BAJA HOME - November/December 2016

FEATURING

CASA ESCARPA

BAJA SUR:

a lifestyle for everyone

Coastal KITCHEN DESIGN

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IN THIS ISSUE

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BAJA SUR

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DESIGN & DECOR

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BAJA HOMES

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REAL ESTATE

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REAL ESTATE LISTINGS

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a lifestyle for everyone

Costal Kitchen Design

Casa Escarpa

Buying Guide

Publisher Owen Perry Editor in Chief Michelle Monroy Art Director Michelle Monroy Writers / Contributors / Photographers Blake Harrington Mangala Magdalena M Michelle Monroy PR and Marketing Director Bonnie Chase - destinobonnie@live.com Advertising Account Executive Ali Lohrman - ali@destinoloscabos.com Editor’s contact: michelle@destinoloscabos.com

DESTINO GROUP SA de CV (011 52) (624) 142-4949/105-9700

Carretera Federal Libre Transpeninsular San José-San Lucas. Km. 4.3, Local 6, Col. El Tezal, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur. ISSUE 1 NOVEMBER 2016 Printed in USA. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. © 2016 Destino Group SA de CV Imported by: Comercializadora Californiana, S. de R.L de C.V. Circulation throughout Southern Baja. For more information on distribution visit: www.DestinoLosCabos.com

Next advertising closing date: December 5, 2016 For advertising rates please: advertising@destinoloscabos.com (624) 105-9700 / (624) 1424949 www.BajaHomeMagazine.com

CASA ESCARPA

a lifestyle for everyone

a beach front hacienda-style estate built strategically for you to enjoy panoramic views from every angle. convenient turnkey condominiums that allow you to focus on enjoying the beach, instead of spending time on home maintenance tasks. eco-friendly cottages that provide peaceful farm-style living. quaint and folkloric homes close to surf breaks that invite you to relax. golf course living with panoramic views of the intimidating sea of cortez islands. WHICH ONE SOUNDS APPEALING TO YOU? from the pacific ocean’s surf communities and the energetic city of cabo san lucas, to the islands of loreto and the remote east cape area, the coast and inland destinations of baja sur offer a variety of lifestyles for everyone.

LUXURY BEACH FRONT LIVING is available for those who seek the tranquility of the ocean along with luxury and space. From homes built on the cliffs of Pedregal with views of the Sea of Cortez from one room and the Pacific Ocean from another, to hacienda-style estates in the prestigious community of Palmilla, to modern designs and blends of styles in the luxurious and highly private community of El Dorado, beach homes predominate the Baja South luxury market.

FOR SURFERS and those seeking a peaceful place to just sit back and relax there are communities on the Pacific Ocean side such as Cerritos, Todos Santos and Pescdero, where several surf breaks exist within a short distance form each other.

On the East Cape side of Baja South you can find even more rustic communities such as Zacatitos, where it’s all about the water and an of-the-grid relaxing lifestyle.

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IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ACTION - Living in the Cabo San Lucas marina area offers the opportunity to have your own piece of paradise while finding yourself in the middle of the exciting entertainment centre of Los Cabos. Low maintenance and convenient turnkey condos offer marina views for those who enjoy the energetic side of the South Baja.

FAIRWAY LIVING in Baja Sur has an entirely different meaning.

Not only do you get to live on a golf course, but you can also have sweeping ocean views. Danzante Bay, located near the beautiful and quiet town of Loreto, allows you to enjoy the ultimate golf amenities while gazing out on the pristine Islands of Loreto.

Going further south you have stunning golf communities such as Quivira, Rancho San Lucas and Diamante on the Pacific Ocean side, and on the Sea of Cortez are the communities of Chileno Bay, Cabo Real and Puerto Los Cabos, among several others.

FARM LIVING - Although Baja Sur has a desertic climate, there are many areas where underground water exists creating fertile soil that is ideal for farming. Communities have sprung in these areas such as the Culinary Cottages at Flora Farms, where owners have perpetual rights to harvest fruits and vegetables. Pescadero, Miraflores and Santiago also have fertile soil and land available for purchase where you can grow your own food and live of the land.

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DESIGN & DECOR

K itc hen De sig n

by Mangala Magdalena M

L e t 's t alk a b o u t c oa s t al k i tc h e n d e s ig n - what can be more fun than designing a kitchen in an environment like Los Cabos? For those of us lucky enough to live near a vast sea or an ocean, designing a kitchen which reflects the laid back and relaxed vibe of a beach is the key. Often times, coastal kitchens are specifically designed for entertaining, and it's because they tend to be second homes where we spend more time entertaining our neighbours and friends.

What is the best way to achieve this look?

Begin by choosing a color palette. Color unifies and can bring much needed harmony into a room. Ask yourself what tones resonate with you. It can be shades of blue – from deep blues to turquoise, or perhaps sandy tones of beiges, pastels, and whites.

Next, focus on textures. Always look outside for visual cues and bring those elements inside.

Mother Nature provides an abundance of inspiration to us. For instance, choose natural hardwood floors, a rustic oversized wood table with a metal base, woven barstools or dining room chairs, and oversized glass pendants. Mixing textures creates balance and softness in a space – you can think of it as layering. So, make the most of your beachy setting and enjoy your kitchen with family and friends. *

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WHERE DO I FIND IT?

VILLA VALENTINA INTERIORS in San José del Cabo is a unique decor shop where you can find unique rustic accessories that will bring natural accents into your kitchen and home.

Address: Carretera Transpeninsular Kilómetro 31.5, Fonatur, 23405 San José del Cabo, B.C.S. Phone: 624.142.6611 @VillaValentinaPlaza

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BAJA HOMES

CASA FEATURING

ESCARPA Imagine overlooking a family of whales breaching during their journey up and down the Sea of Cortez, all while you enjoy your breakfast; or a spectacular orange full moon rising over the ocean’s horizon as you sit by an outdoor fire pit. Casa Escarpa is a unique architectural creation that offers this and much more.

The prestigious local architectural firm Monroy Arquitectos built this 5 bedroom, 5 bath, 6600+ sq. ft. luxury estate into the escarpa red rock in 2010. The home is carved into the mountain rocks utilizing the natural elements of its location. The panoramic ocean views from every room are perfectly matched with sleek clean lines that blend traditional and contemporary on a site that can not be duplicated.

As you feel the ocean breezes flow throughout this spectacular home, you can take a seat anywhere in this luxury estate and have the Sea of Cortez in your lap. Custom woodwork in every room, imported marble flooring and hardwood flooring throughout prove that no detail was spared in the design of this estate.

This property located in the ocean front community of Cabo Colorado is certainly for the discerning owner who truly recognizes and appreciates privacy and tranquility, as well as top quality and luxury living at its best.

To experience this Los Cabos architectural feat contact Blake Harrington (624)191-3462 blake@caborealestate.com www.CaboRealEstate.com

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REAL ESTATE

HOW TO BUY, OWN & SELL PROPERTY IN MEXICO

by Blake Harrington

Owning real estate in Mexico is an incredible opportunity. However, there are some important statutes in place that foreign citizens must be aware of before they can own their own home here. Today, foreign citizens “own” property in Mexico’s restricted regions through a trust which functions much like trusts in other countries.

These regions are for any property within 60 miles from the border or within 30 miles of any coastline-which includes Los Cabos. It is highly recommended that each foreign citizen consult with a professional real estate agent or an attorney that has experience in foreign ownership of Mexican property within the restricted zones.

THE FIDEICOMISO TRUST With the advent of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the Mexican government recognized that it was crucial to make foreign investment in Mexico safer and easier for non-Mexican citizens. Because the Mexican Constitution prohibits foreigners from purchasing or owning real estate within 60 miles of the U.S. international border, or within 30 miles of the Mexican coast, an innovative and secure method of holding title was created. This method allows foreign ownership through a Mexican property trust called a Fideicomiso.

This is a trust agreement, much like an estate trust in the U.S., which gives the Purchaser all of the rights of ownership.

In order to obtain the rights of ownership, the Department of Foreign Affairs in Mexico City issues a permit to the Mexican bank of the Purchaser’s choice, allowing the bank to act as Purchaser of the property. Essentially, the bank acts as the “Trustee” for the trust and the Purchaser is the “Beneficiary” of the trust. The trust is not an asset of the bank; the banks simply act as the Trustee to hold the trust.

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Much like living wills or estate trusts in the U.S., the Mexican bank, or Trustee, takes instruction only from the Beneficiary of the trust (the Purchaser). The Beneficiary has the right to use, occupy, lease and possess the property, including the right to build on it or otherwise improve it. The Beneficiary may also sell the property by instructing the Trustee to transfer the rights to another qualified Purchaser, or bequeath the property to an Inheritor. The initial term of the trust is 50 years, however the trust can be renewed for additional periods of 50 years indefinitely, providing for long-term control of the asset.

The Purchaser holds the same rights as a property owner in the U.S. or Canada, including the right to enjoy, sell, rent, improve the property, etc.

This is not to be confused with a land lease. The property purchased is placed in a trust with the Purchaser named as the Beneficiary of the trust — the Purchaser is not a lessee.

If the property purchased is already held in a trust, the Purchaser has the option of assuming that trust, or having the property vested in a new trust.

This is not to be confused with a land lease. The property purchased is placed in a trust with the Purchaser named as the Beneficiary of the trust — the Purchaser is not a lessee. If the property purchased is already held in a trust, the Purchaser has the option of assuming that trust, or having the property vested in a new trust.

Establishing a Trust A Notario Publico in Mexico is much different than a Notary Public in the U.S. In Mexico, Notaries are specialized attorneys who act on behalf of the state and federal government in relation to any transaction; they are comparable to a U.S. Clerk of Courts. On average, you can obtain your trust within 60-90 days.

In some cases title has been transferred in as little as two to three weeks.

Buying The Purchaser should only release funds when he or she receives clear title. By utilizing a U.S. or Mexican third party escrow service like First American Title Company, Stewart Title Guaranty, or one of several escrow service providers in Mexico, your money is held in an individually numbered escrow account until your trust is complete and the property rights have been transferred to you, the Purchaser.

Title Insurance When you purchase real estate in Mexico, it is recommended you consider Title Insurance for your property purchase. We insure our cars, homes and our health — it is just as important to insure one of your largest investments: your property. Title Insurance is available for properties in Mexico purchased

by U.S. and Mexican citizens through Stewart Title.

Ensuring Ownership In the trust document the Purchaser must name the Beneficiary or foreign owner of the property.

The purchaser can be an individual, multiple partners, a foreign corporation, an estate trust, a living will, or another entity. The Trustee of the trust (the Mexican bank) will take direction from whomever you name as the Beneficiary.

You also can name a U.S. corporation as the Beneficiary of the trust. This is perfectly legal. If you sell the shares in the U.S. corporation, you have created a real estate transaction in Mexico and all Mexican capital gains taxes apply.

I suggest to consult this with a tax professional before purchasing or selling Real Estate in Mexico.

You can own a property in a Mexican corporation and take title fee simple only if the property is for development or investment purposes and you cannot own property through Mexican corporation to bypass the trust process.

It is against the law for a foreigner to own property in a Mexican corporation for residential purposes. This refers to Article 190 of the Mexican Revenue Code and is also declared in the International Tax Treaty between the U.S. and Mexico. If this is done, and you do not pay the Mexican taxes, you will have created a tax burden over the property for the new owner.

Owning in Mexico may sound complicated, but if you have a professional to guide you through the process, you will be living your dream before you even know it. *

LOS CABOS REAL ESTATE TOUR

Are you interested in learning more about the Los Cabos Real Estate market?

Join REmexico Real Estate, with no obligation, as they tour interested parties in a few select homes at different price points.

This is a great opportunity to learn more about how to invest in Mexico and the different communities and their amenities.

Are you curious about what homes are selling for in the area?

REmexico's experienced real estate tour guides are licensed Realtors and will explain different pricing, market trends, and provide you with the recent data that will help educate you on the goings on in our market.

How is title held for foreigners in Mexico?

Your tour guide will have insightful brochures and pamphlets that help explain the Fideicomiso and how it works.

Free of charge.

Tuesdays 10am - 1pm RSVP's are required with a minimum of 48 hours notice: info@CaboRealEstate.com 619.60 0.5559 from USA 624.191.3462 from Mexico

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FEATURED LISTINGS.

VILLA LA ESTANCIA - BEACHFRONT LUXURY VILLAS - MEDANO BEACH

Full ownership and fractional deed specific ownership • 2 Bed, 3 full bath – Sleeps 8 • 3 bed, 4 full bath – Sleeps 10

STAY A WEEK OR A LIFETIME. Breathtaking beauty and personal pampering await you at Villa La Estancia.

From your private view of Land’s End to full service ultra resort style amenities, a rewarding lifestyle and financial choice.

Villa La Estancia offers the most successful owner's investment rental returns in Los Cabos, plus the highest percentage of additional owner real estate purchases.

Find paradise an address.

Private residences and resort-style living • 80% sold • Strong H.O.A. We cordially invite you to attend our "GET TO KNOW US MONDAYS" enjoy complimentary cocktails and specially prepared botanas from our own La Casona Restaurant Chef.

Mondays from 4:00 PM-5:30 PM. RSVP: own@villalaestancia.com or call us at 624 143-8121 and 624 143-8122.

Amenities Galore 24 hour security Assigned underground parking Dual desalination plants Back-up generators 45 ft under/above ground retaining sea wall Wifi and SAT T.V. Spa, workout facility, and tennis courts Concierge reception owner services Market deli and Doctor's office Located on Medano Bay at Land’s End. Swimmable and beautiful.

Close to downtown yet private and secluded

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Mx 624 143-8121 | U.S. 619-683-7883 Toll Free 1-877-499-1901 | own@villalaestancia.com

RE LISTINGS SUNROCK CONDO HOTEL October 1st to December 14th $95 US/night • $1,160 US/month

Perfectly conceived for families or groups of friends, our condo hotel offers all the comforts of home while delivering spectacular unobstructed views of Cabo San Lucas's bay. Each residence comes fully equipped with a kitchen, two bathrooms, two bedrooms and a spacious living room. All of this located just minutes from the best attractions Cabo has to offer.

CASA TERRY - CABO SAN LUCAS $499,000 • 3 Bed • 4 Bath • MLS# 16-1007

Ideally located between Hacienda Beach Club & Residences and Marina Fiesta Resort & Spa downtown Cabo San Lucas. Only steps to the famed Cabo Marina, Puerto Paraiso Mall, and Medano Beach!

Three fully self-contained suites on multiple levels with a gorgeous fully-stocked rooftop deck that generates a documented $1,400 USD per week. Can live like a 4 Bed 4 Bath home!

Dane Posey

c: 624.161.2618 - usa: 925.289.4788 dane@caborealestate.com twitter: @poseknowscabo www.CaboRealEstate.com

Sunrock is a one-of-a-kind condominium featuring 2-bedroom, fullyfurnished residences with 3-star international standards of hospitality.

Rooms accommodate up to 5 guests and all feature 5-star bay and land's end views. 14 buildings, each with 8 residences. Each residence is 1,243 sq. ft. (115.5 m2) 7 Swimming pools -- 1 per every 2 buildings.

Hotel has no lifeguard.

ofelia.melendez@sunrockhotel.com www.sunrockhotel.com 624.145.8623 Carretera Transpeninsular Km. 5.5, Misiones del Cabo, 23455, CSL

LA JOLLA D-201 - SAN JOSÉ DEL CABO $649,000 • La Jolla D-201 • 2 Bed • 2 Bath • MLS# 16-641

Modern luxury meets the Baja. Double paned, vinyl windows bring the outside in. Egyptian marble floors, granite counters, and rich wooden cabinets will have you living like King Tutankhamun himself. Pot lights and surround sound throughout perfectly set the mood for beach casual gourmet from the chef kitchen.

Dane Posey

c: 624.161.2618 - usa: 925.289.4788 dane@caborealestate.com twitter: @poseknowscabo www.CaboRealEstate.com

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RE LISTINGS

CASA HELECA - PALMILLA ESTATES $1,400,000 • 4 BR • 4 BA • MLS# 16-537 Beautiful architecture meets beautiful location on Palmilla Golf Course hole #7. The highest quality finishes for only those truly looking for the good life here in Los Cabos. An amazing entertaining area with Palapa and large pool and rooftop deck make entertaining a breeze in this luxury residence in Palmilla. 4BR and 4BA with over 3,600 of sq feet allow ample space for you and your family or guests.

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Blake Harrington (624)191-3462 blake@caborealestate.com www.CaboRealEstate.com

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