Q: HOW DO FOREIGNERS OWN PROPERTY IN MEXICO?

A: Because the Mexican Constitution prohibits foreigners from purchasing or owning real-estate within 50 Km. (30 miles) along all coastlines, a new safe method of holding title was created. This new instrument allows ownership through a Mexican Property Trust called a Fideicomiso. Perla Del Mar has engaged a *Notary to assist owners in setting up their Fideicomiso, and because of the number of trusts, we have negotiated a better price for this service.

*A Notary in Mexico is senior to a Lawyer. The Perla Del Mar Notary is a Dr. of Law and speaks 3 languages, including English.

Q: WHAT IS A FIDEICOMISO?

A: This is a trust agreement ( initial term of 50 yrs., but can be renewed for and additional period of more than fifty yrs.) much like an estate trust, and giving you all the rights of ownership. A Bank (of your choice) acts as the Trustee and you are the Beneficiary of the Trust with the right to use, occupy and possess the property, including the right to improve it and sell it. The buyer acquires all the benefits of a direct owner, including the ability to lease or transfer the property to a third party or a pre-appointed beneficiary.

Q: HOW BIG IS MANZANILLO?

A: As with most Mexican cities, population statistics seem uncertain. The population number circulated among the community of Manzanillo fans is 125,000.

Q: WHERE IS THE AIRPORT AT MANZANILLO?

Manzanillo's airport is located about 30 minutes north of the city and on the coast. It is an International Airport that is constantly being upgraded and is experiencing increased traffic. A typical cab fare to Manzanillo is about $30 US dollars, or 300 pesos.

Q: IS IT DIFFICULT TO GET BUILDERS AND LABOUR IN MANZANILLO?

A: Not at all. While Manzanillo has nearly full employment, there seems to be a never ending supply of good skilled labour. Architects in Mexico are typically design-builders, meaning they usually have a large (in-house) work force who do the actual construction.

Q: WHO WILL BE BUILDING PERLA DEL MAR?

A: We are fortunate to have the best architects (we believe) in Manzanillo, Alejandro De Alba and his architect wife, Marcela De Alba Thompson. Their company, Altho, is a premier builder in Manzanillo and together they have an undisputed reputation for building stunning and functional projects. Most importantly, they have a legion of very happy customers who in our experience and without exception, recommend them.

Q: DOES MANZANILLO GET HURRICANES?

A: We joke that we get most everything in Manzanillo except cold and snow. Yes Manzanillo can get hurricanes, but because it is so far south, it gets considerably less hurricane activity then locations further north, or especially Mexico's east coast. Long time residents will tell you that the last major hurricane was in the late 1950's. As well, most storms near Manzanillo are moving north-west or parallel to Manzanillo, and since Manzanillo is located well inside two bays and near the mountains, the storm effects are minimized.

Q: EARTHQUAKES AND TSUNAMIS?

A: Earthquakes are a reality on many coastal areas of the world and Manzanillo is no exception. There were two historic earthquakes (1985 & 1995) in Mx. that changed the building code for new construction. Perla's architect says the engineering standards were increased by 50% after the 1985 quake in Mexico City and after the 1995 quake closer to Manzanillo, these standards were increased by another 50%.

Tsunami's can be a reality after earthquakes depending on several factors related to the type of quake, depth, etc. Local people tell us that Manzanillo's Bays minimize the effect of tsunami's, especially Manzanillo Bay (where Perla Del Mar is located), because it is a deep bay. It seems that the effect of tsunamis' is greater in shallow bays where the slope of the ocean bottom gradually rises to the shore line.

In summary, if you ask locals about earthquakes and tsunami's, you will get a subjective discussion about earthquakes, and a yawn about tsunami's. Our Mexicans friends are much more amazed by how we Northerners can function in, or even exist in, -30 C temperatures!

Q: WHAT ARE THE SUMMERS LIKE IN MANZANILLO?

A: Actually, the summers are very pleasant. Because Manzanillo is located at a more southerly latitude than many other popular destinations, it has a more tropical climate. In the summer months, unlike say Phoenix, the weather is somewhat cloudy, and from July through September the area receives the majority of the rain that sustains it for the whole year. So the summer temperatures are moderated by the cloud, and are actually quite temperate. As shown on the page, "About the Area", the average monthly high temperatures only vary 3.5 degrees C. In short, Manzanillo has wonderful weather!

Q: WHAT DO THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE THERE DO?

A: Manzanillo is now Mexico's largest sea-port. In fact the port is in the process of a rather large expansion including a new cruise ship docking area that will be utilized by an ever increasing number of cruise ships that wish to make Manzanillo a regular stop. This Jan. (2008) the new liner "Queen Victoria" stopped on it's maiden voyage to the Americas. It is logical then that the largest employer is the port, and it's related activities.

Agriculture is another major employer with year-round production of crops such as peppers, limes, bananas, mangos, papayas, citrus, berries, and other fruits and vegetables. Equally important and significant is the number of people employed in the mining of base metals, which are then shipped through the port.

Of the top 5 employers, we are told that tourism is 5th, which means that Manzanillo maintains it's true Mexican flavour. However, it is obvious to those who have visited Manzanillo for some time, that tourism is a developing industry as each year more Northerners visit and search for their little piece of paradise. The whole coastal area of Manzanillo and the 'Coastalegre' (Happy Coast) is experiencing the influx.

Q: WHAT ABOUT PERLA'S SEA-WALL?

A: The sea-wall is now under construction (Feb. 08). Columns were installed last fall on the front corners of the property and then across the front. On top of these columns and at or below sea-level, a base of large boulders will support the reinforced concrete that will rise from there and become one of the best, if not the best, sea-wall in Manzanillo. The reality is that most of the sea-walls of adjacent properties have stood for many years, and are little more than fences with shallow footings. Perla's engineered sea-wall should provide excellent protection.

Q: ARE MULTIPLE OWNERS FOR A UNIT ALLOWED?

A: Yes, the by-laws will allow two owners on title.

Q: WHEN IS THE CONSTRUCTION EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED?

A: The architects are telling us that Perla should be nearly completed by Mar. '09. In the 'Offer to Purchase', the date shown is June '09, however as progress is made, there will be updates to this Mar. '09 date made in the Owners Club section of the website.