Happy Healthy Lives in Puerto Vallarta

A high quality of life can be found in Puerto Vallarta, which is why many foreigners decide to come to Puerto Vallarta to save on medical practices, groceries, and much more. If you are planning to move to Puerto Vallarta to live, then here we have provided some useful tips on staying young and living happy healthy lives in Puerto Vallarta.

Puerto Vallarta Health Tips

Enjoy the Ocean Water

Swimming in the ocean water will help to keep your body healthy. The salt water from the ocean will purify the skin and promotes cell growth while detoxifying too. You can lower stress and depression and increase endorphins when you swim in the ocean daily.

Eat Fresh

Fortunately, there are tropical fruits being sold on just about every corner in Puerto Vallarta with prices that are amazingly low. You can leave any Puerto Vallarta market with a bag of fresh produce for just under five dollars. You can enjoy the exotic fruits, which include passion fruit, mangos of many varieties, guanabana, star fruit, yaka, and lychees if you just step away from the regular fruits like apples, bananas, and oranges.

Seafood

In Puerto Vallarta, seafood is affordable, abundant, and packed with many nutrients. There are open air markets where seafood can be purchased freshly caught. You can even purchase seafood fresh on the beach. You should try eating raw seafood and cooked seafood such as shellfish and fish by marinating them in lime juice, the Mexican way.

Exercise

Puerto Vallarta has numerous venues for exercise for every preference and health reasons. There is cross fit, yoga, boot camps on the beach, gyms, and the municipal stadium to exercise. If you love fitness and you want only the best exercise equipment and professional instructors, then you will have no problem finding that and more in Puerto Vallarta. At Villa La Estancia, you will be able to use the hotel’s state of the art gym as part of your ownership privileges as well as the pools for swimming.

You can have a happy healthy lives in Puerto Vallarta. There are so many foreigners relocating to Puerto Vallarta, so they can enjoy a healthier lifestyle without all the extra costs.

What is the Difference Between a Condo and a Condo-Hotel?

As with so many fusion concepts today the mash-up of Condo and Hotel that the real-estate industry has begun to see has inspired a new, fusion word: condo-hotel. This might seem like a silly word, but it’s one to get a grasp of if you’re planning on buying a condo in a resort location. When it comes to second homes, vacation homes, and rental investments in the sun high-rise condos are a staple due to the low-maintenance, high quality living that they offer. The condo-hotel has created a new facet to this experience;

What is a condo-hotel?

In order to understand the value of a condo-hotel we need to understand how it differs from the usual condo; these are, essentially, condo’s which are managed by luxury hotels. The units are individually owned, but are altogether branded with the hotels name, whereas the usual condominium building lacks this branding and marketing. The benefits of these differences are quite noticeable; the hotel works as a property manager of sorts for the building and will schedule stays, deal with building maintenance, and keep things ticking over in your absence. Furthermore condo-hotel tend to get access to the hotel facilities and amenities like gyms, pools, room service, and spas. Some of these are perks which condominium buildings might have, but it is unlikely the same calibre of equipment and service will be found outside of a Condotel.

Advantages of a condo-hotel Over Traditional Condo Ownership

The aforementioned extras and perks obviously stand as one reason why condo-hotel have become so popular in recent years, but there are other benefits which set them apart from the average condo purchase. Firstly, the stress of building maintenance is taken on by the hotel company so you don’t have to worry about that! Secondly, the furnishings and dĂ©cor are taken care of, too. This could be a downside, however, if you like to make your mark. Thirdly, should you wish to make some money from your investment with vacation lets the hotel will generally oversee this process for you, thereby making it a much less risky and stressful activity for you.

In fact, the main advantage that a condo-hotel offers over a traditional condo is just that; less stress, more perks, and the ability to get your dream vacations year on year without all the hassle that comes with a second home.

Tax Advantages of condo-hotels

If you don’t use your condo-hotel as a primary residence you may experience tax benefits. An accountant will be able to more specifically tell you what the benefits of this are when applied to your specific financial and tax situations, but an obvious upfront benefit is a reduction in your tax bill in the years when it is used.

Now that you know a bit more about Condos and condo-hotel you can begin to think about which will work for you in the long-run.

Ref.:ArticleMonster.com

Why Nuevo Vallarta is Great for Retirement

If you are looking forward to your retirement years, you have probably been weighing your options regarding where you would like to spend your time doing exactly as you please. Nuevo Vallarta happens to be a fantastic place to retire and enjoy your newfound freedom in the fabulous Bay of Banderas. The region is home to many expats from around the globe, many of whom are retired, making them able to truly take advantage of everything wonderful that Nuevo Vallarta has to offer.

Here are some of the best reasons Nuevo Vallarta is a great place to retire:

Lower Cost of Living

The more affordable cost of living is among the most attractive features for retirees in Nuevo Vallarta. Although housing costs vary greatly depending on what you might be interested in, day-to-day living costs can be substantially less than in places such as Europe, the United States and Canada. Impressive medical and dental care can be found for much lower costs than what most expats typically spend on similar procedures where they are from. Most groceries are cheaper too, and affordable fresh produce takes center stage here as many products are grown in nearby areas.

Outdoor Weather Year Round

Forget the snow shovel and down parka! The area is blessed with warm, sunny weather year-round so you can revel in the elements whenever you feel like it. This is a particularly big draw for retirees who have suffered through cold, awful winter weather for years on end!

Golf

Nuevo Vallarta is an excellent spot to settle into if you enjoy a good round of golf. The region is home to many extraordinary golf courses where you can work on your swing and get your competitive juices flowing while basking in the beautiful natural environment.

Fishing

Whether fishing for you is a hobby or an all-out passion, the Bay of Banderas and the open Pacific Ocean close by can make landing a dream catch a reality. An astounding variety of fish and several well-equipped outfitters are waiting for you!

Amazing Dining Options

Home to spectacular food options from humble street tacos to world-class gourmet restaurants, Nuevo Vallarta is sure to have whatever you might be craving at any moment. In the know foodies flock here because they just can’t get enough of the delicious food, so why not live amongst some of the best eateries in the world?

Busy Social Life

When you retire in Nuevo Vallarta, you can just about guarantee your social circle will expand with new friends from all over the place. Whatever interests you, from game nights to charity organizations to kicking back on the beach in a lounge chair, you’ll likely have lots of likeminded amigos to share your time with.

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.

Cabo Activities Swimming with Dolphins

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.

Live in Rivera 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.

Law of Attraction and Second Home Hunting

Law of Attraction and Second Home Hunting

Why not use the law of attraction and positive thinking to help you find the best second home for you and your family. Here are some tips to help you with your second home hunting using the power of the laws of the universe to guide you.

Like Attracts Like

According to the popular law of attraction, like attracts like. What this means is that you attract what you are thinking about, and attract experiences that make you feel similar to how you usually feel. Therefore, the first step in successful second home hunting is to start imagining and thinking about your dream home rather than focussing on what you don’t like about your current place of residence or lifestyle.

Make a vision or mood board

Collect pictures and images from magazines that represent how you would like your second home to be. Make a detailed collage with these images and imagine yourself enjoying all of the benefits of your second home. For example, add a picture of the view from your bedroom, the type of bathroom you would like to have and the amenities you wish to enjoy like a pool or spa. Be sure to put a picture of you and your family smiling in the center of the vision board.

Mantras

Choose a few of mantras that keep you on track when searching for your second home: “My dream home is waiting for me;” or “When I am happy, my dream home will manifest.” The idea is that when you are happy and vibrating on a higher frequency, you can allow the things you want to manifest into your reality.

Celebrate even the smallest signs

Remember to celebrate each step you make towards finding your dream second home. Even if the residence you find is out of your budget, celebrate the fact that you have manifested it into your reality and work on manifesting the resources to pay for it.

Follow your hunches

The law of attraction can work in mysterious ways, so it is always worthwhile following up on your hunches even when you think that the property is too expensive or too far away etc. You never know who you might meet or what piece of information you might receive to help you find the perfect second home for you and your family.

Advantages of Hiring an Interior Designer

Have you thought about hiring an interior designer, but you are worried that it might cost too much money? You may be surprised, because if you own a home in another country like Mexico, then a professional interior designer may save you money instead of costing you money along with saving you a huge amount of time. Hiring an interior designer will also relieve you of the stress and hassle of decorating and you won’t have to do it all by yourself.

A Great Decision

Hiring an interior designer is a great investment, especially if you want your real estate investment to raise in value. You may not have any idea on how to even start decorating your home or maybe the decorating ideas that you do have doesn’t come together well. Maybe, you just don’t have the time to do the decorating yourself, but an interior designer can not only help you come up with a decorating plan, but they can also put it all together and get the job done right.

Interior Designer Budget

A professional interior designer knows how to stay within the budget. They will save you time, effort, and money, and professional interior designers have special contacts, so you won’t be wasting your valuable time looking for products and brands. The interior designer will help you make a great choice the first time, so you won’t be wasting money with any costly mistakes. Remember, the value of your property will increase after the interior design is finished with your home.

Hiring an Interior Designer
Villa La Estancia Real Estate Three Bedroom Suite

Evaluate Your Style

A professional interior designer will figure out your style, preferences, and wants, then assist you in pursuing a plan and executing the plan. The professional interior designer will execute the way things need to be done and make sure they are completed, then they will let you know what pieces can be reused. They will prioritize your preferences to go along with your budget, then to use their professional ability to use every inch of space within your home. What is great is that the designer will see things that we wouldn’t, and this is an importance when decisions are needing to be made.

Special Access

When you work with a professional interior designer, then your designer will be able to purchase items that the public is not privileged to do. This means that your home will have unique pieces that will go along with your style and dĂ©cor. A designer that has many years in the industry knows plenty of contacts, so if you need an electrician, plumber, or general contractor the designer will be able to find one that is a professional and you won’t have to do any searching. Throughout the project your designer will save you time and money.

Visual Story Told

Thinking outside of the box is what most interior designers have the ability to do. They will be able to tell a visual story with the design they create. They have an amazing ability to look at a space unlike regular people, which brings ideas to life. When you hire a professional interior designer you will receive that ‘wow’ factor for your home that you want and that you desire.

Bilingual Services

Hiring an interior designer is also a great idea if you are decorating in a foreign country. Choose a bilingual designer who really understands your needs and you will save yourself the trouble that comes from trying to decorate your home when you don’t speak the lingo.

Why Condos are a Good Investment

Why Condos are a Good Investment

The popularity in purchasing condos over single-family homes has steadily risen in recent years with no sign of slowing down. If you have been considering a new piece of real estate to call home, you surely have been weighing your options regarding condos and houses, but perhaps aren’t convinced one is better for you than the other. Let’s examine some of the top reasons why purchasing a condo might be the best housing fit for your lifestyle.

Minimal Responsibility

Purchasing a condo can be an ideal fit for a buyer interested in a home that is move-in ready. Boasting a convenient and low-maintenance lifestyle, condos are an appealing choice for anyone who is too busy for, or simply uninterested in, the effort that goes hand in hand with owning a single-family residence.

Perfect for those who don’t like DIY

If you’re not particularly handy and the idea of physical labor or making DIY repairs and upgrades to your home makes you feel uncomfortable, owning a condo may be the perfect solution for you. Maintenance is generally limited to the interior of a condo, while the condo association fees you pay will take care of the exterior and many structural components. Of course, one of the biggest draws for many people is the fact that they won’t have a yard to take care of, saving both time and money.

Sense of Community

While you may get to know your neighbors if you live in a single-family dwelling, the higher number of residents in most condo buildings and communities means your chances of interacting with your neighbors considerably increases, from walking your dog to picking up the mail, which can be a great opportunity to familiarize yourself with your community and even make some new friends. If you enjoy being social, this could be perfect for you!

Save Money

Generally speaking, you will pay more for a single-family home than a condo containing the same number of square feet when in the same type of condition and in the same area. This is an especially important selling point for first-time buyers or those on a budget.

Extra Amenities

While amenities vary greatly between condo communities, there are often extra perks that could make your life a lot more convenient or comfortable, with some properties that are downright resort-like with pools, fitness centers and sometimes even party rooms, all of which would be significantly more expensive to build or maintain in a single-family home.

Location!

The fact that many condo buildings are located in the most popular areas means you could end up living in an amazing neighborhood you may never be able to afford otherwise, often within walking distance to restaurants, bars, shops and more.

Luxury apartments and Condos for Baby Boomers

Luxury apartments and Condos for Baby Boomers

With the oldest baby boomers about to turn 70 years old this year, the majority of these post-war babies are too young-at-heart for retirement villages and still many years away from requiring aged care accommodation. They prefer to downsize from family homes to smaller, luxurious apartments.

Below are some thoughts on what to consider when going through the downsizing process.

The Community

Baby boomers should consider the mix of ages among other residents when choosing the right apartment or condo for luxury downsizing. Some apartment-complexes have a wide range of ages, including young families, while others cater for baby boomer and empty nesters which tend to develop into retirement communities. Many retirees and baby boomers regard community friendliness as an important aspect when choosing the right place to live later in life, and like to have access to local attractions and leisure facilities and be closer to the action than they were before.

Luxury Amenities

To get baby boomers’ attention in today’s highly competitive new apartment market, many health-conscious over-55s clients are looking for onsite gyms, concierge services, underground parking and ground level shops, restaurants and cafes. The inclusion of a pool is also a must for many people, not just baby boomers.

Location

When making your choice of apartment, the older buyers need to make sure that they think the process through and buy in an A-grade location so your home/investment’s value is assured in future years. There are advantages in small boutique apartment complexes, but if there are many onsite features – pools, gyms, communal spaces etc, you will need to assess how much these facilities will cost you and include that in your deliberations.

Facing Old Age and Vulnerabilities

Getting older brings new perspectives on life for some people. They begin to value convenience and realize their vulnerabilities. Ground floor apartments with lovely views in low-rise developments with an elevator become a preference and wheelchair access becomes more of a concern.

    Questions to consider for baby boomers

  • How much are the maintenance costs and how are they budgeted?
  • Is there a long-term maintenance plan for the complex and how has this been budgeted?
  • Are there non-slip surfaces? If so, how much of the home has non-slip surfaces?
  • Are areas suitable for use with walking aids?
  • Are cupboards easily accessed?
  • Is the lighting suitable?
  • Can power outlets be easily reached?
  • Is the bathroom designed well? Can the bath or shower be easily accessed?
  • Is there enough room in the bathroom for a wheelchair?
  • Are the ‘high tech’ features in the apartment including automatic drape opening/closing, security features or remote control of lighting easy to understand and operate?
  • Are there any communal areas (dining/function rooms) that can be booked for entertaining bigger groups?
  • Are there enough storage facilities?
  • Are dogs or cats allowed on the premises? Are there any local council rules?
  • Are there any examples of the developer’s previous projects? Can I speak to any residents?
  • Is access to the benches low enough if I later need a wheelchair?