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Posadas in Puerto Vallarta consist of businesses honoring their employees one day of the year with a festive party and traditional food, along with North American potluck dishes in many cases. There is gift giving, sometimes what we refer to as White Elephant and at some posadas, well-thought presents of gratitude and friendship. Aguinaldos (Christmas bonuses) may also be given at this time but many choose to present them in November, therefore giving families a chance to prepare for the holidays.

To witness a real posada, which translates as inn, one might need to venture out to small colonias in the surrounding area of Puerto Vallarta. There, one will find families and children marching in processions through the streets, carrying lit candles, figures from the nativity, and singing songs. Often, children will represent Joseph and his heavily pregnant wife, and a little girl, dressed in the recognizable sky blue, might be riding on a donkey. It isn’t unusual to see these groups knocking on doors only to be turned away, representing the night Mary and Joseph wandered through Bethlehem, looking for a spare room and ended up in a tiny barn with the cattle. So the story goes; and it is reenacted all over Mexico from December 16th until the 24th, when the final posada finds the Holy Family a place for Mary to give birth to the Christ child. In the meantime, each night will end with a fiesta in one of the neighborhood homes, complete with games, traditional food and sometimes fireworks. Guests will leave with a traditional aguinaldo, usually a small bag with sweets, cookies, and fruit.

A piñata is often present and customarily in the shape of a seven pointed star, which represents the Seven Deadly Sins. Once it is bashed to smithereens and candy and toys fall to the ground, the children scramble to collect as many as they can. The symbolism in this playful game is typically Mexican, rife with religious connotations, both Catholic and Aztec.

Mexicans love any excuse to prepare loads of delicious foods and sharing it results in great pleasure for cooks and consumers. Tamales are made in advance, usually with a gathering of women who have the chance to gossip, chat and giggle. Buñuelos, a deep fried dough ball, are also served, sometimes with fruit toppings, powdered sugar or chocolate sauces. Fruits are abundant for the holiday meals, including oranges, prunes and plums, guava and tejocote, a hawthorn that is also used in Christmas ponche. The ponche is served to the children and

adults usually drink it with rum or tequila added. Atole is also served, a corn based drink, flavored with cinnamon, vanilla, chocolate or a variety of fruits.

The final posada is of course, Noche Buena, Christmas Eve, and the evening is highly anticipated by children, who after attending a midnight mass, are allowed to open presents. Christmas Day in Mexico is a day of rest and recovery, consuming the leftovers from the night before.

Que es cómo es.

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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.

 

Best Burger in Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta has so many great restaurants. Some specialize in steak, others in shrimp, and there are many countries whose palates are represented, from Middle Eastern and Chinese to Eastern European and South American. Since people love polls as much as they love hamburgers, regardless of their food culture, we have a list of some of the best places In Puerto Vallarta to fill your burger cravings.

Many restaurants were mentioned and we even heard about street burgers (just like street tacos) at the Pemex station on the corner of Francisco Madera and another at a stand over in the Agua Azul neighborhood. Not all serve fries with their hamburgers; some sell chips and some simply flip patties and that’s all you get. We talked to some aficionados who favored pork in their burgers but dietary restrictions for health or religious reasons may prompt the diner to ask up front before ordering. Meatless burgers are also available at some of the local vegetarian locales but we are devoted these pages to beef.

Voters came up with a host of venues where good burgers can be found. Derby Burgers came in with the most hash marks, putting it in the number one position over competitors by a long shot. Raves were also made about their milkshakes. They’re right in the middle of Old Town and closed on Sundays. Their excellent salads are also worth mentioning.

Jean’s All American Hamburgers out at Marina Vallarta comes in at a close second with great reviews on a specialty that no one else in town seems to have a corner on; brisket. More than one reason to check out Jean’s, who we’ve heard hails from Seattle; they also have fabulous homemade chili.

Pancho Villa in the Fluvial gets third place according to our pollsters, with a lot of shout outs for their Tex-Mex burger. Pancho Villa also serves fries and has a menu with a wide variety of selections for those looking for something other than a simple burger.

Outback has long been a good watering hole and burger joint, with their oversized knives and bloomin’ onion rings. More than honorable mention also goes to Joe Jack’s where you can get a good hamburger if you’re not feeling the amazing fish and chips. Los Muertos Brewing Company is well known for pizza but got praise for their burgers and fries, too. Also on the list of local burger joints are Blake’s, Players, Que Pasa, Paradise and that old standby Andale on Olas Altas.

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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Isla Marietas Paraíso de Nayarit

Beginning in the mid ‘80’s in Puerto Vallarta, we began fishing trips on pangas, which are open boats and dot the shoreline up and down the shores of Puerto Vallarta. Floating around offshore, lines trailing in the water, cooler full of ice water and cold beer, it was a beyond doubt paraíso… heaven. To the north of Puerto Vallarta and about an hour’s ride on the panga going at a good clip, we would come to the Isla Marietas. Fishing there was great but we were very conscious of the perimeter and kept an adequate distance. We asked our skipper why we didn’t get closer and was there any way to disembark on this island. He vehemently shook his head and explained Las Marietas were a designated a UNESCO Reserve. There was no denying his pride in this appointment as he went on to expound on the variety of flora and fauna; the abundance of rare sea birds and how this was their romantic nest for breeding and raising their young. It would not just be illegal but extremely disrespectful to breach the beach.

Imagine my surprise when, some years later at a local seafood café, I listened spellbound to a table of tourists describe an adventure to a hidden cove of extraordinary splendor and beauty, abundant with colorful fish, blue-footed boobies and giant tortoises. Leaning into their conversation, I politely inquired the location of this secret destination. Sadly, I was unable to hide my dismay.

Advertising for the Marietas goes something like this: [This group of islands is one of the most bio-diverse sanctuaries in Mexico, which makes them a natural beauty you have to see.] [ Enjoy the tranquility offered by this beach…] [ surprised by the diversity of species] [ you won’t believe what you are about to see.]

In other words, you are about to embark upon a journey of invasion, trespassing on Mother Nature and the destruction of a once thriving coral reef, for the sake of some photos that will linger for awhile as screensavers.

At one time, we considered seeing the preserve with our own eyes but after considerable research into the trip, realizing vigorous swimming was involved, with waves being perfectly timed and lifejackets mandatory for even the strongest swimmers, we decided to snorkel at Los Arcos for the day instead. Los Arcos, minutes from the beach at Mismaloya, south of Puerto Vallarta, is accessible, convenient and much less hazardous both to the fish and casual onlookers.

As of late, it seems the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP) has come to their senses and the beach at Las Marietas will be closed, indefinitely, as of May 9, 2016. A study by the marine biology department at the University of Guadalajara has revealed extensive damage to this incredible ecosystem and an amazing amount of garbage, certainly not attributed to the natural inhabitants.

With so many wonderful sites to see and experience in Puerto Vallarta, we are in complete agreement with this governing conclusion and shocked at those who insist on making one final trip.

Que es cómo es.

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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.

To say that Mexico is a country rich with tradition is clichéd nearly as much as some of the traditions themselves. Years ago, upon visiting a Mexican home during the Christmas holidays, we were shown a room that had been completely devoted to the nacimiento, known to us as the nativity. Mind you, this was not a large home and the use of one single room was proof of the sacrifice being made. The Christmas tree stood in a corner and spread over the floor, which was strewn with hay, were clay sheep, cows, a donkey, shepherds, surrounding a stooped Joseph and a sleepy Mary, peering into an empty, roughhewn cradle. Missing was the baby Jesus, which would be placed there on Christmas Eve. To navigate in this room, one had to be very careful and step gingerly. Rare is the home in Mexico that does not display a treasured nacimiento and in some cases, several dioramas might be exhibited around the home. Traditionally, the Wise Men won’t even be added until the end of the celebrations, which occur on January 6, Three Kings Day; Epiphany.

In Puerto Vallarta, Christmas begins on December 1 and is observed until January 6. The Days of Our Lady of Guadalupe are honored for the first twelve days with daily parades that lead to the cathedral. The 12th is a day of special foods, fireworks, massive people in the streets and fiestas. The peregrinations that lead to the church go all through the night from the evening before and there is no end to the festivities. From the 16th until the 24th, the Posadas take place. In Puerto Vallarta, this will include businesses giving parties for their staff and in many cases inviting whole families. Traditionally this is a time for neighbors to get together; honoring the Holy Family is their search for an inn where the Christ child will be born. Piñatas are common at these parties and normally the shape of a seven-pointed star, representing the 7 Deadly Sins, to be bashed and mutilated, only to produce sweets and treats for the children. Christmas Eve, Noche Buena, the final posada, is a huge event, with dinner, mass at the church, more fireworks and gift giving.

On December 28, Mexicans observes their version of April Fool’s Day. It’s a day of silliness and pranks, symbolizing King Herod’s order to kill all the babies in his vengeance of the allegedly Savior child. Day of the Innocent Saints.

After New Year’s Eve, the parties continue until the Three Kings arrive, late and laden with more gifts, often a lot of candy and perhaps another piñata. Rosca de Reyes, a cake with a hidden plastic baby, is eaten on this day and whoever crunches into those little arms and legs will be

responsible for another party on February 2, Candelaria, for hosting the final party of the season. Then it’s time to get ready for Easter.

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.

Yucalandia just published an article regarding the changes in Mexican tax laws affecting foreigners for 2014, which we thought might be useful:

Here’s a summary of the changes in Mexican tax laws affecting foreigners for 2014. This report comes from Lic. Spencer McMullen, a fine attorney in Jalisco, who specializes in legal issues affecting expats. You can contact Lic. McMullen at Chapala Law.

On 11/29/2013 Lic. McMullen reported:
”Very extensive reforms have been made to Mexico’s tax laws and have been finalized in November, 2013. These become effective on January 1, 2014, which does not give people or businesses a lot of time to prepare. This short lead time may cause problems for some people. First, all the appointment times at our local SAT offices in Jalisco (SAT = Mexico’s tax department) are filled for quite a while, and second, some of the changes affect banks and businesses quite a bit. I think it’s going to be a messy transition as many will be unable to comply in time with only 2 weeks left until the government goes on vacation and returns January 2nd when the new laws take effect and even then there may be delays of weeks for people to be able to get appointments at the tax office to set themselves up or make changes.

There are new IVA sales taxes

It’s now going be 16% nationally (whereas it’s been about 11% in the border areas), and it will include taxes on soda, chewing gum, and pet food throughout Mexico. Those weren’t included in the past. So, people with pets should stock up at Costco before the new year. Dog shelters will be especially hard hit. For people driving back from up north after Christmas, or coming back from nationalizing their vehicles at the border, they’ll want to fill up their tanks near the border, where the gas tax will still be 11% until the end of the year.

Will anything change at customs (Aduana)?

Yes, temporary importation of certain goods will also start being taxed. That could open the door in the future for a tax on the temporary importation of vehicles. Not yet, though.

The mandatory use of customs agents for any value of goods to be imported has been eliminated. The use of an agent will be optional, which is a good thing because they’ll have to be more competitive in terms of rates and the quality of their service.

Also, customs is going to be checking the value of imported goods more closely and communicating with the countries where merchandise is leaving, to check declared values. People may be more likely to get caught if their car nationalization pedimento say the car is worth just $10,000 pesos, while it clearly is worth much more.

What about new banking regulations?

Starting in 2007, there had been a tax on large cash deposits: 2% on the amounts of deposits exceeding $15,000 pesos, which was increased in 2010 to 3% on amounts exceeding $15,000 pesos.

Those taxes have now been eliminated.
But… banks are now required to report to SAT any deposits over $15,000 pesos, and any payment of credit card debt of $20,000 pesos made at a time. SAT may also audit you and compare your credit card expenditures to your declared income. They can then contact you to explain these transactions within a certain time frame. If you don’t respond within that time frame (say, 20 days), they could establish liens and levies. And, of course, you wouldn’t respond if the address they have for you is old.

All of this means that it is very important for people to make sure their bank has up-to-date home addresses and email addresses. This is especially true for snowbirds. It also means that snowbirds will need to check their email frequently while they’re out of Mexico.

Also, banks will require people to have an RFC (tax ID number) in order to open a bank account. They have enabled the ability to get an RFC number online, but people first need a CURP number which has to be processed through immigration (INM). (Editor’s note: If you already have Residente Temporal or Residente Permanente, you have been issued a CURP number.) With offices closing for several weeks for the holidays, people may have problems in getting CURPs in January and may have to wait until February to open the account.

Anything new for businesses?

Yes, the current process for small business reporting (REPECO) will be eliminated. Currently, small businesses report their gross earnings every two months. For January, that will still be the case in order to report earnings for the November – December months. After that, there will be more paperwork. The process will come through the regular tax system. This means that earnings will need to be reported, and so will deductions, and facturas (invoices) – just like big businesses do today.

As before, the tax rates continue to fall between 2% and 35%. Note that there will be more paperwork, requiring a greater mastery of Spanish. My office will help people by getting them set up and familiar with the new system.

Another change is the elimination of the business IETU tax (single-rate flat tax started in 2007). Non-profits will start being required to be authorized by the SAT to receive donations, which would allow them to continue preferential tax treatment. That’s obviously going to be critical for them. They should probably start that process immediately, and try to get their major contributors to donate before January 1st.

New Electronic Factura Requirements:

The most controversial of the new business regulations is probably the requirement for electronic facturas and the elimination of paper facturas. The new rules also require giving all employees online facturas (CFDI) rather than paper facturas when they get paid, in order to be able to deduct their wages. That system may not be ready by January 1st, by either the SAT or the businesses, so that’s going to create a lot of problems.

What about tax changes for investors and real estate owners?

Mexico has caught up to many other countries and will tax capital gains on the sale of stock at a rate of 10% as well as tax dividends at the same rate of 10%.

For real estate sales there will be a maximum capital gains tax exemption pegged using the UDI index (investment units) with a new limit of 700,000, which equates to about $3,500,000 pesos, so any gains over that amount from a sale will be taxed. The prior limit was 1,500,000 UDIs with that exemption waived if one could prove they lived in the home for the preceding 5 year period.

That’s a lot of changes. There are more… (The changes listed above) are just the ones that I think will affect expats the most. SAT is also firming up the tax code in other ways. They did some research to determine where and why they lost tax court cases in the past, and have now plugged some of the advantages taxpayers had in court. I’ll know more the 1st week of December, so I can give you an update after I go to another 5 hour tax update class.”