Focus clients give us top marks!
The value of the program really is exceptional...
Marvin Golden (full time in Lake Chapala)
“We came on a Focus on Mexico program and have lived here for 5 years. We have got to know Ray and Marie well, and are impressed with the number of others who have come here through Focus on Mexico. So many lives have been greatly enriched by them. I wonder if they know how well thought of they are in the community?

If you have a chance to come on a Focus on Mexico Program, take it! It is the best way to get to know Lake Chapala and has been a life changing event for many. Come and find out for yourself how much better your life can be. Ray & Marie, thanks for being a part of our lives.” ”
Paulette and Randall Coburn (Jan 2007 Focus program)
Both Randall and I totally enjoyed our visit to Lake Chapala and would say that it was one of the best times in Mexico. It was different from staying at a resort, as we got to meet more Mexican people. We were totally impressed with the quality of the guest speakers who were so well-educated, articulate and informative. The information gave us guidance as to what we would have to do should we decide to relocate to Mexico or be Snow Birds for a few years. The contacts we were introduced to make this an easy transition. Also the back-up support of Marie and Ray is a real comfort, and I am sure that we will have more questions for them as time goes on.

The Real Estate Tour was very informative and gave us an idea of what is available in the different price ranges. We ended up buying a new home in El Dorado and once again we were very impressed with Omar, the owner/developer, and his staff. They were very accommodating to our needs and did everything to make our buying purchase a pleasurable experience.

We very much enjoyed the cultural aspect of the trip with meeting Efren Gonzalez, the artist, and his personal explanation of his mural painting explaining the history and culture of Mexico, to our visit to the Museum in Guadalajara to see the famous 47 murals of the famous Mexican artist Orrosco, to the various shops and markets and especially the wide variety of excellent restaurants that we visited. All of this gave us an education into the culture, food and make-up of the Mexican people.

And last but not least, we have to thank the Focus Group people for being so gracious and showing us a great time. A special thanks to Ana and her quick smile and her wonderful caring for people, to Karen for her whit and humor, to Bill for his Tai Chi inspiration, to Manuel for getting us from place to place without a hitch, and especially to Ray and Marie for being the creators of this "Focus" experience. We both look forward to experiencing Mexico from our own home there, sitting on the terrace watching sunsets and sunrises, enjoying the warm temperate climate year round, and getting to know the area and the people better. Mexico is truly a magical place and Ajijic is the vortex of a wonderful energy making it a place to live and enjoy life.
Marlene Robertson (full time in Lake Chapala)
“Eight years ago, I made a decision that changed my life forever, and not for one minute have I ever regretted that change. I knew I was too young to retire. But I was not happy with my job, was ready for some adventure and a real life change. What to do?

A few weeks later I saw an ad in the paper offering a free seminar about retiring in Mexico. After listening to Ray and Marie outline the lifestyle they were experiencing in a place called Lake Chapala, Mexico, I immediately signed up to explore further. The minute I stepped off the plane I was smitten. Although it was December, the air was soft, warm and full of the sweet scent of flowers. A half hour later, arriving in Lake Chapala – it was love at first sight. For the next few days Ray and Marie squired the group around the area, took us to Guadalajara for the Ballet Folklorico, fed us at some wonderful restaurants and generally introduced us to paradise. They took the time to give me all the information I needed to make an informed decision on whether or not this was the place for me – financially, emotionally and forever. It turned out it was and by the following October I was living in Mexico, in my very own home.
Ross Cheney (part time in Lake Chapala)
“After two previous trips to Ajijic (Lake Chapala) to get an education about investing in Mexico, finally your Focus program provided me with the necessary information. Couldn’t be better. Excellent program from beginning to end.”
Bill & Sue Levy (full time in Lake Chapala)
“Focus on Mexico was a great way to learn about the possibility of living in Mexico.

The Focus Program was designed to provide us with all the information we needed to make a decision about living here and the Focus team was able to answer all of our questions in a straight and understandable way. They brought in local experts in Health Care, Immigration, Taxation, Law, etc. … they took excellent care of us while we were in Mexico. … they made it possible for us to see a range of local real estate but there was absolutely no pressure on us to make any decisions….
Bill & Donna Squires (part time in Lake Chapala)
"All the folks at Focus have been most friendly and helpful during the ’10-Day Focus on Mexico Program’, as well as the years since. Whenever a question arises, we know where we can turn to get the correct answer. What started as a business/client relationship has turned into a lasting friendship."
Grace Lebel (from Methuen Massachusetts)
“Although I was generally familiar with Mexico having traveled there extensively on both business and pleasure, I felt I needed to be more focused on Mexico as a permanent destination for retirement. I had read books and other materials I was able to access but it wasn’t until my participation in the Focus Program that I was able to put it all together.

I urge anyone who has been thinking casually about Mexico as a retirement destination to seriously consider making the investment to attend a Focus on Mexico program. Even if the conclusion is that Mexico is not for you, the good times you’ll enjoy and new relationships you’ll be able to build as a result will prove well worth it.”

The program itself provided an excellent opportunity to learn about specific areas of concern for prospective retirees (health care, investment opportunities etc), but more importantly to learn about them in the context of Mexico as a retirement destination. In addition, information specific about living in Mexico, such as real estate ownership, insurance and immigration were all incorporated into the Program. The information that was presented and the opportunity to meet experts in those fields would, in and of itself, have been well worth the time and financial investment on this program. However, the ‘icing on the cake’ was…
Mary & Brooks Wingrave (part time in Lake Chapala)
“The Focus on Mexico program lived up to all our expectations and more. We had about 30 people on our tour and about half of us are still friends to this day.

We were boarded at a lovely local hotel where the conferences were held - on law, immigration, health, real estate, insurance, plus much more. We couldn't believe the information we received. It was just fabulous. We also had the opportunity to talk to others that have already settled in the area; this was very informative. There were lots of fun times, we visited great restaurants, learned important facts about the villages and how to operate within a Mexican community.

You cannot describe the area to anyone - it is so unique. We can say we recommend whole-heartedly that if you are looking for a place to retire to or to just spend the winters in, that you take a good look and join a Focus on Mexico tour. The program was extremely valuable and I would highly recommend it to anyone remotely interested in Mexico. We are definitely glad we went and you will be to.

In 2006 we bought our own home in a gated communty which we just love and we are very pleased that we took the initial step and came down with Focus on Mexico.”
Debbie and Jerry Patterson (Focus program Sept 2007, moved to Lake Chapala Nov, 2007)
How do you describe a life changing experience? That is what we had in the Lake Chapala area with the Focus On Mexico program. We arrived in the lakeside area with no preconceptions since we had never visited this area before. We loved the area but our experience wouldn't have been so meaningful to us without Focus On Mexico. Ray, Marie, Ana, Karen and Bill are incredible people and each of them exposed us to the magic of this area in their own way. We loved the weather, the beauty and the obvious attributes of the area but Focus On Mexico, besides giving us great information and speakers, put us in touch with the feel of this wonderful place which is difficult to describe but wonderful to experience. We would highly recommend Focus On Mexico and its great program and staff to anyone who is considering checking out the Lake Chapala area as a seasonal or year around home. Thanks again to Ray and Marie and their wonderful staff all of which we consider to be great friends.
Diana Ryan (Focus program Jan 27th, 2007)
Thanks to you, Bill, Marie, Ray, Ana and Manuel for an outstanding trip and workshop. I just downloaded my pictures 5 minutes ago, and enjoyed seeing the sights all over again. Your entire team was so warm, gracious, and considerate to all of us. You each went above and beyond to make sure our needs were met and surpassed. I was so impressed. I have a friend who is also very interested in Mexico, and I will heartily recommend Focus on Mexico to her. I am still very much interested in moving to beautiful Lake Chapala, I think I would be very happy there. Mexico is such a fascinating country, there is much to study and learn and appreciate. You are right--above all, her people are her greatest treasures. Until we meet again, Diana
Bob and Joe-Anne Easton, Harrisburg, PA (Focus program Jan 27th, 2007)
We are very impressed with your Focus program. It is very thorough. So glad to have had the opportunity to participate. It should be mandatory for everyone moving here. We have been researching the Chapala “Lakeside” area for more than two years. Some information on other websites was outdated, some erroneous. The Focus program gave us the correct information and also answered questions regarding our particular circumstances. The program put us in personal touch with professionals from all fields and will be valuable resources when relocating and in the years ahead while living in this beautiful country. To Ray & Marie, Bill & Karen, Ana & Manuel: The program wouldn’t be the great success without you all at the helm. See you again soon. Viva La Mexico! Fondly, Bob & Joe-Anne
Sean and Evelyn McSherry, Chester, NY (Focus program Jan 27th, 2007)
Your program exceeded our expectations, Beyond our wildest dreams! It is 10:30 pm on our last night in Mexico as I write this short note. Knowledge, like a house, needs a solid foundation from which one can build his/her life. The Focus program not only honestly answered every question but supplied the participants with a host of professional organizations that gave us insight as to the possibility of retiring to Mexico. The key to the success of this probably was in the individuals associated with it. Marie & Ray are two of the warmest and gracious people you will ever meet. Bill & Karen add to the laughter and provide immeasurable insights. And, not enough can be said for Ana and Manuel, who tirelessly gave the program the ‘essence’ of what it means to be part of the Mexican experience. It was their genuine warmth and friendliness to the participants that we believe gave us a window to the culture of the Mexican people.
Patti Fitzgerald, Bellevue WA (Focus program November 24th, 2006)
I loved it all – Excellent information and very professionally done. We stuffed in a lot. I was glad to have two extra days and highly recommend excursions in Chapala – Ajijic area for personal exploration. The Educational segment was excellent, very informative. Hope I can remember it all! The Hotel – Excellent – service and accommodation great and friendly. Outings: Excellent. The mural description by Efren gave a good sense of history of the area. Food and entertainment - great variety of food (oi