5 CURIOUS REAL ESTATE FACTS

Wednesday, June 28th, 2023

By Jessica Hernández

The world of real estate can be a bit complex for those who are just starting out in it, despite the fact that there are many technicalities that must be understood, this industry is full of learning, here are some curiosities that will surprise you and that will be the topic on the table in your future talks.

1.- The tallest building in Latin America and in Mexico is the Obispado Tower.

The use project for the tower is mixed since its facilities include offices, which occupy 56 floors, a 7- story Hilton Garden hotel, a commercial area, a business center, and 172 apartments of up to 315 square meters. In addition, it has amenities for its inhabitants such as a swimming pool, green areas, children’s games, grills, a sky gym, a sky lounge, and a sky bar.

2.- The Ritz Carlton is the best real estate project in México.

This building stands out for its architectural design, its strategic location, and its contribution to the environment since it has the LEED Core & Shell certification. It was awarded in 2022 as the best real estate project in the country. The ceremony was carried out by the Real Estate Developers Association. 

The project represented a total investment of 2,087 million pesos and generated 7,720 direct and 53,206 indirect jobs. And it consists of 58 floors with 153 rooms, luxury suites, and private residences, which offer panoramic views of the Chapultepec Forest, the main lung of the metropolis.

3.- Ben Caballero is the best real estate agent in the world.

An agent from the USA was mentioned in the record Guinness Book as the best real estate agent in the world, since in 2016 Caballero handled more than 3,500 home sales transactions for construction companies, properties valued at more than $1,400 USD million. His company handles an average of nearly 10 homes sold a day.

4.- The most sustainable building in the world is in New York.

One Bryant Park is considered the most sustainable building in the world, it was completed in 2009 and in 2010 received LEED Platinum Certification becoming the first office tower to achieve that level of excellence. Among its characteristics we can find: 

  • It has carbon dioxide monitors
  • LED lighting
  • At night it produces ice in 44 tanks located in its basement, which is used during the day to cool the air in the building.
  • Collects all rainwater in containers with a capacity of 329,000 gallons.
  • Said water is used to irrigate plants and fill the toilet boxes.
  • Later, an internal gray water plant treats it to be used to cool the tower, subsequently releasing it into the environment in a gaseous state, thus completing a cycle that returns to nature.

5.- Cairn de Barnenez is the oldest building in the world.

It is the oldest building in the world since it dates back to 4850 BC. Located in France, the Cairn de Barnenez belongs to the municipality of Plouezoc’h. It is also the largest megalithic mausoleum in Europe.

TEJATE: THE REFRESHING BEVERAGE OF THE GODS

Friday, June 23rd, 2023

By Jessica Hernández

Known as the drink of the gods, tejate is the traditional elixir of Oaxaca. It is made from corn, cocoa, mamey bone, and cocoa flower. It is characterized by a lumpy foam formed by the cocoa flower.

Tejate originates in pre-Hispanic times, in the region of the central valleys, it was drunk in planting and harvest ceremonies. Its name in the Zapotec language is cu’hub, however, it is currently known as tejate, a word that comes from Nahuatl and means floury water (“textli”/dough and “atl”/water).

Thanks to the hard work of the Oaxacan women, especially from the community of San Andrés Huayapam, this delicious drink was not lost, its recipe was preserved by oral inheritance during the different generations from its creation to the present. Currently, every year the traditional tejate fair is held in this community, where Oaxacan women dedicated to the elaboration of this drink are placed in their stalls with their clay jars where the tejate is ready to be tasted by the thousands of local and foreign people who come to this tradition.

If you are passing through the state, we recommend you try this refreshing drink that will transport you to ancient times, then you will understand why it is called the drink of the gods, its flavor and texture really make it worthy of the name.

TIPS TO KEEP YOUR HOUSE COOL THIS SUMMER

Wednesday, June 21st, 2023

By Jessica Hernández

Today summer has begun, which is marked by the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere of the planet, while winter has begun in the southern hemisphere. 

In Mexico as well as in other countries in the northern strip, summer means a break from school activities and work, many people choose to relax in tourist destinations such as beaches, and some others stay at home, however, as we know we are experiencing high temperatures in most of the states of the country. If you are staying at home this summer break, we tell you in this article some tips to keep your home cool and enjoy these relaxation days.

1.- Say yes to plants

In addition to giving color and life to your house, these will make the environment fresh. Among them, we can find spider plant, peace Lily, rubber plants, elephant ear, snake plants, ferns, and pothos. Likewise, without watering the soil of these plants constantly so that they do not rot, you can spray them only on their leaves, so you will notice how your home refreshes immediately.

2.- Limit the sources of heat

Turn off electrical appliances that you are not using (remember not to leave them on standby either), as they are an unnecessary source of heat (as well as energy waste).

3.- Crossed ventilation

This involves wind entering through a vent (or a window or door), and allowing air to flow directly through the house and out through an opening on the other side of the home. Take advantage of the fresh air during the night, and, as far as possible, leave your windows and doors open, so all the spaces of your house that were sultry during the day are ventilated.

4.- Clear spaces of unnecessary objects

The more stuff you have in the room, the more likely it is for heat to build up. We recommend that you gradually get rid of unnecessary objects and less sentimental value that so often get hot and help perpetuate the stuffy environment.

Take advantage of a cooler summer afternoon to get them out of your room. You have three options: throw them away when they are old, reuse them to create different decorative pieces, or put them up for sale to earn some money.

5.- Opt for cool and thin fabrics

During this hot season change your sheets, covers and tablecloths for much thinner fabrics and light colors, cotton and linen will be your best allies.

Well, these are just some recommendations to have the best possible time this summer. Remember to stay hydrated and avoid going out when the sun is at its peak. Also, always use sunscreen. If you have pets, keep them hydrated and in a cool place under the shade, and if it is in your possibilities, remember to place a bowl with water for stray dogs. Small but significant actions will make a difference.

WHAT TAXES MUST BE PAID IN A PROPERTY PURCHASE-SALE PROCESS?

Monday, June 19, 2023

By Jessica Hernández

We know that in a sale-purchase process, in addition to paying the total amount of the property, there are taxes and other aspects to consider within the budget to purchase the property.

In the following article, we will tell you what taxes each of the parties involved in the said transaction must pay.

According to the Tax Administration Service (SAT) portal, when income related to housing is obtained, either by selling or leasing real estate, Income Tax (ISR) must be paid. It is essential to clarify that this amount is not fixed, and its value will depend on a specific characteristic, which is the location of the property, in this sense, it is a notary who will determine the total amount of ISR to be paid by the seller.

However, the payments that the buying party must make are the Public Registry of Property, the Transfer of Domain, also known as the ISAI (Real Estate Acquisition Tax), as well as the cadastral service, and finally, the notary’s taxes, since its function is to identify the parties that are celebrating the operation, provide certainty about the characteristics and state of the property, as well as recognize the form of payment (transfer, cash, etc.), and give the notification corresponding to the SAT in case the property has a cost greater than MXN 1,075,000.00.

Acquiring or selling a property can be a simple operation for the parties involved as long as professionals carry out the process. Remember to go to SILMÉXICO to receive advice on your real estate transaction.