Timothy Real Estate

Categoría: Puerto Vallarta Real Estate

  • Vallarta & Feast Of The Holy Innocents

    Fools’ Day in Puerto Vallarta: Be careful what you read in the news or see on the television in Puerto Vallarta on December 28th; it’s Fool’s Day in Mexico. Though we have comparable days north of the border, the Day of Innocents can seem to some to be a bit more extreme; everyone seems to get in on the act.

    This day in Mexico and other Latin countries, is the Feast of the Holy Innocents, also called Childermas or Innocents’ Day. According to the Christian Bible, King Herod the Great massacred all the babies his armies could locate, in an effort to kill the newborn Jesus, who he’d heard would potentially replace him as king. This was once a day of fasting and mourning in some countries, and children in medieval England were whipped while still in their beds on the morning of December 28th, a Christian practice that endured until the mid-1600’s.

    This day has taken on much lighter and happier merrymaking, thankfully; and Puerto Vallarta loves to observe the traditions. In some households, children are put in charge. Traditionally, the youngest in the family are given full reign for the day, allowed to play tricks and pranks on parents and other elders, and order them about. Children are to be waited upon and their chores done for them.

    Though it’s not a sanctioned holiday, it is a day filled with good fun. Newspapers will report news that is silly and so far from the possible, few fall for ridiculous reporting of aliens, bridges that appear overnight, lottery winnings for all, and similar nonsense.

    The Day of Innocents is also a time to visit cemeteries with offerings to children who have passed long before their time.

    In Puerto Vallarta, we may find restaurants with preposterous items listed on menus, stores offering astronomical or impossible sales, people dressed in outrageous costumes. In Spain, they go so far as to don full military dress and have a flour-fight, which seems almost more fun than we can perceive.

    Traditionally bromas or inocentadas (pranks or jokes) are played on the inocentes (victims) and the little devils are the innocent ones, of whom no one is allowed to be angry. The thought is that they’ve committed no sins; they’re not truly responsible for their actions.

    We recommend taking all this frivolity very lightheartedly. We have known some expats to be upset and unforgiving. It’s best to remember we have the same childish observance north of the border called April Fools’ Day; let’s embrace newfound and delightful customs.

    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

  • Puerto Vallarta – Pier Pressure

    The Pier and Puerto Vallarta

    Periodically we see photos and old posts of the pier that was replaced by the current modern and highly designed wharf where boats continue to come and go, as they did in more humble times. Some say they like the old pier better but we find those people are similarly unhappy with other changes in Puerto Vallarta.

    The day of the inauguration of the new pier, six years ago this month, was one of pride and celebration. We planted ourselves on the beach adjacent to the pier early in the day. We remained there until late at night, when an elegant fireworks show, as is the custom in Puerto Vallarta, completed a day of high level festivity, comprised of a variety of live music, dancing, parasailers, food and drink, and sacred Aztec blessings.

    The old pier was one long concrete structure that ran straight out into the ocean, expanded at the end to hold a large amount of fishermen, sightseers and strolling lovers. We dangled our legs over the edge on late nights and listened to the revelry in the distance, combined with the tide crashing against the shore, drowning out all but the most insistent noise.

    Boys in baggy shorts would barrel off the side of the old pier, avoiding water taxis picking up travelers to Yelapa and other seaside destinations. Lines that tempted fish hung in the water and buckets for catches sat on the edge. Lovers stole kisses under the moonlight. All these things still occur, including the boats coming and going to pick up passengers, luggage, refrigerators, chainsaws, generators and other supplies for the small villages south of us. Changes is constant.

    The new pier is a showcase, and has become an icon of Puerto Vallarta. It is readily recognized by those familiar with the city and has been featured on travel magazine covers. There are times the lights go out around Puerto Vallarta and the pier suffers the same outages; yet it’s an amazingly bright beacon when the storms pass.

    For those who grouse about missing the old pier, we get it. We loved the old Vallarta, too. We have learned, however, to live with the progress and appreciate the positive change. Art and education have attracted many newcomers; the reasons to move to Puerto Vallarta are endless. We look forward in the New Year and closing of a decade for more transformations, like the mosaics that have beautified our fair city by the sea. Remember the old and embrace the new.

    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.

  • Puerto Vallarta: Are You Flying With A Laptop?

    TSA and Laptops

    We’ve all heard there are new regulations for traveling with laptops and it seems to have sent a lot of panic to people who depend on their computers for livelihood. We’ve traveled in and out of Puerto Vallarta countless times and have never had a problem. Sometimes we have inadvertently left the tablet or laptop in the knapsack and there have been no questions. On the other hand, going forward, we find it’s best to be on our toes and always follow the rules as best as we can. For the sake of everyone’s safety, we like to see things being done according to rule, giving polite and respectful responses when questioned by authorities. The people working in security are here for our safety, and we need to be reminded what a tedious and sometimes stressful and thankless job they are performing.

    We checked with TSA to see what the current ruling is when traveling to and from Puerto Vallarta; we found that the request is for laptops to be removed from the carrier and placed in a separate bin for x-ray screening. If you are lucky enough to be of TSA Pre✓ status, you do not need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts, or light jackets. This information comes from the TSA site. To get TSA Pre✓ apply directly online at the TSA site. The TSA site at www.tsa.gov has a very thorough list that should answer any questions about what is prohibited from any flight. In case you don’t see an item in question on the list, there is a nifty method to get the information you need. You can take a photo with your smart phone and send a question to AskTSA on Facebook Messenger or Twitter. This service is available weekdays and holidays, during normal business hours. It’s a good thing to check if you have even the remotest thought about something not being permitted. Sometimes when you think you’ve done it all right, you end up being the subject of additional screening if an item triggers any kind of alarm at the checkpoint. This is why we need to get to the airport early.

    Within the USA, firearms that are unloaded, in a locked hard-sided container and properly declared through customs are allowed to travel, but don’t ever try to bring one to Puerto Vallarta.

    Que cómo es es.

    The opinions expressed are those of our guest blogger, Adam Garcia.

    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.

  • Real Humanity In Puerto Vallarta

    Grab Your Cape!

    Sometimes we do become bored in Puerto Vallarta, believe it or not. Sipping margaritas on the beach, ziplining through the jungle, diving off the Marietas; at times we seek diversion. It is the age of the hero, with Marvel Comic Book characters on movie screens, beach towels and t-shirts; they give us inspiration.

    Volunteering in Puerto Vallarta could actually be a full time occupation. There is no shortage of need. Animal rescue is huge here and it is easy to start a conversation in any bar or venue about the abundance of cats and dogs. There is the Acopio, a  city-owned shelter where help is always welcome; walking dogs, bathing, grooming. The cat shelter, Purr Project is also looking for fur-friends to assist with simple veterinary needs and giving attention to their large cast of felines. Both require very little knowledge; just the willingness to pitch in. Neuter and spay clinics are always willing to teach visitors and residents alike about their efforts to keep the population down and invite anyone who wants to join the cause. It’s fascinating and educational. Fostering animals is always appreciated, too. Many are up for adoption or have already been chosen and awaiting flight to their future homes.

    Orphanages never run out of things when company come calling. They love donations but make sure you’re bringing only gently used clothing when donating, and check with them first about food wishes. Puerto Vallarta has orphanages associated with churches for the most part and it’s good to have a connection when planning to pay a visit.

    Pasito de Luz in Puerto Vallarta is a daycare center for children with special needs. They appreciate anyone who has experience but it’s not necessary. Mexican families drop their children off in the morning at this great facility where they can stay for a short time or several hours. Spanish isn’t necessary; all that’s required is an outpouring of love.

    Tutors are a special breed of people and schools welcome those with skills who are able to assist students. Spanish isn’t always a requirement either, since the schools are bi-lingual. Check with the individual institutions and if you’re truly ambitious, post your services on one of the many Puerto Vallarta Facebook sites.

    Turtle farms in and around Puerto Vallarta love to share their projects and there are never too many hands during migration time. Check Google for the most recent opportunities and we have found that simply talking to people in shops and bars is a great way to find out about prospects for volunteering and it’s a good way to meet new friends, too!

    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.

  • Dolphins & Puerto Vallarta

    Dolphins

    Dolphins, those happy little creatures who squeal with delight communicating with one another, seem to have a language of their own. We wonder what they would say if they had any idea how much they’ve been in the news lately.

    Keeping wild creatures in captivity has never been one of our favorite subjects and leads to much discourse on both sides of the view. However, we have found that most of these discussions boil down to one thing: m o n e y.

    Barnum and Bailey recently declared they would no long use elephants as of 2018 in their circus acts, which brought much praise from those who champion the freedom of all living creatures. What B&B failed to reveal in their press releases was the fact these elephants will continue to be chained and subjected to size XL cattle prods. B&B’s elephants are going into cancer research in Florida, where their blood samples will be used in an extensive DNA study. Imagine retrieving blood samples from elephants. This will allow the famed circus to stand on their self proclaimed rights to keep their elephants in the family, get paid for doing so, and thumb noses at the accredited sanctuaries with thousands of acres to roam.

    As much protest as there seems to be, the popularity of swimming with dolphins is not decreasing. Those who insist on participating in this activity have not been informed that dolphins, like elephants, suffer from dramatically shortened lives in captivity. Many not only die young, they often don’t survive capture or transport in tank enclosures that are more like cells of torture.

    People like to think that dolphins are much like us and enjoy our company. Given that, imagine a human under these same conditions, held in an extremely confined space with absolutely no chance for escape. Dolphins deprived of their freedom suffer from depression, behavioral abnormalities, a range of illnesses and lowered resistance to disease and death. When captured in the open ocean, they are torn from families; their feeding, resting and breastfeeding disrupted. It’s no wonder they don’t adjust well and have been known to attack human swimming partners in substandard environments.

    Some tour groups insist they have an alternative, a better way to swim with dolphins, in their own environment. Boats will transport tourists to lagoons and bays. Once again, it would be fascinating to have the dolphins’ point of view on this activity, which also includes profiteering motives. Scientific investigation into this form of entertainment has demonstrated that dolphins aren’t keen to be constantly invaded in their habitats by boatloads of enthusiastic, noisy, often inebriated swimmers. They will leave their homes, seeking calmer areas to avoid being disturbed, only to be followed by humans with the capacity to track them and repeatedly disrupt their routines. Also to be taken into account are pollution and injuries caused by boat propellers.

    We have experienced dolphins visiting at sea, even swimming very close to vessels. Dolphins are, after all, playful and friendly in their natural environment. If one is swimming in the ocean and approached by a dolphin, by all means, interact as safely and genuinely as possible.

    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’s Tax Time! Are You “Active” Enough to Get The Best Tax Breaks?

    Tax Breaks

    If you are a veteran to investing in real estate, you are already likely aware of some of the bigger benefits that surround this asset class such as the appreciation on a leveraged asset, which improves cash on cash returns, and even the ability to create tax free cash flows when leverage is coupled with deductions. However, the benefits that are often not fully utilized occur at tax time.

    Before describing how to reduce tax obligations we need to make sure that income types are first identified.

    There Are Broadly 3 types of Taxable Income

    •Active Income – This category consists of earned income such as salaries, wages, bonuses, and commissions.

    •Portfolio Income – This category consists of Interest, dividends, and capital gains.

    And finally,

    •Passive Income – This category includes rents from real estate and royalties from oil and gas rights.
    Your involvement with your real estate business will directly impact your ability to realize tax benefits and impact the classification of the income stream. If you are an arm chair investor in real estate and do not actively participate in the operations the classification of cash flows as a passive income loss source will not be able to reduce active or portfolio income. In fact passive losses may only be used to reduce passive income. In my opinion this completely ignores one of the greatest benefits associated with real estate investing. There are two exceptions that will allow an investor to use passive losses against non passive income. This brief overview should only be viewed as an introduction. The first reference at the end of this post will be able to clarify any additional detail needed.

    Related: I Like Paying My Taxes (You Might, Too, After Reading This!)

    Exception 1 – Permissible losses capped at $25,000

    The first exception will only allow you to deduct up to $25,000 in passive losses against non-passive income. In order to receive this benefit the investor cannot be an arm chair investor and must be actively involved. Active involvement can be broadly defined as substantial when you are deemed the decision maker that decides rental terms, approves expenditure or tenants and other like decisions. The point here is that you are effectively making real estate an active source of income.

    Exception 2 – Permissible losses to apply are limitless

    The second, and more cumbersome, exception will allow you to take an unlimited amount of real estate paper loss against your other non passive income. This rule is often referred to as the real estate professional rule. This exception will require that the investor work for 750 hours a year in real estate work and materially participate. Some may believe that as a real estate professional working 750 hours per year is all that you need but this is not the case. As is the case with many BP readers this may just be a part time job, and even if you are able to hit the 750 hours you still need to make sure that the second requirement is fulfilled. The second requirement is that 51% of total working hours in the year must be in the field. This means 51% of total hours worked, including your day job. This is when most beginning investors wishing to apply this exception realize that it is not possible. If you have a full time job it is unlikely that you will meet this second hurdle.

    If you are contemplating the use of this second exception your records will be vital. My accountant has provided me enough anecdotal evidence over the years of audited investors to convince me to make sure that I line item every single minute in order to defend myself if the need arises. I literally write down my daily tasks in a journal so that I can account for my time spent. This is not much different from what you may already be doing when logging your driving miles to account for vehicle allowances, and it will similarly help you when you need it most and are facing an auditor who is contesting your eligibility.

    The one “gotchya” moment that I had my first year as an investor was that I failed to request that all of my properties (at that time just two) be combined in order to account for my hours when gauging my material participation. In other words I defaulted to treating each parcel forcing me to show a minimum number of hours (500) for each and property. Not only is this more cumbersome for recording purposes but it also resulted in a number of hours that simply could not be met. Once I elected to treat properties in a combined manner it will remain in effect until a change is requested. Needless to say this has helped out tremendously.

    The IRS link at the bottom of the page will provide more detail on the tests that get used to gauge material participation. The most commonly used one that I have seen is when an investor does not meet the 500 per property requirement but still spends more time than anyone else. This exception will act as a safe harbor and can be beneficial to know when defending yourself and realizing that you may not have hit the 500 hours.

    While cash flows, equity appreciation, and general wealth creation are certainly benefits to investing in real estate the benefits associated with using passive losses against non passive income is a benefit that cannot be ignored. I often tell my students that as their income increases in life real estate can act as a great shield against taxes. Our general goal is to not only increase our portfolio wealth but to also reduce our taxable obligations in every legal way possible.

    Additional Resources:

    • http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Passive-Activity-Loss-ATG-Chapter-2-Rental-Losses
    • http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/26/469

    The post It’s Tax Time! Are You “Active” Enough to Get The Best Tax Breaks? is property of The BiggerPockets Blog. and is Copyright

  • Puerto Vallarta: Yum!

    Holiday Dinners in Puerto Vallarta

    We’ve recently been involved in conversations about scarcity and abundance of familiar foods during the holidays in Puerto Vallarta. We’ve talked about this before but there are always new and old ideas to share with newbies and also with faithful oldies.

    This year, once again, turkeys seem to be the subject of discussion at cocktail hour; who’s having them, where to find them and how to cook them. Once was a time we couldn’t find a turkey in Puerto Vallarta but now they’re in every big box store. You’ll also find imported hams, cheeses and delights such as cranberry sauce. It’s not longer a matter of trying to duplicate what one would have prepared “back home.” Costco even has fresh bags of cranberries so you can still make your own, and ingredients such as walnuts and oranges are not scarce. On the other hand, you could try making other sauces that will delight your gourmands. Why not use papaya, mango, pomegranates, passion fruit, and make a compote that will go well with all meats.

    Add some variety to your New Year’s Eve dinner. Consider tamales for your menu. They’re traditional and can be found everywhere. We actually buy ours from street vendors, have done so for a couple decades, and never had a problem. The work that goes into tamales can be left to someone else and leave you more time in the hammock.

    Potatoes are always a problem. Those found in Puerto Vallarta are very high in sugar content. When mashed they end up soggy and pasty. The solution is to peel and cut them in half the previous day. Soak them overnight completely covered with water and about half cup of salt. Drain the water the next day, rinse well and cook as usual. You will feel like you are home for the holidays, if you so wish.

    Vegetables are abundant here in Puerto Vallarta, fresh and basically organic. They aren’t as pretty as you will find in your fancy supermarkets in the north but they’re tasty and healthy. Carrots have robust flavor and are as pure as to leave orange stains on the cutting board. Brussels sprouts are smaller but bursting with tastiness and go well with local cauliflower and broccoli. Chayote is a Mexican vegetable that can be treated and cooked like squash and is delicious with a bit of butter and desired amount of salt and pepper. 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.

  • Puerto Vallarta – Spanish Language Lesson #304

    Titulos and Formalities

    In Puerto Vallarta, did you know it’s important to address professionals by their title? Unless you’re on a first name basis with your Doctor, he or she is Doctor (masculine form) Garcia or Doctora (feminine form) Diego. However, just as significant are the titles of your engineer Ingeniero or your architect Arquetecto, who are responsible for the building and design of the home you’re having constructed. Titles mean a lot in Mexico and are a key facet of etiquette; many ex-pats are unaware of this. You should address teachers as Maestro or Maestra; people with high skills and fine arts are also given these titles, out of respect for their achievements. People with degrees are referred to as Licenciado or Licenciada.

    When learning Spanish, and we always recommend doing so, it’s important to know the difference between tu and usted for the word you. It can get complicated but once you catch on, it’s easy. Tu is used informally, whereas usted is both formal and polite. You would use usted when talking to someone in general, like the bank teller, grocery store clerk, or one of the professionals we mentioned above. Tu is reserved for family, close friends, your peers and loved ones. Using tu when addressing someone upon meeting, especially in a business situation or a person of esteem, could create awkwardness.

    Tu is also used by someone in authority when speaking to another person who would be considered of less authority and it isn’t construed as being rude. For example, if you were their elder or teacher, addressing a student with the informal tu would be acceptable, as well as when talking to your maid or gardener, though we often find ourselves opting for usted, out of politeness.

    The use of the word tu can be difficult to assess at the time in a relationship can one switch to using the less formal tu; this can make a lot of difference when it comes to the dating game. If you’re getting to know someone on a basis that can possibly turn into an intimate connection, the last thing you want to do is make them feel like you’re being aggressive.

    Since our early days of speaking Spanish in Puerto Vallarta, we’ve found it wise to let the shoe be on the other foot. Wait until the tables are turned, so to speak. Especially if you are uncertain as to how one should be spoken to. When you have been addressed informally, then it is okay to use the less superior form of language. North of the border, we have dropped many customary terms of engagement, but Mexico is not only a different country, they also have their own standards.

    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.

  • Vallarta: Day Tripping

    Get Out of Town

    As Ella Fitz sang “Get on your mark, get set, get out of town,” this is the time of year to do so. There are many places to go where the air is fresh and the nights much cooler than the summer heat of Puerto Vallarta. Wonderful excursions are to be had, within a car or bus ride. Some are overnight destinations, whereas many you can day-trip and be back to your own ceiling fans by dusk. However, we highly recommend these economical journeys that will not just broaden your horizons, but open your eyes to the surrounding culture. As the weeks go by, we promise to visit landmarks and tourist sites, so keep tuned to these pages.

    Buses in and out of Puerto Vallarta are a great way to travel and very reasonable.  The more you pay, of course, the classier the bus but we have been aboard most of them and have few complaints. If budget is a problem, a cheap bus will get you there just as fast as an expensive one.  The bus station is off the highway at Bahía de Sin Nombre 363; all taxi drivers know its location right behind the Corona building, which can’t be missed off the main highway.  Buses go up and down the coast, into the mountains to Mascota, San Sebastian, Talpa, Las Palmas, to Guadalajara.  It’s possible to see all of Mexico on a bus, and can be a fun and adventurous trip, regardless of length and stopovers.

    Driving is an option and it’s not as scary as some media represent. We have driven over the years on both east and west coasts, through central Mexico and from the US border to Puerto Vallarta and beyond, without incident. We don’t recommend driving at night but it has nothing to do with banditos; that’s a myth. Free range cattle can wander out on the highway in areas that are unfenced. Horses, cows and sheep are hazardous when driving at any time, but at least in the daytime you can see them. There are also the famed topes, traffic bumps that will slow you down going into and out of towns, villages and cities. Hitting a tope unexpectedly is guaranteed to do serious damage to your vehicle. Always obey traffic signs; if it says you should slow down to 50 KPH heading around a corner or over a hill, do as it says. Speed limits have been tested and established; you aren’t smarter than a crash dummy.

    Travel agents abound in Puerto Vallarta and we recommend consulting one for either long or short trips. They’ll definitely save you money and can let you know what sites to skip and those not to be missed.

    ¡Buen Viaje!

    Que cómo es 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.

    [idx_slideshow link=”zm4d8372nk9″ horizontal=”3″ vertical=”1″ auto_rotate=”9000″ source=”location” display=”all” sort=”recently_changed” destination=”local” send_to=”photo”]

  • Is Puerto Vallarta The Friendliest City?

    Many years ago, upon one of our first visits to Puerto Vallarta, before we decided to make our residence permanent, we read a sign on our way into the city from a day trip returning from Sayulita. We’d just crossed the border from Nayarit into Jalisco and there it was: La ciudad más amigable del mundo. At the time our Spanish was severely lacking and the only word we could translate was más, meaning more.

    Without someone to tell us what the sign meant, we often drove by and puzzled over its meaning. As time went by, we began to pick up some language skills. We took classes off and on and began to learn how to put a sentence together. It took years, but one day passing this sign La ciudad más amigable del mundo, we were able to read it with pride and revelation.

    The most friendly city on earth.

    Of all the differences we were aware of whenever we left Puerto Vallarta and went back to the States, it was the disparity in how we were treated. Not just by shopkeepers and neighbors, but doctors, business associates and children.

    While walking the pup (and the pup before the pup), we’ve always been greeted by every person we pass, whether a gardener watering lawns, a pedestrian on the street, or the lady who lives next door. In the States, we didn’t know our neighbors. We never met, though we passed one another on a daily basis and sometimes would nod. Our neighbor in Vallarta invited us to spend Christmas Eve with her family!

    Our doctors in Puerto Vallarta greet us with a hug and often a kiss on the cheek. I think I can safely say, our doctors in the States wouldn’t recognize us if they sat next to us on a bus.

    Children! We have smiled at youngsters in the States and been frowned at, scowled at and hid from. Parents glare and clutch the hands of their offspring. If in an elevator with a child, or anyone for that matter, it’s best to stare straight ahead or risk someone calling the Etiquette Police. Children in Mexico grin at us and it’s perfectly acceptable to give them a small pat on the head.

    It is common in Puerto Vallarta and all of Mexico, when conducting business, to first ask about family and spouse, chat about the weather and inquire after everyone’s health before proceeding. Up north, the requirement is to conduct business as quickly as

    possible, don’t pry into personal matters, and move things along so as to get to the next money making meeting as rapidly as one can.

    We knew we’d made the right decision moving to Puerto Vallarta, when one day we sneezed in the supermarket and suddenly, an unknown, unseen voice, from the aisle over said Salud! (to your health).

    Que es cómo es.