Cuernavaca Real Estate.

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International Real Estate
For Sale in ... Cuernavaca, Mexico
By VIRGINIA C. McGUIRE
Published: August 27, 2008
A Colonial-style house with a tennis court and a pool is on the market for $2,500,000.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/27/greathomesanddestinations/27gh-sale.html?ex=1377576000&en=0a7f6316be93e1e5&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

Baja Fishing in Popotla

During this past week I was invited to go to the small fishing town of Popotla, which is a couple of minutes of South of Rosarito and literally a few meters walk from Fox Studios Baja. At first glance, the idea of going fishing for only the second time in my life seemed enticing. However, final projects and exams are coming up quickly and I still have some catching up to do. Nonetheless, I chose to forget about school for a couple of hours and go looking for adventure. After enjoying a full day of fishing, sitting in a boat in the middle of the ocean contemplating the horizon and eating fish tacos, I can confidently say I made the right choice.

If you are at all familiar with fishing, then you probably know that the fishes usually go near the coast in the morning. That means you have to wake up fairly early if you want to actually catch anything. So at 6 in the morning we started our trip toward Popotla. Traveling through the Tijuana-Ensenada scenic road, Popotla is located less than a half a mile south of Fox Studios Baja. At the town entrance, there are big white arches that signal your arrival to the colorful town. We went underneath the arches through a narrow road and finally reached our destination. The sun was just appearing in the horizon when we were ready to start our adventure. It looked something like this:



source: BlakeRead

We rented all the equipment we needed (since it's quite tricky to catch fish with your bare hands) and ventured forth into the sea. Five people (including a fisherman, some friends and me) tried our luck for about six or seven hours. I should remind you, fishing, although simple in theory, is not as easy to pull off as it seems. To attract the fish, you need bait. You can either use live bait, or, as was our case, plastic bait that looks exactly like a small fish. You cannot use a generic "plastic fish" and expect to catch something. You have to use the plastic bait according to the type of fish you want to attract. To put it in simpler terms, if your fish likes to eat little yellow fishes with dark spots, you need to have bait that closely resembles that. Otherwise, you won't have much luck.

According to the fishermen that kindly gave me some tips, all you have to do is throw your fishing rod as far as possible and then start pulling. I asked him: Why do I pull if I haven't caught anything? Because if you don't pull, the fish won't be attracted to something that does not move, he responded. That made sense, since a moving fish is more likely to be mistaken for a real fish than one that does not move. Duh. Having all the theoretical information, I proceeded to get on the small boat before putting the knowledge I just acquired in practice. Here is a picture of the how the modest boat we rented looked:

source: Antonio Martinez

As you noticed, our budget was not great and we had to settle for a practical option. Either way, I was fully prepared to lure some fish with my fanciful plastic bait. The early morning sun reflected playfully across the calming swell of the ocean, and I smiled at the thought of our little boat drifting lazily across the water. I hoped to stay there as long as possible, completely absorbed in my quiet thoughts in the middle of the ocean, without having to worry about my upcoming final exams. I desperately needed a dose of relaxation before a potential stressful week at school. Fishing was the perfect solution. My mind and body were completely engaged in trying to grasp the unexpected joy of capturing a fish. The contrast of the long periods of pensive daydreaming and the exhiliraing jolts of reeling in a live fish were the perfect emotional seesaw. The serene undulations of the boat and near perfect weather completely lulled me into losing all track of time. Almost eight hours passed, yet it felt more like two hours. I only caught a couple of small fishes, but by the end of the day, I began to experience the subtle discomfort of the day long fatigue.

It was the most fun I've had in a while, especially since it felt like I had embarked on a mini vacation. Later that day, when the sun was already setting and it was time to go, I struggled to let go of that place. It was only my second time fishing, but I can confidently say it is one of my favorite things to do. You will not fully appreciate the essence of fishing until you experiment it yourself. This picture captures the tranquility you imbibe when you're down in Baja:

source: BlakeRead

Simply breathtaking. Whenever I look at that picture I wish I could be inside one of those boats, gliding gently across the scenic waters with nothing but beauty to occupy my time. The fading sunrays reminded me that the day was nearly over, and despite my best efforts to linger there longer, my stomach reminded me that I had not eaten yet. To keep up with the running theme of the day, fish tacos were our next destination. Popotla, famous for its fishing, naturally offers a wide array of seafood restaurants with excellent dishes. Part of the reason why the food is so good can be attributed to the fact that the fish are fresh, and the difference is evident once you have a sample. Just take a bite out of one of these:

source: BlakeRead

Not only was the food excellent, it came at a very reasonable price. The atmosphere is truly unique. Several places, including the one I attended, have live music, either popular Mexican music performed by a band, or typical pop songs performed by a semi-professional singer the restaurant hires. The singers are dedicated to attend to the customer's request, and even let the customers sing karaoke style if they choose to do so. It definitely felt like a party. In fact, it was an actual party. Both locals and tourists were delighted with the food, music and overall good vibe the place had. It's not hard to see why Baja has gotten increasingly popular over the years. Once you experience it, you fall in love with the scenery, surroundings, culture, and lifestyle. Maybe this week I'll be studying day and night for my final exams, but once I'm done with that, I already know where I'm going to be. Till next time.

Baja Bike Ride: Rosarito to Ensenada

source:rosaritoensenada

This past Saturday (April 21^st), the 28^th Annual Rosarito-Ensenada “50 mile fun bicycle ride” was celebrated. More than 8,000 people signed up for the race across Baja, with other thousands who preferred to watch from the sidelines and cheer the riders. This is one of the most popular events that take place in Baja, as it attracts locals and tourists alike. In fact, many of the riders are California locals who are already familiar with the race and decide to go south for some exercise, relaxation, and fun.

The Rosarito-Ensenada bicycle ride is unlike any other. It is definitely competitive, as several semi-professional cyclists join the event, but the main purpose of the race is not to win, but rather, to enjoy the beautiful and exceptional landscape that Baja has to offer. The 50 mile ride starts in Rosarito’s main boulevard, which leads to the scenic road until Ensenada is reached. This means that riders have the rare chance to travel along the Pacific Coast and inland through the rural countryside. Furthermore, the ocean is clearly visible from the road, so cyclists got to enjoy that too. It's no wonder so many people show up every year, just look at this aerial view.

source: BajaBound

Not only does the race offer unmatched visuals of some of the most stunning locations in the region, but it is also an award winning event recognized worldwide. It was called the best cycling event by readers of Los Angeles Sports & Fitness Magazine, and the best cycling tour by readers of Competitor magazine. Internationally, it is one of the most popular cycling events, comparable with the Tour de France and the Giro d'Italia, according to Competitor magazine. The difference of Baja's race resides in being more recreational and informal than the other two. It is authentically a party on wheels.

Competitive cyclists and ordinary people like you and me put on their helmets, grab their bike, and head to Baja for one memorable day. In fact, just about everyone goes the race! Little children with their small tricycles, teenagers, couples, adults, and even grandparents. I’m not kidding. There is no need to be Lance Armstrong or be in perfect shape. Most participants are not like that. People from all shapes and sizes gather for this event. Here is a photo of the start line in Rosarito’s main boulevard, Blvd. Benito Juarez, where everyone was eager to start their trip.

source: GrandBaja

Saturday’s Rosarito-Ensenada ride was the perfect escape. Riding by yourself or with your friends by your side and soaking the Baja scenery can be one of the most rewarding activities you can imagine. Snaking through the hills on the winding asphalt, you are continuously soothed by the faint whisper of the waves clashing against the shoreline. As each pedal propels you forward through the light ocean breeze, the scenic landscape unfurls before you at each curve, luring you deeper into Baja's lore. Here is a glimpse of the view the riders had on Saturday. This photo will probably make you wonder why you didn't attend this past race. Luckily, this is a biannual event, so you have a chance to attend the next one this upcoming September 29th.

source: GrandBaja

In case you are not so serious about cycling and only want to have fun in Baja, Saturday’s ride also has another appeal you should consider. Known for their fun-loving, easy going personality, many locals embraced the opportunity to showcase their comical prowess and entertain the visitors. Several participants could be spotted with typical Mexican wrestling masks in their faces, others with silly wigs. SpongeBob Squarepants was also seen giving the children a joyful surprise when they saw their idol live. Of course, seriousness can be also be combined with entertaining the audience, as this photo shows. The local is dressed as one of the most popular characters in Mexican culture, “El Chapulin Colorado,” a clumsy and comical crime fighter beloved in Mexico. Here he is eyeing the finish line.

source: EnsenadaMx

But just like the rest of the people who wore something funny to the race, he was dead serious about getting some exercise, soaking in the beautiful Baja scene, and just having a good time.

If that still doesn't draw your eye, there is an added bonus the organizers planned. A huge party always takes place after the race. On the Ensenada waterfront, a “fiesta” with live rock-n-roll awaits everyone willing to attend. As you can see, the Rosarito-Ensenada bike ride offers all a good time. The only thing you need is to bring your energy. I guess bringing a bicycle would help too. There is also a $35 charge for participating in the race, but its free to watch as a spectator and join the party later. It’s definitely a can’t miss event, designed for people of all ages and interests. The race exemplifies much of what makes Baja a mystical destination. Once you go, you will begin to understand. I hope to see you here soon. Till then.

Descanso - Respite

So there I am. I have to be at San Diego State by 4:30pm but instead I’m stuck in traffic. God, I hate traffic. Naturally, I’m not going to make it to class on time, and even worse, I’m stuck in my car with an empty stomach. The hunger pangs are getting to me and I am getting really grumpy. I haven’t had time for much of anything lately with the tax deadlines and school work, and the stifling bumper to bumper traffic is a reminder of how badly I want to escape my daily routine.

My whole rant on urban lifestyle may seem kind of depressing, and it can be sometimes. But summer is not far away, which means rest and relaxation draws near. After all, what we all desire is getting away from our worries and enjoying ourselves; having little pleasures like sleeping in or staying up late without having to worry about anything else. No worries about being late for work, school, or avoiding traffic. I really hate traffic.

As I was thinking about all these things, I suddenly remembered that as a part of my duties with LEI Mexico, I had the opportunity to explore Rosarito the next day. I was finally getting a chance to glimpse one of the developments that the company works with: Descanso Homes. I was eager to see if the ocean views were that beautiful, if the houses had such fine details, and if the mood was truly so soothing.

That Friday, after meeting Isaac (my colleague at LEI Mexico), we began our drive south toward Baja. Passing by the multitude of brightly colored artisan shops and charming small restaurants, we witnessed a glimpse of Mexican culture. We also couldn't help but laugh at the absurdly decorated donkeys proudly displayed by the street vendors. Luckily, the ocean view as we drove by was not bad.

Weaving through the various shops and the streams of tourists, we cruised beyond Rosarito and closer to Descanso. It was a fairly short trip, passing by Fox Studios Baja and the famous lobster town of Puerto Nuevo. The conspicuous Descanso billboards guiding us ever closer, we finally darted around a bending road and curved up the welcoming security entrance. From the first glance, I was very impressed. Neatly trimmed patches of grass and radiant flowerbeds lining the paved entrance cordially greeted our arrival. After a brief conversation with the courteous guard, we were waived ahead.

In front of us, a climbing road led up to an array of residences. The structural design and placement of the homes made it clear this was a master planned community. This wasn't a winding loop of houses sprinkled across a roughshod landscape. Instead, one could observe the houses blending with the natural surroundings. It was particularly pleasing to note that Descanso was encased on a rolling hill with a sprawling valley on both flanks, but it was even better to turn my gaze due West and feel the vastness of the ocean envelope my senses.

Looking inside the model homes only confirmed my hunch. The interiors were spacious, full of intricate details, and rich in color. The floor tiles, the stylish lamps, and the paintings, were all of first class quality. The chandelier and the chimney, although quite striking, harmoniously blended size and shape without disturbing the open space of the room. The carefully adorned table in the dining area was partnered with distinctive handmade chairs. Whenever I thought I could no longer be impressed, I found a new detail to admire. The architecture and overall style of the houses was exquisite. Here is a photo of the kitchen so you can judge for yourself.

Aside from the aesthetic beauty the house offers, we knew that the next step was going to the roof and admiring the view. As soon as my feet clambered up the last step, I was ecstatic. I had that dumb little smile in my face that people have when they imagine something happy. The elegant layout of the patio sofas and centerpiece table invited me to grab a seat; however, I was too busy musing, daydreaming about countless hours I could spend here. The view itself elicited the most wistful of sentiments. With ample inspiration, I absorbed the cooling breeze deeply into my lungs.

Just look at the picture and imagine the dazzling array of reds and yellows cast by the sunset.

Imagine the sun setting into the calm ocean while fresh gusts of wind gently massage your face. Imagine what it feels to be there enjoying this exceptional view, and to know that it could easily belong to you.

I have officially been sucked into this whole luxury real estate thing. I mean, who wouldn’t want to live in a place like Descanso Homes or the many other first-class residences across Mexico? No wonder there were so many people there to view these homes that day. If I plan things right, I too will have my own piece of Mexico. Till then, I'll have go bear with school and traffic, the routine. Until I plan my next escape to Rosarito...

Baja Time

If you want to escape from all the hassle of the urban lifestyle, we have a suggestion: go and visit Baja. Just minutes south of the border you will find friendly people, beautiful scenery, inexpensive living and overall peacefulness and tranquility. Oh, and tequila, in case you also like to party. Want to relax and stay by the beach? Go to Rosarito. Want to have fun and enjoy another culture? Visit Ensenada.

In fact, this is one of the best times of the year to drive south. Spring is in full swing, summer is fast approaching and the sun is bright. So why not visit Baja today? Are concerns about bad roads and safety keeping you away? In an effort to catch up with the most developed countries, as well an attempt to attract more foreign tourism, Baja is no longer lagging in roads, guidance or safety measures for visitors.

This past week, the government of Baja California announced a significant investment in highway and road infrastructure that is being done as you read this post. A special effort is being made to improve roads that are more frequently traveled by tourists, such as the ones that lead to Rosarito and Ensenada. Moreover, Mexican police officers have been instructed to give information, orientation, and directions to tourists in the highways to compensate the current lack of signs and directions on the road. There is no need to worry if you don’t know how to get to a certain place you want to visit. A friendly officer will be your guide. Also, highway inspections will be shorter and more efficient to accommodate tourists, as Tijuana’s Tourism and Conventions Committee director, Miguel Ramos Ramirez, recently made public.

Once you take the newly improved roads, there are several safety organizations created by CAFUPE (“Caminos y Puentes Federales”, or “Federal Roads and Bridges”) to protect you in case of any problem, such as the Red Cross, the Preventive Federal Police, and a special unit of panic emergency police. These services are monitored by satellite.

Let’s sum it up. First, you need a vacation and decide to go to one of the most beautiful and fun places around, Baja. Next, you find out that infrastructure and services for tourists are better than you thought, leading you to enjoy yourself fully and appreciate the many great things Baja has to offer, which leads us to the final step. If you enjoyed it so much the first time, why not do it again? Maybe even permanently. More and more Americans are acquiring property in Mexico and settling there for good. A little over a million Americans have chosen Mexico as their permanent residency.

Investing in property in Mexico has become very common nowadays. This is the time to go to Baja, and if you become enchanted by the idyllic lifestyle, as you undoubtedly will, you already know who to contact to acquire property. Until next time.

A little bit about this writer

For the next couple of weeks, and hopefully for much longer, I will be writing in this blog, providing you with valuable and insightful information about Baja. Relevant news and events that have an effect on Baja real estate will be the main focus of my writing. I will also report on the regular trips I will be making to see what is happening down south in Baja. In other words, I am the official Baja Correspondent for LEI Mexico.

Why will I be doing this?If I have to answer that in one sentence, I would say it's because I find it fascinating. Being born and raised in Tijuana, Mexico, I have seen flocks of tourists visit the many enchanting sites and beaches Baja has to offer. Initially just visiting Baja to escape their daily routines, these tourists are now becoming residents and buying properties all over the coast. I have witnessed the construction of several real estate developments in what seemlingly appears to be the middle of nowhere, only to find out a couple of years later a full scale development already sold out and populated to its maximum capacity.
Since real estate is a passion of mine, especially the boom that Baja is experiencing, I was genuinely excited when I discovered that LEI Mexico needed an intern. I immediately called, and the next thing I knew, I had the chance to contribute to this blog. As an International Business student from San Diego State University that will be graduating this semester, I felt extremely frustrated when I was looking for companies where I could do an internship. They were either unappealing or having an intern was not feasible for them at that time. However, this opportunity came along and I was lucky to find a place where I could learn about something in which I have a sincere interest and have even considered doing in the future. So, as a part of my experience here at LEI Mexico, I will be contributing to this blog one or two times a week to keep you informed on all things concering Baja Real Estate, politics, travel, sports, and leisure.

I hope you enjoy reading this blog as much as I enjoy doing the research and writing for it. If you have any particular questions or comments, please feel free to contact me. I will be more than happy to read your thoughts and help you in any way I can.

Sincerely,
Jose ZatarainBaja CorrespondentLEI Mexico

Plunging Into Baja

Plunging into Baja

Leading the charge south of the border, Southland buyers are snatching up bargain-priced retirement or second homes on the beach.

By Ann Brenoff, Times Staff Writer
October 22, 2006

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THE trick to buying a home in Mexico, say those who have done it, is to not leave your brain at the border. The days of writing up deals on bar napkins and sealing them with a handshake and a shot of tequila are over — or should be, experts say.

That said, you can buy an oceanfront home in Baja for about one-third of what it would cost 30 minutes north of the border. And that alone was probably enough motivation for the 1.5 million Americans who own homes in Mexico today, according to estimates from the Mexico Assn. of Real Estate Professionals. The number is expected to jump to 12 million within 20 years as more baby boomers retire south of the border.

An AARP study last year ranked Mexico fourth among places in the world Americans are retiring to. As healthcare improves in our neighbor to the south, expect more Americans to get comfortable with the idea, said Mitch Creekmore, coauthor with Tom Kelly of "Cashing In on a Second Home in Mexico."

Fueling the trend is the fact that financing is becoming more available and the process of buying in Mexico more streamlined, transparent and professional.

"Just use common sense," said Mauricio Monroy, a tax expert with the firm of Deloitte in Tijuana, speaking at a September conference at UCLA on buying in Baja. "Apply the same cautions you would have about conducting business in the United States."

The worst thing a purchaser can do, author Kelly said, is to remain ignorant of Mexican law.

Buying a home isn't a simple process, and the rules of the Mexican real estate game are radically different from those in the U.S. To start with, little is regulated, few involved in the process are licensed, and to some extent, a few margaritas may be necessary to achieve the proper level of blind faith.

So before you jump into the Gulf of California, here's the short course on buying in Mexico:



THE HISTORY. The Mexican Constitution says foreigners can't own property within 100 kilometers (62 miles) of the border and 50 kilometers (31 miles) of the coastline. Foreigners have always been able to directly own land in the interior, with a few limitations on specific agricultural tracts. But for second homes or retirement, Americans want the beach. Since the early '70s, non-Mexicans have been able to purchase coastal and border properties through a Mexican bank trust known as a fideicomiso.



HORROR STORIES. Back in the 1980s and 1990s, land and homes in Mexico were so cheap that even if all the Ts weren't crossed, Americans — giddy at the prospect of how far their dollars would go — bought them. Many were in held in ejidos, communal land agreements that date back to the time of Aztec rule in Mexico. Under the ejido system, the land is owned by the government and supported by a national bank.

Since the constitutional reforms of the early '90s, ejido land now can be converted into private property and sold to third parties, including foreigners.

But the effect of events such as the eviction of U.S. citizens from the Punta Banda peninsula south of Ensenada in 2000 lingers. In that case, the mostly retired homeowners had built their houses on ejido land, and when Mexico's Supreme Court ruled that the ejido group was not the land's rightful owner, some of the Americans were forced to abandon homes worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.



THE FIDEICOMISO. The closest legal mechanism to a fideicomiso in the U.S. is a family trust. The bank — the "trustee" — holds the legal title to the property. The trust "beneficiary" (the foreign buyer) holds all rights and privileges of ownership. The beneficiary has the right to occupy or rent the property, and can transfer the title to any legally qualified person. Beneficiaries can modify the property in accordance with local zoning regulations and receive the full appreciation on the property when it is sold.

Trusts have an initial term of 50 years and are renewable at any time for a $1,000 fee for additional 50-year periods.

Banks charge a predetermined fee to establish a fideicomiso, plus a percentage of the property's value, to cover the costs of preliminary studies and the drafting of the trust agreement. The bank also charges an annual fee to maintain the trust, about $500 per year.



THE DEAL. Real estate transactions involve several players, including the buyer's lawyer, a notary public who functions as a neutral agent to both buyer and seller, a real estate agent or broker, and a bank.

The notary public is a licensed attorney hired to oversee the transaction. The notary makes sure that the person selling the property has the authority to sell it, that all back taxes have been paid without any outstanding liens and that all permits are in order. Although the notary will get a certificate of no liens or encumbrances and a certificate of no tax liens against the property, he or she is not responsible for securing a clear title. The buyer and/or his attorney do that.

In the U.S., if a title search turns up a problem, lenders will decline to lend money and alert the buyer to the problem. But most Americans buying in Mexico pay cash, so there is no lender providing this safeguard.

Concerns about whether title is clear have been somewhat alleviated now that title insurance is available. The Stewart Title Guaranty Co. began underwriting title insurance in 1993 for Mexican properties. Title insurance costs about $5 per $1,000 (for example, if the property costs the equivalent of $200,000, the title insurance would cost $1,000.) First American and Fidelity also write title insurance in Mexico. If you can't get title insurance on a property, don't buy.

In the Mexican home-buying process, buyers put down a deposit and then do the title search. If the title winds up not being clear of encumbrances, there is a risk to the buyer of losing his or her deposit because some developers apply it toward construction upon receipt, and the buyer has little recourse to recover it.

The role of real estate agents is also somewhat different. Agents in Mexico are not subject to any national certification, licensing or educational requirements. The best a buyer can do is deal with an established agency whose references they have checked personally.

A lawyer must be hired to oversee the transaction and protect the buyer's interests. There is no formal escrow process, although accounts are now starting to be available via private escrow companies and run from $1,500 to $1,800 per transaction. Buyers should insist that an escrow be opened or that, at very least, the developer be bonded.

There also are no home inspection agencies or home warranty policies. Other types of insurance, including property, liability, damage and earthquake, are all inexpensive in Mexico, and policies can be written to pay claims in U.S. dollars.



FINANCES. Financing is relatively new in Mexico. Most Americans pay cash or take advantage of developer financing programs.

"Cash is king," said Justin Mehren, director of business development for CS Financial, based in Beverly Hills. And much of that cash came out of homes in Southern California as owners refinanced during the last few years and bought vacation or retirement homes in Baja.

Right now, there are several three- and five-year loans available from U.S. lenders for Mexico purchases. And, said Carlos Pastrana, senior mortgage banker with LEI Mexico, based in San Diego, 30-year fixed-rate loans will be offered as well in the not-too-distant future. Currently, LEI México offers three- and five-year loans amortized over 30 years with a 7.99% start rate.

Mortgages also are available from Mexican banks. Given the historical erosion of the peso in relation to the dollar, some developers claim that the Mexican lending rate is the equivalent of a 5% interest-rate loan if it were set in dollars. Getting pre-approved is recommended.



TAXES. Property taxes hover around 0.5% annually but are paid on the assessed value of the land, not on any improvements. There also is a 2% tax on acquisitions. So on a purchase of a $300,000 home, $6,000 in taxes would be due at closing.

If you rent out your unit when you are not occupying it, the U.S. government expects you to report it on your income-tax return. So does the Mexican government, apparently, but few property owners do. The reason seems absurd: It's nearly impossible to register yourself as a taxpayer, says lawyer Jose M. Larroque, principal partner with the Tijuana firm of Baker & McKenzie, who has handled hundreds of closings for U.S. citizens.

"You could say it is popularly ignored," Larroque said.

Upon the sale of your unit down the road, the U.S. and Mexican governments both will be there to claim their share of your capital gains. In Mexico, you pay up to 29% of the gain, which is the sales price minus the amount you paid, adjusted for inflation, and improvements. The notary handling the sale acts as a withholding agent to ensure that Mexico gets paid its due. In the U.S., capital gains tax is 15%, but you can take a credit for the Mexican portion of your tax bill.



MEDICAL CARE. There are half a dozen or so hospital centers near Baja expatriate communities and plans for more to be built, including facilities in Loreto and Rosarito. Many Americans still retreat "home" for treatment of serious illnesses. Medicare and most private insurance plans end at the border, but Mexican health insurance is available for about $300 annually.

Coastal Development & Investment Group Announces Its Baja California Real Estate Development Project

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--Luxury, Ecologically Designed Condominium Project To Be Built Along the

Pacific Coast, South of Rosarito Beach--

San Clemente, CA—August 28, 2006 / Coastal Development & Investment Group announced today a real estate development project outside of the United States. The “Marbella del Pacifico” condominium project will be located in Rosarito, Baja California in Mexico just north of the historic fishing town of Puerto Nuevo. Marbella del Pacifico is scheduled to break ground on November 1, 2006. The two and a half acre site is being designed by Scottsdale, AZ based Moran Architects, chosen for their innovative design solutions that are aesthetically pleasing and ecologically responsible. “We want to make sure our development is not only a wonderful living or vacation spot, but that it also compliments the existing beauty provided to us by nature”, says Jim Yackley, Managing Partner.

The project’s design has been created to enhance the cliff and beach area that makes up a large portion of the site. Marbella del Pacifico will provide breathtaking ocean views from every one of its units. And along with luxury interior living spaces, the project will offer residents a sand volleyball court, pools, Jacuzzis, tennis courts, a chip and put golf course, fire pits, a state of the art spa & fitness area, covered parking and more. “Marbella del Pacifico is going to have all the amenities one could look for. If you’ve ever wanted a home right on the ocean, our complex is going to be the perfect one for you to live or vacation in”, says Rich Wodiske, Managing Partner.

Even though construction has not yet begun, the Marbella del Pacifico concept is already receiving inquires from interested buyers from all over the world. The sales office is scheduled to open on site on September ’06. For more information about financing please visit LEIMEXICO.COM

About Coastal Development & Investment Group

Coastal Development & Investment Group, LLC is an Orange County, CA based real estate development firm. Its mission is to develop affordable luxury units along the Mexico coast. The firm’s project, Marbella del Pacifico, located south of Rosarito, Baja California, will offer 120 condominium units with luxury amenities both inside the unit and in the common areas. The second project, located north of Ensenada, Baja California, is already in the planning stages. The firm has procured Ad-Tec Management Group, the most prestigious, well established construction management company in Mexico to facilitate construction.

DEVELOPER
Coastal Development & Investment Group, LLC is an Orange County, CA based real estate development firm. Its mission is to develop affordable luxury units along the Mexico coast. The firm's project, Marbella del Pacífíco, located south of Rosarito, Baja California, will offer 148 condominium units with luxury amenities both inside the unit and in the common areas. The second project, located north of Ensenada, Baja California, is already in the planning stages.

ARCHITECT
Moran Architects is an Arizona based international, multi-disciplinary firm specializing in custom architectural solutions for resort hospitality, residential and commercial clients. The firm's goal is to design buildings that enhance the living and working experience. Since its establishment in 2002, Moran Architects has created innovative design solutions that are aesthetically pleasing, functionally appropriate, site sensitive and ecologically responsible. www.moranarchitects.com

CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
A.D. Tec is a Mexico based leading construction project management firm working on prestigious capital projects. It offers world-class Project Management and Business Consulting services suited to local context for extraordinary value creation for clients. A.D. Tec's mission is fulfilled through the application of its primary company values: undisputed honesty, fast response and near zero errors. www.adtek.com.mx

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
Design Workshop is Denver, CO based landscape architecture, land planning, urban design and tourism planning firm. Design Workshop has been providing these services for almost four decades to developers, property owners, government agencies and other clients engaged in improvements to the land. Their services include Landscape Architecture, Land Planning, Urban Design, Planning Management, Strategic Services, Development Strategies, Graphic Communication and Design, Golf Course Design. Their experience ranges from master plans for counties, planned communities, urban centers and resorts, to detailed design for public parks, residences and roadways. www.designworkshop.com