"South of the Border" Retirement Options by Mark Venegas With the ever-increasing cost of health care and retirement in the US, countless boomers and those nearing the age of retirement, have been looking South of the border to maximize the "Quality of Life" in their golden years. With thriving communities of American retirees already living in cities such as San Miguel de Allende, Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, the option of retiring into "affordable luxury" is often a topic in newspapers like the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today. Although foreigners can own inland, the costal areas of Mexico are under protection, but the “Fedicomiso” is a law enacted where foreigners have their property held in a “trust” by a bank, the buyer being the beneficiary of that trust, and can buy, sell, renovate and exploit that property in any way they see fit, as if they actually owned the land. Within Banderas Bays’ uniquely protective waters, Puerto Vallarta has always been a destination for a myriad of travelers. Once here, foreigners fall in love with the friendly people and lifestyles which are particularly unique to Mexico. Always a playground to the international jet set, and once the home to Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor; Puerto Vallarta has once again become the destination for second-home ownership to wise retirees looking for a lifestyle, above and beyond what most people only dream of. Another benefit to choosing to retire in Puerto Vallarta and its environs is the cities close proximity to an international airport, and several world class hospitals in the area. Familiar American chain-stores such as Wal-Mart and Office Max, all add to city's reputation of being "First-World." The process of purchasing property in Mexico was once fraught with the stigma of unscrupulous sellers deceiving less than knowledgeable foreign investors. With the establishment of the Fedicomiso, the fear of safely purchasing property has been laid to rest. The process of purchasing and maintaining your property in Mexico is much easier now for foreign investors, and thousands of buyers are going through the process each year. Mexico has become a haven for countless retirees who have chosen a low cost of living as the key benefit to reevaluating their retirement needs. The high resale value of property is also an added benefit, as well as the potential of income bearing properties in vacation areas such as the Puerto Vallarta, Punta Mita area. Venegas Realty has quickly become the first stop on savvy second-home buyer’s itinerary on their vacation itinerary. Venegas World Star Realty, an agency dedicated to servicing an international clientele of investors, retirees and luxury second-home buyers in and around Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, is proud to represent Monte Verde Villas. Perched above Colonial Old Town Vallarta, Monte Verde Villas is a state of the art, ecologically conscious luxury development, nestled in the jungle just above the cobble-stoned streets of the charming city. Each unit with its own Infinity pool, Monte Verde Villas is the perfect self-contained luxury high-rise for the retiree who enjoys quiet evenings, as well as close access to the antique shops, restaurants, shopping and nightlife that has drawn tourists, artists and celebrities alike to this hip and vibrant area. www.monteverdevillas.com Las Terrazas Golf Villas is another example of an ideal retirement option in the exclusive and spectacular Punta Mita region of Jalisco, Mexico. A short drive from the International Airport in Puerto Vallarta, Las Terrazas Golf Villas is the perfect escape from the city. Each villa is equipped with two Master Suites, each with its own elegant bathroom, and spectacular views of Banderas Bay. With a world class golf course, and the most complete concierge service in the region, Las Terrazas Golf Villas is ideal for active retiree. www.lasterazaspuntamita.com Somewhere along the line, the client will choose to visit Puerto Vallarta. Venegas World Star Realty will set you up in one of the numerous properties that the company already manages for their clients who chose to open their properties up for daily, weekly or monthly rental. A representative will then take you on a tour that is best describes as breathtaking. The activation to this dream of owning this slice of paradise can only begins once you call them or visit their website. Venegas World Star Realty www.venegasrealty.com (866) 580-1977