Animals You May See in Puerto Vallarta

We’ve been repeatedly asked by prospective visitors just what kinds of animals they are likely to see in Puerto Vallarta. It’s a jungle, of course, with mountains as backdrop, so the variety is quite amazing. Creatures in the midst of all the action of the city are slightly different from what shows up on the outskirts. With construction going on in the downtown/Romantic Zone, some small animals can be rousted out of their homes but normally scurry away as quickly as possible.

Ants are ubiquitous in any home in Puerto Vallarta, no matter the height, but they are nothing more than annoying. Cockroaches may show up occasionally and can be swept out the door. Spiders and scorpions might scare the jeepers out of someone but they, too can be dealt with using a broom or the old glass jar/cardboard trick and deposited in the great outdoors. Don’t step on them, especially in flip-flops; it’s risky and unnecessary. Geckos are your friends and they are in every home. Birds serenade us from sunrise with distinctive songs and chatter. Bats swoop around at night and take care of unwanted mosquitoes and other flying insects. Snakes are here but rarely sighted. Iguanas can be seen in trees and sunbathing on rocks and we have had them lounging around the pool. They scuttle off with sight of humans. Crocodiles in the Marina are not unheard of and we highly recommend keeping pets on leash, in general. We don’t know of any human encounters but are aware of two sad incidents involving dogs.

Speaking of dogs, there are many, and efforts on the part of those who have made Puerto Vallarta their home, along with the help of locals and some very compassionate veterinarians to limit reproduction, has lowered the population somehwat. Same with cats.

The coatimundi, known locally as a tejon, is a very common site in outlying neighborhoods, as well as the opossum (tlacuaches) and over the years we have seen a couple armadillos. You don’t have to go to the farm to see farm animals such as cows, horses, mules, chickens. It’s not unusual to find them in small pockets all over the city. Jaguar and ocelot are native to Puerto Vallarta but they won’t venture into town.

What we have learned about most of these indigenous creatures is that they live among us and we are not commonly aware of them until we move into their territory.

Que es cómo es.

Timothy Real Estate Group is a locally-owned and operated real estate brokerage with a strategic location in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta in the Colonia Emiliano Zapata. Because the Puerto Vallarta area has varying neighborhood personalities, we practice localized real estate. We believe neighborhood knowledge is a top factor in solid sales, and we know our communities well.

We enable our clients to realize their vision for the future.  We understand and plan for their concerns and are dedicated to transforming those concerns to peace of mind and joy.

Our philosophy of transparency, integrity, and professionalism imbues our culture with a tangible sense of purpose and results in the length and depth of the quality relationships we enjoy.  We believe buying or selling a home is first and foremost about people. Of course we have the latest technology, marketing tools, statistics and research, but a successful real estate transaction really comes down to people. Connecting the right buyers to sellers or investors our professional agents structure solid transactions with successful solid outcomes.  We believe in collaboration by connecting people in ways that bring satisfaction and success.

When you combine extensive local knowledge and our long standing reputation for honesty and sound judgment, you have an unbeatable resource at your disposal.  You have Timothy Real Estate Group, a constant leader in Puerto Vallarta real estate.

More and more Americans and Canadians and other foreigners are spending their winters in Puerto Vallarta Mexico as it is an ideal “snowbird” destination. Puerto Vallarta’s residents are friendly people, Puerto Vallarta has a low cost of living, it is safe, offers many, many lots activities and is located in the heart of Mother Nature’s lush jungle along the Pacific Ocean. But the main reason foreigners fin Puerto Vallarta so attractive is this:

The Average February Temperature (F) High/Low

• Chicago 34/18
• Seattle 49/38
• San Francisco 59/47
• Denver 47/20
• Vancouver 46/34
• Calgary 31/10
• Toronto 29/15
• Montreal 24/10
• New York City 40/27
• Puerto Vallarta 84/64

………sunshine, warm days and pleasant evenings all winter long makes the lifestyle here wonderful. Puerto Vallarta is the perfect place to live out those cold winter months. Puerto Vallarta Mexico, it’s fantastico!

Contact Russell Faulkner to find out how easy it is to retire in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Russell@timothyrealestategroup.com

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Eat Your Shrimp!

We eat a lot of shrimp in Puerto Vallarta. Mexican shrimp certainly deserves its high rating as far as global recognition is concerned. Shrimp is a perfect source for so many nutrients and most people are completely unaware how good of a food it really is. The highest quality protein polyunsaturated fats, and vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, B6, B12, and pantothenic acid) are found in shrimp. It is also very rich in minerals such as calcium, zinc, copper, flourine and phosphorus.)

The shrimp you eat in Puerto Vallarta is from the west coast of Mexico and is the largest specie regulated by the Mexican government when it comes to their terms of fisheries management. In other words, the major companies who bring in the shrimp you order at your favorite restaurants in Puerto Vallarta, such as Promarmex, are rooted in sustainability and committed to preserving the natural resources of the oceans. These companies don’t just comply with the rules and regulations mandated by the Mexican government (Conapesca), they also follow the NOAA guidelines, which is the USA agency that enriches life through science. Their milieu covers everything from the surface of the sun to the very depths of the oceans. These organizations continue to work hand in hand.

When we bite into this crisp, tasty crustacean, we aren’t likely to think about their abundance in the sea and how they are harvested. In many countries around the world, little thought is given to the shared environment and that shrimp have many natural predators; fish, whales, dolphins, starfish, seabirds, sharks and humans. In Mexico, due to the compliance of the laws by many of the fleet, we are assured of a continued profusion of these delightful edibles. Most boats in the Mexican waters are equipped with turtle excluders, reduction devices and other equipment meant to protect sealife.

Served hot or cold, in omelettes, salads, cocktails and for breakfast lunch or dinner, you will be able to find endless choices of shrimp consumption in Puerto Vallarta. They are usually cleaned and deveined before they arrive on our table; their five pairs of legs may be left for show but it is the muscular tail you will devour. In tomatoey sauces, dipped in butter, or smothered in diablo hot sauce, shrimp is a delicious and nutritious menu item.

Buen provecho!

Que es cómo es!

Timothy Real Estate Group is a locally-owned and operated real estate brokerage with a strategic location in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta in the Colonia Emiliano Zapata. Because the Puerto Vallarta area has varying neighborhood personalities, we practice localized real estate. We believe neighborhood knowledge is a top factor in solid sales, and we know our communities well.

We enable our clients to realize their vision for the future.  We understand and plan for their concerns and are dedicated to transforming those concerns to peace of mind and joy.

Our philosophy of transparency, integrity, and professionalism imbues our culture with a tangible sense of purpose and results in the length and depth of the quality relationships we enjoy.  We believe buying or selling a home is first and foremost about people. Of course we have the latest technology, marketing tools, statistics and research, but a successful real estate transaction really comes down to people. Connecting the right buyers to sellers or investors our professional agents structure solid transactions with successful solid outcomes.  We believe in collaboration by connecting people in ways that bring satisfaction and success.

When you combine extensive local knowledge and our long standing reputation for honesty and sound judgment, you have an unbeatable resource at your disposal.  You have Timothy Real Estate Group, a constant leader in Puerto Vallarta real estate.

It is so easy to get to Paradise – Direct Flights from 39 cities in North America.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) says there are 5 main factors Buyers consider when purchasing a second home/vacation home:  #1 Location,  #2 View, #3 Size,  #4 Amenities and ……….. #5 Access.

Access to Puerto Vallarta has never been easier.  There are direct flights from 39 cities in North America, and the Puerto Vallarta International Airport is modern, convenient and continually upgraded.  Most anyone can jump on a plane and be in their vacation property in a few hours – ready to enjoy the Puerto Vallarta lifestyle.

Direct Flights to Puerto Vallarta  …  Year-Round and Seasonal

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

• Atlanta                       Delta
• Chicago – OHARE   American   Frontier   United
• Cincinnati                 Delta
• Dallas – DFW                        American  SunCountry
• Denver                       Frontier    United
• Detroit                        Delta
• Houston -BUSH       United
• Kansas City              Frontier
• Los Angeles – LAX   Alaska  Delta  United
• Memphis                    Delta
• Minneapolis              Delta   SunCountry
• NY – JFK                    Delta
• NY – LIBERTY          United
• Phoenix                     American
• Portland                     Alaska
• St. Louis                    Frontier
• Salt Lake City           Delta
• San Diego                 Alaska
• San Francisco          Alaska   United   VirginAmerica
• Seattle                        Alaska   Delta

CANADA

• Calgary                      AirCanada  AirTransat  WestJet  Sunwing
• Edmonton                 AirTransat  WestJet  Sunwing
• Kelowna                    WestJet
• Montreal                    AirTransat  Sunwing
• Ottawa                        Sunwing
• Regina                       WestJet  Sunwing
• Saskatoon                 WestJet  Sunwing
• Toronto                      AirCanada  AirTransat  WestJet   Sunwing
• Vancouver                AirCanada  AirTransat  WestJet   Sunwing
• Victoria                       AirTransat  WestJet  Sunwing
• Winnipeg                   AirTransat  WestJet  Sunwing

MEXICO

• Cabo San Lucas      Aereo Calafia
• Mexico City – DF       AeroMexico   Interjet   Magni   VivaAerobus   Volaris
• Mexico City – TOL    Interjet
• Guadalajara              AeroMexico   Interjet
• La Paz                        Aereo Calafia
• Mazatlan                    Aereo Calafia
• Monterrey                  AeroMexico    Magni    VivaAerobus  Volaris
• Tijuana                       AeroMexico   Volaris

Contact Russell Faulkner for help with your Puerto Vallarta vacation home at Timothy Real Estate Group: Russell@timothyrealestategroup.com

What is a Tapatío?

Tapatío is much more than a salsa, which by the way is made and sold in the United States. Though it’s often thought to be a product of Guadalajara, it only represents this gracious city. The tagline “It’s a sauce that’s…very saucy!” is a compliment to the capital of Jalisco, the state of Puerto Vallarta. The world has received many gifts from Tapatíos and Guadalajara; they have a unique culture and their pride is well expressed in the representative song with lyrics that proclaim the soul of the provincial clean smell of a morning rose; the beautiful doves, a symbol of peace; the sweet smell of the earth; the mariachi, pottery and wonderful marketplaces. The song Guadalajara expresses a Tapatío’s love for his home. Tapatías, women from Guadalajara are known for their ojos tapatíos, large, bright and sparking, dark brown eyes, though we have met many Tapatas with blue eyes, as well as blond hair. A person doesn’t earn the name Tapatío by living in the city; one must have been born there, though many Jalscienses try to claim the moniker.

It’s not unusual to find Tapatíos living in Puerto Vallarta and many have vacation homes here; it’s a quick drive that gets shorter all the time, with improvements to highways and bridges. When we first moved to Puerto Vallarta, a trip to GDL could take as long as seven or eight hours!

Guadalajara is the second largest city in Mexico and a great introduction to the liveliness of a huge metropolitan city… a good first experience before a trip from Puerto Vallarta to Mexico City. Guadalajara is an amalgamation of three separate areas, Zapopan, Tlaquepaque, and Guadalajara proper, and each is very distinctive with its own peculiarities and personality. They complement and blend against one another well. Aside from the traffic circles, it’s a relative easy city to get around when driving one’s own vehicle, though we have found extreme ease in the application of public transportation, with taxis and Uber even cheaper than Puerto Vallarta and none of the battles between the two that recently affected Puerto Vallarta.

The cuisine of Guadalajara is world renown and chefs are very competitive in their ingenuity and creativeness. Plan to have a few good Tapatío meals during your stay and make sure to hit the Chapultepec zone.

Mariachi Plaza is a must and you will find the real spirit of Tapatíos here. The best time to visit is in the late afternoon and we have booked groups for parties who are more than willing to make the distance to Puerto Vallarta for a fiesta. Not to be missed are the tonier neighborhoods of Tlaquepaque and Zapopan (the Beverly Hills of Guadalajara) and the amazing shopping district of Tonalá, where a flea market goes on and on. We have purchased many fabulous pieces of art here at shockingly low prices. The nightlife is also great, with nightclubs for all tastes and world-class music.

Que es cómo es.

Timothy Real Estate Group is a locally-owned and operated real estate brokerage with a strategic location in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta in the Colonia Emiliano Zapata. Because the Puerto Vallarta area has varying neighborhood personalities, we practice localized real estate. We believe neighborhood knowledge is a top factor in solid sales, and we know our communities well.

We enable our clients to realize their vision for the future.  We understand and plan for their concerns and are dedicated to transforming those concerns to peace of mind and joy.

Our philosophy of transparency, integrity, and professionalism imbues our culture with a tangible sense of purpose and results in the length and depth of the quality relationships we enjoy.  We believe buying or selling a home is first and foremost about people. Of course we have the latest technology, marketing tools, statistics and research, but a successful real estate transaction really comes down to people. Connecting the right buyers to sellers or investors our professional agents structure solid transactions with successful solid outcomes.  We believe in collaboration by connecting people in ways that bring satisfaction and success.

When you combine extensive local knowledge and our long standing reputation for honesty and sound judgment, you have an unbeatable resource at your disposal.  You have Timothy Real Estate Group, a constant leader in Puerto Vallarta real estate.

I dreamed of living in Mexico since I was 17 years old.  My friends knew this about me but they all thought I was crazy and that it would never happen.

Each time I visited Mexico I felt a certain connection, something pulling me here.  What’s not to love here, the location the ocean, the beaches, the mountains, it’s paradise on earth, but the real reason is the Mexican people and their culture, if I had not fallen in love with the people, well, I would be someplace else.

After my last “Vacation Visit” in 2002 I felt, this is it, I’m going to do it, I am going to purse my dream.  I returned to Los Angeles, back to work, but I did not let the daily grind take over and get the best of me.

This was my opportunity and my time to make it all come true!

It was a bit scary moving to Mexico by myself.  But I definitely knew I wanted a more rewarding life.  I wanted something special and be where I would meet new people and do new things.

The first new thing in my new life was starting a career in Real Estate.  I knew it was what I was going to do before coming here.  It has been a very rewarding career.  Originally when I started working in Real Estate in Puerto Vallarta it was a sellers market and prices were much higher, similar to a lot of places in the U.S.  But after the economic downturn it has become a buyers market.  The buyers today are educated and more hesitant to fall immediately in love with a place and pay any price for it.  Buyers want to know everything the market has to offer them in their price range and take a good look at what properties have the best value.  If it makes financial sense for them then they are taking advantage of the great opportunities now available.

There are lots of great things about being a Puerto Vallarta Real Estate agent; such as meeting new people that have the same dream as I did in moving to Mexico.

Buyers might be starting out just looking online, wanting to know certain things about Puerto Vallarta, such as schools for their children, what is there to do, how will they meet new people, starting a business, how do they become involved in the community and where are the best places to eat!  They are also viewing different properties and trying to get some idea or a feel of what kind of property they’re looking for and what location they want to be in and what price they want to pay.  It’s a fantastic feeling and I enjoy being part of that experience with my clients.   My expertise and knowledge of the area and the market enables me to help them pursue their dream and make it come true!

I also enjoy helping sellers.  I help owners get their home market ready and my connection with the community is an added plus with the services needed for closing.  My priority is to get the seller a strong market sales price and assure a smooth and timely closing.

My favorite Puerto Vallarta areas for a great real estate investments are; the South Shore, Conchas Chinas, Amapas, Old Town, El Centro, 5 de Diciembre and La Pechuga, Hotel Zone and Marina Vallarta.  There are lots of great areas but these are my favorite locations for condos and homes, and all of them with views of Banderas Bay.

My advice to anyone interested in purchasing real estate in Puerto Vallarta is, get yourself in front of an AMPI Approved Agent that is experienced and has knowledge of the market and will be your go to person your advocate and someone who is looking out for your best interest.

Donna Lynn Davies

Timothy Real Estate Group

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Timothy Real Estate Group – An innovative company setting new standards in Real Estate sales and services has the most professional and experienced Realtors in the Puerto Vallarta area who understand the intricacies of Mexican Real Estate ownership, the local market, Puerto Vallarta property codes and regulations and financing.  The Timothy Group uses that knowledge to provide a sound analysis on every aspect of property ownership. Timothy Real Estate Group is known for professionalism and experience and they bring this to every transaction they work on for the benefit of Real Estate investors and developers alike. Ask about our Real Estate Listings

Puerto Vallarta has constant and renewed efforts to pick up garbage. The municipal government has a program to keep the beaches clean and the Directorate of Environment and Ecology have many programs that operate up and down the bay doing regular cleanups. It’s important that everyone tries to do their part, though obviously some feel they are exempt from responsibility. Some communities have organized seasonal projects to clean up neighborhoods with groups of citizens and residents who make a daily effort to keep our beaches, parks and streets clean.

What can you do?

Make sure when you put your household trash out for collection that it’s in a heavy duty plastic bag and tightly tied shut. Don’t place items on top of piles that will invite stray dogs, cats and wild animals to begin digging. We have so often seen garbage sitting atop a bag with food items exposed, chicken bones, dry tortillas crumbling, cans with food residue that haven’t been rinsed or bagged.

Posters on Facebook and other social media sites who add photos of piles of garbage aren’t really helping the situation. If your Spanish language skills aren’t up to spiff, find someone who can help you communicate and do a little research. After asking, we found out that garbage pickup in our colonia happens on certain days, at exact hours. We had a hard time believing this so we watched to see what would happen on that given schedule and were amazed at the punctuality and efficiency. The garbage collector also made the extra effort to chase after fluttering pieces of trash that went astray. That impressed us and though not all city employees will be as diligent, it’s pleasing to know there are some who truly care.

Instead of complaining about the amount of plastic bottles, floating grocery bags and OXXO cups, grab your own trash-bag and take a walk. Wear protective gloves and pick up whatever lays in your path. There are empty lots in Puerto Vallarta that are open dumping grounds. Don’t be afraid to wear some closed toe shoes and buy or borrow a rake if you haven’t one of your own. Make an effort to assist your community in its beautification. Pickup after yourself at the beach and park; take whatever trash that isn’t yours in a decided radius. Be a part of the solution. Setting an example is the best way to get things done, and others as sure to follow your lead.

Que es cómo es.