Timothy Real Estate

Categoría: Living in Mexico – We Have All The Lifestyle Information You Will Need.

  • December Pilgramage in Puerto Vallarta

    The word peregrination comes from the Latin peregrinari, which means to travel abroad, perhaps long distances and invariably with no other mode of transportation other than walking. In the sense that travelers come from far away and do so on foot to honor the Virgin, Our Lady of Guadalupe, peregrination defines their sojourn. In Spanish it’s peregrinacion.

    Parades and fiestas mark the first twelve days of December, which are referred to as the Días de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. The main grand-lady celebration takes place on the twelfth and there is no shortage of music, food, drink, and merriment in the streets of Puerto Vallarta.

    In 1943, Reverend Don Parra Castillo took over the vicarship in Puerto Vallarta. Reverend Parra was responsible for many church associated actions, including the construction of the cathedral, surrounding walls and plazas. Reverend Parra installed a dedicated generator for continual electric power to the church; assigned the sculptures for the Stations of the Cross, carved by a renowned Mexico City artist, Jesús Ramirez; restored the fading painting of the Lady of Guadalupe and had it properly blessed; added the christening chapel; and remodeled the parish offices, among many other accomplishments. His major undertaking was the famous church tower and clock, to which the elaborate crown was eventually added. The most memorable thing that Reverend Parra did was to promote the annual peregrinations.

    There are few organizations in Puerto Vallarta who do not participate in these holidays. Hotels, supermarkets, schools, hospitals, and every fraternal group get involved. Planning for floats, many depicting the famous meeting of the peasant Juan Diego and the appearance of the virgin, begins months in advance. Over the years, we have observed locals from as far away as Mismaloya taking the trip barefoot all the way from their little village, arriving at the top of the cathedral steps and falling on their knees to travel the remaining few meters to the altar.

    From the first day of December until the 12th, pilgrimages fill the streets, observed by tens of thousands who come to join in the festivities and make their own personal peregrination. Amazing amounts of food and gifts for the poor are offered by those who march, often carrying baskets heavily laden with gifts. Truckloads and carts with fruits, vegetables, grains and assorted groceries are unloaded each day and distributed throughout the community.

    This tradition is a marvelous event to be a part of, even if only viewing from a convenient balcony or on the sidelines from the sidewalk. The pageantry and ceremony are wonderful memories of how Christmas is celebrated in Puerto Vallarta.

    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 In a Nutshell

    Getting Around….

    On any map of Puerto Vallarta, it is easy to see the separate and varied sections of the city. Though somewhat diverse in character and having individual personalities, they also share many similarities. Along the coastline, for several kilometers, one will find fascinating history; while also discovering new and interesting pockets of the city.

    The Hotel Zone is easy to define, covering the shoreline north of town and starts at the Sheraton. Even though the Hotel Rosita is the oldest hotel in Puerto Vallarta, it is considered a part of Centro. Over the years, eye popping construction has taken place along the old beaches where once bonfires and campsites were standard. Some of Vallarta’s finest restaurants can be found along the highway side of the ocean. The beaches in Mexico are public and you are welcome to walk along the water’s edge but to enter most of the hotels, you must be a guest.

    The area of Olas Altas (literally translating to high waves) has been referred to as Zona Romatica for many years and also is called Old Town, Colonia Zapata and sometimes Amapas. Olas Altas is comprised of properties that extend from the end of the Malecón at the South, to the Cuale River at the North. Once the main tourist area, it has maintained much of its charm and is a major destination for music, jewelry, food, festivals and mid to boutique size hotels. Ex-pats have favored this area and it has long been the central gay destination, though large construction projects are underway.

    Centro is between these two areas and is where you’ll find the main plaza, the Cathedral (Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe) and many old stores, such as the original Telas Parisina, a fabric store where seamstresses and tailors have shopped for decades. There are wonderful tours available that wander up stairways, over the hills and back down the colorful streets. Many art galleries have established themselves on the backstreets of Centro over the years and it’s not unusual to find gala openings accompanied by wine, food and live music.

    Residential areas would mark the balance of the boundaries, which are East of the Hotel Zone. It is well worth your while to check out neighborhoods like Barrio Santa Maria, Agua Azul and the larger El Pitillal for charming shopping, mouth watering food and a glimpse of customary culture. Older settlements like Las Gaviotas, Versalles are where older elegant Mexican homes are located, many hidden by walls and latticed casements, hiding splendid gardens and terraces.

    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 Inspired Living News: Changing Times

    Who’s Changing Mexico?

    As we watch Puerto Vallarta continue to grow on an annual basis, it’s clear, there are people moving here from all over the world. There’s no doubt as to where they are coming from, though who are they? According to the Pew Research Center, hundreds of thousands of Mexicans are returning to Mexico, where they are optimistically finding life more livable than NOTB. Given that, and the amount of US citizens who continue to migrate south, there is a burgeoning scene that has affected all of Mexico, especially coastal towns. This is a phenomena occurring on both the east and west coasts and having an impressive impact on Puerto Vallarta.

    These migrations have a profound and positive effect on schools, neighborhoods and the local economy overall. Where we once found large Mexican communities in cities and towns in the United States, we now have pockets of expats all over Mexico, not just in resort cities but in small settlements, far away from the hustle and bustle.

    An area that has seen change and improvement is medical services and hospitals. We have always felt more than comfortable in the hands of dentists and doctors in Puerto Vallarta, appreciating not only the state-of-the-art treatment and facilities, but with the benefits of costs that are reasonable and won’t bankrupt the Average Joe if you need serious medical attention. Expats and Mexicans returning to Mexico have all heavily affected these services, as well as certain imports.

    More items that were previously available only NOTB but not so much in Puerto Vallarta have made appearances over the past decade. Big box stores like Costco and Wal-Mart have been very happy to cater to the needs of those who aren’t willing to give up certain lifestyle needs. People traveling back and forth from the two countries once had lists of things to bring both for themselves and others. We remember when Campbell’s Tomato Soup was in high demand. Carrying cans of soup and albacore tuna, among other treasures, in baggage on airplanes was not unheard of. Enforcement of weight restrictions has also changed that. If traveling by auto, it wasn’t unusual to cart cheddar cheese, by the pound in a cooler. What some would consider decent wine was in short supply and though rum, tequila and gin were easy to get, good Scotch was pricy. Liqueurs, such as kahlúa and Tai Maria were plentiful but imports like Anisette or Drambuie could be requested at the local liquor store year after year with no response. Now you find them at Wal-Mart. Bed sheets with high thread count is a holdout but when we search we find stores like Chedraui carry all kinds of surprises.

    Road travel has certainly changed. With autos and buses rerouted, time and again, the pressure eases and then builds again. But the introduction of services like Uber to Puerto Vallarta has brought tremendous relief.

    We follow the premise that change is good, though sometimes it can be head-turning. We make our best efforts to appreciate all the good stuff.

    Que es cómo es.

  • Puerto Vallarta: The Cooler Time Of Year

    When Will The Temp Get Cool Again?

    Once September passes and businesses that had been closed for the month begin again to open, people start coming back to town. The snowbirds from the north flock back via flights or long road trips. Streets begin to fill, and the beach comes alive again with more music, vendors, tourists, locals, and part and fulltime residents. New menus are posted; events are planned; umbrellas, cushions and hammocks are mended; boats go back in the water after fresh paint and repairs; guitars and mandolins are re-stringed; children are back in school. It is autumn in Puerto Vallarta. Why does it still feel like summer?

    We have heard the complaints more times than we can count from people who can’t recall year to year. “When will it cool off?” “When will it be normal again?” and our favorite…”The heat is sticking around a lot longer this year.” The answers to those questions and statements is that this is normal; we simply refuse to remember that fall in Puerto Vallarta doesn’t really begin until around Thanksgiving. It’s the humidity and dew point, not the heat, which affects us. The average daytime temperature in Puerto Vallarta fluctuates between 70° and 90° Fahrenheit, which is 21° and 32° Celsius. The lows at night drop to between 57° and 72° (F); 14° and 22° (C). Rainy season starts in June and lasts through October, when it tapers off by the end of the month.

    Comfort levels, when it comes to humidity, which stays relatively level throughout the year, are based on dew point. Dew point is what determines whether perspiration evaporates from the skin. This is why you feel so hot. Not the heat, the humidity but…the humidity combined with the dew point.  The lower the dew point, the drier and cooler you’ll feel. Dew point doesn’t change quickly; it’s a gradual process. If you have a sultry day, you are guaranteed to have a sultry night’s sleep. Puerto Vallarta, as many of us are aware, is impacted by an extreme cyclic distinction from winter to summer and if anyone asks you why it’s still so hot, you can tell them it’s the dew point. Rain has a profound effect on the dew point, so if it’s raining or rain is expected in Puerto Vallarta, you can count on being very warm. We’ve heard that the least muggy day of the year is January 24th on an average, whereas the most oppressive day usually falls around August 23rd.

    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.

    [idx_slideshow link=”12leb38r4963″ horizontal=”3″ vertical=”1″ auto_rotate=”10000″ source=”location” display=”all” sort=”recently_changed” destination=”local” send_to=”photo”]

  • Puerto Vallarta Living: Blood Donations

    Blood Donations in Puerto Vallarta

    It’s time to talk about donating blood again. We try to go over this subject occasionally to update those unfamiliar with procedures of donating blood in Puerto Vallarta. All types are needed, though Type O is the most common. Platelets are also in demand, so it doesn’t matter what your type is, ever. Give blood and be energized! If you have a rare type, you’re likely to get an extra cookie!
    Requirements for the Puerto Vallarta Blood Bank are easier than it once was when there were certain restrictions, which were lifted less than two years ago.
    Presence of tattoos and piercings used to cause automatic rejection but that’s changed; not having been inked or poked for one year, with the results of zero resulting infections is a requirement. Inoculations of any kind, antibiotics, and a list of medications that you’ll be asked about, with a waiting time of one month. Surgery in the past six months, for obvious reasons. Certain medications, such as anti-coagulants and anti-inflammatory meds will restrict donations but you can, in fact, stop taking them for 48 hours prior to donating.
    Puerto Vallarta once restricted donors of a certain age, which made little sense for seniors in good health, but this also has been relaxed and requires the giver to comply with a limited oral and physical exam for decisive factors. The same goes for women menstruating at the time of donation. There is however, still an age limit for those under 18 years of age, even in excellent health.
    You can’t drink alcohol within 48 hours; you will need to fast for at least 4 hours but not more than eight. You must weigh at least 110 pounds (50 kilos). You cannot be ill.
    Some in Puerto Vallarta have felt there’s been a foggy area regarding sex partners. It’s simple: not more than five in the past five years and optimum for those who have a consistent partner.
    Information cards are issued to donors in Puerto Vallarta; testing is extensive. HIV, Hep C, all sexually transmitted diseases, and other blood ailments, Rh factor, blood type, and cross-compatibility are all listed. This is a great benefit and you should carry this card on you at all times.
    You can designate a specific person for whom you are giving; you must give the blood bank this information to assure the blood is delivered promptly and properly. Or you can give as altruistic; this means you are giving to whomever needs it; you may also bank a supply of your own. The Blood Bank in Puerto Vallarta is located at San Javier Hospital and open from 8 am – 3 pm, Monday through Saturday.
    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 a constant leader in Puerto Vallarta real estate

  • So Many Lovely Places, So Little Time in Puerto Vallarta

    There are many magical places to visit surrounding Puerto Vallarta that require only a short bus trip. Down the south coastline, Boca de Tomatlan is at the end of the city route. From there, one can catch a panga (boat) to Yelapa, Las Animas or Quimixto for a very reasonable fare. Day trips are perfect for those not interested in spending a night in the actual jungle.

    Mismaloya, about 20 minutes south, is the original village where The Night of the Iguana landed back in the early ‘60s and has not been the same since. A onetime campground and trailer park, it is now the location of a huge luxury hotel. Palapas remain on the beach, most owned by families who have been there for decades.

    In the above locations there are activities galore, including SCUBA diving, snorkeling, hiking and horse riding; jet skis, ziplines and parasailing. For many of us, simply lazing on the beach, soaking up sun and margaritas, will suffice.

    Closer to town is the small settlement of El Nogalito, once a primitive village with typical languid dogs in the street, children kicking a ball around and fresh laundry hanging on trees and bushes. Not much has changed over the years in this small community nestled in the foothills approximately twenty minutes south of Puerto Vallarta. Over the years, as Puerto Vallarta has grown, so has El Nogalito and yet it has kept its quaintness and charm. El Nogalito means little oak and earned the name due to the small jungle oaks that spill down the Sierra Madres above and around the village. This is also a major hiking destination for those so inclined, with a wonderful array of flora and an abundance of fauna.

    The jungle immediate to Puerto Vallarta consists of canopies of trees, palms, orchids, gigantic ferns and tropical flowers. Bright green iguanas and chameleons lounge on branches, appearing to be sleeping until they spot a tasty morsel, race up a tree limb and disappear with their prey. Black and blue jays, flocks of green parakeets and the colorful Cacique with its bright yellow wings flutter around squawking as if something is

    happening, though likely nothing is. Floating dragonflies and butterflies add to the heavenly ambience. Waterfalls with refreshing natural swimming pools can be discovered at varying levels or one can settle on relaxing at lower cascades.

    Mother Nature’s architecture exhibits trees growing in and out of granite cliffs, huge growth jutting out horizontally and plants sprouting out of others. These are sights that don’t change no matter the influx of commercialization.

    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.

  • Q2 – 2017 Puerto Vallarta Real Estate Market Report

    First Half of 2017 Puerto Vallarta Market Report

    The first half of the year has flown by and we have the results from the first six months of the Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit real estate market in 2017. It has been a wonderful year so far filled with incredible weather, activities, theatre, concerts, parades and celebrations, and of course a busy real estate market.

    Here is a comparison for the first half of 2017 compared with the first half of 2016.

    The numbers of Condominium sales in Puerto Vallarta are up by 86% and sales volume is up by 88%. The average Condominium sales price is up by 1%.

    The number of House sales in Puerto Vallarta are up by 79% and sales volume is up by 76%. The average sales price has dropped slightly by 6% due to extra inventory still on the market but representing some great opportunities to purchase at great value.

    In general we had a super start to 2017 in Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera this year. In 2016 we had the obstacle of higher exchange rates for Mexican national buyers and Canadian buyers who have been looking at increases due to the exchange rates of up to 35% – 40%. Now mid year we have seen the exchange rate drop to about 18 pesos to the US dollar which is helping a bit for our National and Canadian buyers. Some that had been holding back on making their investments until exchange rates are more in line with previous levels have jumped into the market to be able to invest and protect their US dollars. Buyers have decided to go ahead and invest, but maybe in a different price range.

    Timothy Real Estate Group is happy to report that we have been the number one listing and selling agency in the Bay of Banderas for the last seven years which means we bring to the table our qualified, professional representation in all aspects of your real estate transactions. We offer talented negotiators and experts to make your experience joyful and satisfying.

    Soon we will have 6 sales centers across the Bay of Banderas from Sayulita, Nayarit to Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone. Please feel free to contact your Timothy Real Estate Group professional for any questions regarding this market report.

    Timothy Real Estate Group is a locally-owned and operated real estate brokerage with 3 strategic locations in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta in the Colonia Emiliano Zapata, one in Bucerias, Nayarit, and of course downtown Sayulita, Nayarit. 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 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.

    Contact Timothy Real Estate Group, a constant leader in Puerto Vallarta real estate.

  • Puerto Vallarta: The Gift Of Life

    The Gift of Life

    Another recent cry has gone out for Type O blood in Puerto Vallarta. We hear these requests often and the need for all types is the same, though Type O is most common. If you have a rare blood type and qualify to give blood, you will be a treasure to the Puerto Vallarta Blood Bank.

    There have been changes in the requirements that make it easier for donations to be made. Prior to this, there were heavy restrictions in Puerto Vallarta that were updated as recently as November 2017.

    Presence of tattoos and piercings used to cause automatic rejection but that’s changed; not having been inked or poked for one year, with the results of zero resulting infections. Inoculations of any kind, antibiotics, and a list of medications that you’ll be asked about, with a waiting time of one month. Surgery in the past six months, for obvious reasons. Certain medications, such as anti-coagulants and anti-inflammatory meds will restrict donations but you can, in fact, stop taking them for 48 hours prior to donating.

    Puerto Vallarta once restricted donors of a certain age, which made little sense for seniors in good health, many with spouses and other relatives, but this also has been relaxed and requires the giver to comply with a limited oral and physical exam for criterion. The same goes for women who are menstruating at the time of donation. There is an age limit for those under 18 years of age, even in excellent health.

    You can’t drink alcohol within 48 hours; do ast for at least four hours but not more than eight .You must weigh at least 110 pounds (50 kilos). You cannot be ill.

    Some in Puerto Vallarta have felt there’s been a foggy area regarding sex partners. It’s simple: not more than five in the past five years and optimum for those who have a consistent partner.

    A donor card is issued once you’ve given blood in Puerto Vallarta and testing is extensive. Along with HIV, Hep C, all sexually transmitted diseases, and other blood ailments, you will also find out your Rh factor, blood type, and cross-compatibility. This is a great benefit and you should carry this card on you at all times.

    There are two types of donors in Puerto Vallarta; those who give for a specific person; you must give the blood bank this information to assure the blood is delivered promptly and properly. The other is altruistic; this means you are giving to whomever needs it; you will also bank a supply of your own. The Blood bank in Puerto Vallarta is located at San Javier Hospital and open from 8 am – 3 pm, Monday through Saturday.

    It’s interesting to note that Health Institutes have done extensive studies on blood donors. They conclude that people in this category display not simply altruism but kinship and egalitarian warm-glow.

    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.

    [idx_slideshow link=”12leb38r4963″ horizontal=”3″ vertical=”2″ auto_rotate=”10000″ source=”location” display=”all” sort=”recently_changed” destination=”local” send_to=”photo”]

  • Puerto Vallarta – Charros & Such

    Charros

    Horses were not indigenous animals to the Americas. They were brought by the Spaniards and caused great shock and fear among the natives, who were confused by these centaur-looking creatures. Word spread quickly of the monsters, who were slaughtering villages; men, women, and children. The Europeans had a great advantage and Mexico never really recovered from the invasion. It took some time to realize there was a man sitting upon a four-legged, very fast, powerful beast. It is the opinion of many historians that these tactics by conquistadors created a subservient culture, intensifying a social order that remains today.

    It didn’t take a great deal of time for locals to adapt to horses. While the term vaquero applies to the working horseman, it is the charro who really shines in this role and culturally, there is definitely a difference. Charros have gone through different levels of respect and influence throughout the centuries. They began, like the working vaquero, as herders and errand runners but during the War of Independence in the early 1800’s, a charro was an esteemed soldier. After Independence was achieved in 1821, there was a division of marauders, and the respectable, law abiding charros. Bandits were often pitted against personal armies assembled by wealthy hacienda owners. Plateados, thieves who decorated themselves with stolen silver, set the charro fashions in motion and it wasn’t long before the civil Mexican cowboy was also decked out in colorful, rich costumes of their own making. Charros became the heroes of Mexico, as the government cracked down on outlaws by forming groups of militia, known as rurales, who brought law and order to the land. They wore a uniform of light grey with embroidery of silver, which remains popular today. The charro suit is completed with an impressive sombrero, tight fitting trousers for the men and elaborate full skirts for women, and a great deal of gorgeous embroidery on well tailored jackets.

    Today charros are celebrated with parades and competitions. The Campeonato Internacional Charro will be held in Puerto Vallarta from January 30 – February 3. This charreria (charro competition) will be held in El Colorado, which is about twenty minutes east of the airport.

    Public transportation is offered from Las Palmas. Take a blue city bus marked Las Palmas, and make sure it has Arena Vallarta posted in the window. You can save yourself the headache of parking and no risk getting lost.  The buses run from 10 am – 10 pm, daily during the competition. Don’t miss it!

    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.

  • Dental Work In Puerto Vallarta – Yes

    Now that we’ve determined it’s safe to go to Mexico, let’s discuss going there for what some might perceive a dreadful purpose. Many people (we won’t call them tourists, because touring is not really what they’re up to) come to Mexico from Canada and the Unites States for dental work. We’ve been delighted to hear stories that oppose the attitude of dread from our friends who’ve had extensive dental work done south of the border. Puerto Vallarta is an excellent destination for those seeking everything from teeth cleaning to implants.

    Though some opt for an entire mouth full of brand new teeth, taking as little time as a week, many visitors come for biannual visits and see a regular dentist, just as they would back in their hometown.

    We spoke with one patient who, after an estimate of over $50,000 in the US, decided to have a partial makeover for approximately $6,000. There’s a lot of appeal in paying a tenth of the price for virtually the same product. Toss an airfare on top of that and you can still afford to stay in a very nice hotel. If you do an online search from home, you will find companies who will arrange your trip, book your hotel and even plan side tours.

    Why is it so much cheaper to get dental work in Puerto Vallarta and other towns and cities in Mexico?

    The Mexican government subsidizes many dentists’ education so they aren’t burdened by a huge student loan debt to start out their career. Often if there’s a debt owed to the government by a student, it can be paid with a year of free service.

    Many dental clinics in Puerto Vallarta are state-of-the art but they tend to be simple environments with ordinary laminate counters, rather than the granite and marble receptions seen in the fancier counterparts of their neighbors to the north. North American cities have dental offices with inlaid floors, custom carpets, creative lighting and elaborate play areas for children. The décor in Mexico is plain, functional and doesn’t usually look like a high end hotel lobby, art gallery or law office.

    Dentists in Puerto Vallarta ordinarily work on their own without an assistant and will do your teeth cleaning, whereas in the States a hygienist, who can make as much as $65 per hour, not only cleans your teeth but also does your exam.

    Patient insurance doesn’t figure into the pricing system, which significantly raises prices to meet the market; malpractice insurance is non-existent.

    That said, we recommend you do your research before booking appointments. If you have friends who’ve had Mexican dental work, ask to look in their mouths, inquire how happy they are with everything from the cosmetics to their bite. You can get everything from Zoom cleaning to implants in Mexico at a great savings with complete peace of mind.

    Que cómo es es.

    Thanks to our guest blogger Adam Garcia for this article!