Our Home in Merida, Mexico - 1 Year Later

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  • Опубліковано 1 лип 2024
  • Almost 1 year ago our home in Merida, Mexico in the State of Yucatan was completed. We had an amazing month there, then had to head home to the United States. In a few weeks, we'll be heading back, and so here I reflect on the positives and negatives of the past year.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 72

  • @AlexanderFromKC
    @AlexanderFromKC  Рік тому +5

    Here's the update from several different perspectives. I hope you enjoy!!

  • @diegovalencia47
    @diegovalencia47 Рік тому +7

    I'm glad to see you're healthy and also your home is in great shape. I was lucky enough to visit your beautiful home for 2 weeks last year. My first experience in Merida was incredible. Thanks for your hospitality and best wishes in all your ventures!

    • @AlexanderFromKC
      @AlexanderFromKC  Рік тому +1

      That's fantastic, I'm so happy you enjoyed our home and the city! Come back anytime!!

  • @lynneshrode2927
    @lynneshrode2927 Рік тому +1

    Glad that you are back to good health. Your home is phenomenally beautiful.

  • @PabloMartinez-ky8tg
    @PabloMartinez-ky8tg Рік тому +2

    Amo sobremanera la forma en como aprovecharon el espacio estrecho del terreno para construir un hogar colorido, iluminado y amplio.

    • @AlexanderFromKC
      @AlexanderFromKC  Рік тому +1

      Muchas gracias, y estoy completamente de acuerdo. Nuestro arquitecto fue increíble, y mi familia está MUY FELIZ con nuestra casa. ¡Gracias por comentar!

  • @kellymcnally9692
    @kellymcnally9692 10 місяців тому +1

    Thank you Alex!!

  • @turnleftrighthere2605
    @turnleftrighthere2605 9 місяців тому +1

    Great info! I love Merida!

  • @heathergoesrogue
    @heathergoesrogue 6 місяців тому

    So informative and helpful. Immediate follow. Thank you for the info.

  • @louiewld3963
    @louiewld3963 8 місяців тому

    That’s awesome thanks for the info

  • @keepingupwiththechrismans
    @keepingupwiththechrismans 4 місяці тому

    We are on (your calle) as well! Great job on the remod, love your content, keep it up!

    • @AlexanderFromKC
      @AlexanderFromKC  4 місяці тому

      That's awesome! It's a good one for sure. Thank you and glad you're enjoying it!

  • @ExplorerMedia
    @ExplorerMedia 10 місяців тому

    very informative, thanks!

  • @eduardomoncada8677
    @eduardomoncada8677 Рік тому +4

    Amazing! Awesome insights. My wife and I bought a lot at San Benito Beach and it has doubled its value since 2 years ago. Looking for an architect that know how to build on that area

    • @AlexanderFromKC
      @AlexanderFromKC  Рік тому

      That is awesome and thank you! I know Henry builds all over, but it all depends on what you're looking for. I love that area btw!

  • @robinmanser
    @robinmanser Рік тому

    We will be in Merida checking in on our Colonial Renovation the last two weeks of July. Hoping that it not quite as hot as it has been the last couple of weeks. Fingeres crossed!

    • @AlexanderFromKC
      @AlexanderFromKC  Рік тому

      You're not kidding about the heat, but I just looked it up and saw that it's hotter here in Kansas City than Merida! Either way, it's crazy right now. Can't wait to hear how you're renovation's going, I'm sure you're more than ready for it to be done so you can enjoy it!

  • @JoeCool-jl6oz
    @JoeCool-jl6oz Рік тому

    New subscriber. Very informative and what a great speaking voice.

    • @AlexanderFromKC
      @AlexanderFromKC  Рік тому

      Thanks so much for subscribing, and I'm happy you're enjoying the channel - information and voice included!!

  • @idaniamorales6058
    @idaniamorales6058 Місяць тому

    We are going to move to Merida soon

  • @ValentinaMitchell1
    @ValentinaMitchell1 3 місяці тому

    Really cooool

  • @rosakwick5329
    @rosakwick5329 5 місяців тому

    Thank you very much for your videos. Happy 2024! How much did you pay for your solar panels?

    • @AlexanderFromKC
      @AlexanderFromKC  5 місяців тому

      You are most welcome, it's my pleasure!
      So we paid around $12,500 USD if I'm remembering correctly. It's a good size system, but I'm hoping to add to it this spring.
      Happy 2024 to you!!

  • @charlesquesnel2302
    @charlesquesnel2302 8 місяців тому +1

    I'm a quadriplegic moving down there in the next couple months looking at doing what you're doing possibly building something or investing foreign Airbnb and eventually looking for a permanent home for myself looking to hire someone to help us not sure if you do that type of thing but if you can recommend someone that would be amazing great videos by the way very helpful

    • @AlexanderFromKC
      @AlexanderFromKC  8 місяців тому

      I would call Elizabeth Rodriguez or Nicholas Sanders - both of their information is on the same website below. I know one big issue in Centro are the sidewalks there, which may be something to think about. Those two will help, and I can't recommend them enough!
      www.yucatanbeachandcityproperty.com/agents

  • @philschiavone101
    @philschiavone101 Рік тому +3

    Everywhere in Mexico the housing prices are increasing. I don’t think I can afford the house that I bought just 5 years ago in Tlaquepaque.

    • @AlexanderFromKC
      @AlexanderFromKC  Рік тому +1

      You're not kidding, and it's not just Mexico either. Our house in the USA continues to increase as well. We're in a bit of a crazy market!

  • @TG-gb7bk
    @TG-gb7bk 5 місяців тому

    Great stuff.... I recently moved down there from Dallas. I'm in the Yucatan Country Club area - Compostela. Love the house and looking to get something on the beach. Would be interested in talking to you at some point about renting properties. Thanks for your video - your house also looks beautiful.

    • @AlexanderFromKC
      @AlexanderFromKC  5 місяців тому

      Just send me a text or email, and we can get on a call. I only know about my experiences, but I'm happy to discuss Merida any time!! YCC looks amazing, so it's no surprise you're enjoying your place. What area along the beach are you looking at?

  • @thomashansson5909
    @thomashansson5909 11 місяців тому

    Hey, Alex. I have seen a lot of your videos on your channel, and i have followed your building process for some time. The finished product looks amazing. Im travelling to Merida actually tomorrow with my wife who is mexican and me and my daughter witch are norwegians. Would love to stop buy and meet you if you are there😄?

    • @AlexanderFromKC
      @AlexanderFromKC  11 місяців тому

      First, thank you so much for following the channel, and our building process. It's really cool to learn when someone has been around for awhile!!
      Second, I unfortunately am not in Merida now. If you guy are staying a few weeks, we'll be down towards the end of July, and would love to connect. If you are, just text me @ 816-727-7740!
      Thanks again, and have an AMAZING time!

    • @thomashansson5909
      @thomashansson5909 11 місяців тому

      Unfortunately we are leaving the 15th back to Mexico city but I will definitely come back to Merida. Been amazing but very 🥵 so far. I'll be sure to send you a text next time. Thx for all the amazing and informative videos😊

  • @TheNoise0808
    @TheNoise0808 Рік тому +1

    I have a question how much do you paid for your home? And how much is the price right now?

    • @AlexanderFromKC
      @AlexanderFromKC  Рік тому +1

      Original price of the home was around $115k USD, and our renovation (not including furniture, etc.) brought our total investment up to approx. $500k USD. I'm not sure what the current value is right now, but I would assume we're over $600k.

  • @jesseplz
    @jesseplz Рік тому +1

    Is it normal to have walls like a military bunker? Is this for safety?

    • @AlexanderFromKC
      @AlexanderFromKC  Рік тому +2

      lol yes, it's very normal. In Mexico, especially in this area the main way to build is through concrete block, rather than wood frame. That and the coating are what create the "military bunker" looking walls. The positive where we are is that it gets very, very hot and this type of wall is a great insulator, so you're not roasting in your house during the day.

  • @j45299
    @j45299 6 місяців тому

    We went to Merida last year hoping to find a house to go to during the winter. What do you think about the fact that if you are not a citizen you can not truley own the land? We were told that you can lease it for 40 years. Then what? Please give me your opinion. Thank you. Also, what communitiy did you all actually build in?

    • @AlexanderFromKC
      @AlexanderFromKC  5 місяців тому

      Great question. The truth is, I don't mind it. The "fideicomiso" is the trust formed between the foreign owner, and in our case a bank. The trust is fully renewable every 50 years, and during that time the foreign owner has every right to ownership. It's technically over 50 years for properties with the "Restricted Zone" of Mexico, which is 100 km from a foreign border and 50 km from the oceans/gulfs.
      So I don't worry about it at all. We all read that Mexico and the United States are always in disagreement, particularly regarding the southern border. However, the year Mexico became the United States' largest trading partner. There are a whole host of reasons why nothing will ever happen, and just a few of why it might be an issue.
      Also we are between the Chen Bech neighborhood, and La Mejorada.

  • @muletowndumpsters
    @muletowndumpsters 8 місяців тому

    Curious as to the price point of your home in U.S. dollars. Looks beautiful.

    • @AlexanderFromKC
      @AlexanderFromKC  8 місяців тому +2

      Thank you very much!
      We purchased the home originally for approximately $115k USD. The build out was around $360k USD, and then we had furniture, kitchen wares, and all the things that fill a house. I believe that landed around $75k USD, all in.
      I do try to tell people that our place isn't typical, at all. We had been wanting to buy a home in Mexico for years, and this just happened to be the perfect place and time for us. One of my favorite things is that as much as there is behind it, the front of the home looks "fresh", but just like anything else you might pass on the street. It's one of the reasons I love the city so much!

  • @jeffreyskinner7167
    @jeffreyskinner7167 8 місяців тому

    How did you get permission s to build,bought land but challenge s. Beautiful property . Congratulations.

    • @AlexanderFromKC
      @AlexanderFromKC  8 місяців тому +1

      The purchase has to go through a "fideicomiso" if you're a foreigner buying within Mexico's Restricted Zone. This can be setup through an attorney, we used one at Notaria 11 that our real estate agent recommended. It's basically a 50 year trust agreement that can be renewed once expired. The build permits and that side were (happily) the responsibility of our builder. Because our home is in Centro, we also had to verify plans with the INAH which makes sure certain aspects of the property retain their historic value/look. Our builder was Henry Ponce, who I highly recommend.
      Thank you!

  • @gexenterthegecko252
    @gexenterthegecko252 11 місяців тому

    If the prices are increasing I hope I can still move there in the next few years :/

    • @AlexanderFromKC
      @AlexanderFromKC  11 місяців тому

      You’ll be ok. There are still places to be had, it’s just that there’s a boom in Merida like everywhere else. Also, inflation has made construction products go up like crazy. That’s everywhere though. By the time you’re ready, hopefully things will have calmed down, but no matter what you’ll be fine.

  • @LESHAUNWILL
    @LESHAUNWILL Рік тому +1

    Lol I had to check my playback speed because I thought I had accidentally sped up the video 😂 lol NOPE it’s just the way you have it lol maybe you sped it up in editing or you naturally talk that fast? Hahaha lol anyways love the house I’m moving to Merida next month I can’t wait. Maybe one day I can interview you and your architect for my channel? It would be awesome to get the building perspective for my audience and introduce them to your channel as well 🤗

    • @AlexanderFromKC
      @AlexanderFromKC  Рік тому +1

      Yeah... I speak in-person more slowly than these videos, but they tend to get more watch-time when you speed them up. Good luck in your move, you won't regret it! Let me know if you'd like to talk some time, if I don't know the answer we'll find someone who does. Best of luck, again!

    • @mariealexa9670
      @mariealexa9670 9 місяців тому +1

      Great idea. I recently learned to up playback speed to 1.5 on all the stuff I watch on youtube. . .i can get so much information this way, and REMEMBER IT! @@AlexanderFromKC

    • @AlexanderFromKC
      @AlexanderFromKC  4 місяці тому

      Seems like a good plan!@@mariealexa9670

    • @jodibraun6383
      @jodibraun6383 Місяць тому

      😂 I usually watch videos at 2x playback speed. But for this gentleman's videos, I don't have to. And I'm so grateful! 😅

  • @motowninvestor
    @motowninvestor 10 місяців тому

    Can you recommend a home inspector in Merida?

    • @AlexanderFromKC
      @AlexanderFromKC  10 місяців тому

      Unfortunately I can't, simply because we did use one during our purchase process. If you join the Facebook group, I'm sure someone would be able to recommend someone for you! Sorry about that.

    • @motowninvestor
      @motowninvestor 10 місяців тому

      @@AlexanderFromKC Okay, my membership is pending.

    • @AlexanderFromKC
      @AlexanderFromKC  4 місяці тому +1

      Checking back in - You should've been approved, but I never see responses on YT.@@motowninvestor

  • @zanetamcgaha6928
    @zanetamcgaha6928 4 місяці тому

    I am from Kansas City living in Sarasota, Fl and looking to retire in Mexico. How is this area for expats?

    • @AlexanderFromKC
      @AlexanderFromKC  4 місяці тому

      It's really good. Depending on your tolerance for heat, it can be a lot, but the city has about everything you could want for an "easy" transition.

    • @tt-du6vc
      @tt-du6vc 2 місяці тому

      I would leave Kansas City and go to Lawrence and live in William Burroughs’ house.

  • @noellopez9502
    @noellopez9502 Рік тому

    $4K a month?! Jeez

    • @AlexanderFromKC
      @AlexanderFromKC  Рік тому +1

      I know the sticker-shock, but if you saw the house, even in Merida I think you'd understand why. Plus, four bedrooms are available to renters, so 4-8 people makes it a little easier too!

  • @tonyshaw226
    @tonyshaw226 Рік тому

    👁J👁
    PLEASE READ
    PLEASE READ
    .
    Nice place... great job..!!!!
    .
    Overall, cost per square foot after throwing everything in for your build...?.
    .
    How long did it take to complete the project.
    .
    How difficult is it to complete a new-build, without a strong grip on the Spanish language...???
    .
    I was looking at several architectural remodeled colonias to purchase I had not considered doing my own custom build out.
    .

    • @AlexanderFromKC
      @AlexanderFromKC  Рік тому +1

      I'd have to think about the price per square foot because we have a lot invested in the outdoor areas which don't normally contribute to that. All-in cost was around $600k, but that's furniture, appliances, etc. included.
      Our project took a little over 2 years, but most of that delay is thanks to COVID, and the initial design process and building application took a lot of time too.
      Difficultly is 100% going to depend on your architect/builder, which is why we went with Henry Ponce's team. Our build was (relatively) easy, but I've heard some crazy stories. It's worth it to pay a premium for an architect with a great reputation. The language barrier was made easier because many on his team speak English, so they'd just pass on the information.
      The remodeled houses can be great, but we knew we wanted to customize our house, and there was just no way to do that any other way. Thanks to that we have been able to do everything just how we wanted it!

  • @charlesquesnel2302
    @charlesquesnel2302 8 місяців тому

    I'm a quadriplegic moving down there in the next couple months looking at doing what you're doing possibly building something or investing foreign Airbnb and eventually looking for a permanent home for myself looking to hire someone to help us not sure if you do that type of thing but if you can recommend someone that would be amazing great videos by the way very helpful

    • @AlexanderFromKC
      @AlexanderFromKC  8 місяців тому

      I would call Elizabeth Rodriguez or Nicholas Sanders - both of their information is on the same website below. I know one big issue in Centro are the sidewalks there, which may be something to think about. Those two will help, and I can't recommend them enough!
      www.yucatanbeachandcityproperty.com/agents