Timothy Real Estate

Etiqueta: mexico real estate

  • 2014 Vallarta Real Estate Fair – Speakers Announced

     

    During the 2014 Vallarta Real Estate Fair on Saturday, February 15th, hosted by Timothy Real Estate Group, a Panel Of Professionals will be discussing a variety of topics relating to immigration, the current real estate environment, fiscal changes, escrow services, mortgage loans, property management and how to maximize on your rental property investment.

    The panelists will be speaking by the swimming pool area at the Rivera Molino condominiums and will be broken into two segments that will include:

    11:00AM

    • Carl Timothy (Timothy Real Estate Group)
    • Attorney Fernando Castro (Notary 5)
    • Kevin Crisp (Stewart Escrow Latin America)
    • Attorney Jessica Reidesser (Reidesser & Associates)
    • Terence Reilly (MEXlend)

    12:30PM

    • Arturo Guzman and Jesus Garcia (PVRPV)

    Puerto Vallarta’s business environment is constantly changing and adapting to the intricacies of the current market and changes in the law. This is a wonderful opportunity for attendees to ask questions and get answers from the Panel Of Professionals that are part of the community.

    Seating is limited for this FREE event, so please RSVP by emailing Taniel Chemsian at taniel@timothyrealestategroup.com.

    The 2014 Vallarta Real Estate Fair will take place from 9am-2pm at the Rivera Molino Plaza, located at the corner of Ignacio L. Vallarta and Aquiles Serdan in the Romantic Zone (Old Town Vallarta). For more information, visit www.vallartarealestatefair.com.

     

  • Dental Work In Puerto Vallarta – Yes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Que cómo es es.

    Thanks to our guest blogger Adam Garcia for this article!

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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

  • Vallarta: Seeking Survival

    Refugees: Though they won’t be traveling through Puerto Vallarta, and whether you’re sympathetic to the plight of droves of refugees seeking asylum in the United States, it’s beneficial to understand why they are heading in that direction. We are proud of the fact that Mexico, the country they are passing through, has given more aid and understanding than most expected, including the migrants. Mexico has taken on the task of asking the UN for support, and approaching this issue of tragic proportion with humanitarian and charitable actions. In a statement to the UN, the Mexican Foreign Ministry “seeks to guarantee the security and integrity of migrants, particularly minors, the elderly and women, and to avoid people being deceived by international criminal organizations dedicated to human trafficking, who put their lives in danger…”

    Most of these people are coming from Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala, countries where the lives of so many are in danger as a direct result of meddling over the past few decades by the US government. The interference in elections, providing of arms to rebels and government sources, the presence of US armed forces, and the lack of assistance where it has been truly needed in these countries contribute to the mass movement of desperate human beings seeking survival.

    Problems began more than a century ago, with US based businesses taking over banking and infiltrating federal and local governments. Think banana and you’re off to a good start understanding the foundation of this dilemma. Very few people realize the US Dollar is the official currency of countries, of which the US has taken over financial systems, including El Salvador and Ecuador. During the 1980’s, the dominance of US politics in Central America was so effectual that tongue犀利士
    -in-cheek references were made to the Pentagon Republic. For a complete history lesson on US interference in Latin America, once can find some astounding revelations by researching Nicaragua, Reagan, and contra rebels. Where humanitarian aid was needed, all that was given was military aid. Arms dealers made millions during this period while citizens became nothing more than casualties.

    It was at this time that Central Americans embarked on serious migration efforts to North America by whatever means they could find. Central Americans have been seeking security in the United States for nearly half a century. Both Republican and Democrat administrations are responsible for abetting atrocities. Washington DC has long been willing to fail to notice the ongoing corruption of crooked regimes, in support of the ruling elite. A selected few continue to make the decisions and reap the returns, while families, single mothers with children, elderly, and the desperately unemployed seek refuge, banging on a glass door few are able to shatter. All that seems to matter is US economic gain to a handful or enormously wealthy individuals.

    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: Sierra de Vallejo

    Sierra de Vallejo

    North of Puerto Vallarta, stretching from Bucerias to La Peñita de Jaltemba, we have found a biosphere reserve where approximately twenty percent of Mexico’s mangroves are found. With less than an hour’s drive from Puerto Vallarta, you will arrive at the southern tip of this incredible biosphere. The freshwater River Ameca meets with the briny Pacific Ocean to create a perfect habitat for an array of animals. Eco cruises are available, taking tourists on boats through the swamps along the canals where three lakes meet. ATV tours are also obtainable but we eschew such a disruptive presence in this beautiful, natural world where wildlife is easily disturbed. With nearly 550 square kilometers (340 sq miles) there is likely room for everyone but we prefer to give Mother Nature as much peace and tranquility as possible.

    Protected Planet www.protectedplanet.net has monthly updates with submissions from governments, landowners and communities regarding Sierra de Vallejo. The site is a good resource for checking out terrestrial and marine protected locations. At this site, you will find out more about Sierra de Vallejo and can access related statistics, as well as download data from the World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA).

    Bring your camera on this daytrip from Puerto Vallarta. An astonishing population of wild boars, crocodiles, and jaguars live in Sierra de Vallejo Biosphere Reserve, along with several types of colorful parrots. You will see herons, seagulls, pelicans, ducks and other birds thriving in this stunning forest shelter. In the distance, you will observe the Sangaguey volcano, which hasn’t erupted since 1724 (according to local indigenous legend); it is an impressive sight to behold, the highest volcano in the corridor.

    For birdwatchers, there’s nothing like viewing a black-bellied tree duck, great blue heron, or roseate spoonbill in this amazing landscape. Tours are available from several agencies and a simple online search will reveal wonderful opportunities for exploring this fabulous site only a short distance from Puerto Vallarta. Buen viaje!

    Que es cómo es

  • Puerto Vallarta – Turtles On The Move

    Sea Turtles

    The season for baby turtle release is coming to an end in Puerto Vallarta. If you haven’t had the opportunity, there are still many chances. Several locations exist up and down the coast, and the concierge in most hotels can guide you to the closest one. Not many places around the globe make it possible for tourists and locals alike to participate in this exciting activity. Sea turtles are a vital part of our ocean ecosystem. They contribute to keeping a balance of seagrass, sponge, and jellyfish populations. Sea turtles transport nutrients and support other sealife. In Puerto Vallarta, we can be turtle midwives and contribute to the health of our oceans.

    After the mother turtle makes her way to a nesting spot on the beach in Puerto Vallarta and the coast of Nayarit, the nests become vulnerable to predators of all kinds; iguanas, birds, dogs, and humans, to name a few. It is illegal to interfere with a turtle laying her eggs or the nest itself, while the eggs incubate. Most of us are aware of this problem, but animals have no idea there are laws to protect them and the defenseless turtles.

    Our first adventure saving baby turtles happened completely by chance. Having late lunch on the beach in Mismaloya, we were beckoned by friends who were local Mexicans. They were excited to tell us we had arrived in time to be part of a baby turtle release. We couldn’t have been more surprised. Or elated. We quickly finished our meal, paid the bill, and made our way to the north end of the beach. The thrill of holding a baby turtle, (which many operations no longer allow) was something we will never forget. Having baby turtles run over your bare toes on their path to the sea is more pleasurable than we ever imagined. Everyone with few exceptions, is sad to learn that less than 10% of the little critters actually make it to their destination. They need all the help they can get.

    Releases occur around the clock. Like humans, it’s hard to schedule birth. If you’re told that turtle release happens only in the dark, under the moonlight… book with another tour. We’ve also been told by unsuspecting people that this program can only be found on Tuesdays. Or Saturdays. Whatever. All nonsense.

    In most of the turtle camps in Puerto Vallarta, run by non-profits, and often importing volunteers from faraway places, you will be delighted to learn about the whole migration of sea turtles by people who have found a way to devote time to this cause. These volunteers, of all ages, are well educated and informative, sharing their knowledge. Some have been featured on Animal Planet and National Geographic.

    If you are so lucky as to happen upon a turtle nest while wandering on the beach, day or night, immediately contact the authorities. Bomberos (firemen and women) are trained to assist with all animal issues, from bees, to crocodiles, snakes and turtles.

    Que es cómo es.

    Timothy Real Estate Group is a locally-owned and operated real estate brokerage with a strategic location in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta in the Colonia Emiliano Zapata. Because the Puerto Vallarta area has varying neighborhood personalities, we practice localized real estate. We believe neighborhood knowledge is a top factor in solid sales, and we know our communities well.

    We enable our clients to realize their vision for the future.  We understand and plan for their concerns and are dedicated to transforming those concerns to peace of mind and joy.

    Our philosophy of transparency, integrity, and professionalism imbues our culture with a tangible sense of purpose and results in the length and depth of the quality relationships we enjoy.  We believe buying or selling a home is first and foremost about people. Of course we have the latest technology, marketing tools, statistics and research, but a successful real estate transaction really comes down to people. Connecting the right buyers to sellers or investors our professional agents structure solid transactions with successful solid outcomes.  We believe in collaboration by connecting people in ways that bring satisfaction and success.

    When you combine extensive local knowledge and our long standing reputation for honesty and sound judgment, you have an unbeatable resource at your disposal.  You have Timothy Real Estate Group, a constant leader in Puerto Vallarta real estate.

  • Puerto Vallarta Living: Nicknames

    Everyone Has a Nickname in Mexico

    Mexicans love nicknames and they aren’t easily insulted by name-calling. Children are fondly called gordito or gordita when they are on the chubby side and Mama will take pride in her child being referred to as such, since it indicates her baby is healthy. Even as they grow older, a young person will hang on to a defining label, with absolutely no prejudice. We have met adults who still maintain names given long ago, sometimes no longer applicable, such as flaco/flaca, meaning skinny, thin.
    It’s not unusual to hear family members in Puerto Vallarta refer to one another as feo (ugly) and these tags are met with good humor and laughs. A guy who is limber and able to climb palms might be called Chango and yet, it could also be that his friends think he looks like a monkey. These names stick and follow one into adulthood. If you hear a fellow called Gallo, you can be sure he is popular with the ladies and his friends consider him the rooster of the gang. Moreno has darker skin then most of his peers and Rubia is the blondest of her friends. Masculine and feminine in Spanish are interchangeable by simply switching out the O for an A to go from one to the other respectively.
    Anglo given names have nicknames… Robert is Bob or Bobby, Margaret is Margie, Richard can be Rich, Rick or Dick and Elizabeth can be called many names such as Liz, Betsy or Beth. Same goes for Spanish names. A quick list of common names for referral: Memo for Guillermo, Cacho for Carlos, Koke for Jorge, Chimo for Joaquín, Chuy for Jesús, Javi for Javier, Paco or Pancho for Francisco, Nacho for Ignacio, Tito for Alberto, Lalo for Eduardo; Leti for Leticia, Loli for Dolores, Lulú for Lourdes, Lupe for Guadalupe (male or female), Pepa for Josefa… to name a few. It seems that no one goes without a secondary name and many are tagged with more than one. Adding ito to any name makes it small, as with Pepita or Panchito. Or perhaps Changito or Gallito.
    It seems that no one goes without a secondary name and many are tagged with more than one. If someone calls you muñeca (doll) or bruja (witch) consider it a term of endearment and be flattered.
    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: Corn

    Let’s Get Corny!

    One of our favorite treats in Puerto Vallarta, at festivals, or simply strolling along the Malecón on a Sunday evening, is a stick or cup of corn on the cob. The vendor will happily scrape the kernels off the cob for you so you can eat it out off a container, where all the milky ingredients mix together, easy to eat. Or eat it on the stick, spread with cheese and Salsa Huichol, a tasty spice from the region. Corn is a very reliable food source in the Mexican diet. Going back eight thousand years, evidence can be found of farming corn in Mexico. Teosinte, the origin of corn, was cultivated from wild grass by people living in central Mexico. Teosinte was more like a bean stalk before it was eventually developed into the corn you buy in Puerto Vallarta today. Scientific modification developed kernels more closely spaced. Colors ranged from the common yellow we eat today, to red brown, purple and many variations. We call this Indian corn north of the border and it’s used as a decoration, as well as ground into cornmeal.
    Corn, maize in Spanish, was the subject of worship in Mexico and remains to this day to be revered as a mainstay. You will see corn included in Day of the Dead altars.
    Mexico banned commercial planting of GMO corn in 1998 but still allows the importation of over six million tons a year, typically from the US. A huge portion of the imports are transgenic and Mexico’s most sacred product is now highly threatened and has been contaminated. Considering how deeply fundamental corn is to the Mexican culture, this is not an insignificant matter.
    Corn is second only to rice as the world’s most essential harvest and has been regarded as miraculous in substantiate growth. Farmers have long made claims concerning the ability to hear corn grow, bursting as it does from the earth and leaning, twisting towards sunlight.
    The art and architecture of Mexico rely heavily on the shape of this basic grain, which is found in every meal, dictates schedules of fiestas and significant events, and for centuries has provided the core source of sustainability and survival to the indigenous populace. Corn is considered a legacy in Mexico, a piece of the culture to leave to coming generations. With the introduction of GMO produce and disruption of contingent growth, Mexicans see their cultural paths going in the same direction as North American Indian tribes, at a slower, yet inevitable pace.
    Groups in many Mexican states have formed to combat the destruction of such a central part of way of life, accompanied by education by elders of the youth on the topic of the importance and security of maize.
    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