If you are looking into the possibility of buying real estate in Puerto Vallarta, you will find the following information extremely helpful. Here are some things you should know before buying real estate in Puerto Vallarta. Closing real estate procedures in Puerto Vallarta The closing process in Puerto Vallarta usually takes between 30-45 days to process your paperwork and escrow, which need to be carried out by a local public notary. Closing costs are paid by the buyer, while the seller will pay any capital gains taxes and real estate fees. The buyer and seller do not need to be present at closing and can be represented by their Sales Associate via a power of attorney. Property taxes Property taxes are very low for real estate in Puerto Vallarta compared to USA and Canada. Known as ‘Predial’ in Spanish, the rate is around .08% of the assessed value, which is determined at the time of sale. The taxes should be paid yearly. Maintenance You will need to calculate a budget to maintain your property as …
There are so many reasons why people choose to visit Puerto Vallarta for a day, a week or a lifetime! Did you know that it has been named the friendliest city in the world by Conde Nast, while TripAdvisor has lists Puerto Vallarta amongst its Top 10 destinations in Mexico? Puerto Vallarta’s Charm The charm of the oceanside village is a big factor why so many live here, and this blended with modern conveniences make it hard to resist. It has grown to be a popular destination for retirees and is one of the world’s most popular places to retire. Low cost of quality living, friendly domestic staff, medical facilities, golf courses, yacht clubs and numerous charities to keep one busy makes retired life a high quality one. A destination for all ages Not just for the retirees, Puerto Vallarta is a melting pot offering activities for kids and adventure seekers. Nestled where the Sierra Madre meets the pacific, having the mountain and sea as your front and back yard offer year round activities for …
Whether you are thinking about making Puerto Vallarta your home or you want to visit on vacation, there are plenty of free tours and activities that you can enjoy in Puerto Vallarta with your friends and family! This means that you can save your hard earned cash for the really special things like, for example, whale watching or a private yacht trip. Here are the best free tours and activities to be found in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Downtown Tour The downtown tour runs three days of the week; Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 9am with another tour at noon on Tuesday and Wednesday. All tours leave from the tourist office in the town square (Zocalo) and wind through the downtown area while the guide talks about the architecture, the history of the town, and the famous denizens of the town (past and present). We recommend that you wear comfortable shoes and bring water as the tour takes around 2 hours. Free Sculpture Tours Each Tuesday at 9:30am, Gary Thompson of Galeria Pacifico leads the free …
In the summer months when temperatures are at their peak, the northern hemisphere of Mexico can be host to powerful storms like cyclones and hurricanes. These storms are born over the oceans where they gather strength and speed before heading inland. When they make landfall, usually along the Pacific Coast of Mexico or the Yucatan Peninsula and less often along the Gulf of Mexico, they can do incredible damage. What are hurricanes and Typhoons? Hurricane is the colloquial term for a large and powerful tropical cyclone that forms in the Atlantic or Northern Pacific region while typhoon is the name given to tropical cyclones that form in the Western North Pacific Ocean (Philippines, China and Japan). The difference between the two names is simply geography. In both instances, hurricanes and typhoons alike are unpredictable and often dangerous natural phenomena. As such, cyclones affecting Mexico are called hurricanes. Characteristics of a hurricane When a hurricane makes landfall the local climate conforms to very specific conditions; most notable are the sustained high winds which reach at least …
The 23rd International Gourmet Festival will be held in Puerto Vallarta on November 10th through November 19th, 2017. Several restaurants and hotels in the area, including the Garza Blanca Resort & Spa and Hotel Mousai, will be taking part. During this ten day celebration, foodies from all over the world will be able to attend the events in this popular gourmet festival that takes place every year in Puerto Vallarta. Special Guest Chefs at Garza Blanca and Hotel Mousai As part of the Puerto Vallarta Gourmet Festival, Garza Blanca Resort & Spa and Hotel Mousai will welcome three guest chefs to accompany the resident chefs, Mario Castro from Blanca Blue, Alvaro Cortez from BocaDos STK, and Chef Carlos Leyva from Hiroshi. Chef Victor Padua, Alexander Branch, and Chef Oscar Gonzalez will join the resident chefs respectively, sharing their culinary knowledge and expertise while creating signature menus that will be served at each of the restaurants during the Gourmet Festival. From November 11th through November 19th the delicious dishes will be offered on the menu. …
Owning a residence at Garza Blanca Preserve in Puerto Vallarta gives you access to the city’s best and most extensive hydrotherapy circuit, through the incomparable Spa Imagine). So, why not schedule some time to relax in Spa Imagine’s wet areas? Spa Imagine’s Stunning Wet Areas If you book a massage, special package, body treatment, or facial with the Spa Imagine you will gain access to the hydrotherapy circuit and wet areas as a complimentary add on, but you can book time in these areas separately, too! If you want to make the most of the hydrotherapy circuit you should arrive an hour before your booked treatment, but even a little time can help you to relax and prepare for total relaxation. Here’s a run-down of what you can expect from the Spa Imagine hydrotherapy circuit; Steam Room The marble steam room is a luxurious, detox space which will allow you to relax and sweat out the toxins in your body. Sauna The pine-fresh sauna will restore your mind and body while giving you a great …
Unless you happen to live under a rock, you have no doubt heard something negative about Mexico in the mainstream media at some point. Sure, drug cartels continue to traffic their illegal goods and feud with one another which can lead to bouts of violence. However, most of this activity happens around border towns such as Ciudad Juarez where there is a constant struggle for control in these areas between rival cartels. The country of Mexico as a whole is generally a safe place filled with warm, friendly people. If you are considering a move to this beautiful and diverse country that is bursting with vibrant culture, you are not alone. With an extremely large community of expats and retirees living here, it’s clear that the media is blowing the “dangers” of Mexico far out of proportion. With that said, here are some basics for living safely in Mexico: Stick to Well-traveled Areas While there are many cities and coastal areas with expat enclaves scattered throughout the country, tourist destinations such as Cabo and Puerto …
You could be forgiven for thinking that, when it comes to cashing in on Mexican real estate in prime locations like Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, and Los Cabos, you have missed the boat. There are, however, still plenty of opportunities in Mexico, and it is easier today to invest in Mexican real estate than it has ever been before. Read on to find out more about Mexican real estate for vacation rentals. Investing in Mexican Real Estate for Vacation Rentals Foreigners can buy real estate almost anywhere in Mexico, but there are different regulations when you try to buy property within the “restricted zones ” (these are the zones around 62 miles from the coasts and borders of Mexico). Once you have dealt with all this, and bought the property, however, you can get to work making your investment work for you through vacation rental income. This is a rapidly growing option; last year saw a 9% growth in this industry. Occupancy rates are also rising for the top destinations in Mexico, such as Puerto Vallarta. Income …
If you are one of those people lucky enough to have already seen dolphins in the wild you will already know what charming, happy, and stunning creatures they are in their natural habitat. These animals are the embodiment of what the freedom of the ocean should look like; they are most joyful when free, and most friendly when they are happy. Unlike the unfortunate members of their species who have been trapped and kept in small tanks to perform all day, wild dolphins are free from the discomfort and stress that captivity causes. This means that your encounters with them are more natural, organic, and very much on the terms of the dolphins. Swim with Dolphins in the Wild in Puerto Vallarta Puerto Vallarta is perfectly placed on the shores of the stunning Banderas Bay where wild bottlenose dolphins can often be found. Here, you can find companies that will guide you through an encounter with a wild pod of dolphins; this is an experience you can treasure forever, but also one which is ethical …
So, you are thinking about relocating to Mexico, and you want to bring your family car with you; after all, you have some great memories of the old beauty. But, the question is, can you bring your car with you? This is a question many people ask themselves when they move to Mexico from the USA or Canada, and in most cases the answer is “yes”, but there are some considerations. Here is what you need to know when relocating with your car to Mexico Driving Within the “Free Zone” The “Free Zone” is an area inclusive of all land 22 miles (or 35 kilometres) south of the USA border. Within this area, you can drive your vehicle without applying for a temporary vehicle import permit. Beyond this point there are guarded checkpoints, and in order to pass these you will be required to show certain documentation including proof of ownership for the vehicle, and, of course, a temporary import permit. Driving Beyond the “Free Zone” Please ensure that you obtain your permit before attempting …
