The well received 2014 Riviera Maya Real Estate Guide focused on real estate in and around Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Cancun with a focus on Playa. The entire region has seen tremendous growth for a wide variety of reasons and is poised to maintain this incredible growth for the foreseeable future. There are nice homes and condos that range from quite cheap places in the suburbs to ultra expensive. beachfront mansions. Here is a selection of condos that our retired clients have found incredibly cost effective while providing the laid back tropical lifestyle that they envisioned their retirement would be... http://www.american-development.com/condos-for-sale-playa-del-carmen/

1. 2014 Riviera Maya
R E A L E S T A T E AGENCY

2. 1.- LIVING PLAYA DEL CARMEN
3.-MEDICAL TOURISM IN THE RIVIERA MAYA
4.- CONSULAR AGENCY OF CANADA AND USA
5.- STAYING HEALTHY IN THE RIVIERA MAYA
6.- HEALTHY OPTIONS PLAYA DEL CARMEN
7.- SHELTERS & VOLUNTEER
8.- TRUST AND CORPORATIONS RIVIERA MAYA
9.- HOW WE HELP REPRESENT YOU
2.-WHY RIVIERA MAYA

3. For those of us who have the good fortune
to live here in the Riviera Maya, it doesn’t
get much better than this. Situated on the
eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, we
have access to some of the most breath-
taking beaches anywhere, with world class
diving, sailing, fishing, golfing and don’t
even get us started on the nightlife culture
and lifestyle!
Imagine the most spectacular sunrises you
can. For us it truly was love at first sight.
We think you will agree....
PARA
Who we are....... We are group of Canadian and
American Realtors who not only understand the
ins and outs of Real Estate in Mexico, but more
importantly how it applies to you as a Canadian
or American Citizen. We take care of all the
behind the scenes work, is
the property legally titled,
can you as a Canadian or American Citizen own
it, etc so your only job is to find the property
that best fits with your lifestyle and/or invest-
ment needs.

4. DISE
Relax
Nature
YET while the clear turquoise blue water is the star of the
Riviera Maya, the spotless white powder sand that will
never burn your feet is an extremely strong supporting
cast member. It is the textbook definition of “Paradise”.
DON’T allow the
stars of the program steal the entire spotlight. Present are
countless other reasons why so many Canadians are
relocating or calling the Riviera Maya their home away
from home. This is what motivates us to live here, there’s
hands down no better place!
SITUATED on the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula
precisely between Cancun and Tulum is Playa del Carmen,
or “Playa” as the locals refer to it. Playa has something for
everyone. A diverse, seductive town that mixes the Mex-
ican flair with a Caribbean mood inspired from cultures
from every part of around the globe. The cultural experi-
ences are copious but what truly makes this city conse-
quently only one of its kind are its people. Anywhere you
set out the locals (who can be from North America,
Europe, and Latin America or yet even Asia ironically) are
extremely welcoming and friendly. You continually get the
sensation you are part of the community.
WE hate to break this to you but,..........the cost of living
is 40% lower than anywhere in Canada or United State,
plus incredible year-round weather, great food, plentiful
golf courses, a budding art community, world-class med-
ical facilities, and an International Airport offering daily
flights to the U.S. and Canada (more than any other
airport in Mexico), Riviera Maya is one of the most livable
areas anywhere for Canadians and Americans. We're just
saying, so why don’t you be the judge for yourself?

5. For those of us who have the good fortune to live here in the Riviera Maya, it doesn’t get much
better than this. Situated on the eastern coast of the
Yucatan Peninsula, we have access to some of the most
breathtaking beaches anywhere, with world class diving,
sailing, fishing, golfing and don’t even get us started on
the nightlife culture and lifestyle!
Imagine the most spectacular sunrises you can. For
us it truly was love at first sight. We think you will
agree....
Yet while the clear turquoise blue water is the star of the
Riviera Maya, the spotless white powder sand that will
never burn your feet is an extremely strong supporting
cast member. It is the textbook definition of “Paradise”.
Don’t allow the stars of the program steal the entire
spotlight. Present are countless other reasons why so
many Canadians are relocating or calling the Riviera Maya
their home away from home. This is what motivates us to
live here, there’s hands down no better place!
Situated on the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula precisely between Cancun and Tulum is
Playa del Carmen, or “Playa” as the locals refer to it. Playa has something for everyone. A
diverse, seductive town that mixes the Mexican flair with a Caribbean mood inspired from cultures
from every part of around the globe. The cultural experiences are copious but what truly makes
this city consequently only one of its kind are its people. Anywhere you set out the locals (who
can be from North America, Europe, and Latin America or yet even Asia ironically) are extremely
welcoming and friendly. You continually get the sensation you are part of the community.
We hate to break this to you but,..........the cost of living
is 40% lower than anywhere in Canada or United State,
plus incredible year-round weather, great food, plentiful
golf courses, a budding art community, world-class med-
ical facilities, and an International Airport offering daily
flights to the U.S. and Canada (more than any other
airport in Mexico), Riviera Maya is one of the most livable
areas anywhere for Canadians and Americans. We're just
saying, so why don’t you be the judge for yourself?
Living Playa del Carmen

6. Why Riviera Maya
Over the past 3 years, property values in
Playa Del Carmen have been growing. The
Playa del Carmen property market has
become filled with primary property such as
condos and villas. Even though we have seen
some phenomonical growth, demand still out-
strips supply here. There are people moving
here from all over the world. For the informed
consumer, property is still a great investment
in the Riviera Maya.
Are a few facts which indicate the value of
getting Mexico land in Playa del Carmen. For 7
of the last 10 years, Playa del Carmen has
been the fastest growing city in Latin
America. There are new subdivisions, new
stores, new shopping centers and growing de-
mand for new houses. Investors have the op-
portunity to take benefit of this growth,
creating homes, commercial development or a
commercial-condo combination, with a growing
marketplace to support this addition, the Econ-
omy is Diversifying. While tourism is powerful
and growing, the Municipal government has
also begun to focus on attracting diversity in
large-scale investment, such as higher educa-
tion institutions. This means that the growth
seen now will continue to be healthy, and with
the sort of investment sought, Playa del Car-
men’s way of life atmosphere will remain re-
laxed, with a boost in pleasant neighborhoods.
For investors, it is critical to know that the
growth is becoming planned, investment will be
increasing, and that the City’s atmosphere is
given high priority.
The Riviera Maya has retained a healthy appre-
ciation rate. If you are contemplating getting
in, consider the possibility of real estate invest-
ment, such as condos and villas have been

7. Medical Tourism in The Riviera Maya
“Mexican Health Care Is Excellent and
Affordable”
Because health care expenses are rising by
staggering amounts in the United States, a
growing number of citizens are looking
internationally to discover quality medical
services for more sensible costs. Due to
potential cost savings of up to 60 to 70% on
medical treatments performed abroad,
Americans have begun to merge dental work,
cosmetic procedures, or specialized surgeries
with holiday time plus in a number of cases
with enough of cash left over to bring the
entire family.
México has been an accepted getaway for
those seeking respite from astronomical US
health costs and prescription medical
expenses since the 1960's, considering over
the last decade medical tourism has a multi-
billion dollar international industry. In recent
years Mexico has realized the capability in the
market they pose to US citizens looking for
medical services abroad. The combination
of Mexico's rich civilization, mild climate,
idyllic beaches along its highly regarded
hospitals also medical professionals, as well its
proximity to the US, has appealing to
numerous Americans in search of medical
services.
The advantages of medical tourism are
extremely eye-catching. Price alone has
sufficient motivating aspect for most. In
accordance to the National Coalition on Health
Care more than 12 trillion dollars has been
spent by US people for the previous 7 years
on just health care, however in contrast with
additional states anywhere services are a
great deal less expensive the NCHC reports
that Americans are no further satisfied nor
think they receive superior service.
Quality has been the foremost concern while
getting medical attention abroad. Various
hospitals in Mexico boast global accreditations
and furthermore it has been customary that
medical professionals and specialists study
otherwise practice for years within the Europe
or US. Also, insurance agencies are starting to
consider medical tourism as well, lured with
the appraised value of attention provided
overseas, and some organizations have begun
identifying explicit international hospitals and
clinics as permitted and approved providers.

8. For American in Playa del Carmen
(An extension of the Consulate in Merida)
"The Palapa" Calle 1 Sur, entre
Avenida 15 y Avenida 20 Playa del
Carmen, Quintana Roo C.P. 77710
Phone: (52)(984) 873-0303
Fax: (52)(984) 873-0
Emergency Cell: (52)(1) (984)
807-8355481
E-mail: playausca@gmail.com
Consular Agent: Samantha Mason
Emergency Contact
During Office Hours Americans
U.S. Citizen Services is a unit of the Consulate. Two
American consular officers and eleven Mexican employ-
ees assist Americans in Chihuahua in all matters involv-
ing protective services for Americans abroad, including
arrests, death cases, financial or medical emergencies,
and welfare and whereabouts inquiries. The office also
distributes Travel Warnings, Public Announcements and
Consular Information Sheets issued by the U.S. Depart-
ment of State and provides guidance on nationality and
citizenship determination, document issuance, judicial
and notarial services, estates and property claims, and
disaster assistance.
Day Phone: (656) 227-3411, if calling from the
U.S.dial 011 52 first.
(This phone number is NOT for visa information)
For emergencies involving U.S. citizens during
work hours, please use this phone number to
contact us.
E-mail: cdjamericancitizens@state.gov
For Canadians in Playa del Carmen
Plaza Paraíso Caribe, Modulo C,
Planta 2, Oficina C21 – 24, Av. 10
Sur entre Calle 3 y 5 Sur, M-35,
Lote 1, Colonia Centro, 77710 Pla-
ya del Carmen, Q. Roo, México
Tel.: (984) 803-2411
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa:
001-800-514-0129
Fax: 52 (984) 803-2665
E-Mail: crmen@international.gc.ca
Emergency Contact
During Office Hours Canadians
Should you require emergency consular assis-
tance, please dial the numbers below.
The Embassy at (55) 5724-7900 in the greater
Mexico City area
If you're outside Mexico City, you be able to reach
the consular section by dialing 01-800-706-
2900.This toll free of charge number is available
all over the entire country, 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week, and is reserved precisely for emergency
phone calls concerning Canadian citizens. Please
note that no immigration related calls will be
answered at these numbers.
*IMPORTANT* THE CONSULAR SECTION IS UNABLE TO
ANSWER ENQUIRIES ABOUT CANADIAN OR UNITED
STATES IMMIGRATION. YOU SHOULD THEREFORE CON-
TACT THE EMBASSY'S IMMIGRATION SECTION BY FAX OR
EMAIL ONLY.
Consular Agency in Playa del Carmen

9. Health has been a number 1
priority in individuals relo-
cating to Mexico. The Rivi-
era Maya particularly for
foreigners typically have to go
through a cycle of physical ad-
justment in Mexico, seeing as
general standards of
sanitation frequently leave
much to be preferred, and plus
due to the reality that here
there are various kinds of bac-
teria’s that your body will be
introduced to and will have to
develop immunity to. In order
to be fully up to date and on top of the best health methods, hospitals, and medical professionals
in Mexico, the MedToGo book is the perfect handbook.
Riviera Maya offers numerous parks
plus a few close by get-away choices
for weekends, among the beach or
spas and natural springs. There are
as well many quality sports clubs
and fitness centers in Cancun and
Playa del Carmen. Costs differ how-
ever are normally on the higher side.
Talk a physician before undertaking a
fitness routine.
Insurance
· While Mexico has extremely
useful physicians and doctors they
charge significantly less than US or
European doctors. An appointment
can cost as little as $30 to $50 USD.
Clinics operate under exceptional
conditions in all major towns, and
particularly in Cancun and Playa
del Carmen. Still ultimately the well-
being and safety of your family relies
on good medical and health insur-
ance.
Health and Medical Care
· When it comes to health care
and medical in Mexico, lots of expa-
triates have their fears and their
doubts. Coming from international
locations with some of the finest hos-
pitals and health care in the world,
mostly unfamiliar expatriates with
what to expect in Mexico. The reality
of the subject is that there is no need
to press the panic button. In truth
Mexico has a number of incredibly
well operated hospitals with excellent
care, and additionally at significantly
lower cost. Take a peek in our insur-
ance segment for additional informa-
tion.
National Coverage
· The first and mainly most ba­
sic option for foreigners residing in
Mexico that hold a FM2 otherwise
FM3 visa is the IMSS national health
insurance program that provides ser-
vices including a trip to the doctors
clinic, hospital expenses (covering
minor sickness and injuries) as well
intensive care facilities. The protec-
tion merely costs US$225 per annum.
It requires up to 6 to 9 months for the
coverage to acquire. Nonetheless you
do not have a selection of physicians,
as the IMSS program has its own
physicians.
Pharmacies
· Although one might discover
more or less all types of medicine in
Mexico, the identical medicine is
moderately less expensive in Mexico
than in the U.S or Europe, and fre-
quently a prescription is not neces-
sary. Although since many
pharmacies do not have skilled phar-
macists on staff, it is imperative that
a medical professional is consulted
for a prescription and that any pre-
scription is been translated into Eng-
lish to steer clear of problems.
Hospitals
· In terms of hospitals, the Riv­
iera Maya has been one of the most
important expansions of locations in
Mexico, with an extraordinary evolu-
tion. Capable of all types of services
with the maximum quality equip-
ment, not only for tourism but for
many foreigners and nationals
who've found a home town in this
paradise. Hospiten Riviera Maya is
located on the Federal Highway next
to the second entrance to Playacar in
Playa del Carmen. This is the second
division the private health care group
Hospiten has in Mexico, the 1st is
located in Cancun. Together with
more than thirty seven year’s experi-
ence and caring for more than
500,000 citizens from every part of
the world yearly, the Hospiten
Group continues its commitment to
providing high quality health care to
the tourists, and residents of Quinta-
na Roo.
Healthy Options Playa del Carmen

10. They're a no-kill animal shelter
devoted to rescuing and finding
everlasting families for wounded
and abandoned dogs and cats.
Their shelter is located in Playa
del Carmen, heart of the Riviera Maya in Mexico.
They concentrate on dogs, however have also opened
their hearts to some needy cats.
A nonprofit company with a no kill policy, devoted to
reducing the cat populace in Playa del Carmen,
Mexico. They accomplish this via our TNR (trap
spay/neuter and return) program for untamed cats,
and our rescue, treat, spay/neuter, and
tame program for kittens under 3 months. They
intend to locate a permanent loving and caring home
for all the rescued kittens in their care.
Angel Notion is the only medical non-profit
clinic positioned in the Playa del Carmen area, Quin-
tana Roo, Mexico. They assist the deprived in the
communities all along the Mayan Riviera with medical
care, surgical procedures, education, plus dental care,
along with various specialties and alternative medi-
cines. They have provided heart surgery for almost
two hundred kids, provided cleft palate surgery for
over one hundred children, and tested thousands for
diabetes.
Peanut Pet Shelter Playa del Carmen Cat Rescue in Playa Del Carmen
Angel Notion Playa del Carmen
PGA Tour Volunteer Riviera Maya
Shelters & Volunteer
Starting from the sandy shoreline of the Mexican
Caribbean, in lieu of an entire population and a
charming way of life, Mexico's Only PGA TOUR Event
will once yet again capture the international limelight
in a way that only the uppermost level of golf compe-
tition can. Will be held every February, the Mayakoba
Golf Classic will be executed in Playa del Carmen at
El Camaleon Golf Club at Mayakoba, only forty
minutes south of Cancun.

11. The Mexican Constitution regulates the ownership of land and declares that ...within a zone of 100
kilometers from the border or 50 kilometers from the coast, a foreigner cannot acquire the direct
ownership of the land. These areas are known as Restricted or Prohibited Zones. However, the latest
Mexican Foreign Investment Law, which was ratified on December 28, 1993, allows a foreigner or
foreign corporation to obtain the rights of ownership through a fiduciary trust known as Fidelicomiso,
the equivalent of a US beneficiary trust.
The bank becomes the legal owner of the property for the exclusive use of the buyer/beneficiary who
has all the benefits of a direct owner, including the possibility of leasing or transferring his/her property
rights to a third party or to a pre-appointed heir.
During this period, the foreigner is considered to be a
Mexican National. The trustee is responsible to the
buyer/beneficiary to ensure precise fulfillment of the
trust, according to Mexican Law. It assumes full
technical, legal and administrative supervision in
order to protect the interests of the
buyer/beneficiary. Fideicomisos are not held by the
trustee as an asset of the bank. For practical purpos-
es, even in unrestricted zones, many foreigners and
even Mexican Nationals prefer to place their property
under a Fideicomiso.
Most real estate transactions are opened after a
written purchase offer is accepted by the seller and
when a purchase-sale agreement (promissory con-
tract) is signed by both parties. In most cases, a
deposit is required by the broker in order to transmit
the offer to the seller. If the transaction is being conducted directly with the seller, it is highly
recommended that a real estate broker or a lawyer be consulted before signing any papers or
exchanging any money.
Normally, when signing the escritura or official deed, which needs to be certified by a Notario Publico
(notary public), the balance is paid and the property is delivered. This should not take more than 45
days. In certain resort areas, the custom of using "escrows" is being implemented.
Based on a present tariff, the bank charges the person
requesting a Fidecomiso an initial fee (approximately $800
CAD) for the drawing up the agreement and the trust, plus
a percentage depending on the value of the property. In
addition the bank charges an annual fee (again, depending
on the value of the property) to cover its services as a trustee.
Trust and Corporations Riviera Maya
"Fideicomiso" or Bank Trust
"A certificate of no liens" from the Public Property
Registry based on a complete title search.
An appraisal of the property for tax purposes.

12. In a word, protection.
Real Estate in Mexico is not like Canada or US. The easiest way to level the playing
field is to hire experts who know how transactions in Mexico affect both you as a
foreigner, and your legal standing in Canada or US. Did you know that you may be
required to pay taxes on income in Mexico in Canada, or you may not, it all depends
on how the deal is structured. That is where American Realty
comes in.
Transactions in Mexico are not as transparent as they are back home. This goes for
both the specific transaction and the ways things are done in general. No matter
how experienced the investor back home, without a full understanding of things in
Mexico costly mistakes can, and often do, happen. There are many pitfalls that we
have seen over the years here that sometimes do not show up until many years later
when the property is being sold. Imagine purchasing a property today, seeing it
appreciate year after year, then selling it for a huge profit only to have to pay the
entire gain in taxes or penalties because the setting up of the deal was done
incorrectly. This level of risk is simply unacceptable. As they say in Mexico, the
cheap way today will cost you dearly tomorrow.
Investors who have made incredible gains over the last few years in this market know that hiring experts is the best
way to assure that security of their investment.
With the explosion of the Real Estate market in the Riviera Maya over the last few years agents have been in the
enviable position of having more demand than the market can supply. This has fostered an environment of closing
deals with no long term outlook. There was no need. Close a deal today and a new client would walk in tomorrow.
All of the parties involved in the process from the Agent (s), to the Attorney (s) to the Notary in Mexico simply aim to
close the transaction and charge their fee. To some extent this could be said of the banks as well. We differ in one
very important aspect, we view the process differently. By understanding that Foreigners are our clients today and
will be our clients tomorrow we know that the most important thing we have is our reputation. Yes it is a lot more
work to do things correctly, but we have the responsibility to make sure that our client is protected at every turn. Our
clients are protected, their assets are more valuable, and they have an exit strategy if they ever want to sell in the
future. We think that this is the reason that 80% of our clients come from repeat and referrals.
HOW WE HELP REPRESENT YOU
Why you need Representation?

13. A Broker’s job does not end at closing. After the sale and the closing is when the most impor-
tant part of the transaction actually happens, making sure that the property is legally registered
and recorded in the name of the new buyer. There is a system in place in Mexico to make sure
that it happens, but that system is by no means full proof. After hundreds of transactions we
can say that there has never been a transaction that was not fully recorded on our watch.
1. You get the best deal. Unlike Canada or
US, “Comps” are not publically available. There is
no MLS system either, so how does a buyer know
they are getting a good deal? Hiring a true market
expert is how!
Because we have a group of companies that include
a construction and property rental company, we are
able to cross reference data among all three, along
with our own Real Estate network we are able to
inspect a property to see if it is well built, and give
a realistic idea for the rental income of the proper-
ty. All of this data goes into the assessment of the
valuation done before closing and it is how a true
professional is differentiated from the rest of the
market.
Because of our local knowledge, market awareness
and access to information, we can match your
needs and wants, to what is really out there in the
market. Then we negotiate the best price, on the
best property based on real information.
2. We Represent You. Not the seller, not the
notary, not the Government, not the bank. YOU!
We negotiate on your behalf. We work on getting
you the best deal. You are our concern in the
transaction and every action we take has that in
mind.
3. Due Diligence. After so many transactions,
we are very familiar with the detailed process of
how to examine properties. Unscrupulous Realtors
advertise properties that do not exist because they
are in the bait and switch business. The internet
allows people to open Real Estate companies with
nothing more than a website and a phone line and
no legal standing. Just because something exists
online, does not mean it’s true. True work is still
done on the ground. Protecting our clients is our
full time job and we take it seriously. Don’t pay for
somebody’s learning curve at your expense, con-
tract somebody who knows.
4. Proof of Legality. Just because you see a
property online or even in person, does not mean it
has a clear, transferable title. As a Foreigner in
Mexico you should know that there are 3 different
types of “title” only one of which you can legally
acquire. Knowing the legalities behind each type of
property, and how that relates to you, is vital to
understanding the best way to acquire it.
5. NAFTA Experts. NAFTA gives you rights in
Mexico. No other Latin American Country is a
member of NAFTA, and no other Latin American
economy is tied to North American as tightly as
Mexico is. Understanding this agreement, and how
as a foreigner it benefits you, is so important, but
so overlooked that most companies do not even
mention it. The Mexican Government has made it
very easy for you to invest. Once an investor
knows the rules, the investment is completely se-
cure. That is why Scotiabank is now the largest
bank in all of Mexico and Latin America.
6. Tax implications / Exit strategy. All suc-
cessful projects start with a clear exit strategy.
Taxes and fiscal planning is vital to knowing how to
make money in the future. We turn your lifestyle
choice into an investment.
7. Communication. We not only can talk to
you in your native tongue, but we can translate the
terms and conditions of the contracts and transac-
tions into language you are familiar with.
8. Results. Our track record speaks for itself.
Google us. Check with the Embassy. There has
never been one bad critique of our company in any
transaction because we do exactly what we say we
are going to do.
There are many reasons why you need representation in the buying process.
Here are the top 8.

14. REAL ESTATE AGENCY