Dear AMPI members and friends,

After months of preparation and 21 hours over 4 days of actual showtime at the National Association of Realtors Exhibition Trade Show… the question comes up. “Was it worth it?” The answer, from all our AMPI members who participated is YES!

The Show had nearly 20,000 attendees. we were able to collect more than 400 business cards from people interested in learning more about La Paz. Our free vacation drawing helped draw many people to our booth.

We interacted with many National and International AMPI/NAR leaders and built bridges for future relationships. We were the only AMPI sponsored booth at the Show and that fact did not go unnoticed. We met and talked with thousands of attendees.

Our booth looked great with the banner showing our downtown from the bay. We had a 55″ LED TV showing more than 140 minutes of video promoting La Paz. Our goals were simple, introduce La Paz and encourage attendees to come here, vacation, discover our wonderful lifestyle, scenic beauty, affordable cost of living, competitive real estate pricing and more. Simply put… mission accomplished!

We will be having a special drawing in La Paz to determine the winners of our two vacation packages. While we take a moment to enjoy our success, we understand our work has just begun. We are adding all the names to our database and will be sending out the first of a series of regular communications on behalf of AMPI La Paz in the continuing process to attract people to come and discover our Paradise.

Of course we couldn’t have achieved this success without the help of many. I want to express my sincere thanks to… Jim Donahoe, Tierry Moine, Luis Rojas, Mauricio Montes de Oca, Alexander Ogilvie and my wife Norma, Luis Palacios from the BCS Secretary of Tourism for providing a significant portion of our funding, Ana Garcia from EMPRHOTUR for the use of the banners and producing the “Discount Rate Card” Participating hotels for agreeing to provide discounted room rates to encourage new visitors to La Paz All those who contributed videos for use at the Show CostaBaja for providing cash, a vacation package and sponsoring the trips for show staff Gaytan Legal Services and Amistad Real Estate for providing the second vacation package Steve Byers for sponsoring the La Paz polo shirts worn by show representatives

All our AMPI representatives agreed… it was well worth the time and effort put in to make this happen!!

The La Paz team will be headed by AMPI President Jose Luis Gaytan and Jim Donahoe, Manager of Linda Neil Properties. When asked about the project Jim Donahoe said, “The objective of our promotion is to convince REALTORS© from the U.S. and around the world that La Paz is a safe place to visit and purchase property.” Over 20,000 are expected to be in Anaheim, including the largest ever contingent from international real estate associations.

Each day at the Conference a group of countries will have information tables in the International Second Home and Resort Pavilion. Mexico will be there on Sunday. Other countries who will have a table at the same time are Australia, Canada, India, Israel, New Zealand and South Africa.

For further information: jim@lindaneil.com

Linda Jones Neil of AMPI La Paz/Los Cabos is the new NAR, P.L. with responsibility for Mexico.

NAR has bilateral affiliations with 60 countries. It is the largest trade association in the U.S.A. with one million members. AMPI has Sections in  72 Mexican cities.

In commenting on the appointment,   Maurice Veissi, NAR President for 2012, said, “We are pleased to have Linda, a California Broker with more than 40 years experience in Mexico. During her career in our industry she has made major contributions to education in the real estate industry on both sides of the border. This includes being a co-author of our class, “Doing Business in Mexico.” We are certain the relationship between NAR and AMPI will continue to prosper and grow, with Linda as our representative in Mexico.”

For further Information:

John.glaab@settlement-co.com 

        Marcelo Ebrard Governor of the Federal District. District delivered the opening address.  A key subject was the new real estate law. “My state will pass legislation before the end of December. The law will be aimed at regularizing the real estate industry to help protect consumers from unscrupulous practices.” (NOTE: D. F. will be the sixth state to have a real estate law with legislation pending in eight other states.) Meanwhile AMPI President Adan Larracillo is having ongoing meetings with the Federal Government on this important initiative.

        Eugene Towle, Director of Mexico’s; leading real estate consulting company, SOFTEC made an impressive presentation. It covered everything from Global Cereal Harvesting and Gross National Product per capita to statistics on Mexico’s automobile and real estate industries. One chart in his presentation showed the growth of the Mexican middle class from 30% in 1996 to 58% in 2006.

        The AMPI Conference in Merida, Yucatan was considered by many to be the biggest and best ever. During her speech opening the event, Yucatan Governor, Ivonne Pacheco promised we would enjoy Merida and the state of Yucatan. Her prediction turned out to be true. “Watch for the smiles on the faces of our citizens.” she said. From the waiters at breakfast to the taxi driver going to the airport, always a smile and a pleasant greeting.

        The schedule was full of interesting presentations. Two were especially interesting to members doing business in Mexico’s “Restricted Zone.”

        Jennifer Wiziarde, Manager of Global Networks for the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) and Carlos Fuentes, Regional NAR Coordinator for North and Central America. held Networking sessions. They discussed the benefits of NAR for AMPI members and the illegal use of NAR trademarks. The word REALTOR® is trademarked protected as is the “R” logo with the blue background. AMPI members are eligible to become an International REALTOR® and legally use the word and symbol. Jennifer asked that if anyone sees a violation of the trade mark that a report be sent her and she will turn it over to NAR’s legal department.

        A panel that discussed “Doing Business in the Restricted Zone.”  was moderated by Linda Neil of AMPI La Paz/Los Cabos. Panelists were Thomas Lloyd an internet marketing specialist from Riviera Maya, Doug Jones an authority on bank financing from Puerto Vallarta and Victor Loza, President of the AMPI-API State Commission for Baja California.

        The Annual General Meeting of the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI) was held concurrently with the Conference. Lupita Duran of Tulum was elected President of FIABCI Mexico.

        Two important agreements of cooperation were signed at the Conference. The first was with the Retirement Communities Association in Mexico. (AMAR)  Its objective is to promote Mexico as a retirement destination. The second agreement is with the Canadian Real Estate Association. (CREA) The aim is to foster cooperation between AMPI and CREA and to promote referrals between the two countries.

        Ten new members of the National Advisory Council were elected at the Annual General Assembly. They will serve a two year term replacing outgoing members.  The Advisory Council elected Guillermo Salgado of Cuernavaca as AMPI’s new Vice President.

        Guadalajara was selected for the site of the 2012 Conference.

About the author: John Glaab is a Certified International Property Specialist. A founding member of AMPI Los Cabos, he is active in The National Association of Realtors® Global Business and Alliances Group.

For further information:

John.glaab@settlement-co.com