The Top Trends for the Coming Years

A conversation with Chris Snell as told to Jeff Goodman

Chris Snell is the founder and president of Snell Real Estate, one of the largest independent real estate brokerages in Baja California. He has a wealth of real estate experience in the Los Cabos area, working as the director of real estate at a major local resort from 1991 to 1997 before establishing his own company. Here's his take on several aspects of the burgeoning Los Cabos real estate market.

Beach Clubs
"Beach clubs are going to continue to be an extremely important part of real estate communities and future developments," Snell explains.

As oceanfront home sites are consumed, the demand for ocean view property with access to the beach makes beach clubs more important than ever. The location, amenities and service that make up the beach club will separate the weaker developments from the luxury developments, says snell.

"If you don't have a beach club, you are most likely not a high-end luxury development," says Snell.

More Amenities
As travelers' demands for the finer things increase, so does their need for a complete package of services, amenities and all-around excellence. "Luxury communities such as Villas Del Mar, Punta Ballena, Palmilla and Cabo del Sol exemplify the kind of retreat travelers will seek in 2006 and beyond," points out Snell. "The future is a level of service that provides everything homeowners could ever want, right at their fingertips. The communities that offer the most comprehensive amenities win."

Bigger, Better and Faster
The vacation experience in Mexico is changing. "The old 28-foot to 35-foot fishing boats are giving way to high-speed performance boats and to luxury yachts," he emphasizes.

Private jet arrivals will continue to grow and helicopters will begin to dot the skyline as visitors will want to experience more in a shorter period of time.

"Fishing and golf will always be a driving force for Los Cabos. However, boats that do more than fish and more versatile aircraft add the ability to visit more of the Baja in a shorter period of time — [that] is the coming trend," predicts Snell.

Mexico Will Boom
"Based on the success that Los Cabos has had in the real estate market, other Mexico resort areas are prime targets for investment," he explains.

La Paz, for example, with its pristine beaches, international airport, multiple marinas and beautiful islands is a logical area for growth opportunities.

"The East Cape will also continue its development momentum, and the good news is that most of the developments will be modeled after the Los Cabos high-end residential communities."

Financing is Coming
Conventional mortgage financing will make it easier than ever for Americans to invest in real estate. Snell Real Estate is paving the way in Los Cabos through the creation of their in-house financing division.

"We've brought in a finance director to offer financing solutions through large banks like GE Money, Silvergate and more," Snell says. "The impact financing will have on real estate demand and values will be tremendous."

Mixing Business with Pleasure
With the ever-increasing need to balance work with relaxation, the requirement to be available even when you're away is paramount for the successful businessperson.

"With easily accessible high-speed Internet and competitive roaming service from U.S. cell phone companies like Cingular and Verizon, the ability to stay 'connected' allows Los Cabos to literally be your office away from the office," points out Snell. "With this newfound freedom, more CEOs will choose to host their sales incentives trips and corporate retreats in Los Cabos."

Luxury Takes the Lead
Clients will continue to seek the utmost in luxury and amenities. "With three world-class hotels, three cutting-edge spas and three Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses within an 18-mile strip, there's no place like Los Cabos for the investor who wants the best of everything," Snell says. "We're seeing a lot more of that type of person, and Cabo is the only Mexican destination that can exceed their expectations."

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