A Home in Paradise

Your ideal vacation home is right here

By Dianna Schaible

Los Cabos is one of the most beautiful places in North America. A desert rich in history with mountains full of flora and fauna and archeological wonders, some yet to be discovered. The alluring beaches and the fertile waters of the Sea of Cortés and the Pacific Ocean that surround Los Cabos are the soul of its timeless beauty. World-class golf, nightlife, dining, eco-adventures and family friendly activities abound.  It’s only natural that Los Cabos has emerged as the ideal vacation home destination.

There is an amazing array of properties throughout Los Cabos, from the opulent homes of The Corridor to the perfect beachfront bungalow on the sandy shores of Los Barriles. Finding your ideal property in Los Cabos is an exciting venture, and your timing couldn’t be better.   

I first arrived in Los Cabos in 1986. Back then, the marina was under construction and the very first golf course in Los Cabos was beginning to take shape in San José del Cabo. Today, Los Cabos includes about 200 square miles from the Pacific Ocean to the Sea of Cortés. Most visitors are familiar with lively Cabo San Lucas and the beaches near the culturally rich town of San José del Cabo. Many stay in one of the world-class resorts of the 13-mile Corridor, the spectacularly beautiful and exclusive area between the two towns.

But drive about an hour west from Cabo San Lucas, and you’ll be in Todos Santos, one of only 24 Pueblos Mágicos (Magical Towns) in Mexico. Driving an hour east from San José del Cabo will bring you to Cabo Pulmo, home of an impressive coral reef. Wherever you find yourself under the Baja sun, take a look at the available condominiums, homes and land opportunities, one may be your future vacation home.

Finding Your Dream Home
One of the first questions people ask when they walk into a real estate office is:  What is the best priced beachfront property? The answer has changed significantly over the past 25 years as Los Cabos has matured. Beachfront property is always in demand, and Los Cabos is blessed with two coastlines that offer dramatically different experiences. Beachfront property is coveted in The Corridor and Puerto Los Cabos. These communities offer stunning beaches, views, a marina and golf courses. Those looking for beachfront property without resort amenities and much more privacy, should look to the East Cape, Los Barriles and the Pacific coast for their dream homes.

Other properties are available with views, beach access or in town, perhaps on one of the 11 stunning golf courses. There are also magnificent properties in the all-inclusive beach and golf communities throughout Los Cabos, with prices reflective of their elegance and stature. And if you are looking for the perfect lot to build your dream home, there are ready-to-build lots with views, beach access and proximity to the marinas.

Buying the right piece of property in just the right location can be a very good investment. Where are those areas? Los Barriles and La Ribera, on the East Cape; Pescadero and Todos Santos, on the Pacific; and the area surrounding Puerto Los Cabos in San José. You can find the perfect spot for a fisherman’s getaway, a place for a growing family or even a location for your small business, shop or gallery.

Los Cabos is one of the most sought-after destinations in the luxury real estate market today. The demand remains strong because of the unique and stunning characteristics of Los Cabos. With its accessibility and year-round enjoyable climate, owners of luxury properties visit many times throughout the year.

Finding just the right place is easy with a real estate professional’s guidance. Searching online is a great way to get started with websites that show all the currently available properties in Los Cabos from all broker members of the Los Cabos MLS.

Owning in Los Cabos — Carefree and Secure
Property ownership in Los Cabos is a bit different than in the U.S. or Canada. In 1971, President Luis Echeverría Álvarez delivered a presidential decree allowing Mexican banks to hold property in trust for foreigners. Called the Fideicomiso (the name of this Beneficial Trust), it is as ironclad as the deed to any home in the U.S. or Canada. As a purchaser of a property, you have full ownership rights. You may use and enjoy, build, rent, will or sell the beneficial rights in the trust any time, conforming only to the general laws of the country. The term of the trust is 50 years, and it’s automatically renewable by law. In other words, title to the property may rest with one beneficiary indefinitely.

In 1998, U.S. title insurance companies began offering title insurance for trust deed ownership in Mexico. Title insurance can be purchased for properties in Los Cabos, protecting buyers just like in the U.S. This means that buyers can have the utmost confidence in the security of their purchase.

There are a variety of long-term financing options in Los Cabos. Buying your dream property is possible with 15- to 30-year loans with competitive interest rates and with as little as 25 percent down.

The continued demand for properties in Los Cabos is driven by spectacular surroundings and a world-class resort experience that provides simple access to year-round vacations for all ages and lifestyles. Begin your future in Los Cabos today.

Dianna and Mike Schaible own Baja Properties Real Estate Company. Along with a team of professionals, they have led the Los Cabos real estate community since 1986.

Real Estate Agencies

Baja Properties
Baja Properties is a general real estate company offering beach and golf lots, private homes, condominiums and commercial development opportunities. The company’s team of professionals will find the perfect property for your individual needs in the location that is just right for you. With nearly a quarter century of experience in the real estate business, Baja Properties represents properties for sale in the five distinct areas that comprise Los Cabos, including San José, The Corridor, Cabo San Lucas, East Cape and Los Barriles.
www.bajaproperties.com

Ehrenberg & Associates/Pisces Real Estate
Pisces Real Estate specializes in new home communities that have been serving the greater Los Cabos region for two decades. The company can show you a variety of investment opportunities currently available in the area. As members of the Los Cabos Chamber of Commerce and Multi-List Los Cabos, Pisces Real Estate has at its disposal more than a thousand listings at any given time. Pisces Real Estate takes a different approach to customer service because they strongly believe that high-pressure tactics are a thing of the past. Instead, they listen to clients and try to match their desires with an investment opportunity that will suit their individual needs. “Service to the client is the key to satisfaction, and we are willing to go to any length to make sure our clients are truly satisfied with their investment decision,” said Marco Ehrenberg, head of Ehrenberg & Associates and Pisces Real Estate. www.piscesrealestate.com

Snell Real Estate
Snell Real Estate is the largest independent brokerage in all of Baja, representing the exclusive developments of Villas Del Mar, Palmilla, Oasis Palmilla, Espíritu Del Mar, Cabo del Sol and Punta Ballena. All of these properties are located within the 20-mile tourist corridor. According to Chris Snell, Snell Real Estate represents 85 percent of the area’s luxury real estate market, and also exclusively represents the development of Playa de La Paz in La Paz, two hours north of Los Cabos, along with general and commercial real estate in Los Cabos. www.snellrealestate.com

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