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All Forum Posts by: Pamela Rivas

Pamela Rivas has started 4 posts and replied 10 times.

Post: First STR Advice

Pamela RivasPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Kelowna BC, Canada
  • Posts 10
  • Votes 9

Congratulations! May this investment be the first of a long and successful portfolio. Now, take some time to understand the local market. Use tools like AirDNA to research how often properties are booked and consider seasonality so you can take full advantage of peak times. Identify what makes your property stand out and use it as your hook to attract guests.

The guest experience is something that always deserves your full attention. Invest in comfortable furnishings and amenities, and add small extras that can make a big difference—like coffee pods or local snacks. Think about what you’d truly appreciate when renting an Airbnb, for example. After each stay, cleanliness should be a top priority. Personally, it’s something I always expect from a short-term rental, and it can have a huge impact on your reviews.

To make things easier for both you and your guests, consider smart tools like locks, outdoor cameras, and smart thermostats. Smart thermostats, in particular, can help you monitor energy use and lower costs between stays.

I hope everyone’s experiences and perspectives help guide you as you start this journey!

Post: Master Broker Services – Southeast Mexico & U.S. Properties

Pamela RivasPosted
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Kelowna BC, Canada
  • Posts 10
  • Votes 9

We offer full-service real estate solutions with a diverse portfolio of properties:

-Residential, commercial, lands, and beach properties in Southeast Mexico (Yucatan, Tulum, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel).

-Properties in key U.S. markets: NY, Miami, and Orlando.

    What We Offer:

    • Commercial Alliances: Strong partnerships in Mexico and the U.S.
    • AMPI Member: Certified member of the Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals.
    • Bank Partnership: Access to international banking services, including trusts and loans for foreign buyers.
    • Investor Support: Comprehensive network for property management, construction, and related services.

    If you’re looking to invest or collaborate, let’s connect!

    Post: For owners, self management vs hiring a vacation rental company?

    Pamela RivasPosted
    • Real Estate Agent
    • Kelowna BC, Canada
    • Posts 10
    • Votes 9

    Self-managing your vacation rentals requires a significant amount of time and effort. If you're starting with this model, it can be highly beneficial as it allows you to gain first-hand experience with the daily operations, actions that must be taken, requirements, market demands, and more. This hands-on approach can provide invaluable insights into the industry and your property's performance.

    Both self-management and professional management have their advantages, as investors have highlighted. The choice ultimately depends on your time availability and long-term goals.

    From personal experience with clients, professional management has proven to be especially valuable in risk management. For example, when guests encounter issues during their stays—or even when they are the cause of the problem—a professional management company can step in immediately. With their established networks and resources, they can resolve issues more efficiently and with less stress for the property owner.

    However, if you have the time and availability to oversee daily operations full-time or nearly full-time, self-management may be the better choice for starting out. It gives you complete control over the property and helps you build the foundation for future growth.

    If you're planning to expand your portfolio, I strongly recommend partnering with a professional management company. Not only can they handle risk management, but they also excel in marketing, optimizing the guest experience (leading to positive reviews and referrals), and leveraging technology such as booking platforms and pricing tools. These advantages can significantly enhance your portfolio's profitability and scalability, freeing you up to focus on strategic growth.

    Post: From Yucatán to Orlando: A Trusted Developer's Bold Move into the U.S. Market

    Pamela RivasPosted
    • Real Estate Agent
    • Kelowna BC, Canada
    • Posts 10
    • Votes 9

    One of our most trusted developers from Yucatán, Mexico, who’s been making waves with their focus on sustainable growth, innovative design, and delivering great value to investors, is taking a big step—they’re building a luxury resort in Orlando!

    This move is such a great example of what determination, solid planning, and truly listening to investors’ needs can achieve. They’ve already made a name for themselves in Mexico with projects that blend eco-friendly practices and thoughtful design, and now they’re bringing that expertise to one of the most popular markets in the U.S.

    For investors, this could be an exciting opportunity to work with a developer who consistently delivers quality and strong returns.

    Check it out:  Travel weekly by Northstar

    Post: Seeking insights: Crafting a free guide for foreigners investing in Mexico.

    Pamela RivasPosted
    • Real Estate Agent
    • Kelowna BC, Canada
    • Posts 10
    • Votes 9

    Hello everyone,

    I'm in the final stages of creating a free guide designed for foreigners interested in investing in Mexican properties. My goal is to build a comprehensive resource that not only answers key questions but also provides clarity on the entire process.

    The draft is based on my personal experiences working with clients, but I want to ensure it reflects the broader community's insights. I’d love to hear from you about any questions, concerns, or challenges you’ve encountered (or anticipate) when considering property investments in Mexico. This will help me address the process and opportunities more thoroughly and effectively.

    Thank you in advance for sharing your experiences and thoughts—I truly value your input!

    Post: Where To Buy My First Rental Property

    Pamela RivasPosted
    • Real Estate Agent
    • Kelowna BC, Canada
    • Posts 10
    • Votes 9

    Hi Zachary,

    Interested investing overseas? Properties in the Southeast of Mexico often offer ROI upwards of 10%-15% annually, especially in short-term rentals.

    Key Benefits:

    • Tourism Growth: Mexico welcomed over 40 million international visitors in the first 11 months of 2024, surpassing 2023 figures. 
    • Cost Advantage: Property prices in Mexico can be 40%-50% lower than comparable investments in the U.S. or Canada.
    • High Occupancy Rates: The average rental occupancy rate in Tulum is 70%-80%, driven by year-round tourism.
    • Economic Stability: Mexico's economy grew 3.1% in 2023, with a robust real estate sector supported by foreign investment.
    • Infrastructure Investments: Developments like the Maya Train and new airports enhance connectivity, boosting property value.

    Feel free to reach out if you'd like more information on how to invest in Mexico, benefits and insights in general!

    Best of luck!

    Post: Fideicomisos VS. Mexican Corporation for STR in Mexico

    Pamela RivasPosted
    • Real Estate Agent
    • Kelowna BC, Canada
    • Posts 10
    • Votes 9

    Hi Natasha,
    Here are some key points to consider about setting up a Mexican corporation:

    • Setup Costs: $1,500–$3,000 USD
    • Ongoing Costs: $1,000–$2,000 USD/year (accounting and tax filings)
    • Benefits: Tax deductions for expenses like maintenance, repairs, and management
    • Best for: Multiple properties or income-generating investments

    While a corporation is ideal for managing multiple properties, it’s NOT required to obtain an RFC. As a Mexican realtor, I’ve worked with clients alongside an accountant to simplify the process, including setting up the necessary bank account for rental income.

    Let me know if you'd like more guidance!

    Post: Can foreigners buy Real Estate in Mexico? Legal process explained!

    Pamela RivasPosted
    • Real Estate Agent
    • Kelowna BC, Canada
    • Posts 10
    • Votes 9
    Quote from @Mike Lambert:

    @Taylor Dasch

    You can buy the property in your own name if it's outside the so-called restricted zone. If it's in the restricted zone (within 31 miles of the coast or 62 miles from an international border, you have the choice between using a bank trust and paying the fees mentioned above or using a Mexican corporation and bearing the costs of establishing and maintaining  the corporation. Given the latter costs, a corporation can be the best solution only if you buy multiple properties. Bear in mind that the fiscal treatment of the two options in Mexico is different (withholding tax on the gross income with the fideicomiso vs cost deductions with the corporation).

    Thank you, Mike! That’s correct, a foreigner can buy property through a Mexican corporation, which is a great option for those investing in multiple properties or running a rental business.

    Key Points I'd like to add to your post:

    • Setup Costs: $1,500–$3,000 USD.
    • Ongoing Costs: $1,000–$2,000 USD/year for accounting and tax filings.
    • Benefits: Allows tax deductions for expenses like maintenance, repairs, and management.
    • Best for: Multiple properties or income-generating investments.

    For a single property for personal use, a fideicomiso is often simpler and more cost-effective due to its lower maintenance requirements and fees

    Ultimately, choosing between a corporation and a fideicomiso comes down to your investment strategy. It's important to take the time to evaluate the goals and seek professional advice to ensure the right fit.

    Post: Can foreigners buy Real Estate in Mexico? Legal process explained!

    Pamela RivasPosted
    • Real Estate Agent
    • Kelowna BC, Canada
    • Posts 10
    • Votes 9
    Quote from @Taylor Dasch:

    Thats really awesome, I travel to Mexico quite often and have been thinking about this. So if I understand, you would get a loan the normal way and then the bank trust is an extra fee that comes along with owning the property in Mexico? Do you sell / buy real estate in Mexico personally? 

    Correct, a foreigner can get a home loan with a bank institution in the same way a national would. As with every loan process, there are terms and steps the foreigner needs to follow, such as the loan application, which includes pre-qualification and property evaluation. The property value must be a minimum of $250,000 USD, and the credit score requirement is at least 700 points, among other conditions. It’s important to note that not all bank institutions offer this product. The option is slowly opening up for foreigners, but some restrictions still exist.

    Now, the fideicomiso has an administration fee that must be paid annually, regardless of whether the foreigner applies for a loan or not. These two concepts are separate from each other. The bank institution we partnered with offers a bi-annual administration fee of $450.00 USD + VAT (16%).

    I’m a Mexican Realtor working alongside a Master Broker with a presence mainly in the Southeast of Mexico and the USA, specifically in NY, Miami, and Orlando. Canada—coming soon! If you have more questions about the process and requirements, feel free to reach out to me!

    Post: Can foreigners buy Real Estate in Mexico? Legal process explained!

    Pamela RivasPosted
    • Real Estate Agent
    • Kelowna BC, Canada
    • Posts 10
    • Votes 9

    As a Mexican real estate agent living in Canada and with a presence in the United States, one of the most common questions I hear in the investor community is: "Can foreigners buy real estate in Mexico?"

    The answer is a resounding YES! Here the explanation and benefits:

    A Bank Trust or Fideicomiso allows foreigners to acquire property within the restricted zone, which includes areas within 50 kilometers of the coastline or 100 kilometers of the borders. Through this trust, a Mexican bank holds the title to the property on your behalf, while you retain all ownership rights. This means you can sell, lease, or pass on the property as you see fit, just like any other property owner.

    Full Ownership Rights

    You have the same rights as a Mexican property owner, including the ability to sell, lease, transfer, or mortgage the property

    Legal Security

    The Bank Trust is a well-established legal mechanism in Mexico, ensuring your investment is secure and protected under Mexican law.

    Renewable Terms

    The trust is set up for 50 years and can be renewed indefinitely, allowing you and future generations to maintain control over the property.

    Estate Planning

    The trust makes it easier to pass the property on to heirs, simplifying the inheritance process and reducing potential legal complications.

    Although the process might initially seem complex, it is entirely managed and supervised by a reputable banking entity. Only a few simple documents are required, including a valid passport, birth certificate, and proof of address. These straightforward requirements make the process accessible and convenient for buyers.

    The initial setup costs typically range between $500 and $1,200 USD, while annual maintenance fees are generally between $500 and $700 USD. However, these fees are subject to variation as they are determined by the banking entity providing the service.

    A Bank Trust not only transforms your dream of owning property in Mexico into reality but also offers unparalleled flexibility. It allows you to rent out your property for additional income or use it as a seasonal getaway to enjoy the vibrant beauty of Mexico. Whether your plan is to generate rental income for part of the year or to create unforgettable memories during your personal stays, Mexico provides an attractive combination of high returns and diverse options to perfectly match your lifestyle and investment goals.

    Hope this information helps anyone in this group who is considering expanding their investment portfolio into international markets.

    To our success!