I Asked a Mexico Real Estate Expert About Retiring in Mexico (E210)

### **Guest Bio** Greg Gunter is the Founder and Broker/Owner of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Mexico. A 17-year resident of San Miguel de Allende, he specializes in helping Americans and Canadians relocate, retire, and invest in one of Mexico's most popular expat destinations. ### **Topics Discussed** - Why Americans are retiring in Mexico - San Miguel de Allende vs. beach destinations - Cost of living and purchasing power - The "Four C's": Cost, Climate, Culture & Community - Renting before buying - Buying property as a foreigner - Coast vs. inland property ownership - Safety, crime and cartel misconceptions - Healthcare and Medicare in Mexico - Residency and visa requirements - Bringing pets across the border - Investment properties and rental income - Real estate appreciation in San Miguel - Why retirees move back to the U.S. - Common mistakes first-time buyers make ### **Main Points** - San Miguel offers a spring-like climate year-round without the humidity of coastal Mexico. - The city combines lower living costs with a vibrant cultural scene and a large English-speaking expat community. - Foreigners can own property directly (fee simple) in central Mexico, unlike many coastal areas that require a bank trust. - Most buyers are Americans purchasing second homes for retirement or seasonal living. - Healthcare is high quality and significantly less expensive than in the U.S. - Property taxes, utilities, and household help are dramatically cheaper than in the United States. - Greg recommends renting in different neighborhoods before buying to find the best fit. - Safety concerns about Mexico are often generalized; San Miguel has a longstanding reputation as one of the country's safest cities. - Many retirees eventually return to the U.S. primarily because of grandchildren or age-related health needs. - Long-term appreciation and lifestyle are often bigger draws than rental income alone. ### **Top 3 Quotes** > **"We always talk about the four C's: cost, climate, culture, and community."** > **"I'm selling the lifestyle down here—it's not really sticks and bricks."** > **"They're going to carry me out in an urn. I'm never leaving."** ### **How to Find Greg** - **Website:** Dream Pro Homes Luxury – **dreamprohomesluxury.com** - **Email:** greg@gregorygunter.com - **Phone:** +1 (877) 878-4141 - **Company:** Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Mexico (San Miguel de Allende) 🎙 *The Pod* is hosted by Jesse Wright 💬 For guest suggestions, questions, or media inquiries, reach out at https://elpodcast.media/ 📬 Never miss an episode – subscribe and follow wherever you get your podcasts. ⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show. It helps others find us.   Thanks for listening!