Frequently Asked Questions
Q: HOW DO FOREIGNERS OWN PROPERTY IN MEXICO?
A: Because the Mexican Constitution prohibits foreigners from purchasing or owning real-estate within 50 Km. (30 miles) along all coastlines, a new safe method of holding title was created. This new instrument allows ownership through a Mexican Property Trust called a Fideicomiso. Perla Del Mar has engaged a *Notary to assist owners in setting up their Fideicomiso, and because of the number of trusts, we have negotiated a better price for this service.
*A Notary in Mexico is senior to a Lawyer. The Perla Del Mar Notary is a Dr. of Law and speaks 3 languages, including English.
Q: WHAT IS A FIDEICOMISO?
A: This is a trust agreement ( initial term of 50 yrs., but can be renewed for and additional period of more than fifty yrs.) much like an estate trust, and giving you all the rights of ownership. A Bank (of your choice) acts as the Trustee and you are the Beneficiary of the Trust with the right to use, occupy and possess the property, including the right to improve it and sell it. The buyer acquires all the benefits of a direct owner, including the ability to lease or transfer the property to a third party or a pre-appointed beneficiary.
Q: HOW BIG IS MANZANILLO?
A: As with most Mexican cities, population statistics seem uncertain. The population number circulated among the community of Manzanillo fans is 125,000.
Q: WHERE IS THE AIRPORT AT MANZANILLO?
Manzanillo’s airport is located about 30 minutes north of the city and on the coast. It is an International Airport that is constantly being upgraded and is experiencing increased traffic. A typical cab fare to Manzanillo is about $30 US dollars, or 300 pesos.
Q: IS IT DIFFICULT TO GET BUILDERS AND LABOUR IN MANZANILLO?
A: Not at all. While Manzanillo has nearly full employment, there seems to be a never ending supply of good skilled labour. Architects in Mexico are typically design-builders, meaning they usually have a large (in-house) work force who do the actual construction.
Q: WHO WILL BE BUILDING PERLA DEL MAR?
A: We are fortunate to have the best architects (we believe) in Manzanillo, Alejandro De Alba and his architect wife, Marcela De Alba Thompson. Their company, Altho, is a premier builder in Manzanillo and together they have an undisputed reputation for building stunning and functional projects. Most importantly, they have a legion of very happy customers who in our experience and without exception, recommend them.
Q: DOES MANZANILLO GET HURRICANES?
A: We joke that we get most everything in Manzanillo except cold and snow. Yes Manzanillo can get hurricanes, but because it is so far south, it gets considerably less hurricane activity then locations further north, or especially Mexico’s east coast. Long time residents will tell you that the last major hurricane was in the late 1950’s. As well, most storms near Manzanillo are moving north-west or parallel to Manzanillo, and since Manzanillo is located well inside two bays and near the mountains, the storm effects are minimized.
Q: EARTHQUAKES AND TSUNAMIS?
A: Earthquakes are a reality on many coastal areas of the world and Manzanillo is no exception. There were two historic earthquakes (1985 & 1995) in Mx. that changed the building code for new construction. Perla’s architect says the engineering standards were increased by 50% after the 1985 quake in Mexico City and after the 1995 quake closer to Manzanillo, these standards were increased by another 50%.
Tsunami’s can be a reality after earthquakes depending on several factors related to the type of quake, depth, etc. Local people tell us that Manzanillo’s Bays minimize the effect of tsunami’s, especially Manzanillo Bay (where Perla Del Mar is located), because it is a deep bay. It seems that the effect of tsunamis’ is greater in shallow bays where the slope of the ocean bottom gradually rises to the shore line.
In summary, if you ask locals about earthquakes and tsunami’s, you will get a subjective discussion about earthquakes, and a yawn about tsunami’s. Our Mexicans friends are much more amazed by how we Northerners can function in, or even exist in, -30 C temperatures!
Q: WHAT ARE THE SUMMERS LIKE IN MANZANILLO?
A: Actually, the summers are very pleasant. Because Manzanillo is located at a more southerly latitude than many other popular destinations, it has a more tropical climate. In the summer months, unlike say Phoenix, the weather is somewhat cloudy, and from July through September the area receives the majority of the rain that sustains it for the whole year. So the summer temperatures are moderated by the cloud, and are actually quite temperate. As shown on the page, “About the Area”, the average monthly high temperatures only vary 3.5 degrees C. In short, Manzanillo has wonderful weather!
Q: WHAT DO THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE THERE DO?
A: Manzanillo is now Mexico’s largest sea-port. In fact the port is in the process of a rather large expansion including a new cruise ship docking area that will be utilized by an ever increasing number of cruise ships that wish to make Manzanillo a regular stop. This Jan. (2008) the new liner “Queen Victoria” stopped on it’s maiden voyage to the Americas. It is logical then that the largest employer is the port, and it’s related activities.
Agriculture is another major employer with year-round production of crops such as peppers, limes, bananas, mangos, papayas, citrus, berries, and other fruits and vegetables. Equally important and significant is the number of people employed in the mining of base metals, which are then shipped through the port.
Of the top 5 employers, we are told that tourism is 5th, which means that Manzanillo maintains it’s true Mexican flavour. However, it is obvious to those who have visited Manzanillo for some time, that tourism is a developing industry as each year more Northerners visit and search for their little piece of paradise. The whole coastal area of Manzanillo and the ‘Coastalegre’ (Happy Coast) is experiencing the influx.
Q: WHAT ABOUT PERLA’S SEA-WALL?
A: The sea-wall is now under construction (Feb. 08). Columns were installed last fall on the front corners of the property and then across the front. On top of these columns and at or below sea-level, a base of large boulders will support the reinforced concrete that will rise from there and become one of the best, if not the best, sea-wall in Manzanillo. The reality is that most of the sea-walls of adjacent properties have stood for many years, and are little more than fences with shallow footings. Perla’s engineered sea-wall should provide excellent protection.
Q: ARE MULTIPLE OWNERS FOR A UNIT ALLOWED?
A: Yes, the by-laws will allow two owners on title.
Q: WHEN IS THE CONSTRUCTION EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED?
A: The architects are telling us that Perla should be nearly completed by Mar. ‘09. In the ‘Offer to Purchase’, the date shown is June ‘09, however as progress is made, there will be updates to this Mar. ‘09 date made in the Owners Club section of the website.
Q: How do we get TV?
A: For TV you need a Starchoice receiver (will easily fit in a suitcase) to hook up to our system. We have personally installed two Starchoice satellite systems and will share costs with anyone who wants to join in. Americans will likely want Dish, Direct, or some other network, although Starchoice does have pretty good coverage of US channels. Other networks can be installed, so if you want Bell for example, you would make arrangements to install a dish on the roof.
Q: Is there someone who can do the TV install in our unit? Can we purchase TV’s there?
A: Yes, if you have a receiver or want to install a dish, there is a fellow in Manzanillo named Ricardo who is an expert, and if/when he’s available, he can get you going quickly.
TV’s are one of the things that cost more in Mx. and the choice is inferior to ours (meaning you pay at least as much as we do in the USA or Canada and get about one year older technology. My wife and I have had our imported TV in Manzanillo for about a year now, and guess what - it’s one year older technology now). After looking closely you may determine that buying there may be okay. However most vehicles driving down, carry a TV.
Q: What about internet?
A: Internet is available from Telmex. Ours, with phone service, is about $50 usd per month. Options for we owners as a group will be to buy one service and run it through our cat5 cable, or contract a private provider who will set up modems and charge us monthly. We had that in El Faro and it cost about $25 usd / month. Our Telmex system is very good, and Carlos Slim seems to need the money we’re told (he’s arguably one of the worlds richest men - no 1 or 2).
Q: Is there air-conditioning in the units?
A: Yes there is certainly air-conditioning. Perla has what we’re told is the premium system and that is: There are three separate units for each Perla home; one for each bedroom/ensuite, and one for the great room. We found that starting in June we used the master bedroom unit at night set at about 25C and used the others only when we were there and didn’t want the ocean breeze blowing through. During the daytime when the temperature is the highest, the winds also blow the strongest. Because you are in the shade whether on your patio or inside, the daytime breeze does a pretty good job of keeping one comfortable.
Q: Are there towel bars, toilet paper holders and shower curtains?
A: Yes there are towel bars and toilet paper holders. The master bath has a beautiful Mx. style shower with a large tempered glass door and front. The bathtub/shower in the second bedroom may require some type of shower curtain which is not supplied. Some owners have expressed the idea of glass blocks as a partial curtain wall and others think a partial permanent glass wall would be better.
Q: Is the microwave included?
A: No, the microwave is not supplied but it is easily purchased at one of the many stores in the area (Coppel, Wal Mart, Soriana, and Commercial to name a few)
Q: Is there storage for linens, towels and other items?
A: You’ll have trouble filling all of the storage with linens and other items? We have lived in Manzanillo for nearly 7 yrs. now and can’t begin to fill the storage in our unit.
Q: The plans do not show a front closet for coats and shoes. Is there no front closet?
A: The real question here is, what are you going to do with coats if you have them in Manzanillo? Seriously, we had trouble with this one ourselves as a front closet is just standard here in Alberta, but in nearly 7 yrs. there now, it’s never crossed our mind that we needed a front closet in Manzanillo. And I’d venture to say that one would do allot of looking at homes in Manzanillo before you’d ever find a front closet.
The only time we ever think about a coat there is when we’re traveling to an interior destination like Guadalajara which is nearly 6000 ft. altitude, and either have a coat with us, or sincerely wish we had remembered to bring one.
Q: Is there a BBQ under the pergola on the plaza?
A: At this point there is no BBQ under the Pergola. That will be the responsibility of the owners, should they decide that one is necessary. The discussion would likely be that a BBQ could affect people in the plaza level units, etc. We’ll have to see what transpires and what decision we make as a group of owners. There is a gas outlet under the pergola as well as water and power, meaning all the services are there.
Q: Can we have BBQ’s on our decks and what type do we need?
A: Yes there is propane gas plumbed to all the decks for BBQ’s. It is likely that the association would want owners to hook up to this line as we do here with natural gas since this is safer that propane bottles.
Q: Are there storage lockers in the garage?
A: Yes. There will be one storage locker for each unit located in front of each parking space, each having an individual light.
Q: Are there washer and dryers and what type are they?
A: The washer/dryers are Whirlpool stackers and will be ready for use when you arrive. Just make sure the shipping pins have been removed from the back before start-up. The dryers are gas (propane) so they work great. Electricity is not inexpensive in Manzanillo, and electric dryers in that climate really struggle to complete their job.
Q: When we go to Manzanillo, can we leave items in our unit or some other secure unit?
A: Yes you can leave as much there as you want. We are storing some things in our unit now for folks above, but your unit will be yours once you move in. Get to know your maid and gain her confidence. Additionally it may be that you will want to place a lock on one of your closet doors so you can keep some items more secure. There will be a little construction happening this fall and winter, so we will have a few people other than our staff on site. That doesn’t mean that items will not be secure, but better safe than sorry.
Q: Will we be able to get our trusts while we’re there?
A: Trusts are a slow operation. It can take a year to get your completed trust, but it can also happen in months. Days are unlikely. One comforting thing about Perla is that you will have the key to your unit, the property has no encumbrances, and we are looking out for you. Contact Jorge Cardenas, get the process moving, be patient, and let it all happen.
Q: We’d like to spend time with Marcela in Guadalajara. Is this possible?
A; Can’t tell you about Marcela for sure. We can give you her email address, so if that’s what you’d like to do then send her an email. Marcela will contract with you and charge you a fee for her services. Not one person has been unhappy so far with what she has done, and our experience is that she cuts good deals and passes them on. She has little mercy for vendors and they seem to know it! Be aware though that she gets paid when together you accomplish the purchase of a list of items. If you are shopping-shopping, then she is not the person you need.
Marcela knows Guad. well and knows her way into some of the art community. She quite often spends the weekends in Guad. as that’s home to her, and her parents still live there. It’s possible then that she would be available on a Monday and sometimes a Saturday, since when she knows someone is coming she arrives early or stays an extra day. That means for example that you’d have to be there Friday night for Saturday, or Sunday night for Monday.
Q: Can you do some shopping with us?
A: Yes we can do some shopping with you, but we’re best in Colima. There are good stores there, but things like artwork, variety of pottery, some linens, etc. are more available in Guad.
Trips to Guadalajara become part of the activity when living in Manzanillo. Asking questions, getting tips from others, and being patient will reward you with an excellent Guadalajara shopping experience. Another option is a girls trip to Guadalajara. Our wives, who have done this successfully before, can easily be talked into a Guad. shopping trip, so girls, keep this in mind.
Q: We’d like to see Manual and talk about built-ins or Murphy beds for our Perla home. Can we meet him?
A: Certainly you’ll meet Manuel. He will give you prices on anything you’d like built-in or otherwise. So far he’s been high priced, so we need to let him know that he needs to get more realistic on prices if he’s going to get our work. He does do an excellent job on Murphy beds as he’s done several, and of course he can match your woodwork well.
More Questions?
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