The friendly, inviting culture. The year-round warm weather and water. The expansive, awe-inspiring landscape. In every way, the Baja Peninsula in Mexico embodies the idea of vacation better than almost anywhere else and it is surely one of the best places to buy your vacation home.

There are a few necessary things to consider before purchasing a property in Mexico. First, is this vacation home exclusive for use by you and your family or are you planning on renting it out to tourists? Second, are you wanting the square footage to accommodate large family and friend gatherings or do you want a space sized just right for two?

When you know the answer to those two questions, you are ready to dig deeper into the options that are most important to you and that will provide the sense of relaxation and enjoyment that comes with owning a “Pieza de Mexico.”

Love the Location

Every location in Baja has it’s charm, but most people enjoy being beachside. If that’s your dream, Chileno Bay is the premier beach of Los Cabos. With the cleanest sand, the calmest water, and the most amenities, it's the perfect spot for swimming and snorkeling. You'll never forget you are on vacation when you can see the sun set over the azure blue sea or step out your door and stick your toes right in the sand.

Other location considerations can revolve around the proximity of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, the emerald green golf course, or stunning desert hiking opportunities. No matter what you're looking for, you'll find a wide variety of Los Cabos luxury villas to choose from.

Aim for Amenities

You want to relax on vacation and that may mean you want every luxury and convenience at your fingertips. Look over this list of enviable amenities, decide which ones are important to you, and then find a property that checks off as many of them as possible.

• Swimming pool. Some properties even have a private hot tub overlooking the ocean.
• On-Site Dining Options
• Golf Course, Tennis Court, and Athletic Field Access
• Housekeeping/Concierge Services
• Fitness Center and Water Sports Rentals
• Salon and Spa
• Kid and Teenager Clubs

Investigate the Utilities

When choosing a property, it is important to do a little investigation and make sure the utility situation is up to your standards. Is the water treated to ensure it is clean and readily available? Is there cool central air conditioning for those steamy nights? Is the electricity reliable and is there a backup generator on the premises in case of an outage? Is wi-fi provided and, if so, is there a fee?

These are all things to consider beforehand so you will be as comfortable as possible.

Learn the Law

Whether you are looking for part-time or full-time Mexican living, here are some legalities to consider when purchasing a single-family dwelling.

Immigration Papers: If you will be living in Mexico for more than six months, you must apply for Residente Temporal which grants you non-immigrant status and must be renewed regularly. After four years, you are eligible to apply for Residente Permanente which allows you to stay in Mexico without having to renew your visa.

Restricted Zone: The law in Mexico states that foreigners cannot purchase land located within 30 miles (50 km) of any coastline or within 60 miles (100 km) of any of the country's borders. However, recent changes in the law now permit foreign owners to purchase an Individual Land Trust. Property Rights include exclusive personal rights to use, rent, modify, renew, and transfer your rights at any time.

Financing: Mexico offers financing options through its lending institutions and banks. U.S. lending institutions are becoming more widely available.

Required Documents: Buying real estate in Mexico is similar to buying a property in the U.S. The required documentation includes a certificate indicating a title free and clear of any liens, statements from the local Mexican municipality outlining property assessments, water bills, tax information, and a property appraisal.

Title Insurance (Registro Publico de la Propiedad): Highly recommended, purchasing insurance in Mexico costs little in comparison to the protection and service you will receive.

Legal Assistance: Hiring a Mexico-based attorney (Notario) will be one of the most important things to do when you start the process of purchasing property. An attorney will review conditions, do a title search, find areas of possible concern, and write contracts.

Now that you have considered all the possibilities and requirements, it's time for the fun part of house hunting! Fly to Mexico and explore a variety of amazing luxury homes to find one that suits you and your family now and for many years to come.