0:14 The way you said Mérida, with a Yucatecan accent, makes you look local.

@AlexanderFromKC

4 ай бұрын

This is my favorite comment in the history of this channel! Thank you!

This home is a great example of what a thoughtful renovation can look like. It has a sense of balance and beauty. You and your team did an outstanding job. Makes me want to get on a plane and explore Merida and its homes yesterday.

@AlexanderFromKC

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for you kind words! I've been a part of many renovations, but working with Henry Ponce was on a whole different level. He made this place a home. Also, you absolutely should get on a plane and explore this place! Again, thank you.

Good job,....I'm happy to see Americans blogging about Merida , cause I'm coming to buy a house there too

@AlexanderFromKC

Жыл бұрын

Thanks, dre! It's been a fun venture. That's great that you're getting a house there, you won't regret it!

Hermosa casa Alexander, así es como debe de ser un hogar, cálido, cómodo y lleno de amor para que la familia crezca feliz.

@AlexanderFromKC

2 жыл бұрын

Muchas gracias, y no puedo estar más de acuerdo. Estamos increíblemente aquí, se siente como en casa en muchos sentidos.

I’m sure parts 2 & 3 will be as spectacular as part 1. I live in a Henry Ponce house - one of his earlier ones (2010) - and his sense of design is timeless. His homes will always look contemporary.

@AlexanderFromKC

2 жыл бұрын

He's a master for sure. It's so wonderful to hear this, because you want the beauty to last as long as possible. I can't imagine going with any other architect at this point.

@lorenlinck4345

2 жыл бұрын

I do too! Love his designs

My family has seen this little piece of Heaven on earth "Merida style"... gorgeous property, we are so happy for you and your family Alex, thx for the tour and let's get together again soon!!

@AlexanderFromKC

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! It was great seeing you and the family, and thank you so much for showing me your amazing home!

Your home is beautiful! I look forward to retiring in Merida.

@AlexanderFromKC

Ай бұрын

Thank you so much, and me too!!

Followed you forever. So hyped to see it now!

@AlexanderFromKC

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for following the journey, and I'm so glad you were excited to see the end product! I'm going to keep making videos about the place, but now I'm sure it will be a transition into "owning" as opposed to building. Thank you again!!!

Your home just blows me away! What a great job! 👏 👏👏

@AlexanderFromKC

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you like it! Thank you!

Congratulations! Your house is beautiful 👍🏻! Welcome to Mexico 🇲🇽

@AlexanderFromKC

Жыл бұрын

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Que casa tan bonita, great job Alex!!!

@AlexanderFromKC

Жыл бұрын

¡Muchos gracias!

Amo sobremanera como los espacios abiertos le brindan a su hogar luminosidad y apertura.

@AlexanderFromKC

2 жыл бұрын

Gracias y tengo que darle a nuestro arquitecto todos los elogios por eso. Incluso cuando las puertas están cerradas, todavía se siente como si estuviera afuera.

@PabloMartinez-ky8tg

2 жыл бұрын

@@AlexanderFromKC De nada Alexander, su casa es el reflejo de su personalidad, alegre y cálida.

Congrats! I love the exposed wall around the perimeter in the old part of the house. I've seen this before where it goes much farther up the wall. I just started demo on my rental on 66. I may steal this idea. :)

@AlexanderFromKC

2 жыл бұрын

Do it! I've seen it further up the wall as well, and I just didn't like it. When I saw it this way though, I loved it! Good luck with demo!

It's happening!!!

WOW, IT'S PERFECT!!!

@AlexanderFromKC

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much, Michael! It feels perfect for us, for sure!

I so need a home in Mexico. Working on it. Great home!

@AlexanderFromKC

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much, and good luck in your efforts! It took us years, but I absolutely love what being patient bought us!

Omg your home is beautiful, I’m planning to travel in Nov to look at homes in Merida..

@AlexanderFromKC

Жыл бұрын

Thank you and good luck! We love it, so I hope you do as well. We're in the Chen Bech area, and it's growing like crazy!

Henry is renovating a house for me on calle 66…I’ve been coming to Merida for years and have an xpat community that live in the centro…It will be complete in the spring-love to connect when I’m there

@AlexanderFromKC

Жыл бұрын

That's awesome, Tony! He's absolutely amazing, so I'm happy for you - I know it's going to look great. Send me a message via my text line (816-727-7740), and we'll work it out!

Congratularnos your home it's beautiful, greetings from California

@AlexanderFromKC

7 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

Awesome!!!

@AlexanderFromKC

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

So beautiful. I know you love it

@AlexanderFromKC

2 жыл бұрын

Yes I do!

Where is the cooling unit you are talking about??? You go so fast with the camera movement it is hard to see some of these details.

@AlexanderFromKC

3 ай бұрын

I apologize for the quick movement. Our architect found some really good places to "hide" several of the units, especially in the bedrooms they are recessed into the closets a bit. in the front TV room it's probably out of frame because it's located on the walls where the doors are - way up high! There is normally a unit in every main room except the entry area, and always up high on a wall. Each outdoor condenser/compressor can handle around 8-10 indoor units, so they'll be on the roof while the interior pieces are inside. It's actually a bit of a compliment that they're hard to see!

Knowing what you know, would you recommend renting an airbnb/or similar for a month or two, or jumping into being a buyer? I know there are lots of factors in that decision, but would love to know your thoughts about BURL (buy utility and rent luxury).

@AlexanderFromKC

7 ай бұрын

I would absolutely recommend renting first, and in several areas. Just like any other cities Merida has many different neighborhoods, all with their own positives and negatives. If you think you want to be in the middle of the action, and rent there only to realize you need to be a little further away... worth it. If you rent an area where the lots and lack of traffic are nice that's awesome, but if you realize you need a car/uber just to pick up some milk... might not be the right place. A dream scenario would be to take a trip to really find some neighborhoods you like, and then stay 2 weeks to a month in each. Sometimes having a more expensive but smaller house in the perfect spot is exactly what you realize you want. Sometimes spending a little bit less for more square footage, but having to walk a few minutes means everything because you realize how much you love the house. At that point to you've not only found out about the neighborhoods, but you've also seen several houses and can make a list of all the things you want and don't. My wife and I are the exception to the rule on most of this, but we also knew we wanted a house in Mexico, knew the type of place we were looking for, and had renovated so many houses in the States that we were (over)confident in what we wanted. Even then, there's one or two things I wish we'd have changed, but you'll do that in every house you have. Good luck and enjoy the journey!

So what was your overall budget for land n completed home? I see you like that cement wall look. The home really doesn't look completed. Where are your light fixtures?

@AlexanderFromKC

Жыл бұрын

Around $500k, not including furniture. We purchased the property for around $115k, and the rest went into the renovation. I do always add the caveat that our house is well above what anybody needs to put into a home here, but we built it for our purposes, meaning friends and family as well. I'm glad you noticed that it doesn't look complete in this video! The updated pictures on the website (in the description of the video) show that it is much more "finished" now. We arrived on our first stay in our home literally less than a day after work was complete. Unfortunately, that meant that several light fixtures (good eye), as well as a cabinet that was ordered incorrectly, etc. were not yet ready for prime time. Since then all of the work has been completed. As far as the cement wall look, it's typical for Merida. We added several accent walls that move away from the whitewash of most but wanted the furniture, wooden (and iron) doors, art, etc. to be the focus of the home.

How much USD was the home with all the appliances, cabinets and everything together? Is this more for summer visits or do families live there? How do U.S kids go to school if they live there?

@AlexanderFromKC

Жыл бұрын

The total with the house, renovation, plans, appliances, solar, and even furniture ended up around $600k.

Question since its so hot there wouldnt it be more efficient to have lower ceilings?

@AlexanderFromKC

Күн бұрын

It's kind of the opposite, actually. Taller ceilings give the hot air a larger space to travel to, and then with the proper airway setup (and air conditioning as well) you allow the hot air to escape. That way it's a constant cycle of it rising and then being removed.

Great job with the house! Can you please tell us who built your furniture? It is beautiful.

@AlexanderFromKC

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much. So our builder actually does most of the furniture, and that's Henry Ponce. We did get a few random pieces from Costco, Amazon, etc. - mostly the filler pieces. Then there was a lot of work done by "calleveinte" in Merida. Wonderful place with some AMAZING pieces!

@lorenlinck4345

Жыл бұрын

@@AlexanderFromKC Thanks! I very recently purchased a home built by Henry. The furniture is a very similar style. I love the mix of modern with some traditional pieces but may want to add a couple pieces (hence the question). Thanks again. Congrats on your house.

There is a really cool KZread channel called trasmuro, that shows Mérida Houses, it would be really cool to see your house there.

@AlexanderFromKC

2 жыл бұрын

I'd love to be on that show, he's shown some really cool places!

Hi, my name is reza, it's a while following you and I apriciate all you efforts to help other expats. I have been wondering if I ould ask the size of your house land. If I am right you said the construction is about 400 m2 . But if I can ask for the land itself.

@AlexanderFromKC

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for following, and I'm glad you're finding value in the channel! Our property is approximately 8 meters by 63 meters, so a little over 504 sq meters. On top of that (literally), we've added a full two bedroom "apartment" with it's own patios, kitchen and living room. I'm not sure I remember how many square meters it is, but I'm guessing that in total we're over 600 at this point.

@rezasaffari8176

Жыл бұрын

Thanks again for the good details. Appreciate it. And all the best . I hope you and your family live long happily ever after in full health + wealth:)

Alex, what are the cities that are closer/near the beach/water? I just don't want to be that far away from the water. The heat would not be a problem as we have Real Heat in Texas:) Your home is truly amazing!

@ftgrimm1016

2 жыл бұрын

Local here, Mérida is 20-30 minutes from Progreso. There is not another Big city near sea unless You go to Cancún. Progreso by itself is the city if You want to wake up, walk and go to the beach, other places around are just beach towns.

@AlexanderFromKC

2 жыл бұрын

I'll echo @FTGrimm on this one. Progreso is the largest beach town in Yucatan, and it is fairly large. That being said, I wouldn't call it a city, although it's so close to Merida (especially el Norte) that you're only 20 minutes from Costco, Ace Hardware, Malls, etc. There are other smaller beach areas near Progreso as well like Chelem, Chuburna, Chicxulub that have their own little "ecosystem" too. It all depends on what you're looking for in a town, because if you want to be more remote there's Sisal, Uaymitun, and Telchac Puerto as well.

@AlexanderFromKC

2 жыл бұрын

Exactly right.

Wow ! Congratulatios Alexander you really gave this place a brand new start ! The design is really well balanced; still has that yucatecan /mexican vibe combined with all the modern features. One personal question if I may ask , buy are you guys permanent residents or with temporary visa can you buy property in Mexico ?

@AlexanderFromKC

2 жыл бұрын

We are currently working on permanent residency, but it's a bit of a complicated process. Temporary would be very easy, but we think we can get permanent residency. I'll keep you up-to-date as we navigate those waters.

@meatgravylard

2 жыл бұрын

You can buy property in Mexico without residency.

@Gorge1070

2 жыл бұрын

@@meatgravylard But , is it recommend, because buying property in a country you dont have any ties gives me anxiety !

@Gorge1070

2 жыл бұрын

@@AlexanderFromKC Good luck with that Alexander; you know I think with everything thats happenning here in america, having a home in a city like Merida and in a country like Mexico is a good idea !

@purplelizard8

2 жыл бұрын

You can buy property in mexico as a tourist, temp or perm resident. Doesn't matter.

Nice home. I work from home and am planning on moving to Merida. Are hurricanes and power outages an issue? I am worried about this since I cannot afford to be without power for even 1 day.

@AlexanderFromKC

Жыл бұрын

I haven't experienced anything like that yet, not to say that it's not possible. Merida being inland helps quite a bit, and it's rare that you hear anything about a power outage. My wife is an attorney and needs good internet (and therefore power), and was able to work any time she chose while we've been down.

¿En que parte de Mérida es eso?

@AlexanderFromKC

Жыл бұрын

En el límite de Mejorada y Chembech

Beautiful home Alexander how big is the land?

@AlexanderFromKC

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! The lot is 8 meters (26.25 ft) by 63 meters (207 ft).

@jccanond1x101

Жыл бұрын

I’m believable!!! you have a big long land to created this amazing house I will love to see your house on two KZread channels that show the beauty of architecture of Merida your house would take many people's breath away from how beautiful it is cheers!!!

❤❤❤❤❤

@AlexanderFromKC

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Beautiful home , I remember when it was block walls . Send me info on your architect or builder I need help with my house.

@AlexanderFromKC

Жыл бұрын

Yep, that wasn't too long ago!! Architect/builder is Henry Ponce. HenryPonce.com

@louietheplumber3609

Жыл бұрын

@@AlexanderFromKC thank you

I'm not sure if you mentioned but how much did that custom home cost you?

@AlexanderFromKC

8 ай бұрын

So ours is way over the top, but we purchased the house for $115k USD. The renovation was approx. $360k USD, and another $75k USD to fill it with furniture, fixtures, appliances, etc.

@charlesquesnel2302

8 ай бұрын

@@AlexanderFromKC thank you

I will like a similar house, would you shared your architect and real estate agent information please? Thanks, jc

@AlexanderFromKC

Жыл бұрын

That's great! Our architect was Henry Ponce and our real estate agent with Elizabeth Rodriguez. I'll link their information below! www.hponcehomes.com/home yucatanbeachandcityproperty.com/agents

is it on Airbnb?

@AlexanderFromKC

Жыл бұрын

Yep! abnb.me/7541SNBvNub

"Dear, I am enjoying it very much so far. It's beautiful." 😊👍

@AlexanderFromKC

2 ай бұрын

I'm so glad!

What do people do who want to take a bubble bath? Or, is that strictly an American thing? Thanks so much for sharing.

@AlexanderFromKC

Жыл бұрын

There are definitely bathtubs in houses, but it's more popular to have just a shower, not sure why to be honest. We had a tub planned in one of our initial designs, but then started thinking that our kids would only need the tub for another couple years. If you're looking to rent, just look for one but if you plan to build, the planning is easy for one. This isn't the first time I've been asked this, by the way. Also, I chose the outdoor shower over the tub... and regret nothing lol!

Why are so many foreigners moving to Mexico and leaving no room for mexicana to buy a house. But no worries I will soon be there to build affordable housing.

@AlexanderFromKC

2 жыл бұрын

This is completely incorrect. Many of the homes in Merida are vacant and are renovated by both foreigners, as well as Mexicans from Yucatan and several other Mexican states. It is true that there is are areas with a large community of ex-pats, but when you know that Merida is a city of nearly a million people, the overall expatriate population is 1-2% at best. I applaud your desire to build affordable housing. We need more of that everywhere. However, stating that foreigners are buying so much real estate that it's leaving no room for the local population isn't just misleading, it's (as stated previously) completely incorrect. All the best to you building affordable housing, I wish you all the success in the world.

@pablovi77

Жыл бұрын

@@AlexanderFromKC It’s not that foreigners are taking a lot of the real state, it’s just that their driving prices way up. You can pay a lot more than us Mexicans can. That’s why I’m choosing Campeche, instead of Merida, the prices haven’t gone through the roof yet.

Enjoy with your wife. Moral people not to shack.

@AlexanderFromKC

Жыл бұрын

I will!

Am I late?

@AlexanderFromKC

2 жыл бұрын

You were right on time! Feel free to join the live chat next time!

are you on Calle 57?

@AlexanderFromKC

2 жыл бұрын

Yep. Close to the Chen Bech market.

@retired_mex

2 жыл бұрын

@@AlexanderFromKC Wow, I have been watching them build your home - I live on C. 57 at 44

@AlexanderFromKC

2 жыл бұрын

@@retired_mex We're close!

@retired_mex

2 жыл бұрын

@@AlexanderFromKC next time I walk by I'll knock on your door and say hello

Why are houses there so expensive?! They are more expensive than houses in the US

@AlexanderFromKC

Жыл бұрын

Not even close. THIS house is really expensive, but it'd be 1 1/2 to 2 times as expensive in the USA. Most places in Merida are incredibly affordable, but as I've said in almost every comment, video, and description... we went over and above with this place because we were building to fit our particular needs, and we could. Do not judge average prices based on this build, or you'll end up making an incorrect statement like you just did.