Timothy Real Estate

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  • READY TO RETIRE TO PUERTO VALLARTA?

    AND START YOUR NEW LIFE?

    Thousands of US and Canadian citizens have come to understand, when you want to extend your life by appreciating nature’s beauty and availing yourself of this alluring culture, Puerto Vallarta has to be on your list of places to explore. It’s hard to overstate the impact this amazing place has on one’s sense of well-being, but let me offer you a few examples of why so many of us now call this home.

    WEATHER

    Especially for those of us who have lived and worked in colder climates, Puerto Vallarta’s winters are one beautiful day after the next.

    The summers are very warm and humid, but your skin has never looked so good.

    Two other quick points about the summers: 1) most of the restaurants these days have installed air conditioning and there’s often no need for a reservation; and 2) the thunder and lightning storms are spectacular.

    AFFORDABLE FIRST-RATE HEALTHCARE

    Puerto Vallarta is blessed to have several very good medical professionals working here. Plus, as most expats have come to experience, the cost of the vast majority of procedures are well below that same procedure in a private hospital setting from our neighbors to the north. Some US and Canadian insurance policies can be used here, but that will require you to do some research ahead of time.

    The other big advantage here is that qualified in-home care workers are available in Puerto Vallarta at rates unattainable up north. When combined with the cultural and societal givens of the Mexican people toward the elderly and infirmed, we have an impressive capacity to meet short and long-term healthcare needs.

    Many expats also come down to Mexico for their dental and vision care needs; once again, quality work at reasonable prices.

    Finally, one will find that many medications requiring a prescription up north are available over-the-counter, and often times at substantially more affordable costs.

    MORE FOR YOUR MONEY

    This may be hard to imagine, but for the same investment in more prestigious locations, the quality and depth of our lifestyle here in PV is unattainable elsewhere. For impressively modest sums, those of us who have made the investment in this high-quality-high-vibration community have never second-guessed our decisions.

    LIVE IT UP

    It does not matter whether you are seeking a vibrant night life, or one of the most ecologically endowed places on this planet, or a technologically connected oasis away from the craziness of big cities, or a place to come and simply decompress, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico has it all.

    Let us introduce you to what we personally know is a culture and a lifestyle designed for the super-wealthy with real savings for almost everyone.

     

  • What To Know About Your Local ATM

    ATM’s and How to Use Them

    This question arises again and again about how to get cash in Puerto Vallarta, and we do periodic updates to keep people in the know. The best way to get cash is through an ATM. The peso will fluctuate throughout the day with global markets and you get the best daily rate from an ATM.

    Questionable ATM’s are everywhere, including in Puerto Vallarta, so it’s wise to know what to look for before you stick your card in the slot. Bogus machines are referred to as skimmers; they are incredibly illegal and will be present at a machine for a short period of time, like half an hour or so. They’re usually installed and removed by people who look somewhat official (uniforms of a sort) and always more than one, so they can shield what they’re doing. These machines will not be found in outlying ATM’s in places like the OXXO store in a non-central colonia (neighborhood). They are placed in high volume areas in the busiest places in Puerto Vallarta where they can get the most bang for their buck, so to speak.

    A skimmer is a card reader that attaches to bona fide terminals to harvest data from every card that enters the portal. Criminals can then steal your money right out of your bank account or use your information to make purchases. Unfortunately, these skimmers don’t prevent you from getting money out of your account from an ATM, which would therefore alert you to some kind of problem.

    Luckily, they are easy to spot if you know what to look for. Crooks use 3-D printers to model parts that fit over the actual ATM entry. They’re seldom the same color or texture of metal and plastic surrounding them. They also might protrude the true threshold. Chances are your card will be slightly difficult to push into the slot, which is a big warning sign. There could be an inconspicuous camera aimed at the keypad, as well, which will pick up your PIN. To avoid your PIN being discovered, always turn your back to any camera. If you see anything that looks untoward, move onto another ATM.

    The best way to avoid ATM issues in Puerto Vallarta is to have an EMV card. The acronym stands for Europay, MasterCard and Visa but most banks and corporations are switching to them. The other name of these cards is chip-enabled or chip. Unlike the magnetic strip, which all your information is coded on, a chip card uses a different method, in which a distinctive transaction ID is created with each use. This information is useless to hackers.

    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.

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  • 365 Fun Things To Do In Puerto Vallarta #1

    Go to the Theater ! 

    “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” – The Musical at the New Boutique Theater

    The hottest show in town is getting rave reviews!  It’s a 1978 Broadway Musical based upon a true story of a sensationalist TV news reporter’s mission to shut down The Chicken Ranch, a 150-year-old bordello in Texas.

    David Restivo directs the show, with musical director Bob Bruneau and choreographer Jacobo Martinez.  The show features 26 Puerto Vallarta locals that sing, dance and act.  The local talent pool is fantastic in Vallarta and the show is reminiscent of it.

    Everyone that’s seen it is raving about the show. The music, comedic timing, costumes and scenery are a throwback to the movie by the same name from 1982, featuring Dolly Parton, Burt Reynolds and Dom DeLuise.  The show is fun, light and refreshing.

    Opening night was a fabulous hit! It was a sold out event and has continued to be as such virtually every night since.  There’s always something new ,fun and exciting each night as the cast is notorious for their impromptu hilarious dialogue. You should check it out before the final curtain comes down on March 10th.

    The show is playing at the brand new  ‘The Boutique Theater’ – located on Calle Naranjo 330, (corner of Basilio Badillo) Zona Romantica

    www.boutiquetheatre.ca

    Tickets $250 pesos

    February 29 – March 3

    March 7 – March 10

    Shows start promptly at 8pm, it is advised to get there early, and you don’t want to miss a minute of fun!

    Donna Davies

    Donna Lynn Davies is a professional realtor at the Timothy Real Estate Group.  She’s known for her friendliness, honesty and commitment in listening to and protecting her clients’ interests. She has successfully represented both buyers and sellers.  She can be reached at  donna@timothyrealestategroup.com.

     

    365 Fun things to do in Puerto Vallarta #1
    365 Fun things to do in Puerto Vallarta #1

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

  • What Would You Do If….? In Puerto Vallarta

    Jellyfish and Other Seashore Sightings

    Barnacles (balaño in Spanish) are always something to be aware of when wading in saltwater, though they are not as plentiful on the beaches of Puerto Vallarta as one finds in coastal areas to the north. They are present, however, along with jagged rocks and other jabby things; it is wise to wear water shoes while beachcombing. An old pair of tennis shoes will suffice but there are also solutions for footwear, ranging from snug booties to slipper-like water-shoes, in a varying price range. What we don’t recommend is flip-flops, which are slippery and unstable when wet.

    There are a few hazards associated with beachcombing in Puerto Vallarta and surrounding region. Stingrays leave nasty, nasty stings. We’ve seen this injury at different stages, from immediate wound… to days later when the swelling has gone down. Our recommendation it a direct trip to the Emergency Room, especially if this is incurred by a child, a senior, or anyone with health issues. It’s up there with a scorpion sting in our personal manifesto. However, for those willing and able to tough it out, first stay in the water and use the ocean to bathe the wound. Make sure there are no fragments of the stinger left behind and continue to use saltwater to irrigate and cleanse. After getting out of the water, stepping back into a hot water foot bath will help to draw out venom. There are poultices that can be applied from local herbs, as well, but this requires the help of someone adept with the procedure… it’s always wise to ask around; local home remedies are sometimes the best.

    Another menace are jellyfish and though there are different types of this species, most do have a sting and should be avoided. Some ocean waters are homes to extremely dangerous jellyfish, but Puerto Vallarta is fortunately not one of those. In the spring and summer months there is a higher likelihood of running into them, literally. Their tendrils can get disconnected in rough water and are still venomous though not attached. Cures run the gamut from vinegar or lime juice to garlic, all available ingredients at most palapas dotting shorelines, but one does end up smelling like an Italian restaurant. Vinegar is probably your best solution but you will need lots and a continual washing, therefore a tub to catch the vinegar so it can reapplied. We’ve witnessed using one’s own urine and even though it sounds horrible, some claim it is the best solution. And we repeat… that’s one’s own urine.

    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.

  • Dogs and Thunder In Puerto Vallarta

    Dogs and Thunder

    It’s called Strom Phobia and our pup suffers from this horrible affliction here in Puerto Vallarta during rainy season. We always know when a storm is brewing because the pup starts the panting/pacing ritual that precedes thunder and lightning. Pup seems to want to be on top of us, or maybe inside of us (!) and has been known to get stuck in tight places trying to hide from the noise, once behind the toilet, which nearly required dismantling to get him out. We’re very fortunate to have always been with him when these occasions strike and have never dealt with destructive behavior but we know others not so lucky. It’s not unusual for pets to go absolutely berserk and tear up furniture and break through doors and windows, especially if left alone. Many dogs become physically ill. It’s not nice to witness but it’s even harder for the one who suffers. Unlike us, they are well aware of an approaching squall, caused by barometric pressure changes, low frequency rumbling and static electricity. It’s been theorized that some dogs even experience terrible pain from shocks caused by static buildup preceding a tempest.

    Herding breeds, such as collies, corgis and shepherds seem to be more of a nature to be affected than other classes of canines. Similar responses are associated with gunshots and fireworks. Retrievers seem to be the least likely to be bothered but they’re not singled out and have been known to have distress, as well.

    What can you do if your dog is terrified in stormy weather? It’s extremely important to not scold. Just like humans, scolding doesn’t change behavior; in this case it will probably make your darling even more anxious. The best advice is to practice calm behavior during normal weather. The most successful strategy is to get the dog to forget about the storm, using toys, fetching, petting and treats, but storms can last awhile so having a longer term plan is more effective. Use an indoor leash and train Fido in a routine with commands and with the use of a safe space. This space might be a crate or an interior room, such as a bathroom. If s/he already goes to a certain spot in the house, set that area up as the safe space but don’t confine him/her there; this can lead to panic and destruction.

    If you miss a dose of Ativan from https://www.nobledentaloffice.com/ativan.html and there is ample time before the next scheduled dose, take it as soon as possible. However, avoid doubling the dose at the next intake.

    Play soothing music, but don’t turn up the volume to drown out thunder.

    Compression garments such as the Thundershirt® or Anxiety Wrap® might be a good idea and we know of some pet owners who’ve had great success with them, the same as swaddling a baby. Storm Defender® is a metal fabric-lined cape that has also proven to work for some dogs, protecting them from static shock.

    We always talk to our vet here in Puerto Vallarta to get up to date advice and make sure we are doing the right thing by the pup. The veterinarian tells us to make sure we reward calm behavior in times when there are no storms.

    Que es cómo es.

  • Real Estate or Residential Notes—What Makes a Good Deal?

    Finding good residential and real estate notes

    I really can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked the question: Is this a good note deal? So, first, let’s consider why people ask this question. I think it’s because they want to hear your response or opinion of what a good note deal actually is. Although I’m honored that those who ask me value my opinion, I don’t want to do them a disservice by giving them a simple “yes” or “no” answer. Besides, what’s a good note deal for me isn’t necessarily a good note deal for someone else. When a real estate investor, who’s getting started in notes, asks me about a note deal, I try to explain my take on it by relating it to a real estate deal.

    So, What Makes a Good Real Estate Deal?

    At first, sometimes it is hard to tell, or to know, if you have a good deal until you get some experience. Let’s look at real estate, for example, there are several areas of a deal where you can make money:

    • The buy – When I first started in Real Estate, I paid close to retail like most people, who are just starting out. Today, I would usually only buy properties from motivated, or distressed, sellers. Another way to find a good deal on the buy, is finding a discrepancy in fair market value or a property in lesser conditions.
    • Rehabbing the property – Although heavy rehabs tend to be more profitable, sometimes you can find properties that don’t need as much done and that can be turned around quickly. If you have experience rehabbing, you may also have more knowledge of what everything costs. Another skill set that can give you an advantage, besides creativity and the ability to rehab a property, involves managing contractors.
    • Management –Were your estimates accurate? Did you come in under budget? Did you finish the rehab in a timely manner? If you’re using private money, the longer the deal takes, the more it will cost you.
    • Shopping for financing – The time and effort it takes to find financing, as well as the type of financing you find, can affect the profitability of your deal. For example, private money is usually cheaper than hard money. Also, people with good credit get better terms.
    • Foresight – Your level of foresight can go a long way. For example, there was a property I paid retail for ($65,000), but I saw potential to build a commercial garage on an adjacent lot. Now, the property is worth over $200,000.
    • Marketing – If you’re skilled at marketing, you will get the property rented or sold quicker than someone, who’s not skilled at marketing.

    Any of these things can turn an okay deal into a really good deal.

    I remember when my cousin and I were investing in similar types of properties; he always had to get a great deal on the buy side because he can’t change a light bulb. I, on the other hand, I had a few advantages. For one, I was a …read more

  • How to Negotiate An Offer On a Home Right Now

    The real estate market—and daily life—has been completely upended in just a few weeks. Yet maybe in spite of it all, you’ve managed to find a home you love and are ready to make an offer. Congratulations! But as you hover on the brink of what is potentially the biggest investment of your life, amid a global crisis, you may be feeling a fair amount of uncertainty.

    Most house hunters hoping to find that hidden gem: a great house listed at a low price. While that occasionally happens, it is more common for buyers to try to create their own discount by making a lowball house offer.
    A lowball offer, or an offer price that’s significantly lower than the listing price, is often rejected by sellers who feel insulted by the buyers’ disregard for their property. Most listing agents try to get their sellers to at least enter negotiations with buyers, to counteroffer with a number a little closer to the list price. However, if a seller is offended by a buyer or isn’t taking the buyer seriously, there’s not much you, or the real estate agent can do.
    However, as a buyer, you can take steps to increase the likelihood that your low offer will be accepted, or at least increase the chances that negotiations can take place. Realtor.com

  • First Three Quarters of 2017 Puerto Vallarta Market Report

    The first 3 Quarters of the year have flown by and we have the results from the first 9 months of the Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit real estate market in 2017. It has been a stellar year so far filled with incredible weather, activities, theatre, concerts, parades and celebrations, and of course a very busy real estate market.

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

    The number of Condominium Sales in the bay are up by 68% and Sales Volume is up by 68%

    The average Condominium Sales Price is up by 0.33%.

    The number of House sales in Puerto Vallarta is up by 21% and Sales Volume is up by 31%.

    The average sales price has dropped slightly by 7% due to extra inventory still on the market but this is representing some great opportunities to purchase at a great value.

    Land Sales across the bay have jumped an amazing 204% over last year with an average sales price up by 5%.

    And we had a 20% increase in the number sold so there were some larger sales.

    Overall Grand Totals show a 1% increase in Active Listings in the bay while the number of Sold inventory in the bay has shot up by 53%.

    Overall Sales Volume is up by 61% over last year and the average sales price in the bay is up by 5%.

    In general we had a spectacular 9 months in 2017. We are back to some higher exchange rates exchange rates after the first 9 months for Mexican national buyers and Canadian buyers who have been looking at increases due to rate exchanges. Now 9 months in, we are back up to 19 pesos to the dollar as of this date. Some that had been holding back on making their investments until exchange rates are lower 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.

    We see 2018 as a very healthy and robust season looking forward with some beautiful new product available for almost everyone.

    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 7 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.

     

     

  • Shop Tonala: Great Summer Side Trip

    Escaping the heat of Puerto Vallarta in August is a good time to check out the tianguis (flea market) in Tonalá. Although everyone thinks Tonalá is in Guadalajara, it’s actually a municipality of Jalisco, bordered by Juanacatlán, Tlaquepaque, Zapotlanejo, El Salto and Guadalajara. The tianguis includes everything from pottery to antique furniture and is open only on Thursdays and Sundays. There is a minimum of 4000 craftsmen and vendors to choose from, especially during the Christmas holidays when tourism is high, but the summer is a good time to head for cooler climes. The name Tonalá comes from the 犀利士
    indigenous Nahuatl Tonallán, which means “this is where the sun rises” and it’s surely when the heart of the city comes to life. In the early morning hours tables are set up and spread with millions of handcrafted items.

    Incredible ironwork is available, either off the shelf or made to order. Simple or ornate, ironwork can be created and delivered to Puerto Vallarta for a very reasonable price. In darkened doorways, glassblowers form goblets, bowls, chandeliers and tiny dollhouse pieces. Paper flowers materialize from creative hands; all colors, shapes and sizes. Objects made from tin and brass, and the famous Mexican cartoneria (colorfully painted dolls, animals, clowns and toys) is everywhere. The selection of woodworking and furniture is overwhelming and must be given a complete day to itself for proper selection. As far back as pre-Hispanic times, Tonalá has been widely known as a popular ceramics center and even boasts its very own design, the Flor de Tonalá (Tonalá flower), which can be found on bowls, vases, platters and just about anything you can think of made of fired clay.

    We highly recommend a visit to Tonalá if you are visiting Puerto Vallarta. Tonalá is not just for shopping. Before heading back to Puerto Vallarta, one should see the exhibition hall and the museum at the Puebla-Museo. An astonishing collection of antique ceramics and contemporary designs is not to be missed, as well as the compellation of miniatures. Another essential stop is the Capilla de la Cruz (Chapel of the White Cross) where first mass was presented by Franciscan monks; and the Santiago Apostal Parish, built in 1830 and one of the oldest standing churches in the country. We usually stay in Tlaquepaque, where the night streets are quiet and there’s an abundance of places to stay. Guadalajara is where we reside when we plan to do a bit more partying and stay out late. It’s the Tonalá sunrise that we don’t want to miss.

    Que es cómo es.

  • Informe del Mercado de Bienes Raíces en Puerto Vallarta 2013/2014

    Al comenzar el nuevo año, pensé que sería interesante hacer un resumen del mercado del año pasado. Hubo una mejora notable en la Venta de Casas especialmente en el sur de la bahía. Cuando observen las ventas de condominios tienes que recordar que muchos de los proyectos del centro que se habían estado vendiendo extremadamente bien no figuran en el sistema de MLS por lo que esas cifras de ventas de condominios no serán tan precisas como lo serán para el 2014. Vemos cada vez más que los proyectos de condominios del centro ya están ahora calificados y registrando sus propiedades en MLS. Ya hemos pasado los primeros meses de la temporada alta, y todos estamos muy ocupados. Será divertido ver estas mismas estadísticas cada trimestre y compararlas con las del año anterior.

    Si tienen preguntas sobre el mercado en relación con su inversión o les gustaría tener un estudio de mercado elaborado para su propiedad, por favor contacte a uno de los profesionales de la compañía Timothy Real Estate Group.  

    Carl Timothy

    Presidente