Timothy Real Estate

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

  • WHEN A BEACHFRONT VACATION TURNS INTO AN INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY

    Vacations are usually thought of as a retreat from the day to day world of business and responsibilities. But that is not always the case when traveling south of our border.

    While numerous resort destinations across the globe struggle with attracting international investors, Bay of Banderas, one of Mexico’s coastal gems along the Pacific, continues to entice investment groups on all levels, from the individual American or Canadian wanting to escape the cold winters to frolic in a tropical beachfront condo to global hotel chains investing millions of dollars in strategic seaside locations. As Mexico continues to experience economic growth, with over 29 Million international arrivals, raking in its healthy share of the estimated $7.6 Trillion dollars from travel and tourism (World Travel & Tourism Council – 2015 Economic Impact Report), foreign investors big and small have taken note and continue to open up their deep pockets south of the border.

    In 2013, Hotel Management announced Cascade Investments’ acquisition of the Four Seasons in Punta de Mita. The private investment arm for Bill Gates, ranked the richest man in the world by Forbes, purchased the ultra luxury resort located 45 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta, for an astounding $200 Million dollars, making it one of the largest investments in the region. Located in the State of Nayarit, approximately 17 kilometers (approx. 10 miles) north of Puerto Vallarta, the 1,500+ acre beachfront village is home to numerous high-end villas and a favorite low-profile destination for high-profile corporate tycoons and Hollywood celebrities, including the likes of Jodie Foster, Lady Gaga, Matt Damon, Beyoncé and Jennifer Aniston, to name a few.

    punta

    In December 2014, Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta opened its doors to their beautiful beachfront all-inclusive hotel at playa La Estacas, a 300-foot long beach known for its soft white sand and turquoise waters. As part of a $20 Million dollar investment, this marked the third such venture in Mexico for Hyatt Hotels & Resorts. The completion of Hyatt Ziva is one of over half a dozen new hotels in the bay, including the construction of Posada Group’s new convention center and oceanfront Fiesta Americana hotel. The addition of both hotels and convention center is expected to attract thousands of new tourists each year, adding to the economic growth along the less developed shores of Banderas Bay.

    hyatt-ziva-puerto-vallarta

    But large investment firms and high rollers aren’t the only ones discovering investment opportunities along the bay’s 100 kilometers long coastline. With value properties ranging from the $200’s USD for a two-bedroom ocean view condo, to $800,000+ USD for a 3,000+ sq ft beachfront luxury residence with a slew of amenities, buyers from all walks of life are realizing owning a vacation investment property is realistic and within their means. While beachfront home ownership is often perceived to be attainable only by the rich, Puerto Vallarta’s varying real estate has changed all that. Not only are prices in this resort town within reach for many, but a significantly lower property tax rate (around 1.2%) and a stronger USD/CAN exchange rate versus the Mexican pesos, (currently over 16) adds additional incentive and value for would be buyers, lowering the carrying cost associated with home ownership.

    In addition, Mexico’s robust tourism has allowed some homeowners a passive source of income from sun seeking travelers. By renting out to vacationers, owners of investment properties abroad are able to subsidize some of their expenses while enjoying the benefits of owning a piece of paradise.

    So when does a vacation turn into a long term business investment? When one is caught up in the splendor and enchantment of a vacation in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico!

    The author, Taniel Chemsian is a regular contributor to HGTV’s “House Hunters International.” His next episode from Puerto Vallarta will be airing in the U.S. on Thursday, October 8th at 10:30pm ET/PT. Taniel can be reached via email at Taniel@timothyrealestategroup.com or www.TanielChemsian.com.

    TanielChemisan-Lucy-PhilLobel-KimKuzma

    This blog was originally posted on the Huffington Post on October 2, 2015.

  • Sweets in Puerto Vallarta

    Mexico is famous for chocolate, cinnamon (canela) and vanilla; most delicacies consist of one or all three and are often an element of liqueurs and tequilas. Normally we eschew desserts, either due to feeble dietary excuses or the lack of accommodation following a large meal. Puerto Vallarta, however, with such an abundance of fine dining, has changed our point of view in this respect, as well as our beltline.

    Pan Tres Leches is popular at birthday parties, as well as a common dessert menu item. It’s similar to British rum cake or Italian tiramisu in that it’s soaked with its ingredients. Made with three types of milk; evaporated, condensed and thick cream, hence the name, it’s dense, heavy and we like it because it’s not overly sweet and usually served is small portions. Served with a topping of whipped cream and fresh fruit, it’s a perfect way to end a meal.

    Flan, a dessert most of us would consider very traditional Mexican, is a basic food from both Eastern and Western Europe. Egg custard, dribbled with a bit of caramel sauce, which reveals itself when turned out of the pan, has a subtle sweetness. It’s not overpowering and often, as an extra bonus, may be flavored with coconut or coffee.

    Arroz con leche (Rice pudding), popular during the Christmas holidays, is generally bursting with cinnamon flavor but other things are added with a little imagination to tweak the taste buds. Raisins, usually, but also lemon or orange rind or even the leaves of the lemon tree, which of course we would put aside, after licking clean.

    Churros are a kid favorite and can be found with street vendors and as a menu item at Costco! Not light on calories, they are a simple pencil shaped pastry rolled in sugar and cinnamon after being deep fried. Best served hot, we love them while strolling the Malecón in Puerto Vallarta.

    Is there something oxymoronic about fried ice cream? Though not originally Mexican, it’s caught on with the denizens of Puerto Vallarta, as well as tourists, who consider it part of the local culture. The crispy outside, delivered warm and solid is a real taste treat, once bitten in to the soft, scrumptious, freezing center.

    Fruta Cristalizada won’t likely be on the postre menu but it is too yummy to not mention. Made with real fruit, often in their original shape, Mexican candied fruits last for weeks, believe it or not. In Puerto Vallarta, they are a special explosion of sweetness of which we have found dangerously addicting.

    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: Shoes?

    Wearing Shoes in Puerto Vallarta

    We discovered when we first moved to Puerto Vallarta that Most Mexicans don’t wear their outside shoes in their homes. They usually have cheap slip-ons, slippers or flip flops for indoors. Kids might run around barefoot inside but it’s uncommon to see a woman of child bearing age or older without shoes. Men also make sure to have no contact with the ground, whether inside or out.

    There is a good reason for this. Streets are dirty. When we see gringos walking barefoot down the sidewalks or malecón, we cringe. We know what kind of evil lurks there. Aside from sharp rocks and glass, there are some nasty bacteria that can wreak havoc on feet. If you’re diabetic and have little to no sensation in the soles of your feet, you risk serious infection and in many cases, amputations.

    There’s a fungus similar to athlete’s foot which is responsible for toenail fungus, an ailment we see a lot of here in Puerto Vallarta. This usually turns into a very long process, with toenails needing to grow back out after treatment and can take months, even years. Hookworm is probably the worst of what one can be afflicted with from running around without shoes in Puerto Vallarta. Hookworm attaches to the lining of the intestinal wall of affected dogs; it’s a common ailment in street dogs in Puerto Vallarta. Since it’s rare in the USA and Canada, tourists may go back home and not realize they have hookworm until they begin to suffer the effects. Doctors in the north, who rarely see it, have a difficult time diagnosing it. Once the abdominal pain begins with intense intestinal cramps, nausea, fever and loss of appetite, a doctor may misdiagnose and therefore the patient can go without proper treatment. Plantar warts are a virus that is also caught from going barefoot. They tend to grow inward, are very painful and difficult to treat, due to their resiliency.

    According to Dr. Andrew Shapiro, a podiatrist in private practice in Valley Stream, New York, and spokesman for the American Podiatric Medical Association “a proper shoe with good support provides shock absorption for the rest of the body and reduces stress on bones and ligaments.”

    Whether you’re tottering around in Manolo Blahniks or keeping the pavement separate from your body with simple flip flops, they bring the same amount of filth into your house. You must think of the places you’ve been walking to relate to what you are trailing into your kitchen, bedroom, bathing area with your shod feet. It’s not hard to imagine without wanting to live in a Hazmat suit.

    Que es cómo es.

  • Vallarta Botanical Gardens Has a New Chapel

    For those of you who have not visited the beautiful Vallarta Botanical Gardens lately, you are in for a fun surprise.  One of the fun new additions in the non-denominational Our Lady of the Garden Chapel were concerts, weddings, ceremonies and special occasions can be celebrated and enjoyed.  It is a very special place with a special feeling no matter what you believe in.

    As you can imagine the Botanical Gardens is a non-profit organization and relies on donations to keep it “growing”.  As part of their fundraising efforts there are opportunities to have special areas, benches, tiles, steps, and sections dedicated to you, your family or business.

     

     

    The intersection in front of Our Lady of the Garden Chapel is one of the most highly visited locations. This crossroad of the Botanical Gardens is located on the walkway to the Dee Daneri Rhododendron House and The Native Plant House. This area has been designated for a special naming opportunity because it receives more direct sunlight than any other area at gardens. The Gardens is looking for a wonderful collaborator on this creative project, with the right benefactor, to landscape a dynamic Mediterranean inspired hillside sanctuary. A series of tiered staircases and wheelchair accessible ramps will gracefully wind through fragrant jasmine and annual wildflowers, while orange trees provide a natural dramatic flair.

    With conceptual drawings on the way if you think you might like to visit the Gardens or become a special benefactor in your name, please contact Hillary Abrams at hillary@vbgardens.org for further details.

    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.

     

  • December Festivities in Puerto Vallarta

    Traditional festivities are celebrated in the month of December throughout Mexico and Puerto Vallarta is no exception, starting the month with the colorful Guadalupano celebrations, followed by Christmas and ending with a bang at New Year’s Eve.

    Guadalupe Church

    Guadalupano pilgrimages (peregrinaciones) in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe are celebrated on Calle Juarez in downtown Puerto Vallarta leading to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. This nine day novena leading up to December 12 always holds a special place in the heart of Puerto Vallarta.

    For centuries, the Virgin of Guadalupe, the Patron Saint of Mexico, has been revered by the people in Mexico. She appeared to Juan Diego on December 12, 1531 and her cloak to this day remains framed in the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City.

    These nightly pilgrimages are colorful affairs with community groups and organizations marching in costumes and singing and dancing as they proceed to the church to pay homage to the Virgin. The Mariachi bands and other musical groups are out in full force.

    Along the route of the procession, traditional Mexican food is sold such as pozole (traditional soup made from corn hominy), tamales, enchiladas, tacos, all kinds of cakes and sweet breads.

    Each year, I like to go downtown one night and view the pilgrimages and eat some delicious tamales. Puerto Vallarta tamales are very different that what I ate in Texas, but I love the tamales of rajas de chile poblano (strips of poblano peppers).

    From December 16 until Christmas Eve, there are a series of gatherings and parties called Posadas (from the word for inn). Family and friends and neighbors gather at each others’ homes to celebrate the season. Tamales and other traditional Mexican food is served and the houses are decorated with Noche Buenas (poinsettias) which originate from Mexico. A piñata is broken by the children. A Nativity Scene is displayed in the home or oftentimes in the front garden, but the baby Jesus is not in his crib (until Christmas morning). A wonderful drink called Rompope is served, it is very similar to eggnog.

    New Year’s Eve in Puerto Vallarta is spectacular. The whole bay lights up at midnight with fireworks, it is truly a sight to behold. Any location with a view of the bay is a good place to be. Many people have parties in their homes and friends gather on the terrace or balcony to view the show. Or course the champagne is flowing. One word of advice, have arrangements to get home as there are NO TAXIS available that night after midnight. Or course, the taxi drivers are all enjoying the parties as well!!

    And of course, the weather in December is glorious with warm days and pleasant evenings. The only “White Christmas” we will ever see are whitecaps on the ocean. Spending Christmastime at the beach is devine.

    Feliz Navidad de Puerto Vallarta Mexico !!

    Russell Falkner

    Russell@timothyrealestategroup

     

  • Puerto Vallarta Living: Pests

    Mosquitoes
    Puerto Vallarta is not free of mosquitoes. What are they good for? Absolutely nothing, we’ve been told. Eliminating them, however, is not simply a major challenge, it is a task associated with harm to the environment and we have enough of that already. There is ongoing research into how to find a balance in nature with an acceptable solution.
    What you can do to protect yourself in Puerto Vallarta is keep your home and gardens mosquito-free by having no standing water available for them to breed. Some people use electronic repellers and swear by them; we’ve tried them and not sure if they work or not. We use coils, which when lit put out an odor similar to incense; find a spot close to ankle territory to place them. You can find them in supermarkets, hardware stores, pharmacies, just about anywhere. Screens on windows are imperative. Ceiling and standard fans are essential. Creams and sprays are advisable and can be purchased from your local pharmacy.
    Mosquitoes are more than pesky animals that keep you awake at night, humming around your ears, causing anxiety and nasty itching welts; they have the potential to make people deathly ill and cause birth defects in the unborn.
    Scientific breakthroughs are taking place in Mexico City. Mexican scientists have developed a bio-insecticide that works to stop mosquitoes from reaching adulthood and thereby breeding.Due to the potential for addiction with prolonged use, it’s important to monitor for signs of substance abuse. Ativan from https://www.nobledentaloffice.com/ativan.html, containing the active substance lorazepam, belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs. It exhibits tranquilizing effects even at low doses.The serum stops the actual genes from developing; this type of study is formally known as gene silencing, and uses RNA interference to create a biological insecticide, which will not harm the environment. This has been the challenge. With previous solutions, while we kill the mosquitoes by stopping their breeding, we also wipe out useful insects, along with the pests. Same goes for the flora, which is also heavily impacted. We need both the plants and little animals to sustain the environment.
    The pride of this being accomplished by scientists in Mexico goes without saying. Associates at the National Polytechnic Institute in Mexico City are intent on fine tuning the technique, developing a product that’s in a biological sequence targeted at a precise life form, with no risks to others. Wiping out the aedes aegypti, the mosquito specific to such syndromes as Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya will save lives and avoid serious illnesses and deformities. This development indicates a key step in a decline and possible elimination of the yellow fever mosquito on a world wide level.
    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

  • Puerto Vallarta Living: In Case of Emergency

    In Case of an Emergency
    We’re passing this along from Pamela Thompson, Healthcare Resources Puerto Vallarta, who believes such information can’t be shared too much. According to Pamela, there are too many people unaware of the following, some of which can be lifesaving. If you know anyone unaware of this list, please direct them to this blog.
    It’s important to keep vital information in a safe place in your home. Friends in the US have a magnet on their refrigerator door with a note telling succinctly where to find all their key information, in case of an emergency. Make sure you let someone know where you keep documents and copies. Post an emergency number on your fridge of someone you trust who can be called to assist, if need be.
    Make copies of everything and keep the copies in a separate place. Let your confidante know where all these items are kept.
    You should have a folder or big manila envelope with copies of your passport, emergency contact information in your home country with complete names, phone numbers, relation to you, email addresses and physical address.
    If you’re a home owner, have a copy of your escritura (property title).
    Pet information: names, veterinarian, name, phone number and email, of someone who will take care of them.
    You should have a will; no need to tell you that, right?
    Copies of your insurance card and any pertinent information regarding insurance, Medicare, your personal doctors, their names and phone numbers, affiliated hospitals.
    A list of your medications and dosages. If you are hospitalized, this is vital.
    Banking information and name, phone number and email of your beneficiary. If you’re in hospital, someone needs to have access to your funds.
    Register online with your consulate: If you were to die in Puerto Vallarta and have no family members, you must have a notarized affidavit appointing a person of confidence to handle the disposition of your remains. You can get this form from Pamela if you so needed. Canadians: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration
    US Citizens: https://step.state.gov/step

    At least one friend needs to have access to your home in Puerto Vallarta. If you can’t come to the door, make sure you have someone you trust who can.
    Believe it or not, if you live in a gated community, Las Moras for example, an ambulance can’t get in without the security guards being alerted by you or an authorized person.
    Know enough Spanish to be able to give your address with a cross street for Emergency Services when they arrive (these people usually don’t speak English but they are compassionate and want to help you.) If you live in a condo, it’s important to let them know where’s your unit in relation to the building (ie: NW corner, up one flight, next to the angel statue; give any and all helpful details. Have your apartment number clearly marked.) Guards don’t know names and locations of tenants.
    Your life could depend on this information being readily available.
    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

  • Vallarta Has The Best Side Trips: Melaque

    Melaque: Within short driving distances of Puerto Vallarta you will never run out of exciting and interesting places to visit. We love Melaque, just a stone’s throw north of Barra de Navidad, for so many great reasons. We have always loved this trip and discover something every time we travel this southern route. We recommend at least an overnight but once you arrive, we guarantee you’ll want to relax in this romantic setting for longer.

    We plan to stop around lunchtime in Careyes on our way. Though it’s considered a luxury community and some sadly mistake it for being off limits to the public, it’s a very welcoming settlement with fabulous restaurants and a smattering of lovely shops. Our personal favorite eatery is La Coscolina. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu is varied with choices for all appetites and their ice dream alone is worth a mini-layover.

    The village of your destination is actually San Patricio – Melaque, and Villa Obregon is also adjacent but we have found that everyone refers to this entire area as Melaque. It’s become a fairly modern town from the time we originally happened upon it years ago. Accommodations are easy to find these days and we recommend reserving at least one night before venturing forth; it’s best to inquire about availability of vacancies in the middle of high season, December to March.

    We have a short list of suggestions with enough gusto to share our opinion that the best Mexican restaurant in town is Ayala. There’s also an excellent French café in town that rivals anything you might find in Puerto Vallarta; give Bistro Gigi a try for a delightful surprise. Aside from Ayala, we’d send you to Estela’s for Chili rellenos; and if you love your chilaquiles for breakfast, check out The Frog, and stop into La Taza Negra first thing in the mornings for a cup of delicious java. La Oficina has great hamburgers for those seeking a break from local cuisine and they also serve a mean margarita. Head to Albatros Bar for Happy Hour and fab sunsets.

    Though Puerto Vallarta has some of the best swimming beaches we’ve seen on the west coast, we love getting in the water at Melaque. There’s super surfing and skimboarding at the main beach but the west end is best for those who simply want to get wet and have a good paddling around.

    Events take place in the main square, which has been carefully preserved over time; Mexicans have vacationed here for decades. If the locals love it, it must be good!

    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

  • Giving Back in Puerto Vallarta

    The Gift of Life

    Blood is always needed, since surgeries and accidents are daily life occurrences. In Puerto Vallarta you won’t likely be paid monetarily for giving blood but you will benefit in the case you are ever in the position of needing a transfusion yourself. If, in the following five years after you have donated blood, you will receive unit per unit up to five pints for the donations you make. Though we don’t like to think about these things, this could be very valuable if you are ever in an accident or requiring surgery where transfusions are necessary.

    Another benefit, most valuable, will be a comprehensive examination of your blood, which includes tests for HIV, Hepatitis C, brucella, syphilis, chagas (parasites), hematocrit, Rh factor, blood type and cross-match compatibility. You can march back into the donation center after two weeks to pick up your official donor card and results. We can’t think of a much better return on a priceless contribution.

    To donate, you must be over 18 years of age. Unless you are in robust health you cannot be over 65 and the doctor has the final say. There are some simple requirements, such as fasting a minimum of 4 hours but not more than 8; no drinking alcohol for 48 hours prior to making your gift of blood; you must weigh a minimum 50 kilos (110 pounds) and have the doctor’s overall approval that you are in good health.

    There are also restrictions for those willing to help the less fortunate, and we are happy to report they’ve been relaxed in the past few years since our arrival in Puerto Vallarta. If you are donating blood, you cannot have received any vaccinations nor taken antibiotics or other specified medications in the past month. Those with tattoos over a year old can donate but the rules prohibit anyone who has had needle art within that period of time. This also includes piercings; the time limit is also one year. Pregnancy and breastfeeding also exclude the giver, and menstruating if one is not in excellent health. Anyone having had a recent transfusion and recent surgeries fall into this category, as well. It does get a bit personal when discussing sexual partners and disallows anyone with multiple partners in the past five years. Of course, anyone who has tested positive for HIV, Hepatitis, Syphilis, Dengue or Zika. If you’re currently suffering from even a mild illness, such as a cold or the flu, you are automatically eliminated; please, come back later when you are well.

    The Hospital San Javier on the second floor is the location of the Blood Donation Center in Puerto Vallarta. They are open Monday – Friday from 8 am – 2 pm, 4 pm – 6 pm; and Saturdays from 8 am – 2 pm.

    Don’t forget to bring photo ID, your passport being the best option.

    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.

  • Restaurant Week: Bigger and better than ever.

    Organizers announced participating restaurants for the 14th edition of this gastronomic festival to take place in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit from May 15 – June 10.

    The event is organized by Vallarta Lifestyles Media Group and will be held May 15 – June 10, featuring 59 participating restaurants located in both Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit (a new record for the event first held in 2005).

    Juan Pablo Hernández (the event’s general coordinator), mentions: “Breaking the record for participating restaurants makes us so happy and is an indicator of the success the event will have this year”. The former record was established in 2012 with 45 participating restaurants.

    It is important to highlight that from this year on, Restaurant Week will last 10 more days. The festival will begin on May 15 as usual, but it will end on June 10. This extension aims to provide tourists and locals with the opportunity to sample the great and varied culinary offerings of our destination.

    Thierry Blouet (owner of the restaurant Café des Artistes) comments: “I really want to congratulate Restaurant Week, which is a successful event that has done an amazing collaborating promotion with all the restaurants; appealing an important number of diners and making our destination strong. The event’s main objective is providing people with the opportunity to enjoy a dish at a fine restaurant, at a fixed price, which in some cases represents a discount of up to 40 percent. That’s a very good deal!”

    “Restaurant Week is endorsed by the quality of the restaurants and its own history. It is a proof of the high level of the gourmet scene in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit.” Jesús Carmona Jiménez appointed.

    How does Restaurant Week work?
    During the festival, participating restaurants offer special, three-course menus (appetizers, main course and dessert), with three different options, at fixed prices (tips and beverages not included). This year, there will be three menu price categories to choose: $269, $399 y $466 MXN. The menu and price category of each restaurant are available at www.restaurantweekpv.com.

    This year’s 59 participating restaurants are Agrodolce, Ambrosia Grill, Archie’s Wok, Azafrán, Barcelona Tapas, Barrio Bistro by Memo Wulff, Boccon Di Vino, Café des Artistes, Coco Tropical, Daiquiri Dick’s, Da Simone, De Cántaro, Di Vino Dante, Eishan Oriental Cuisine, El Arrayán, Florios, Fusión Gourmet, Gaby’s Restaurant Bar, Gaviotas, Hacienda San Ángel, India Gate, Kaiser Maximilian, Katana Sushi & Bar, La Cappella, La Cigale French Bistro, La Leche, La Pancha, La Trattoria, Layla’s Restaurante, Mamá Sirena, Mark’s Bar & Grill, Matiz, Mérida Grill, Mikado, Nicksan, No Way José!, Oso’s Fish Market Restaurant, Pezlimon, Pizzeria La Dolce, Porto Bello, Restaurante Icú, River Café, Roberto’s Mexican Seafood, Sapori Di Sicilia, Seasons P.V., Serrano’s Meat House, Sí Señor Beach, SushiPop, Taste Restaurant @ Casa Cupula, Teresa Bar & Bistro, The Blue Shrimp, The Iguana, The Swedes, Tintoque, Trio Mediterranean Cuisine, Tuna Blanca, Vallarta Factory, Vitea Oceanfront Bistro and Warique Restaurante.

    See here the location for all participating Restaurants: