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Our Best Move Ever! – San Miguel de Allende Real Estate

When Adrian and I met in 2003, and our relationship grew to be something permanent, we had two dreams: have a home in Mexico and to own our own business. I had owned my own real estate brokerage in San Francisco, Herth Real Estate, with offices in San Francisco, the Wine Country and Palm Springs. This had been my career, with my start in San Francisco real estate in 1983. In addition to running a successful independent brokerage of 65 agents, Adrian and I had developed a passion for buying and redesigning San Francisco properties. We had worked together on over 20 remodeling projects in San Francisco.

Adrian and I first visited San Miguel in 2007, we were completed enamored and returned 6 weeks later to buy our first home, located in Ojo de Aqua with breathtaking views overlooking all of San Miguel and the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains.

Adrian, born in Nayarit Mexico and educated in the U.S. had some desire to return to his patria, but the truth be told, it was me who had the true passion for life in Mexico. I wanted the experience of living internationally and was attracted by the Mexican culture, Spanish language, great weather and an active art scene. San Miguel de Allende, in the central heart of Mexico checked all the boxes.

Given our experience of the real estate business of San Francisco, we saw that San Miguel offered tremendous opportunity to start a new chapter of our mutual and passionate interest in luxury residential real estate. In 2011, Adrian reached out to Sotheby’s International Realty in New York and opened the conversation to acquire a master franchise for San Miguel de Allende. Through that successful negotiation, we acquired the exclusive master franchise of Sotheby’s International Realty, for the two Mexican states of Querétaro and Guanajuato. We were off to an incredible new adventure!

The move has been a rewarding experience. Life in San Miguel has only proven to be more of everything than I expected. The climate is amazing; the homeless problems of San Francisco do not exist here; the culture is vibrant with great restaurants, live music and a thriving art scene. Additionally, the cost of home ownership is super affordable. The cost of owning and maintaining a home is less than $1,000 USD per month including domestic staff with daily maid service.

Adrian and I have now completed 12 projects in San Miguel, including our new office building located in the heart of the UNESCO historic center, located at Sollano 19. It has been a privilege to purchase and restore a 300 year old iconic property.

In moving to San Miguel, I brought the California real estate standard of professional practice to our luxury real estate business. I am proud of having grown the most successful group of 20 full-time bilingual and bi-cultural agents and have nearly a 50% market share. As a result, Adrian and I have built a tight supportive community of clients and friends. Life is good and our lifestyle is indeed enviable.

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Top 4 Country Houses In San Miguel de Allende Real Estate

One of the most attractive features of living in this UNESCO world heritage site is the scenery that it provides. Lush mountains, beautiful flora and fauna surround the colonial landscape of the town. As such, architects throughout the decades have taken advantage of this fact and built some of the best Country houses in San Miguel de Allende. Here are our top picks.

Casa Pirules – All About Lifestyle

Being a short distance from historic Centro for its price is merit enough to be on this list of best Country Properties in San Miguel de Allende, this home is all about lifestyle. Secluded in a peaceful environment this “oasis” features fruit trees and two lush gardens while the main House is built on 5 acres of land.

This luxury house is a treat for those that love to entertain. The house features amazing terrace views of the natural desert surrounding it with no neighbors nearby making it feel like you are in the middle of a plantation of Mexico’s era dorada.

Country House Casa Pirules in San Miguel de Allende with
Front Porch View of “Casa Pirules” in San Miguel de Allende

The French Provincial Vineyard

This Magnificent French Provincial Estate is located just on the Outskirts of San Miguel de Allende at the side of the mountain. The property has the spectacular view of the town and the countryside, which include: lakes, the valley, the river, and gardens. The home is a perfect opportunity for those that enjoy comfortable living and gracious entertaining.

Front door to a French Provincial style property in San Miguel de Allende
French Provincial Country House in San Miguel de Allende.

Perfect opportunity looking to retire and start their longterm living in San Miguel de Allende as the house is fully furnished with French Provencial décor that goes all the way to the backyard cottage.

In the evening this magnificent estate overlooks the valley giving some breathtaking sunsets that make this home a perfect Country getaway.

Las Garitas

This Magical Mexican Hacienda was built atop of a cliff composed of black and clear crystals giving it an amazing look. The property lies overlooking Rio Laja and the Valley of Atotonilco. The property is made of beautiful stone and amazing detail. This home is to every extent of the word, magical.

Las Garitas Mexican hacienda terrace View of the pool and surrounding landscape.
Las Garitas Mexican hacienda terrace View of the pool and surrounding landscape.

The outdoors of this magnificent estate is nonetheless impressive as there is a Jacuzzi that cascades into an infinity pool into the nearby lake of Laja. Additionally, the property is fully equipped with an outdoor kitchen that is perfect for an afternoon barbeque while enjoying the sunsets!

Magnificent Tuscan Estate

Located in one of the most exclusive Country settings in San Miguel de Allende, this 17 acres Tuscan style hacienda was designed by noted architect Niclole Bisgaard and built using only the finest of materials and is perfect for everyone who is looking for a luxurious second home or a retirement home that offers a great quality of life.

The estate was built on a hilltop so it enjoys a full view of the surrounding area, which is mostly mountains and valleys. The home was designed to take advantage of the setting and as such features high ceilings, terraces, and fireplaces that allow guest to enjoy a warm and comfortable winter.

Exclusive country property "Tuscan Estate" in San Miguel. Terrace view of the surrounding country setting.
Exclusive country property “Tuscan Estate” in San Miguel. Terrace view of the surrounding country setting.

This property is perfect for anyone looking for an exclusive Country getaway.

San Miguel de Allende Country Properties

Country properties in San Miguel de Allende are quite an exquisite treat for any buyer looking for elegance and tranquility. Those looking for a second place to call home or simply live a life of luxury in this magical town should be quite interested in seeing our other Country Properties right here.

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Why You Should Live in San Miguel de Allende

Mojigangas San Miguel de Allende

Why Invest Today in San Miguel de Allende Real Estate?

We often hear Mexico being in the forefront of the International spotlight and not always in a good way, however, many have started to hear San Miguel de Allende be one of the top destinations to retire abroad, and despite the negativity surrounding recent political events in the country it is still one of the best places to make investments and obtain some amazing yield in the mid to long run. Here I will list for you some of the great advantages of investing in San Miguel de Allende Real Estate.

High Value For The American Dollar

It is probably a safe bet to list this straight off the get-go, low peso means high value for the American dollar. If you had come visit Mexico about a decade ago you would have been able to exchange a single dollar for ten Mexican pesos. With this money many Americans and Europeans would come and have an amazing vacation, eat very healthy food given the fact that produce is not as heavily processed in Mexico and would be enough to entice many to realize that the quality of life in the country is in many cases “better” than in their native countries.

This has only been become more clear in recent years due to the global shift in economics and politics, in and outside of Mexico. People living in first world countries have less value in their fiat currencies due to inflation, which means that when it is time to spend your twilight years you have less to make more, and that is exactly when people looked to Mexico. With the Mexican peso hitting it’s lowest value, ever, it means that you can do a lot more with your money.

Best Quality of Lifestyle

Some may ask, “what good is money if you are going to spend it in an underdeveloped country?” The reality is that Mexico is definitely NOT a third world country, as a certain President would have you believe, and in fact has a very good infrastructure and its redeeming quality, amazing healthcare.

Mexico enjoys top of the line healthcare, with some of the best Medical universities in the world being here, it is no surprise that Mexico enjoys the largest industry of Medical tourism in Latin America. Many Americans go visit their southern neighbor at times almost exclusively for this reason. With medical bills costing a fraction of what they would in first world countries, medical insurance seems almost unnecessary.

This has made another thing possible, great retirement and assisted living services. Hospitality and friendliness in Mexico are world-wide renown so it is no surprise that the Country hosts two of the largest expatriate communities in the world, Lake Chapala and San Miguel de Allende. Mexicans have the highest respect for elders and are naturally “warm” and accepting of foreigners so retiring in Mexico is almost a no-brainer.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site Everyone Wants To Live In

And lastly, San Miguel de Allende Real Estate is an emerging market that has investors flocking to the UNESCO World Heritage site trying to stay ahead of the latest Real Estate trends that indicate that the town will in all likeliness be the number one retirement destination in the Continent.

TL;DR Investing in San Miguel de Allende Real Estate is a “no-brainer” due to the high value of the American dollar, great lifestyle value and having one of the largest retirement communities of baby-boomers you will never feel alone.

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San Miguel de Allende Real Estate Market Ongoing Trends

Globally known for its charm, creative community and culture, San Miguel de Allende is grabbing attention of several expats worldwide. Situated 150 miles north of Mexico, this city has been voted as the World’s Best City by readers of the Travel & Leisure magazine. It is well-said by Marshall Field, entrepreneur that “Buying real estate is not only the best way, the quickest way, the safest way, but the only way to become wealthy.” So, investing in San Miguel de Allende real estate can be a good decision both for personal usage or vacation rental income. As per the reports of the real estate portal Lamudi, the city is considered as not only the top travel destinations in Mexico but also one of the best San Miguel de Allende real estate investment markets.

Considered as the safest place in Mexico with moderate temperature throughout the year, investing in San Miguel de Allende properties can turn out to be the best decision of your life.

Why San Miguel de Allende Real Estate Market Is On Rise

According to the reports of the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, it is estimated that more than 1 million Americans stay in Mexico for full or part-time. Also, it is expected to rise in the coming future as many retirees will also get allured to San Miguel de Allende due to its moderate climate and economical living. Not only this, the demand for luxury homes in San Miguel de Allende is also on rise from Mexican people.

With the continuous rise in Mexico’s economy, several Mexicans are able to invest in San Miguel de Allende homes. Also, many baby boomer age Mexicans who have been working in the United States prefer to own luxury condos in their homeland for spending their retirement years in peace.

How Will Baby Boomers And Retirees Affect San Miguel de Allende Real Estate Market

Both Mexican and foreign born baby boomer generation will make a huge impact on San Miguel de Allende luxury homes market as they wish to have a lavish lifestyle at economical rates. As said by Donald Trump, “Markets always change, and as soon as there’s downturn, cleanliness becomes a major value.” So, smarter people study the market first before investing in any luxury home in San Miguel de Allende.

Since the past few years, it is observed that the huge percentage of foreign market is willing to reside in San Miguel and showing their interest in San Miguel de Allende properties. As the buyers are getting more conscious regarding the security, so the gated community with full-time security support will gain huge market share.

Prime Luxury Homes In San Miguel de Allende

Buyers who wish to purchase luxury homes in San Miguel de Allende for personal use have the facility of selecting a captivating turn-key property and remodel the condos depending on their needs. Apart from generic appreciation, remodeler will also witness a huge jump in luxury villa value due to the upgrade and advancement of historic properties. These San Miguel de Allende houses come equipped with all the amenities and luxury items that are sure to allure potential buyers.

In A Nutshell

So, the time has gone when people used to visit San Miguel and invest in luxury homes on impulse. But now, buyers look for various things before taking a final decision and consider every aspect as to what all they need in their luxury villa and search according o their budget. The city offers colonial and lively culture with great history that motivates people to invest in luxury properties in this city. The ever-growing number of visitors is bringing rapid change to the infrastructure which simply means that in the coming years, San Miguel de Allende real estate market will totally change from its current phase. Buyers will reap the benefits by investing in San Miguel de Allende luxury homes for the future.