Live by Design: Mexico Edition (with Taniel Chemsian)

By Taniel ChemsianSociety & Culture Leisure Places & Travel

Live by Design: Mexico Edition (with Taniel Chemsian) episodes

October 09Living in Mexico: Why Todos Santos Is Attracting Expats and Homebuyers
What makes Todos Santos, Mexico, so appealing to people looking for a different way of life? From its natural beauty and historic charm to its growing international community and evolving real estate market, this coastal town in Baja California Sur is attracting people who want more than just a vacation destination.
In this episode of Live by Design - Mexico Edition, Taniel Chemsian sits down with Tobias Sumanovac, a real estate expert whose life has been shaped by both Europe and Baja California Sur. Having grown up between Austria and Mexico, Tobias brings a unique perspective to what makes Todos Santos special and why he ultimately found his way back to the area.
Tobias shares insights into the Todos Santos real estate market, including what buyers should know about the area, the character of different neighborhoods, and the types of people choosing to make Todos Santos home. The conversation also explores the lifestyle changes that come with moving to a smaller coastal community and embracing a slower, more intentional way of living.
In this episode, you'll discover:
What makes Todos Santos different from other destinations in Mexico
Why expats and international homebuyers are increasingly drawn to Todos Santos
Tobias Sumanovac's unique connection to Austria and Baja California Sur
What buyers should know about the Todos Santos real estate market
The character and vibe of different Todos Santos neighborhoods
Why young families, retirees, and adventurers are choosing to live in the area
The natural beauty and oasis-like character of Todos Santos
How the town's historic charm contributes to its appeal
What it's like to transition to life in a smaller coastal community
How real estate and lifestyle choices can shape the way you live in Mexico
Key Moments:
00:00 Growing up between Austria and Mexico
04:18 Moving to Mexico from Austria
07:00 Clarifying Todos Santos Hotel Confusion
12:53 Challenges of moving abroad
14:12 International buyers in Todos Santos
17:49 Living in Las Tunas neighborhood
22:02 Understanding closing costs and escrow
27:09 Talking about local areas and traffic
30:09 Demographic changes in town
33:01 First vacation in Puerto Vallarta
35:11 Reflecting on life patterns
For anyone considering living in Mexico, moving to Todos Santos, or buying property in Mexico, this conversation provides firsthand insight into one of Baja California Sur's most distinctive communities. Tobias offers a local perspective on the real estate opportunities, neighborhoods, and lifestyle that are helping Todos Santos attract a growing international audience.
If you're looking beyond the traditional retirement destinations in Mexico and wondering what life in Todos Santos could look like, this episode is a great place to start.

How to connect Tobias Sumanovac:
WEBSITE: https://tsumanovac.cbriveras.com/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/bajabytobias?igsh=eWczcjB5NTJwOW95
EMAIL: [email protected]
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/tobiassumanovac/

Get the Free Puerto Vallarta Buyer’s Guide + 13 Short Videos: https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-guide/

Taniel Chemsian Properties
Mexico Office: +52.322.688.7435, +52.322.403.9960
USA/CAN: +1.323.798.8893
Web: www.tanielchemsian.com
40 min
October 02Moving to Mexico After 50: Amy Sedgwick’s Journey to a New Life
What happens when the life you've built no longer feels like the life you want? For Amy Sedgwick, years of stress in the U.S. real estate industry, the financial challenges of the 2008 real estate crash, and starting over at 50 became the beginning of a completely different chapter.
In this episode of Live by Design - Mexico Edition with Taniel Chemsian, Amy shares her journey from a high-stress real estate career in the United States to building a new life in Mérida, Mexico. She opens up about the setbacks she faced, the uncertainty of starting over, and the planning and resilience that helped her move forward.
Amy and Taniel discuss what it means to reinvent your life after 50, embrace uncertainty, and create a sense of community in a new country. They explore the realities of moving to Mexico, the importance of resilience during major life changes, and how stepping outside your comfort zone can open the door to new possibilities.
In this episode, you'll discover:
Amy Sedgwick's journey from U.S. real estate to life in Mexico
How the 2008 real estate crash affected her life and career
What it was like starting over at 50
The financial and personal challenges Amy faced along the way
Why she ultimately chose Mexico for her next chapter
How she adapted to a new environment and built community
The realities of starting a new life abroad
How planning and resilience helped Amy navigate uncertainty
Why it's never too late to make a major change in your life
What aspiring expats can learn from Amy's experience moving to Mexico
Key Moments:
00:00 Escrow closing and emotional moment
04:39 Community and lifestyle differences
07:11 Handling financial struggles
11:30 Construction challenges and house sale
15:39 Selling floating homes during market crash
17:51 Rebuilding life after bankruptcy
21:05 Being resilient through tough times
22:59 Overcoming the impossible limits

Amy's story is a reminder that creating a new life doesn't always happen according to plan. Sometimes, setbacks can become the catalyst for change. Her experience offers an honest and personal perspective for anyone thinking about moving to Mexico after 50, reinventing themselves, or creating a different kind of life abroad.
If you've ever wondered whether it's too late to start over, this conversation with Amy Sedgwick offers a powerful perspective on resilience, community, and the possibilities of living by design.
How to contact Amy Sedgwick:
WEBSITE: https://amyscasa.com/
EMAIL: [email protected]
YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/@DestinationRetirement

Get the Free Puerto Vallarta Buyer’s Guide + 13 Short Videos: https://tanielchemsian.com/buyers-guide/

Taniel Chemsian Properties
Mexico Office: +52.322.688.7435, +52.322.403.9960
USA/CAN: +1.323.798.8893
Web: www.tanielchemsian.com
26 min
September 25Retiring in Mexico: How Amy Sedgwick Built a New Life in Mérida
What does it really take to build a fulfilling retirement in Mexico? For Amy Sedgwick, the journey started with a five-year plan, a love for Mexican culture and language, and a desire to create a new chapter filled with adventure and purpose.
In this episode of Live by Design - Mexico Edition with Taniel Chemsian, Taniel Chemsian sits down with Amy Sedgwick to hear how she went from Portland, Oregon, to building a new life in Mérida, Mexico. With years of experience as a real estate broker in the Northwest, Amy brought valuable knowledge to her own journey of buying and renovating properties in Mérida's Centro.
Amy shares the realities of moving abroad, including the challenges she encountered with property titles and the lessons she learned while navigating real estate in Mexico. She also talks about what drew her to Mérida and how the city's culture, arts scene, expat community, and healthcare helped shape her experience.
In this episode, you'll discover:
How Amy created a five-year plan for her retirement in Mexico
Why she chose Mérida as the place to build her new life
Amy's journey from Portland, Oregon, to Mérida, Mexico
What her background in real estate taught her about buying property in Mexico
Her experience buying and renovating multiple properties in Mérida's Centro
Some of the challenges involved with property titles in Mexico
What it's like navigating the realities of home buying in Mexico
How Amy built community and found a new sense of purpose after moving abroad
Why Mérida's culture and arts scene appealed to her
Her experience with the expat lifestyle in Mérida
The role of healthcare in creating a fulfilling retirement in Mexico
What she learned from the highs and lows of international relocation
Key Moments:
00:00 Introduction to the Mexico Podcast
03:56 Practicing gratitude and mindfulness
09:02 House hunting challenges abroad
09:55 Sticking with a real estate agent
13:08 Real estate paperwork issues
17:41 Real estate deal setbacks
21:38 House renovations and YouTube updates
24:15 Checking out local events
27:58 Retirees moving to Mexico for lifestyle

Amy's story offers a firsthand look at what it can mean to retire in Mexico and intentionally design a new life abroad. From planning and property ownership to community, culture, and everyday life, her experience provides valuable perspective for anyone considering moving to Mexico or retiring in Mérida.
If you're thinking about building your own future in Mexico, this conversation offers practical lessons and an honest look at the opportunities and challenges that can come with starting a new chapter in another country.
How to contact Amy Sedgwick:
WEBSITE: https://amyscasa.com/
EMAIL: [email protected]
YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/@DestinationRetirement

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.
https://www.youtube.com/@TanielChemsian

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
30 min
September 18Redefining Retirement in Mexico: Don Karp on Creativity, Community, and Living Well
What if retirement wasn't about slowing down, but about creating an entirely new chapter of life?
In this episode of Live by Design - Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian sits down with Don Karp, who moved to Tepoztlán, Mexico at age 60 and discovered new opportunities for creativity, community, and adventure.
Don shares how moving to Mexico influenced his life and helped him reinvent himself as a writer and musician. He also discusses the realities of living in Mexico, including infrastructure, cost of living, adapting to a different environment, and finding community as an expat.
The conversation goes beyond the practical considerations of retiring abroad. Don explains how staying mentally and physically active has remained an important part of his retirement, and how music, writing, entrepreneurship, and community have helped him continue creating and contributing.
Don also shares his experience building a small business to help fellow expats transition to life in Mexico and reflects on why maintaining a positive outlook may be one of the most important parts of aging well.
In this episode, you will discover:
Why Don chose Tepoztlán, Mexico for his retirement
What life in Mexico has meant for his creativity and personal growth
The realities of cost of living and infrastructure in Mexico
How Don found community through music and local connections
Why staying mentally and physically active matters after 60
How a positive outlook can influence the retirement experience
What it's like to reinvent yourself after moving abroad
How Don turned his experience into a business helping fellow expats
Key Moments:
06:08 Deciding on moving to Tepoztlán
08:47 Helping Expats Settle in Mexico
10:16 Consultation for Moving to Mexico
14:30 Using public transportation in Vallarta
17:58 Cultural differences in time management
Whether you're considering retiring in Mexico, exploring life abroad, or simply looking for inspiration for a more active and creative retirement, Don's story offers an honest look at designing a life around curiosity, community, and purpose.
Retirement doesn't have to mean stepping away from life. It can mean creating more space for the things you've always wanted to explore.
Tune in to Retirement in Mexico - Live by Design and discover Don Karp's journey from Boston to Tepoztlán.
How to contact Don Karp:
WEBSITE: https://www.donkarp.com/
WEBSITE: https://mexicolivingexperience.com/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Mexico.Living.Experience/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mexico.living.experience
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@Mexico_Living_Experience_Tepoz/videos
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.
https://www.youtube.com/@TanielChemsian

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
21 min
September 11Retiring in Mexico: Finding Community, Purpose, and a New Life in Tepoztlán
What does it take to create a meaningful retirement in Mexico? For Don Karp, the answer goes far beyond the cost of living or finding a beautiful place to live. After leaving Syracuse, New York, Don found a sense of belonging in Tepoztlán, a unique town in central Mexico known for its mountains, traditions, community, and distinctive culture.
In this episode of Live by Design - Mexico Edition, with Taniel Chemsian, Taniel sits down with Don to explore his journey from being a chemist in the United States to building a new life in Mexico. Don shares what initially drew him to Tepoztlán and why the community ultimately became such an important part of his life.
The conversation also looks at what expat life in Mexico is really like, from adapting to a different culture and understanding healthcare differences to becoming part of local traditions and celebrations. Don explains how living in a community where family, relationships, and shared experiences matter more than materialism changed his perspective on what makes a fulfilling life.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
Don Karp’s journey from Syracuse, New York, to Tepoztlán, Mexico
Why Tepoztlán became a place he could truly call home
What makes Tepoztlán different from many other destinations in Mexico
How community and meaningful relationships can shape retirement abroad
The realities of expat life and integrating into Mexican culture
Differences in healthcare between the United States and Mexico
How family, tradition, and community celebrations influence everyday life
Why moving abroad can involve changing your perspective on materialism and success
What retirees and future expats should consider when choosing a community in Mexico
How finding purpose and connection can make retirement more fulfilling
Key Moments:
03:37 Tepoztlán's unique mountain landscape
06:44 Healthy lifestyle and alternative care
10:54 Digital nomads in Mexico
15:15 Meeting new people in a foreign country
19:50 Urbanization impact on Tepoztlán
Don's experience offers a thoughtful look at what retiring in Mexico can mean beyond simply relocating to another country. For anyone considering moving to Mexico, living in Mexico, or retiring in Tepoztlán, this conversation provides a personal perspective on community, culture, connection, and designing a life that feels meaningful.
Listen to the full episode to hear Don's story and discover another side of expat life in Mexico.

How to contact Don Karp:
WEBSITE: https://www.donkarp.com/
WEBSITE: https://mexicolivingexperience.com/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Mexico.Living.Experience/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mexico.living.experience
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@Mexico_Living_Experience_Tepoz/videos
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.
https://www.youtube.com/@TanielChemsian

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
22 min
September 04Retiring in Mexico: Real Estate, Lifestyle, and Life in Lake Chapala
What does it really take to retire successfully in Mexico? It's not just about finding the right home. It's also about understanding the buying process, navigating the legal and financial details, adapting to a new culture, and developing the mindset needed to build a fulfilling life abroad.
In this episode of Live by Design - Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian sits down with Kristina Morgan, a certified and accredited real estate professional in Lake Chapala, to explore what retirees and expats should know before buying property and making the move to Mexico's interior.
Kristina shares practical guidance on working with certified real estate agents, navigating changing regulations, and understanding important considerations for foreign buyers, including residency, capital gains, and title options. But the conversation goes beyond the technical side of buying property in Mexico.
Together, Taniel and Kristina also explore the lifestyle and mindset changes that can make the transition to Lake Chapala more rewarding. They discuss the types of personalities who tend to thrive in the community and why gratitude, open-mindedness, cultural adaptation, and a willingness to embrace local life can make such a difference.
In this episode, you'll discover:
What retirees should know before moving to Lake Chapala, Mexico
Why working with certified and accredited real estate professionals matters
Important legal and financial considerations for foreign buyers
What to understand about residency and capital gains
Different title options available to foreigners buying property in Mexico
How changing regulations can affect the real estate process
What types of personalities tend to thrive in Lake Chapala
Why cultural adaptation is an important part of expat life
How gratitude and open-mindedness can make the transition easier
What it takes to build a fulfilling retirement and community life in Mexico
Key Moments:
05:13 Differences in real estate fees
08:23 Respecting Mexican culture as newcomers
10:09 Anecdote about political rallies
14:57 Living in Guadalajara without Spanish
18:00 Learning to enjoy the traffic
22:09 Moving for a better life
23:06 Practicing gratitude in life
Whether you're considering retiring in Mexico, looking to buy property in Mexico, or exploring Lake Chapala real estate, this episode offers practical guidance and a thoughtful perspective on what it takes to make the transition successfully and create a life that truly fits you.
How to contact Kristina:
WEBSITE: https://choosechapala.com/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/LakeChapalaRealtors/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@LAKECHAPALAREALESTATE
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.
https://www.youtube.com/@TanielChemsian

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
29 min
August 28Buying Property in Mexico: Lake Chapala Real Estate Trends and Opportunities in 2026
Is 2026 a good time to buy property in Mexico? In this episode of Live by Design - Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian sits down with Kristina Morgan to take a close look at the changing Lake Chapala real estate market and what today's shifts could mean for buyers, sellers, and people planning a move to Mexico.
As the market evolves, buyers are finding more opportunities to negotiate, while motivated sellers, price reductions, new construction, and changing inventory are reshaping the housing landscape around Lake Chapala. Kristina and Taniel explore what's driving these changes and why certain neighborhoods may offer particularly interesting opportunities for international buyers.
The conversation also looks beyond prices. They discuss how international events are influencing Americans and younger families to consider relocating to Mexico, how social media and video marketing are changing the way properties are discovered, and how the needs of foreign and Mexican buyers are evolving.
From modern new builds to traditional colonial homes and condos, this episode provides a practical look at Lake Chapala real estate in 2026 and what buyers should consider before making a move.
In this episode, you'll discover:
What is changing in the Lake Chapala real estate market
Why buyers may have more negotiating power in 2026
How price reductions and motivated sellers are creating opportunities
What changing inventory means for buyers
Emerging trends in new construction and development
How international buyers are influencing the market
Why younger families are increasingly considering Lake Chapala
The differences between modern, colonial, and condo properties
How social media and video marketing are changing real estate
What prospective buyers should consider when evaluating opportunities in Mexico
Key Moments:
04:10 AI in real estate marketing
07:06 Concerns about US instability
10:50 Designating Pueblo Mágico status
15:45 Mexican nationals in lake condos
19:30 Preference for turnkey furnished homes
23:12 Surprising property deals in good neighborhoods
26:47 Price adjustments and market pitfalls
Whether you're looking to buy property in Mexico, considering Lake Chapala real estate, or planning your next chapter south of the border, this episode offers timely market insights and practical strategies to help you understand the opportunities and make more informed decisions.
How to contact Kristina:
WEBSITE: https://choosechapala.com/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/LakeChapalaRealtors/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@LAKECHAPALAREALESTATE
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.
https://www.youtube.com/@TanielChemsian

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
29 min
August 21Retire in Mexico: One Woman’s Journey to Freedom, Community, and a New Life
What is it really like to retire in Mexico as a single woman? For Alicia, the journey is about much more than choosing a new destination. It's about overcoming fear, finding authentic community, and giving herself permission to create a life without regret.
In this episode of Live by Design - Mexico Edition, host Taniel Chemsian sits down with Alicia, a self-described nomad who has lived in multiple parts of the United States and is now preparing for her next chapter in Mexico. Together, they explore the emotional and practical realities of moving abroad alone and why Mexico has become the destination where Alicia wants to build her retirement.
Alicia shares how seeing other people take the leap inspired her to reconsider what was possible for her own life. She talks openly about the fears that can hold us back, the importance of finding meaningful community, and how moving to Mexico has influenced the way she thinks about health, family, freedom, and the future.
The conversation also explores why starting over doesn't have to mean starting from scratch. For Alicia, retirement in Mexico represents an opportunity to break free from routine, build new connections, embrace adventure, and live with fewer regrets.
Key Learnings:
What it's like to consider retiring in Mexico as a single woman
How fear can prevent us from making the changes we really want
Why community is essential when moving abroad alone
How other expats can inspire you to take the leap
The emotional impact of starting a new chapter in Mexico
How moving abroad can change your perspective on health and lifestyle
Why living without regret can be a powerful motivation for change
Practical and emotional considerations when moving to Mexico alone
Key Moments:
04:17 Inspired by others' travels
08:45 Inspiring the next generation
13:42 Overcoming fear to relocate
15:49 Encouraging Gen X to pursue dreams
17:53 Health benefits of walking in Mexico
Whether you're a single woman considering retirement in Mexico, thinking about moving abroad, or simply feeling ready for a major change in your life, Alicia's story offers an honest reminder that a new chapter can begin whenever you're willing to take the first step.
How to contact Alicia:
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TravelWithAlicia
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.
https://www.youtube.com/@TanielChemsian

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
22 min
August 14Moving to Mexico: What to Know About Residency, Safety, and Starting Over
What does it really take to leave behind the life you've built and start over in Mexico? For Alicia, the answer meant selling her home, downsizing her belongings, facing uncertainty, and choosing a future centered around adventure, community, and purpose.
In this episode of Retirement in Mexico - Live by Design, host Taniel Chemsian sits down with Alicia, a U.S. citizen with a unique international background and a lifelong connection to different cultures. As she prepares to make Mexico her new home, Alicia shares the deeply personal process of letting go of familiar routines and possessions while creating space for a completely different chapter of life.
Together, Taniel and Alicia explore the realities of moving to Mexico, including Mexican residency, international relocation, downsizing, safety concerns, and the emotional challenges of leaving family and familiar surroundings behind. Alicia also discusses her desire to build a life with greater freedom, community, adventure, and purpose, including her passion for working with animal rescue.
Whether you're thinking about retiring in Mexico, planning a move abroad, or simply wondering what it would take to start over somewhere new, this episode offers honest perspective on the fears, practical challenges, and unexpected possibilities that come with designing your life by choice.
Key Moments:
What it's really like to prepare for moving to Mexico
The emotional process of selling your home and downsizing
What to consider when navigating Mexican residency
Common concerns about safety when relocating to Mexico
The practical realities of moving belongings across borders
How to handle family concerns and the fear of starting over
Why community and purpose become even more important after relocating
How volunteering and animal rescue can create meaningful connections
Why you don't have to wait for retirement to redesign your life
Key Takeaways :
04:25 Family's reaction to career move
07:40 Deciding to sell my house
10:03 Dealing with visa challenges
14:42 Minimalist move to Mexico
16:21 Trying out house sitting
20:37 Discussing safety traveling to Mexico
24:42 Traveling experiences in Mexico
If you've been dreaming about moving to Mexico, starting fresh, or creating a life with more freedom and purpose, Alicia's story is a reminder that sometimes the biggest transformation begins with simply letting go.
How to contact Alicia:

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TravelWithAlicia
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.
https://www.youtube.com/@TanielChemsian

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
27 min
August 07Buying Real Estate in Mexico: What to Know Before Moving to Mazatlán | Taniel Chemsian
Thinking about buying real estate in Mexico? If Mazatlán is on your shortlist, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you make informed decisions before you move, invest, or retire.
In this episode of Retirement in Mexico - Live by Design, host Taniel Chemsian sits down with Kristen Decker, a real estate expert who traded the rainy Pacific Northwest for the vibrant coastal lifestyle of Mazatlán, Mexico nearly two decades ago. Since then, she's helped countless international buyers navigate the local real estate market while building a successful property management business.
Kristen shares her personal relocation journey, the lessons she learned while investing in Mexican real estate, and what Americans and Canadians should know before buying property in Mazatlán. Together, they discuss the best neighborhoods for expats, how property management works, common mistakes foreign buyers make, and why working with trusted local professionals is essential for a successful purchase.
In this episode, you'll learn:
What to know before buying real estate in Mexico
Why Mazatlán is attracting retirees, investors, and expats
The best neighborhoods in Mazatlán for foreign buyers
Property management tips for homeowners and investors
Common mistakes to avoid when purchasing property in Mexico
How to build a trusted team of local professionals
Insights into relocating, residency, and everyday life in Mazatlán
Practical advice for designing your next chapter in Mexico
Key Moments:
04:50 Starting property management in Mazatlán
08:43 Property maintenance in Mazatlán
11:34 Living in El Cid community
16:38 Construction challenges and differences
18:00 Real estate regulations in Mexico
22:36 Clients' cautionary tale in real estate
Whether you're planning to buy property in Mexico, retire by the Pacific coast, or simply explore life in one of Mexico's fastest-growing beach destinations, this episode offers expert guidance and real-world experience to help you move forward with confidence.
How to contact Kristen Decker:
WEBSITE: https://mazatlan4sale.com/
EMAIL: [email protected]
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Mazatlan4Sale/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mazatlan4sale/

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!
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Contact Information:
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://tanielchemsian.com/
Mex Office: +52.322.688.7435
28 min