The Ultimate Guide To Buying Cabo San Lucas Real Estate

The Ultimate Guide To Buying
Cabo San Lucas Real Estate

The Ultimate Guide To Buying Cabo San Lucas Real Estate
Table Of Contents
Cabo Life 5
Population 5
The Mañana Effect 6
Beaches 7
Golf 8
Proximity 8
Language 9
Home Help 9
Market Research – Tools & Techniques 10
The Human Touch 11
Finding A Realtor To Buy Real Estate In Los Cabos 12
Face To Face 12
Representation From Afar 12
Best Practices 13
How To Prepare 13
Faux Pas 13

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Location, Location, Location 14

Cabo San Lucas 14
San Jose del Cabo 15
East Cape 15
Todos Santos 16
Heading 17
Condo 17
House 18
Lots Of Land 19
Ocean & Golf Views – The Biggest Attractions Of Cabo 20
Real Estate
Gated Communities 21
Putting An Offer In 21
The Offer Process For Buying Cabo San Lucas Real 22
Estate
Conclusion – It’s a Buyer’s Market 24

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Unless clear blue skies and year-round favorable weather conditions simply aren’t your
thing, it’s clear to see why so many people are buying Cabo San Lucas real estate.
The majority of buyers are holiday-makers who ventured to the beautiful beaches of Los
Cabos and fell in love with it over a spectacular sunset.
Additionally, there’s a category of clients who acquire real estate in Los Cabos because
they understand the potential revenue return they will receive from an investment
property.
Commercial property sales in Los Cabos have been on the increase due to low taxation
and the fact that this is a hotly developing area. Put frankly, Los Cabos doesn’t yet have
the scale of local services that one would expect to nd in a like-location in the US.
Business owners with service-based offerings are coming to Cabo with their expertise
and skill, to be rewarded with a community of potential eager clients.

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For those looking to slow their pace of life down, Los Cabos can truly be the ideal spot to
buy a home for retirement. With consistently warm temperatures and low cost of in-
home help and medical fees, Cabo is a popular place to call home.
One thing is for certain: buying real estate in Cabo San Lucas is an exciting and rewarding
experience. Assuming you have the right acquisition strategy and team in place to assist
you with your purchase.

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Cabo Life
Let’s assume your reasons for purchase are either because your family wants to
permanently move to Cabo or you want a vacation home there. One of the most
important things to consider before making the commitment to buy is to ensure that this
area is a good t for you and your family’s needs.
Here we discuss some of the pros of the Cabo lifestyle:
Population
With over 300,000 people inhabiting Los Cabos over a 3500 km area, one of the biggest
‘bene ts’ to the Cabo lifestyle is the low traf c levels we enjoy. Should you nd yourself
in a traf c jam somewhere in Los Cabos, we can guarantee you it’s not due to the
excessive amount of cars on the freeway. A typical ‘traf c jam’ in Cabo is no more than a
5-minute delay.

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The Mañana Effect

There’s something to be said for the laid-back lifestyle one enjoys in Los Cabos. Both
professionals and retirees enjoy the typically relaxed style of dressing required here. The
pace of life in Cabo is considerably slower, especially when compared to a city like San
Francisco or Los Angeles. Residents of Los Cabos revel in reporting their love for
throwing a loose shirt and shorts on as they head to a business meeting, followed by
some beach time.

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Beaches
It seems obvious to mention that perhaps the biggest draw to buying real estate in Cabo
San Lucas is its world-class beaches. Los Cabos offers a plethora of magni cent beaches
to suit everyone’s needs.
Small beaches like La Playita Beach with gentle waves – perfect for the family with small
children. Chileno Bay or Santa Maria Beach offers some of the best spots in Mexico to go
snorkeling. Cabo Pulmo is a diver’s paradise. Cerritos Beach in Todos Santos, Zippers
Beach in San Jose del Cabo and El Tule Beach in Cabo San Lucas offer amazing sur ng
breaks year-round.
Cabo Pulmo is a diver’s paradise. Cerritos Beach in Todos Santos, Zippers Beach in San
Jose del Cabo and El Tule Beach in Cabo San Lucas offer amazing sur ng breaks year-
round.

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Golf
Cabo is famous for its golf. Championship level golf courses are positioned throughout
Los Cabos, offering a day of golf heaven to those who love the sport. Questro offers a
Summer-time rate for locals, allowing them unlimited play-time at all 4 of their incredible
courses between May and October.
Proximity
A quick hop on an airplane can have you in San Diego, Phoenix or Houston in under 3
hours, making Cabo an incredibly alluring destination to buy real estate. Being able to
maintain relationships with family and friends in the US is an important factor to
consider. Recently announced is the inclusion of direct ights from the UK to Cabo
making the world seem just a touch smaller.

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Language
Luckily, Los Cabos is such an attractive tourist destination, the majority of restaurants
display menus in English and Spanish. The majority of employees involved in service and
tourism are bilingual, making a transition to Cabo life more than easy.
If you’re unfamiliar with the Spanish language before making the move to Cabo we
cannot stress then, how important it is that you seek reputable representation to
complete a Los Cabos real estate transaction.
Home Help
Whether your family is young or old, one of the biggest bene ts of buying real estate in
Cabo has to be easy access to affordable home help. New Moms adore recruiting an extra
pair of helping hands to help them with housework. Professionals in Cabo can assist with
childcare, housework, and maintenance. It’s also possible to nd employees to assist with
senior assisted living.

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Market Research – Tools & Techniques
Internet Search
If you are reading this guide, then we can already assume that you are using a search
engine like Google as your #1 research technique for buying real estate in Los Cabos. The
power of the internet has enabled scores of people to take a peek inside homes and Cabo
San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo and beyond.
The downside to relying only on Google is that the information presented can be
extremely limited and, on occasion, inaccurate.

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MLS – Cabo San Lucas
One of the best online resources for buying Cabo San Lucas real estate is the Multiple
Listing Service. Los Cabos is the only area of Mexico that offers this property listing tool.
The MLS offers the most comprehensive collection of local listings, but many fall short of
an acquisition because it’s dif cult to follow through using this tool alone.
Additionally, the MLS may not show some of the most exclusive listings then available.
Hot properties often don’t make it to the MLS, as some buyers who have forged
relationships with a realtor receive early purchase noti cation.
The Human Touch

While the internet and its tools can certainly assist you in your initial research, nothing
beats the power of human connection. Rather than make your own assumptions and
hoping that perhaps you can avoid paying extra fees, it’s always best practice to work
with a credible realtor to help you navigate what can be a long and stressful buying
process.

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Finding A Realtor To Buy Real Estate In Los Cabos
There are a suf cient amount of horror stories circulating about buying property abroad
to convince anyone that looking for representation before buying a property in Cabo is a
great idea. Finding someone to adequately represent you needn’t be dif cult if you know
what to look for.
Face To Face
During a trip to Los Cabos, visit the of ces of real estate agents. Unannounced drop-ins
can really give you an idea of the professionalism of a company. Is their of ce clean?
Inviting? Professional? If you wander into a real estate of ce to nd an empty chair in the
reception area, along with a chaotic desk-top, then you can expect to receive a similar
fate as their client.
Questions
Direct questions should elicit direct responses. Assuming you have begun a conversation
with a realtor in Cabo, ask as many questions as you can. Ask questions that perhaps you
already know the answer to. Hearing correct responses can reassure you that this
professional knows the basics.
Here are a few examples of questions to consider posing to your realtor:
I f I see a listing I’m interested in on someone else’s website, can you represent me in
that purchase?
Will your commission increase if I want to buy someone else’s listing?
Tell me about the real estate closing process in Los Cabos.
Representation From Afar

Are you the sort of person who expects email responses within an hour of sending them?
Are you a phone communicator? What sort of communication do you need to feel
reassured and con dent? It’s a good idea for you to clearly state your expectations prior
to committing to working with a realtor in Los Cabos. That way, there’s no
miscommunication down the line.

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Best Practices
Buying real estate is a stressful process, whether you’re buying it at home or abroad. We
cannot stress how important it is for you to understand Los Cabos real estate processes
before entering into a working relationship.
Finding a real estate company in Los Cabos who understands your culture and
expectations is the difference between a painful, stressful experience or an epic chapter
in your life.
How To Prepare
You are the biggest determining factor in the success of your relationship with your Cabo
San Lucas realtor. Only you can decide how forthcoming you will be with your nances
and purchasing ability. Clear and concise understanding, excellent and open
communication, and respectful boundaries are key to buying real estate in Cabo.
Faux Pas
The biggest mistake a buyer can make is to work with multiple realtors at the same time.
All too often, buyers become frustrated with their realtor of choice and make the switch
to someone else. The reason for frustration can be due to poor communication of
expectations in the buying process.
A buyer may by chance talk to someone who had previously purchased real estate in
Cabo. This person then outlays what a fabulous experience they had with their realtor.
Suddenly, this knocks the con dence in the relationship you have with your
representation. Before you know it, you’ve begun a conversation with another realtor in
Cabo, while mentally ring your own realtor.
This can all be avoided if you have done your initial due diligence. If you chose your
realtor and worked to create a solid foundation of communication and expectations, then
you will not need to look elsewhere.

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Location, Location, Location
Cabo San Lucas

Today it’s a buyers market for Cabo San Lucas real estate. Beautiful new developments
are available with spectacular views of the famous Los Cabos arches. With big-name
shopping brands like Walmart and Costco, Cabo San Lucas truly has it all. Spectacular
beaches, world-class restaurants, bustling night-life and all the conveniences of home: all
this within a 15-minute radius of any Cabo real estate purchase.
The famous Cabo Corridor deserves a mention – a sprawling 20-mile highway that curves
alongside the glorious Sea of Cortez. It’s the perfect place to buy Cabo San Lucas real
estate if you’re seeking a quiet place to live.

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San Jose del Cabo

The real estate market in San Jose del Cabo has been on an upward trend due to it’s
slightly more colonial feel. Street tacos to die for, a traditional town Plaza and those
beautifully colored Mexican streets all elicit that special Mexico culture that so many
want to immerse themselves in. San Jose del Cabo doesn’t have the hive of night-time
activity that Cabo San Lucas is so famous far, which can be a big draw for many.
East Cape
East Cape is a de nite emerging market. Miles of untouched beaches, solar communities,
and exclusive developments amounts to East Cape being a trending area to buy property.
What East Cape currently lacks in convenience and services, it makes up for in never-
ending natural beauty.

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Todos Santos
Only a 45-minute drive from Cabo, Todos Santos is an artists delight. Many local artisans
are proud to call Todos Santos or Pescadero their home. The new toll-road stretches
from San Jose del Cabo airport down to the outskirts of Cabo. This reduces transit time
from the airport to Todos Santos, making this easily accessible area.

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Heading
Acquisition Type
Condo
Buying a condo in Cabo San Lucas may be a retirees dream some day. 1-level oor plans,
typically spacious designs and more often than not, beautiful ocean-facing views make
condos an easy purchase.
There’s also something to be said for purchasing a condo and being immediately
surrounded by neighbors. Seniors enjoy living in a community so they are immersed in
local activities and events.
Maintenance fees are often lower than those of a house. Los Cabos condo owners enjoy
friendly maid service and gardeners. Additionally, bilingual property management is a
real perk of condo ownership in Cabo.

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House
House hunting in Cabo San Lucas and surrounding areas offer maximum freedom of
expression. Los Cabos has everything to offer a potential real estate buyer. With small
but beautiful townhouses sloping across premium golf courses like Club Campestre, to
expansive jaw-dropping ocean-front homes of Puerto Los Cabos, a buyer has all manner
of acquisition opportunities to explore.

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Lots Of Land
Looking for some creative expression in the Cabo real estate market? Then perhaps a
land purchase is the right choice for you. As explained in the housing market, buying a lot
opens you up to endless possibilities, both commercial and residential.
Even though pricing increases the closer to the beach you look, you most de nitely get
what you pay for. The higher the purchase price, undoubtedly the better the location,
view, and amenities are.
The key to land acquisition is nding a Cabo real estate land specialist who understands
emerging trends in Los Cabos.

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Ocean & Golf Views – The Biggest Attractions Of Cabo Real Estate
Foreigners who want to purchase real estate in Cabo San Lucas typically come for the
ocean or the golf.
There’s something to be said for waking up in the morning surrounded by the

peacefulness of a golf course; the humming of the sprinklers watering sections of the
course and the magical sunrise that seems to turn the greens into a urry of
uorescence. Grab a coffee and sandals and step into the smooth sands of a Cabo beach,
and nd yourself in your own version of heaven.
It’s true that a premium must be paid to enjoy the ultimate Cabo lifestyle, but as we say in
Mexico, it’s ‘vale la pena’ (it’s worth it)! Los Cabos is littered with champion golf courses,
offering golf carts and beverage service as their most basic customer offerings. Each
course has a real estate community along with premium amenities and country-club style
activities.
Working with a Cabo real estate agent can be helpful if you’re searching for a Golf course
property. A realtor can give you instant access to all golf-course real estate. With this
information, comparisons can be drawn to deduce your personal preferences.

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Gated Communities
Many purchase luxury Cabo San Lucas real estate because it’s inside a gated community.
24-hour security, gated and lit streets, common amenities and a watchful eye all result in
maximum peace of mind. Bilingual administrators are a breath of fresh air to new
homeowners who aren’t familiar with local procedures and policies.
The only slight downside to purchasing property within a gated community is that you
will have building constraints. There will be rules to abide by when it comes to building
materials, paint color choices etc.
Putting An Offer In
After deciding on the property you wish to buy, the next step is putting an offer in. Here
are some items to note:
1. Financing is possible in Mexico, but the terms are typically awful. Interest rates are
high and the process of getting nancing locally is cumbersome. We recommend a
buyer offers a cash deal or nds their own nancing from a lender in their home
country.
2. We always work with escrow companies.
3. Explaining the process of putting an offer in
4. Having the right mindset
Legalities & Due Process
Down payments in Mexico are typically higher than the US, Canada or UK. Expect to pay
an initial 10% of the down payment once an offer has been accepted. Another 20-25% of
the purchase price deposited shortly thereafter, followed by the remaining balance 5
days before closing. All payments go to an escrow company who hold the monies until the
legalities are complete.
Who’s Who
Various people are involved in a Cabo San Lucas real estate transaction:

Page 21
he buyer’s agent (your realtor)

T
The seller’s agent (if your realtor didn’t have the property as one of his or her
listings)
A representative from an escrow company
A notario publico (public notary) is involved once the offer is accepted.
Closing Agent: the person that handles the closing, contacts Banks and Notary to
close the transaction.
All legal real estate contracts are written in Spanish, which is the prevailing version in a
Mexican court of law. A complimentary English copy of the closing agreement is offered
to a non-Spanish speaker.
The Offer Process For Buying Cabo San Lucas Real Estate
Once a buyer selects the house and informs the buyer’s agent, the discussions begin
regarding pricing terms and conditions. It’s at this stage where contingencies
(inspections, CC&R’s, selling a primary house, etc.), and special requests from the buyer
to seller are decided upon along with an expiration date for the offer (usually 3 days).
Once the buyer’s agent completes a written offer, the buyer signs it. The offer is then sent
to the seller’s agent. The seller has few days to answer (days speci ed on the offer). The
seller will decide if he or she accepts the offer, counter offers or declines altogether.
If accepted, both parties sign and begin closing with the earnest deposit and 50% closing
cost sent to escrow. If the offer is countered, it will include an expiration date along with
other conditions. There’s no limit to the number of counters from either party and it’s
typical to expect some back and forth. Expect an average of a 4-14 day offer period.
Closing Time
It is fair to anticipate a longer closing time that you may expect in your home country.
Because there’s the creation of a bank trust (explained beneath) involved in closing, along
with the inclusion of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, due course is naturally longer than
if one was buying property locally. Expect an average closing time for a piece of Cabo San
Lucas real estate to be 45-60 days. However, delays can happen throughout the closing
process for various reasons.

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Delays on the seller’s end are commonplace. Here are a few examples of common delays:
ideicomiso Review Process: Sometimes the banks take too long to review
F
documents, or giving their nal okay on the paperwork.
Sometimes the unit or house simply isn’t ready (typically in pre-construction sales).
On occasion, either the seller or buyer cannot attend the signing. A power of
attorney replaces the missing participant, resulting in the deicomiso process
starting all over again.
Closings take longer if the date falls on or near a holiday.
Fideicomiso
A Fideicomiso is a bank trust and legal tool used allowing foreigners to buy property in
Mexico. A deicomiso costs approximately $2000 US to open and an annual fee of $500
US to maintain. A bank trust provides the legal peace of mind needed for foreigners to
own their own piece of paradise.

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Conclusion – It’s a Buyer’s Market

Buying your dream Cabo San Lucas real estate property is easier now than it has ever
been. We encourage you to do your due diligence in preparation for the process. Decide
on the type of property and location you want to purchase. Discuss with your buying
partner(s) what your nancial buying power is. Be open and clear with your Cabo realtor
about your needs and expectations. Gain a true understanding about the Cabo real
estate market and take the exciting plunge into Cabo life.
Looking for real estate representation regarding either buying or selling a Los Cabos
property?
Please reach out to our team of 2 Seas Los Cabos agents at:
Tel: +52 624-105-2547
Tel: +1 520-204-5450
Email: contact@2seasloscabos.com

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The Ultimate Guide To Buying Cabo San Lucas Real Estate

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