Etiqueta: Mexican Home

Owning a Car in Puerto Vallarta

We have owned many cars during our years in Puerto Vallarta, and agree there are pros and cons to auto ownership. We recommend you first become an official resident before buying or owning a car in Puerto Vallarta. You will have your own CURP (Unique Population Registry Code) number so you won’t need to rely on a generic one that a car dealership might provide for you. Doing such has been proven to be risky. To get your CURP, you need to have your Resident Visa. The CURP comes in handy for many things and makes life easier for those of us foreigners living in Puerto Vallarta.
Buying from a dealer in Puerto Vallarta will make the process much smoother; they do all the footwork for you, there won’t be liens on the car, you’ll get a warranty, and for a small fee, they take care of your registration. If you buy a car off craigslist or Mano a Mano, you need to be certain it’s not a stolen car. There’s a site you can do this: http://repuve.gob.mx/quieres_conocer.html
If this is your first vehicle purchase, you will need to find a reliable mechanic. Car-owning friends will be happy to recommend one. Have the mechanic do a thorough inspection. It’s incredibly inexpensive, probably far under $50 USD and buys piece of mind.
It’s very important to have the original factura from the previous owners, with names and signatures. A factura is more than a receipt and will contain additional information. It might sound crazy but check the VIN and registration carefully to make sure they match. Make sure the seller has the authority to make the sale; ask for proof. Tenencia was a tax that no longer exists but still must be brought up to date for an older car or you’ll end up paying it at registration, which can be costly, so ask for all tenencia receipts. You and the seller will go to the Registration Office together for the transfer of ownership. Don’t forget to bring your original passport, a photocopy of the passport, and your residence visa. You must also have proof of your address, which is easy enough with an electric or water bill; your rental contract or deed to your home. You’ll need cash for the registration and if there are no liens and all past tenencia have been paid, you should bring as least $2000 pesos. Make sure you have all the above and your CURP… or you’ll taking Uber home.
Auto insurance is mandatory in all of Mexico, so find someone in Puerto Vallarta who can recommend an agent or company. Comprehensive is best, but you must have liability. It’s really smart to have a policy that provides bail bond and legal representation, if you get in an accident of any kind. In an accident where people are injured, it is highly likely you will be detained and we suggest insuring oneself in the unfortunate case this might occur.
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 a constant leader in Puerto Vallarta real estate

The Migrant Issue

While the current administration in the White House tries to stop the flow across the southern border moving northward, there are estimates of US citizens living in Mexico that far outreach the numbers flowing to the north.
It’s not only people retiring and moving to where the palm trees sway. Tech workers are a good example of the younger set living in Mexico. Here in Puerto Vallarta, we have many US-born kids who have returned to Mexico with their undocumented parents; the estimate of these children living in Mexico exceeds 600,000 at this point in time, with likely more to come. The migration of people heading south is larger than that of those headed to northern climes, including refugees. The US embassy in Mexico estimates a million and a half US born citizens living in Mexico are not farfetched, with nearly 40,000 of those living in Puerto Vallarta.
There was a time when San Miguel de Allende was the expat haven for Canadians and US citizens, with 10% of the population English speaking. Though San Miguel is still a big attraction, coastal towns have become very appealing. New arrivals are welcomed with open arms in places like Puerto Vallarta, where they help to drive the local economy, and fill schools with students and the teachers to accommodate them.
Whereas there is a huge Mexican community in the United States, we now see a mirrored affect, that of a large and growing North American community throughout Mexico. Mexico has always had a very open immigration policy and invites members of all nations.
Amazon now has headquarters in Mexico, so anything you can’t find locally, you can order online. This is the result of Mexico filling the needs of immigrants, many of whom remain undocumented. It’s a well known fact that tourists come to Puerto Vallarta and stay far past their 180 day tourist visa, paying a fine sometimes as small as $20 USD to come and go.
Renovations of older homes in Mexico have become the new fixer-upper mentality of many home buyers. New houses and developments have sprung up, in and around Puerto Vallarta at an eye-popping rate.
Location isn’t the only factor in many of these migration issues. The US dollar is very strong against the Mexican peso at this time and many can get by on Social Security and pensions; living in modest homes, hiring household help, and going out on the town on a regular basis. It’s not even necessary to speak Spanish, with a vast amount of people speaking excellent English, including Mexicans in Puerto Vallarta, though we do encourage you to learn the language.
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

Financial Requirements for Residency in Puerto Vallarta

We are often asked about financial requirements for residency in Puerto Vallarta. It seems tricky but it’s quite simple. The first thing you should know is that the beginning stages of acquiring residency are done in your own country. You will need to go to your Mexican Consulate. Some states and provinces have only one consulate, for example New York, which means a certain amount of travel. Others, like California, Texas and Arizona have several, making planning a lot easier. Canada has three, in British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec.
When you will apply for temporary or permanent residency you need to be able to prove your foreign source income. It’s amazing how much easier life is in Puerto Vallarta if you’ve gone through these steps. It’s good to remember that most applications in our home countries take a considerable amount of time, as well, including buying or renting property, getting a car loan, registering a child for school. It’s no different in Puerto Vallarta.
Be prepared. Go to the website of your local consulate and find out exactly what paperwork is required before you make the trip. Bring originals and copies; don’t rely on the consulate to make copies for you. Allow yourself time and be prepared to wait, even after you’ve been called on. We recommend bringing a book, knitting, a quiet device you can work on, or whatever you normally do to occupy empty time.
There are specific requirements for different types of residency. If you have family living in Puerto Vallarta, including Mexican Nationals, there are going to be particular questions. If you are a family moving to Puerto Vallarta, more than one generation, you need to have paperwork for every person involved. Babies need passports, too.
Regardless of age, working or retired, going to school in Puerto Vallarta, or just sticking around the beach on a daily basis, you will need to show an average monthly income after taxes, of at least 300 days the Mexican minimum wage, which increased in January 2019 from $88.35 Mexican pesos to $102.68 Mexican pesos. That’s roughly $5.15 at the date we are writing this, but one thing we can guarantee, it will fluctuate. You’ll need 12 previous months of documents showing the above.
Bring all paperwork (your escritura, receipts for property taxes, utility bills) if you own property in Mexico valued over 40,000 days of minimum wage. Show all savings and investments with an average monthly balance of 5,000 days worth the above stated minimum wage. Generally speaking, people who immigrate to Mexico are required to complete four years as a temporary resident after which they can obtain their permanent residency. However, exceptions are made for foreign retirees/common pensioners who can apply for permanent residency immediately, if they can present paperwork for all the qualifications. One hundred days of minimum wage must be added to these figures for spouses and independents.
Que es cómo es.

——————————

Timothy Real Estate Group is a locally-owned and operated real estate brokerage with a strategic location in the Ro犀利士
mantic 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

What is a Blue Flag Beach?

Rachel Carson, the environmentalist said “In every outthrust headland, in every curving beach, in every grain of sand, there is the story of the earth.”
The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) a not-for-profit non-governmental organization, aims to make these stories sustainable and preserved for future generations. In their mission, they have appointed awards to the member countries, of which there are sixty, Mexico among them. The FEE criteria include standards for quality, safety, environmental education and information, the provision of services and general environmental management. The Blue Flag is a trademark. These awards/certifications are issued on an annual basis.
There are beaches in Puerto Vallarta that have been given these awards, which is a good sign for our coastal area. Once a beach has been certified, it must continue to maintain this status, which is done by water testing. The Blue Flag certified beaches in Puerto Vallarta are Palmares, Camerones, Playa del Oro, Amapas, Conchas Chinas I and II, Garza Blanca and the Sheraton Beach.
There is no doubt that these awards, as they are called, are extremely important to tourism in Puerto Vallarta. At any given time, Puerto Vallarta can be noted as having the most number of certifications in all of Mexico. It’s the duty of the Hotel Association and Motels (AHyM) to pay due diligence as these FEE reports are obtained by travel magazines, agencies, and world news centers. They must work hand in hand with the municipal government, private sector, plus state and federal administrations for the certifications and further testing.
What’s good for beachgoers is good for the environment, which is where the bottom line is. If we don’t keep the sustainability of the water surrounding us, we will not have the stories to tell of which Rachel Carson spoke.
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

Home Swapping in Puerto Vallarta

Home swapping has become very popular in the past couple decades and Puerto Vallarta loves the idea. It gives people a chance to see our city, as well as Puerto Vallarta homeowners having an inexpensive getaway. If you consider this type of travel risky, don’t like the idea of people touching your stuff, or you have privacy issues, this is not for you. However there are a lot of people doing it these days and those with the most posh homes get to stay in glamorous New York high-rise apartments and swanky beach villas. We’ve yet to hear a bad trip story. There’s a trade at every level and once you scan the sites, you’re sure to find something with a match to your home in Puerto Vallarta. Of course, the nicer your home, the better swap you will have. Some people offer the use of a vehicle, too. It’s a great way to travel.
There are several different ways to swap homes. Simultaneous swap is the most common. Simply swap homes on an agreed upon time frame. Non-simultaneous usually works well with second homes, great for people going on vacation and not wanting to leave an empty house. Different dates are chosen for the swap. Some companies offer point systems; you allow guests to stay in your home in Puerto Vallarta while you’re on vacation or business and redeem your points in homes participating in the program. There’s also a method commonly referred to as hospitality exchange, which give travelers the chance to be hosted in someone’s extra bedroom, while putting themselves on a list to do the same on a date in the future. Then there’s house-sitting, which sometimes includes pet care, but can often run into weeks and even months; a great way to live abroad, see the sites and not be rushed.
Our experience has been one of making new friends outside of Puerto Vallarta, visiting places we might not ordinarily have the chance to see. Staying in suburban areas has a great appeal; especially when there’s a good public transportation system. When traveling, it’s good to get out of your comfort zone, learn about the area and its cultural contributions, and discover interesting historical facts. If you’re staying in someone’s home, you have the opportunity to meet their neighbors. Many home-exchangers let their neighboring apartments or houses know there will be someone unfamiliar staying in their place. This gives you the chance to know the locals, which is, by far, the best way to travel to any destination.

Good places to start your adventure are homeexhange.com, homelink.com, and intervac-homeexchange.com. Buen viaje!
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