La Paz, BCS, Mexico - Welcome to our first newsletter for 2013. We wish all of you, our readers, peace, happiness and above all health. The first quarter of this year was highlighted by AMPI Inaugurations, which took place in many sections across the country.

The Settlement Company Celebrates an Anniversary

On May 1, 1991, The Settlement Company opened its doors in San Jose del Cabo and became the first title and escrow company in Mexico. Since that time, our family of professionals has served clients located all over the planet such as: Australia, Andorra, Hong Kong, Italy, Spain and of course North America. The company opened and operated the first MLS system in Mexico. Happy 22nd Anniversary Settlement Team! The Company also has the registered trademark in Mexico for the Virtual Closing® allowing us to do Closings anywhere in Mexico. It has developed a reputation as, "Your Safety Net in Mexican Real Estate."

Security in Mexico
From The Chronicle

Quick - which national capital has the higher murder rate: Mexico City or Washington, D.C.? If you answered Mexico City, you'd be in good company - after all, Mexico is a war zone, isn't it? But you would be wrong, on both counts. Based on FBI crime statistics for 2010 and Mexican government data released last year, Mexico City's drug-related-homicide rate per 100,000 population was one-tenth of Washington's overall homicide rate - 2.2 deaths per 100,000 population compared with 22. (Drug violence accounts for most murders in Mexico, which historically does not have the gun culture that reigns in the United States.) Read more »»

Swearing-In Ceremony of AMPI's National Board of Directors

This year the inauguration of the President and National Advisory Council of the Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals (A.M.P.I.) took place in Cuernavaca. The Governor of the state of Morelos, Governor of the State of Morelos, Graco Ramirez Garrido Abreu, delivered the oath Guillermo Salgado Castañeda became the National President for 2013. Read more »»

Spotlight on Mexico
Source: Realtor.org

In an effort to address countries and markets that offer the most business to NAR and its members, NAR Global has launched a "Spotlight" initiative to highlight these countries and the opportunities they present for our global practitioners. Mexico has consistently been a top investor in US real estate over the past 10 years. On the outbound investment side, Mexico is the #1 destination for Americans and baby-boomers that retire abroad, with an estimated 1 million+ Americans residing there. Up to half of these expatriates own real estate. Anecdotally, Mexican practitioners report increasing sales to Americans, thanks to an improving economy and security situation in the country.

The following articles contain information on conducting inbound and outbound business with Mexico, and events that will help you connect with potential referral partners:

• Mexico's Well-to-do Move North - a Global Perspectives article covering Mexican investors purchasing in the United States.

• Retiring in Mexico: Still an Option? - a Global Perspectives article on what you should know if your clients are interested in spending their golden years in Mexico.

• Establishing a Network in Mexico - a Global Perspectives article on how you can establish and maintain a network of referral partners in Mexico.

¡VIVA Mexico! June 7-9 in Los Cabos, Mexico

This investment, resort, and second-home forum will take place in Los Cabos, Mexico, and will be followed by a CIPS Institute. Meet with real estate professionals and authorities on investing safely in Mexico for knowledge exchange and networking. Industry leaders from both sides of the border will address questions such as why buy in Mexico, how to invest in Latin America's most dynamic and strong economy, and how to conduct referrals with members of the Mexican Association of Realtors (AMPI). Learn more »»

CIPS Institute, June 10-14 in Los Cabos

REALTORS can earn the Certified International Property Specialists designation at the CIPS Institute in beautiful Los Cabos, Mexico. This event will include attendees from both the United States and Mexico, which will broaden the learning experience and strengthen your referral opportunities from the start. The course will be taught in English. For more information, contact Linda Jones Neil, linda(at)lindaneil.com.