Living In Rosarito A Smooth Ride

Choosing the right location makes adjustment much easier for expats. Owning a home in Mexico is very different from owning a home in the US. Contrary to what many people think, many daily tasks are actually easier South of the Border. And of course, the cost of living in Mexico is much lower than in the U.S.

People interested in retiring or buying a vacation home in Mexico frequently ask our agents at Baja Real Estate Group how “things work” here. Here are some of these questions, and their answers:

How much will I pay in property taxes in Rosarito?
The median annual Property Tax for our client´s homes is around $250 dollars –roughly the cost of a night out in L.A.

How do I go about paying my Property Tax?
These taxes are paid yearly at the local City Hall building (called Palacio Municipal). And while at it, remember to ask if you are eligible for the senior discount. You should not rely on getting a payment notice in your mailbox. Mexican mail service is notoriously slow, so you are better of marking your calendar.

How will I be able to review my US mail?
The proximity of Rosarito to the U.S. Border makes it easy to hold a P.O. Box in San Diego and retrieve your mail. This is a luxury many ex-pats living further down South in Mexico don´t have. You can also go across the border to do your major banking, go shopping, and visit doctors. Or, you can make use of local Rosarito companies that will pick up your mail weekly and run small errands for you in the U.S., for a small fee, so you really don´t have to leave if you don´t want to.

How does it work with utility bills in Mexico?
You will be receiving your phone, water, and electricity bills at home. You want to pay your electric bill on time. Otherwise, the company will just turn off your lights! Some utility bills can be paid online, but most of them must be paid at the company or at a convenience store. No mailing checks like you do in the US! This might be worrisome if you are planning on taking a trip or are living in Rosarito part-time, but there is a solution. Some homeowner insurance companies offer a bill-paying service for a small fee. It is really just a matter of getting organized.

What is your recommendation regarding cell phones and long-distance calling while in Mexico?
Many ex-pats I know use a “Go Phone” with a US phone number that you pay “as you go”. It can be used on both sides of the border, and you are not bound to a contract. Services such as Magic Jack and Vonage allow you to keep your old phone number.

After asking these questions, potential homeowners discover what we´ve known all along. Moving to Mexico takes some adjusting. But choosing Rosarito for your retirement holds so many advantages, you will find it a breeze to adapt to your new and exciting life!

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From the Baja Real Estate Group Marketing Staff. For more information, please contact Kathy Katz at Kathy.katz@BajaREgroup.com.

About Kathy Katz.
AMPI Charter Member-Rosarito Chapter Mexican Certified Baja Real Estate Agent Full Time Resident for over 20 years. Broker-owner for the Baja Real Estate Group with over 20 years of experience doing business in Mexico. Specializing in development, resort, and retirement properties.