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There is a large ad in today's San Diego UT newspaper regarding this development just South of San Felipe. Does anyone have any knowledge of this development?

San Felipe Real Estate, Rancho Costa Verde, Beachfront Baja Real Estate

Originally Posted by Bob H

There is a large ad in today's San Diego UT newspaper regarding this development just South of San Felipe. Does anyone have any knowledge of this development?

San Felipe Real Estate, Rancho Costa Verde, Beachfront Baja Real Estate

I went through the paper, but couldn't find that ad. The key to understanding any new project is to determine who is bankrolling, building, selling, and marketing it. Don't be distracted by title insurance claims or the solar panels. Most every developer and promoter has a track record, once you know who you are dealing with risk can be assessed. jmho.

Originally Posted by Woooosh

once you know who you are dealing with risk can be assessed. jmho.

When you see claims such as this........run. Don't look back....just run like the wind.


"Rancho Costa Verde offers secure real estate ownership with title insurance provided by Stewart Title."

a couple months ago I was curious so on the way to gonzaga we toured the site. Its awful. unless you are oceanfront its some of the most godawful desert you can imagine. Its in a riverbed where huge amounts of water has uprooted trees and bushes, big boulders strewn around, and roads cut through as if people were actually going to live there! there are a couple beautiful homes built on the water but the rest is just an eyesore.

Originally Posted by willardguy

a couple months ago I was curious so on the way to gonzaga we toured the site. Its awful. unless you are oceanfront its some of the most godawful desert you can imagine. Its in a riverbed where huge amounts of water has uprooted trees and bushes, big boulders strewn around, and roads cut through as if people were actually going to live there! there are a couple beautiful homes built on the water but the rest is just an eyesore.

Thanks WillardGuy. So there you have it- a firsthand account of the actual site condition. Does this area flood in hurricane season like Mulege does? Sounds like it.

Originally Posted by Woooosh

I went through the paper, but couldn't find that ad. The key to understanding any new project is to determine who is bankrolling, building, selling, and marketing it. Don't be distracted by title insurance claims or the solar panels. Most every developer and promoter has a track record, once you know who you are dealing with risk can be assessed. jmho.

It is on page A20 on the left hand side. You can also follow them on facebook.
Facebook.com/ranchocostaverde

They sure make it sound nice, huh?

Originally Posted by Bob H

It is on page A20 on the left hand side. You can also follow them on facebook.
Facebook.com/ranchocostaverde

They sure make it sound nice, huh?

Found it. They made it look like a news article- but for the word "advertisement" placed above it. On July 25th and 31st you can get a free Chinese dinner in San Diego while sitting through their sales presentation. Dim sun for the dumb some.

It's not that these people have bad intentions, they likely do not. More research will tell who they are, how likely it is to succeed, and how well funded the project is (completion bonds are not common). Biggest concern, as always- is who owns the land. Land titles from ejido land are being challenged. To determine risk on the land itself- you need to know if it is/was ever ejido land and, if so- how the ejido boundaries were verified when it was formed (engineering survey or virtual execution). Don't go near anything with a virtual execution.


This man is named in the UT advertisement as the president and co-founder of the Rancho Costa Verde project.

Frank Ingrande Re-Joins ResortCom International | Timeshare News Travel

It seems very RISKY... to say the least! Oh my, I am now a 2nd Class Petty Officer! Wow!!!!

Go to the Baja Nomad site and type Frank Ingrande in the "SEARCH" box at the bottom of the page.....plenty of discussion and info.

I visited this site a couple of weekends ago and although, their sales pitch sounds very attractive and having seen the actual site, I'm still skeptical of the whole project.

The green environment is appealing: atmospheric water capture that makes 30 gallons per day, solar panels for power, sustainable sewer system (not septic tank) that filters enough times to be able to water your plants with and no grid attachment all sounds great. Buying a property lot of 10,000' to build on, with ocean views... I like it all - there's got to be a catch - too perfect.

I've seen too many developments fall apart in Mexico and am doing some research and due diligence on my part. Any suggestions? I see a lot of people here who know Baja very well and I'd appreciate some help.

I know about the Ejido property issues... Let me know what you all think.

Personally, I really like the concept. Completely off-grid, eco-friendly community with affordable lot prices starting at less than $20K, and reasonable building prices:

"When owners are ready to build, Rancho Costa Verde is building luxury custom homes from less than $75 a square foot."

Now all that remains is for the project to actually sell. I do like the fact that they appear to be doing things with a lot of attention to detail, an indication that deep pockets are propping it up.

The first few adventurous souls will test the waters with the benefit of some great deals/choice lots and will bare the risk of whether the ship sinks or sails. I have had more than a few ask me about this project so it appears that a lot of eyes are watching.

I wish them well...

The link to this page pretty much indicates it's not an honest developer:

I was able to find that page by Googling some on the words on that image.

Escalera Nautica | SAN FELIPE - Rancho Costa Verde - San Felipe Puertecitos Real Estate

is certainly years out-of-date.

Further:

"...This isn't a ball and gag scam with a bunch of itchy sales people..."

Good catch Woo - how long has the page been up / have they been building the project. Does anybody know if there are any actual sold home sites or finished homes with people actually living there???

There are 3 private homes built with one full time owner. There are also several more in the process, mostly the beach front lots. The development has a model home, and clubhouse/pool started. They're building casitas as well, as guest houses for owners when they visit or to be used much as a timeshare, only free, for owners.

It seems to be coming along. I'll be back down in March to see progress before I actually invest.

Please let me know if you hear anything.

Thank you.

Why does this page prove that they're not an honest developer?

Originally Posted by adarrow

Why does this page prove that they're not an honest developer?

My guess is because the Escalera Nautica project (as described on the web page) was abandoned and was a huge government scheme. Santa Rosalillita got a paved road and a useless harbor. Punta San Antonio is the only other harbor built that was part of the project, originally. ???

Still waiting for the 4 lane paved road from the border to Cabo and the paved road from the Pacific to the Sea of Cortez.....unless they mean HWY 3. Actually, I would be satisfied if they find a way around the slide area north of Ensenada.

Regarding Rancho Costa Verde, only 3 private homes built with one full time resident??????

How is the solar project and water desal plant progressing????.....did they ever put in the water well???

Originally Posted by adarrow

Why does this page prove that they're not an honest developer?

It's better to underpromise if you don't have a project completion bond or the funds in hand to deliver the product to the buyer. The reason there are 17 unfinished housing projects in coastal Baja Norte is the pyramid scheme mentality behind building them. Todays deposit pays for yesterdays cement. The one thing consistent is agents always seem to get their sales commissions.

I doubt you'll see a return to investing in coastal Baja properties until outright ownership becomes possible, There is is no trust left. jmho

Originally Posted by Teniente

I would be satisfied if they find a way around the slide area north of Ensenada.

We all know where the way around is. They have to go over the hill, but for some reason they refuse to accept the inevitable.
This isn't the first road loss event in the same place and if they persist on rebuilding the same road over and over, it will take a tragedy before they come to their senses.
Who else would build a cliff-edge road at the end of the San Andreas Fault.....have it tumble to the sea, and build it again in the same place.....TWICE???