Exterior rendering Casa Del Sol three bedroom

Club Cascadas de Baja in Cabo San Lucas Mexico, is one of the oldest resorts in the area and is still one of the most luxurious, sought after and exclusive resorts in all of Mexico.

Club Cascadas is a timeshare resort, one of the original, most exclusive projects, offering 17 different villas styles from one to 4 bedroom and now offering two new Villas.

Casa Del Rey private pool

The Giddings family has added their private residence to the inventory of Club Cascadas de Baja.  This came on the market only last week.  There is a six bedroom unit with two private pools, about 16,000 square feet and a magnificent three bedroom unit will be constructed on the third and fourth floor of the existing home.

The six bedroom unit also features a private beach, and pictured to the left is one of the private pools…there is another on the second floor!

The use of stone and other native materials make this one of the most magnificent homes in Baja,  and right on Medano beach!  This is the only single home on Medano Beach.

Each week will be sold as a “fixed week” in a “fixed unit”.

Conceptual rendering of dining area

Villa Del Rey, the three story Penthouse will feature private elevator access to the main floor which features two bedrooms, a private pool, a Palapa bar and plenty of deck space for sunbathing and relaxing.

This rendering shows the dining area, off the living room, and features an indoor jacuzzi.   There are 180 degree views from both the third and fourth floor balconies.    Sunrise views of Lands End greet you each morning.

Dining on your private beach

If you are considering any kind of ownership in Cabo San Lucas, a home, a fractional or just a couple of weeks, you should look into this project.  Pre construction pricing is offered at this time, but won’t last long.   Prices start at approximately 100k per week, and are worth every penny!   There are only about 100 weeks of ownership, and 15% have sold!

For a complete package, contact me at this post or through the web site.

http://www.clubcascadasdebaja.com/casagiddings/

Tiburon "Shark" Pool

Cabo San Lucas is probably the best known location in Baja California Sur.  We are very excited to be involved with what think it the most exclusive and exquisite project in Baja Sur, Club Cascadas de Baja.

This project is just incredible, please take a moment to ready why.

One of the oldest resorts in Cabo, Club Cascadas de Baja is a tribute to Architect Paul Edward Giddings.  Patricia Giddings and the whole Giddings family have created the most unique fractional ownership program in the industry.

Villa Luna - Private plunge pool

This project boast 17 different floor plans and is a “Fixed Week / Fixed Unit” timeshare, that is actually being turned over to the Membership.   The Developer is turning the entire property over to the 5,000 members, who will own the property in perpetuity.   Probably the most creative and desirable ownership program I have ever seen anywhere in the industry.

Estrella A Private pool

Many of the units have private pools and Jacuzzi, swim up bar with Palapa and other amenities.

Owners purchase a fixed week, or often multiple weeks in the Villas.   The Villa and week that they choose is theirs ..forever.   Many of the members at the Club own multiple weeks, and it is now their permanent vacation home in Cabo.   Multiple generations of families vacation at least once a year, staying in their own Villa.

Club Cascadas Grounds

The grounds of the property are meticulously maintained, beautifully landscaped and kept.

This is a great vacation option for those who want extended stays in Cabo, but do not want the commitment of a full time residence at this time.   Prices start at about $20,000.00 a week, and well worth it.

I would be happy to put you in touch with the sales team on site if you wish any further information.  Just leave a comment on the post, and I will get you more info or contact me directly at rory@kizaassociates.com

Jumping Manta Ray

La Paz and Todos Santos in Baja California Sur will bring very good value to the market in 2011.

This post lists the properties that we are offering, with some interesting options that we feel bring added value.

NewTek Construction Solutions and KiZa Associates are working together to bring you options that make it very easy to buy or build in La Paz and the area.    The options listed below outline the programs that we will be focusing on for the first half of the year.   These represent what we feel are the best options in Baja.   All of our research and information that we can find suggests that buyers are not only looking at purchase price, the lowest price may not be the best deal.  The real value in today’s market comes from the whole cost of the investment.  The price, the cost of ownership, the cost of living in the area, the HOA fees and the potential re sale value.   If you look at those features, the projects that we represent will be of interest to you.  Grab a coffee, this is worth the read, and it is not that long.

Two Bedroom at La Concha Pearl

La Concha Pearl is just the best Beach Front Condo project in the area.  It is registered for LEED certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.  It is the Greenest project in Baja Sur, and the location is exceptional.  Beach front for under $300.00 a square foot!  That is good value!   Two bedroom two bathroom $639,000.00.   We are also offering a six week Fractional Ownership option with a full equity upgrade to full ownership, for $199,000.00.     Finance options are available at U.S. rates.  Flexible purchase options that meet your requirements are also available.   Cash discounts are available.   The cost of ownership is the lowest in La Paz.  Lower energy costs, lower HOA fees, and the higher resale value of a Green buildings is well documented.  Half of the 33 units are sold.   There is still great inventory to chose from starting at $459,000.00 for a one bedroom suite.

Webber Home, Casa Oasis

Real de Santa Ana in Todos Santos is a 130 home subdivision, walking distance to downtown.  This was a good project in 2010, and it is a better project now.   There are two model homes for sale at $165K  U.S. and $175K U.S.   There are two homes under construction, which are a little smaller, at $155K U.S.   You have an option of buying a specific lot and having us build a Green home for you of your design for the same price as the existing homes.   The options are wide open and the prices are exceptional.

We feel there are four important factors that will dictate what sells in 2011, and we are focusing on those new buyer profiles.  Based on research by Zogby, Cotton Company, Census Bureaus and banking institutions.

1.  Buyers look at the whole cost of a real estate purchase, not just the initial purchase price.  La Concha Pearl addresses this issue completely.

2. The financial demographics have shifted.  The person who was willing to spend 500k on a vacation home is now willing to spend $250k.   The client who was willing to spend 1 million, is now looking at spending 500k, and so on.   Both Real de Santa Ana and La Concha Pearl speak to this fact.

3. Those looking for third homes for retirement, are now looking at home for vacationing for the next five or six years, as their financial situation will not let them retire for a few more years.  They are working longer.  La Concha Pearl’s Fractional Ownership option addresses this perfectly.

4. Healthy and active lifestyle options are very important to the purchase decision.   La Paz, Todos Santos and Baja Sur in general meet these needs.

Mesa's at La Ballena

La Ballena is a 13,000 acre project north of  La Paz with over 2 km of beach front.   10,000 acres of this land will be designated as a preserve.  We are in pre development, permitting and planning.  The developer is starting Phase one with 102 lots and a six room Ocean Club boutique hotel.   Construction will start this summer.

There is an opportunity for co development on this project. We are offering parcels from 50 to 500 acres available for small  developments by other parties interested in doing a s development of their own within the master plan.  Water concessions are secured.  Please contact me if you have any interest in a co development JV opportunity.    The Mesa sites in the photo on the right are large.  Some 10 acres.  Wouldn’t that make an awesome site for a corporate or family compound? Wow!!

Casa Laguna

Another program that we have started is a developer financed program designed specifically for an entry level market.   One emerging market that we want to attract is the 25 to 30 year old buyer.   More than ever, this  demographic sees the importance of investing in a home when they are young adults, not waiting until later.  To this end, we are offering an entry level home at Real de Santa Ana in Todos Santos, especially for this market.

Casa Laguna example

We will offer a two bedroom, 1200 square foot home on a 500 square meter lot for $155,000.00.  This will be a Green home, built with the Quad Lock ICF system, complete with pool and appliances.  The developer will require a one third down payment and the balance will be financed by the Developer for ten years with no pre payment penalty.   We know that if we get these younger buyers now, we likely will have more customers in the future!

So there you have our optimistic outlook and marketing plans for the future.  Literally, I think we have something for everyone.   We are not going to lose business over how much somebody wants to spend, or how then want to pay us!!

Please drop me a line with questions or comments.   2011 is already shaping up to be a great year.

rory@kizaassociates.com

The Real de Santa Ana community

Our last post dealt with the diverse opportunities that are available in La Paz, and other areas of Baja California Sur.

Thanks for all your great comments, it is only through your comments that we can improve our offerings and services to our clients.

This post is further evidence of the diverse opportunities that we are presenting to small development companies, corporations looking to diversify profits, and those individuals interested in  living or retiring in La Paz, or Baja California Sur.

Model Home, Todos Santos

We are working with two land owners who have several lots available for sale.  One is in the city of Todos Santos, the other, in the Centenario area of La Paz.

These land owners have asked KiZa Associates to co develop these properties with them by introducing this new ownership concept, with shared risk, and shared rewards.

Just outside Todos Santos, Baja California Sur

Here is the deal!

If you commit to building a spec home on a lot in either of these two areas, you will not pay for the land, until the home has been sold.   In addition, our building company, Newtek Construction Solutions will construct the homes at cost using the Quad Lock ICF building system.   When the home is sold, the land will be paid and the profit will be paid.  This is what some people call ‘having skin in the deal’.

Casa Laguna example

We will provide complete plans.  There are  three models to choose from.   These are two and three bedroom homes.  I will of course send details at your request.

The Laguna model is a ‘Hacienda’ style, with a center courtyard and an outside kitchen, leading out to a pool and landscaped back yard.

Two of the models could include a second building that has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, this separate Casita is an option that you could add to the Todos Santos, or Oasis Model home.

We will require 5 months to complete the home, including all finishing and appliances, ready for furniture.

Here are some options to consider.

Riding on the beach

Build two homes, one for personal use, vacationing and retirement, sell the second home.

We will allow on person or company to take a maximum of 5 lots, but all homes must be started immediately, you do not pay for any of the land until the homes are sold.

Clients will pay the construction costs, not the profit, but the costs to build the home, all profit will be distributed at the time of closing the sale per the previously agreed upon amounts which are contractually outlined.

Marketing will begin immediately for the sale of the homes.   There are no additional costs to the owner, we pay for all up front Marketing costs.

Balandra Bay

This is a way to get your home built, make a little money, an minimize your risks.   No one makes any money until the home is sold.   We cover all upfront costs.

There are details that we do not cover in this post, but we have covered the basics of the program.

Please drop me a line if you wish to learn more about this unique program.  Remember, we are offering this option on two pieces of property.  One in Todos Santos, the other in Centenario, just outside the city of La paz.   Drop me a line at rory@kizaassociates.com

Rendering of Real de Santa Ana community

Real de Santa Ana, in Todos Santos, Baja California Sur is offering an outstanding opportunity on the two remaining model homes in the sub division.  This project will host 130 homes and is located on the southern edge of the city, walking distance to down town.   Each lot is 500 square meters, fully serviced ready to build.  All services are below ground.

The lots without a home are priced at $30,000.00 U.S. with the acknowledgment  that the client must start their home in one year from the time of purchase and complete the home in six months from the start date.

Model Home, Todos Santos

Casa Todos Santos is a three bedroom with a loft office area and a huge balcony.  It has a two bedroom two bathroom Casita, separate from the main home.   This home is approximately 1400 square feet.  Travertine floors, granite counter tops, ready for furniture.

Price is $175,000.00.   Down payment:  52,500.00. Monthly payment:  $1,329.45.

Term:  10 years.   Interest:  5.5% Fixed

Casa Laguna

Casa Laguna is a little smaller home, two bedroom, about 12oo square feet.  It is a small version of a traditional “Hacienda” style home with a center courtyard area that features an outside Kitchen and room for a pool and gardens.

Price:  $165,000.00   Down Payment: $49,500.00  Monthly payment $1,253.48  Term: 10 years.   Interest: 5.5% fixed.  There is no pre payment penalty. 

RDSA plan with sold inventory

Todos Santos is in the path of great development with the four lane highway from Cabo San Lucas to Todos Santos very near completion.   Easy access from two international airports.   The climate is ideal, and the lifestyle is tranquil and inviting.   Minutes from the best surfing and swimming on the Pacific.

As you can see, several lots have been sold, a small commercial area is under development, plans for golf and other amenities in the area are underway.

This not only is a great lifestyle choice, but at these prices, it is a very sound investment opportunity.

Please contact me for full details on these two model homes, prices will never be lower and the finance option makes this a very attractive offer, we do not expect these two homes to be on the market for long.

rory@kizaassociates.com

Casa Millstone

Cerritos Beach, located on the Pacific side of the Baja Peninsula, near Todos Santos, is one of the best known surf locations in Baja California Sur.

Casa Millstone is a rare opportunity to own a home on one of the most famous surfing beaches in Baja Sur.  The property has an existing home and existing plans for a garage, pool and patio area.

The lot is 10 meters by 72 meters in size, and has an equal size adjoining lot which is also for sale.

Interior of Casa Millstone

Ideal for a family compound, or a corporate retreat.   There is sufficient space to build three or four additional two bedroom homes, and have a center courtyard with a pool, jacuzzi and firepit.

Owner will provide plans for the pool and Jacuzzi, or finish those amenities for the new owner.   The home features two bedrooms and a loft style third bedroom.  There is also a separate Laundry room.

Cerritos Beach, Baja California Sur

The lots can be sold separately, or as a pair.   Each is 10 meters by 72 meters in size.  The one lot has the existing home, and we have plans for the the pool and garage, we could build for the new owner, or they could have the plans and build themselves at a later date.

The adjacent lot of the same size is available separately, but the real value in this property is to purchase both lots, and have the flexibility to add homes and amenities to the property as time goes on.   With the four lane highway near completion between Todos Santos and Cabo San Lucas, this property will go up in value quickly.   Now is the time to own a Beachfront home at an exceptional value.

Surfing Cerritos

There are many properties for sale in the area, but few that are right on the beach, walk out your front door and catch a wave.

This is not a fire sale.   The owner is aware of the value of the property, and it is priced fairly.

For more information on the property, pricing, PDF files of the home, the garage and the pool, contact me for full details at rory@KiZaAssociates.com

Exploring the Islands of the Sea of Cortez

La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur is seeing more and more activity as long time Baja Aficionados, who used to frequent Cabo San Lucas , drive 2 hours north to the “City of Peace” for a more tranquil environment that offers a much lower cost of living, very good medical and dental care, familiar retail environments like Home Depot, Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club.

Clear waters of the Sea of Cortez

La Paz is an activity based lifestyle community offering reasonably priced golf, some of the best fishing in Baja, whale watching, hiking, kayaking, camping, great local cuisine and fine dining.  With five Marinas, La Paz is also attracting the boating enthusiast.  The Sea of Cortez boasts some of the best cruising in Mexico.   In short, La Paz offers much more value.

Island sunset

As the economy finds its new legs, value is replacing price as the buying motivator, and that is what La Paz offers.  Most developers in the area were reluctant to drop their prices three years ago.  This strategy was well executed as clients continued to purchase property over the past years.  Luxury beachfront Condos at $300.00 a square foot brought back memories of prices of the mid 90′s when Cabo was booming.  This value vs. pricing strategy showed buyers that La Paz is a destination that has matured over the years and that the product was comparable or better than other Mexican ocean front destinations.

La Concha Pearl

Federal and local advertising campaigns, supported the branding of La Paz as an alternative destination.  Direct flights to the La Paz International airport are not as frequent as they are to Cabo San Lucas, so the local Developers Association working with the Hotel Association jointly  developed a twice daily shuttle service between the San Jose Del Cabo airport and downtown La Paz, enabling the La Paz bound tourist to take advantage of better pricing and availability by flying to Cabo and taking an inexpensive shuttle to La Paz.  All of the La Paz developers are cooperating in this effort to introduce clients to the “Oasis to the North”.

Jumping Manta Ray

The supply and demand equation in La Paz is much different than many Mexican Resort Destinations.  With a limited amount of Beach Front and ocean view inventory, it made sense for developers to hold the 2009 pricing and not enter the vortex of discounting prices.  Sales were slow of course, but not any slower than other destinations that radically reduced pricing to try to generate sales.  La paz held pricing and focused on value.  Even heavily discounted prices in other destinations, were higher than the regular priced inventory in La Paz.  Holding price and building value in the properties, the amenities, lifestyle choices and attributes of the city, was actually more successful than price reductions and fire sales.

Moon setting ...sun rising..The Malecon in La Paz

The third advantage of purchasing in La Paz is the diverse choice of inventory.  Developers are offering a very versatile ‘mixed use’ environment.  Beach Front condo developers were only selling a ‘full ownership’ product, opened up some of the inventory to the Fractional Ownership market, even allowing those fractional buyers the ability to ‘upgrade’ at full value to full ownership Condo.  This provided the client a ‘baby step’ into ownership of real property in Mexico.

Rendering of Real de Santa Ana community

Even developers that were previously planning communities of 500 homes on land of 500 acres, revamped their master plans to provide a smaller core community of 100 homes and providing sufficient amenities and commercial centers to service those clients.  Tennis courts, Gym, Spa and services and restaurants in the core commercialization area.  The Master Plan for these communities feature a variety of options including normal building lots, estate lots, larger “Ranchettes” for family compounds as well as fourplex buildings and ‘clusters’ of condos with private pools.   More than ever, clients can pick the type of residence that suits their needs and budget, with the ‘build to suite’ option from the developer, providing that the clients are willing to accept the architectural guidelines of the C.C.&R’s.   The Azul de Cortez project a few minutes from La Paz, has several product offerings including a Marina, Golf Course and Spa.  They have focused on a very personalized outdoor / indoor living environment, a personal journey for each of their owners, who choose a lifestyle and amenities rich community.

Paraiso del Mar Golf

Developers are considering a golf course as a second or third phase option as part of a Master Planned community.  Memberships price and monthly fees are a big concern to the semi retired owner, who may only use their home as a vacation retreat two or three months a year for the next 5 to 7 years until they retire.

Sunset on the Sea of Cortez

What about the crime rate in Mexico?   The best answer is this, if you really do your homework, really look closely at the statistics in Baja, you will find that the Crime rate in Southern Baja is not what is reported on the news.   Border towns in any country in the world do have higher crime rates than any other destinations in the country.

Looking forward to your comments.   rory@kizaassociates.com

Yes!....it is Pink

The last race of the Pro Baja season,  in La Paz, Baja California Sur was held October 31st.  Pro Baja led the Charity drive for Onco Reto B.C.S., to raise funds for new equipment for the early detection of Breast Cancer.  Yes, we actually painted the truck Pink!  Everyone wore pink shirts in support of this great cause, happy to help!  Congratulations to everyone for a great effort.

"La Cachora"

An special course lap, by all race vehicles, was dedicated to the memory of Eduardo Fernandez of La Cachora Racing, who recently  passed away.   A great racer and competitor and a great team.

The entire La Paz racing community will long remember the many great races and wins that this team earned over the years.

Class one

The last race of the season is always an exciting event.  This year Pro Baja chose the Monroy Circuito as a venue which proved a big success.  This is short course, only 1.6 Kilometers, but a great spectator venue, many who actually camped out overnight on Saturday, to secure the best vantage points for seeing the whole track.

Oops !!

A race course this tight with so many entries in each class is going to have some casualties!

Lots of bumping and grinding and exchanges in tight corners, but as always, great sportsmanship from great competitors, with no injuries except for bruised egos!

Class 5 Gladiators

Many thanks to Manolo Nunuz of Pro-Baja for organizing a really incredible season.

Even in challenging economic times we saw strong entries in every race which is a testament to the Pro Baja organization and the succesfull and careful planning of events throughout the year.

The fan support that we enjoy is successful in part because of this sanctioning organization, which offers venues that are accessible, race dates with no conflicts, advance scheduling, great route planning and a lot of hard work.  Thank you Pro Baja for your great efforts!!

Happy Winner

Once again Andrea Tomba and ATR racing secured the Class 8 open championship!

It was a challenging year with many ups and downs, close races, tight competition, broken equipment, bent differentials, broken shocks, flat tires, ignition system mishaps, bent drive shafts, no brakes and   hot weather.  God what joy!

Andrea Tomba Racing Team Photo

The 2010 season was great fun as always and without the efforts of a great many people it would not be possible to race at all, let alone win championships.

The people in this team photos all contributed to a great season.  These dedicated individuals are what Baja racing is all about.   Everyone plays a part in the overall success of the team.  This is a family of committed and talented individuals who all deserve a pat on the back.

A special thanks though to Andrea and Anna Tomba for their leadership and spirit.  We are all proud to be involved and look forward to another great season next year.

Real Estate Update:

La Concha Pearl

Racing and Real Estate.  Odd combination of interests, but that is what we have been seeing.  Many of our clients are off road racing enthusiasts!  Some have purchased lots, others Condos, others fractional ownership.  Off road racing is just part of the lifestyle of Baja.  Drop us a line if you want to know more about owning property in La Paz and the area.

Our Construction division, Newtek Construction Solutions has finished two homes in the area this year, and we will be building several more “Green” homes for clients in 2011.   Buy a lot and we will build you a home!   rory@KiZaAssociates.com

La Concha Pearl from 1000 Feet!

The city of La Paz in Baja California Sur, is fast becoming one of the most sought after vacation and retiremement destinations in Baja.   It’s about time!

Our neighbor to the south, Cabo San Lucas has for many years offered a variety of vacation products, full ownership, timeshare, and of course fractional ownership.  The later positioning itself between the other two as a viable alternative for many semi retired clients.  It is interesting that the average use of a vacation home in Cabo is 28 days a year!

La Concha Pearl

Developer Dan Shore is now offering a Fractional Ownership option at La Concha Pearl.   This will be one of the few Green Fractional projects offered in the industry, in any vacation destination.  The idea is born from requests by clients who wish to own a quality vacation home on the Beach, but can not justify purchasing a full time residence.

Living Room looking outside to the patio

Fractional Ownership represents the best of both worlds for many, and we are very pleased to be the first to offer a fractional option in the City of Peace.

I can not list all of the details in this blog, so please contact me if you are interested and I will send all the details to you, but here are the high points.

Dining Room looking towards Kitchen

Low maintenance fees.  This is a Green project, the owners receive the benefits of lower energy costs.

A La Carte Concierge Services.  Each owner pays for the services they use.

7 week intervals that can be broken up into smaller use periods or used at one time.

Two Bedroom at La Concha Pearl

The program includes one bedroom inventory, which most Fractional programs do not offer.  This one feature is important.  Many of the clients that we surveyed desired smaller inventory.   Two bedroom inventory, like the floor plan on the right are the most popular and also available.  Pricing starts at $199,000.00 for  a 7 week fraction in a one bedroom suite, on the beach…forever.

A Beachfront Condominium is a dream for many people hoping to retire in Mexico, a fractional in La Paz is a great choice for many.

If you think this is a plan that could work for you or someone you know, drop me a line and I will send all the pertinent details.

Leave me a message on this blog or contact me directly.  rory@KiZaAssociates.com

Island sunset

La Paz, Baja California Sur, is home to 15,000 expatriates from the U.S. and 3,000 expats from other countries in the world.

Some are full time residents, some are seasonal residents.

We came across some very interesting research that we wanted to share with you.   This study was done by  Zogby International and they have kindly given us permission to re publish some of those findings.

La Concha Pearl

This study is very well done, very informative.  We have taken excerpts from the study that are pertinent to La Paz and Mexico, but I encourage you to go through their web site and take a good look at all of the information, the link is at the end of this article.

The study covers all ages and income brackets and has some surprising information.

It is worth your while to grab a coffee and take a few minutes to review this information.

Zogby International

Check out their web site for more great information.

http://www.zogby.com/

Thanks for the read, drop us a line, or email me direct at rory@kizaassociates.com