FAQ

Where is El Encanto de La Laguna located?

El Encanto is located in an area known as “La Laguna” which is part of San Jose del Cabo in Baja California Sur, Mexico. La Laguna is a small area located approximately 5 miles outside of San Jose del Cabo’s central district, about 15 minutes driving. The marina in Puerto Los Cabos is only 3 miles down the beach or approximately 10 minutes driving. The international airport in San Jose del Cabo is approximately 30 minutes away. El Encanto de La Laguna is along the border of Puerto Los Cabos on the west side and the vast Baja desert to the East. The area of the East Cape is literally at our doorstep and is the perfect playground for those that love secluded beaches, surfing, off–road trails, exploring, or just having fun with no boundaries! Click here to see our maps.

What makes El Encanto special?

There are numerous factors that make El Encanto de La Laguna special and unique such as the Hacienda style architecture, the lush landscaping, the “green” building techniques, or the friendly in-house service team, but what people talk about the most is the location. Just minutes away is the fun of the East Cape with incredible surf, uncrowded beaches, and plenty of open desert for off-road fun while at the same time the convenience of downtown San Jose del Cabo, fine dining and shopping are only minutes away, truly the best of both worlds.

Who is the developer?

Richard Wesselink and Steve Galvanoni are the developers that started the community of El Encanto de La Laguna. Both of the developers are from Southern California and have been involved in Los Cabos for almost 2 decades.

Please click here to go to the developers info page.

Why Los Cabos?

Los Cabos is unique in that, from many locations in Canada and the U.S., you can leave freezing temperatures and in less than 3-4 hours be on a pristine beach with perfect weather. Los Cabos is well known for its beaches, desert landscapes, world class golf and fishing, and almost 360 days of sunshine per year. For many of our homeowners they have made Los Cabos their home away from home for different reason ranging from adventure and fun in the sun to relaxation and simply getting away. Los Cabos has something for everyone and offers a great opportunity to invest into something that you can truly enjoy with family and friends.

How many residences are there going to be when all built out?

Inside the main gates of the community there are going to be a total of 36 “Casas” single family homes and 65 condo “villas”. Outside of the community there is the phase I of El Encanto that consist of only 4 private homes. There will be 11 fractional condos located outside of the front gate in our new phase of amenities.

What size homes or condos are available?

Las Casas range from 3200- 4200 sq. ft. +/- (Air conditioned space). with 3-6 bedrooms.
The Condo Villas range from 1667- 3200 sq. ft +/- (Air conditioned space) with 2-4 bedrooms.

Is there a construction warranty on new product?

All new residences come with a one year construction warranty against any defects. We pride ourselves on quality work. With an in-house construction team, we stand behind our product.

Can I customize the floorplans offered?

Yes we do allow our clients to work with our in-house architecture team to customize your Casa floorplan. There is not a single home that is exactly the same, all homes have been semi-customized by the owners. The Condo Villa floorplans are not customizable.

Is it time consuming or difficult to have a new home built?

With our experienced team you can rest assured that we make the building process very simple. Most people love the idea of owning a brand new home, however, don’t want to get involved in a lot of work to get it accomplished. The process at El Encanto is very simple. Our in house architect will have a sit down meeting with you and then from there be able to create your semi-customized plan. We have a selection package that you would fill out and then our team gets started. The entire construction process takes 9 months once they break ground. You will receive updates as we progress and the only time we ask that you come to visit is at 50% completion to have a review done along with your selections of stone slabs for the kitchen and bathrooms. We are happy to put you in touch with current owners who can share their experience with you.

What amenities are offered at El Encanto de La Laguna?

Each home or condo phase has it’s own amenities such as pool, Jacuzzi, BBQs, fire-pits, palapa bars and lounge areas. The community has a gym that is open to anyone staying inside the community and there is the beach that is accessible to anyone. As of now, the Beachclub and Fitness center along with the phase III amenities are not finished. They are scheduled to start construction in the summer of 2012. The concierge service can set up many activities that range from ATV tours to horseback riding all within walking distance of El Encanto de La Laguna.

For more details click here.

What financing options are available?

There are numerous financing options available through brokers or banks in Los Cabos. Currently the developer is offering an in-house developer financing program allowing a buyer of new construction to finance up to 40% of the value at only 5.95%.

Is the beach a safe swimming beach?

The ocean is swimmable during the winter months. The beach in front of EL Encanto de La Laguna faces direct south. During the later Spring and Summer months the Sea of Cortez at the tip of the Baja Peninsula is active with southern hemisphere swells. During the winter months the swell activity is typically out of the north or west direction and the beaches in front of El Encanto remain very calm and safe for swimming. One must always take precaution when entering the water no matter what the conditions are.

Is there easy beach access if I am not a beachfront owner?

Yes there is a central beach access path between home #7 and #8 allowing anyone in the community to reach the sandy beach in just a couple of minutes walking.

How busy is the community?

One great thing about the community is that whether you are in a home or a condo, due to the fact that most El Encanto owners do not live in Los Cabos full time, the community is a very low key and quiet. In the summer months there is probably only 10%-15% occupancy, during the fall months maybe 20%-25%, and during the Winter and Spring months closer to 50% occupancy. During holidays such as Thanksgiving or Christmas there will be approximately 80% occupancy.

How does El Encanto get water?

El Encanto de La Laguna has a desalination plant that the in-house maintenance team (MEC) runs.

Where does power come from?

Power comes from the city’s power grid.

Can I vacation rent my residence?

Yes, when you own in Mexico, just like in the U.S, or Canada, ownership rights allow you to long term rent or short term rent.

Is there an in-house vacation rental team?

There is an affiliate company that provides full service rental solutions to our owners.

How is the HOA structured?

The community currently has two separate legally formed associations. There is the general common area association that has an operation budget, reserves, and an elected committee made up of owners. Each home pays their portion of the budget based on their land ownership percentage and each condo phase pays their portion of the budget based on the land ownership percentage that condo phase makes up.

The condo phase I has it’s own separate association and elected committee that represent the owners. The condo phase I has an operating budget for their common areas as well as reserves. Each condo pays their portion of the operating budget based on the size of the condo.

What is the cost of the HOA?

The cost for a typical single family home “Casa” ranges from approximately $275 – $550. Per month Depending on the size of the lot and with the budget being in Pesos the translated cost in U.S. dollars fluctuates with the exchange rate.

The estimated cost for the condo phase II will range from $450.- $675. U.S. Dollars per month depending on the size of the condo.

How much does it cost to maintain a home per month?

The MEC service team located on-site offers maintenance packages that range from approximately $550. -$650. Dollars per month. This covers items such as the pool service, landscaping service, exterior fumigation, property management, concierge service, gas and water meter readings, and waste treatment system maintenance. With a condo all exterior maintenance is covered in the HOA fee.

What are utility cost?

Utility cost range dramatically based on usage.

Water- The water bill for a home can range from $250.- $500. Per month depending on the landscape design, size of pool, and usage of the home in general. Condos will range from $30.- $75. Dollars per month

Electric- The electric bill on a standard size home will range from $275- $700. Per month depending on primarily air conditioning consumption. During the summer months the electric bills are typically highest due to air conditioning. In a condo one might expect a range from $40.- $250. Per month depending on the size of the condo and use.

Gas consumption- Homes and condos use propane for the cooktops in the kitchen, the fire-pits, built in BBQs, and heating pools and Jacuzzi. A private home with it’s own pool and Jacuzzi can range in consumption ranging from $40.- $600. Per month mainly depending on the amount of pool and Jacuzzi heating. There are ways to greatly reduce the need for heating such as solar pool heating. A condo normally ranges from $20.-$30. Per month in gas consumption due to the fact that the condos do not have their own pools/Jacuzzi/ or fire-pits.

Are the utilities billed separately if you own a condo?

Yes, in both homes and condos you have a separate meters for gas, electric, and water.

How often am I billed?

The HOA bill comes once every 2 months. With that bill you will have your meter readings and billing for water, gas, and the electric bill from CFE (power company).

Is there someone that can provide me with specific answers regarding the purchase of a property at El Encanto de la Laguna?

Yes. There is an on-site sales team that will be happy to answer any of your questions and give you a tour of the property. To send a request for more info or to be contacted please click here.

If you would like to email the sales team – or call 866. 556.1386