Cabo San Lucas: Known for its high energy, vibrant marina, lively nightlife, walkable downtown beaches, and robust short-term vacation rental demand.
San José del Cabo: Offers a historic, authentic Mexican charm highlighted by an expansive Art District, traditional architecture, farm-to-table dining, and a slightly quieter, more relaxed pace of life.
Read about key differences here: The Los Cabos Homebuyers Guide
Understanding the time in Los Cabos has become incredibly straightforward because Daylight Saving Time (DST) was officially abolished in Mexico by an act of Congress. Because Los Cabos no longer changes its clocks, the site breaks down how the local time aligns with North American time zones depending on the season:
In the Winter: Los Cabos aligns with Mountain Time (matching Denver winter time).
In the Summer: Los Cabos aligns with Pacific Time (matching Los Angeles summer time).
Year-Round: If you are from Arizona, Los Cabos is always on the exact same time as you, since Arizona also does not observe DST.
Read more here: What time is it in Cabo?
Once an offer is accepted, the transaction follows a clear path:
Earnest money is deposited into the designated escrow account.
The seller provides clear title documents.
The official home inspection is completed.
The Notario verifies tax clearances and requests the Fideicomiso bank permit.
Final funds are wired to escrow, and both parties sign the closing documents.
Read about the Purchase Process here: Purchase Process
Yes, they are highly recommended. Certified local inspectors carefully assess regional construction dynamics, primarily focusing on the integrity of concrete structures, structural stability against tropical weather, proper waterproofing, electrical grounding, and the efficiency of localized cistern and water pressure pumping systems. Read about property inspections here: The Purchase Process
The ISABI is a localized property transfer tax levied by the municipality on the buyer when real estate changes hands. In Baja California Sur, it is established at a standard 3% of the declared purchase value and is paid as part of your closing costs. Read about property acquisition tax here: Closing Costs
Yes. Modern transactions safely utilize specialized, US-style third-party escrow companies (such as Armor or Settlement Company). Your earnest money and final balance deposits are held securely in a protected, neutral US-based account and are only disbursed to the seller at the exact moment the final deed is signed before the Notario. Read about Escrow Accounts here: Closing Costs
Yes. Los Cabos operates under a centralized, highly reliable regional MLS. Real estate websites like Cabo Real Estate Services hook directly into this system, refreshing multiple times a day to give buyers completely transparent, real-time access to accurate pricing, changes in status, and new listings across the market.
Closing costs typically average between 4% and 6% of the purchase price. This amount encompasses the 3% Property Acquisition Tax (ISABI), Notario fees, Public Registry registration fees, bank trust setup charges, and mandatory foreign affairs permit fees. Read about closing costs here: Closing Costs
A standard real estate transaction in Los Cabos generally takes 60 to 90 days to officially close. This timeline allows sufficient time for securing bank trust permissions, conducting thorough title searches, coordinating with the Notario, and gathering the necessary cross-border legal documentation. Read about closing here: Early Possession
When your Fideicomiso is established, you explicitly name substitute beneficiaries directly within the trust document. In the event of your passing, the property ownership automatically transfers to your designated heirs without going through a complicated, costly, or lengthy Mexican probate court process. Read about beneficiaries here: The Fideicomiso