Homeowner's Guide
Welcome to the world of home ownership in La Baja, Mexico! I understand the importance of making your new house truly feel like home. During this exciting time, you may have questions and uncertainties about settling into your new place, and I’m here to provide some essential guidance to help you get started.
Gathering Your Documents: Before you dive into further tasks related to your new home, it’s crucial to have the necessary legal documents ready to verify your identity, residence, and immigration status. I recommend having multiple copies of each document and your physical passport on hand whenever you need to open or modify any accounts. Additionally, having someone who speaks Spanish or a translator with you can be invaluable in ensuring you fully understand any contracts you might need to sign.
Here’s a list of the documents you’ll need:
- Passport information page (color)
- Tourist VISA (1-sided) or Mexican resident card (both sides)
- A recent electric (CFE) bill
- Fideicomiso, all pages (a letter from the notary can be used if you haven’t received your fideicomiso yet)
- Your physical address (found on the CFE bill or the fideicomiso)
- Proof of paid property taxes (essential for obtaining a water contract)
Utilities:
CFE (Electric Power): CFE is the sole electricity provider in our region. They issue bills every 1 or 2 months, depending on your contract. To avoid disconnection, it’s essential to ensure your bills are paid in full. Payments can be made in cash at the offices near Plaza Patio, at automatic teller machines, or at Walmart.
For online payments and additional information, you can visit the CFE website.
OOMSAPAS (Water Company): OOMSAPAS is our exclusive water supply provider, and they bill on a monthly basis. You can conveniently pay your water bill online at aguapotabledeloscabos.gob.mx, in person at the water company office, or at any OXXO convenience store.
Propane Gas: Most homes in our area are equipped with 300-liter propane tanks that serve water heaters, outdoor grills, stoves, and pool heating. The cost to fill a 300-liter tank varies based on its current level, typically ranging from $3,000 to $3,500 pesos. You can request propane services from Caligas via WhatsApp at +52 1 624 238 5950, and payment options include wire transfer or cash.
TELMEX (Phone/Internet): Telmex is the primary national phone and Internet provider. They offer various packages with broadband speeds ranging from 10 Mbps to 200 Mbps per month. These packages often include television and telephone services. Payment can be made online at telmex.com or at any OXXO convenience store.
Television Service: Multiple television service options are available, including Mexican satellite TV providers such as Sky, Dish TV, and Claro TV. Additionally, streaming services with English programming are accessible with the purchase of a set-top box or Fire Stick.
Drinking Water: While tap water in the area is not recommended for drinking, many homeowners install reverse osmosis water filtration systems in their kitchen sinks for safe drinking water. If your home doesn’t have such a system, our Projects Department can assist with various services and enhancements to your new home.
Financial and Immigration:
Paying Your Property Taxes: Property taxes are due starting in January, but early payments in November and December come with significant discounts. You can pay your property taxes online using your clave catastral number and credit card at tesoreria.loscabos.gob.mx. Alternatively, you can request the due amount via WhatsApp at +52 1 624 315 1516.
Paying Your Fideicomiso Annual Fees: Your annual fideicomiso payment is due on the anniversary of your fideicomiso’s creation. Payments are made to the bank that holds your fideicomiso and can be processed at local bank branches or potentially online, depending on the bank’s policies.
Currency and Banking: The official currency in Mexico is the peso (MXN), with coins in centavos. Major credit cards are widely accepted, and U.S. dollars are also commonly used in many establishments in Baja Sur. Mexican banks offer a range of services similar to those in other countries, including checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit, ATMs, mortgages, and insurance.
Should I Open a Bank Account? While it is not mandatory to open a local bank account, having one in pesos can provide convenience for automating bill payments and handling local expenses. To open a local bank account, residency is typically required, but our Property Management team may be able to assist you in this process.
Immigration Assistance (Applying for Residency): We collaborate with experienced Immigration Attorneys who specialize in assisting individuals through the immigration process. They are available to answer your questions and guide you in obtaining residency if needed.
Homeowner’s Insurance: All the properties we represent are insured, offering competitive pricing and comprehensive coverage. Given the region’s vulnerability to hurricanes, we strongly recommend insuring your property, including the installation of hurricane shutters, which our Projects Department can assist with.
Automobile Insurance: If you bring a vehicle into Baja, maintaining current Mexican liability insurance is essential. Our Property Management team can provide guidance in selecting the best insurance company for your vehicle.
Congratulations once again on your new home in La Baja, Mexico. I’m here to support you in every aspect of your homeownership journey. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our Property Management team should you have any questions or require further assistance.