Short term rentals in Mexico

[Sean Harris]

So we go go to mexico quite a bit and everytime we are down there the thought of owning something there is always brought up. Just wondering if anyone else on here has done this? We are focused om Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. I know alot of the homes we are interested in are in HOAs which can be sketchy as they can change the rules and tell you no vacation rentals. Just curious of what people's thoughts are and experiences. 

[Derrick Grahn]

Hi Sean. I would be happy to assist you. My wife and I (originally from Chicago and Southern Florida) moved time and lived full time in Cabo San Lucas for over 14 years. Our two children were born in Cabo also. We still reside in Cabo, but we recently began splitting our time between Cabo and Scottsdale AZ.

We enjoy real estate investing in both markets also. In fact our primary business is a real estate brokerage in Cabo ... www.thecovetedgroup.com. In addition to real estate, we own other businesses in Cabo too, including restaurants, brick and mortar stores, and a manufacturing facility. When we moved there in 2005, we didn’t know anyone there and knew basically nothing about the market. Looking back on it, we were a little crazy. And for that reason, none of what we accomplished came easy in Mexico and especially Cabo. We have loved it, but have also hated it at times. We had to navigate through many Los Cabos and Mexican obstacles through the years, and have learned a LOT in the processes. With some decent guidance, it can absolutely be far less painless.

Anything and everything is as possible in Cabo as it is within any market in the US, as long as you have the proper guidance, as my wife and I wish we had when we first moved there in 2005. We are both happy to give you our feedback, as we do for hundreds of other people, friends, and clients on an annual basis. Regardless if they are clients or not, we truly enjoy helping people with real estate both the USA and in Mexico, especially in Cabo.

The question you asked is important and the answer depends mostly on the property type that you are considering. To better assist you, I would enjoy learning more about what you are considering. The primary questions that come to my are... what is your goal? Or, what are you hoping that this Los Cabos property can do for you? Do you want to own it strictly as an investment? Do you want to enjoy it also? If yes, how many weeks or months would you personally use it? Would you pay cash? Or are you hoping to finance it? What's your budget? Do you want to own on the beach? Is an ocean view important? Or are you looking for something more urban and creative? Multi family or single residence? Condo or stand alone home, etc? Perhaps you do not want an HOA(yes that is possible)... or maybe being in a gated community is a preference for you?

I am happy to guide you more here... or we could catch up via phone some time too. Whichever you prefer. Have a wonderful day.