Now in 3, 2, and 1, if everybody can take a deep breath, hold it and slowly exhale so we all can collectively demonstrate a sigh of relief now that the Lukeville border is reopen and back to its regular schedule (post covid). Despite the negative connotations associated with the closure there were many positives, and this article will try to put it all in perspective from a positive point of view.
One trend that is expected to continue in the real estate/rental market here is the increase in demand for vacation homes and rental properties in 2024 and beyond. The closure of the border was a surprise to all, but sources revealed that it was a coordinated effort between Mexico and the U.S. and it came as no surprise to officials on either side of gate when it happened.
During this time improvements were made to the Mexican side and the day after the border closed officials marched out with machines and began those renovations ripping up the lanes and eventually replacing the concrete during those 30 days as you see in a photo. This was a much-needed improvement needed in an effort to help accommodate this expected future increase in tourism. Interestingly, the work started the very next day which appeared coordinated because when can you name a time in Mexico when something started on time like that? At any rate, this infrastructure improvement is a win-win for real estate, tourism, short term rental market and all ancillary businesses.
Another positive aspect is if you have driven through Sonoyta since the re-opening, you will notice a brand-new expanded roadway now four lanes across, that was just been completed as you see in a photo. This will allow for faster traffic flow from Puerto Peñasco back into the U.S. During the closure the final finishes were completed. This was another needed improvement meant to meet the demands of increasing tourism.
Now that border is open, the U.S. will be able to accommodate more cars and will be able to pass more vehicles than ever before. Remember that time you sat in your car for a couple hours just waiting to cross the US border? Well, those days seem numbered with the additional lane that will eventually lead into a SENTRI Lane on the U.S. side. Again, this infrastructure improvement is a win-win for real estate, tourism, short term rental market and all ancillary businesses.
People tend to focus on the negative but if we want to improve business for all, on both sides of the border, then development of infrastructure and amenities are a must and will not only enhance the overall experience for visitors but also increase the potential for rental income, property value appreciation and sales for all other ancillary businesses.
Now that we have that out of the way, all I have to say is thank goodness they were wise enough to pick the slowest month of the year to close and thank you for maximizing the downtime by making some much needed improvements. Now that it is open, both sides of the border are ready for business and watch how things improve in Puerto Peñasco and surrounding communities during 2024!
About the author: Joseph Sanchez is a real estate agent with RE/MAX Legacy and president of Rocky Point Home Builders a developer specializing in subdevelopments and engineered projects. He resides here in Puerto Peñasco with his wife and three children and is originally from Chicago. For more information visit www.rockypointrealestate911.com on the internet.
