Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals

AMPI’s Tourism Symposium in Mexico City

Rocky Point AMPI — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 20:45:00 GMT

By Wayne Corcoran, President, AMPI Chapter 51, Puerto Peñasco

On September 22^nd, Raul O’Farrill, Heidi Wosak,Lannette Phipps and I, attended the Mexico Tourism Symposium in Mexico City.The goal of this day long workshop was to find ways to improve real estatebusiness within the tourism sectors of Mexico (like Puerto Peñasco). RaulO’Farrill was the Master of Ceremonies for the event which opened with awelcome from AMPI National President, Hector Obregon.

Bruce Greenberg, a property appraiser from Tucson, and VicePresident of the Mexico-United States Chamber of Commerce, delivered aninspirational opening message stating how we need to spread good news aboutMexico to combat the negative, and sometimes, inaccurate news that circulates.He reported the Chamber will be presenting seminars on Mexican tourism in five majorU.S. cities this coming year. Next, the panel of President’s, from the majortouristic locations, gave an update on the current market situations, and nearterm outlooks, in their area. The consensus was that every touristic market inMexico has been hit hard by the downturn in tourism as a result of the recenteconomic disaster and negative media reporting on the violence related to drugtrafficking in Mexico.

After each President spoke, all attendees were then splitinto five work groups. The purpose of the workgroups was to identify issuespertinent to the real estate industry including: Media and Communications; PublicRelations and Marketing; Laws Effecting Real Estate in the Tourist Areas; GovernmentPrograms for Retirees; and AMPI National Programs. Each group spent an hour generatingideas and then presented their thoughts to the full assembly. Each workgroupcommitted to act as an ongoing committee to follow through with their ideasover the next 6 to 12 month period. AMPI will be receiving a summary of eachgroups’ recommendations, which will be posted on our website as they arrive. Someof the best ideas presented were:

· Develop a marketingstrategy for the country that can be implemented nationally and locally

· Promote the good newsfrom each region of the country

· Create an alliance betweenAMPI and the media to provide a positive and balanced view of Mexico

· Implement a NationalMLS for Mexico

· Promote real estatereferrals through real estate associations in North America

· Create a National RealEstate Licensing Program

· Work with the governmentto get direct Titles for foreigners in the current restricted zones

· Work with governmentbodies to create a healthcare program for retirees moving to Mexico

This symposium is a great start for AMPI Chapters working with AMPINational on topics that benefit each of our markets. The National Government hasexpressed their interest in the outcome of the symposium. I am confident thatthis is the start of great new alliance, from which new ideas that can beimplemented all over Mexico and the world.

AMPI General Meeting

Rocky Point AMPI — Sat, 01 May 2010 19:03:00 GMT

Note that this information is outdated.

General Meeting

When/Where: Family of God Church, Placita Melanie Blvd Freemont, Thursday May 13 at 9AM

SAVE THE DATE-AMPI Education

Rocky Point AMPI — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 20:40:00 GMT

Note that this information is outdated.

AMPI education is the last Wednesday of the month

When/Where: May 26, Wednesday. Location to be announced

Sponsor Opportunity for the AMPI Puerto Penasco NAR/AMPI Certified International Property Specialist Classes June 2010

Rocky Point AMPI — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 22:55:00 GMT

As you know, our AMPI chapter was selected by AMPI National to host a Certified International Property Specialist training course. A steering committee has been established and preparation is well underway for the event, June 13-18th at Las Palomas.

We are doing all that we can to make this a successful NAR/AMPI event. We are hopeful that you may find this as a great opportunity for your brokerage/business to expand it's name recognition as a knowledgeable source for real estate transactions in Mexico. Please consider your involvement as a sponsor to help make this an even more successful event. You will find attached an announcement and also a Sponsor Plan that will provide you with 4 different levels of participation.

Those who can respond quickly will have their logo printed on the registration forms that will be out tomorrow. Please contact me, Raul or Wayne so we can move quickly to include your company in the promotional documents.

Your sponsorship will benefit not only the event but our association and all of Puerto Penasco.

Thank you for your consideration. VISIT WWW.ROCKYPOINTAMPI.COM for more information.

Richard Savino
Rocky Point Resort Properties
Manager Encanto & Luna Blanca HOA's
Puerto Penasco, Son, MX
520 495-0131 US
638 386-4174 MX
http://RockyPointResortProperties.com
www.richardsavino.com

AMPII Education

Rocky Point AMPI — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 15:37:00 GMT

Note that this information is outdated.

This will be a "law class". Instructor Raul O'Farrill "Legal concepts and principles for offers and promises", on Wednsday, April 28th, at 9:00 AM at the Tecnologico de Puerto Peñasco. Bring your questions.

When/Where: Tecnologico Wednesday, April 28, 9AM

SAVE THE DATE FOR CIPS

Rocky Point AMPI — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 18:22:00 GMT

Note that this information is outdated.

NAR has a "Certified International Property Specialist" designation and the classes will be held in Puerto Penasco! Great opportunity to get your CIPS designation and network with other International real estate agents. More details to follow

When/Where: Las Palomas, June 13 thu 19

October Mixer

Rocky Point AMPI — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 19:30:00 GMT

Note that this information is outdated.

AMPI mixer in conjunction with the Arizona Academy of Real Estate "Real Estate Renewal By The Sea" for continuing education for Arizona agents. AMPI members encouraged to attend mixer to network with U.S. agents. More details to follow.

When/Where: Sonoran Sun Resort

July Mixer

Rocky Point AMPI — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 22:58:00 GMT

Note that this information is outdated.

AMPI's business networking and mixer is open to all those that are affiliated to the real estate industry. Non-members welcome.

When/Where: Wednesday, July 8 to be announced by July 4th

AMPI Mixer

Rocky Point AMPI — Wed, 13 May 2009 20:06:00 GMT

Note that this information is outdated.

AMPI June Mixer. Details to be announced

When/Where: to be announced

AMPI Mixer

Rocky Point AMPI — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 20:40:00 GMT

Note that this information is outdated.

Take a few hours off to have some fun! AMPI MIXER ON THE BEACH SAND SCULPTURE COMPETITION! WHERE: SONORAN SKY RESORT OCEANVIEW RESTAURANT on the BEACH WHEN: April 29, 2009 TIME: 3:00 P.M. It's a little earlier, but just come when you can! If lots of wind again, we will be in the restaurant & bar...so come anyway! MAIN EVENT: SAND SCULPTURE CONTEST There will be 3 teams. Each team will be provided the basic “beach equipment package”. You are welcome to bring whatever you feel would be beneficial in building a winning sand sculpture. This week, you may be getting a call from one of these 3 team leaders to recruit you to help their team win. If you would like to participate, call them! OR Just show up and participate or cheer on the teams! EACH LEADER THINKS THEIR TEAM WILL WIN! CHARLOTTE BOHNER 638-112-9942 BRANDON McKENSIE 638-112-0363 ROSIE GLOVER 638-112-0134 2nd EVENT: HORSESHOES KENT WHITE has challenged SUZIE FLINN at this game. Evidentally, they THINK they are good at this game. Everyone can participate and the idea is just to have a good time! THE BEST PART IS THE FOOD AND DRINK SPECIALS PROVIDED BY THE OCEANVIEW RESTAURANT $1.00 CARNE ASADAS $1.00 CERVESA $1.00 MARGARITA’S SHOULD BE A SUPER TIME--- OME & BRING A FRIEND! EVERYONE IS WELCOME! We want this to be a fun & affordable event for everyone to enjoy. So, Please come and participate in one of the events or just enjoy the beach. And especially the $1.00 Food and drink specials-~~just for US! SEE YOU THERE! ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CALL LIANE 638-107-7164

When/Where: SONORAN SKY RESORT OCEANVIEW RESTAURANT 3:00PM

Mixer

Rocky Point AMPI — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 17:55:00 GMT

Note that this information is outdated.

AMPI Mixer

When/Where: Chango's Wed. Feb 11, 5 to 7pm

Education-contracts

Rocky Point AMPI — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 20:47:00 GMT

Note that this information is outdated.

Contracts education

When/Where: Desert Oasis, Wed. Jan. 28 9am til noon

AMPI general meeting

Rocky Point AMPI — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 20:40:00 GMT

Note that this information is outdated.

AMPI general meeting

When/Where: The Point Restaurant, the Malecon at 9AM

January 22, 2009 Election for President Elect

Rocky Point AMPI — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 01:23:00 GMT

Note that this information is outdated.

President Elect election Jan 22 2009

Marriott Rocky Point

Rocky Point AMPI — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 02:54:00 GMT

12-Nov-2008
Business Time
Dario Celis
7358 million dollars will be invested in 31 Marriott hotels in 2013

In the next five years Marriott International Inc. built in our country about five thousand 870 new rooms, which are equivalent to about 31 hotels in different formats.

Through its franchisees, the powerful chain headed by Bill Marriott detonate investment by nearly seven thousand 358 million dollars, since the time of economic recession, it will be a breath of oxygen.

A few days ago she visited here Manuel Ovies. This is a Cuban-born executive with over 15 years in the corporation and vice president of the area from Mexico, Central and South America, except Brazil.

The manager spoke of the more advanced projects. For example, open the morning Marriott Zona Rosa, who will be building on the same site that hosted by the Aristos years. There will start a hotel of 322 rooms.

The partner is Constantino Diaz, who already was negotiated with three others in Santa Fe, Aguascalientes and Merida 250, 286 and 290 rooms each. The first two opened in early 2010 and the second in 2011.

With Eduardo Sanchez Navarro, the Group of Questran, built in Puerto Penasco another 451 rooms will also kick off in early 2011. Only in the Marriott investment will amount to 239.8 billion dollars.

Under the stamp of JW Marriott will have signed two projects with Grupo Xtra more that capitanea Manuel Saba Ades which will involve nearly a hundred million dollars. One will be in the Riviera Maya and one in Nuevo Vallarta.

Each will have 200 rooms and are part of the developments Golden Mile and Three Seas. The first could start construction in early 2009, once Semarnat, which leads Juan Elvira, approved its environmental impact.

Renaissance is another format that will push two hotels with 200 rooms. One will be part of the Golden Mile, in which it participates as Moses Elman, and another in Santa Fe, owned by the same developer.

Each Renaissance cost about $ 40 million, that same investment will be exercised for each Edition, a new format Marriott has just drawn to the luxury segment.

So far signed two Edition, for a Golden Mile in the Riviera Maya and one for Santa Fe with the same Moses Elman. A total of $ 80 million exercise in this brand.

Additionally, with the Costa Rican Caribbean Hospitality fund will be lifted 20 Courtyard in the next five years. The investment is estimated at 240 million dollars to about three thousand rooms.

Caribbean Hospitality, which represents Daniel Campos, will kick off with five Courtyard, which is the format of limited services. In three years will cost about 60 million. Will be in Leon, Puebla, Toluca, Monterrey and San Luis Potosi.

By 2013 Marriott International Inc. estimated to open 31 hotels in different segments, which will generate approximately five thousand direct jobs.

Rocky Point Myths

Rocky Point AMPI — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 17:13:00 GMT

The reality of Rocky Point - From growth to ownership of land, Americans labor under 5 key myths about the area

Thousands of Arizonans who have purchased real estate in or frequently visit the booming vacation town of Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point), Mexico, experienced leftover turkey indigestion the Sunday after Thanksgiving when reading The Arizona Republic's front-page article about a disputed piece of land known as North Beach outside Puerto Peñasco ("Prime deal, prime debacle," Nov. 25).

Could it be they were in danger of losing the condo, home or land they had purchased there because of corrupt dealings?

A couple of quick phone calls to their local Puerto Peñasco developer, real-estate agent or lawyer confirmed for them that, in fact, their dream vacation home or condo was safe and their children and grandchildren would be able to continue to enjoy sunsets for many years on what is affectionately known as "Arizona's beach."

For others who have not yet had the opportunity to enjoy Puerto Peñasco or buy Mexican beachfront property, the article raised more questions than it answered about the safety and security of making an investment in our neighbor south of the border. Although the article documented a serious situation that is affecting a small group of real-estate investors (both Mexicans and Americans), this land-ownership dispute is an isolated incident similar to ones that arise in the United States from time to time. It does not affect the safety and security of American real-estate holdings in other parts of Puerto Peñasco.

Puerto Peñasco, in fact, has experienced unprecedented growth over the past 10 years, with developers successfully building and selling such resorts as Puerta Privada, Las Palomas and the Sonoran Resorts. To date, several thousand condominiums worth an estimated $2 billion or more have been sold or are close to delivery in Puerto Peñasco. Larger developers from other parts of Mexico, Spain and the United States have begun planning for the next stages of Puerto Peñasco real-estate development, and new development areas such as Las Conchas Resorts are being master planned for building over the next 25 years.

In this day of increased rhetoric and misinformation about Mexicans and Mexico, it would benefit us Americans to take a little time to separate the facts from the myths about Puerto Peñasco:

Myth No. 1

Americans can only lease real estate in Mexico.

In 1993, in order to make its real estate more attractive to foreigners, Mexico passed laws to protect American and other foreign real-estate investors by allowing us to own condos, homes and land in Mexican coastal towns through a bank trust. A Mexican bank (all of which are now owned by large European, U.S. or Canadian banking conglomerates) holds the real estate in a trust, while the American acts as the sole beneficiary, enjoying all the same rights of ownership they would in Arizona. This bank trust lasts 50 years and then is renewable indefinitely and transfers to the beneficiary's heirs when he or she passes.

Myth No. 2

The Mexican government might take away my land.

This is the last thing Mexico wants. The Mexican government has been doing everything it can over the past 15 years to promote tourism and American investment in Mexican real estate. Tourism and foreign real-estate investment is now the second-largest contributor to the Mexican gross domestic product behind oil - and, unlike oil resources, U.S. investment in Mexico is growing rapidly.

The Mexican government is expected to zealously protect this important revenue stream and continue to strengthen real-estate laws and protections for foreigners. In fact, Mexico's real-estate laws are now friendly enough that large U.S. lending institutions such as GMAC, GE and Citibank are willing to provide mortgages to Americans for real-estate purchases in Mexico, and title insurers such as Stewart Title and First American Title issue U.S. title insurance on Mexican real estate.

Myth No. 3

The growth of Puerto Peñasco has ended.

Although Puerto Peñasco has experienced the residual effects of the slow Arizona market, its fundamentals have remained strong. The resort town is only beginning 25-plus years of stable, sustainable growth fueled by the wealthy, retiring U.S. baby-boomer generation and the population boom in Arizona and the U.S. Southwest.

The lull Puerto Peñasco is experiencing in the new condo sales market has been felt much less in the resales market, and most agree it has been healthy for the local economy. Developers and the Sonoran government have had a chance to catch their breath and start implementation of the commercial tourism infrastructure necessary to continue the transformation of Puerto Peñasco into a world-class vacation destination.

The spas, restaurants, golf courses, nightclubs, shopping and transportation that have long been planned are now being built. And the Sonoran and city governments are refurbishing city fresh-water wells, increasing electrical capacity and improving roads.

Transportation infrastructure also is expanding rapidly with a nearly completed coastal highway to California, new Aeromexico flights between Hermosillo and Puerto Peñasco and the soon-to-be-opened Puerto Peñasco International Airport. Best of all for Arizonans, the Lukeville border crossing is slated for expansion this coming year, which should dramatically cut down on waiting times to cross back into the United States.

Myth No. 4

Political instability and the Mexican economy make an investment in Mexico unsafe.

Mexico is experiencing a sustained period of economic growth and increasing prosperity amid political calm. In 2006, Mexico elected President Felipe Calderón, a pragmatic, Harvard-educated politician, to continue Mexico's, business-friendly economic policies. During his first year in office, he has built consensus in the Mexican Congress and has quelled political strife by taking the lead on solving some of Mexico's most pressing issues.

Mexico is experiencing strong job growth, and its economy continues to expand at a rate of 5 percent per year with low inflation. The country also has escaped being directly affected by the subprime-lending woes experienced in the United States because of its much tighter consumer-lending standards. In September 2007, Calderón visited Puerto Peñasco to pledge his federal government's support for its tourism growth.

Myth No. 5

Puerto Peñasco is unsafe for Americans.

The real-estate boom in Puerto Peñasco has created one of the lowest unemployment rates in Mexico, so low that developers must bring most of their workers in from other parts of the country. This has led to low crime rates. Americans can wander the streets and beaches of Puerto Peñasco day and night.

Many Americans are surprised to find how welcoming the residents of Puerto Peñasco are, despite us sometimes imposing on their quiet lifestyles. Although Americans should always take the proper precautions, as they would traveling in any U.S. city unknown to them, they are no more likely to be a victim of crime in Puerto Peñasco than in Phoenix, Scottsdale or Tucson.

It is estimated that in the course of a year, more than 1.6 million visitors travel to Puerto Peñasco to safely enjoy its beaches and fine seafood.

Americans can enjoy a secure and potentially profitable investment in Puerto Peñasco that will last for generations to come. I encourage everyone to take the time to learn more about Arizona's beaches.

Private planes from the U.S. keep flying into Penasco

Rocky Point AMPI — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 16:46:00 GMT

Private planes from the U.S. keep flying into Penasco

Despite the economic slowdown in the U.S., private planes flying from our neighbor to the North, continue to fly in and there has even been an increase in the operations at the local airport, remarked Alonso Dominguez Ruiz, administrator of the Puerto Penasco International Airport. Dominguez Ruiz indicated that so far this year, there has been air traffic above the average of that of last year, which is a very favorable indicator, despite the recent crisis in the U.S.

He detailed that there has been a daily average of nearly 20 flights at the airport, with 99% of these private planes coming from the U.S. He remarked that this represents an increase of between 8 and 10%.

Dominguez Ruiz acknowledged that this tendency of growth in the number of private flights from the U.S. has surprised them, as they had expected a drop in numbers at the airport due to the recent economic downturn.

The administrator of the city's international airport stated that they also have projects in the works to attract more people to the airport and promote more aerial tourism through general aviation. Among these plans, he stated, is for Puerto Penasco to host an aerial acrobatic show, though they need to polish the details and all of the necessary requirements.

Dominguez Ruis reiterated that they are making great strides at consolidating a new source of tourism for Penasco, as a complement to the highway tourism, which currently produces the largest number of visitors.

Justification of cancelling this year's sky diving event

Rocky Point AMPI — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 16:43:00 GMT

Justification of cancelling this year's sky diving event

The acrobatic sky diving show, which for nearly 21 years has been held here locally, was cancelled for 2008 due to issues concerning permits for the holding of the event, explained Oscar Palacio Soto, President of the local Convention and Visitors Bureau.

During a press conference, Palacio Soto stated that the event, which has included the participation of more than 60 professional skydivers, had been announced to take place on April 26th. However, it was not possible to carry this out. He explained that event organizers did not request the necessary permits in time, nor the insurance for the plane to be used, or for the divers, and therefore they were not allowed to put on the exhibition due to the extreme risks entailed.

The OCV President assured that charges at the local airport had nothing to do with the cancellation of the acrobatic skydiving event. The situation arose as a result of organizational problems by the event promoters.

Palacio stated that the event, which has been a tradition for over 20 years now, has an important multiplying effect, both in the numbers of visitors, as well as on the local economy, and gave assurances that next year it would surely continue.

He stated that, in fact, based on the experience this year, they are already working on the paperwork to guarantee the same situation does not arise in 2009, so that the tradition of skydiving in Puerto Penasco can continue.

He reiterated that his office is very clear that it is necessary to coordinate and carry out events such as the skydiving exhibition, in order to provide greater occupation rates at hotels and rental agencies, particularly over weekends that do not coincide with holidays.

Coastal Highway Completion Nears

Rocky Point AMPI — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 16:38:00 GMT

Coastal Highway Completion Nears
Bottom line, it appears tha the Coastal Highway between Rocky Point and El Golfo only has about 10 to 15 miles left to pave, and could actually be completed by this Fall, or at least by the end of the year.
Calculating the drive time from Southern California:
San Diego - Mexicali 2 hours
Mexicali - San Luis 1/2 hour
San Luis - El Golfo 1 1/2 hour
El Golfo - Puerto Penasco 1 1/4 hour
Add a little extra for tolls and military check points, and 5 1/2 hours is probably realistic. Based on that, it's not as much of a time savings, but the difference in the new road vs. Highway 2 is "priceless"!
Published Thursday, July 10, 2008 12:09 PM

Gasoline is $2.60 USD/Gal. here in Rocky Point, Mexico

Rocky Point AMPI — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 16:35:00 GMT

Gasoline is $2.60 USD/Gal. here in Rocky Point, Mexico

As more people head to Rocky Point to purchase fuel, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is offering some guidance on what to expect when coming back into the U.S. use

As with anything else acquired while outside the U.S., fuel purchased in Mexico must be declared to the CBP officer when the traveler is applying for admission into the U.S. and making their customs declartion. The CBP officer will then make a determination if the fuel is for personal or commercial use. If a person purchases gasoline or diesel while in Mexico on other business, the purchase is considered incidental to their trip and may fall under their personal duty exemption, allowed every 30 days. The fuel must be for the vehicle being driven and in tanks being used to operate that specific vehicle.

If, however, a person goes to Mexico for the express purpose of buying fuel, the fuel is subject to proper importation requirements.

If a person purchases fuel for commercial purposes, such as to sell or to use for their business, the fuel becomes subject to commercial importation requirements and to all applicable requirements not only for CBP, but also for other agencies with statutory or regulatory requirements for fuel importation and transportation.

Determination of whether the fuel is for commercial or personal use, and whether it qualifies for the personal duty exemption, will be made on a case-by-case basis by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the port of entry.

Cruise ships coming to Rocky Point

Rocky Point AMPI — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 06:14:00 GMT

Sea of Cortez cruises to depart new Rocky Point port

Puerto Peñasco foresees 200 sailings a year as it plans massive port facility

By Gabriela Rico

Arizona Daily Star

Tucson, Arizona | Published: 10.22.2008

Cruising the Sea of Cortez will be another draw to Puerto Peñasco, where construction on a massive port to accommodate cruise ships is set to begin next year.

"The home port will be similar to those in Miami or San Diego," said Epifanio Salido Pavlovich, director of the Sonora Office of Tourism.

He said Holland America — which last week made its inaugural sailing to the new Port of Guaymas — has agreed to sail four- to seven-day cruises originating and ending at a home port in Puerto Peñasco, with two to five stops along the route.

Salido said the port will be ready to receive its first ship in about three years.

When the port project is finished within about five years, as many at 200 cruises a year could be offered from the Puerto Peñasco cruise ship terminal, Salido said.

He said officials plan to approach other major cruise lines to complement the service offered by Holland America. The project is being funded by Mexican government and private investors.

Initially, the state of Sonora is spending about $15 million to jump-start the project, said Jesus Fontes, planning director for the state tourism agency.

He said the total cost has not been calculated, since the design has yet to be developed.

The cruise-port plan comes as other transportation improvements are under way.

The new Puerto Peñasco airport is expected to open in the spring, and the highway to San Luis Rio Colorado later in 2009, Salido said.

Improvements also are being made to the Lukeville Port of Entry, the re-entry point into the United States from the main road to Puerto Peñasco.

Construction of a private hospital, catering to U.S. baby boomers, is also under consideration.

● Contact Gabriela Rico at 573-4232 or grico@azstarnet.com.

Christmas in July

Rocky Point AMPI — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 21:32:00 GMT

CHRISTMAS IN JULY

What better way to keep cool, but to feel the warmth from our hearts.

“PLEASE HELP KEEP US WARM!”

Last year I initiated "Christmas in July". Tis the season to re-establish my blanket (new or almost new) offering, giving to the families in need. Please bring me a new or almost new blanket for those in need by stopping by RE/MAX office or calling me and I will be happy to pick it up. Approaching the winter months, the REMAX team will personally deliver the blankets to those families in need.

Susan Flinn, RE/MAX Legacy

Remax office - 602-334-4359

cell from U.S.- 011-52-638-380-5876