Move to Cozumel

Move to Cozumel - What You Need to Know When Moving to Cozumel

Moving to Cozumel is bound to bring feelings of excitement and anticipation. Your new home is a tropical paradise surrounded by the warm, turquoise waters of the Caribbean, teeming with colorful life. A place where you’ll find adventure and beauty, delicious food, and a friendly community.

But what do you need to know as you make the transition? Here are some key things to keep in mind.

Before you move

Before you pack your bags to move to Cozumel, what should you do?

Visa or no visa?

If you are not a Mexican citizen and want to stay in the country for longer than 180 days without leaving, you’ll need to apply for a temporary or permanent residency visa. In most cases, you will need to submit your application from outside of Mexico at a Mexican consulate.
Additionally, if you plan to work in Mexico, you will also have to gain permission to do so along with your residency. It’s a good idea to submit your application at least a month in advance.
Learn more about Mexico Visa and Residency Information

Many of our clients come in and out on a tourist Visa as well, so just choose what is best for your personal situation.

Where will you live?

Cozumel has a wide variety of housing from modern oceanfront condos and homes to beautiful traditional homes in the heart of the city.
Some families may want to start out their stay at one of Cozumel’s many hotels or AirBnbs and from there you can you can start your search for a rent long-term or buy. Just keep in mind that during high season monthly rentals tend to be hard to find.
You can start your search online for a monthly rental. Check the different real estate pages and Facebook rental pages if you are looking for that rental.

If you want to learn more about the island’s neighborhoods and homes, contact our team ahead of your move.
With over 18 years of experience in Cozumel, we’ll help you find the perfect fit for you.

Bring vs. buy

Next, what will you bring with you when you move to the island? Cozumel and the neighboring cities of Cancun and Playa del Carmen have a wide range of stores to purchase pretty much anything you need from furniture and vehicles to sporting equipment. The question is, what can’t you part with from your home? Make a list of your must-haves. If you decide to keep more than you can bring via your mode of transportation to Cozumel, you will have to consider the shipping process and costs for your items. If you have any questions about the availability of products or services in the area, don’t hesitate to ask!

Brush up on your Spanish

While many people speak English in Cozumel, Spanish is the language of the island. You will be better able to get to know people, do business, and enjoy the depth of the community with the ability to speak at least some Spanish.
Plus, you’ll have a lot more fun once you can partake in the local humor.

Plan how to get here

Cozumel has an international airport so you can fly directly to the island. However, flights into Cancun, are often less expensive.

If you choose to fly to Cancun, you can then catch a puddle-jumper flight to Cozumel or you can do what many call the “bag drag,” The bag drag is where you drive, taxi, or hire a private transfer to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen (1-hour drive) and then take a ferry ride from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel.
You can opt for the 35-or-so-minute ride on the passenger ferry or, if you have a vehicle, the hour-long ride on the car ferry.

Moving day to Cozumel

The big day!

Moving day can be hectic between travel, immigration, customs, and adjusting to new surroundings. Multiply that if children are in tow.

One thing to remember when you arrive in Mexico and go through immigration is to make sure that you are admitted according to your proper status. If you are entering on a tourist visa, you’ll fill out the visitor’s permit (FMM) and get a stamp. However, if you have been preapproved for residency and have a resident visa stamp, you will show that to the immigration officer. Ensure they tick “canje” on your FMM form and not “visitante.’

After that, you’ll go through customs and then will be on your way.

Once you arrive on the island and unload all of your luggage into your home, be sure to unwind after the long day. A cocktail at sunset usually does the trick! Luckily, in Cozumel, you will be greeted with many restaurants serving delicious dishes and cold cervezas, or whatever your refreshment of choice may be.

Settling in

Most who arrive feel excited to finally be in Cozumel for good and will want to get acquainted or re-acquainted with their new home. We encourage you to take a drive around the island to take in both the city and the wild side. Enjoy a few meals out, go for a swim, and meet some people around town. Once you’ve given the island a proper greeting, it’s time to start settling into daily life. Here are some of the top-of-list necessities.

Legal status

If you are going to stay in Mexico on a temporary or permanent residency visa (aka you are not a Mexican citizen and are not staying in Mexico on a 180-day tourist visa), you’ll need to establish your legal status in the country. Once here, you’ll need to visit the immigration office on the island (Instituto Nacional de Migración or INM) within 30 days to complete the process, exchanging your temporary visa passport stamp for your resident permit (a plastic card). It’s on the corner of Calle 5 Sur and 15a Avenida Sur.

**Tip: Local discounts: Once you have your resident card, you can use it to get discounts around town.

Head over to the Fundacion De Parques Y Museos De Cozumel (FPMC) and you can get a local discount card that gets you free entrances into Chankanaab, Punta Sur Eco Park, San Gervasio Archeological Site, and the Island’s Museum.

Show your card when eating at many restaurants to get a local discount.

Visit the office of the ferry company of your choice and apply for the local discount plan (e.g.Ultramar. Winjet)

Transportation

While Cozumel is a small island (about 30 miles long and 10 miles wide), it’s not that small. You’ll likely prefer having transportation of some sort.

You can get a bicycle which can be a great mode of transportation around town. A ride to the “other side” is at least 9 miles so that can be a trek if you aren’t looking for a workout. But it can be a great way to run to the store or meet a friend. Bikes are sold at full-service local bike shops like Ciclismo Sport as well as at most large grocery stores. You can also find many for sale by locals in the Facebook Marketplace.

Mopeds and motorcycles are other popular options, you could opt for an off-road vehicle, or, of course, you can buy a full-size vehicle from a private owner or from a dealer. Cozumel has Nissan, Chevrolet, and Volkswagen dealerships, and you cross over to Playa del Carmen for a wider selection. If you aren’t ready to buy, you can also rent from various local companies.

Additionally, there is public transportation in Cozumel via bus (Uniper), taxis, and the “colectivos” (a system of vans that follow routes each day transporting people to and from stops).

Groceries

Ready to load up your new fridge? You will have many grocery stores to choose from. The largest stores are Mega by Soriana, the Chedrauis, Aurora Bodega, and Sam’s Club. However, there are many smaller markets around town. In time, you’ll likely find the one you like best.

If you are looking for more imported items, your best bets are the stores closest to the cruise ports, Chedraui and Mega on Melgar. Sam’s Club also has many imported items and sells in bulk. All your normal produce, meats, and pantry staples are available at all the stores. You’ll also often see fresh ripe fruits along the roadside such as papayas, mangoes, pineapples, and watermelons.

Activities and people

Cozumel has a very active community with events going on year-round. Almost any night of the week, you can find a restaurant hosting live music or a park full of food vendors and attractions. You will also find groups of locals who plan meetups regularly from women’s and men’s breakfasts to plant-based cooking circles to groups meeting for cocktails and dinners.

Then there are large annual events. Carnavale brings weeks of fun capped off by the three-night parade down Melgar in February-March (dates vary each year). Independence Day, Day of the Dead, and Christmas bring more community celebrations. Further, there are annual fishing tournaments throughout the year, and the must-see turtle nesting and hatching happens each year on the east side.

The island is also home to a variety of programs where you can learn anything from scuba diving and surfing to robotics and karate. Stay up to date with the latest happenings on local Facebook groups.

Unwind

Next, as you settle in, allow yourself to adjust to the slower pace of island life. Take the time to say hello, to have a chat, and to share a meal. Go for a swim in the ocean,

take a nap in a hammock, and pick up a new hobby. People aren’t as wound up or in a rush here as in many parts of the world, and it can be rejuvenating.

Finding a forever home in Cozumel

Lastly, many islanders first move to the island and rent, giving them time to learn about the island and where they would like to live permanently. If you fall in love with Cozumel and decide you want to make it your forever home, our team can help you find a beautiful property that meets all your needs and wants.

We look forward to welcoming you to Cozumel!

Congratulations on your decision to move to Cozumel!
It is the beginning of a grand adventure, I can promise you that. Cozumel is a place where you can live a life of adventure, close to nature, that awakens the spirit and inspires health and happiness.

Karen Bloemhoff of Karen Cozumel Real Estate made the move to Cozumel over 15 years ago and never looked back.
She has been helping the community to buy and sell their homes for over a decade and knows the island inside and out.
If you have any questions or concerns during your moving process, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Drop us a line today!

Have a look at all our listings for sale and for rent

Hope to see you in Paradise soon!

Article written by Jessica Walrack

Property Management Cozumel Mexico

Property Management Cozumel Mexico

Cozumel, Mexico is a treasure nestled in the Caribbean Sea right off the shore of Playa del Carmen. It abounds with delicious food, exciting tours, natural wonders, and wildlife. While small and beautiful, it is far from undiscovered. The island has a thriving economy powered by the millions of cruise ship passengers that visit every year. Further, it is a vacation destination for travelers from around the world. Many have bought properties here as vacation homes, investments (short-term or long-term rentals), or both.

When you don’t plan to live in your Cozumel home full-time, you’ll find yourself in need of a property manager. But how do you find someone you can trust to take care of your investment? Someone who will cover all the bases even better than you would? With over a decade of experience managing properties in Cozumel, I have some guidelines to help you find a true professional who will offer the ultimate benefit: peace of mind.

6 Things to Look For in a Cozumel Property Manager

As a busy tourist destination chock full of short-term rentals and vacation homes, Cozumel has a wide selection of property managers. They range from people passing through and looking for a quick gig, to those who have studied, trained, and worked for years in the role. The difference is night and day. A professional will take the property management role seriously and have a strategic plan in place while a newbie will fly by the seat of their pants.

No one wants to gamble with their investment so here are 6 things true professionals will offer.

A Proactive Approach

Experience in this business grants the wisdom to understand that issues will occur on an ongoing basis. You have to be one step ahead, especially in places like Cozumel!

The climate and land here require specific maintenance steps be taken to preserve the value and contents of homes. A good property manager will be keen on these needs and will keep you informed about what to do, when, and the costs. I recommend weekly inspections of properties for security and to spot any maintenance needs.

Owning your property should be stress-free thanks to your property manager.
That is what you pay them for!
You should be able to rest easy knowing that your home will be as you left it.

2. A Wide Network of Connections

Next, established property managers have connections. They regularly work on repairs and maintenance, so often have in-house or contracted vendors, handymen, pool experts, painters, contractors, etc. A network like this expedites the process of repairs and maintenance, while reducing costs.

3. A Focus on Profitability for Rentals

If you are going to rent out your property, your property manager should be focused on maximizing profitability.

Here’s a quick checklist of services I recommend property managers provide:

Offer property for rent through national & international Real Estate affiliated agencies in selected markets (US, CANADA, EUROPE)
Use their marketing skills, analysis, and judgment to optimize the rent amount in accordance with your goals.
Pay for all signs and labor costs related to marketing your property for rent.
Minimize the cost of repairs and maintenance.
Provide monthly itemized statements showing income and expenses related to your property.
Serve three-day notices to “pay rent or quit” if rent has not been paid by the fifth day of each month.
Coordinate the start of unlawful detainer action to evict your tenant in the event the rent is not paid.
Design a targeted marketing program to rent your property as quickly as possible.
Execute your targeted marketing program utilizing the Internet, Cozumel Multi-Listing Service, circulars, and property signs.
Promptly pursue all leads and inquiries and schedule showings of your property during the week, evenings, and weekends.

If you plan to rent your property, it’s essential that you hire a manager who understands and prioritizes ROI.

4. Great Hospitality

Next up, hospitality is a key marker of a professional. Your property manager should know and understand how to make people feel comfortable, taken care of, and at home. If they are managing your empty home while you are away, they should keep you ‘in the know’, sending you regular updates to quiet any anxieties.

If you have guests or renters, your property manager should greet them, welcome them to the island, help them find their way around, answer any concerns, and meet all of their needs during their stay. They should also explain, in a friendly way, the do’s and don'ts of the property.

Bonus tip: I always recommend coordinating a welcome package for tenants, for example, drinking water, beers and soda, snacks, fruits, coffee and cookies, kitchen/toilet paper, lighting bulbs, and soap.

5. A Thorough Renter Vetting Process

A key to smooth rental transactions is thoroughly vetting potential tenants. Your property manager should have a screening process in place to inspect an applicant’s:

Rental history
Credit history
Eviction history on the island
Income, employment
Payment history
Care for property history

All of the above should be reported to you about each applicant they consider approving.

6. Reasonable Pricing

Lastly, the price tag. The truth is, you get what you pay for. Trying to skimp on the cost will likely end up biting you in the end. Look for a property manager who can offer professional service at a reasonable price. That being said, just because someone charges a high price tag, doesn’t guarantee professional service. Be sure to investigate the details of what they offer before hiring someone. You need the whole package!

Need Recommendations for PROFESSIONAL Property Managers in Cozumel?

Working in property management here on the island has helped me to learn about the wide range of the properties in this market, as well as the ins and outs of Cozumel real estate. Currently, I am focused on real estate sales but the knowledge from managing properties is an asset that helps me to right fit my buyers and sellers.

For those looking to buy or sell a property on the island, I’m more than happy to utilize my years of experience in property management, hospitality, and real estate to help you find your island home as quickly and easily as possible!

If you are looking for a property manager, I am connected with a handful whom I can confidently recommend as true professionals. If you would like a recommendation, feel free to contact me at:

info@karen2.test or give me a call at (+ 52 1) 987 103 57 22

About Karen

Karen studied hospitality management and started her career working in 5-star hotels. Afterward, she moved to Europe where she worked in facility management for larger businesses. When she came to Cozumel in 2005, a natural next step was to enter the world of property management. She did so in 2006 and still manages properties today.

While her key focus is now on real estate sales, she is happy to answer questions about property management and can point you in the right direction of others you can trust.

Vender propiedad en Cozumel Mexico

¿Cómo Escoger al Agente Correcto Cuando Venda Su Casa?

¿Usted tiene una propiedad en Cozumel que le gustaría vender?

Si es así, usted va a necesitar un agente de bienes raíces para ayudarle. Vender su casa es una decisión que va a impactar su vida para los años venideros entonces la transacción debe de estar en manos que usted pueda confiar.

¿Pero cómo puede usted encontrar a la persona correcta?

Aquí hay una lista a revisar para ayudarlo a escoger a un agente de primera categoría:

Credenciales

Revise que el agente potencial tenga las credenciales necesarias. Es obligatorio para practicantes de bienes raíces en Quintana Roo, México, estar certificado en el estado y registrado. Además, deberán ser parte de la Asociación Nacional de Bienes Raíces Internacional. Usted puede ver una lista reciente de agentes y agencias certificadas por el estado aquí.

Experiencia

¿El agente tiene experiencia en el área local? Cozumel es un mercado único el cual requiere conocimiento especializado. Investigue el registro de rastreo de bienes raíces de la persona en la isla. Además, pregunte a su agente qué responsabilidades tomará durante su venta. ¿Son meramente las de un promotor de ventas? O ¿Serán unos consultores conocedores y profesionales que liderarán con seguridad la manera de transferir su hogar y título? Además, ¿Sabrán ellos acerca de impuestos aplicables cuando usted venda su propiedad? Usted quiere a un experto que realizará sus debidas diligencias para suavizar el proceso en su totalidad.

Lenguaje

Asegúrese de que el agente comprenda y hable español con fluidez para que puedan cumplir con precisión todas las regulaciones aplicables para bienes raíces y comunicar todos los efectos fiscales. ¡Una comunicación abierta y transparente acerca de cada paso en el proceso de ventas es un deber! ¡Asegúrese de que su profesional en bienes raíces es proactivo no reactivo!
En el mercado de hoy de bienes raíces de Cozumel, vemos a compradores de todas partes del mundo, entonces es MUY importante que su agente hable múltiples idiomas y comprenda la manera de hacer negocios entre las diferentes culturas.

Relevancia

Asegúrese de que el agente está al día en su profesión. ¿Cuándo fue la última vez que hayan vendido una propiedad? Usted quiere asegurarse de que continúen activos en la industria, redes, y al tanto de asuntos actuales.

Listados atractivos

¿Qué tan bien los agentes presentan sus propiedades actuales? ¿Tienen las fotografías con buena calidad? ¿Las descripciones están resaltadas para hacer las casas de los clientes lucir? ¿Cuáles son los pasos extras que están tomando para obtener atención (por ejemplo, blogs de bienes raíces, presentaciones, imágenes por drones, tours en vídeos, etc.)? Los agentes más efectivos invierten tiempo y esfuerzo para crear un listado atractivo, que capte la atención.

Métodos de comunicación

Descubra como un agente de bienes raíces se estará comunicando con usted a través del proceso. ¿Estarán disponibles frecuentemente?

¿Qué canales utilizan para comunicarse (en persona, por teléfono, en línea, whatsapp, etc.)? ¿Cuánto tiempo les toma para responder a los mensajes y llamadas? Asegúrese de que los métodos de comunicación coincidan con sus necesidades.

Servicios adicionales

Pregunta a tu agente de bienes raíces si hay otros servicios de bienes raíces disponibles a través de la agencia en donde trabajan como servicios de fideicomiso, traducciones y servicios legales.

Esto le ayuda a aliviarse, el vendedor, de tratar con múltiples partes. ¡Tenemos los mejores abogados y contadores en la isla trabajando con nosotros!

Mercado digital

¿El agente de bienes raíces está utilizando un medio social para que las personas encuentren su hogar más fácil? ¿El sitio web de ellos

está actualizado? ¿Clasifican alto en las SERP de Google para palabras clave de bienes raíces? Todos estos ayudarán a sus listados para

obtener más exposición.

No se sienta presionado para irse con el primer agente que usted conozca.

Entreviste a algunos individuos para saber ¡Cuál es el mejor para adaptarse a sus necesidades!

¡Encuentre al Mejor Agente para Su Venta!

Como una agente de Bienes Raíces con licencia completa, quien ha vivido y trabajado en el mercado local de Cozumel por más de 15 años, he tenido el honor de ayudar a muchas personas para comprar y vender sus casas.

En el proceso, he construido una red extensa de conexiones. Muchas veces, ¡sé de varios compradores potenciales para una casa antes de

que incluso pueda llegar al mercado! Esta experiencia me ha permitido establecer un historial para facilitar ventas de propiedades rápidas

y rentables. Sabiendo lo que se necesita para realizar transacciones de bienes raíces en la isla con éxito, le recomiendo que elija a su agente

cuidadosamente. Impactará el precio de venta que obtenga, la facilidad o el estrés del proceso y, potencialmente, otros problemas legales. ¡Utilice la lista de verificación anterior para ayudarlo a tomar la decisión correcta!

¿Le gustaría hablar conmigo acerca de su casa?

¡Sería mi mayor placer ayudarlo a vender su casa y pasar al siguiente paso en su vida!

Mi nombre es Karen Bloemhoff y con mucho gusto estoy para ayudarle o alguien de mi equipo!

Selling your property in Cozumel

Real Estate Agent Cozumel: How to Pick the Right Agent When Selling Your Home

Do you have a property in Cozumel that you want to sell?
If so, you’ll need a real estate agent to help. Selling your home is a decision that will impact your life for years to come so the transaction should be in the hands of someone you can trust.

But how do you find the right person?

Here’s a checklist to help you select a top-notch agent:

○ Credentials

Check that the potential agent has the necessary credentials. It is mandatory for real estate practitioners in Quintana Roo Mexico to be state-certified and registered. Further, they should be part of the National Association of Real Estate International. You can see a recent list of agents and agencies certified by the state here.

○ Expertise

Does the agent have experience in the local area? Cozumel is a unique market which requires specialized knowledge. Research the person’s real estate track record on the island.

Further, ask the agent what responsibilities they will take on during your sale. Is it merely those of a sales promoter? Or will they be a knowledgeable and professional consultant who will safely lead the way to transfer your home and title? Further do they know about the applicable taxes when you sell your property. You want an expert who will do their due diligence to smooth the entire process.

○ Language

Make sure the agent actually understands and speaks Spanish fluently so they can accurately abide by all applicable real estate regulations and communicate all tax effects.
Open communication and transparency about every step in the sales process is a must!
Make sure your real estate professional is proactive NOT reactive!

○ Relevance

Make sure that the agent is up to date in their profession. When is the last time they sold a property? You want to ensure they are active in the industry, networking, and aware of current issues.

○ Attractive listings

How well does the agent present their current properties? Are the photos of high quality? Are the descriptions enhanced to make the client’s homes stand out? What extra steps are they taking to get attention (e.g., realestate blogs, slideshows, drone footage, video tours etc.)? The most effective agents invest time and effort into creating attractive, eye-catching listings.

○ Communication methods

Find out how the real estate agent will be communicating with you throughout the process. Will they be available on an ongoing basis? What channels do they use to communicate (In-person, over the phone, online, Whatsapp, etc.)? How long do they take to respond to messages and calls?
Ensure their communication methods match your needs.

○ Additional services

Ask your real estate agent if other real estate services are available through the agency they work with such as escrow services, translations and legal services.
This helps to relieve you, the seller, from dealing with multiple parties.
We have a alliances with the BEST attornies and accountants on the island!

○ Digital marketing

Is the real estate agent using social media to make it easier for people to find your home? Is their website up to date? Do they rank high on Google SEARCHES for real estate keywords? These will all help your listing to get more exposure.

Don’t feel pressured to go with the first agent you meet. Interview a few individuals to find out which is the best fit for your needs!

Find the Best Agent for Your Sale!

As a fully-licensed Real Estate broker who has lived and worked in the local market of Cozumel for over 14 years, I have had the honor of helping many people to buy and sell their homes.

In the process, I’ve built an extensive network of connections. Many times, I know of several potential buyers for a home before it even hits the market! This experience has enabled me to establish a track record for facilitating fast and profitable property sales.

Knowing what it takes to conduct real estate transactions on the island successfully, I highly recommend you to choose your agent carefully. It will impact the sale price you get, the ease or stress of the process, and potentially other legal issues. Use the checklist above to help you make the right decision!

Would you like to speak with me about your home?

Please contact me today!

It would be my utmost pleasure to help you to sell your home and move on to the next step in your life!

My name is Karen Bloemhoff and I am Happy to help!