Your Mazatlan Brings Events to Regina, Saskatoon and Edmonton
28 Sep 2010 Leave a Comment
in Golf, Mexico Real Estate, Mexico Tourism Tags: Alberta, Americans, baby boomers, canadians, Edmonton, El Cid Real Estate, event, golf, holiday, investment, mazatlan, mexican real estate, mexico, mexico real estate information center, North Americans, recreation, Regina, retire, Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, snow birds, Travel, Walfre Mazatlan Real Estate
El Cid Real Estate and Walfre Real Estate will bring a preview of Mazatlan to Regina, Saskatoon and Edmonton on October 14, 15 and 16, respectively. 
El Cid Real Estate and Walfre Real Estate will kick-off the “Your Mazatlan” campaign in Saskatchewan and Alberta this October. The campaign – which is also sponsored by the Mexico Tourism Board and the State Tourism Board – will provide a platform for Americans and Canadians who travel to Mazatlan to share their experiences. Thus, travelers who are new to the resort can learn about it through their peers; and Snow Birds will have the opportunity to share their thoughts.
The cocktail receptions, organized by Sinclair and Ruiz, will be a social medium for guests to meet new people and learn about wintering in Mazatlan. A brief presentation will discuss cost of living, healthcare and investment in the city. The hosts will raffle several prizes – including accommodation at El Cid Resorts and rounds of Golf. For further information and to register for the events, please visit www.yourmazatlan.com.
If you don’t live in one of the cities where the cocktail receptions are taking place, check the website after October 18th for promotions open to residents across North America and your opportunity to share your experiences.
About the Hosts:
El Cid was one of the first master- planned resorts in Mexico and now boasts 4 hotels, a gated community, 27-hole golf course, Marina and Country Club in Mazatlan; and hotel resorts in Cancun and Cozumel. El Cid is home to the largest community of Americans and Canadians in Mazatlan and continues to be the most exclusive area in Mazatlan.
Walfre Real Estate is the most respected real estate service in Mazatlan with over 30 years of experience serving Americans and Canadians. Professional services include: sales and leasing, legal and fiscal consulting, property management and rental referrals, translations and interpreter assistance.
El Cid and Walfre, the two most recognized names for Mazatlan’s luxury real estate, have come together to share Mazatlan with North America. There is no better time to experience Mazatlan.
Mazatlan Will Build On Successes Of September’s Western Canada Tour
27 Sep 2010 Leave a Comment
in Mexico Tourism Tags: baby boomers, beach, Calgary, canadians, Edmonton, event, holiday, mazatlan, mexico, snow birds, Tourism, Travel, Travel agents, Vancouver, Western Canada
Mazatlan Hotel Association representatives will return to Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver in October to meet with travel agents and trade media; as well as provide a training seminar to WestJet Vacations reservations staff.
Vancouver, B.C. – September 27th, 2010 – A delegation of Mazatlan’s tourism industry executives and government officials recently concluded a tour of Western Canada within the framework of Mexico Fest and the Addison Travel Trade Shows. In an effort to build on the successes of the September tour, Mazatlan Hotel Association representatives will return to Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver on October 13, 14, and 15 respectively.
During the recent tour, the delegation met with travel agents and Canadian travel industry partners. “Travel agents and our travel partners were very interested to learn more about Mazatlan’s infrastructure and the new travel circuits we are promoting to the surrounding magical towns,” said Francisco de la Vega Aragon, State Secretary of Tourism. In response, Mazatlan Hotel Association representatives will host breakfast seminars for travel agents and trade media. The group will also host a training seminar for WestJet Vacations reservations staff.
“Just as our Canadian travel partners have expressed their commitment to Mazatlan as an important holiday destination, we are committed to sharing the best of Mazatlan with Canadians,” Said Julio Birrueta, Director of Marketing for the Mazatlan Hotel Association. “We will continue to work towards strengthening our relationship with the Canadian travel industry.” For more information about the October events for travel agents and travel media please visit: www.clearingcalendar.ca
About Mazatlan:
Mazatlan is located on Mexico’s Pacific Coast at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains. Founded in the 16th Century, Mazatlan possesses one of Mexico’s only seaside historic centers. One in every three travelers that visits Mazatlan is Canadian. The city, State Tourism Board, and the Mazatlan Hotel Association are thrilled to bring a part of Mazatlan to Canada as a preview to the winter season. For more information visit: www.gomazatlan.com.
Mazatlan Concludes Its Western Canada Tour
22 Sep 2010 Leave a Comment
in Mexico Tourism Tags: baby boomers, beach, Calgary, canada, canadians, Edmonton, event, holiday, information, mazatlan, mexico, Mexico Fest, Saskatoon, Tourism, Travel, Vancouver, Western Canada, Winnipeg.
Francisco de la Vega Aragon, State Secretary of Tourism, led a delegation that invited Canadians to visit Mazatlan and the Copper Canyon.
Vancouver, B.C. – Sept. 22nd, 2010- The Mazatlan delegation concluded its visit to Western Canada this past week. The group of travel industry executives and Tourism Board officials traveled to Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon and Winnipeg. The tour took place within the framework of Mexico Fest and the annual Addison Travel Trade Shows; and aimed to promote the Mazatlan and Copper Canyon Getaway.
“Mazatlan’s tourism industry representatives spoke enthusiastically to travel agents and travelers,” Said the State Secretary of Tourism. “Our goal is to encourage Western Canadians to explore the myriad of attractions that the destination offers.”
Mazatlan’s seminars encouraged guests to explore Cosalá and El Quelite – the magical towns that surround Mazatlan, in addition to cultural and historic attractions. Paul Beckman invited guests to participate in the upcoming Sustainable Nature Tourism Symposium & Expo taking place in Mazatlan in December 2010. Mr. Beckman, President of the event’s organizing committee, noted that the expo will bring together universities, entrepreneurs, governments and environmental authorities to discuss the development of sustainable tourism in the region.
Thousands of Canadians travel to Mazatlan each year and many return multiple times to the city known as the Pearl of the Pacific. Throughout the tour, the delegation expressed the diversity of activities available, which provide new and exciting experiences to Canadians who choose Mazatlan as their holiday destination.
About Mazatlan:
Mazatlan is located on Mexico’s Pacific Coast at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains. Founded in the 16th Century, Mazatlan possesses one of Mexico’s only seaside historic centers. One in every three travelers that visits Mazatlan is Canadian. The city, State Tourism Board, and the Mazatlan Hotel Association are thrilled to bring a part of Mazatlan to Canada as a preview to the winter season. For more information visit: www.gomazatlan.com.
El Cid Invites Travelers to Discover Mazatlan
16 Sep 2010 Leave a Comment
in Golf, Mexico Real Estate, Mexico Tourism Tags: Americans, canadians, Cancun, Cozumel, discovery week, El Cid Real Estate, gated community, golf, holiday, hotel, invest, marina, mazatlan, mexico, real estate, Resorts, retire, snow birds, Tourism
The resort’s real estate division announces complimentary activities to guests who want to experience the destination’s lifestyle.
El Cid Real Estate, a division of El Cid Resorts, offers ongoing Discovery Weeks to travelers who want to exlplore Mazatlan’s lifestyle. Each week features activities that uncover what the city offers to Snow Birds. El Cid is a master-planned resort that encompasses 4 hotels, a gated community, golf and country club and marina. The gated community is home to the largest number of American and Canadian residents in Mazatlan. Thus, El Cid knows that many of their hotel guests are looking for more than a two week holiday.
El Cid boasts a 27-hole golf course
“Our city is a friendly and vibrant place that caters to Americans and Canadians … and each year hundreds of people visit Mazatlan in their search for a place to winter or retire,” Says Jorge Gomez, Sales Manager for El Cid Real Estate. “That is why we designed Discovery Week activities that cater to hotel guests with a longer-term vision.”
The Discovery Week includes a cocktail reception; land and sea tour; sunset tour; Mexican Fiesta; a day of golf or spa; as well as a presentation on healthcare and investment. The registration fee will be waived for travelers who book an all-inclusive package at any of the resort’s 4 Mazatlan hotels. El Cid’s discovery weeks are ongoing through December 2010. For further information visit: http://elcid.sinclairandruiz.com/
About El Cid Resorts:
El Cid was one of the first master planned resorts in Mexico. El Cid boasts hotels, golf courses, a marina, and a residential development in Mazatlan; as well as Hotel Resorts in Cancun and Cozumel. El Cid’s gated community in Mazatlan is the most exclusive area in the city. El Cid hotels offer all-inclusive packages through several airlines. Visit www.elcidrealestate.com
Thousands of Vancouverites Embraced Mazatlan at Mexico’s Ultimate Fiesta
12 Sep 2010 1 Comment
in Mexico Tourism Tags: event, holiday, mazatlan, mexico, Mexico Fest, Sinaloa, snow birds, Tourism, Travel, Vancouver
The Mexico Independence Fiesta, a part of Mexico Fest, took place on Saturday September 11th at Thurlow Plaza and featured Mazatlan. As the rain fell on the dramatic stage framed by the North Shore Mountains, the event inspired nostalgia in Snow Birds and Mexican-Canadians alike.
Michael Peligal and Helen Wong started going to Mazatlan thirty years ago. They returned to Mazatlan year after year as they became close friends with many locals. Now they own a place in Mazatlan.
“The local people are phenomenal,” says Michael. “The climate is great, the food is wonderful and it’s just relaxing. All the things you read about that are going on in Mexico, you just don’t feel them when you are there … Mazatlan is a great city.”
Michael and Helen stay informed about Mazatlan while they are in Vancouver. They participate in events Mexico organizes on the Lower Mainland and they are not alone. Thousands of Vancouverites flocked to the Fiesta and many donned traditional Mexican embroidered clothing and sombreros. Partygoers braved the evening rain to sing the Canadian and Mexican national anthems as both countries’ flags stood side by side on the main stage. The crowd sang, danced, ate and cheered as anyone would at a good Mexican fiesta.
About Mazatlan:
Mazatlan is located on Mexico’s Pacific Coast at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains. Founded in the 16th Century, Mazatlan possesses one of Mexico’s only seaside historic centers. One in every three travellers that visits Mazatlan is Canadian. The city, State Tourism Board, and the Mazatlan Hotel Association are thrilled to bring a part of Mazatlan to Vancouver as a preview to the winter season. For more information visit: www.gomazatlan.com
News on Capital Gains Tax on Home Sales in Mexico
12 Sep 2010 2 Comments
in Capital Gains Tax, Land Regimes, Mexico Real Estate Tags: Bank Trusts, capital gains tax, FM2, FM3, homes, invest, mexican real estate, mexico, mexico real estate information center, Notario, Notary, realtor
By Carol Sinclair
With the recent world financial crisis, Mexico, just as other countries, is looking for ways to improve tax collection. Thus, there have been many changes to the rules regarding capital gains tax on home sales in Mexico, and I will attempt to provide the best information possible.
The Changes
Notary Public in Mexico has the legal obligation and responsibility to pay the taxes on a real estate transaction on behalf of both the buyer and seller. That is: the acquisition tax for the buyer and the capital gains tax for the seller. Until recently, on the sale of a home which was your residence, the seller had been exempt from paying the capital gain if he or she could provide utility bills in their name dating back 6 months from the date of the sale.
With non-Mexican sellers the law was not very clear as to the definition of a resident so most notaries in Mazatlan accepted the FM3 document which was available from the local immigration office. On May 4, 2010 a letter was sent to the President of the Mexican Notaries Association from the SAT (which is the Mexican IRS) to clarify many issues to do with the capital gain. One of these issues was the definition of residency of a non-Mexican citizen. On April 30, 2010 the Mexican Immigration Institution launched a series of changes in an effort to modernize systems. So now the Fm3 will be referred to as a non –immigrant or “no-inmigrante”. Fm2 will be referred to as an immigrant permit or “inmigrante” and the landed immigrant status will be referred to as “inmigrado”.
Therefore, non –Mexican citizens will be exempt from the tax only if they have the “ inmigrante” o “inmigrado” status. From what I have been told at the local immigration office you need to have had the non-immigrant status (FM3) for a year before you can apply for the immigrant status (FM2). This year period would be waived if you have family ties to a Mexican citizen. One issue that is not clear at this time is how long you must have the FM2 to qualify for the exemption. This may depend on your notary.
Tax Implications
So if you don’t have an “ inmigrante” or “ inmigrado” status in Mexico you will need to know the tax implications. The Capital Gain is 30% of the gain. The notary will send the necessary information to a tax accountant to calculate the amount. This information will include the date of your purchase and the value which was declared on your deed when you purchased the property. It will mention deductions such as the acquisitions tax you paid when you bought and the public registry fee and the notary’s fee if you have the proper fiscal receipt for this expense. The realtor’s commission is also deductible, but you will need to provide an official receipt. If you are selling a furnished property I would suggest you allocate a separate value to the furnishings and accessories so they will not be considered part of the Real Property.
If you are buying a home which you are planning to remodel, it is very important to find out exactly what will be deductible when you sell and how to get the proper receipts to prove these expenses.
If you sell a home that is in the price range of $500,000. US Dollars or more, there is an added requirement to getting the full exemption. If you have lived in the property for 5 years and can prove it with utility bills etc, and have the residency requirement, you get the full exemption. If you have lived in the property less than 5 years, you get an exemption on the amount of 1,500,000. UDIs* which is roughly $6,500,000 pesos. Over that amount you will be taxed on difference.
So for now, the best advice is to plan ahead so you won’t have any surprises when you sell.
*The UDI “Unidad de Inversion” is a unit of value which linked to inflation and can be converted to pesos. The value of the UDI is posted daily on the Mexican Bank Web Pages.
For further information or a detailed consultation, please contact me at: carol@walfre.com.mx
Mazatlan-Based Sinaloa Folkloric Ballet Performs in Vancouver
11 Sep 2010 2 Comments
in Mexico Tourism Tags: Ballet, event, holiday, mazatlan, mexico, Mexico Fest, Sinaloa, Sinaloa Folkloric Ballet, Tourism, Travel, Vancouver
The colorful ballet was the entertainment centerpiece at Mexico’s Independence Gala Dinner.
Mexico hosted the Independence Gala Dinner at Vancouver’s Italian Cultural Center on Friday September 10th. The evening was a part of Mexico Fest- a series of events that celebrate Mexico’s two hundred year anniversary of independence and feature Mazatlan as the guest destination. 
The Mazatlan-based Sinaloa Folkloric Ballet performed a repertoire that reflected the history and culture of Mexico. Guests enjoyed several dances including the traditional indigenous “dance of the deer.” Vancouverites saw the authentic and cultural side of Mazatlan.
“WestJet is about to enter its fourth year of flying to Mazatlan,” Said Yehudi Altman, Director of Product for WestJet Vacations. “Western Canadians feel at home in Mazatlan. It is a diversified destination with sun and sea; as well as fine arts such as ballet and theater.”
In addition to watching the ballet, guests met Mazatlan’s Mardi Gras queens who were dressed in full royal regalia. The queens’ appearance was a preamble to the traditional independence ceremony introduced by Francisco De la Vega, Secretary of Tourism of Sinaloa and led by Angel Villalobos, Consul General of Mexico in Vancouver.
Alice Wong, Member of Parliament for Richmond, spoke about the Mexican- Canadian community’s commitment to multi-culturalism. Guests sang the Canadian national anthem to acknowledge Mexico’s positive relationship with Canada.
About Mazatlan and Mexico’s Bicentennial Celebrations:
The Independence Gala Dinner is part of a series of Mexico Fest events that feature Mazatlan. Mazatlan is located on Mexico’s Pacific Coast at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains. Founded in the 16th Century, Mazatlan possesses one of Mexico’s only seaside historic centers. One in every three travellers that visits Mazatlan is Canadian. The city, State Tourism Board, and the Mazatlan Hotel Association are thrilled to bring a part of Mazatlan to Vancouver as a preview to the winter season, when most Canadians flock south. For further information visit www.gomazatlan.com
Mexico Fest is organized by the Mexican Consulate in Vancouver with support from the Mexico Tourism Board and the Trade Commission.
FROM GOLF TO FIESTAS, MEXICO CELEBRATES IN VANCOUVER FEATURING MAZATLAN
09 Sep 2010 Leave a Comment
in Golf, Mexico Tourism Tags: Bicentennial Celebrations, golf, holiday, mazatlan, mexico, Mexico Fest, Sunwing, Travel, vacation, westjet
Sep 09, 2010 09:01 ETFROM GOLF TO FIESTAS, MEXICO CELEBRATES IN VANCOUVER FEATURING MAZATLAN
Teeing Off At The Richmond Country Club Is One Way Mexico Celebrates Two Hundred Years of Independence With Lower Mainland Residents.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA–(Marketwire – Sept. 9, 2010) - The Mexico Golf Tournament, held on September 8th, drew golfers from the Lower Mainland to celebrate the two hundred year anniversary of Mexico’s independence. The tournament featured the city of Mazatlan and treated participants to a warm day of golf, followed by cocktails and dinner.
The event drew Canadian business leaders with ties to Mexico; as well as travel industry executives from companies such as Westjet that was a main sponsor and Sunwing Vacations.
”Mazatlan is a destination that represents a different holiday style from traditional all-inclusive vacations. The city has revitalized its downtown core, and has a lot of adventure as well as culture, golf, tennis and deep-sea fishing,” said Graeme Frank, Director of Western Canada Sales for Sunwing.
Golfers experienced a glimpse of Mazatlan’s style through food, music and by meeting the Queens of Mazatlan’s Mardigras. View photos of the event here.
Mike Walls of HSBC won the tournament and trip to Mazatlan.
ABOUT MAZATLAN AND MEXICO’S BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS:
The Mexico Golf Tournament is one of a series of events that feature Mazatlan as part of Mexico Fest. One in every three travellers that visits Mazatlan is Canadian. The city, State Tourism Board, and the Mazatlan Hotel Association are thrilled to bring a part of Mazatlan to Vancouver as a preview to the winter season, when most Canadians flock south. www.gomazatlan.com
Mexico Fest is organized by the Mexican Consulate in Vancouver with support from the Mexico Tourism Board and the Trade Commission.
Sinclair and Ruiz Will Cover Mexico’s Bicentennial Celebrations in Vancouver
03 Sep 2010 2 Comments
in Mexico Tourism Tags: beaches, bicentennial celebration, canadians, golf, mazatlan, mexican fiesta, mexico, mexico independence, Mexico Tourism Board, Sinaloa, State, Tourism, Vancouver
Vancouver. Mexico Fest, taking place from September 7th to the 17th, is a series of events dedicated to celebrating the 200 year anniversary of Mexico’s independence. Mexico Fest includes a cultural events, a golf tournament, gala dinner, and a Mexican Fiesta with traditional Mexican music and food.The featured destination for Mexico Fest is Mazatlan. The resort city draws thousands of Canadians to its beaches each year. Mazatlan, known for its rich cultural heritage as well as its attributes as a tourist destination, will be adding its own flavour to the festivities with music and dancers. The city, State Tourism Board, and the Mazatlan Hotel and Motel Association are happy to bring a part of Mazatlan to Vancouver as a preview to the winter season, which is when most Canadians flock south.
The event is organized by the Mexican Consulate in Vancouver with support from the Mexico Tourism Board and the Trade Commisison.
Stay posted for further details, press releases and pictures.
For information contact mauricio@sinclairandruiz.com 1-866-836-8797 Ext.2
Acquiring Ejido Land in Mexico – Article by Walfre Ibarra Escobar
02 Sep 2010 Leave a Comment
in Land Regimes, Mexico Real Estate Tags: developers, land, mexican law, mexican real estate, mexico, mexico real estate information center, property, realtor, retirees; investors; invest, transfer or rights
There was recently an article in the Vancouver Sun regarding Canadians involved in title disputes over Ejido land. Contrary to what the article says, Mexico has clear laws on land acquisition and it is important that foreigners – as well as nationals- work with professionals who know the laws. There are different types of property in Mexico, as in other countries, and Ejido is a particular kind that is more like an Agricultural Reserve and not the kind of land that is most commonly acquired by foreigners. There are very specific procedures that must be followed in order to buy/sell Ejido land legaly.
Ejido land is a property regime that dates back for more than 80 years, and it is not “private property”. In the 90’s, President Carlos Salinas changed the law so that Ejido land could become transformed into private property in order to be sold as such.
Ejido land may become private property through a process called PROCEDE, which is a program to certify of ejido land Rights. Once the EJIDO LAND becomes private property and IS going to be sold to a third party, there is a legal process that has to be followed:
- First, the COMISARIADO EJIDAL (legal representatives and administrators of an Ejido) has to post a notice on their office board for 30 days advising other ejido owners of the intent to sell. The notice must explain which property is on the market and the price. This is because relatives of the ejidatario who wants to sell (person holding the rights to the ejido) have a first right of refusal by law.
- At the same time a letter of notice has to be sent to the municipality and the state government because they also have a first right of refusal. This is mainly in case a treatment plant or a street is projected on said piece of property.
- All procedures have to be supervised by the Agricultural authorities.
It is not unusual for ejidatarios to transfer their Rights to certain pieces of property assigned to them through an instrument called CARTA DE POSESION or letter of possession. Often, the ejidatarios just sign a simple letter assigning the Rights to somebody else. However, because the letters do not follow the legal procedure noted above, the use of the properties can be reversed back to the original beneficiary.
In general, if the said letters of possession or assignment of Rights is issued by the COMISARIADO EJIDAL - the legal representatives and administrators of that Ejido – they are normally honored as long as the “seller” has been paid and the COMISARIADO EJIDAL has received the payment for administration cost. The sale is not legal but when done this way it is generally honored. There is different legal procedure in place to “legalize” this sort of transfer of rights.
There are also parts of Ejido land which may not be sold nor transferred because they are designated for public use or zoned for schools.
THE LAW IS CLEAR and there has been Ejido land transformed into private property and then sold with no incident. It is very safe and legal when it is done properly. In fact, about 90% of the low cost housing built in Mexico in the last 15 years, has been built on land previously marked as EJIDO LAND. However, to avoid problems the sale has to be handled by a knowledgeable realtor and notary public. Not all realtors and notaries have experience with Ejido land due to its specialized nature. People sometimes look for short cuts specially when the price looks cheap and that is when the problems arise. We do not recomend buying propery with ejido background if a buyer does not know how it works or is not willing to follow all legal procedures. There is a simpler legal procedure in place for the transfer of common private property to nationals and foreigners.
To summerize:
- Ejido land is not private property, but may be transformed into private property through a legal process in order to sell it. It is possible that parts of an ejido may not be sold as they may not be zoned for residential use or they may be designated for public use.
- Ejidatario: Person who has rights to Ejido land. Ejidos are made up of multiple pieces of land, and there are generally several ejidatarios involved in every ejido. One ejidatario may have the rights to multiple pieces of land in defferent areas of the same ejido.
- Comisariado Ejidal: Legal representatives and administrators of an Ejido.
- Municipal government, state government, other ejidatarios and ejidatario family members: all parties have a right of first refusal regarding the sale of ejido rights.
- Just as you would in your home country, be sure to follow all laws and work with realtors and notaries that are experienced and knowledgeable in the type of purchase or sale you want to make.
About the author:
Walfre Ibarra Escobar is CEO of Walfre Real Estate. With more than 35 years of local and regional experience, Walfre has played an active part in regional development in Mexico’s Pacific Northwest and facilitating foreign investment for Americans and Canadians. Walfre is sits on multiple advisory boards on behalf of the National Chamber of Commerce including Mexico’s Tourism Board and the National Housing Fund Institute (INFONAVIT). Walfre can be contacted at email@walfre.com.mx
Disclaimer: This article is not meant to be advice on acquiring land of any kind in Mexico, or other countries. Individuals should consult a professional. This is article is not an analysis of the cases stated in the said Vancouver Sun article, as the writer nor the publisher know the details of those particular cases.
