San Miguel de Allende was the location of two successful real estate events, recently. Day one was sponsored by AMAR (Retirement Community Association).  Javier Govi made the key note speech to an audience of over 80. Among those attending were architects, investors, developers, some from the medical and related industries (I sat next to the Head of Nutrition from The University of Nuevo Leon.) and a small group of REALTORS®

Javier Govi the Founder of AMAR spoke on “Retirement as A Business.” Using charts and graphs he outlined the demographics and needs of various U.S. citizens including the Baby Boomers. He outlined various models for retirement communities. At the moment AMAR has two certified retirement centers in Mexico and has a goal of ten before the end of next year. The session was at the elegant new Rosewood hotel.

On the second day, more than ninety attended the AMPI Real Estate Tourism Symposium. Among those at the event were AMPI President Sergio Gomez, Vice President Guillermo and two Past presidents Roberto Flores (Queretaro) and Hector Obregon (Pueblo.)

There were three main speakers. Lic Clemente Villapando Director of Immigration in San Miguel, explained the changes to Minco’s Immigration Laws. Linda Neil from AMPI Los Cabos dealt with the subject, “The expectations of Foreigners Buying in Mexico’ Part of her speech was devoted to explaining why AMPI members should join NAR and become REALTORS®. She also outlined the importance of the Certified International Property Specialist designation (CIPS) and that Mexico now has a CIPS Instructor. Linda advised that AMPI’s Training Center is working on a schedule for CIPS courses next year. Javier Govi from AMAR outlined the difference between selling second homes and selling retirement in Mexico at assisted and other types of retirement centers.

In the afternoon, those attending broke out into round tables. Subjects discussed were; Baby Boomers, Fideicomisos, Language, Social Networks and Information technology, Mexico’s image abroad and Medical Tourism. Group leaders presented the results to the Symposium.