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Villa La Estancia Real Estate > Blog > 2016

Year: 2016

Cabo San Lucas, Fractional Vacation Ownership, Real Estate

Villas for Sale at Villa La Estancia Cabo San Lucas

If experiencing the luxury and comfort of an ocean-front home in Cabo San Lucas has always been a dream of yours, make it a reality at the spectacular Villa La Estancia Cabo San Lucas. The prime Cabo property boasts 156 luxury-appointed villas designed in a rich colonial-hacienda style combined with contemporary amenities such as fully equipped gourmet kitchens featuring stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. With a selection of penthouses, 3 bedroom and 2 bedroom villas to consider, you will certainly find the perfect fit for your needs and lifestyle.

Villa for Sale at Villa La Estancia Cabo

Just imagine the scene 
 a welcoming hacienda-style gate leads you to a handsomely designed front door made from maple wood. The magnificent feel of the lavish interiors, which include a stately living room in addition to grand dining and entertainment areas, is taken to new heights with ten foot ceilings. To ensure you find your new home in Cabo as comfortable as possible, there is high-speed internet satellite TV, a washer/dryer and climate control with central air-conditioning.

The breathtaking views of the ocean will amaze you, even when you catch a glimpse through sliding doors and windows with double-glazed tempered glass which lead out to your palatial balcony or terrace. The gorgeous cabinetry throughout is made from hardwood maple and you will feel like a king with marble flooring. Bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms boast opulent extras like spacious walk-in closets, large travertine marble showers, whirlpool tubs, dual vanities and marble countertops. Once you get a taste of these features when you check out our villas for sale, you will be spoiled forever!

Penthouse Villas for Sale in Cabo

The sensational Penthouse Suites give you ample room to stretch out, with 4,326 square feet of amazing space to treasure. With two master suites, each with a king size bed and en-suite bathroom, and a guest bedroom with two double beds, you can be sure there is a quiet escape for everyone when they are ready for some downtime. While the sumptuous indoor areas are splendid in their own right, the outdoor living space of the Penthouses is an absolute highlight, featuring a top of the line grill, a Jacuzzi and a fire pit upon a vast terrace which will allow you to soak in the immense beauty nature has to offer.

Three-Bedroom Villas for Sale in Cabo

The Three-Bedroom Suites have 2,769 square feet of masterfully designed comfort, with two master bedrooms each with generous spa bathrooms. The indoor areas open to a large terrace where you will find a wet bar to make any occasion just a bit more festive and you can enjoy the outdoors any time of the year.

Two-Bedroom Villas for Sale in Cabo

You will find everything your heart could desire within the 2,166 square feet of the opulent Two-Bedroom Suites. The master bedroom has a king size bed with an en-suite spa bathroom, while a second bedroom has two queen size beds. Of course, you’ll want to spend some time on your terrace to take advantage of the outdoors, too. Who can resist those Cabo sunsets.

Want to find out more about Villas for sale at Villa La Estancia Cabo San Lucas? Call us on: 1 877 499 1901< or arrange a try and buy trip to see for yourself.

by VLEAdminRE,
Full Ownership, Real Estate, Residences, Riviera Nayarit

Banderas Bay Diving

Banderas Bay has amazing scuba diving options and the most breathtaking underwater opportunities for visitors to experience. A number of breathtaking natural underwater environments provide incredible tours to see marine life up close. Diving in Banderas Bay means that visitors can explore different volcanic formations, reefs, tunnels, covers, and rock arches. You don’t have to be an expert diver to experiences the enchanting elements below the water’s surface. Banderas bay diving provides some of the most exciting sea and marine life that includes sea turtles, eels, seahorses, octopuses, and some of the most beautiful tropical fish and rays.

Take a look below at what Banderas Bay diving tours can offer:

Los Arcos

The Los Arcos National Marine Park is the most visited landmark in Puerto Vallarta, especially for diving and snorkelling. The Los Arcos National Marine Park is protected by the Mexican government and has rock formations that are inspiring along with marine life and rare birds that include the Blue Footed Boobies. Los Arcos has long been a favorite spot for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are a variety of boat tours available during the day that will take divers down below the surface of the water where divers can enjoy beautiful tropical fish and many marine life that includes eels, seahorses, sea turtles, and even manta rays that are huge. About sixty feet further down there is a sandy patch that is called the Devil’s Mouth, and it leads to a 1,800 foot deep of the sea canyon that is absolutely beautiful.

Las Marietas

Las Marietas is located on the edge of Banderas Bay. There are two islands that are pretty large which also serve as a delightful marine reserve, perfect for diving and snorkel tours. In the 1960’s, Jacques Cousteau was left in complete awe of these two islands, putting them on the diving map. There are many underwater tunnels and caves that divers can explore. It doesn’t matter what level of diving you have as there are multiple diving areas: thirty foot, fifty foot, and the maximum depth is one hundred and ten! Divers will get their very own taste of underwater candy, seeing several different species of rays along with coral and fish. Their beauty will transform any diver. One of the most dramatic features located here is a rocky wall that sits vertically on the southern end of one of the islands. The rocky wall starts about one hundred feet above sea level, then immediately drops into the water.

Majahuitas

Your Banderas Bay diving experience isn’t complete unless you include Majahuitas. This dive spot is located to the south of Puerto Vallarta on Banderas Bay and is another excellent place to go diving and snorkelling. Divers can see a variety of tropical fish that swim around the massive boulders that are in the sea. This area is a great place to see octopuses, eagle rays, and garden eels who enjoy slithering in the water or on the sandy patches. Sometimes divers can see huge manta rays that have a wingspan of 15-20 feet as they have been seen in this area.

Banderas Bay diving is world class diving for divers of any diving levels. The natural beauty that can be seen is breathtaking.

by VLEAdminRE,
Cabo San Lucas, Full Ownership, Real Estate, Riviera Nayarit

Advantages For Snowbirds of Property Ownership

Escaping the hard winters of colder climates in favor of sunshine and warmth elsewhere is a choice we’d all like to be able to make, and for some it’s a reality. Those who are retired, facing retirement, those who work from home, and those who have flexible business schedules often choose this path. And why wouldn’t you? The sunshine, warmth, sand, and sea are great accompaniments to winter living, and in Mexico you are guaranteed all four!

Advantages for Snowbirds of Property Ownership

The benefits of being a snowbird in Mexico are pretty obvious, but have you considered the benefits of property ownership? Let’s consider the advantages of property ownership now…

Peace of mind

Snowbirds can spend huge amounts of time each year looking for a suitable property to rent, but if you own your own property you not only know what you’ll be getting and where you’ll be going, but you’ll have no issue with arrival and departure dates. It’s all in your hands. All you have to do is arrive!

Savings and investments

The money you spend on rent as a permanent or long-term snowbird can be quite something, but if you were to instead invest this in a purchase you might even get some money back by renting out your property when you’re not using it. Otherwise, you could just be pouring money away on rent rather than investing in property ownership that is for life.

Guaranteed Quality

You know that when you get there everything will be just the way you like it to be. Property ownership means choosing the place that is perfect for you and spending time making it your escape in paradise whenever you want.

Property ownership doesn’t have to be a burden

There are many places like Villa La Estancia Residences which offer fractional as well as full deeded ownership to those who want an investment with no ties. Property ownership in a gated resort community means all the benefits with less responsibility!

Build Up to Full Ownership with Fractions

If you start as a fractional snowbird owner you can very often build up your owned fractions over time until you own the full property. This is a steady and manageable way to buy real estate in Mexico.

If you want more information about owning fully deeded and fractional properties browse our website and contact us in Riviera Nayarit and Cabo San Lucas.

by VLEAdminRE,
Cabo San Lucas, Real Estate

Why Purchase Real Estate in Cabo San Lucas

It is very rare to find a place in the world that is so beautiful, and yet is the perfect fusion of natural and man-made areas. No-one knows who roamed this area hundred of years ago, or who made it home, but Cabo is now one of the hottest places in the world for real estate investment. This rich seaside desert, embraced by gorgeous mountains is a perfect place for those seeking peace, quiet, and their own piece of paradise.

Real Estate in Cabo San Lucas

The famous arch-shaped rock formation that adorns the landscape is one of the most famous in the world and has put Real Estate in Cabo San Lucas on the map; mother nature worked hard to make this place the phenomenon that it is, and man has capitalized on this.

Considering purchasing real estate south of the border but not quite sure where to do so?

Cabo San Lucas is so much more than just a vacation hotspot, and offers all the conveniences of a well-planned metropolis as well as the feel of a more exclusive, compact town. Urban development has been well planned, and as a result you can find everything from vacant lots to condominiums to elegant beachfront properties.

Here are some important factors which have swayed the decisions of many to purchase real estate in Cabo San Lucas:

Climate in Cabo

The climate in Cabo San Lucas is sunny and warm all year round, making it highly desirable for those who are sick of shovelling snow. Average temperatures hit 95 Fahrenheit at the peak, and 50 at the lowest points. Humidity, too, is manageable even in the warmest seasons with warm days and the Pacific breeze at night. July through October is the rainy season, but the total tends to be 15 rainy days per year. This is yet another reason why so many enjoy this particular area; barbeque is always on the menu!

Hollywood Elite

Cabo San Lucas has long been a place where the rich and famous congregate to enjoy the high end resorts which cater specifically to Hollywood elite and the big players of Silicon Valley. This is no surprise, of course, considering how convenient the city is to California; it has almost become a must for the rich and famous to own weekend properties in Cabo San Lucas. The weekends bring in people from across the world to enjoy elite cocktail parties behind closed doors. Just imagine who your neighbors might be if you were to purchase real estate in Cabo San Lucas.

Golf anyone?

World class golf courses, medical facilities, modern conveniences, and an affordable lifestyle have also made Cabo the place to retire to on the Pacific coast of Mexico. Golf lovers in particular flock to this area as you can choose from a set of world class courses designed by some of the best in the business.

Easy Buying Process

The buying process in Mexico is a little different to that in the USA or Canada, but is not necessarily worse or better
 just different. A good realtor will make the whole process much quicker and easier for you even if you do not live in Cabo san Lucas, or Mexico. Choosing a reliable realtor will ensure a smooth transaction. A notary public, one of the highest officials in the Mexican legal system, will and must validate your transaction; they will certify that all your legal documents are in order to ensure a clear transferral of title of your real estate in Cabo San Lucas.

Fideicomiso

Mexico is fairly unusual in that it has a restricted zone in which different rules apply. Within this area 62 miles from the border and 31 miles from the coast a bank trust called Fideicomiso is used to allow non-Mexican nationals to acquire property. This works by placing the real estate property into a bank trust recorded in the name of a Mexican trustee, in this case the bank. The Mexican trustee is generally the Mexican Bank Trust, but does not have to be. They are, nonetheless, more secure and trustworthy than a private partnership might necessarily be.

Cabo San Lucas is a place that you could easily call home. For a discounted real estate package please click here for Try and Buy.

by VLEAdminRE,
Real Estate

Home Insurance in Mexico

Finding the right home insurance in a country that is not your home country can be a real trial, but if you’re looking for home insurance in Mexico we can help you; this great article by Mexperience has been handily summarized below for you.

Home Insurance in Mexico

Depending upon your needs, budget, and circumstances you can partially or fully insure your property and contents at a reasonable price in Mexico. The premium costs will depend on many factors including the age, value, and type of property you own as well as the location it sits in and the events you want coverage for.

All Risks or Named Perils Home Insurance

Some policies offer “all risks” cover which is essentially a form of comprehensive coverage, and it will ensure a pay-out for most of the incidents that might damage your home. Some of the better policies will offer you the option to cover for catastrophic incidents like wind, fire, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, and earthquakes though, some Mexican insurers are unable to underwrite these events.

If you wish to lower your premiums you can elect to limit the number of “Named Perils” assigned to your policy instead of opting for an “all risks coverage” policy. This will cover you for the names perils but no other events. Cheaper insurance policies will generally be of this kinds even if they seem to cover all risks. A good broker should make a clear distinction between the two options and note the differences in cover and cost.

Property Coverage

Your policy should definitely cover the main structure of your home, but you may also choose to cover guesthouses, carports, garages, games rooms, cabañas, equipment rooms, studios, etc, as some Mexican homes are composed of more than one structure. The general rule in insurance is that if its directly connected it’s treated as one building. Structures considered high risk like wood framed buildings and palapa roofed structures tend to be explicitly excluded from all policies. Expect to pay a high premium to insure these.

Personal Items

A good policy will cover personal goods and chattels owned by you, your guests, and any domestic employees while they are in your residence, and some also have coverage for valuables like jewellery, fine arts, and money (up to a limit). Theft coverage varied and is dependent upon whether or not it is specifically listed.

Third Party Liability Home Insurance in Mexico

This is something to consider as such policies will cover your personal liabilities to third parties in order to provide protection from lawsuits and demands presented against you in Mexico. A good example is this; if a wall falls down and injures someone nearby, or a tree from your garden topples and damages a neighbor’s home your insurance policy will, if you sign up for this, cover your liability in such circumstances.

Loss of Income or use

When you rely on your property for work or rental income any damage to it can be really catastrophic. This is why, in such cases, it is smart to cover yourself for loss of use or rental income; such cover provides additional living expenses and makes up for lost income (if you can prove a rental contract exists) while your home is repaired. Most basic homeowner policies will exclude homes that are rented out, or will add a hefty supplement to the policy premium in order to add renter liability to your coverage, but it’s still worth considering.

Reference: Mexperience.com
by VLEAdminRE,
Real Estate

Homeowners’ Guide to Shopping on Banderas Bay

When you live on Banderas Bay, there are so many wonderful stores, malls, markets, fashion boutiques, galleries, jewellery shops, candy stores and farmer’s markets that you will be spoiled for choice.

Here is a quick homeowners’ Guide to Shopping on Banderas Bay

The Malecon

On offer along the “malecon”, Puerto Vallarta’s Boardwalk, are numerous opportunities for shopping. These include souvenirs, tequila, jewellery and beachwear along with many handicraft shops to buy last minute trinkets. Or you can always just sit and enjoy an ice cream!

Basilio Badillo, Puerto Vallarta

Basilio Badillo is famed for its Friday Night Shuffle, which takes place on Fridays during the high season from November to May and offers free drinks and live music outside of some of its stores. Basilio Badillo is well known for those seeking local designer fashion (resort and swimwear), jewellery and house linen items (bedding and soap).

Isla Rio Cuale, Puerto Vallarta

The Isla Rio Cuale is an open air shopping environment surrounded by beautiful plants and enormous trees. It is a great tourist shopping spot selling trinkets, handicrafts and specialty artisan items.

Galerias Vallarta

The great mall, Galerias Vallarta has something for everyone. With its Casino, Liverpool luxury department store, movie theatre, food fair, kids area, and so many beautiful boutiques to choose from.

Paradise Village, Nuevo Vallarta

This is a fairly small mall but is great to serve the residents of Nuevo Vallarta’s hotel zone, with stores, restaurants and more. Very convenient for Villa La Estancia Residents.

ArtWalk

In both Puerto Vallarta and Bucerias, seasonal Artwalks are held and if you have a passion for the art business, there are opportunities to purchase art and enjoy meeting like minded people as you drink a glass or two of wine provided by some galleries.

Farmers’ Markets

    During the high season in winter and on a weekly basis Farmer’s markets are held in and around Puerto Vallarta. Locations are as follows:

  • Old Town PV
  • Marina Vallarta
  • Bucerias
  • Nuevo Vallarta
  • Sayulita
  • La Cruz de Huanacaxtle

La Isla shopping Mall

During 2017, a new mall, destined to become a shopper’s heaven, will be opened in the hotel zone in Puerto Vallarta. It will be called La Isla shopping Mall.

by VLEAdminRE,
Destinations, Fractional Vacation Ownership, Real Estate

Can Foreigners get a Mortgage in Mexico?

Mexico is a growing market for long-term mortgage loans and is in its relative infancy when compared to the USA, Canada and Europe. As such, there is a great potential for financing sources, although interest rates are high when compared to fully developed nations. However, whether or not you, as a foreigner, are eligible for a Mexican mortgage depends on a number of factors, as will be discussed herein.

Mortgages in Mexico

The mortgage industry in Mexico is blossoming but remains well behind the leading world economies. Loans are now readily available for Mexican nationals in pesos with an average fixed rate of 10-12% per annum, which is much higher than the USA, Canada or Europe, but is nevertheless accessible. Mortgages can also be offered for up to 90% of the property value meaning that with just 10% deposit plus fees (which usually amount to around 5%), you can purchase a home to be repaid over 20-25 years.

Can foreigners get a Mortgage in Mexico?

It is not so easy for foreigners to get a Mortgage in Mexico, although not impossible. Foreigners who have permanent residency in Mexico, particularly those who are employed by a company in Mexico and pay Mexican taxes, will find there are a number of banks who will lend to foreigners. Likewise, permanent residents who can prove regular foreign income may also be eligible for a mortgage in Mexico.

Other options include private developer financing, which is sometimes available on new builds, or to negotiate an agreement with the seller to pay back the value of the property over a period of time. These types of mortgage loans tend to be short term loans and usually require a large deposit, which could be as much as 50%. Private loans are also a possibility but will face much high interest rates and risks.

    Minimum Requirements for a Mortgage in Mexico

  • 6 months of statements from a Mexican bank.
  • 6 months of bank statements from your foreign bank or 6 months of payslips from legitimate employment in Mexico.
  • Temporary or permanent residency.
  • Birth Certificate.
  • RFC Tax Number.
  • Medical certificate to prove eligibility for life insurance.
  • Good credit rating in Mexico or a good credit report issued from an authorized foreign credit service.
  • Proof of address.

Developer financing with Villa La Estancia Real Estate

Developer financing is available for a limited time only for those who wish to purchase a property at Villa La Estancia in Riviera Nayarit and Cabo San Lucas. Developer financing is available over 10 years and depends on 25% deposit, fees and eligibility.

by VLEAdminRE,
Cabo Activities Swimming with Dolphins
Cabo San Lucas, Destinations

Cabo Activities: Swimming with Dolphins

Have you ever wanted to swim with, learn about, or train dolphins? If so Los Cabos might be the very best vacation destination for you; here you can make your dreams a reality by visiting one of the many dolphin centers in and around Cabo San Lucas.

Swimming with Dolphins in Los Cabos

There are a huge number of reputable companies which offer dolphin experiences all over Los Cabos, and they offer a huge selection of programs and activities which cater to all kinds of people. Many programs will allow for direct interaction with Pacific bottlenose dolphins, which is a truly unforgettable experience.

Here are our absolute favorite programs which allow you to get to know these magical and magnificent creatures on a more personal level in Los Cabos:

Swim and Ride Experience

This is without a doubt the most popular family program in Los Cabos, and it’s easy to see why! After a short introduction to the physiology and anatomy of the dolphin you’ll be told about their distinctive traits, and then you will enter the water with them. Once in the water you can hug, kiss, and play with your dolphin before taking a belly ride around the pool with them. This will leave you with memories which will last a lifetime.

Dolphin Kids

This is a dolphin program which was designed for kids aged 4 to 9, and it is really something. The playful nature of kids and dolphins alike make a perfect match. This program allows the kids to play, interact, and learn about the dolphins before taking a ride around the pool with them. Few kids will not be delighted by this experience.

Dolphin Encounter

The dolphin encounter is perfect for those who love dolphins, but who don’t want to get into the water. You’ll get to feed them, stroke them, and use newly learned hand-signals after a lesson in dolphin anatomy and physiology. This is the perfect experience for anyone who loves animals.

Trainer For a Day

For those who have always dreamed of working alongside marine wildlife, or who want to be dolphin trainers this is the perfect activity as you don’t just experience the center as a guest, but actually join the team for a day. You’ll get to rub shoulders with expert trainers while you feed and care for these gorgeous creatures. Prepare to have your heart stolen!

Dolphin experiences in Los Cabos are the very best vacation activities to enjoy.

by VLEAdminRE,
Live in Rivera Nayarit
Destinations, Real Estate, Residences, Riviera Nayarit

15 Great Reasons to Live in Riviera Nayarit

Need convincing about Riviera Nayarit for your second home? See these 15 great reasons to move to Riviera Nayarit and call Banderas Bay your home. Call us toll free on 1 866 843 7005 for more information and to find out if you are eligible for our Try and Buy promotion.

    15 Great Reasons to live in Riviera Nayarit:

  1. Cost of living is much lower than in the USA and Canada in Riviera Nayarit.
  2. The best beaches in Mexico.
  3. Riviera Nayarit enjoys on average more than 300 sunny days per year and winter temperatures are an average of 80ÂșF.
  4. Surrounded by stunning jungle covered mountains.
  5. Located on the largest bay in Latin America – Banderas Bay
  6. Just 10 minutes from Puerto Vallarta’s international airport.
  7. Cheap direct flights to the USA and Canada.
  8. Great fine dining restaurant scene and bars.
  9. Good bilingual schools for your children.
  10. Good private hospitals and affordable private medical cover.
  11. Housekeeping services are highly affordable.
  12. Your friends and family will want to come and visit regularly.
  13. Banderas Bay is full of gyms, yoga schools, crossfit centers and other ways to stay fit.
  14. Both Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta boast a great number of art galleries.
  15. Just 30 minutes from Puerto Vallarta’s malecon boardwalk.

Can you come up with anymore great reasons to live in Riviera Nayarit?

Leave your comments below and share why you love Banderas Bay.

by VLEAdminRE,
delicious cabo cuisine
Cabo San Lucas

Delicious Cabo Cuisine

Mexico is a vast and vibrant country with so much to offer to the world, and one of the greatest gifts Mexico has given to the world, we feel, is its wonderful and unique cuisine. The food is different in every area of the country, but we think Baja California offers some of the very best in culinary traditions. Seafood lovers should definitely plan a vacation to the peninsula sometime in the future, if only to test the dizzying array of fresh seafood available here year round. Here are a few of the dishes we think are absolute must-try meals when you are staying somewhere in Baja California.

Cabo Cuisine Recommendations

Comida de Pobres

Even though the name of this dish literally means “the food of the poor” we promise you that you will feel like a king or queen while you eat it! This traditional example of Cabo cuisine is a seafood soup with a difference; rice, beans, and a mix of vegetables served in a delicious broth alongside warm flour tortillas. Love at first bite!

Almejas Chocolatas (Chocolate Clams)

Cabo Cuisine that includes chocolate clams is a definite must; these clams are huge at roughly 2-3/4 inches long, and are quite meaty in texture. There are plenty of Cabo dishes which feature them, but we highly recommend this one because of its unique and delicious flavour. The clams are roasted on a bed of stones and covered with romerilla (an edible desert shrub) before being served with a variety of salsas and warm flour tortillas. This has to be one of the most iconic regional dishes in Baja California.

Fish Tacos

Fish tacos can be found everywhere in Cabo whether on the streets or in restaurants; small, independent taco stands and large, high-end restaurants alike sell this local Cabo cuisine favorite. You will understand just why when you taste them. Succulent fresh fish and/or shrimp, battered and served in soft taco shells with gorgeous salsas
 what more could you ask for?

Machaca de Mantarraya

Don’t be put off by the name. Mantarraya means stingray
 yes, stingray 
 and is one of the most popular types of fish used in Cabo cuisine. You can find it many dishes. Our favorite is this one because of the vibrant and punchy flavour! Shredded stingray meat is simmered with diced tomatoes, onion, cilantro, green chilies and some native spices before being wrapped in a warm flour tortilla.

Other Cabo Cuisine

Baja California has many different dishes to offer, so don’t stop at just these few! You could also try the Marlin Tostadas, roasted or stuffed crabs, or “Chilorio de Abulon Calamar” which is squid seasoned with garlic, oregano, cumin, coriander seeds, salt and pepper in a chili based sauce.

Hmmmm! Join us in Cabo to sample some of the best cuisine in Mexico.

by VLEAdminRE,