Expat Lifestyle by Janey
2010 1st Quarter Market Results – San Carlos Real Estate Sales Up 38%
I just love it when I’m right! I have listened to people for months talking about how the “sky is falling” and guess what? Not only is the sky not falling, we are starting to feel a new energy in town and things are looking really good in Sonora and in San Carlos. It could be my optimistic attitude that makes me weary of these naysayers or just the fact that sitting around complaining is just not my style. It is my pleasure to set the record straight!
San Carlos continues to have many lifestyle attributes, but this report will mainly focus on the economic and business climate in San Carlos and Sonora.
My Market Update for this quarter includes housing sales information retrieved from our MLS. Keep in mind that private sales figures are not included in this total.
Real Estate Sales Up 38%
2010 1st Quarter sales USD: $2,678,900.00
2009 1st Quarter sales USD: $1,642,000.00
Current Active Listings Single Family Homes: 216
Current Active Listings Condominiums: 74
Current Active Listings Lots: 151
Current Active Other: 5
The percent decrease between list price and actual sales price was 22% for the 1st Quarter of 2010 which is a reflection of the worldwide market. In comparison, many second home communities, in the U.S. saw real estate values plummet 30-40% in the last few years. Arizona, Nevada, Florida, and California were hit extremely hard. In Spain and other international expat communities housing prices have fallen well into the 35-40% range.
However, those markets are starting to rebound or at least, the bottom seems to have been reached and sales are up in most areas of the U.S. The above sales numbers for San Carlos show the same scenario here as well and, in quite dramatic fashion.
General Market News
#1: Sonora’s new Governor Padres, as part of his “A New Sonora” agenda recently announced a state wide water infrastructure plan. This plan will ensure continued growth for the vast agriculture production in Sonora, which is considered the “bread basket” of Mexico as well as growth for the general economy. Part of the plan includes a desalination plant in nearby Empalme which is big news for our local economy.
#2: Maquila (foreign owned factories) growth continues in Guaymas and Empalme. I met with a man the other day that is moving from North Carolina to San Carlos and is a manager for a plant in Guaymas. This US Company makes parts for the US auto industry and he said the rebound in the market has been staggering and they are so busy that for the first time they are going to be outsourcing. This means more jobs and growth in our community.
#3: Guaymas has several other projects on the go including additional improvements to the Cruise line harbor, a new sports complex, and the new Sam’s Club is due to open in 4 weeks and Walmart shortly after. It is rumored that Costco has already purchased land in Guaymas and they are coming to town also. Again, this means more jobs and economic growth for our community.
#4: The new VivaAerobus flight between Las Vegas and Hermosillo has opened up an excellent travel option for homeowners in San Carlos and their visiting guests and family. Many local hotel operators and tour companies are working with this new airline to coordinate package tours to San Carlos.
#5: The new Pro San Carlos Association, of which I am a member, has plans for curb appeal programs to spruce up areas that need some attention within our community. For example, several hundred students, residents, and business owners participated in the first Earth Day Beach Clean-Up project a few weeks ago. We have been working closely with government agencies to obtain their assistance in further beautification efforts.
There are many more inspiring and positive things happening in San Carlos and Sonora however, I will save more of those for my next update! Stand by for more good news!
by Janey McLean
SanCarlosJaney.com,
homes, design, lifestyle in Mexico
2 New Commercial ComplexesPlaza el Faro with Vitraux open for business:
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5 rental units above and a furniture store on the ground floor
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New RestaurantsTacos Los Julios on Beltrones
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Restaurante Las Palapitas on San Fransisco Beach
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Where are the Fish?
The winds cooled the water back off into the high 60′s in close. Water temperatures in the very low 70′s are not too far out, but it still may be another couple of weeks before we see some good warmwater fishing. Things should be ‘on’ by Memorial Day in time for the Ladies Tournament. It’s a little quiet in close. It seems that a lot of the bait has moved off. Cabrilla and Pargo are patrolling the rocks and kelp is in close. Try tricking them with a shiny lure or some live bait. As always, you can’t catch fish unless your line is in the water! tight lines, Bryan Replogle repsilon@aol.com |
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Ostioneros 2×1 Nights – This Week
Guaymas Ostioneros versus Tiajuana at 7:30pm. May 4th game : 2×1 entrance for women. The Ostioneros play at the Abelardo L. Rodriguez stadium. Click here for a map to the stadium. |
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What’s Playing at MMCinemas?
Iron Man 2. Robert Downey Jr returns as Tony Starks, aka Iron Man in this continuation of the Marvel comic classic. This time, he battles Mickey Rourke as the evil Ivan Vanko. Also staring Don Cheadle, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Samuel Jackson. Click here for a preview. Legion (Legión de Angeles). Denis Quaid stars in this action fantasy flick. Click here for a preview. Motherhood (Mamá Está Loca) with Uma Thurman. Click here for a preview. Clash of the Titans (Furia de Titanes) with Sam Worthington (as Perseus), Liam Neeson (as Zeus) and Ralph Fiennes (as Hades). Plot: The mortal son of the god Zeus embarks on a perilous journey to stop the underworld and its minions from spreading their evil to Earth and the heavens. Watch 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. For a full listing and show times, click MMCinemas. Under Selecciona, choose “Sonora” and “Guaymas”. On the next page, where it says “todos los complejos”, chose MMC Guaymas – then click “buscar”. |
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Happy Hours
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Who’s Who in Entertainment?Norma and Gil (of The Luna Band) … Married! I am sure every musician’s dream is to be married to another musician….and their group LUNA works well together, very tight. They have been well known in our little pueblo, especially at the Soggy Peso on Fridays and Saturdays from 4:30pm until sunset. They also play at Froggies on selected nights … check the calendar of events. So, what is the next move for Norma and Gil? No se, perhaps a new family, upcoming musicians, or perhaps a long honeymoon is in their future. What a great couple! You can also congratulate them personally at their performances on Thursdays around 9:00pm outside of Diegos Restaurant-Bar in Guaymas (kitty corner from the Tufesa bus station). Their show is always packed. FELICIDADES Norma and Gil. For information on other local musicians, click here. Who’s Who in Entertainment is written by local musician Eric Holland. |
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Wednesday Movie
This week, members of Ocean Camp or the Yacht Club can enjoy “It’s Complicated”. Watch Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin in a comedy about love, divorce, and … It’s Complicated. This program is for members of the San Carlos Yacht Club, and members of Ocean Camp San Carlos, A.C. If you are not a member, Ocean Camp membership cards will be available at the door beginning at 6:00pm. A valid membership card and contributions to the Cinema Projector replacement fund will be requested. Doors open at 6:00pm for hamburgers. Movie starts at 7:00pm. FREE popcorn. Watch a preview |
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Mother’s Day Events
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Where to Buy Flowers for Mother’s Day
Paty’s Florist on 13th in Guaymas has a great selection of fresh cut flowers and will make both arrangements and bouquets. They have everything from sunflowers to carnations. As an example of cost, 12 gladiolas cost 60 pesos and a bird of paradise costs 20 pesos. The shop is open from 7:00am to 8:00pm. They receive their fresh flowers on Thursday afternoons, so the best time to go is Friday morning. To get to Paty’s Florist, take Serdan to 13th, then turn right. It is about a block and half on your left. Frida’s Flower Shop in San Carlos (near Evie’s and across from MarinaTerra). |
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Fishing Tournament SeasonMark your calendars, get your gear in order and your boats in the water — it’s Fishing Tournament Season. Sign up for one or all of the following events:
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Noche Bohemia
Cost: 100 pesos |
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Fight Night at Marina Cantina
Fight fans can watch the Ultimate Fighting Championship 113 on Marina Cantina’s big screen TV on Saturday, May 8th at 7:00pm. |
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Black and White Party
Anyone who dresses in black & white will receive a free drink! Rumor is that a certain someone (Jim) is turning 20×2. Come help him celebrate. Everyone welcome. |
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What’s Happening This Week?Wednesday, May 5 - Cinco de Mayo(Some businesses and schools will be closed) Special Event
Entertainment
Clubs & Organizations
Thursday, May 6Special Event
Entertainment
Clubs & Organizations
Friday, May 7Entertainment
Clubs & Organizations
Saturday, May 8Special Event
Entertainment
Sunday, May 9Special Event
Entertainment
Clubs & Organizations
Monday, May 10 - Mother’s Day(Some businesses and schools will be closed) Special Events
Entertainment
Clubs & Organizations
Tuesday, May 11Entertainment
Clubs & Organizations
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, Eric Holland, Bryan Replogle, and Janey McLean for their help with this issue. |
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It was a windy week on the water for the most part. Another marlin or two were caught with some dorado approaching into the teens. The Island had decent yellowtail fishing at times, but not quite the action we have seen. For the most part, reports were slim. I think it’s the first week that I haven’t been out in a long time. The boats should be ready this week and I am ready to head south. 

















