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 décor 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.

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.

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.

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 80ºF.
  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.

Villa La Estancia Riviera Nayarit

Villas for Sale at Villa La Estancia Riviera Nayarit

If you have dreamed of living in an opulent yet relaxing home in Nuevo Vallarta, look no further than the luxurious villas for sale at Villa La Estancia Riviera Nayarit. Home to 135 well-appointed villas featuring a warm, colonial-hacienda design and modern amenities including fully equipped gourmet kitchens complete with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, you are sure to find the ideal residence to suit your lifestyle and needs, with penthouses, 3 bedroom and 2 bedroom villas to choose from at Villa La Estancia Riviera Nayarit.

Villas for Sales with Home Comforts and luxuries

You will immediately feel at home upon entering your hacienda-style gate leading to a front door beautifully crafted from maple wood. Inside these villas for sale are ten foot ceilings which enhance the palatial feeling of the interiors, including a grand living room plus spacious dining and entertainment spaces. Your comfort is of utmost importance, and climate control with central air-conditioning, satellite TV with premium channels, high-speed internet and a washer and dryer are available for your convenience at Villa La Estancia Riviera Nayarit residences. Additionally, you will enjoy daily housekeeping with turn-down service, a premium fully-stocked (upon request) mini bar and the ease of electronic keys.

Luxury Details

You will be blown away by the stunning Riviera Nayarit ocean views displayed through tempered, double glazed windows and sliding doors, which lead to your sweeping balcony or terrace. Rich marble flooring is found throughout as well as quality cabinetry made from hardwood maple. En-suite bedrooms feature roomy travertine marble showers, generous walk-in closets, whirlpool tubs, marble countertops and dual vanities for the ultimate in luxurious comfort. With such amazing features, you may find it hard to leave home!

Penthouse Villas for Sale

With 4,316 square feet of exceptional design to enjoy, you will have more than enough space to spread out in one of the impressive Penthouse Residences at Villa La Estancia Riviera Nayarit. Three splendid, oversized bedrooms ensure everyone has plenty of privacy and quiet space of their own. The crown jewel of the Penthouses, though, has to be the outdoor living space, with a Jacuzzi, top of the line grill and an immense terrace from which you can take in the magnificent sights and sounds of nature.

Three-Bedroom Villas for Sale

Home to 2,790 square feet of sumptuous comfort, the Three-Bedroom residences contain two master bedrooms with enormous spa bathrooms. You can be sure you will have a good night’s sleep with premium bedding, cotton linens and a pillow menu to choose from. The indoor spaces open out to a spacious balcony with a whirlpool spa and amazing grill, so you can take full advantage of the amazing weather year-round from the comfort of your own home.

Two-Bedroom Villas for sale

Measuring 2,212 square feet, the lavishly appointed Two-Bedroom Suites are outfitted with everything you could possibly need. Featuring a master bedroom with a king size bed and en-suite spa bathroom, and a second bedroom with two queen size beds, this space will enchant and delight you. Both indoors and outdoors become one seamless expanse with an oversized balcony where you can unwind and soak up the gorgeous views of nature at Villa La Estancia Riviera Nayarit.

If you are interested in the villas for sale at Villa La Estancia Riviera Nayarit. Call us today for a viewing or Try and Buy package.

Raising a Young Family in Banderas Bay

If you’re looking to relocate to Mexico and have a young family in tow, finding somewhere that’s child friendly and full of potential is absolutely paramount. Banderas Bay, on Mexico’s Pacific coast, could be one of those places which presents a great choice for you and your loved ones. Here’s why…

Climate

People who live in colder, wetter climates are well-used to the reality of kids being stuck indoors for days at a time due to poor weather, but in Banderas Bay this is less of an issue. Very rarely will your kids ever have to stay in with only the TV and games consoles for company here; the climate and weather are perfect for exploration and adventure. Banderas Bay does, in fact, benefit from year round sunshine and ideal temperatures from November to mid-April with no rain clouds in sight. Summer can see heavy rainfall, but generally it is only for a few hours a day.

The environment

Banderas Bay is a fairly small area to be found on the Pacific coast of Mexico, and has a long stretch of sandy beaches and coves that will delight children of all ages. The waters are safe to swim in, and the temperature is fair year round; you could swim, surf, and make sandcastles in a new place every weekend for months and never be bored.

Banderas Bay is also lucky enough to be surrounded by the stunning Sierra Madre mountains which are not only stunning, but offer a wealth of pastimes to enjoy. You could go hiking, zip-lining, mountain-biking, or horseback riding if you wished. You could even choose to live close to the river; this river is often calmer than the sea shore and is great for swimming in. your kid need never be bored when there’s so much of the great outdoors to explore here.

Activities

Raising a family is far from dull, and it can often be stressful, but in Banderas Bay there’s a huge amount to get excited about. There are so many clubs, activities, sports and groups for your kids to get involved with here that you might start to miss them! You could get involved, too, of course. Why not take up paddle-boarding or surfing? Learn to salsa, or just pick up some of the hobbies that fell by the wayside at home? There are also plenty of sports on offer at the local stadium.

Childcare and schooling

Childcare is much more affordable in Banderas Bay than in the USA and Canada; you’ll probably be able to afford hiring a full-time nanny if you wish. As a Villa La Estancia owner you will also be able to call upon the resort’s babysitting services if and when you’re stuck for childcare. This is a real plus if your kids are younger than school age and/or you need a break. There are also a few good bilingual, private schools to be found in the bay which vary in location and price; there’s no reason why you shouldn’t find the right one for you and your family.

The culture on Banderas Bay

If everything we’ve already mentioned doesn’t convince you that living in Banderas Bay is a good thing for you and your family then the culture should. This is such a diverse country that you can be sure your children’s eyes will be opened to many different ways of life. They can learn a second language, which will be good for future career prospects, and learn from their teachers and new friends in a way that will help them to grow into open-minded and accepting people.

Top Advice When Buying Real Estate

Top Advice When Buying Real Estate

If you are considering buying real estate in Mexico here is some advice that might make the process a more comfortable one. The buying procedure is a little bit different than that of the United States and Canada. It is not better or worse, it is just different. A good realtor can make it very easy.

Puerto Vallarta is a wonderful place to enjoy retirement or escape snowy winters part time offering the quality of life North Americans are accustomed to. With numerous benefits like friendly people, cultural and adventure activities, endless beaches, world class medical facilities, 8 golf courses and of course the unparalleled quality of the tropical life. The population of Puerto Vallarta is approximately 350,000 inhabitants and this includes an enormous number of US and Canadians many of them property owners.

If you are thinking of making a move, make sure to get to know and check the references of your realtor or development sales agent and his/her broker or legal representative. Your realtor must be an A.M.P.I member which is the Mexican association of professional realtors. Ask him/her the following questions to get to know who you are dealing with and what their knowledge is:

  • Why did you move to the Bay of Banderas?
  • How long have you been practicing real estate in Mexico?
  • Give me five reasons why I should work with you?
  • Can you provide owner references?
  • Describe your work ethic
  • Do you own property in Mexico?

The latter is a good one. If your sales agent owns property in Puerto Vallarta they surely know the ins and outs of the town, know where to go and know what to do. Whether you choose to buy in Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerias, Puerto Vallarta’s Old Town, South Shore, Mismaloya, Hotel Zone, you want an expert who can guide you through every square meter of your new neighborhood.

Although buying property in a foreign country may seem tricky it’s not better or worse, it is just different, so be sure to keep an open mind when dealing with paperwork and bureaucracy.

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?