January in Mexico is more than pleasant weather. It is time to pay property taxes to receive a twenty percent discount. In Spanish, these are known as predial. Like most other counties and municipalities, these taxes are used to operate local governments.
Similar to the United States, there is a discount for paying the entire tax early; here we pay by the end of February to be eligible for a fifteen percent discount, and ten percent in March. With this being said, it is sometimes easier to say than to do.
In Los Cabos, statements are not sent out in the mail; nor are they available electronically. One must go to the local city hall. Tax files are recorded by number, not name, although one should check the records to make certain that the correct name is associated with the property. You can find your property tax ID number in your Fideicomiso (CLAVE CATASTRAL). Pay your taxes here.
There are over 600 restaurants and 100 bars in Cabo San Lucas, MX. From dive bar to five-star, Cabo has something for everyone. A list of our favorites and those that we recommend can be found here. The Rooftop at The Cape, a Thompson Hotel holds the special distinction of consistently ranking in the top ten in both categories on Trip Advisor. As of the time of this publication, The Rooftop at The Cape is ranked #2 Bar and #7 Restaurant in Cabo.
Daily entertainment
Open daily at 5 PM during the winter and 6 PM during summer, The Rooftop is the ultimate place to enjoy the Cabo sunset experience featuring live music seven nights per week. No trip to Cabo is complete without a picture from The Rooftop at The Cape with the famous “El Arco” in the background. A team of mixologists is there to serve hand-crafted cocktails and delicious appetizers. (Insiders tip) Order the Papas Bravas. This dish features seasoned, roasted potatoes and grilled octopus in a spicy sauce that makes my mouth water as I describe it every time.
Curated Music
Resident DJ Capri has tailored the music to fit every venue on the property. The Rooftop features international bands and DJs including appearances by Polo and Pan, Aeroplane, and Breakbot, just to name a few. You never know who will be at the mic on any given night not to mention the parties, both private and public, are legendary.
To make a reservation call the hotel +52 (624) 163-0000 and ask for the concierge or send us a message directly.
In case you took shelter during Hurricane Odile in a cave and have yet to come out, Cabo is growing and changing. I wrote, not too long ago, about how change in Cabo is good. When it comes to property values and prices sellers are receiving on the Cabo homes in beachfront communities, the changes have been very, very good. Which leads us to this Cabo unicorn, a nicely refreshed, studio condominium in a desirable beachfront community under $150,000 USD.
Newly listed La Jolla studio
F-304 MLS#19-3556 is a San José del Cabo studio newly listed by Janet Jensen of The Agency Los Cabos. Two years ago, Angie and I helped the former owners of D-201 (MLS#16-641) sell their beautiful La Jolla condominium for over $550,000 USD! F-304 is located in the same beachfront community and is offered for only $145,000 USD
MLS Description
Private studio penthouse just steps from the white sand beach of Costa Azul and the blue waters of the Sea of Cortez. This airy top floor studio residence has a vaulted ceiling, updated bathroom, and washer and dryer. Enjoy 557 square feet of living space and patio terrace with washer and dryer and storage. The updated kitchen has granite countertop, granite quartz inset sink, Teka ceramic stove-top, and ample cupboard and drawer storage. The Parota wood cabinets offer owners storage and closet space. A refreshed bathroom has marble counter-tops and travertine natural stone tile. This impeccably kept studio is a pleasure to view. La Jolla is a low-density condominium resort close to San Jose del Cabo.
Try your luck at surfcasting for Sierra, Mackerel, or Roosterfish in front of the residence. Watch the whales and dolphins go by or catch some surf at one of four surf breaks within walking distance. Potential to be a great rental opportunity however, this condo is currently mainly used for friends and family. This residence is in excellent condition. Walk to Zipper’s restaurant, Sardina Cantina, Mama Mia’s – watch fireworks or try some Salsa dancing – all within walking distance. Furniture included.
This year we had the great fortune of both Christmas Eve and New Years Eve falling on a Tuesday. Since that is our mutual free day we always make an effort to get to our ranchito in Pescadero, and NYE was no different. It started with a 6 AM wakeup call before packing the car and heading out. Upon arrival we grabbed our bags and did a quick circle around the property gathering all of the passionfruit that had fallen, picking guava’s before the birds got to them, and bagging the last of the season’s limes.
Composting me crazy
The job of the day was one that I had put off all year. Our compost pile had become a four-foot mound of nature. Although I had tried in earnest to explain to our caretaker that large sticks, branches, and irrigation hosing were not to be put into the mini-mountain, there it lay. It was determined by my jefa that a true compost bin needed to be constructed. This required hand-digging into the hill to create a level surface of seven feet with enough space to be framed by pallets we had lying around. We used rocks at the base to stabilize them before filling them with palm fronds so the dirt wouldn’t fall through. The end result is below. What do you think?
Compost bin v.2020
Rumi Garden/ Baja Oriental
Building a compost bin can work up an appetite, plus we needed to go to the bank to pay our workers so a quick trip to Todos Santos fit the bill. For years I had passed by Rumi Garden at the entrance to town and for years I said to myself, I need to try that but never did. Under new ownership as “Baja Oriental” and is now on the “Our Local Favorites” list. They have both indoor and outdoor seating, a zen garden, a tea bar and the spring rolls, wonton soup, hot and sour soup, and shrimp pad thai all nailed it. Definitely going back. It should be noted, however, that they do not serve alcohol. With food like this do you really need booze? Don’t answer that.
Final swim of the decade
With the hard labor done and full bellies, we drove to San Pedrito beach for the last sunset of 2019. Pulling up we found a spot in between two RVs and a pickup truck. The beach was a popular place to be at this moment. Families and friends gathered for bonfires. Kids were sharing their lists that Santa fulfilled. Dogs were sniffing each other with total disregard of creed or breed. A snapshot of life the way it is meant to be enjoyed. As the sun set on the cloudy horizon, Shooter followed me into the surprisingly warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. Our final swim of the decade.
READY TO PARTY?
Driving back to San Jose del Cabo my phone buzzed non-stop. Messages like, “What’s ur plan?” and “READY TO PARTY?” lit up my notifications. The whole world was in a pre-party mode ready for the festivities of the evening. We arrived at the house at 7 PM. Unloaded the car by 7:15 PM. Hot showers at 7:30 PM. Turned off the light at 8PM and didn’t even make it to midnight EST. Happy New Year indeed!
