~ COZUMEL ~
"The Island of Peace"
On July 13, 2009 Cozumel was named the "Island of Peace" at an award ceremony in Quintana Roo Park. This is the first time the flag has been awarded to an island. Cozumel being selected because it has "no record of any warlike conflict, from ancient Mayan times to today". Previous recipients have included the Dalai Lama and is awarded by the International Committee for the Banner of Peace; a non-governmental organization officially affiliated with the United Nations and headed by Dr. Alicia Rodriguez, the first Mexican woman to be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
The flag is a universal symbol with the purpose of achieving a better world and promoting respect for all people. With no religion or political ideology, the flag committee says its message is one of "integration and peace, with the purpose of achieving unity in diversity."
International Committee for the Banner of Peace
"Passing Medicare in Mexico"
- Mexico Real Estate Investment -
"The pressure to pass laws allowing the use of Medicare benefits in Mexico is growing stronger as the aging American population seeks a better quality of life south of the border...At this point in time, it is not a question of whether Medicare will come to Mexico, but when it will come - and the savvy real estate investor will work to ensure that that day comes soon!"
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"Resilient Tourism Market Sustains Demand for Mexican Resort Homes"
- Gregg Driggs, Mortgages in Mexico -
Things are looking up for Mexico's economy. Reports show that Americans are once again traveling to Mexico and local experts say the second-home market south of the border appears to be rebounding while the lower cost of living remains a powerful incentive for retirees.
San Diego, CA July 23, 2009 -- For the hundreds of thousands of North Americans living there, Mexico is a paradise. The lower cost of living, slower, simpler yet adventurous lifestyle has, over the years, convinced former tourists from the U.S. and Canada to buy a home of their own and stay.
Fortunately for the Mexican real estate brokers catering to American retirees, dramatic declines in international tourism last year didn't hit quite as hard with Americans still spending over $11 billion to go to Mexico. Travel Daily News reports that, in 2008, travel to Mexico grew by four percent while, at the same time, travel to Canada declined by a whopping seven percent. Tourism has always been the key to sparking interest by foreigners to buy Mexican resort real estate, says Max Katz, owner of a real estate brokerage in the Rosarito area of Baja California.
In fact, this year International Living magazine rated Mexico the No. 1 spot for retirees in 2009. Its 15th-annual retirement index rates countries for modern features, old-world charm, health, climate, infrastructure and cost of living. Given that 1/3rd of all retirees to Mexico are Canadian, the country's generally gentle climate remains a powerful attraction.
For others, a low living cost is key. Just five years ago, prices for oceanfront condos in northern Baja's year-round mild Mediterranean climate were as much as double what they are today. Now, lower home prices combined with a 30 percent lower cost of living and flexible financing is stimulating an upswing in interested home buyers along the Baja California coast. Along with some other incentives it is hard for experienced buyers to pass up ."
Yesterday, the president of Mexico, Felipe Calderon, and the governor of Quintana Roo, Felix Gonzalez, formally dedicated the
Banyan Tree Mayakoba Resort, a $170 million project in the Riviera Maya. Mexico's strong appeal to tourists and corresponding interest
by foreigners to invest in Mexican resort real estate are bright spots Mexican political leaders support.
The spate of bad news in the U.S. news about Mexico did had negative impacts, according to Mitch Keenan, principal of Mexico International Real Estate, which specializes in Yucatán property.
"Press coverage about swine flu, drug cartels and economic problems has scared people," admits Keenan. "But thanks to appealing real estate and a good return on investment, the thriving American community here of part-time residents and retirees live a lifestyle far above what they can afford in the U.S."
It's American expatriates, who are spreading the word and encouraging their friends to consider a more relaxed style of life.
To Your Success!
Gregg
Gregg Driggs is a full-time representative living and working in Mexico. He has an extensive mortgage lending background in the United States.
For more information about Gregg and how he can help you please visit www.mortgagesinmexico.com
Email:
gregg@mortgagesinmexico.com
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LOTS LACA 10 y 11 
