From Fractional Owner to Full-Time Cabo Homeowner

When Betsy and Jim first became clients of South House Real Estate, they purchased two fractional interests at Viceroy Los Cabos, allowing them to enjoy several weeks each year in one of the area's most sought-after luxury resorts.

Over the next two to three years, our relationship extended far beyond real estate. Whether it was restaurant recommendations, local events, activities, or simply helping them navigate life in Los Cabos, we focused on making every visit enjoyable and helping them feel connected to the community.

As time passed, Betsy and Jim began spending more time in Los Cabos and started discussing the possibility of making a more permanent move, with plans to spend six to seven months of the year here.

Initially, the plan was to rent for several months to better understand which community would be the right fit before making a purchase.

Because they were already familiar with the Hotel Zone through their ownership at Viceroy, they wanted to remain close to the area while retaining one of their Viceroy fractions to continue enjoying access to the resort and beach club.

We explored several options, including residences at Tortuga Bay and homes within Campestre. Their initial budget was between $2 million and $2.5 million, and we carefully reviewed the available inventory within that range.

However, based on their lifestyle, design preferences, and the style of home they enjoyed in the Midwest, I felt there was one property that stood above the rest: Emma Residences.

The challenge was that Emma was outside the budget they had originally given me.

Rather than immediately showing them a property that exceeded their stated budget, we first toured the communities and homes that aligned with their original search criteria.

After reviewing the available options, it became clear that none truly delivered the quality, design, and lifestyle I believed they were looking for.

At that point, I mentioned that there was one property I felt would be perfect for them, but it was priced closer to $3 million.

Their response was simple: “Let's go see it.”

Emma Residences is an exclusive boutique development of just 16 luxury residences. Spacious floor plans, exceptional construction quality, and thoughtful design immediately set it apart from anything else we had toured.

From the moment we walked through the residence, Betsy fell in love with it.

She later asked why I hadn't shown it to them sooner. My answer was straightforward: because it was above the budget they had initially given me.

They appreciated the honesty and the fact that we respected their search criteria before presenting an alternative.

Sometimes the right home isn't the one that fits the original budget—it's the one that fits the lifestyle.

At the time of purchase, Emma Residences was still under construction, with completion expected approximately one year later.

Throughout the entire construction process, South House remained actively involved, assisting with communication with the developer and construction team, construction updates, walk-throughs, timeline management, and interior design recommendations.

We also connected Betsy and Jim with interior designer Gaby Rionda, who helped bring their vision for the home to life.

Betsy and Jim took possession of their residence earlier this year and began the exciting transition from visitors to homeowners in Los Cabos.

While the purchase itself was complete, the journey was far from over.

As with many luxury new-construction projects, there were ongoing punch-list items, coordination with the developer, and construction activity continuing in other parts of the building. Throughout the process, South House remained actively involved, helping facilitate communication, coordinate follow-ups, and ensure that outstanding items were addressed.

At the same time, Betsy and Jim were navigating the realities of establishing a new life in Mexico. From residency and banking introductions to trusted local service providers and property management recommendations, we continued to provide guidance and support as they settled into their new community.

Our philosophy has always been simple: our role doesn't end when the keys are handed over.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this business is the relationships that develop over time.

After several years of working together—from their first fractional ownership purchase at Viceroy to the completion of their home at Emma Residences—Betsy and Jim had become much more than clients.

To celebrate their arrival in Los Cabos, I spent an evening cooking a homemade Italian dinner for their entire family in their new residence. The menu featured fresh pasta made from scratch and locally sourced ingredients, creating an opportunity for everyone to gather, relax, and enjoy the home they had spent the last year anticipating.

It was a simple gesture, but one that reflected what we believe real estate should be about: helping people feel at home, long after the transaction is complete.

What began as a fractional ownership purchase evolved into something much larger: a long-term relationship, a deeper connection to Los Cabos, and ultimately the purchase of a home perfectly suited to the lifestyle Betsy and Jim envisioned.

This story reflects what South House strives to deliver for every client—not simply helping people buy real estate, but helping them build a life in Los Cabos.

From the first conversations at Viceroy to move-in day at Emma Residences and beyond, our goal has been to provide trusted advice, honest guidance, and ongoing support every step of the way.