Roof sealing or waterproofing has been a problem since ancient times. The Ancient Egyptians, as early as 3000 B.C., experimented with waterproofing materials like beeswax, gelatin and clay. Later in 1000 B.C., other materials like Arabic gum, pitch and balsam were utilized. By the 17th century, Germans had experimented with coal tar and, later, bituminous […]
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What can we say? It is now November and it has already been cold; cold like late December when the chill in the air sends us under the covers at night. Without the heating systems we knew north of the border, how can we keep the house warmer? A common issue here in Mexico is […]
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As a consultant, I have heard many repeated questions and feel it is time to put my opinion onto paper about what is happening in the real estate market here at Lake Chapala. Inventories of residential properties available on the local multiple listing service seem to be relatively stable over the last ten years in […]
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Recently, I have been helping my wife’s family to sell their home in Guadalajara. It is located in a community near a popular shopping center and is located in front of a large community park and local church. It has been tough process, since there is some dissension in the family because one member does […]
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Recently I had the pleasure of visiting with some of my wife’s family in northern Mexico. The old house where we stayed is approaching 100 years in age. I won’t say the plumbing was poor, but the real estate was obviously dated and there were some noted problems and historical issues with the plumbing. Although […]
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In Mexico, the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is the Impuesto Sobre la Renta (ISR), which is paid by the seller of the property. It translates to a tax upon rent, profit, yield or income and in other financial circles it is called an income tax. When selling Mexico real estate, the seller must first be established as the […]
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As it is anywhere else, real estate is a major investment. What about shifting foundations due to the earth’s movements? Who is at fault? This is not a discussion of legal liability but rather a discussion of geology. “Fault” usually refers to the juncture of tectonic or bedrock plates that rub against each other, which […]
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Mexico makes it easy for foreigners to own property. Inland, they can hold a direct title to their Mexico real estate. In the prohibited zones — including prized beach areas — expats can own real estate through a bank trust. Will you live in Mexico full time or spend only part of the year South […]
Continue ReadingIn addition to the picturesque roads that wind through the countryside, Mexico has many modern highways and toll highways that quickly take you to your destination./ Tourists can obtain car permits at the border and also beforehand by applying at consulates on online. Driving in Mexico is a wonderful way to see the country. Let […]
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Note: This article is an edited extract from chapter 6 of Geo-Mexico: the geography and dynamics of modern Mexico, by Richard Rhoda and Tony Burton (Sombrero Books, 2010). Though parts of northern Mexico are arid, the country as a whole receives an average of 760 mm of precipitation a year (slightly over 30 in). This is a considerable […]
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