San Carlos, Sonora: 2010 2nd Quarter Market Report
Those of us who live in San Carlos already understand the quality of life that it provides; we enjoy the benefits of small town living with big city amenities. Within minutes of our homes we can be on the beach, playing a round of golf, or hopping on a boat to go fishing or racing with the dolphins. Throughout the day, we can be in any number of quality restaurants enjoying tacos from a street vendor or a Kobe steak at Five Palms. From A to Z, San Carlos has it covered and the real estate sales numbers for this quarter prove the continuing lifestyle appeal of this community. I can go on and on about the attributes of San Carlos, and I do so, on my website. However, this report is focused on the business environment.
The real estate sales information listed below is from the local San Carlos Multiple Listing Service, MLS. Please note that these sales figures do not include properties sold directly between a seller and a buyer and without the services of a realtor.
Real Estate Sales Double from 1st Quarter 2010
2010 2nd Quarter Sales USD: $5,201,000
2010 1st Quarter Sales USD: $2,678,900
2009 2nd Quarter Sales USD: $4,600,000
2009 1st Quarter Sales USD: $1,642,000
Current Active Listings Single Family Homes: 212
Current Active Listings Condominiums: 75
Current Active Listings Lots: 163
Current Active Listings Other: 4
~The average percent decrease between list price and actual sales price was 15% for the 2nd Quarter of 2010.
~The median sales price for a single family home was $280,000 USD and the median sales price for a condominium was $244,000 USD.
~Approximate total number of single family homes in San Carlos is 3,000 and approximate total number of condominiums in San Carlos is 690.
General Market News
1. Even if you are a retired person who no longer has concerns for business matters, a healthy economy is important to the well-being of our community. The amenities that residents and visitors enjoy can only be maintained with a stable economic base. And as odd as it might seem, little San Carlos is sitting in a pretty good position amidst the world-wide economic instability. Mortgage financing (with the exception of owner financing) is almost non-existent in San Carlos, and for that we can be grateful because it has kept speculating to a minimum. There are no foreclosures here because homes are paid for in cash and this has also helped maintain the value of properties in San Carlos. With a few exceptions, homes last quarter were sold on average for 22% below list price and this quarter that number is reduced to 15% below list price. This is a far cry from the 45% to 55% decreases we have seen in many second-home communities in the United States and in areas of Europe.
2. Sam’s Club and Walmart are both now open and serving our community in Guaymas. Where locals once drove to Hermosillo or Obregon for warehouse-type shopping, we now have those services within a 15-minute drive. These stores have hired hundreds of local workers and are also a tax resource for the City of Guaymas.
3. On June 16, 2010, Governor Padres held a press conference which I attended at the Hotel Playa de Cortes in Guaymas. With the beautiful Bacochibampo Bay as a backdrop, the Governor announced the “Guaymas 21 Plan” which is, in fact, already underway. This initiative consists of several major projects in Guaymas that will be ongoing over the next several years and the first 31 million pesos are being allocated immediately. Many of the projects are related to urban renewal which was a big theme of the presentation. All of the projects from the desalination plant in Empalme, the sports complex, housing for the poor, and renewal of the historic district and Three President’s Plaza downtown are “all for the benefit of the people,” stated Padres.
4. Eight Senators have submitted a proposal in Mexico City with the request to pass legislation that would eliminate the restricted zone, thereby eliminating the need for a trust when foreigners purchase real estate within 50 kilometers of the oceans and within 100 kilometers of the borders. The Synopsis reads as follows: “Proposes to eliminate the restricted zone and to enable foreigners and foreign companies to acquire direct ownership of lands and waters without restrictions other than that prescribed in the applicable legislation and in accordance with the terms of the respective contracts. This, say the authors, to make better use of the tourism sector, considering the current situation is far from the context in which it was born the constitutional restriction in question, which today represents only an obstacle to foreign investment in generating jobs in the tourism sector.”
Although this type of legislation is presented on a regular basis, the timing could not be better. Mexico desires foreign investment and this would be a sure way to attract investors and contribute to a healthy economy.
5. On June 7, 2010, the owners of leading media enterprises in Mexico City announced the “Mexican Initiative” which is a challenge to all citizens to create solutions for problem areas within the country and submit these proposals to the Initiative Committee. Twenty projects will be selected and, based on the ranking, funding will be provided to develop the proposals. The San Carlos Scenic District Initiative has been submitted and it would be a tremendous benefit to our community if we are placed in the top twenty! This beautification project is an excellent way to inspire local businesses and residents, improve the curb appeal of our city, and affords us an opportunity to showcase the natural beauty of San Carlos.
Until next time, please remember that we are all either contributing to or contaminating our environment with our words and our attitudes. If you see something you don’t like, take Gandhi’s advice and “be the change you want to see in the world.”
by Janey McLean
Realtor (Buyers’ Agent) and Interior Designer
Around San Carlos & Guaymas in PhotosBeach-front dining at La Palapa Griega
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To see more photos, click here. New photos added weekly. The beach at Cochorit (just past Empalme)
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News Bites
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Where are the Fish?
Bryan Replogle’s Fishing Report The water has finally calmed down after a rough weekend. We had the 63rd Annual International Fishing Tournament over the holiday weekend. Saturday saw even more wind than Friday and the first day ever that the tournament was called off. We still had fun on the docks though. A few boats found some fish, but overall results were pretty low. A few dorado and tuna were weighed. The biggest tuna came in at 69 pounds and the biggest two dorado were 27.4 pounds. There was a tie for the first place boat with two sails and three marlin between team Kryptonite and Joe Marlin. The awards ceremony was held at the Yacht Club which proved to be lots of fun as always. For Team Margarita it seemed that the fishing turned off a couple days before the tournament. Twice we almost had four species for a slam. We had two to three sailfish and marlin each day on a couple of charters and found three nice dorado too. The tuna were eluding and taunting us as we watched fish weighing almost 100 pounds boiling in great numbers. We did get one nice tuna that was close to 50 pounds. There were some smaller ones caught yesterday, so there are still some around. I heard of one big blue marlin close to 250 pounds caught after a four-hour fight on a spinning rod! I saw lots of turtles, whales, and dolphins out there last week. There is always something to see on the water. Hope to see you out there! tight lines, |
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What’s Happening in the Water?
We had some beautiful days and some windy days, but even when the Bay looks churned up, there can be some pretty good diving on the Northwest side. The water is 83 degrees F in the coves and just a little cooler on the deeper dives. Visibility was 30 feet but then diminished when the wind picked up. The Gafftopsail Pompano are around. The big ones can be two feet long. This picture is from Lalos Cove. They tend to stay with the bubbles, so just look up once and a while. The forecast is looking great for the San Carlos area this week, so let’s enjoy, |
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Guaymas Ostioneros Baseball: July Games
Blue = home game AP = Agua Prieta |
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What’s Playing at MMCinemas?
Sex and the City 2. Sarah Jessica Parker is back as Carrie. While wrestling with the pressures of life, love, and work in Manhattan, Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte join Samantha for a trip to Morocco, where Samantha’s ex is filming a new movie. Watch the trailer. The Green Zone. From the director of the Bourne Ultimatum and the Bourne Supremacy, comes this new action/adventure with Matt Damon.Watch thetrailer. Toy Story 3. This popular animated movie is back in 3D and is getting great reviews from kids and adults alike. It again features the voice of Tom Hanks as Woody. Tim Allen is Buzz Lightyear and Joan Cusack is Jessie. Watch the trailer. The Twilight Saga: Eclipse. It all begins … with a choice. Who would you choose? Vampire Edward or werewolf Jacob. Watch the trailer. The Prince of Persia. Jake Gyllenhaal stars in this action adventure movie. Click here for a preview. Most “Hollywood” movies for adults are in English with Spanish subtitles, but check before you go. Cost — Adults $47 pesos, $37 pesos on Wednesday. And, the first movie each day is only $42 pesos. MMCinemas has a new website. For a full listing and show times, click MMCinemas. In the upper right hand corner, click SELECCIONA TU CIUDAD — choose Guaymas, then Selecciona tu Complejo. |
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Happy Hours
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Festival del Mar Bermejo
In 1854 a boat load of French and other European pirates, led by Count Rousset de Boulbon, were vanquinshed by General Jose Yanez, defender of the port Guaymas. Since then, the city of Guaymas celebrates the anniversary each July 13th. The Festival del Mar Bermejo is a cultural festival with 4 days of cultural and artistic events around the city, and ending with fireworks. This year’s festivities begin on July 10th at 7:00 p.m., and continue until the 13th with a number of cultural and artistic events carried out throughout town. Festival organizers are finalizing the schedule. Check the website tomorrow for more details.
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New Social Group for Singles!
San Carlos Singles Activity Group Meets the second Tuesday of each month (to be announced each month). The next meeting is on Tuesday, July 13th at 6:00pm at Charly’s Rock (The Rock!). Remember: That is the all-you-can-eat fish & chips night. Drink specials too. Bring a single person with you as a guest, if you can. This is not a dating site, merely a way for single people to meet and do things together as a group. Just a good way to network with others. The San Carlos Singles Activity Group is always doing something. The only requirement is that you are a single person and like to have fun! Contact Kim Kendall to RSVP for July 13th ruasunbum2@yahoo.com or 226-0479.
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What’s Popular on What’s Up San Carlos’ Website?
If you’re looking to rent a house or condo, contact Sea Side Reservations. To talk to a licensed realtor about purchasing property, contact Long Realty Seaside. Visit IronSEO for web design, optimization and hosting. For more information on San Carlos hotels, see go2SanCarlos.
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What’s Happening This Week?Wednesday, July 7Entertainment
Clubs & Organizations
Sports / Fitness
Thursday, July 8Entertainment
Clubs & Organizations
Friday, July 9Entertainment
Clubs & Organizations
Sports / Fitness
Saturday, July 10Special Event
Entertainment
Sunday, July 11Special Event
Entertainment
Clubs & Organizations
Monday, July 12Special Event
Entertainment
Sports / Fitness
Tuesday, July 13Special Event
Entertainment
Sports
Save these Dates: (see next week’s newsletter for more information on these fun-filled events):
If you’re asking yourself, how do I get my events & happy hour added, the answer is simple: Just email us and we’d be happy to list your events for free. |
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What’s Up San Carlos is published by David Irons and Christa ThomasSpecial thanks to Sue Fehrle, Johan Broere,Bryan Replogle and Janey Mclean for their help with this issue. |
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Johan Broere’s Dive Report
First place Guaymas are well on their way to winning the championship again at the end of July. For more information, see the 
Some of the movies now playing:
From July 10th to the 13th, Guaymas will again host the Festival del Mar Bermejo to commemorate the anniversary of the Battle of Guaymas which occured on July 13, 1854.
