A Special Report from Suzan Haskins, Why Mérida, Mexico And How You Can Start A New Life In Mérida Dear International Living Reader, It wasn't an instant decision. In fact, my husband Dan and I "tried on" six homes in four countries before we finally decided to settle in the colonial city of Mérida, in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. And now, we're living the life of our dreams... more luxuriously… for less than half of what we were spending back in the US. For example, we just finished renovating a colonial home in Mérida, and it's got just about everything we've ever wanted in an overseas dream home—including a fully equipped gourmet kitchen, an outdoor entertainment area, a custom-built swimming pool, and many other modern amenities. If we wanted a home of similar quality in the US, there's no doubt we'd have to pay at least twice as much for it. Our newly renovated home is in a nice and convenient area, too:
In fact, just the other day, Dan and I drove out to the Costa Flamingo—to take a walk on the beach and look at the patch of sand where we're going to build our new beachfront home. I'll tell you something. It sure is pleasant to live in a city like Mérida - with all of its modern conveniences—yet still be so close to such an uncrowded, undeveloped coastline like the Costa Flamingo. And soon, we'll have our own beachfront home there, too. I can't wait! Later that day we took a stroll to Merida's zocalo or main plaza—the second-largest city plaza in Mexico. It's close enough to our home that we can walk there in just a few minutes, so we go there often. In the evenings it's always teeming with activity:
Dan and I sat there taking it all in, "Wish we'd found this place sooner…" The Hottest Retirement Haven in the World With all this, it's no surprise that Mérida has become what I believe is the hottest retirement haven in the world.
Sure, I may be a little biased, since Mérida is now my newly adopted home city and I'm proud of where I live, but check this out. Last year, International Living conducted two comprehensive surveys. These two surveys, when considered together, clearly show how Mérida has risen right to the top of the world's hottest retirement havens right now. Let me explain. As I'm sure you know, International Living conducts an annual survey called the Annual Global Retirement Index. Last year, Mexico won for the first time. The staff of Mexico Insider also conducted a survey last year to determine the best places to live and retire in Mexico. And out of all the places in Mexico, not only did Mérida make the Top 10, but it tied Querétaro for top place. That makes Mérida the #1 (tied) best place to retire in Mexico, which won the Annual Global Retirement Index. Finally, consider this. Dan and I have dedicated the last seven years of our personal and professional lives exploring the world in search of the world's best retirement havens. It's simply what we do. 24/7.
However, none of the places we've been to have appealed to us more than Mérida, where we live now. Dan and I could live anywhere. And we've seen a lot of the world, so we know what's out there… and I'd like to think we know what we're talking about! It's our job… and our life… and we chose Mérida. I couldn't think of a more promising overseas retirement haven for Americans and Canadians right now. This November, Why Not Come to Mérida My name is Suzan Haskins. I'm the Latin America Editorial Director for International Living. As you now know, Dan and I didn't find out about Mérida right away. And we didn't have a team of experts all in one place, either, to answer all of our questions when we decided to move there. But you will. This November, you're invited to come and visit us and the International Living team in warm, sunny, affordable Mérida. You'll get all the details you need on owning property, retiring, living, working, and starting a new business in Mérida … straight from our team of well-connected Mexico insiders in a charming colonial setting.
Dan and I will be here… and we'll tell you everything we know about living here. We'll then show you how you can live here, too—step-by-step—and based on our firsthand experience of moving here. You'll also meet—face-to-face—expats running businesses in the Yucatán, restoring colonial homes… buying beachfront property on the Costa Flamingo, Campeche, and Quintana Roo. Of course, they'll tell you how you can do the same if you choose… And finally, you'll hear from our Mexico investment experts, real estate agents, tax experts, legal advisers, and many of International Living's editors and staff who are already familiar with moving overseas because most of them have done it firsthand as well. These on-the-ground experts will help you determine what's best for you, answer all your questions, and help you start living the good life in the Yucatán in as little as six months.
Live Well In Mexico… On $2,135 A Month! With rapidly rising fuel, health care, food, and travel costs, it's nice to know there are still places where you can still live well without burning through your retirement nest-egg. And Mexico is one of those special places. In Mexico, you can still enjoy a lifestyle that's probably all but unaffordable for most Americans and Canadians. Here's a sample budget for living well in Mexico.
Please keep in mind that if you've bought your house outright or choose not to have a car, you won't have rental or car expenses (though you would want to include your annual property tax—but that rarely comes to more Think of how much money you can save, simply by moving a few hours south! Mexico Dethrones Panama to Win As you know, last year Mexico won the Annual Global Retirement Index for the first time. What happened? How did Mexico rise to the top? And the services, amenities, and discounts offered to retirees here are just as bountiful as in Panama—as are the overall cost savings. Plus, Mexico is closer to home.
Moving to Mexico means you can still have all the comforts you are used to north of the border: cable TV, high-speed Internet, and modern home appliances. And if you prefer, when you move to Mexico you can even bring all of your favorite things with you without paying import taxes. (We'll tell you how in November.) Goods and services cost less, so you can afford the kinds of luxuries only the very wealthy enjoy up north: a maid, a cook, and a gardener for example. In your retirement here, you'll have time to volunteer at the local school, golf in the mornings, relax on the beach… time to savor life. Whether your vision of the ideal retirement involves shopping, fishing, sunbathing, diving, biking, mountain climbing, parasailing, collecting crafts, visiting archeological sites, partying, going to concerts, attending the theater, or fine dining, in Mexico you can engage in all of these activities, and many more. Mexico is such a diverse nation that everybody can find exactly what they want: beautiful, warm oceans, crystal-clear tropical lakes, fertile farmlands, temperate-but-majestic mountains, starkly gorgeous deserts, small towns or sophisticated cities. And because of its geographic diversity, you can also choose your favorite climate: from warm and dry to warm and sultry to spring-like temperatures all year in the Colonial Highlands. (Sorry, there's nowhere in Mexico to enjoy cold winter temps!) And if you're looking for the home of your dreams, you can find it in Mexico—for much less than it would cost you most anywhere in the US or Canada. The real estate market offers endless possibilities for your retirement. By the way, despite what you may have heard, it's not too late to buy real estate here. You can own beachfront—not just ocean-view property—in Mexico for less than $100,000. YES! You CAN Legally Own Property in Mexico! We often receive e-mails from readers asking how we can recommend that people invest in Mexican real estate. "Don't you know," they write, "that foreigners can't own land in Mexico? Well… if you've ever thought the same thing, I've got some great news. Foreigners can legally own property in Mexico, and the Mexican legal system protects the rights of foreign property owners. That means you can enjoy owning the kinds of property in Mexico that might be priced out of your budget in the US—including beachfront property. (Mexico's Foreign Investment Act, allowing foreigners to own beachfront property, was passed in 1994 with the North America Free Trade Agreement.)
More Great News About Owning Property in Mexico As you know, property taxes can take a real bite out of your wallet. However, in Mexico, property taxes are almost ridiculously low. For example, a friend pays about $200 per year in annual property taxes for his home, worth $500,000 on the local market. Another pays just $60 per year for her commercial building in the heart of Mérida's downtown area. I recently paid the annual taxes for our own 6,400-square-foot property. The cost? Just $160. And the annual property tax on our beach lot is about $9 a year! And if that's not enticing enough, it's now possible to get mortgage financing in Mexico. This November in Mérida, our experts will make it super-easy for you to find and buy your own dream home in Mexico.
Restore Colonial Homes… and Make Big Bucks Not everyone appreciates the potential of an old filthy shell of a house with holes in the walls, electricity that doesn't work, a solitary (and smelly) broken toilet, and weeds in the yard to choke a horse. But look closely and see the beautifully carved, tall, wooden double doors, the shuttered windows and wrought iron railings that can be easily rescued, the colorful pasta tiles on the floor that just need a quick buffing…the arches, columns, courtyards, and hand-built stone walls that can be repaired and replicated. Think about where, once the weeds are removed, you can build your terrace and put your swimming pool...about the rooftop addition you can add…maybe a master suite and an outdoor shower where you can peer across the rooftops and church spires of this historically rich colonial city. This is exactly what Dan and I did. We found an old, semi-run-down colonial home in Mérida that looked like it had a lot of potential. We negotiated the purchase of the home, hired a reputable architect, and began the renovation process. Before I go any further, here's something you need to know. Renovating an old colonial home in Mexico is not for everyone. That's because there are many things you won't have control over, like material costs… national holidays… permitting bureaucracy… and unavoidable, frustrating delays. In fact, Dan and I hoped we'd be moving into our newly renovated home by April 15. We didn't move in until mid-June. Here's why. Everything here is done by hand—everything from cabinets, doors, and window shutters to water pipes, sewer pipes. Even the swimming pool—dug by hand. Mexican craftsmen are among the best in the world… but doing things by hand takes time. Fortunately, our architect and the crew of Mayan workers that renovated our home were reliable, hardworking, cheerful, and polite. All the waiting was worth it… our home is a masterpiece that we couldn't afford in the U.S..
If you think a renovation project in Mexico is something you might be up for, you've come to the right place. While there are not as many of these abandoned colonials on the market as there once were, there are still many 'worthy wrecks' to choose from. Many real estate agents I know say they believe the market in Mérida is still three to five years from hitting its prime, so make no mistake, there is still time for the bargain hunter to do well here. For example, you can still find colonial-style homes in need of renovation from $30,000 for a 3,000-square-foot property on up. Labor and construction costs are low, too—the average construction laborer makes $85 to $100 per week. Spend just a little and live in a comfortable humble home or spend a bit more and turn your pumpkin into a palace. (If you don't want to take on a renovation project, no worries. You'll be pleased to know that renovated homes start at about $60,000.) As I said, there aren't as many of these old homes at rock-bottom prices as there used to be. However, at the Live and Invest in Mexico Seminar in November, our team of experts will show you exactly where to find the best bargains, how to renovate them, and how to sell them once they're renovated.
Save Thousands of Dollars Through Mexico's Government-Sponsored Health Insurance Program How much do you pay every year for health insurance now? If you answer, "Too much!" then I think you'll like what they've got going on in Mexico. As an expat, you can easily qualify for Mexico's special government-sponsored health insurance program…with all medications included. And you will pay—get this— $300 per year or less, depending on your age! Think about how much you can save! It's perfect for anyone wishing to live in Mexico either part-time or full-time… and it can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars per year on health insurance… Health Care in Mexico is Also First-Rate and Affordable In general, health care in Mexico ranges from good to excellent. Most doctors and dentists in Mexico received at least part of their training in the U.S. or Europe. And, every midsize to large city in Mexico has at least one first-rate hospital. Another big plus is the cost of health care in Mexico is one-half or less what you might expect to pay in the U.S. On average, here's what you can expect to pay:
All of this is a big, big plus for Dan and me… and possibly for you, too - knowing that health care is so first-rate… yet still so affordable. We found this out firsthand when we decided to visit an aesthetic dentist here in Mérida to get our teeth cleaned and a cap each as well.
The visit was not painful at all, and the way we were treated was a pleasure. The office was sparkling clean with modern, sterile equipment, and our dentist, Dr. Sanchez, was professional, polite, and spoke perfect English. So did his assistant. The procedure took only two hours. We both had cleaner, brighter smiles. Dan had a new temporary cap on his front tooth and molds had been made for the cap I would receive a few days later. I pulled out my wallet to settle up. "No, don't worry about it," Dr. Sanchez smiled. "You can pay us when you come back." And that was that. No money up front, no money as service was rendered, no money at all for our first visit, in fact. We weren't asked to sign anything or produce insurance documentation of any kind. The closest thing to an assessment of our ability to pay was when Dr. Sanchez's assistant casually asked if we lived in Mérida. The cost for our teeth cleaning was 500 pesos each, or $45. "Pay for the caps when you come back," he said. The cost for the caps will be 2,500 pesos. That's about $228 at today's exchange rate. I'm not an expert on dental procedures or costs, and I know every case is different, but as a comparison, I have a friend in Arkansas who had a complete cosmetic dental makeover, with porcelain veneers custom-made for both his top and bottom teeth. His cost: $24,000. A friend in Mérida had a similar procedure done by Dr. Sanchez, although he had porcelain crowns made for just eight top teeth… but he also had a root canal and one implant. His cost? $3,000 total. He says, "It has been a year and the crowns look great, have not required any maintenance, and are not sensitive to hot or cold. I couldn't be more satisfied." You'll Meet the Yucatan Experts Doing the research about where to live can be time consuming. It took us seven years. Perhaps the best reason for visiting us at the Live and Invest in Mexico Seminar is how much time and effort you'll save That's because we're going to introduce you to many of the same experts that helped Dan and I get established in Mérida:
These are just a few of the experts that have helped Dan and me—the same experts you'll meet… with years and years of "on the ground" experience in Mexico and who have "been there" and "done that." Because of this, you'll learn more over three days than you would in three years if you were to go about it all by yourself. Plus, our crew will show you how to save money, avoid pitfalls, and much, much more. We've invited offshore experts, Mexico real estate agents and developers, and well-respected authorities in Mexico on taxation, privacy, banking, and international law—and also our own editorial staff and contributors and colleagues worldwide. These people are running businesses… buying properties… building houses… and enjoying comfortable (and affordable) retirements… They'll show you how to:
You'll not only benefit from their formal presentations, but you'll have a chance to meet with all our experts and expats casually, have a drink at the bar—and "pick their brains" as it were.
You'll Discover Much More Than Just Mérida While the main focus of this seminar will be on Mérida and its immediate surroundings, our Mexico experts will show you—step-by-step, how you can own real estate, live, retire, and start new businesses in all the following retirement havens:
The Costa Flamingo. This is one of my favorite places in of all of Mexico. If you are looking for an authentic Mexican experience in a clean, peaceful fishing village that boasts no gigantic hotels and no hustle or bustle, then you'll love the many little beach towns of the Costa Flamingo—only a 30-minute drive from Mérida. With the ocean to the north and estuary to the south, the view here is flatter than western Kansas—not a hill anywhere. This makes the vibrancy of color of the big azure sky more marked. The gulf water appears richly emerald on the horizon, becoming a transparent sea foam green as it nears the pale cream-colored sand, and the rustling palm leaves on the tree-lined shore are darkly emerald again… On the Costa Flamingo, you can still find beachfront lots 35 feet wide and 400 feet deep priced from $40,000 and up. And in some places, you can find beachfront homes of about 1,700 square feet starting at $65,000. (At this price, these will need renovation, of course.) Campeche. When I first approached Campeche from the outskirts of town, I found it hard to believe that Campeche is anything other than yet another Mexican industrial center and state capital. Driving in, the low-lying undergrowth of the Yucatán countryside gives way to the usual gas stations and auto dealerships of urban sprawl. But once I approached downtown, I suddenly realized there were massive 18th-century stone walls and bulwarks that enclose 40 square blocks of pure colonial charm. Within those walls lie street after street of gaily painted facades, austere churches and cathedrals, and a graceful town square—complete with gazebo—just begging for a stroll. Colonial Campeche is a World Heritage Site, beautiful and well-preserved. Nearby are Mayan ruins and villages, caves, and more to explore. And if you're into fishing or water sports, the Gulf of Mexico is right there. This is a vibrant, affluent Mexican community and it shows. There is very little crime and people are very friendly. And there are still good deals to be had, particularly compared to U.S. and European prices. QUINTANA ROO: Although I'm not a fan of noisy, bustling, hedonistic Cancún, you can still find laid-back beach towns if you know where to look—in places like Playa del Carmen and the "Riviera Maya." Here you can enjoy a relaxed, easygoing beach lifestyle with enough nightlife, restaurants, and golf courses that you won't feel you've left civilization behind. Keep in mind that this is a tourist destination—and it's definitely no secret anymore, but at least it's not overwhelming like Cancún. And parts of the Riviera Maya remain very laid-back, with less tourist infrastructure. An interesting mix of foreigners live here, attracted mostly by fishing or diving. And the proximity to Cancún means an international airport nearby. Quintana Roo is one of the strongest areas in Mexico for tourism and real estate—two industries that require support services and an increased demand for housing. That means the real estate market should benefit from both foreign buyers and a national market. And if you're interested in living in other parts of Mexico, no worries! That's because we'll introduce you to attractive retirement havens throughout Mexico as well, including: PUERTO VALLARTA. There is something for everyone here… beautiful scenery, a thriving cultural scene, loads of nightlife and a good-sized foreign population that is a bit younger than in other places in Mexico. Housing prices are all over the board, although fairly reasonable when compared to similarly sized beach homes in the U.S. and Europe. By the way, one of my favorite restaurants in all of Mexico—El Arrayan—is in Puerto Vallarta. The food is rich and hand prepared, and much features exotic flavors like nopal (cactus paddle), achiote, avocado, and chili that will make your taste buds dance. Yum! QUERETARO. Querétaro is a beautiful city with a small (but growing) foreign population. It is unlikely you will find the expat social groups and activities available in San Miguel or Ajijic, but you will find much to do here, especially if you speak Spanish. You won't find many locals who speak English. The climate here is ideal for outdoor sports and activities, there are several golf courses, riding clubs, and a polo club. SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE. San Miguel is one of the prettiest towns in all of Mexico. Stepping into San Miguel's Centro is like stepping back in time. With its high-towered church and its curving, cobbled streets... tidy shops selling carefully embroidered linens and hand-painted plates... homes that belong in the pages of Architectural Digest...and lush courtyard gardens in bloom year-round, this city is like something out of a children's fairytale book. AJIJIC/CHAPALA. Dan and I lived here for a year, and it's still one of our favorite places in all of Mexico. The lakeside area of Ajijic is close enough to Guadalajara, Mexico's second-largest city, to benefit from excellent health care, world-class cultural activities, shopping, and an international airport. Communication infrastructure is excellent here… and the expat community is close knit as well. At the Live and Invest in Mexico Seminar, you'll find out how to buy property legally, live, retire, and start new businesses in all the above retirement havens… … plus a few more we've recently discovered. You'll Still Have Plenty of Time to Enjoy Mérida You'll find—as with all our live International Living programs—that a certain portion of the real value of the experience comes not in the stress-reducing, moneymaking and money-saving information you're gathering… but in the casual interactions you have with the speakers and your fellow attendees. No doubt that in the off-the-cuff remarks, in the informal exchanges at the bar or around the table at lunch—you learn things you wouldn't pick up any other way. And we've chosen our speakers because we know them to be not only extremely knowledgeable, but also unendingly generous with their time and expertise. I feel certain you'll find the access you gain at this event truly invaluable. This opportunity is one that really can open up for you a whole new chapter in your life—and give you more flexibility, freedom, and peace-of-mind. Enjoy Mérida's Warm Weather, Colonial Charm, While most of your days will be spent with our experts, we've left some room in our busy schedule for you to explore and enjoy Mérida.
For accommodations, we've selected the Hyatt Regency Mérida—just a 15-minute drive from the airport. We chose the Hyatt because it provides a great value all the way around—all the comfort, service, and amenities you'd expect from a Hyatt Hotel but at a really great price. Plus, it's an excellent location on the edge of Mérida's Centro historic district and just steps from the famous Paseo de Montejo and the Museum of Archeology—a must-see for Mayan history buffs. At the Hyatt Regency Mérida, you can:
The staff at the Hyatt Regency Mérida can also arrange trips for you to nearby Mayan archaeological sites such as Uxmal and Chichen Itza. As a seminar attendee, you can take advantage of our group rate. Rooms are only $100 a night, single or double occupancy rates. We have also negotiated for the hotel to allow our attendees to take advantage of the discounted rate three days before and three days after the event to accommodate your needs. Get complete contact information for the hotel (with all related travel information) on the online order form or by calling 1-866- 381-8446. We've Got a Lot Planned for You this November in Mérida Once you've registered at the hotel, here's how you'll be spending your time with us in Mérida: The networking and exhibit room will open bright and early at 8:00 AM on Thursday, November 6. General session will kick off promptly at 9:00 AM and go until about 6:00 PM… followed by our Welcome Cocktail Reception on Thursday night. On Friday and Saturday, the networking room will open at 9:00 AM and sessions will run between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM. (You'll get a detailed schedule with your confirmation.) Our special VIP event will be held on Friday night for Lifetime, Roundtable, Real Estate Trend Alert and World Club members. On Saturday evening, we'll have our Farewell Cocktail Reception, and you'll be ready to do some first-hand exploring of Mexico! Our networking hall is the place where you can get a cup of coffee, juice, or soft drink, grab a snack and meet the experts, during breaks from the sessions. It's a relaxed space where you can ask all your questions and swap stories and information…in most cases, you can even handle business details and transactions. These breaks are also a fantastic opportunity for you to get to know your fellow attendees as well. Who knows? They might just become your new neighbors in Mérida sometime soon! This Conference is Only Available This unprecedented opportunity to explore Mexico costs just $995 per person. And if you bring a guest, they'll only pay $595. On top of all that, you're probably eligible for yet another discount:
The Entry Price Includes:
Your FREE Special Report: Find Out How to Own Beachfront Property in Mexico for Under $100,000 One of the most common questions I get from readers these days is, "Is it really possible to find beachfront properties for under $100,000?"
The answer is still, "Yes" although I must admit it sure is getting tougher and tougher to find them! But you can still find bargain beachfront properties for under six figures. In fact, I've just created a one-time-only special report that will reveal to you 10 outstanding Mexican beachfront properties—all close to Mérida—for under $100,000. The special report is called "Mexico Beach Property For Less Than $100,000… If You Know Where To Look" and you can be reading this report soon after registering for the Live and Invest in Mexico Seminar. Here are just a few of the 10 picks you'll discover in this report:
… and 7 more opportunities for you to own your own beachfront property in Mexico for $100,000. I'll tell you something. When I first Wrote this Report, I Was a Little Hesitant Why? Because I love the fact that there are places in Mexico that remain a world apart from the crowded, overdeveloped Mexico you see in tacky brochures. You know… tourist traps like Cancun… Acapulco… Cabo San Lucas… In the places I'm going to reveal to you in this special report, there are no thumping discos… no tacky amusement parks… and no cheesy tourist traps… People who want that kind of experience can go to those "super-resorts." The Mexico I'm going to introduce you to in this report is easygoing, laid-back, and almost entirely undiscovered. Dan and I would, of course, like this area to stay this way, so we're only going to offer this report to people that are serious enough to make the commitment to come to Mexico and learn firsthand about its undiscovered secrets. This special report is not available on the International Living website… through our partners… or in any other way. It will not be offered for sale. Ever. It is available, though—FREE—to attendees of the Live and Invest in Mexico Seminar. Start Enjoying a Much More Affordable Lifestyle When you come to an event like the Live and Invest in Mexico Seminar, you can do your best thinking, knowing that many of the most basic decisions and pieces of information have already been gathered—residency and citizenship, real estate, business opportunities, tax questions. There's simply no need to figure it out all by yourself—we've done all the legwork for you. Think of how much time, money, and hassles this will save you. All of these esteemed experts will be in one place… at one time. Sure, you could go out and try to meet all of these experts on your own, but why bother? At the Live and Invest in Mexico Seminar, you can do it all in one place, spend a few days at a fantastic hotel and have a great time doing it. I'm going to let you in on a little secret. Dan and I sometimes struggle over whether we should write about or promote Mérida. We like it as it is and we're not sure we want to dilute it with more expats. As much as we loved Lake Chapala and San Miguel, our former "adopted hometowns" in Mexico, you can't walk half a block in either place without meeting a fellow gringo. But we've decided not to be selfish, and we know that Mérida isn't for everyone. Some of you won't like it, and that's okay… because there are plenty of places in Mexico where you will feel at home—and we'll talk about those places during the seminar. Also, Mérida is a big city. Almost a million people live here, and unlike San Miguel and Lake Chapala, if 10% of the population here were foreign expats that would hardly be noticeable. Right now, not even half of 1% of the population of Mérida is foreign, so we haven't much to worry about. We really do want to share the uniqueness of Mérida with seminar participants and show them what a wonderful life we've found here. Choosing a place to live is an important decision, and we want to help by arming you with all the information you need to make the best decision for you. This seminar is the perfect opportunity to explore your options in Mexico. We've scouted so many wonderful locations in this country and we hope to tell you… in person… about these locations. Please don't delay. I expect this seminar to fill up quickly. This is your chance to discover the exciting new opportunities we've uncovered in Mexico… and to come away with everything you need to know to make your dream life in Mexico a reality. To reserve your place for our Live & Invest in Mexico Seminar, November 6-8, 2008, click below now or contact one of our seminar liaisons today at tel. 866 381 8446 or e-mail: Events@InternationalLiving.com. I look forward to meeting you in Mérida. Sincerely,
Suzan Haskins |
