By Richard C Baca

This year the real estate market has been brisk. Not exactly a boom, but brisk. Waterfront property has continued its steady appreciation. Off the waterfront, property values have started to appreciate again. The Mexican capital gains tax situation remains the same though; that is, foreigners selling their property cannot legally get the two-year occupancy exemption, (we're still working on it though).

WHY BUY PROPERTY IN SAN CARLOS? A summary of what we hear goes something like this: "When I first started coming to San Carlos as a tourist I never imagined I would buy property here. I just couldn't see purchasing something "I didn't need". As we kept coming back to this little "slice of paradise" I began to notice a transformation in us. The fact is WE'RE DIFFERENT HERE!! and more importantly, we always return home REVITALIZED! There is no way to put a price on that! For this reason we bought a home in San Carlos. We've also decided to retire here! And, we recommend San Carlos to our friends because it is still "undiscovered"!! Is your experience similar?

WHAT CAN ONE BUY IN SAN CARLOS? The range of possibilities runs from condominiums to luxury waterfront homes . The range of properly priced homes (meaning current market value), runs from around U.S. $35,000 to around $450,000 and we have choice listings of our own as well as those of all experienced and reponsible cooperating brokers to choose from. Our own listings have all been priced accordingly. We also provide FREE consultation on how foreigners purchase residential real estate in coastal Mexico under the Mexican Land Trust laws, and provide FREE written information. Remember, we have the best selection of properly priced real estate but, we never have enough qualified BUYERS; bring us your friends and visitors that you would like to see become our neighbors. We will explain the process, familiarize them with the law, procedures, closing costs and the current San Carlos estate scene!

WHEN IS A GOOD TIME TO BUY? Real estate brokers will usually say "NOW" ! But the question is, why HERE now? When we take a look at the San Carlos we notice a pleasant little community of some 3,500+ residents. We still live in a town with no stoplights!! If you have been to, or heard of other Mexican retirement resorts lately, you know that our little San Carlos is still UNDISCOVERED. For this reason professionally analyzed and marketed real estate here is quite reasonable . add to this the fact that we have some of the choicest scenery anywhere along the Mexican Pacific coast ; plus hunting, golf, hiking, etc. As our little "slice of paradise" gets discovered, and property values appreciate, those people able to buy now that don't, will sing that old song whose refrain is " ...if only I had bought that house just a few short years ago..."

HOW SHOULD ONE BUY? First of all find yourself a professional, experienced and responsible bilingual broker that knows how real estate is traded in both the U.S. and Mexico. why the U.S.? Because onlu this way can your broker adequately explain the differences betweem the two systems. Knowing the differences, you can get comfortable with the idea and make an informed decision. A knowledgeable broker will lead you through the nuances of setting up or transferring a Mexican Land Trust. At SUNSHINE REALTY WE ARE 100% BILINGUAL!

Please feel free to refer your friends and visitors to us. We will take very good care of them and maybe make us some new neighbors! The information and showing of property is prefessional, thorough and FREE!!