Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is Puntazul located?

Puntazul Residential & Fitness is located at Rosarito Beach on the Pacific Coast of Baja California, México. Rosarito Beach is just 26 miles, this is about 20 minutes, south from Downtown San Diego and less than 3 hours from Los Angeles, CA.

It's exactly at the km 35 of the Rosarito-Ensenada scenic road, just 42 miles to the north of Ensenada’s port. 29 miles to the east you can find Tecate and to the west is just 900 ft from the Pacific Ocean.

Im not mexican, can I own a property in Rosarito Beach, Mexico?

Yes you can! The law enables foreigners to purchase property on Mexico’s coastlines through what is called a fideicomiso.

How does a foreign buyer own property in Mexico?

A real estate trust must be set up to hold title for the foreigner. A fideicomiso is a bank trust, much like a living will in the U.S., that guarantees full ownership for 50 years and is renewable after that for the same term. The property you buy is placed in a trust with you as the beneficiary of the trust, NOT a lessee. The trust beneficiary retains and enjoys all the rights of ownership while the bank holds title to the property.

Can my property be used as a rental?

Yes! The foreigner is entitled to use, enjoy, rent, will and sell the property that is held in trust to any eligible buyer.

How can I be sure there are no conflicting ownership titles?

You should purchase from developments that have a Title Insurance Policy issued by Stewart Title or American Title. Individual policies may also be obtained for your investment in Mexico.

How much will the property taxes cost in Mexico?

Your yearly property taxes (“Predial”) will be approximately 0.25% of the assessed value.

What if I need medical attention while in Rosarito?

They are many fine bilingual physicians and public hospitals in Baja. Thousand of American and Canadian tourists visit Baja California every year to enjoy the advantages of our medical services:

• Our proximity to the border with California.
• Quality attention in hospitals, doctors and specialists’ clinics and labs.
• Up to 50% savings vs. US prices.

Does Mexico have the same conveniences as the U.S.?

Yes. With the advent of computer technology, a new toll highway system and port infrastructure on the Baja Peninsula, significant U.S. investment has been drawn to the area. Within a 3-mile radius of Puntazul, you will find movie theaters, restaurants, Office Depot, Home Depot, Walmart, to name a few. Also, Puntazul is located only 26 miles (20 minutes) south of San Diego and other U.S. comforts.

What about the weather?

The weather in this region of Baja is similar to that of San Diego, California, since it is just a short distance south. San Diego is said to have one of the best climates in the United States. Most days are sunny, between 67 and 87 degrees Fahrenheit with a pleasant, Mediterranean-type ocean breeze.

What about the long wait at the border when re-entering the U.S.?

The wait time to cross into the U.S. from Mexico averages about 40 minutes on the weekends. However, this time can be reduced by obtain a SENTRI pass.  Apply for a SENTRI pass with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The fee is $120, and the pass is valid for five years.

What is the truth about the security issues in Mexico?

Unfortunately the media has found that violence and insecurity is a profitable topic and has exaggerated and exploited these events in a very irresponsible and unprofessional manner. Baja California is one of the most visited states in the world, therefore it has no more or less problems than any other metropolitan city in any other place in the world.

Is it okay to drive my car across the border?

It is legal to drive your car in Mexico, but your U.S. auto insurance does not cover you while in Mexico. There are locations prior to crossing the border that will sell you a policy by the day or any duration that you require.

Do I need visa to cross the U.S. border to Mexico?

No visa is needed for crossing to northern Baja California Mexico (Baja Norte). On trips into southern Baja (Baja Sur) a simple Tourist permit should be obtained. These Visa cards are very easy to obtain and inexpensive. The time it takes to be issued is usually only a few minutes. They may be purchased at the border or from a Consulate office. Canadian and U.S. Citizens returning home to the States only need a passport or a Driver's license and either a birth certificate, naturalization certificate or citizenship card to enter back into the U.S.

How long can a foreigner reside in Mexico per year?

When you arrive to Mexico, a tourist visa is issued. The maximum amounts of period on these visas are 6 months. These can be updated at the local migration offices. You also have the option to apply for a FM3, which has 12-month periods of validity. FM3s can be obtained if you are a property owner, or if your employer is a Mexican Corporation and for several other special cases.

What is the FM3?

Is a document for a person who wants to live at least part time in Mexico, but does not necessarily intend to make this their permanent home. To be granted and FM3 status, you must prove you have sufficient resources to be financially independent, or meet certain requirements to be able to work or own a business in Mexico. FM3 "Rentista" status is available to anyone with a monthly income (from investments, social security or other retirement) of less than $1,000 USD plus under $500 USD for each dependent. If one owns property in Mexico, the amount of income required is reduced by nearly one-half.

Do I need a FM3 to buy a property in Mexico?

Anyone, even someone in Mexico on a tourist visa, may buy property. It is stated that: If you sign a contract, rent a house or condo, buy a house or condo, or lease property you are no longer a "tourist" and therefore, are invited to apply for an FM3. But in order to acquire property, it is not necessary to possess an FM3.

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