Thursday, October 20, 2011

YUCATAN DREAMING WITH A BEACH VIEW

Now that the weather is cooling off some up north, it's time to start dreaming of the good life south of the border! I remember being back home in Delaware, there was a nip in the air, the leaves were turning and I was dreaming of sun-drenched beaches in Mexico. Our thoughts were turning to Mexico, margaritas and warm days relaxing in the sun.

Is that your dream too? Here at Mayan Living we help you turn your dreams into reality. Would you like a great home, one off the beach with stunning ocean views? Would you like to escape from the snow? Take a look at this wonderful home for under $100,000. This 3 bedroom house has it's master bedroom on the second floor that opens onto a large terrace where you can sip margaritas and ice cold beers while watching the sunset.



It offers ample parking in the front

Nice size kitchen and dining area


Kitchen cabinets! Something that is not seen here often, especially in this price range.


North view from the terrace off the master bedroom.

Zoomed in...
View from the back (south) of the terrace.

Large enough for plenty of guests.

Beautiful, modern bathroom.

A large backyard full of coconut palms, make your own Coco Locos!

And, a partially finished storage building for your garden supplies, or make it into a guest house or caretakers cottage...

Can you imagine what this yard would like full of tropical flowers and landscaping? We have a gardener that takes care of our yard AND brings me cuttings of plants for $300 pesos a month, at today's exchange rate that is $23 USD! Can you believe it?

Life is good here in Chelem, great healthcare close by, kind locals and an amazing crowd of people that have moved here from the US and Canada. If you are looking for a more laid back lifestyle, if you want to stretch your hard earned dollars and want to get away from the cold, this is the place!

If you would like to see more pictures of this house, click HERE And don't forget to keep an eye on our large supply of new listings, they change all the time!

If you have any questions about living the dream please feel free to give us a call today on our US phone number: 302-200-0461. We would love to speak with you.

Until the next time, Doug and I are just "Chillin' in Chelem" and enjoying our life, you can too!

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

SUNDAY IN MERIDA

For those thinking of making the move to the Yucatan here are a few reasons:
Mexico is the US' closest neighbor to the south, here you can enjoy a luxurious lifestyle for less.
Enjoy your life in your dream home on the beach or a glorious colonial in the heart of Merida. Looking for seclusion and privacy? Take a peek at some of the smaller villages located around Merida.

We who live at the beach do so for a reason, we are beach people! We love peace and quiet, cool gulf breezes, shushing palms and the smell of salty air. That doesn't mean that we don't love the city of Merida any less. It's a half an hour away, less time then it took to commute to work back home. Merida always has something cultural happening and Sundays are a great time to head into the city and check out the latest event.

This past Sunday we were fortunate enough to be invited to go to the Oaxaca festival with our dear friends Roberto and Anna. The festival took place at Parque Las Americas in Garcia Gineres. Garcia Gineres is a beautiful, historic and quiet area with more and more ex-pats looking to purchase homes there.


Roberto and Anna



Typical clothing from Oaxaca

Embroidered pocketbooks

Lots of hand tooled belts

Look at the detailed hand work in this dress!

These are a speciality of Oaxaca, fried crickets! I actually tried them, quite crispy and spicy.


And of course this is Mexico, must have some kind of Tequila!


Fresh fruit drinks, also abundant throughout the country.

This is where they have entertainment in the park, singing, dancing and shows. Merida has such beautiful architecture.
All in all another wonderful day in the beautiful capital of the Yucatan, Merida. If you are dreaming of a more relaxing and romantic lifestyle, the Yucatan has it all...rich culture, perfect climate...affordable living...wonderful, inexpensive health care and its proximity to the US and Canada. If I have captured your interest, let me help you live your dream! Contact us today! Let the Mayan Living Team of experienced real estate professionals help you find the lifestyle you have always wanted! We are here to help you before, during and after the sale!

Until then, we are just "Chillin' in Chelem."



Tuesday, October 11, 2011

What is your weather like today?


I just came back from a beach walk with the dogs. Today is one of those days that dreams are made of, golden sunshine, lapis blue skies and emerald green waters. The day reminds me of all that I have to be thankful of. The temp here today is 81 degress and the humidity is at 60%. I checked to see what it was like in other areas, Calgary AB it is a chilly 45 degrees (7 celsius) , Victoria BC, 52 degrees (17 Celsius) Chicago, 69 and of course windy. I'm sure glad I live here!



There is lots of coral on the beach today!



Blue skies and emerald coast waters, how can it get any better?

Out checking for dinner....


Ahhh, Mom beat him to it! Looks like octopus on a stick for dinner!


And of course, the Palm Trees, how beautiful!



So, if the weather is getting a little chilly back home, come spend the winters in paradise. Give the Mayan Living Team a call today, we will be happy to help you find your home in the sun.

Warm breezes and cold beers coming at you from Chelem!

Saturday, October 8, 2011

What people are saying about Mexico!




I had posted these comments on a website a year and a half ago and just saw them again today. I wanted to comment on what things are the same and what has changed, so here goes....

Want to Retire south of the border? Read what is being said:

According to Fortune Magazine :

"...leaving the U.S. can be a way to double your retirement dollar. Pick the right country, and you may be able to trade up to a larger house, get a pool, hire servants--and guarantee visits from your kids. Mexico is bargain numero uno. A newly retired couple can set up housekeeping for $1,500 a month--$500 each for living expenses and $500 to rent a house."

I honestly believe that a couple can live here for $1,500 a month, BUT that would be if they already owned their home. It also depends on your lifestyle, if you live lavishly in your own country and want ALL the amenities of home it will cost you more. Doug and I have 1 TV with Shawdirect service, Sirius radio, a desktop, a laptop, an Ipad and a Ipod. And live well for under $2000 a month. What we don't have is a dryer, a new car (2 used ones) a bathtub (sob). We eat out a couple of times a week but we eat at local (think inexpensive) places. It is all a matter of what equals quality of life for you!


"When Mexico recently firmed up laws for foreigners to own land through bank trusts, the floodgates opened... A beachfront lot 30 miles up the coast in southern California would cost you several million dollars. South of the border, a spot on the beach can cost you less than $100,000."

--CBS Evening News

Well as Bob Dylan says, "the times they are a changing." You can still find great deals at the beaches here, but if you believe that you are going to buy a beachfront home that is ready to move into with nothing needed for under $100K, it's just not happening! That's why many of our clients choose to live one off the beach, there are still some great deals to be found there.You also can't find a glorious, spacious ready to move in Colonial in Merida in the heart of Centro for that price, but the savvy shopper can find some great deals on beautiful colonials just minutes from Centro. Let your dollars go further! Let Mayan Living have our team of specialists help you find the best home for your money today!


Retire to the land of peasant uprisings and economic chaos? Americans are finding the reality behind the media image to be tremendously appealing: The weather's great, the people are warm and a devalued peso makes them instantly richer.

-- U.S. News and World Report

I still totally agree with this one. While Mexico is receiving a lot of bad press, the state of Yucatan is still the safest state in all of Mexico, and yes the people are great and your dollars buy you much more here.

"The gringos are moving where the living is easy... They move south not so much in pursuit of the sun, which they could find just as easily in Florida or Arizona, but in a search for a cheaper way of life"

-- The Economist

Not only cheaper, but a better life. Of course that is only my opinion....

If you have dreams of living at the beach, in a safe and beautiful colonial city, owning your own hacienda or in a quiet little village close to everything, check out our website today! Please feel free to email me at bchbums1981@yahoo.com for any questions you may have.

Until then, we are "just chillin' in Chelem."