End of the road in mexico
The small colonial town of Alamos
is quietly making a name for itself among travelers seeking solace from the
chaos of other, well-known, Mexican destinations. Visitors can spend their time
hiking, bird watching, horseback riding, and acquainting themselves with the
numerous indigenous villages in the surrounding area. Those who have discovered
its charm rave about it...
"It sits in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range in a sub-tropical
deciduous forest that blooms each month with a new array of color," said
Liliana M. Carosso, a licensed real estate broker at Alamos Realty. "Its
architecture is colonial. Its people are warm, always with a friendly smile. It
is a true Mexican town at the end of a Road, hidden from the hustle and bustle
of other cities. It is a place where families still stroll around the Plaza on
Sundays."
Alamos isn't for those who equate slow with boring. People
who expect entertainment to come and knock on their door need not visit.
About Alamos, Mexico
Located in the Mexican state of Sonora, Alamos is one of the "Silver
Cities" which were founded after the precious metal was discovered in the
region in the 16th and 17th Century.
Covering an approximate area of 2,682 square miles, the
population of the municipality hovers at about 25,000 people. With no shortage
of sunshine, the average temperature of the city is about 58 °F with some days
heating up to a scorching 117 °F. In 2005, Alamos was designated as a
"Pueblo Magico" or magical town, a classification reserved by the
Mexican Secretariat of Tourism for places that offer exceptional experiences.
Alamos boasts a unique bio-region where tropical plants mix with desert
vegetation, according to Journal of the Southwest. Known as a dry tropical
forest by botanists, desert plants like acacias, mesquites, organ pipe cactus
co-exist along with tropical varieties such as lianas, orchids, ficus, and
bromeliads.
Visitors interested in hiking will most certainly find a
thriving environment in the areas surrounding the city. Some 400 species of
birds have been recorded around the town, according to AlamosMexico.com. Among
them are exotic birds such as the Roseate Spoonbills and Macaws.
Alamos reached the heights of its economic power at the end of eighteenth
century when the city's mines produced an inordinate amount of silver. The
possibility of greater wealth attracted well-heeled families and government
representatives from Spain,
leading to the establishment of the town at the end of the 17th Century. Now,
Alamos' economy is mainly dependent on farming and ranching, according to
AlamosMexico.com. In addition, tourism brings much needed jobs and income to
the city. Residents have also benefited from the opening of two mines, Minera
Corner Bay Silver Mine and the Piedras Verdes Copper Mine.
Real estate in Alamos, Mexico
The real estate market in Alamos, Mexico is a little different than
other popular destinations in the country. For one, it is overwhelmingly a
retiree market. After spending some years in the town, retirees tend to return
home - most probably for health or family reasons. So the real estate market,
for the most part, recycles the same homes over several years.
"Alamos has always been a market that cycles and where
it is not uncommon for a property to sit on the market two to three seasons
before it sells. The monthly cost of maintaining a home is under £304 with a
gardener/housekeeper, utilities and taxes so people are willing to wait for
their price before they compromise," said Carosso.
Alamos hasn't escaped the influence of events outside the city's control.
"The market has been very slow since winter season 2006 when a colleague
and I looked at each other and laughed at how low our for sale inventory
was," said Carosso. Issues that are affecting the Alamos real estate
market are not unique to the city.
The global economic slowdown has definitely dampened the
international market. It also doesn't help that Mexico's reputation is being
sullied by the continuing news coverage of drug traffic related violence. The
Swine flu scare, although temporary, is also sure to have had an undesirable
effect. "All these factors have limited the number of people coming to
Alamos looking for their dream house."
When compared to 2007 and 2008, 2009 has shown improvement. "I must admit
that 2009 has started out well, we have sold several homes in the Colonial Center," said Carosso. "We
also have a high inventory of available homes for sale."
As for cost, it all depends on the type of property, size, and location. The
current asking price for the former home of actor Carroll O'Connor - a 10,000
square feet house on an acre of land in the Center of town is £320,000,
according to Alamos Realty. "New
Construction costs are approximately £33 to £39 per square foot with an
engineer/contractor managing the work including the social security payment
requirements for the workers," said Carosso.
Buying real estate in Alamos
The buying process in Alamos is pretty straight forward, according to Alamos
Realty. "It is not as frightening or difficult as it is touted to be
particularly, when working with a reputable realtor," said Carosso.
"When arriving new in town to look for a property it is good to check on
the reputation of an agent and recommendations of the locals."
There are no limitations on non-Mexicans purchasing property in Alamos. The
restrictions that govern coastal and border area property transactions don't
apply. "There are no special rules other than foreign purchasers are
required to secure a permit to purchase from the Department of Foreign Affairs,
'Secretaria de Relaciones Exteriores'," said Carosso. "Alamos is
outside of the restricted zones that represent 100 kilometers from the Borders
and 50 kilometers from the Sea. Titles are held 'fee simple' for Alamos
properties."
Looking ahead
As a tourist destination, Alamos has some good things going for it. Realtors
and investors are hopeful that this means the property market will remain stable
and continue its upward trend.
"The Alamos market will continue to steadily appreciate at its normal rate. It is a unique destination with an appeal to the well traveled and adventurous in spirit," said Carosso. "It is only eight hours driving time south of the US border which represents easy access to family or specialized health facilities when these are necessary and still provides a bit of the laid back life of a small Mexican town that is picturesque and sincere."
Written by Yemisrach Kifle for www.nuwireinvestor.com