho Contento - located about 2 minutes past the Periferico on the West side of Guadalajara (the hwy. to Nogales it is called) was developed by US retirees that were looking for their little piece of heaven in Guadalajara about 50 years ago. They created a gated community of about 240 lots with a 9 hole golf course, tennis courts, swimming pool and a community center where they could all get together and talk about their Mexican adventurers in the wonderful city of probably!

Rancho has cobblestones and most of those that are attracted to living within this community are very ecologically conscious, love outdoor living, sports and family & community living.

There are different housing prices in Rancho as many are totally remodeled homes and other are the originals! Sq. meter of land (of which there is almost none)runs about $5,000 pesos a sq. meter. With your HOA fee you have access to all the facilities (golf, tennis, pool, etc) plus it includes your water usage. I would say that a newer home , on a large lot (approximately 1,000 sq. meters) would run more than 1/2 million USD.

Rancho is unique in Guadalajara and IMHO is the most wonderful - especially for kids growing up! It is like living in a constant summer camp!

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

RESALE HOUSING IN GUADALAJARA MEXICO

2009-09-04T08:00:00.005-05:00

A newly remodeled home kitchen and one that definitely needs it!!

One of our biggest challenges in Mexico is the used housing market as opposed to new developments.

Because of the current economic situation throughout the world, developers have cut back on their plans to build - whether low income housing or new resort developments along the beautiful coasts of Mexico. This is definitely a plus for those of us in the real estate brokerage business in Mexico. We believe that the next 5 years, at least, our industry will benefit from the lack of new construction in our country.

The purchase of new properties has always been promoted heavily in Mexico by the government as there has been a upper mobile society within the working class who are eager to obtain housing for the first time. The government program of INFONAVIT .

In Mexico, the National Workers Housing Fund Institute (Instituto Nacional para el Fomento de la Vivienda de los Trabajadores) was created in 1972 to serve as the major government housing assistance agency. It helps workers to buy new homes and more recently to purchase used housing (though this is definitely the minority). The employee contributes 5 percent of their payroll to the fund - and up to a maximum of 10 times the minimum wage. With the program they get better interest rates than what is offered by private mortgage companies plus longer terms.

The challenge thus becomes making this used market attractive and affordable. Only about 2 percent of all closings are from used housing according to Galo Blanco , a past president of AMPI, the Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals, the only National association and the equivalent of the NAR in the USA. This is in comparison to approximately 8 percent in the past in the USA.

One of the challenges also is the Mexican culture - most Mexicans don't move with the frequency of other countries! Average American moves about 7 times in their lifetime, mostly due to employment opportunities. Mexicans are much more rooted in their communities especially due to the number one value in the culture which is FAMILY. This added to the difficulty in obtaining credit makes it such that those that do decide to " move up " end up either giving, renting or allowing family to stay in the starter home.

Another challenge is the cost of remodeling. Though the cost of construction workers to do the remodeling is low compared to the USA , the challenge of the remodeling many times make it an expensive project in older homes. We do not build with dry wall and wooden frames in Mexico! In order to remodel, normally it requires knocking down concrete or brick walls, rewiring and replumbing the whole home. The cost of materials, though balanced by the cost of the labor, still make gutting and remodeling a titanic job for most possible used home buyers. Many of the older homes (before NAFTA)have custom made doors, windows, cabinets - that if they are to be replaced need to be done so by another artesan..which are few and far between these days or be refitted for standard doors and windows. Because credits are difficult to get, we don't have the culture of FLIPPING like in the US as a business model - most of those that do flip, do so with their own money.

Maintenance on used properties is also a challenge. The beautiful sunshine in Mexico, plus our rainy seasons, become important issues in the upkeep of the gardens and exterior of the houses. You need to paint the roofs with waterproof paint in order to protect them during the rainy season and be on top of the landscaping as anything that touches the ground starts to grow immediately. The Mexican economy has been such an up and down situation for so many years, normally the first thing to go is the upkeep on a house when you have to educate and put food on the table for your family. Most used homes are shown " as it" and certainly are not staged in any way! Normally the client says, I won't do anything to it because I am sure that who ever buys the house will fix it up the way that they want! They really don't see the importance of the upkeep in terms of increasing the value of the home, including the upkeep of their neighborhoods.

Another challenge is that the Mexican culture , as old as it is, appreciates brand new housing over the older houses. The normal " life span " of a house here in Guadalajara is calculated at about 60 years. If it has not been remodeled, the house at one point has no value, and what is valued is only the land. The difficulty of maintaining older property - cost and time - seems to be the reason for the love of the new.It seems you are constantly with a worker doing something in the house in order to keep it maintained. With newer housing, you at least have a break for the first 10 years from coordinating visits from workers, that may or may not show up on time! One of the reasons the foreigners come to Mexico and ENJOY purchasing older property in the center zones of towns, is that that remodeling surely does become a full time job and fodder of conversation and even novel writing as we have seen in books such as God and Mr. Gomez: Building a Dream House in Baja!

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

The perfect Storm - Mexico August 2009

2009-08-17T10:31:00.000-05:00

Mexico - the perfect Storm...
Well, they always say that if the US gets a cold - Mexico gets pneumonia!
Expansion magazine had a report that summarizes the " perfect storm" that is ocurring right now in Mexico. Here is a little summary

Agro production is down - 0.3%.
Industrial production is down 12.1%,
Mining down 0.9%
Manufacturing is down 16.9%
Construction down 10.4%
Services offered are down 11.9%.
Exports down 31.7%.
Petroleum exports contracted 53.5%
Imports down 33.3%
Employment down - about 4.1%
Inflation at 5.74%
Government budget income is down 7.8% because of lack of income -22.2%- from petroleum and 13.6% from other tax income.
Deficit is 94,620 million pesos
Depreciation of the peso exchange - has cost the public financial sector 17%. If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

DRIVING FROM GUADALAJARA TO TUCSON AND BACK!!

2009-07-21T13:53:00.002-05:00

I thought I would do a quickie blog here on our trip to Tucson last month. It took us two days - the first day we drove from Gdl. to Navojoa (we would normally stay in other cities - but our dog is not welcome at most hotel!! Pets are accepted at the Best Western in Navojoa if they are well behaved!!) and that was about 10 hr. drive. We paid in tolls and gas aproximately $4,500 pesos (430 USD?) ONE WAY! That is not counting food or hotel - though we really don't stop along the way to eat - just get snacks!! The next day we got up early and drove from Navojoa (Sonora) all the way up to Tucson - arriving before dark! About another 10 hrs. We enter through the Mariposa entrance at Nogales because it is less congested and less people. We sailed right through and immediatly stopped at Taco Bell...Okay..I know..." tacos de garbage" as my mother in law would call them - but we needed a Taco Supreme fix!!

Shopped till we dropped and then turned around and drove back!! Coming back you HAVE TO HAD the two hrs. difference in time zone - so that totally screws up the sailing back!! Plus - immigration and car permits take about 30 minutes if there is no line. Plus we always have to stop in Mazatlan to have sea food..so the going back is a lot longer!!

And there is the unloading...ahhh but it so worth it! We had no problems with any issues of police, security, road blocks..just the opposite - everyone was very very nice to us and I would do it again in a second! The roads were great except in a few places where they were fixing them - we do tolls all the way (cuota) not Libre - you have insurance coverage, telephone numbers for emergencies (see on the back of the toll road receipt for the number) and Green Angels - the Mexican tourist support for drivers goes up and down the highway 15. Their number 078 in case you ever need them throughout Mexico!!

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

2009-06-18T19:16:00.001-05:00

Wow...look at this view of Guadalajara! The big lake off to the left is Chapala. The mountain in the back is the Nevado de Colima...and of course - that huge gorge is what we call in Guadalajara - the Barranca de Oblatos. The big green area on the right is the Primavera National Forest!

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

WHAT HAPPENS IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT IN MEXICO

2009-06-14T16:11:00.000-05:00

What to do in case of car accident in Guadalajara ( and it is probably very similar all over Mexico!)
When I first got married waaaay back in 1971 I met some American retirees at a school where I volunteered to teach English a few times a week. They were the nicest couple! As I got to know them, they shared their story that they had been in a car accident and had run over a little boy and were not allowed to leave the country because of the accident. It was quite a traumatic thing ( I thought…man, I would just LEAVE…THERE IS NO WAY at 75 I would stick around to see what happened!) But because they believed in the system of justice they stayed. And many lawyer fees , headaches and months later they were cleared ( I believe the had to pay the hospital fees) and were able to do whatever they liked. They remained in Mexico! I was young then – and my reaction was I AM OUT OF HERE!!!! But they loved Mexico and their life here so they stayed.
So I decided to blog about WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF A CAR ACCIDENT in Mexico. Now I am not a lawyer nor am I an insurance expert! But this has been my experience while living here all these years and I hope that it can help someone in the future!
First of all – if you have an AMERICAN car – you are allowed to have an American license. I am sure that it is true for Canadians too – but since they are so far away we rarely see cars down here with those plates. You need to have MEXICAN CAR INSURANCE your AMERICAN car insurance is not valid in Mexico. You should be sure that it includes A BOND (fianza) and also legal fees.
Why you ask? Because in Mexico you are guilty till you can prove yourself innocent (Napoleanic code) and who wants to be in JAIL the whole time you are trying to prove your case? Thus – the bond and the legal fees!!
Make sure that you have ALL YOUR CAR papers in order. Make sure that you have copies of all the CAR PAPERS AND INSURANCE in a special place – because if you are in an accident and they impound your car – and the papers are inside YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET THEM OUT OF THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT!! So- my suggestion would be have a copy at home, at a friend’s but better yet – scan them and email them to yourself also!!
While you are driving – you should have the copies in your car – all your documents in order and a BIG BRIGHT PIECE OF PAPER WITH BIG LETTERS (that is because it is harder and harder for me to see the small print on documents!) the basic CONTACT INFORMATION in case of an emergency. For example – play along with me now…you have crashed – you hit your head – you are alone in your car – you don’t speak Spanish – get the picture?? NO bueno!! So if you can get the bright RED PAPER out of the glove compartment and it has
1) your spouse, friend, lawyer, the consulate’s emergency American service number, your boss’s cell phone and the way you dial it FROM GUADALAJARA on a CELL PHONE!! not the US. Chances are you will use your CELL or someone who is there would let you use theirs.
2) your insurance company 800 number with your account number in BIG NUMBERS

4) the number for the LOCAL PRIVATE HOSPITAL ambulance so that THEY COME FOR YOU INSTEAD OF THE red cross or Green Cross hauling you off in their ambulances
5) your family in the USA…whatever you will need in order to communicate and get help and support handy and right there!!!! You hang on to that paper for all information. Imagine trying to use your cell! Hell, I can barely use my cell when I have all my wits about me sometimes!
Okay – so that is all PREVENTIVE information to have handy. Now we get into the OH NO I CRASHED or someone CRASHED INTO ME!!! WHAT TO DO NOW AND WHAT HAPPENS NORMALLY?
Now this could be a car accident with another car or you could hit a pedestrian. First of all – don’t freak out. The calmer you are in this situation the better. When you don’t know what to do – the fear of the unknown can make it worse than it is. This information is going to help you know what will happen so that you don’t freak out. This is info about 1) just a car accident and no one hurt 2) someone hurt and 3) Lord forbid – deaths.
FENDER BENDER or perhaps worse – but NO ONE HURT.
If there is no one hurt and even if you do have a little whip lash – my suggestion would be DEAL WITH LATER ON YOUR OWN TIME! My daughter was rear ended in Guadalajara and when the transito (Transit cop –they are separate from the normal POLICE) agent on the scene asked her if she was okay? did anything hurt ? she said that her neck did hurt a little. Well, that was enough to set it all off to SOMEONE HURT!!! She was carted off in an ambulance to the Green Cross ( I arrived a bit late so I didn’t have input into this!) alone (they won’t let you get in) to be taken care of. The guy who rear ended her was also taken down to the Green Cross and put into the “ separos” detention area because he had hurt someone!! Vanessa’s car was hauled off with the other guys car – and it took us about 6 days to get it out of the impounded area – and lots of $$. So, obviously if you are really hurt or the other party you admit it and go with it. But if NOT..then if it is something that later you can check out at the local hospital on your own that might be a better way to go!
1) Call all people on your support list – and the INSURANCE COMPANY!! See you gets there first to help you! Keep your purse near you – on you – not in the car as people start getting in and out of the car and you don’t want to lose anything.
2) The Transit agent will arrive (they normally are pretty good about arriving except in rainy season when they are very busy!!) and make a small diagram of what happened. You are NOT SUPPOSED to move your car – even if you are blocking traffic! It gets a bit dangerous and crazy – plus it snarls all the traffic – but don’t move it! The agent shows where the positions of the cars - and writes down your version, the other person’s version and his version of what happened plus your entire general contact information.
3) He makes sure that no one is hurt and that they all have their papers in order and IN THE CAR. THAT means registration, license, and insurance - everything that should be in a car when you drive it. If you have a foreign plated car – it needs to have all of those copies, plus your immigration status showing that you are the person who is allowed to be driving the car. If you are missing some documents or the other party is you can be fined and the car impounded.
4) Hopefully your insurance agent is there to help you. If they can help you to get to some kind of arrangement ( ACUERDO) you BOTH can leave and no one takes your car. But just in case it goes the wrong way – and you don’t have the correct papers, and the car getting impounded ( asegurado in Spanish) remember that you will have to eventually pay for the tow truck which is about 700 pesos plus the time that it is in the impounded area. In Gdl. the DIF – the social service agency of the State – has all the impounded car areas ( this is called EL CORRALON in Spanish) – that is how they make money to survive and help the poor!
5) You also have the right to ask for a PERITO (that is like an expert) to witness and determine the responsibility of the parties. If you can’t agree whose fault it is – then off they go to the corralon (impounded area) and you are given a citation that says you need to show up the next day to the Transit department (SVT – Secretaria de Vialidad y Transporte Publico) If you DO COME TO AN ARRANGEMENT with the Perito – the cars are free to go UNLESS you have damaged public property. The insurance agency then should handle it for you.
6) If you don’t come to an agreement – then it could be sent to the MP (Ministerio Publico – public ministry) for damaging property. And this will also happen if you have had any drugs or alcohol during the accident. The affected party or the Transit department can then press charges against the responsible party.
7) Now experts (PERITOS) are called in and they say who was guilty – then an order for their arrest goes out. They have 10 days in which to decide whether to apply it or not (your insurance company or the other party during this time can get some things worked out if possible) If they do want to apply it – then it is sent to the PGJE (procuraduria General de Justicia del Estado – the State cops) and the agents look for the guilty party to arrest.
IF THERE ARE JUST INJURED PEOPLE IN THE ACCIDENT
1) Are they just light injuries or normal injuries? These are if no one is at risk for their life or it would take less than 15 days to get over the injuries.
2) If the parties do no arrive at an agreement and the affected person wants to press charges – the MP (Ministerio Publico) at the EMERGENCY CARE CENTER (Green Cross – Red Cross) where they were taken is obligated to get involved to press the charges.
3) Normally you will be taken to the GREEN CROSS or the RED CROSS – whatever is closer. You have the right to ask to be taken to a private hospital.
4) The alleged guilty person is ARRESTED and if there is charge – a BOND is set. If you do not press charges then the driver is free to go – under the reservations of the law.
If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

Real Estate Licensing in Mexico - CENEVAL EXAM

2009-06-03T15:38:00.007-05:00

I just received an email from Mexico City - with information and all the study guides for the CENEVAL test for Real Estate practitioners in Mexico. ON the AMPI NATIONAL website - WWW.AMPI.ORG - on the bottom right hand side it says under NOTICIAS – OBTEN TU TITULO Y CEDULA PROFESIONAL. Click there and you can download all of the study guides! I believe that AMPI – SECTION DF is in charge of supervising this program.

This is a FEDERAL test that is offered all over the country (btw deadline to register is in three days!). I applaud the fact that NATIONAL AMPI (www.ampi.org) is working with CENEVAL to have the tests done and administered. But, in the last couple years that the test has been administered by CENEVAL - AMPI has found that the test is too difficult and the requirements in order to apply to take the test are out of the reach of the majority of those members who have been practicing real estate in Mexico for many years!! Most of those that take the test fail! The actual percentage has not been released by AMPI (they should!) Many many believe the CENEVAL requirements and test need to be reformed in order to be real and representative of the knowledge that a real estate professional should know in Mexico.

In the USA, for example, most agents are able to take about 80 hrs. of study (depends on each state) at a cost of about $450 USD. They then take an exam to see if they actually learned all the material that they had studied!! If they pass – they are licensed agents in their state. If they didn’t pass- they can repeat the exam until they do. Obviously they have other requirements – perhaps a high school education, residency, plus in good standing in the community, etc.

What we want in Mexico is a licensing program that is AFFORDABLE, APPLICABLE and SUPERVISED by an authority. In Sonora, the Dept. of Economy has a special area called ICRESON – and they are the authority that trains, registers and supervises the licensing in that state. Sonora is the FIRST STATE to have licensing. Coahuila also has licensing. I would suggest that every state in Mexico FOLLOW Sonora’s example and have a State by State licensing program just as in the USA! You then can teach classes that apply to your State – civil codes, coastal requirements, building requirements, zoning, and other important training that applies to your area!! Why should someone in Mexico City have to know the ins and outs of fideicomisos (bank trusts) if it does not apply there and yet it should be part of ANY TEST in a State that has agents selling along the restricted zone.

We want PROFESSIONAL, REGULATED real estate professionals to give the security and the confidence that what they are purchasing is done with all the due diligence and education that their representative, whether representing the seller or the buyers. We want to give “ COYOTES” – those individuals who have no ASSOCIATION to which they belong, therefore many with no supervision, ethics or training. Those individuals are putting the buying or selling public’s money at risk. Every time a sale goes BAD and is in the press – it affects all of us that sell real estate in Mexico! If you are a developer and have a sales force – shouldn’t THEY be licensed? If you are an AMPI MEMBER you should give them your feedback – at the NATIONAL LEVEL (be sure to copy your local section President!!) ampinacional@ampi.org and also another copy to certificacion@ampidf.com.mx

What is CENEVAL?
• In Mexico – CENEVAL - The National Assessment Centre for Higher Education (EL Centro Nacional de Evaluación para la Educación Superior -Ceneval) is a non-profit association whose principle activity is to design and apply evaluating instruments of the skills, knowledge and competency plus the analysis and sharing of the testing results.
• Since 1994 it has given valid and reliable information on the knowledge and skills that people have acquired as recipients of education programs – whether that knowledge was obtained through formal or informal education. What is its function?
• It offers evaluation services to educational institutions and private, social or public organizations. Why is it important to take the CENEVAL test?
• The results of the exam are very important as they show not only the public but the exam taker the results of their knowledge in the field in which they are tested. It also is a certification of your knowledge when looking for employment.
For more information – look at CENEVAL WEBSITE http://www.ceneval.edu.mx/portalceneval/index.php
FOR AMPI DF - CONTACT INFORMATION ON THIS CENEVAL TEST CONTACT-
Laura Flores Araiza - TSU Comercialización Inmobiliaria. – Coordinadora in Mexico City
01-55- 5511-4702 - certificacion@ampidf.com.mx

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

PROBLEM WITH A MEXICAN BANK? INSURANCE?

2009-05-23T17:10:00.001-05:00

This is the government agency that can help you!
Condusef: Basic Information
Who we are

Our official name is:

Comisión Nacional para la Protección y Defensa de los Usuarios de Servicios Financieros
(National Commission for the Protection of Users of Financial Services)

We are a public institution dependant of the Ministry of Finance (Secretariat of Finance and Public Credit).

We have two different approaches:

* Preventive (orienting, informing, promoting Financial Education)
* Corrective (providing attention and solution to complaints presented by users of financial products and services).

Our commitment:

* Promoting Financial Education amongst the Mexican population.
* Continuing with the progressive development of products and tools that give support, advice and orientation to users of financial services.
* Pursuing an equal and fair relationship between financial institutions and users of its products and services.

Where to find us :

To obtain information, assessment and even initiate a complaint process, please contact us:

By phone or in person at our offices:

01 800 999 80 80, toll free from any location inside Mexico.

53 400 999, calling from Mexico City and its surrounding areas.

Internet:

Please visit our web site: opinion@condusef.gob.mx Esta dirección electrónica esta protegida contra spam bots. Necesita activar JavaScript para visualizarla .

Visit us in person at:

Our central offices: Insurgentes Sur 762, Colonia Del Valle, Delegación Benito Juárez, Mexico City.

Throughout the Mexican territory: we have at least one office in each state.

What we do

We develop two kinds of activities:

* Preventive (provide orientation, information and promotion of Financial Education) and,
* Corrective (give attention and resolution to complaints presented by users of financial products and services).

How we do it

Preventive: We spread financial information through the following means:

* Our magazine: "Protect your money".
* E-learning in Financial Literacy.
* Web site, where you will find:
o Comparative charts
o Specialized calculators
o Simulators
o Financial Products grading table
o Statistical bulletins
* Educational material ready to be distributed in social programs.
* Brochures, handouts, statistical yearbooks.
* A collection of educational illustrated short stories.
* Radio.
* Collaborative agreements with a series of public and private institutions.
* Joint work with the Ministry of Education to develop financial contents for elementary school.

Corrective: We offer various kinds of services:

1. Assistance:

* We negotiate with the financial institutions in the pursuit of solving users’ problems immediately.
* If the response does not satisfy the user, we can give advice on the presentation of formal complaints.

2. Conciliation:

* Beginning with the complaint, both the user and the financial institution are given a citation to a Conciliatory Hearing, in order to try to find a satisfactory arrangement.
* If no agreement is reached, both parties can choose to assign a third party for mediation.
* If the financial institution rejects this third party, the user can exercise his rights before a court, requesting a Technical Dictation Specialized Report which is the opinion of our experts on the matter.

3. Arbitrage:

* If the parties accept mediation, we resolve and determine who’s right.
* If the user is right, the institution has a 15 day window to fulfill the resolution.
* If the institution does not fulfill the agreement, we carry out the proper legal actions to compel the institution to do so.
* When reaching this final stage, it is strongly advised to the user to have a private attorney.

4. Free legal advice:

* We offer a legal advisor free of charge, on the condition that the user meets the following criteria:
* Insufficient financial resources to hire an attorney.
* The matter has sufficient legal elements for an adequate defense or prosecution.

How to present an information request or a complaint

At Condusef, our main goal is to protect and defend the users of financial products and services. Thus, the following matters are of our interest:

* Information requests
* Complaints
* Information analysis and check-up

Requests we give attention to

We give attention to information requests in the following areas:

* Product characteristics
o Operation
o Who to contact in the financial institution(s) you choose.
o Commitments assumed by parties involved when engaging in a contract.
* The way Condusef works:
o Customer support procedures
o Reach of Condusef in different situations.

Requests we cannot attend

We cannot offer information regarding costs applied by financial institutions to users of different products and services other than what is provided through our web page.

Complaints

A complaint is established when one formally presents a written notification to a financial institution, with the intention that it mends or corrects actions that the user considers to:

* Be incorrect.
* Not compel with the terms under which the product or services was hired.
* The user has been affected by an action presumed to have been executed by a financial institution.

Complaints we give attention to:

The kinds of complaints we attend are relative to the following:

* Differences in interpreting commitments assumed implicitly or explicitly when the user signs a contract in order to acquire a product or hire a service offered by a financial institution.
* Financial institution’s incorrect behavior, according to the user’s criteria
* The financial institution does not comply with agreements stipulated in the contract.

Complaints we do not attend:

The kinds of complaints that we do not attend are:

* Ones deriving from interest rates agreed with the financial institution when resulting from adverse macroeconomic conditions.
* Matters that emerge from internal or contractual policies and that are not notoriously serious.

Before filing a complaint:

* It is advisable that you submit the matter to the involved financial institution’s customer support center. (You can look it up in the Directory of financial institutions’ specialized units for accountholders.
* If you do not obtain a satisfactory result, you can present your complaint to Condusef.

How to file a complaint:

The steps for filing a complaint are the following:

Step

Action
1

Write a letter addressed to “Comisión Nacional para la Protección y Defensa de los Usuarios de Servicios Financieros” (Condusef):
If you reside in… Then address the document to…
Mexico City General Director of Orientation and Conciliation in our corporate office.
Any state within Mexico The corresponding state or regional representation office.
2
Make sure that the document clearly contains the following information:

* Plaintiff’s full name and address.
* Name and address of the plaintiff’s representative or person that shall act in the plaintiff’s behalf, and provide the document that establishes said relationship (power of attorney).
* Description of the issue and a brief statement of the facts that cause the complaint.

Name of the financial institution against which the complaint to be filed.
3 Attach to the document: two copies of the letter and the documentation that proves the acquisition of the product or service that originates the problem.
4
Verify that the copy you shall keep has Condusef’s seal of receipt stamped on it.
Notice: Condusef can reject a clearly non-proceeding complaint document
5 Observe a maximum 20 working days beginning on the document’s delivery date until the receipt of Condusef’s dictation on whether the complaint document proceeds.

Analysis and check-up

In addition to information requests and complaints, Condusef has the ability to analyze and check advertising information and other kinds of information used by financial institutions to communicate the benefits and commitments that a user, acquires when hiring a financial service or product. We verify that the information is:

* Accurate.
* Effective.
* Does not confuse or misrepresent. If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

Guadalajara MLS - how to navigate

2009-05-16T10:44:00.017-05:00

CLICK ON THE PHOTO TO ENLARGE IF YOU CAN NOT SEE CLEARLY!

AMPI MLS SITE HERE

Our association (AMPI) does not have the search on our site in English - as there is not a big demand in our city of 6 million! So I am going to help you out by telling you how you can search to find the property that you need. Here is a translation of the FIRST search page - On the next blog I will translate the property page to help you see what it says!

Along the top it says
inicio = home
buscar = search
directorio = directory of AMPI members
contacto = contact
noticias = news

Busqueda de propiedades = property search
Bajar Listado en Excel = Download all properties in Excel file
Tipo de propiedad = type of property (ie. House, apt,land,commercial etc)
Tipo de oferta = type of offer (rent, buy)
Precio desde = prices from (todos = all)
Colonia = neighborhood
Agencia = real estate broker (you can enter todos and we will represent you if you see something you would like to pursue.
ID propiedad = this is the MLS ID NUMBER if you happen to have it or see it in a magazine.
Buscar propiedad = find the property (hit this button!)
Numero de resultados = number of searches that appear on one page – you can increase the amt.
Pag = page numbers organized by amount
Ordenar por = order by property ID#, type of offer, by price

As you search, if you see something that you like, please let me know and I can get more information for you. At times some of the brokers do not put enough pictures or information on the page and I can get that to you. Let me represent you as you look for property here in Guadalajara. It does not cost you anything. We are paid our commission by the home owners!

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction and would like to be represented in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

Commercial Property in Guadalajara

2009-04-17T12:17:00.007-05:00

When we look at commercial properties in Guadalajara - we see a huge opportunity for those who would like to invest in this type of business. We have not been hit by the commercial bust that is taking place in the USA at the this moment.
Why? Because Guadalajara is an ever growing city! It is the second largest city in Mexio (6 million aprox) and continues to grow. The city is considered " Silicon Valley" of Mexico. Just recently Perot (yep, Ross Perot's company) Systems expanded here and hopes to continue its exponential growth. The city has more than 12 Universities - offering quality employees for reasonable salaries.

Though we have large shopping centers - Plaza del Sol, Gran Plaza, Galerias, Centro Sur, Andares, Ciudadela (photo shown)to mention a few, the boom is taking place is in Strip malls. With the economy going pretty good, more people are able to afford cars. The ease of parking, the cost of the goods, the locations and stores within the neighborhood shopping areas are in great demand now that the city has started with its urban sprawl.

Previously in Guadalajara, when you wanted to go pick up some school supplies, you would have to drive one way to the " papeleria" and then off to another part of town for the craft supplies...made for a long day!! Grocery store? it would be down to the Mercado to get the produce and meats. Now, with the marketing mix within the centers, it is one stop shopping!

The city is growing north, south east and west! The area of Zapopan (northwest)and Tlajomulco (south) seem to have the largest amount of new shopping areas geared to middle class and up. The sections of Tlaquepaque and Tonala are more popular lower income zones.

The prices are calculated by sq. meter. They may or may not be delivered finished - many just as vanilla shells. The sq. meter, depending on the shopping center and its location can go from about $150 pesos a sq. meter to up to $500 pesos or more.
The average price for a nice new strip mall retail is about $240 (about 17 USD at todays exchange of 14 pesos) pesos a sq. meter (10.76 sq. ft). That is about $1.60 a sq. ft for retail space here..

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

A LITTLE BIRD TOLD ME SO....

2009-03-23T11:43:00.002-06:00

Tlaquepaque is the artisan center for Guadalajara - filled with great stores and wonderful restaurants..all with the traditional Mexican theme. The " Little Luck Bird" (Pajarito de la Suerte) is also very ingrained in Mexican folklore.
The birdie dynamic goes something like this : You pay the gentleman about 20 or 30 pesos and he starts a little rhyme - something like - little birdie go and choose the cards that will bring this person their fortune. The bird pulls 3 fortune papers -those three are to be interpreted as you see fit. Then he pulls out a 4th - that is a SECRET only for you - and has some key to your life existence. It is put in a an envelope and you have to rip or burn that secret paper.
I had to laugh when my daughter had hers done - because the quality of the printing was so poor we could barely read it..
I think it is a sweet tradition....and a nice memory of your time in Mexico!

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com

GENERAL INFORMATION ON MEXICO - INTERESTING

2009-03-21T16:42:00.001-06:00

General Information on Mexico
Official Name: United Mexican States
Capital: Mexico City (Current local time)
Government Type: Federal republic
Chief of State: Felipe Calderon, president
Population: 109 million
Area: 761,600 square miles; about three times the size of Texas
Languages: Spanish, various Mayan, Nahuatl, and other regional indigenous languages
Literacy: Total Population: [91%] Male: [92%]; Female: [90%]
GDP Per Capita: $10,700 USD
Year of Independence: 1810 (declared)
Web site: Presidencia.gob.mx (In Spanish)

If you need any help with any type of real estate transaction in the Guadalajara area - whether commercial or residential please call me at 011-52-33-3647-5854 or email me at mercytrilenium@gmail.com