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Just Another Gringo in Belize - Part 3 - Changes in Attitude
2008-01-26 02:41:00
Our first morning in Ambergris and we hit the ground running. First: off in search of breakfast. Having already made fast friends with the time share guys for Captain Morgan’s Retreat, we were already ‘in the know” about where to find good, cheap eats. Travel Tip: If you have the patience to weed out the bull sh*t and the obligatory “pitch”, timeshare salesmen are the best source of information about where to eat and drink well and economically. Low season, lean times and voracious drug habits necessitate this self-preservatory skill among this particular set. We went off in search of a spot called “My Secret Deli”. Secret… indeed. Deli…not so much.  The restaurant consists of a cramped residential kitchen and an attached eating area with two tables and a Coke machine. Brightly colored oil-cloth dressed the tables protected by a thick clear plastic sheet. Oddly enough, this was precisely the dining experience we were looki...
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Update - The Riviera Maya International Airport
2008-01-24 18:29:00
The much-discussed Riviera Maya airport will be in the Tulúm areaThose of you who have bought property in the Riviera Maya, take heart—the wait for a new airport may soon be over. Bidding for the new Riviera Maya Airport has not yet been announced, but the project is now considered so certain that it’s regularly listed as one of Mexico’s top infrastructure projects for 2008.Having a shorter commute to your property is hardly the only benefit a new airport may bring. As we've seen in other areas in Mexico, a new airport can drive up real estate values, attract foreign investment, and lead to public and private infrastructure projects. (And, in fact, highway expansion and improvement in the state of Quintana Roo, where the airport will be located, are also high on the list of infrastructure projects for this year.)Newspapers here in the Yucatán say that the preliminary studies for the airport, including market and technical studies, have been submit...
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Chemuyil Update - January 21, 2008
2008-01-22 21:34:00
Yesterday, Rob and I assisted one of our customers in the purchase of one of the two bedroom bungalows in Chemuyil. The homes are selling quickly, as anticipated, and I thought you all might enjoy seeing some photos of the homes that have been most recently purchased, painted and furnished. Amazing what a little color will do!The sales office and center of operations is up and running. This is the base camp for all the activity in the neighborhood.Here are some pictures of recently purchased and now occupied homes.We stopped down to the beach at Chemuyil, Xcacel. Although it was a cold and rainy day, the beach was as beautiful and peaceful as ever.The beach is cared for by a lovely Mayan family. A small donation (10 pesos) is suggested for entry to help support the family that looks after the area and its treasured inhabitants, the turtles. Xcacel is a protected turtle sanctuary and nesting area. Each year, local school children are invited to the beach at night to help release the ...
More About: January , Update , 2008 , January 21

Just Another Gringo in Belize - Part 2 - Changes in Latitude
2008-01-22 17:30:00
We arrived safely at the airstrip in San Pedro which was blessedly much longer than the one we had just narrowly departed from. We grabbed our bags and headed out to find our accommodations.  Baggage claim at TropicAir. Two guys and a hand truck.The hotel we had chosen, Lily’s, is located on Front Street, in the heart of town and right on the shore overlooking several busy piers. As we were not planning on spending a lot of time there, a sumptuous luxurious hotel room was not necessary. We selected Lily’s based on its price, seaside location and proximity to all the activity of downtown San Pedro.I "borrowed" this image off of the web. Thank you Google!As soon as we arrived a felt as if we can been somehow transported into an episode of “The Twilight Zone” . Down a dark, narrow, dirty alley we found the reception area (and I use the word reception in the very loosest terms possible). The dingy office was piled high with papers, folders and old ...
More About: Part , Belize , Latitude

The Playa-Offs in Playa !!
2008-01-21 07:04:00
Rob and I watched the early play-off game today at PGs. Great game with good friends. Rob doing his best Grizzley Adams. Time to give that boy a trim.Jill and Carlo aka Dr. Taco.JamieJust in case you think we all hang out on the beach all day, slathered in dark tanning oil and drinking Margaritas.....meet my sister in law Jill and her boyfriend Milo. None of us are getting enough "beach time".Milo's new tatoo. (My sister in law's name is Jill Marie.......swoon)Michael and Steve checking out the new menu.Jamie's new menu. Good prices, great food including his famous shrimp tacos!Scottish Jimmy and Jamie - the handsome devils behind PG's.Laura, Jen and Andy. Jen and Andy (rarely seen with out one of their charges in tow) are the force of nature behind Playa's Peanut Animal Shelter.Meghan and friends in town visiting Isaac.Jason of Fantasea Dive and Troy (At least I think his name is Troy. It is possible that I just like the name Troy.)Not s...

Just Another Gringo in Belize - Part 1 Getting There is Half the Fun
2008-01-16 18:06:00
I love to torture my husband. I know that sounds terrible, but it's true. Nothing fills me with glee quite like putting Rob in situations where he is out of his element. Last weekend, we took a long overdue and much deserved mini-vacation to Ambergris Caye, Belize . Somehow, I managed to cram my husband into a run down bus, a tiny puddle jumper and a budget level hotel room...all in the course of just five short days. Joy! Despite our best effforts we embarked on the first leg of our journey three hours later than we had "planned". The drive to Chetumal was easy and uneventful. It's about 4 hours from Playa to the Belizean boarder (moving along at a pretty good clip). We snuck our car in the parking lot in the back of the Coco's Hotel and caught a cab to the crossing.  The immigration/customs process is kind of a nusance. First, one must stop before crossing the bridge into Belize and have your documents checked which, in our case, means both our US pa...
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Marina Turquesa - In the Home Stretch
2008-01-07 19:03:00
Hi all. I thought I would post some recent pictures of our own condominium project, Marina Turquesa, currently being completed in Puerto Aventuras. We are about to deliver another unit and we toured the job site just before the Christmas work break to go over our checklists and make sure we are all on the same page. We only have three units left to sell and now that the building is nearly complete, I anticipate they will go quickly. Enjoy the pictures. This is the streetside and parking area of our project, Marina Turquesa on Privada Xel Ha in Puerto Aventuras.The complex looks out over the first marina and the slips. The Catamaya is docked directly across from us. The three bedroom penthouse suites all have views out to the ocean.This is the terrace of the 2 bedroom, second level condo we will be delivering this month.This is the kitchen with breakfast bar, granite counter tops, stove/oven, pantry and refrigerator. We are still waiting for all the cabinetry to be completed. Ap...
More About: Home , Etch , Stretch

V I A V E N - Resort Living In Playacar
2008-01-03 01:13:00
We are excited to report that "ORIGO", the design and development team who brought us Hotel Deseo, Hotel Basico, Magia Playa, Paseo del Carmen and The Elements has announced a new luxury resort condo project to be built in Playacar. Here's a sneak preview of V A I V E N.
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New Years Eve in Playa.....Holy Cr@p!!
2008-01-02 18:17:00
I have NEVER seen Playa as packed as it was on New Years eve. I don't know where all those people came from. If this NYE is any indicator of what kind of year we are going to see in the real estate market, well.....buckle up. It's going to be crazy! Rob and I ditched the kids and went out on the town, camera in hand. The pictures really can't come close to showing just how thick the crowds were but it will give you an idea. Rob and I all dolled up and ready to paint the town. La Palette on Calle 8. The owners, Farah and Michael served a full house for two seatings with style. The special set menu for the evening was well excecuted with the exception of the fois gras which was sliced too thin and over cooked. We started with some delicious oysters flown in from Maine. They were cold, clean and fresh and had me missing New England. The bacon wrapped lobster medallion served on a bellini with saffron beurre blanc was delicate and tasty. The bacon served both to flavor ...
More About: Holy , New Years Eve , New Years

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year?
2007-12-27 19:03:00
Well, we have survived another Christmas in Playa! I have to admit, I was very disappointed this October when we looked at our calendar and realized that we had just too many customers coming into town for the holidays. Not that we're not THRILLED to have the business...I just wish they would all wait until my holidays have come to a close. Ah well, such is the life of a Real Estate agent in the tropics. If you have never experienced it before, Christmas here is a bit anti-climatic. Perhaps if we were here on vacation, celebrating the holidays, I would feel more cheery about the whole situation. Nice warm weather, palm trees, sandy beaches, fruity tropical cocktails. It all sounds quite appealing. However, we are NOT on vacation. We have called Playa del Carmen home for three years now. Having three children, we struggle every winter to instill in them that delightful sense of anticipation and excitement that naturally accompanies Christmas in the northeastern United States. Whi...
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Mortgage and Financing News
2007-12-17 18:38:00
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECitigroup Inc. (NYSE: C) Banamex & Citibank (Banamex USA) Announce New Mort gage Program for U.S. Citizens & Permanent Residents Buying Property in Mexico  Mexico City - Banco Nacional de México, S.A., a member of Grupo Financiero Banamex ("Banamex") and Citibank (Banamex USA), both subsidiaries of Citi, the world's leading financial services company, announced the launching of their mortgage program for U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are interested in buying real estate property in Mexico. The financial and service capabilities of the group, in Mexico as well as in the United States, will guarantee the success of the program.  The loans will be originated, approved, and extended by Citibank (Banamex USA) in the United States with very competitive conditions and similar to those offered in that country. The loan will be supported by Citi's infrastructure.  The loans include down payments as low as 20...
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Casa Macaw - A New Vacation Rental in Playacar!!
2007-12-16 18:03:00
 Actually, Casa Macaw has been a popular Vacation Rental in Playcar for a number of years. This summer, the owners, Jan and Larry Hoffman of Mexico Escape, a local property management and vacation rental company, decided it was time for a change. Over the past few months, they have added another bedroom, a spacious laundry area and completely revamped and updated this property. Gone is the pale pastel paint scheme and tropical kitsch. The rooms are now bathed in rich jewel tones, finished with local hardwoods and warm earth tone tile and granite. The look is much more elegant and will certainly please renters with a more discerning eye for design. The most dramatic change is the addition of a fourth bedroom in the upper level of the curved glass observatory and the new private plunge pool. The homes in the Villas de Mayab compound already share a large common pool and tennis courts but a villa with its own pool is a real draw for vacation renters. The n...

Welcome to Life's a Beach" - A Blog about Life and Real Estate in Play
2007-12-16 01:02:00
 Welcome to my first Blog post for "Life 's a Beach "! If you have stumbled upon this post, you may be asking yourself "How can this be the FIRST post when, clearly, she has archives all the way back to May?"  Because, apparently, I AM DOING IT ALL WRONG!! On good advisment from my SEO consultant, I did my homework before jumping into the world of Real Estate blogging. I read other real estate blogs. I read blogs about real estate blogs. I read blogs about blogs about real estate blogs. While by now, my head is spinning with the "ins and outs" and the "dos and don'ts" of real estate blogging, the consensus is clear: One does not post Real Estate Listings in one's blog. It would have been nice to know this before I checked the little box marked "Make a blog post about this listing". Instead, I, in my ignorance and my eagerness to utilize any avenue available to promote these listings, just merrily checked away...
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Condos to be sold at Public Auction in Puerto Aventuras - Feb. 24, 2008
2007-12-10 19:00:00
  Real Estate News/Market Update, Puerto Aventuras • 1,500 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2/3 bedroom condos - Originally Priced from $219,000 - $395,000 usdThe developers of Marina Mia, in order to pursue other endeavors, have opted to auction off the remaining units at Marina Mia in Puerto Aventuras. These condos will be sold at Public Auction on February 24, 2008 . This could be a VERY good opportunity to pick up a 2 or 3 bedroom in condo at a very attractive price. Opening bids will be just $170,000 usd for the first 10 units!!*****If you would like to attend this auction or have us attend as your proxy, PLEASE CONTACT US ASAP to make arrangements.***** We will post updates in space as they become available. Keep checking back for more info!! What follows is the correspondence from the developers to the Real Estate professionals on the Riviera Maya. "For purposes of accelerating the sales program at Marina Mia, we the owners, R&R Real Estate Dev...
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Price Reduced on More Nostrum Apartments in Downtown PDC
2007-12-10 02:39:00
Downtown, Playa del Carmen  -  Announcing a price reduction on More Nostrum, a 1,150 sq. m., 2 bath, 2 bdrm 3 story. Now $1,800,000 USD - Attention Investors. Attention Investors: This well constructed, well maintained 8 unit apartment building is offered for sale fully occupied for immediate rental income. Each of the 8 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartments has been well kept and are furnished. Located just one and a half blocks from the beach and a short walk from Playa del Carmen's famous Mamitas Beach, this building is perfect for condo conversion as well. Possibility to add a fourth floor of construction for penthouse suites.Please contact us for more information and to arrange a showing.Property information
More About: Apartments , Downtown , Price

Great Family Home in Club Real
2007-12-10 02:04:00
  Desirable Club Real Neighborhood  • 2,890 sq. ft., 4 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story - $439,000 USD - Motivated Seller Phase Two, Playacar  -  Located in the quiet family neighborhood, Club Real, Casa Wanda is a treasure. One of the first homes built in this once secluded area, Casa Wanda truly reflects the love of the family that built it and has enjoyed it for the past seven years. The living area is wide open and spacious with views through the French doors out to the tropical gardens and fruit trees. All of the woodwork in the home has been handcrafted from local hardwoods such as “zapote” and “salam”. The floors are covered with traditional Mexican tile which adds to the organic design and warm feeling of this home. The kitchen, open to the dining and living room has gorgeous hardwood cabinetry and modern appliances, including an enormous six burner cook top with exhaust hood. Each of the three bedrooms has its own Ensuite bathroom. ...
More About: Family , Home , Great

This Penthouse is a steal!!
2007-12-10 02:00:00
Great Price!!! • 2 bath, 2 bdrm bi-level "Roof Top Terrace" - $199,999 USD - Gorgeous Penthouse Condo! Prices well below current market.Between 20th and 24th, 25th/Constituyentes  -  Margaritas II is a recently completed development located between 20th and 25th Avenues at 22nd Street, a quick 5 minute walk to 5th Ave, 7 minutes to the beach and just around the corner from good schools, grocery stores and great restaurants. This 3rd floor Penthouse suite offers a spacious floorplan and living area, large fully equipped kitchen and dining area, and two bedrooms and two baths on the main floor. Upstairs, via an interior staircase, the private rooftop terrace offers the perfect place to relax, read, lounge in the sun or dine. The rooftop terrace is complete with shower and pergola for shade. There is plenty of space to put in a large jacuzzi and/or create a fabulous outdoor room under the stars. Enjoy views of the gorgeous common pools, gardens and city li...
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Casa Estefania for sale in Playacar Phase 2
2007-12-10 01:45:00
  Popular Vacation Rental!!  • 2,900 sq. ft., 5 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story "with Roof-top Solarium" - $695,000 USD - Completely remodeled!! Phase Two, Playacar  -  Casa Estefania: Where American-style, luxury amenities blend seamlessly with traditional Mexican craftsmanship. The attention to detail in this spacious, four bedroom home sets it apart from any other property currently on the market in Playa. No expense was spared in the complete renovation and remodel in 2006. From the locally made mahogany cabinetry and doors to the hand wrought iron railings, the quality of the work in this villa reflects the pride of the local craftsmen who worked on this exquisite villa. Enjoy your private pool with natural waterfall and shallow sunning area. Retire from the heat on your comfortably padded lounge shaded by a palapa. In the evenings, take in the stars from your roof top deck while listening to the songs of the birds from the neighboring aviary. The y...
More About: For Sale , Sale , Hase

Buy a home on the Mayan Riviera for under $40,000 !!
2007-12-10 01:28:00
Walk to the beach!!! • 650 sq. ft., 1 bath, 2 bdrm single story "Can add a second floor!" - $39,900 USD - Nothing Else Like it!! Chemuyil, Quintana Roo  -  WOW! One of the last "secrets" you will find in the Riviera Maya. Less than 30 minutes South of Playa Del Carmen and only 10 minutes North of Tulum is the sleepy little village of Chemuyil. Next to Chemuyil is a private subdivision of finished homes. These homes are perfect for someone wanting a small 2nd home, winter home, or vacation home. The homes all have good title, all utilities, and high speed internet/phone is available from Telmex to each home. The best part of this? YOU CAN WALK TO THE BEACH!! For UNDER $40,000usd you can own a home from which you can walk to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world about 10 minutes. If you get in now you have your choice of where you want to be in the subdivision, but do not wait long because at this price the SECRET will soon no longer be...
More About: Home , Mayan

Great 1 Bedroom Condo at Shangri-La Beach
2007-12-10 01:00:00
Contempory Elegance • 1,143 sq. ft., 1 bath, 1 bdrm single story - $344,500 USD - Just Steps from the Beach Shangri-La Beach, Playa del Carmen  -  Located in the heart of Playa del Carmen's popular north end, just steps from the beautiful Shangri La Beach you will find Pueblito Escondido an exclusive condo-hotel for the discerning client in search of that elusive combination of modern architecture and cosmopolitan flair blended with tropical surrounding and a laid-back Caribbean atmosphere. All this and more can be found within the impressive walls of Pueblito Escondido.The owners have thought of everything in this spacious one bedroom condominium. The open, modern floorplan is perfect for entertaining family and friends. This unit boasts a well outfitted kitchen with all appliances, an elegant yet comfortable living room and separate TV viewing area. The dining room easily seats six and looks out to the terrace with views to the interior courtyard ...
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Oceanfront Hotel/Spa for Sale on Isla Mujeres
2007-12-09 21:42:00
Dramatic Oceanfront Hotel   • Casa Ixchel Hotel - $1,550,000 USD - PRICE REDUCED!! Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo  -  A space to relax and recharge mind, body and soul! Your guests will enjoy the magical healing energy of the sun, the moon, the stars and the waves in this beautiful oceanfront hotel in Isla Mujeres. They will find a breathtaking ocean front location and ample deck space to bask in nature. Large palapas are available for reading, relaxing, yoga and the opportunity to simply enjoy time alone or with family and friends. Massage and energy work are available as well as Mayan healing baths and a unique “chakra pool”. There is also a steam bath as well as a traditional Mayan sweat lodge or temazcal, where healing ceremonies are held by appointment 2 or 3 times a week. With a currently unused restaurant and lounge overlooling the Caribbean, this property has a great deal of untapped revenue potential.This peaceful, boutique hotel f...
More About: For Sale , Sale , Eres

Casa los Charcos - Could be the most beautiful home in Playa del Carmen!!
2007-12-09 20:53:00
Live in a Work of Art • 6,456 sq. ft., 6 bath, 6 bdrm 3 story - $2,300,000 USD - A Masterpiece in Playacar Phase One, Playacar  -  Nature and functionality are beautifully paired in this newly constructed contemporary Mexican luxury villa. Casa Los Charcos’ modern style blends nicely with its jungle setting while offering amazing views of the Mexican Caribbean Sea from its many terraces. It is located in Playacar Phase 1, only 180 feet from the beach and a just a 13 minute walk from Playa del Carmen ’s famous 5th Avenue. The luxury villa has 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms plus a service/laundry bedroom and with full bath for the maid with its own entrance. The Master bathroom has skylights, a Jacuzzi, a shower with two shower heads, and a spectacular view of the Mexican caribbean Sea. The Studio/office has a full bathroom, it can also be used as a guest bedroom.The villa consists of over 5,000 square feet of construction, is built on 3 levels plus has more...
More About: Home , Beautiful

2 Bedroom Condo for Sale at Coco Beach - The Meridian
2007-12-09 07:00:00
• 1,700 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm single story "Open Floorplan" - $355,000 USD - Beautifully Decorated Coco Beach , Playa del Carmen  -  Just what one would expect from the best. This 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath condo is exceptionally decorated with only the finest taste and is being offered fully furnished and ready to occupy. Unit #101 is a prime unit, situated on the Northwest corner of the building, ensuring privacy and easy access. With large windows and a wrap-around terrace, this unit offers plenty of outside seating for entertaining. A constant breeze maintains a relaxing interior. The Master Suite with private bathroom is exceptionally decorated and also features large sliding doors with direct access to the oversized terraces. The second bedroom features 2 twin beds and private bath. An additional 1/2 bath is conveniently located off of the oversized living room. A fully appointed kitchen including Gas Stove with exhaust and stainless refrigerator make ...
More About: For Sale , Sale , Condo , Bedroom

New! Casa Tomas in Playacar Phase 1 is for sale!!
2007-12-08 23:46:00
Playacar Phase 1, Playa del Carmen  2,400 sq. ft., 4 bath, 4 bdrm 1 1/2 story "Spacious Rooftop Terrace" - $1,200,000 USD - Located in desirable Playacar Phase I, an exclusive gated community of private homes in Playa del Carmen, this seaside villa offers you views all the way to Cozumel. Just a few steps away is the sandy white beach and warm turquoise waters of the beautiful Caribbean Sea. Casa Thomas is decorated in modern Mexican style, and is set up as the perfect family villa. Every amenity you can imagine is provided for you in this beautiful home: laundry facilities, air conditioning plus ceiling fans throughout, fully equipped kitchen, incredible ocean views all just 5 yards from the beach and a quick cab ride to all the excitement of Playa del Carmen's 5th Avenue.There are 3 bedrooms on the first floor, the downstairs master bedroom suite has a king size bed, the second has a queen, and the third has 2 twins, each with it's own bath. The new upstairs...
More About: For Sale , Sale , Hase

Villas Del Carmen Townhome for Sale in Downtown Playa
2007-12-08 07:00:00
Completely Remodeled!! • 180 sq. m., 3 bath, 3 bdrm townhouse "3 Levels" - $320,000 USD - Townhome and Rental Unit Centro, Playa del Carmen  -  The sale of this three story townhouse includes two units: a two story townhome with two bedrooms, each with ensuite bathrooms aa well as an independent, one bedroom, one bath apartment on the third level with full kitchen and separate entrance. Located in one of the most popular downtown “neighborhoods”, close to good schools, the sports complex, produce market and supermarkets, Villa Los Almendros is perfect for a young family or a professional couple relocating to Playa del Carmen.With a large, beautifully landscaped common pool, roof top terrace, eagle's nest '5th Floor' observation deck and attention to every detail, this house is a great choice for anyone who wants to live here in Playa, and perhaps needs a home office or desires a steady rental income. Recently remodeled by the cur...
More About: For Sale , Downtown , Sale