Thinking about retiring in Mexico and buying a home? Before you sign anything, this episode of Live by Design - Mexico Edition gives you the real story. Host Taniel Chemsian sits down with Marc and Paulette, a couple who relocated from Sacramento to San Luis Potosí, Mexico, to share what they learned while navigating Mexico real estate as American retirees.

From working with agents and notarios to understanding closing costs, property taxes, and the true cost of living in Mexico, they walk through the practical steps every retiree should consider. You’ll also hear how choosing the right neighborhood, adjusting expectations, and embracing a slower lifestyle helped them build a secure and comfortable retirement.

If you’re researching buying property in Mexico, wondering whether it’s safe, or planning to retire in Mexico from the USA, this episode offers honest insights, realistic expectations, and firsthand experience to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Key Moments: 

00:00 Puerto Vallarta Real Estate Differences

03:17 Home Search Challenges Explained

06:55 Neighborhood Life and Unexpected Risks

11:17 Approval and Purchase Process Explained

13:29 Property Closing Process Vallarta

18:40 Lower Living Costs Abroad

How to contact Paulette and Marc: 

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TheTwoTravelersInMexico

EMAIL: [email protected]

Feeling overwhelmed about buying in Mexico? Chat TCP, our AI-powered assistant, guides you to stress-free homeownership. Click here to start using Chat TCP: https://tanielchemsian.com/chat-tcp/?utm_source=youtube_lbd_mex

Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence – download your FREE “Buyer’s Guide” now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen!

Click here - https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-gui...

Discover why everyone is falling in love with Puerto Vallarta real estate: https://tanielchemsian.com/puerto-vallarta-real-estate/

Join the ‘Taniel Chemsian Properties’ YouTube channel to learn what you need to know about Puerto Vallarta real estate.

Join our ‘Live By Design: Mexico Edition’ podcast:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0VfClD5...

Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/032...

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@livebydesignmexicoedition

Contact Information:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://tanielchemsian.com/

Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435

USA/CAN Office: +1.323.798.8893

What is it really like to retire in a Mexican city most expats overlook? In this episode of Live by Design - Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian talks with Paulette and Marc, a couple who left Sacramento, California to begin their retirement in San Luis Potosí, Mexico - a culturally rich, affordable, and quietly comfortable city far from the usual expat hotspots.

They share how they evaluated different countries and cities, addressed family fears, downsized their lives, and worked together as a couple to make the move possible. The conversation covers cost of living in Mexico, access to healthcare for expats, safety realities versus media myths, and what daily life actually feels like in San Luis Potosí.

If you’re considering retiring in Mexico from the USA, exploring alternatives to beach towns, or simply looking for a more authentic and affordable expat lifestyle, this episode offers real stories, practical lessons, and honest insight to help you decide whether a city like San Luis Potosí could be the right place to design your next chapter.

Key Moments: 

04:56 "Food Tastes Bland in LA"

09:16 Preparing to Move Abroad

10:23 "Falling for Puerto Vallarta"

15:36 Faster Medical Care in Mexico

19:20 Affordable Surgery Abroad Insight

How to contact Paulette and Marc: Marc and Paulette 

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TheTwoTravelersInMexico

EMAIL: [email protected]

Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence – download your FREE Taniel Chemsian Properties Buyer’s Guide now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen!

Click here : 

https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-guide-podbean/

Contact Information:

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.tanielchemsian.com

Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435

USA/CAN Office: +1.323.798.8893

What does it really cost to live, build, and raise a family in Mexico? In this episode of Live by Design - Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian sits down again with Benjamin Sessions, a builder and expat living in San Miguel de Allende, to share firsthand insight into the realities of creating a life in Mexico - from construction and rentals to healthcare and daily expenses.

Benjamin breaks down what retirees and families need to know before building or renovating a home in Mexico, including red flags when hiring contractors, understanding permits and contracts, and budgeting realistically. They also discuss the true cost of living in Mexico, covering groceries, utilities, healthcare, and housing for larger households, along with how community and local relationships play a critical role in long-term success.

Whether you’re planning to retire in Mexico, exploring San Miguel de Allende real estate, or considering a move with your family, this episode delivers practical guidance, honest stories, and real-world advice to help you make informed decisions and design a life of freedom and stability under the Mexican sun.

Key Moments: 

05:41 Bilateral Contracts for Assurance

06:38 Starting a Business: U.S. vs. Mexico

11:29 Debating Multi-Family Build Plan

16:11 Healthcare Costs and Services Overview

19:22 Switching Costco for Local Butchers

21:15 "Embracing Change and Community"

How to connect Benjamin Sessions : 

WEBSITE: https://texsignature.com/

EMAIL: [email protected]

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/TexasSignature.mx

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/texassignature.mx/

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@Texassignature

Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence – download your FREE Taniel Chemsian Properties Buyer’s Guide now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen!

Click here - 

https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-guide-podbean/

Contact Information:

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.tanielchemsian.com

Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435

USA/CAN Office: +1.323.798.8893

What does it really take to move an entire family to Mexico and make it work long term? In this episode of Live by Design – Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian sits down with Benjamin Sessions, an entrepreneur who relocated his family to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico in search of a better climate, stronger community, and higher quality of life.

Benjamin shares the real story behind moving with kids, navigating housing and construction projects, and building a business while adapting to life in Mexico. They talk openly about homeschooling, finding community, managing renovation timelines, and handling skepticism from friends and family back home. This conversation offers practical insight into living in Mexico as an expat family, including why San Miguel de Allende stood out over popular beach destinations.

Whether you’re considering moving to Mexico with your family, planning a future relocation, or exploring expat life beyond retirement, this episode delivers honest lessons, real-world experience, and actionable perspective to help you decide if Mexico is the right place to design your next chapter.

Key Moments: 

00:00 "From Utah to Mexico"

05:07 "Unconventional Move to Mexico"

08:45 "Oldest Son's Transition Abroad"

10:57 "Global Community and Connection"

16:11 "Precise Planning Ensures Results"

18:02 "Contractor Issues from No Contract"

How to connect Benjamin Sessions : 

WEBSITE: https://texsignature.com/

EMAIL: [email protected]

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/TexasSignature.mx

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/texassignature.mx/

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@Texassignature

Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence – download your FREE Taniel Chemsian Properties Buyer’s Guide now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen!

Click here - 

https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-guide-podbean/

Contact Information:

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.tanielchemsian.com

Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435

USA/CAN Office: +1.323.798.8893

What does it really take to move to Mexico and build a life that works financially and personally? In this episode of Live by Design - Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian sits down with Justin Keltner, founder of Entrepreneur Expat, to explore the mindset shifts, practical steps, and real trade-offs involved in relocating abroad by choice, not by accident.

Justin shares his firsthand experience of living in Mexico, building a business while working remotely, and settling into life in El Chante, a lesser-known but expat-friendly community. Together, they unpack common misconceptions about remote work, the realities of becoming an expat entrepreneur, and why waiting for the “perfect time” often leads to regret.

This conversation covers cost of living in Mexico, community building, financial flexibility, and the emotional challenges of starting over - along with why so many Americans and Canadians are choosing Mexico for freedom, adventure, and long-term quality of life. If you’re considering moving to Mexico, working abroad, or redesigning your future on your own terms, this episode offers honest insight, real experience, and actionable guidance to help you decide your next step with clarity and confidence.

Key Moments: 

01:12 City Life vs Mountain Living

05:08 "Challenges of Remote Work Freedom"

08:01 "Relocation Services for Affluent Clients"

10:36 "Live by Design, Fearlessly"

13:54 "Time Passes, Take the Leap"

19:04 "Exploring Vallarta with Modern Media

How to connect with Justin Keltner :

WEBSITE: https://entrepreneurexpat.com/

EMAIL: [email protected]

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurExpat

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/entrepreneurexpatofficial/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/p/Entrepreneur-Expat-61552130405418/

Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence – download your FREE Taniel Chemsian Properties Buyer’s Guide now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen!

Click here - 

https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-guide-podbean/

Contact Information:

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.tanielchemsian.com

Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435

USA/CAN Office: +1.323.798.8893

What is it really like living in Mexico beyond the headlines and social media hype? In this episode of Live by Design - Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian sits down with Justin Keltner, a tech consultant and entrepreneur who shares his journey from Colombia to building a fulfilling life in Chapala, Mexico - one of the most popular expat-friendly communities in the country.

Justin opens up about choosing Mexico for its affordable cost of living, strong sense of community, and balanced lifestyle, while navigating family concerns, cultural adjustment, and the realities of relocating as a couple. They discuss housing, utilities, daily expenses, and what it truly takes to feel at home as an expat in Mexico. Whether you’re planning to retire in Mexico, exploring living in Mexico as an American or Canadian, or simply curious about life near Lake Chapala, this episode offers honest insights, practical lessons, and real-world experience to help you decide if Mexico is the right next chapter for you.

Key Moments: 

00:00 "Learning Spanish Through Immersion"

05:44 "Finding Belonging Beyond the U.S."

09:07 "Crossroads of Love and Location"

10:53 "Winning Her Family's Approval"

14:22 "Manifesting Housing Opportunities Quickly"

16:15 Choosing Housing in Guadalajara

20:02 "Monthly Electricity Costs Explained"

How to connect with Justin Keltner :

WEBSITE: https://entrepreneurexpat.com/

EMAIL: [email protected]

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@EntrepreneurExpat

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/entrepreneurexpatofficial/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/p/Entrepreneur-Expat-61552130405418/

Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence – download your FREE Taniel Chemsian Properties Buyer’s Guide now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen!

Click here - 

https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-guide-podbean/

Contact Information:

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.tanielchemsian.com

Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435

USA/CAN Office: +1.323.798.8893

Is moving to Mexico really the lifestyle upgrade people claim it is, or is it just another online dream? In this episode of Live by Design - Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian sits down with Travis Bembenek for an honest conversation about what actually changes when you relocate to Mexico. From leaving behind a consumer-driven culture to embracing a slower, more intentional way of living, Travis shares what surprised him most after making the move.

They talk openly about the emotional side of starting over, the real cost of living expectations, and why so many Americans and Canadians are choosing Mexico for reasons far beyond saving money. If you are questioning the rat race, craving community, or wondering whether Mexico fits your values and lifestyle, this episode delivers unfiltered insight and real experience to help you decide if this move is truly right for you.

Key Moments: 

01:11 Moving to Mexico: Not Alone

05:45 San Miguel Housing Costs

08:39 "Overbuying: Too Good to Resist"

11:41 "Starting A New Chapter"

15:18 "Unbiased News About Mexico"

17:53 Mexico's Unique Appeal Explained

22:06 Shifting Real Estate Buyer Trends

24:27 "Happiness: Why Wait?"

Want to connect with Travis? 

WEBSITE: https://mexiconewsdaily.com/

EMAIL: [email protected]

INSTAGRAM:   / mexiconewsdaily  

YOUTUBE:    / @mexiconewsdailytv  

X: https://x.com/mexicond?lang=es

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/mexiconewsdaily

Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence – download your FREE Taniel Chemsian Properties Buyer’s Guide now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen!

Click here - 

https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-guide-podbean/

Contact Information:

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.tanielchemsian.com

Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435

USA/CAN Office: +1.323.798.8893

What happens when you step outside everything familiar and choose a different way of living? In this episode of Live by Design Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian sits down with Travis Bembenek, whose journey to Mexico began as a college study abroad experience and later became a permanent lifestyle choice in San Miguel de Allende.

Travis shares how he and his wife left demanding corporate careers in the U.S. to create a more meaningful, intentional life rooted in culture, community, and connection. They talk honestly about the challenges of relocating, adapting to a new way of life, and redefining success beyond titles and income.

Whether you are considering a move to Mexico or simply questioning what fulfillment really looks like, this episode offers real-life lessons, thoughtful reflection, and inspiration to help you grow beyond your comfort zone and design a life that truly feels like your own.

Key Moments: 

00:00 "Study Abroad: Semester Essential"

03:59 "Growing Up Through Challenges"

06:57 "Study Abroad: A Vital Experience"

12:17 "Seeking Life Beyond Corporate"

14:18 "Pandemic Sparked Future Planning"

18:32 "Life Abroad, Stuff in Storage"

22:03 "Defining Success in Life"

25:23 "Prioritizing Joy Over Comfort"

28:02 "Embracing Life as an Immigrant"

Want to connect with Travis? 

Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence – download your FREE Taniel Chemsian Properties Buyer’s Guide now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen!

Click here - 

https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-guide-podbean/

Contact Information:

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.tanielchemsian.com

Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435

USA/CAN Office: +1.323.798.8893

Choosing where to live in Mexico can feel overwhelming - especially when every city looks perfect online. In this episode of Live by Design - Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian sits down with Troy Zulich to share honest, firsthand lessons from his own move abroad.

Troy breaks down how he evaluated different Mexican cities, including Morelia and Querétaro, based on real-life factors like cost of living, safety, culture, language, and community integration. They discuss the difference between adapting to local life versus trying to recreate an American lifestyle, and why mindset plays a critical role in long-term happiness.

If you’re planning retirement, relocation, or a lifestyle reset in Mexico, this episode offers clear guidance, practical comparisons, and real-world insight to help you choose the city that truly fits your goals - without hype or unrealistic expectations.

Key Moments: 

04:59 "Diverse City Living"

08:14 "Choosing the Right Move Abroad"

11:26 "Sharing Experiences on YouTube"

15:25 "Advice for Moving to Mexico"

18:33 "Embracing Change and Flexibility"

20:59 "Affordable Living Beyond City Centers"

24:22 Financial Struggles and Housing Costs

YouTube Channel of Troy:  https://www.youtube.com/@SilverFoxinMexico-lx5sm

Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence – download your FREE Taniel Chemsian Properties Buyer’s Guide now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen!

Click here - 

https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-guide-podbean/

Contact Information:

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.tanielchemsian.com

Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435

USA/CAN Office: +1.323.798.8893

Trying to figure out which city in Mexico is right for you? In this episode of Live by Design - Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian talks with Troy Zulich, an American who left Ohio behind and carefully researched his way into a more affordable, adventurous life abroad.

Troy shares how he evaluated different Mexican cities based on safety, weather, housing costs, and everyday lifestyle, along with what surprised him most after arriving. From understanding crime data versus media fear, to comparing utilities, rent, and daily expenses, this conversation offers a practical framework for choosing a city that truly fits your goals.

Whether you’re planning retirement, a fresh start, or a lifestyle upgrade, this episode gives you real-world insight, honest comparisons, and clear decision-making guidance to help you choose the right place to live in Mexico - with confidence and clarity.

Key Moments: 

01:12 Estate Auction Business Journey

03:27 Migraines Vanish, Colombia Beckons

08:18 Fresh Fish: From Ocean to Plate

11:28 "Safety and Lifestyle Considerations"

14:24 "Choosing Querétaro Over Beaches"

18:36 "No AC or Heating Needed"

21:11 Water Filtration: Buy or Rent?

25:34 "Rental Market vs. Investment Returns"

26:25 Remote Property Challenges

YouTube Channel of Troy:  https://www.youtube.com/@SilverFoxinMexico-lx5sm

Want to own a home in Mexico? Start your journey with confidence – download your FREE Taniel Chemsian Properties Buyer’s Guide now for expert tips and clear steps to make it happen!

Click here - 

https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-guide-podbean/

Contact Information:

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.tanielchemsian.com

Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435

USA/CAN Office: +1.323.798.8893