Bob Findley is the Broker and Owner of Manzanillo Real Estate Professionals (formerly Ed Preston Real Estate, Inc). He acquired principal ownership in 2006 from Ed Preston. The company was formally established in 2001. Bob Findley, in concert with his team of experienced professionals, provide real estate sales, home remodeling, vacation rental and property management services to the greater Manzanillo, Mexico area. Bob Findley relocated to Manzanillo in 2006 after retiring from a career in the U.S. Navy. Bob brings a lifetime of practical experience in purchasing, remodeling and re-selling homes in Washington, California, Florida, and Virginia.

Can you tell us why real estate in Manzanillo is a good option for people looking for a retirement home or second home in Mexico?

Property is relatively cheap in comparison to other beachfront communities in Mexico. Unlike other resort areas in Mexico where the primary industry is tourism, Manzanillo’s first industry is the port. In Manzanillo you don’t experience the “tourist hustle” relative to other resort areas. Manzanillo boasts a more “authentic Mexico” atmosphere with a reputation for tranquil lifestyle compared to other resort towns. With a low unemployment rate in Manzanillo, many of the vast beaches in the area are virtually unpopulated during the week since most everyone is at work. Manzanillo also is renowned for its low crime rate in comparison the rest of Mexico, with the state of Colima regarded as having the lowest crime rate in this country and rated 7th in the world for safest states. The climate is steadily in the 80s most of the year.

Can you describe the quality of the infrastructure in Manzanillo, especially the availability of utilities and the quality of the health care options?

Over the past few years, Manzanillo has experienced vast improvements in infrastructure including road improvements, new hospitals and new construction. Manzanillo hosts the full range of utilities including road maintenance, traffic control, water, sewage and electricity. Hospital care is readily available and in abundance with two new state of the art hospitals in addition to several existing hospitals and clinics.

What are the best areas, developments, or neighborhoods in Manzanillo to invest or live?

All districts in the Manzanillo area have their particular qualities. The most popular areas for non-nationals are the Club Santiago and Peninsula de Santiago (or Las Hadas) areas. Although, many also favor Las Brisas, Salagua, and Santiago districts as well. Each of these areas offer their individual qualities such as Club Santiago’s upscale gated community, Las Hadas with the famous resort, marina and many upscale residential areas, Las Brisas as a principally residential district, whereas, Salagua as one of the fastest developing districts with a new Super Walmart, Starbucks, casino, KFC, Dairy Queen, Subway, Burger King, and large grocery stores, new hospital and new residential developments, with Santiago offering more traditional family owned store shopping areas and surfing beaches.

What can interested buyers expect to pay for a 2 bedroom beachfront condo in Manzanillo?
$120K-$350K.

How has Manzanillo real estate performed over the past 5 or 10 years? Are there any factors that you think would contribute to future growth in property values?

Property in Manzanillo has steadily increased in value each year over the past several years, particularly land increasing on average 20% per year for the past 3 years. There are several new residential and condominium projects planned for Manzanillo (with several currently under construction). This is setting a new, higher price standard. Yet, still far cheaper than other resort communities. Manzanillo is experiencing an influx of people selling their properties in Cancun, PV and Cabo and bringing their profits to Manzanillo to upgrade with the lower prices. With further development and the trend of property values continuing to increase, there is opportunity to buy now and experience increasing value for their property.

To learn more about Manzanillo real estate or contact Bob Findley visit www.manzanillorealestate.com.