FAQ's
Q: What was the average selling price per square meter in Historic Centro in San Miguel in the past year, Sept. 2022 – ‘23?
A: $3,305.00 USD as reported by San Miguel AMPI.
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Q: What was the average selling price per square meter at Club de Golf Malanquin, 10 minutes outside downtown San Miguel in the past year, Sept. 2022-’23?
A: $1,524.00 USD as reported by San Miguel AMPI.
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Q: What was the average selling price per square meter in the San Antonio neighborhood, walking distance from ‘Centro’ in San Miguel in the past year, Sept. 2202 – ’23?
A: $1,684.00 USD as reported by San Miguel AMPI.
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Q: In San Miguel what building materials and architectural elements constitute “Colonia style”?
A: Tile floors, other decorative tile features, high ‘Boveda’ (brick- arched) ceilings with cupolas, ‘Cantera’ (carved rock) columns, fountains, often center courtyard, ‘French doors’, mullion-windows, arches and curves in space design, wrought iron features, quality woods decoratively carved.
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Q: What is the average square meter cost to build in the “Colonial Style”?
A: Starting price 169.00 USD per square foot (less for ‘outdoor’ living areas, patios), naturally can go up, reports Architect Raquel Hernandez Correa, ‘native daughter of San Miguel’, President of San Miguel Architects’ Association.
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Q: In San Miguel what building materials and architectural elements constitute “Contemporary / Modern” style?
A: Polished concrete floors and / or counters, ‘hung’ glass windows and no mullion, high ceilings, light-wells, natural stone or wood, steel, open flexible layouts, minimal ornamentation, seamless blend from interior space to outdoor gardens, use of regional plants.
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Q: What is the average square meter cost to build “Contemporary / Modern”?
A: Starting price of 124.00 USD per square foot (less for ‘outdoor’ living areas, patios), can go up depending, reports Architect Raquel Hernandez Correa, ‘native daughter of San Miguel’, President of San Miguel Architects’ Association.
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Q: Can “Contemporary / Modern” styles be built in the designated 46 square blocks known as ‘Historic Centro” San Miguel?
A: Yes, “Contemporary / Modern” styles can be built as long as the features of the home on the ‘façade’ facing the ‘historically preserved’ areas (by UNESCO World Heritage as awarded for historic architecture) are following guidelines from INAH (National Institute of Anthropology and History), the government agency for the conservation of Mexico’s rich history and culture, reports Architect Raquel Hernandez Correa who is trained in architectural designing for such regulatory oversight, which maintains San Miguel’s unique Spanish Colonial visual unity in “Historic Centro” and connected areas known as “Centro”.
Q: Does one have to have a ‘Permanente’ VISA as a foreigner to purchase property?
A: No one does not need to have a ‘Permanente’ VISA in Mexico to purchase property.
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Q: Does one receive a deed when as a foreigner purchasing property in Mexico?
A: Yes, a deed known as the “Escritura Publica” serves as proof of ownership including details about the property such as location, size, boundaries, just as it does for a Mexican citizen.
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Q: In a real estate transaction in Mexico, what does a ‘Notario Publico’ do?
A: In Mexico a Notario Publico is a highly respected legal professional appointed by the government who has extensive legal training and is responsible for ensuring the legality and validity of various legal documents including real estate transactions, including title investigation, drafting and reviewing contracts, tax and fee calculation and collections, deed preparation and registration with the Public Registry of Property, (and sometimes acts as an Escrow service).
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Q: Is using an Escrow service common?
A: Yes, escrow services are available and encouraged.
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Q: What does AMPI mean?
A: It stands for “Asociacion Mexicana de Profesionales Inmobilarios” and is a professional organization that represents and regulates real estate professionals in Mexico to promote ethical standards and best practices within the Industry with continuous education.
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Q: Is Camie Fenton a member of San Miguel de Allende AMPI?
A: Yes.
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Q: Does San Miguel sit on crystal 5 miles wide and 5 miles deep?
A: According to ‘ChatBox’: “No. This statement is not based on factual information. San Miguel is a historic city located in Central Mexico known for its colonial architecture, cultural heritage, and vibrant arts scene. It does not have a base of crystal or any geological formation of that nature.” But, according to a well-known female healer, Shaman: “Yes, San Miguel is an energy portal in the world and crystal pieces are found when excavating for construction. Something ‘magical’ is reported here.”
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Q: Where should one eat out to celebrate a real estate purchase?
A: San Miguel de Allende is known as a ‘foodie-pleasing’ town. Make a reservation at Atrio for the best Parroquia view from their swanky rooftop location and always known for perfect cocktails and excellent food. If no reservation, drop into Hanks most lively bar and restaurant for fun, comradery and Cajun/Creole specials.
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Please let me know if you’ve got a question. I’ll get the answer. Call (hook up to phone thing)
