Each condominium (there are a total of 38) offers 120 degrees of views of islands, ocean and city lights. Sizes range from 1,328 sq. ft to 2,074.31 sq. ft., and residences come with one bedroom, one bath (with a bonus room) or two bedrooms and two baths.  The smallest unit is priced at $263,000 USD, and the most expensive is selling for $416,000 USD, but there are many price points between these two extremes.  The builder is offering 10% off the price during the current pre-construction phase, and cash buyers will receive another 2% off.  The development is also running a summer special with some units priced at $199,000 USD.   Each home comes with a complete kitchen, a washer/dryer, granite countertops, imported ceramic tile floors, marble baths, air conditioning, 11-ft. ceilings, and each is pre-wired for cable TV, Internet and phone (which is a very good thing in Mexico).  

The question that always arises when expatriates consider purchasing real estate in Mexico is whether or not they can legally do it.  The answer is yes, but when the property is within 50 kilometers of the coast it is purchased through a “fideicomiso” or bank trust.  Under this arrangement, a Mexican Bank holds naked legal title to the property and the buyer as beneficiary receives all of the rights of ownership. The initial term of 50 years is renewable indefinitely, and the property may be used, improved, rented, willed or sold.

The concept of age-restricted retirement communities is new to Mexico, and there are only a few of them in the entire country (but more are coming).  Puerto Viejo Skies is the only one in Mazatlan and is being built by a well-known local company and a respected architect whose family has held the land in trust for the last 50 years.   Title insurance is included in the price of each condo and is provided by First American Title Insurance Company, one of the largest and oldest (1889) title companies in the world and the first U.S. company to issue title insurance policies on Mexican real estate.  Financing is also available.

This is a gated community and will have a clubhouse, an on-site restaurant, a rooftop terrace, a sports bar, a library, a Jacuzzi, a gym and a variety of classes and events.  Each owner will also have a private concierge, a dedicated individual to assist with restaurant reservations, housekeeping, arranging transportation and any other personal needs which may arise.  This is the first community we have seen to offer this.   HOA fees have not been set, but for the first two years of ownership, they will be paid by the builder.  From outside of Mexico, call 011 52 (669) 985 2585 or within the U.S. call (520) 844-2213 for more information.

Mazatlan summer temperatures average 82 degrees F., and winter temperatures average 70 degrees F.  The city receives roughly 30 inches of rain a year.

Such Hollywood stars as John Wayne, Liz Taylor and Frank Sinatra often spent time in Mazatlan.  It's a good bet U.S. and Canadian expatriate retirees will want to do the same.

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