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Announcement from Chris Snell

March 24, 2012

On March 22, 2012, I sold 75% of Snell Real Estate to a group of investors, headed up by Vanessa Fukunaga. Several of the new shareholders are also agents for Snell Real Estate, which speaks volumes about how committed we all are to growing this company and taking Snell Real Estate to the next level.

Vanessa is now the president and managing partner and she will be responsible for running the company’s day-to-day operations, and she will be a key factor in its future growth. When you meet Vanessa, you will immediately understand why I am so confident in my decision to sell controlling interest in Snell Real Estate, and allow Vanessa to take over the operations of the company I founded over 15 years ago.
I’m convinced that she will do an outstanding job and take Snell Real Estate to an even higher level based on the foundation I have built over the past years.

I will remain onboard as a shareholder and continue to sell real estate. The best part of my job has always been the people I get to meet and spend time with, and I intend to do much more of than over the coming years.

Thank you for your continued support and I look forward to seeing you in Los Cabos soon.

Regards,

Chris Snell

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Cabo Family Vacations: Making Memories in Mexico

February 29, 2012

Vacationing with a family – especially one with smaller children – can be a big undertaking, even locally. The trick to mStay with Snell during a family vacation to Mexico.aking your family vacation in Mexico a success is choosing the right location and activities to keep everyone in the family happy and entertained. Luckily, there is no shortage of things to do with a family in Mexico, and there are just as many places to stay in Cabo where you’ll be pleased to find top-of-the-line accommodations and special attentions perfectly designed for small children and big kids alike.

Traveling to Mexico with children provides a memorable cultural experience for kids of all ages, as well as an effective and fun way to introduce children to the rich history and traditions of Mexico. Incorporating the educational benefits of a family vacation in Mexico has never been easier, or more fun.

From beach and water sports, to eclectic cuisine, the opportunities to experience the authentic flavors of Mexico abound!

Family Activities in Mexico:

 

  • Get a crash course in Mexican history at museums and art galleries:

Local artisans abound in San Jose del Cabo, and you don’t have to look far to appreciate the works of these artists. Stop by the local museums for a more academic excursion, and marvel at the architecture of the Iglesia San Jose.  Explore the local exhibits and crafts, and pick up souvenirs to remember Cabo by forever at Copal.

  • Beach & water sports:

Kayak out to the famous stacks and see the arches from a whole new perspective. Kids and parents will delight in boogey boarding the beaches and for the adventurous, there are surf lessons aplenty.

 

  • Hiking, biking, sightseeing:

With its impeccable weather, getting the kids outdoors on a Mexico family vacation is a pretty easy sell. Prep with sunscreen and explore the trails and turf of San Jose del Cabo for photos and memories perfect for the kids to bring home for show and tell.

  • Taste the flavors of Mexico:

Authentic cuisine not to be missed abounds in Cabo. From generations-old Mexican recipes to Mexican-influenced Thai food, the journey is half the fun in finding your family’s favorite spot to eat.

 

  • Learn Spanish and practice with locals:

Planning a vacation to Mexico with your kids? There is no better opportunity to introduce little ones to Spanish phrases and vocabulary than before you even board a plane. Then, when you arrive, get ready to practice and have fun learning and trying out a foreign language together.

 

  • Wildlife tours & whale watching:

Famous for its biodiversity, Cabo is an ideal location to satisfy the budding marine biologist in your family. Watching pods of whales migrate past will make memories to last a lifetime and is sure to inspire the whole family.  Birding at Paseo del Estero provides an unparalleled experience to see frigate birds and a variety of other rare and breathtaking species.

For more ideas and information about accommodations or things to do in Cabo, contact Snell Real Estate or go online to book your Cabo vacation rental today! Have questions about owning property in Mexico? Let us know! We’re happy to answer them for you.

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Whale Watching Numbers among the Many Amazing Things to Do in Cabo

November 11, 2011

Visit Los Cabos during the months of January through March and you’ll probably discover one of nature’s most majestic sights – pods of gray whales, among the largest forms of marine life, reaching their final destination in their annual southern migration.

The whales travel for months along the Pacific Coast, leaving the colder waters of their hunting grounds in the Northern Pacific around Siberia and Alaska to journey into the warmer waters around Baja California. There, the whales give birth to their young in the peaceful and sheltered waters of San Ignacio, Magdalena Bay, and other protected warm-water coves. Once the calves are birthed and weaned, the whales rest before beginning the long journey home as spring begins.

Los Cabos residents can spot the whales as they travel to the safe harbors of those peaceful lagoons farther down the Baja California coast. It’s not uncommon to see the whales spouting great plumes of water into the air off the Los Cabos coast. One of the more popular things to do in Cabo during this time of year, expeditions and whale-watching parties often follow the whales by sea and land, hoping to catch further glimpses of these magnificent animals.

Some devoted whale-watchers even get to see the whales at their most impressive – as they breach, or hurl their bodies from beneath the waves into the sea air.

Like the whales themselves, many visitors to the area make an annual pilgrimage to San Jose del Cabo in the hopes of catching a glimpse of these creatures as they return to the warm, secluded waters off Mexico. Snell Real Estate can help you find the Los Cabos home of your dreams and a warm, secluded seaside haven of your own for your journey south. Contact Snell Real Estate at 1-866-650-5845 for more information on purchasing real estate in Cabo.

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Eco Warrior Comes to Shoppes at Palmilla

October 20, 2011

Over the years, James Pribram has made a name for himself as both a world-class surfer and an environmental activist.  After he suffered a life-threatening staph infection as a result of surfing contaminated waters, he has been on a crusade to preserve and protect the world’s oceans he loves and endangered surf breaks around the globe.

Snell Real Estate is honored to have Mr. Pribram join us at the Shoppes at Palmilla on November 7th, where he will share stories, photos and insights from his journeys around the world to protect fragile ocean waters and surf spots. From Mexico to the Canary Islands, Pribram has traveled far and wide promoting his clean water initiatives, recently leading a Laguna Beach, CA Beach Clean-Up along with One World One Ocean, and protesting a sewage dump that threatens to contaminate one of the most legendary surf breaks in Uluwatu, Bali.

Photo Courtesy of jamespribram.com

To find out more about Pribram’s cause, and to help out, visit his Eco-Warrior site, and join the conversation on Facebook.  If you’re going to be in or around Cabo, be sure to stop by the Shoppes for an informative and fun evening with Pribram.  A 100 peso minimum donation is asked, and proceeds benefit the Cabo Tortugas Foundation.   For your accommodations needs while in Cabo, check in with Snell Real Estate for more details on Cabo vacation rentals and all the resources you’ll need for your getaway in Mexico.

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A winning weekend in Cabo!

August 18, 2011

Mike Miller Wins the Mercedes Benz Golf Tournament …
…AND catches two 160 lb tuna all in the same weekend!

Mike Miller accepting his trophy

If you thought nothing goes on in August in Los Cabos, you are mistaken. Mercedes-Benz held a golf tournament at Puerto Los Cabos and the Yellow Fin Tuna are running within 3 miles of shore — making for incredible fishing.

The Golf Tournament featured over 70 golfers, all playing to win the Mercedes Trophy, which qualifies them to play in Cancun in September. The winner in Cancun will then go on to play in Stuttgart, Germany for the Mercedes Trophy World Finals.

When it was over, Mike Miller of Team Snell, beat the rest of the field with a Par 73 and team member Greg Filardi placed 3rd overall. Fellow Team Snell players, Chris Snell and Andy Lemke, were credited with moral support and showing Mike and Greg where “not to drive” and how “not to putt.”

Mike Miller

The next morning, Team Snell boarded the ADIOS out of Club Ninety Six in Palmilla and by 11:00 am they had landed 4 monster yellow fin tuna. Mike battled his 150 lb. tuna for 1 hour and 45 minutes before finally landing his first ever tuna weighing over 100 lbs…..

“Where else in the world can you catch huge tuna while looking at the golf course where you just won the Mercedes-Benz Trophy?” Mike said. “There is no place like Cabo and that is why I love to live here.”

Chris Snell

Tad Snell

Andy Lemke

Mike is now off to an all expenses paid trip to the Moon Palace in Cancun in September to play in the Mercedes Trophy Finals, in hopes to qualify for the Mercedes Trophy World Finals in Stuttgart, Germany.

The Mercedes-Benz Trophy Golf Tournament is hosted by Mercedes-Benz in over 45 countries. The Tournament is for amateur golfers and over 60,000 players tee-off each year in hopes of qualifying to play in the World Finals in Stuttgart, Germany.

Congratulations to Mike for winning the Mercedes Trophy and for catching his first yellow fin tuna weighing over 100 lbs.. What a weekend!

Best of luck in Cancun and we hope to see you in Stuttgart.

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Dive in at the Los Cabos Summer Dive Fiesta

August 1, 2011

When it comes to the world’s best year-round diving locations, Cabo is always a top destination for scuba diving enthusiasts. This August, the international diving community will descend on the tip of Baja to celebrate and experience the underwater wonderland just off the coast of Cabo San Lucas.

This year’s Los Cabos Summer Dive Fiesta is a week of diving meet-and-greet events, parties, happy hours, treasure hunts, themed and group dives, and equipment demos happening Friday, August 17 through Saturday, August 25. Check out a schedule of the week’s events below:

Friday, August 17th—All aboard for the Get Acquainted Sunset Cruise on the 112-foot luxury dive vessel Solmar V. Included are free drinks and appetizers, as well as a meet and greet with participating dive operators.

Saturday, August18th—Attend the Opening Fiesta at Hotel Solmar featuring mariachi music, margaritas, and a slideshow of local dive sites.

 Sunday, August 19th—Dive with participating scuba operators and enjoy a happy hour party at The Finisterra Upstairs Bar

Monday, August 20th—Experience world-renowned Gordo Banks located 8 miles offshore and see hammerhead and whale sharks, Volkswagen-sized manta rays, and a wide variety of sport fish. Afterwards, enjoy a post-dive happy hour party at Villa del Palmar.

Tuesday, August 21st—Demo dive lights free of charge on an exhilarating night dive for a chance at prizes from participating scuba operators.

Wednesday, August 22nd—Dive the Cabo Pulmo Marine Sanctuary featuring 17 dive sites and over 350 varieties of marine life before enjoying a complimentary lunch and pool party at The Buena Vista Hotel.

 Thursday, August 23rd— Demo dive lights free of charge on an exhilarating night dive for a chance at prizes from participating scuba operators.

Friday, August 24th—Win prizes at the Underwater Treasure Hunt held at Santa Maria Beach and enjoy a happy hour party featuring raffles and prizes at Pueblo Bonito Rose.

Saturday, August 25th—Enter your best underwater photo of the week and win prizes at the fiesta’s Closing Party held at Melia San Lucas.

While above water, why not consider finding a home in San Jose del Cabo to call your own with Snell Real Estate? With more than 90 percent of all luxury Cabo properties listed, you’re sure to find the luxury Cabo home or vacation rental of your dreams with Snell.

View Snell’s Cabo real estate listings to see the wide variety of Cabo properties available, or contact Snell Real Estate directly and let us help you find your home away from home in Cabo San Lucas.

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Snell Real Estate’s Janet Jensen is Paddling for Autism

July 19, 2011

Long-time Los Cabos resident and Snell Real Estate realtor, Janet Jensen is participating in the 5th annual Surfers’ Environmental Alliance (SEA), SEAPaddleNYC, August 12, 2011 to benefit Surfer’s Environmental Alliance and the Autism Alliance… and we at Snell Real Estate couldn’t be more proud.

This 26.5 mile race takes place completely on a stand-up paddleboard. (Stand up paddleboarding is currently the fastest growing sport in the world; gaining recognition globally.) The event starts at Pier 40 located on the west side of NYC at Houston & West Street, ends under the Brooklyn Bridge.

We asked Janet why she felt inclined to participate in the race. Here’s what she had to say:

For years I have supported Los Cabos Charities. Through charity work I have become familiar with Surfer’s Healing and what they do for children and families in Los Cabos. This foundation is dedicated to Autism (surfershealing.org), they invite families with Autistic Children to experience a day at the beach where Pro Surfer’s take the children surfing; providing an amazing sense of freedom and release for both the children and their families. In Los Cabos they have brought physically challenged and autistic children to the beach for over 10 years. Some of these families have never been to the beach  (believe it or not)! I believe that there is a cure for autism and embrace this cause on all levels.

I started stand up paddling just over a year ago and it has become a passion. I have heard about  SEA Paddle NYC for a couple of years, this paddle benefits various Autism Charities and the Surfers Environmental  Alliance, I just had to enter.

I like setting goals, both in business and for personal reasons; it drives me to do my best.  My goal is to raise $20,000. So far I am in third place for fund raising and reaching out to my friends, colleagues and clients. Its amazing the support I am getting. 

I will be paddling 26 miles (more or less) around Manhattan Island. This will take about 6 hours. It is not a race (although my competitive side has my eye on the Elite Race next year). A few hundred people paddle, the city doesn’t stop; there are barges, airplanes, ferry’s and the currents of the mighty Hudson river.

Please click here if you care to support the cause and make a pledge.  Thank you !

We encourage you to support Janet in any way you can – truly, every little bit counts.

Hear directly from Janet…

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Stars and Stripes Fishing, Golf and Music Festival in Cabo

June 24, 2011

It’s time for “the Feel Good Tournament!” Come enjoy fishing, golf, family fun, great food, and nightly entertainment at the 14th annual Stars & Stripes Fishing, Golf & Music Festival at the Hilton Los Cabos Beach and Golf Resort from June 24 – 27.

This year’s headliners include legendary rockers Lynyrd Skynyrd, Journey, Santana, and others, along with artist/entertainer Michael Israel. For little ones, the expanded Kid Zone features bounce houses, face-painting, scavenger hunt, movie night, and more.

Of course, the tournaments take center stage at this charity fundraiser – and competition is fierce! Charter fishing boats transport fishermen to the Sea of Cortez to reel in wahoo, tuna, Dorado, marlin, and more. This year, two new golf courses make their tournament debuts, letting golfers choose between the Nicklaus designed Club Campestre and Davis Love III’s Diamante.

Event packages include private airfare from San Diego or LA, and two days of charter fishing or championship golf, plus meals and accommodations. Guests also enjoy nightly live performances and themed dinners, complimentary Glider Rides and Wave Runners, and a daily open bar by the pool. To register, visit www.starsandstripestournament.com.

Started by Dick Gebhard in 1996, Stars & Stripes has raised more than $10 million for charity. This year, proceeds benefit five children’s charities, including Mexico’s Green Scholarship Program. It also supports local communities, providing medical care for needy children and helping to build the state-of-the-art San Ignacio medical facility.

This year’s event is sure to be a great time – all for a great cause. See you there!

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Cabo Festivals in Cabo San Lucas

June 24, 2011

Cabo San Lucas is famous for its picturesque beaches, world-class scuba diving, the iconic El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, and its diverse and abundant marine life – but there’s so much more to this prime vacation destination. Whether you look to Snell Real Estate to help you find the perfect Cabo vacation rental or a luxury home all your own, when you buy property in Cabo San Lucas, you’re buying into one of the most beautiful, exciting, and culturally rich vacation spots in the world.

In the month of July, Cabo is home to not one but two different celebrations rooted in Mexican culture. The Fiesta of the Virgin of Carmen takes place on July 16 and honors the woman believed to be the protector of Mexico. On the day of the fiesta, the lively streets of downtown Cabo are filled with craft vendors, puppeteers, and parades that will delight visitors young and old. The celebration also caters to sport fishing enthusiasts with an annual fishing competition, as well as a traditional bullfight at Toros Stadium.

Two weeks after the Fiesta of the Virgin of Carmen is the Festival of St. James on July 25. Held to honor the Apostle credited with bringing Catholicism to Mexico, the entire city will be filled with parades that culminate with re-enacted battles at dusk in the town square. The excitement starts at 2pm, with shops closing early and revelers spilling out of cantinas throughout the vibrant downtown area.

With so much to see and do, Cabo San Lucas is the perfect place to find your dream getaway. Snell Real Estate is the largest independent luxury real estate broker in all of Baja California Sur with more than 90 percent of all luxury Cabo properties listed – so no matter what you are looking for, we know we have the property that is just right for you.

View our Cabo real estate listings to see the wide variety of Cabo properties we have available, or contact Snell Real Estate and let us help you find your new luxury home in breathtaking Cabo San Lucas.

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Celebrate Memorial Day in Mexico with the Snell Real Estate Golf Open

May 20, 2011

Take a break from it all for a good cause and spend a day on the links among luxury homes in Mexico for the Snell Real Estate Golf Open, set for Saturday, May 28th. This event allows golfers to not only take in the incredible scenery of Cabo San Lucas, but also gives them the chance to benefit Cabo’s local population.

Participants get to plot their shots among prime Mexican real estate, and also get the rare chance to play on a Tom Fazio-designed golf course, normally closed to visitors. A raffle and other events will follow Saturday morning’s tournament.

Snell Real Estate, the leader in Cabo San Lucas real estate and luxury properties throughout Los Cabos, and Querencia are proud to note that the proceeds of the event will benefit the Sarahuaro Foundation, a nonprofit organization with a focus on helping local women and children in the Cabo San Lucas area by providing education and career training.

And while that might be prize enough for some, the Snell Real Estate Golf Open at Querencia also offers a number of prizes, including a shot at a brand new Mercedes Benz for the player who sinks a hole-in-one.

Entry is $500 for the tournament, which is scheduled as a four-person scrambler, and the range opens at 8:30 a.m. The shotgun start is at 9:30 a.m., and the event will be followed by an awards banquet and luncheon.

Helping out a good cause on a wonderfully sunny Saturday amid stunning scenery and luxurious Mexico real estate? If it sounds too good to pass up, or if you would like to learn more about luxury real estate in Cabo San Lucas, contact Snell Real Estate today.

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