Surprising Secrets: 7 Things You Need To Know Before Buying A House In Mexico

[@kirstenveneziano1205]

Great interview and clarifying questions; thank you!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Glad it was helpful!

[@anisdulce2257]

Don’t believe her, that was so ridiculous

[@leemartinez2975]

One thing about the water issue. Texas senators and representatives are starting to get very hawkish regarding Mexico's water debt to Texas. The water treaty was written in 1944. Mexico's rivers are simply running dry and Mexico does not have the water to comply to the treaty. If Trump gets back into the White House he might resort to military measures, he already is regarding the cartels. American expats living in Mexico are not mentioned in the political conversations. Frankly, I think many politicians either are not aware of the estimated 1.6 million Americans living in Mexico or do not care. Politics between the US and Mexico should be part of the topics in expat social media. We would be wise to be prepared for the worst and hope for the best. It is not my intention to be negative but we should be prepared. The interview was very informative! Great topic!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thanks Lee. Water is always a concern in Mexico. I dont' think that climate change will treat it well. And Trump talks a big talk, but that's just to rile up his base. He knows the important economic relationship with Mexico. And the idea of sending the military to a neighboring country is ludicrous. Maybe they should just stop arming the cartels? Oh wait, selling arms is very profitable to republican donors...

[@leemartinez2975]

​@@AlmostRetiredinMexico I read all the sections of Project 2025 where "Mexico" is mentioned, and it does promote invading Mexico. Trump and the Magas talk about closing the border, that could mean entirely which would wreck the economies of both countries and prevent Americans from going back to the US for errands and to visit family. It could also mean preventing Americans from going to Mexico. Closing the border could also mean denying entry of Mexican tourists which would further wreck the local economies of border cities like McAllen which rely on Mexican shoppers for 30% of retail revenue. That would also prevent Americans from bringing their Mexican spouses to the US even to visit. All US expats all over the world should vote. Our privilege to have US passports and to even live outside the country could be in jeopardy within a few years under a "patriotic campaign" that all citizens must live in the US, or they are not patriotic.

[@antoniocarmona959]

​@@MaryGwenDunganHe just answered the truth..

[@chrisgross2043]

I'm an electrician and sometimes the wires on Mexico look like rats nests 😂 My husband is in construction also so we'll be really be checking every property fully

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Yeah - anything goes in Mexico when it comes to wiring! I'm hoping to do a video with a home inspector to cover what is typical in Mexico!

[@RedSpiralHandTV]

Interesting. We are just looking at long term rental here in the Oaxaca City area and are considering doing that same process...rent AirBNBs in different barrios for 6 months. So I think it makes sense.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

It's a great way to try out different areas! And most Airbnb's give a discount for month stays.

[@DonnaShields-p7p]

It's an invaluable process to know what you really like and to find your niche

[@GSIP69]

11:26 house buying process begins

[@cindyk3076]

I love your interview videos and Donna is learning so much by taking her scouting trips!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

And 30 cities by motorcycle is quite the scouting trip!

[@ParisianThinker]

Having lived overseas for 20 years, and being a lawyer, it is obvious that one must inquire about wills in another country. y husband died in France. But in France, a handwritten will was enough as well as choosing the USA as our jurisdiction and not France. But in Mexico, you need a Mexican will if you purchase property.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I'm sorry you lost your husband, but glad you seemed to have things in order. If you own property in Mexico within 50km of the ocean or 100km of the border, the property is in a trust and the trust requires a beneficiary (called a fideicomiso.) So you could get away without a will in this restricted zone. But you should still have one for things like cars, bank accounts, pets, etc.

[@RedSpiralHandTV]

Good on you for waiting to buy!

[@cindicovill8547]

Great video!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jvahl8747]

Best of luck in your home-buying adventure in Oaxaca! It will be quite interesting to follow your journey...a learning experience for us all 🍀🌅

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I'm looking forward to watching Donna's journey too. We may read about it in International Living, where she writes once in a while.

[@dianaj3139]

Very informative information and you both brought up a lot of things to really think about when looking into buying a home in Mexico. We have a small place in Puebla Mexico, but I really don't care for the neighborhood, so my brother-in-law is living there and using part of the property as a dog rescue place... So still looking for something more to my liking for us ... BRIGHTON WEST! I love your name and how you chose it! There was actually a "thing" a few years back... actually quite a few, but where I was working EVERYONE was taking on NEW names, either for Spiritual or just the purpose of moving forward mentally... I know SO many people who chose new names I actually don't remember what their names were before ..and since none of us initially chose our birth names it's really a cool idea. :)

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

You must have been working someplace really cool if everyone was changing their names! Names are so important - but we change a lot over the years - so why not change names ;-) And best of luck finding the perfect place for you in Mexico!

[@dianaj3139]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico I think it started with some sort of Yoga circle at the OREGON COUNTRY FAIR near Veneta, OR :)

[@charletteforteza2477]

This was a good video, had good info, but it would have been nicer for you to display each of the 7 things on the screen, because by the end of the video I don't think I got the 7 things to know before buying.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Sorry - I put the seven things in the description.

[@RobertIsaacson-hi9sz]

We sold our house in the Baja and moved to Arizona. Our new house is twice as big with a pool. For have the price.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

How much does a margarita cost? Or a good restaurant meal? Or how about property taxes?

[@Mr.Magic_O]

Looking forward to your series on building a home in Mexico

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Me too! But there's a lot of editing to do! I just hired an editor to help.

[@GordWilsonsBajaLife]

Great one! Donna's delightful! Amazing tips. Here in La Paz there are a ton of parallels! 😋

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Do agents in La Paz need to be licensed?

[@GordWilsonsBajaLife]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico 🤪 surely you jest!

[@hiruu]

Thanks for the video, as Oaxaca is one of the places I might end up spending some time in when I retire

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

It's been on my list to check out since we moved to La Paz. But it's kinda hard to get to - flight-wise.

[@DonnaShields-p7p]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico American flies from Denver into Oaxaca via Dallas or any connection into Mexico City will get you into Oaxaca

[@jud2820]

Great video

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@RobotDad]

Your comment on your pool light not being grounded is certainly a timely one.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Yeah - that sucks. And it's probably way more common in Mexico because the rules are lax.

[@anisdulce2257]

I am Mexican and I haven’t heard that a house changes prices depending who the realtor is! That is so Stu…Id! Century 21 Remax are all over the country! Sorry you didn’t find them ! The whole drama that your friend told us is just ridiculous!

[@jvahl8747]

Question for anyone: When temporary residents drive own vehicles into Mexico; pay MX insurance, etc., is there any way to stop the American insurance on this vehicle while out of the country??? Or, does the American coverage have to remain active to keep your US plates on the car? I am not finding any answers to this question. Also wonder why Americans going to MX register their cars in S. Dakota?? Do they have to take residency in S. Dakota? Sure would appreciate hearing from those of you with experience THANK YOU!

[@kocreteify]

Wow!! I was going to ask that question too!! I heard that there are places like Triple A in Chula Vista...a few miles from the border.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Great questions. When we drive our US plated car into Mexico, we tell the insurance company in the US that it is in storage (this was recommended by the insurance company.) It's the best way to lower the cost without turning off the insurance completely. South Dakota never needs to inspect the car and doesn't require residency. So anyone can register there. It's great when your vehicle stays in Mexico. Permanent residents on the mainland can't have cars with foreign plates. Here's a video about SD plates: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2KtgJefpL-noqs

[@DonnaShields-p7p]

Our experience, with the motorcycle, was the following: once we crossed the border, we canceled our US insurance because we had already instituted the Mexican coverage which is mandatory if you are driving your vehicle in Mexico; your US coverage (in my research) will not cover you. While we did register the bike in Mexico, I would have followed this same insurance process if I were keeping US plates on it

[@jvahl8747]

@DonnaShields-p7p Thanks. Living in SC, when the insurance is cancelled, they request you turn in the plates 🙃 I'm sure not going through all the hassle/expense of going to South Dakota; getting a new driver's license, etc. though. With my low income, I am not taxed here. I will have to try the "storage" trick with the insurance. They didn't OFFER this possibility! Just need a car to be able to travel with my cats and get around to familiarize myself with the new environment - check everything out!

[@jvahl8747]

Next question! I apologize to all of you for my questions, but I haven't heard of any expats/immigrants selling vehicles in Mexico. Can an American car taken into Mexico be sold there eventually - to Americans or Mexicans - or do you need to drive it back to the States to sell it??

[@DJ-ld6um]

Is Donna willing to share the names of the realtors she uses?

[@shancecilio7222]

The street name is Whitehead street.

[@BernadineNewland]

I'm really interested in trying to find a place where I can live in my converted school bus. Long term. Even buying property where I can park it and live long ter

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I'm sure it's available. I don't know anyone doing it, but if I find someone and they are willing to be on camera, I'll be sure to make a video.

[@manuelg5660]

I was listening to this Litany of bad things about Mexico and the neighborhoods and I was thinking why they want to live there ?? But at the end of the video is all about money now the video makes sense to me

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I don't think they are bad things about Mexico. It's just things that are different than the way folks are used to in the US.

[@eelfood]

Always love your interviews, Brighton

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thank you!

[@karlapatterson3693]

Moscow Idaho isn’t that cheap anymore!!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

No where is cheap anymore :-(

[@DestinationRetirement]

Fab interview. Donna and I are Reno people. Try renovating a ruin in historic centro. Aye aye aye.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Donna could definitely learn something from your experience in Merida!

[@KiKiQuiQuiKiKi]

Isla=EES-lah

[@davebaker489]

So ... Mr B or what ever your name is. Living under assumed names. HMmmmm. Just who or what are you hiding from ? LOL Good show. Thank You Donna and what's his name. PS the few times I've been to Key West I loved it. Not the prices or the crowds or the hurricanes though. P n D

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

I just googled my old name and I wasn't anywhere to be found! It's taken 20 years to accomplish that! If you want to see a bit of my history, I'm the IT guy from the article below. This was published on the front of the WSJ Business Page (with a cartoon drawing of me.) And syndicated across the country. This is the only newspaper that I know of that still has it available. Essentially, if I ever wanted a job again, I needed to change my name. www.deseret.com/2002/5/29/19657688/the-war-on-clutter-at-work-has-begun/

[@davebaker489]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico Grrrr8 to meet you Brian.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Don't tell anyone what you know now. Not even Pam

[@davebaker489]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico Tooooo Late. But just the Earthlings know.

[@andresvillarreal9079]

Relator that is not real Relator in México are call Coyote...that means they are helping to sale that property to someone else for a comition amount...Regards to You Both

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

@@andresvillarreal9079 thanks for sharing!

[@storres1368]

🙏🙏🙏

[@RobertIsaacson-hi9sz]

No we fond it was a lot cheaper there. Just stay out of the Baja it's more than the United States. It will shock you.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Hah! I live in the Baja and I'm learning that you are correct. Prices are definitely going up here.

[@Trompudos]

Gringos gentrificadores! Gracias a ustedes la renta y los precios no dejan de subir, no sean tan sin verguenza porfavor.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Gracias por compartir

[@jvahl8747]

There was recently a podcast regarding this topic. Very interesting as it was discussed that rising costs in Mexico are not only attributable to foreigners traveling to or living in Mexico, but also to the constant improvement of the Mexican economy overall and the pay increases that Mexicans themselves are subsequently earning. They can now afford higher rents and have more buying power themselves. No offense to anyone is intended. Costs are unfortunately rising everywhere in the world.

[@CassieDavis613]

@@jvahl8747 Yes, this.

[@Trompudos]

@@jvahl8747 As a Mexican living in Mexico I can assure you, the gentrification in Mexico is becoming a big problem, especially in CDMX and Oaxaca, I love the USA but you guys are ruining the house market here.

[@cindyk3076]

I believe that you are not being fair at all. Not all foreigners are really wealthy. If I am fortunate enough to move to your country I will not be doing it with a padded wallet, paying whatever amount someone chooses to charge for rent, I will be on a budget. You also have to realize that landlords are not required to raise the amount of rent on foreigners, they choose to do so to make as much money as possible.

[@oscarport8828]

Let the guest speak and stop talking so much?

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Thanks - are you that Oscar from Sesame Street by any chance?

[@andreacriscitello2116]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico 👏🏼👏🏼

[@andreacriscitello2116]

@@AlmostRetiredinMexico loved your engaging conversation!

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

@@andreacriscitello2116 Thank you!

[@pattyescobar7144]

I love Oaxaca city🩷. i recomend you visit in july there is a big celebration of the traditions of the state called "Guelaguetza" with parades , expositions, dance, food etc.

[@AlmostRetiredinMexico]

Sounds like fun! I think I may go there in September this year... trying to figure out my flights. Sad to miss the big celebrations though. Thanks

[@DonnaShields-p7p]

Yes, the city is getting ready for the end of July Guelaguetza cultural celebration

[@Mariposamonarca24]

@@DonnaShields-p7pthank you for appreciating the gastronomy of Oaxaca. A place where culture and traditions play an important role influencing the local culinary. Tamales, mezcal, chapulines, tlayudas, etc.