Jan Archives

Villa La Estancia Real Estate > Blog > 2018 > January

Month: January 2018

Destinations, FAQ, Riviera Nayarit

What to Expect from a Vallarta Lifestyle

So, what is it that foreigners do once they make the move to Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit to join the full-time community there? The list of potentials is endless, to be honest, as there is really something for everyone here. Get to know the Vallarta Lifestyle:

The Beach | Vallarta Lifestyle

The beaches and coves around Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit are, not surprisingly, at the top of this list, and for good reason! There is such variety in the beaches of Banderas Bay that you can be absolutely certain of finding the right beach on which to practice your favorite sport (whatever that may be!). Whether you wish to find stunning scenery to photograph, amazing coves to explore, or you want to swim, surf, paddle board, snorkel, scuba dive, or even freedive you can be sure to find the perfect place to do it all when you live in Puerto Vallarta. Get ready to put your hiking boots on, however, because there are simply not enough days in the year to see all that Puerto Vallarta’s coastline has to offer.

Vallarta’s Farmers Markets

During high season (October to May) you will find that Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit is the hub for some really lovely farmers markets! On Sundays there is a market in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle which benefits from stunning ocean views and access to some of the freshest seafood in town. Don’t forget to watch the street performers when stop to grab a bite to eat! On Saturdays from 9:30am to 2:00pm you will find the Old Town Farmers Market in Puerto Vallarta. This market has everything from street food and live music to art, clothing, jewelry, crafts, and locally grown produce! You can find the Old Town market at Lazaro Cardenas Park (adjacent to Los Muertos Beach).

Charity and volunteering

There are few better ways to make friends than through passion for a shared cause, and in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit there are plenty of wonderful charitable causes which would benefit from your time and attention. There are animal shelters, orphanages, and old people’s homes; there is also “children of the dump”, a women and children’s refuge. There are also some schools for disabled children which could benefit from your experience and help. What better way to make friends than by giving back to the community in which you now live, laugh, and love?

Movie Theatres

Puerto Vallarta has almost as many movie theatres as gas stations (well, maybe not quite), and they’re generally reasonably priced as well as utterly charming. Thanks to this variety you can be sure you’ll find one that suits you to a T fairly quickly! At the Isla shopping center, for example, there is a VIP cinema which features in show waiters who will attend to your needs through each showing. If you have kids, on the other hand, there is the cinema adjacent to Pitillal which has a slide running all the way from the top row to a pre-show kids area.

Live Theater

If you’re a lover of live theater you should definitely get involved with Act II entertainment (found on the corner of Basilio Badillo and Insurgentes Street). They are always on the look out for fresh talent, and besides the viewings are affordable; even if you don’t want your shot at stardom you can enjoy the productions they put on! The theatre itself also has a lovely piano bar which is a great place to kick back, have a drink, and meet new people for those who enjoy a bit of luxury.

Taking a road trips

When you live in Banderas Bay, there are plenty of place to explore. Hire a car or take to public transport and explore the many wonderful colonial towns, lakeside villages, and seaside cities which pepper this landscape.

Share with us what do you like the most of the Vallarta Lifestyle!

by VLEAdminRE,
Destinations

Health Benefits of Swimming in the Ocean

The inviting waters of the sea are enjoyed by many people of all ages and persuasions across the world these days, but did you know that the practice of soaking, swimming, and bathing in sea water as a method of beautification and health maintenance is thousands of years old? It is! In fact, the practice dates back to the times of ancient Greece!

It seems the Grecians knew what they were about, as well; certain studies have shown that sea water can be good for your skin and hair as well as your nerves and circulation! Of course, while the Grecians like to bath in warm sea water in tubs or pools, we tend to enjoy it at source, so to speak, these days.

Here are some of the health benefits you can look forward to when you purchase property on Banderas Bay, Mexico.

  • Boost Your Immune System by swimming in the ocean

Thanks to the natural blend of salts, minerals such as magnesium, vitamins, amino acids, living microorganisms, and trace elements to be found in seawater it can be great for many things. This includes our immune systems; the sea can have antibiotic and antibacterial properties which keep us healthy, and swimming in these waters can open your pores to flush out toxins. Better yet, the sea air is full of negatively charged ions which can improve your immunity when they attach to your lungs.

  • Better circulation

Amongst other health benefits, swimming in the ocean can improve your circulation, and it’s not just about the exercise; the waters themselves may improve your circulation by causing your heart, veins, arteries, and capillaries to carry oxygen rich blood from your heart throughout your body at an increased rate. Seawater therapy consists of swimming or bathing in warm sea water in order to restore essential minerals that have been lost to stress, toxins, and unhealthy living.

  • General well-being

Many people turn to the waters of the ocean for its overall well-being and health benefits; swimming in warm seawater may help your body to combat conditions like arthritis, bronchitis, inflammatory disease, and many miscellaneous aches and pain. In fact, because seawater is magnesium rich it can also help to lower stress and lull you to sleep by calming nerves and irritability.

  • Beautify your Skin

As well as health benefits, swimming in the ocean can improve your skin. The magnesium in seawater can also help to moisturize your skin and reduce flaws in its appearance. You may see a reduction in redness, roughness, and uneven skin tone if you regularly bathe in sea water.

Recommended articles:

Turtles – Mexico’s Enchanting Endangered Species

Checklist for Retirement Destinations

 

by VLEAdminRE,
Cabo San Lucas, FAQ, Fractional Vacation Ownership, Full Ownership, Real Estate, Residences

Buying Real Estate in Los Cabos – The Facts

Are you considering buying real estate in Los Cabos? If you are, then we have provided a few tips and facts for you to think about before you purchase real estate in Los Cabos in the article below. Here’s what you should know before buying real estate in Los Cabos – The facts.

Closing Costs in Los Cabos

Generally, the closing costs when buying real estate in Los Cabos will take 30 – 60 days. All of the paperwork and the escrow payment will be regulated through the real estate agency office that you have selected along with the local public notary. All of the closing costs must be paid by the buyer and the seller will pay all of the real estate fees and the capital gains taxes. The buyer and the seller do not necessarily have to be present during the closing, but a sales associate or power of attorney will need to be issued in order for a representative to sign on your behalf.

Property Taxes

In Los Cabos, the property taxes are very affordable. The property taxes are known as “predial” and is around 0.08% of the assessed value of the property, as determined when the property is sold.

Property Maintenance

The Condominium Owners Association handles all the maintenance and security for all of the common areas for condominium owners buying real estate in Los Cabos. The maintenance fees for condominium owners are paid by monthly fees. If you will be away from your property for a lengthy time, then you should consider hiring a property management company to assist you with your property.

Property Insurance

In Mexico there are a variety of insurance types, which include earthquake, liability, property, and damage and the insurance is very affordable. There are many types of insurances, some can also reimburse you with US dollars if you wish. Just be sure to check your contract when purchasing your insurance.

Financing Properties in Los Cabos

Most of the real estate properties purchased in Mexico are paid in cash, but lately mortgages are becoming available even though the interest rates are high. Foreign buyers will have to provide their own financing. For example second mortgages, equity loans, and personal credit lines will have to be done by the buyer. When buying real estate in Los Cabos at Villa La Estancia Los Cabos, the developer can offer private financing to those who qualify.

Rental Potential in Los Cabos

There is great rental potential in Los Cabos for condos and homes. If you own property that you rent out at a price that is competitive, then you may look towards a potential 70 – 80% occupancy.

Property Equity

Buying real estate in Los Cabos should not be seen as a get rich quick investment but appreciation is fairly stable. The majority of buyers looking for second homes in Los Cabos are wanting it for their retirement or for vacations, which makes the real estate market in Mexico stable.

Buying real estate in Los Cabos is easy to do. You now have the facts and tips that will assist you in buying real estate in Los Cabos.

by VLEAdminRE,
Destinations, FAQ, Real Estate

Tips for a Successful New Life in Mexico

So – you’re moving to Mexico! Congratulations! This is a radical change to your way of life, and we know that it is going to be a little daunting for you at first. This is why we’ve compiled our top hints and tips for succeeding in your new life in Mexico.

Here are our top tips for a successful new life in Mexico

Learn Spanish

Most people in the big cities and tourist hotspots of Mexico speak very good English, and so learning Spanish is not a necessity but there is no doubt in our minds that learning Spanish will help you have a successful new life in Mexico. There are plenty of classes that you can attend if you want to get a basic understanding of the language; when you use it to get to know your neighbors better you’ll find that your grasp of the language increases rapidly.

Be flexible

Flexibility is without a doubt one of the most valuable attributes you can have when you’re making such big changes to your life; a good, solid plan will make the changes easier to deal with, but you should always leave room in your plan for change! Remember that a plan is always a work in progress, and so changing it is never a failure. Be ready and willing to adapt to your situation and you will go far in your new home.

One day, task and goal at a time

It can take a long time to get used to the ways of a new country, and so you should remember to be patient and keep your mind open for a successful new life in Mexico; don’t compare your new home to your old one as this is a sure road to frustration and disappointment. You will also find that a soft approach will get you much further as a foreigner with the locals than if you get frustrated and irate.

Invest in networking

Take the time to network when you arrive; making friends and acquaintances in your new home is key to success. Meet the neighbors, join a gym, say hello to your work mates. You could even join a few of the Facebook groups set up purely for expats in the area. This will help you to establish a friend base and settle into your new home and new life in Mexico.

Savings

It pays to have some money squirrelled to the side to tide you over if you have to make last minute visits back home or need to attend to an emergency when you make a new life in Mexico. Also, you will probably spend more on socialization when you first arrive as you try to get yourself settled, and there’s always the chance you may need repairs to your car or certain aspects of your home; it can take a few tries to get a mechanic, plumber, or electrician you trust. You may not need this cushion, but it will certainly help to know that you have a safety net if you should need it. This peace of mind is truly priceless.

So – have you moved to Mexico recently? Do you have any tips for people looking to make this move? What would your advice be? Let us know in the comments section below!

Recommended articles:

Booming Real Estate Market in Puerto Vallarta for 2018

Riviera Nayarit Real Estate For Weekend Getaways

by VLEAdminRE,