Is owning a home in Mexico the same as owning a home in the United States?

When you purchase land and build your home, as a foreign individual, you become the legal beneficiary and enter into a "fideicomiso," or bank trust. In a fideicomiso trust, a Mexican bank holds the property title in trust for you, and acts on your behalf in transactions. However, you retain the exclusive rights to the use and control of the property, and the bank must follow your instructions in all decisions to sell, will, lease or rent the property.

Can I build a custom home?

Yes. Several of our communities feature exclusive neighborhoods such as La Caleta and Oceano Baja that are designated for custom homes. Many of these pristine home sites offer beachfront locations with spectacular ocean views. The Palmilla Canyon lots offer premier fairway living with spectacular views of the mountains, the desert and the Sea of Cortès. It would be difficult to imagine a more perfect setting or opportunity to build the custom home of your dreams.

How easily can I build a custom home?

Building a new villa is as easy & enjoyable as living in it. The professionals at Palmilla introduce you to licensed, professional architects and builders in Los Cabos who are familiar with the design guidelines of our communities. Another effective option is to work with an architect from the U.S. or Canada who is known to you, and to have a local architect and/or builder construct your villa. We encourage you to select at least two firms to submit formal bids, which generally take into account topography, home size, amenities, budget and any other criteria or ideas you may have. From the day you break ground, the entire process takes approximately 12 to 18 months.

What makes this resort community a better investment than others in Mexico?

The present and future value of your investment is safeguarded in every possible way. Here are five principal examples:

Design Guidelines: Design continuity and integrity are assured throughout Palmilla, as the Mexican colonial theme is our standard. With our established building setbacks, building height elevations, protected view corridors, exterior paint colors, landscape palettes and more, you'll be as happy with your neighbor's house as you are with your own.

Established Densities: The Master Plan for the community reflects a sensitivity to environmental values. Each neighborhood is carefully planned to provide a comfortable and cohesive balance between natural and developed areas. In addition, established densities are part of our commitment to ensure that dependable water, power and services will always be maintained.

Property Management: To meet the special needs of a resort community, on-site property management is provided by our staff of qualified professionals. Many services are available to protect and care for your property, from daily cleaning and payment of monthly utility bills, to pool service, landscaping and general upkeep. Our rental program is also available to help you benefit from the value of your investment, with the utmost confidence that your home is being maintained to the highest standards.

Infrastructure: One of the benefits of buying in an organized, pristine, master-planned community is knowing you can depend on the infrastructure such as paved roads, water, drainage, landscaping and power -- giving you all the comforts and conveniences of home, while surrounded by the beauty and charm of Mexico.

Amenities: Nothing protects and enhances property values like world-class amenities. Palmilla offers them in abundance including a 27-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course. Future plans include an exclusive beach club, tennis club, village center and fine dining -- all in a magnificent natural setting.

Everything sounds great. What's the next step?