Timothy Real Estate

Etiqueta: vallarta real estate fair

  • Vallarta Real Estate Inspired Living: Coffee

    Coffee for a Cold Winter Night

    One of our favorite things about the winter holidays in Puerto Vallarta is the availability of the yummy drink café de olla. This delicious coffee beverage can be found year round if you know where to look but around Christmas it’s more abundant on the streets of Puerto Vallarta. We recall warming cold hands around a clay cup, many years ago, standing under the crown of the Church of Guadalupe, discovering a magical flavor to go with other seasonal joys. Café de olla is flavored with cinnamon (canela in Spanish) and piloncillo, which is unrefined whole cane sugar, a solid form of sweetness made from boiling and evaporating the juice from sugarcane. You’ve probably seen the cone-shaped brown chunks in stores in Puerto Vallarta.

    Café de olla is a traditional coffee drink of Mexico. Café de olla should be served in a clay mug, the type sold in souvenir stores in Puerto Vallarta. You can find these collections of dishes ranging from large platters to tiny shot-glass sized cups. In the past the mugs were a part of the purchase, brimming withhot liquid, but it’s doubtful vendors can keep up with that kind of demand these days. Now café de olla is served in a disposable cup.

    The streets of Puerto Vallarta at Christmastime offer so many tasty treats and we can’t recommend café de olla too much. Though it is served year round in some restaurants, including the one that bears the name, the café de olla we purchase during the holidays seems to be richer, made with the blessings of the season.

    Surprising to many, the main ingredient of café de olla is Nescafe; Mexicans know how to make it taste delicious. To make our own version at home in Puerto Vallarta we use the following method: In a saucepan, add a short cup of fresh ground coffee of your choice (the darker, the better) to a quart of hot water; a couple cinnamon sticks (essential ingredient); and the equivalent of half a cup piloncillo (use brown sugar if you’re in the north and have no access to piloncillo; about a third of an orange peel (yes, just the peel). Bring this to a boil. You can also toss in a pinch of nutmeg or cloves. Boil for about a minute, remove from the heat, cover and let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain and serve.

    Get some of those beautiful clay mugs; you won’t regret it.

    Que cómo es es.

  • Puerto Vallarta – In The Movies

    Roma

    We don’t often write movie reviews for this blog but are so inspired by the recent Mexican film Roma, for many reasons. We were far into the film, a scene at the ocean in Veracruz, before we astonishingly realized this movie was shot in black and white. There is so much color in the culture, the people, and the language that hues and tones burst out of each scene. It’s a testament to the colors of Mexico, which has drawn many of us here, to brighten our lives and that of others.

    Roma, which is love in Spanish spelled backwards, is a movie packed with everyday Mexican life. Though is takes place in 1971, there is much that has not changed and life of many generations continues to thrive.  Roma is a section of the Cuauhtémoc borough of Mexico City. which during the era it is set, the early 70’s, was an upper to middle class vicinity. It was beset with decline over the years, and more recently taken over by hipsters.

    Alfonso Cuarón wrote, directed and took over the cinematography of Roma and is known for a variety of successes, including the highly acclaimed Gravity; his first major success. Other projects include Y Tu Mamá También; Children of Men; and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Bent on authenticity for Roma, Cuarón gathered furniture from his family’s assorted homes throughout Mexico; most of the movie is filmed on location, relying on few sets. Anyone who’s been in a furniture store in Puerto Vallarta will see the complete accuracy of the upper level establishment where Cleo, the protagonist, goes with her matron (employer) to buy a crib for her unborn baby. There are no details untouched by authenticity of the era.

    Vendors will be recognizable by anyone living in Puerto Vallarta; their street calls remain the same over many decades.  Unless you are Mexican or have lived in the country for long enough to recognize him, the alfiliador who appears in Roma will hold little significance but it is a major turning point in the film. As Cleo sits mourning in her humble quarters, Adela, another maid, calls out to Cleo the presence of the afilador, the knife sharpener, warning his arrival with his familiar piccolo. In Mexican lore, the afilador carries portent, and is commonly used to scare little children into behaving. Adela is letting Cleo know it’s time to pull it together and get on with life.

    There are subtleties throughout. Airplanes flying overhead in many scenes, as well as the opening and closing, represent the constancy of air travel above Mexico City, a major hub, and they also indicate a vast world outside this small one encompassed in a massive city.

    The ocean scenes will have an effect on those of us in Puerto Vallarta, and Alfonso Cuarón does nothing to lessen the deafening roar. There is no doubt to the attraction, the pleasure, and the imminent danger.

    We struggled with some of the language without knowing certain characters were speaking Mixtec, an indigenous idiom, but the film is subtitled. Roma is currently available on Netflix.

    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.

  • Nap Time in Puerto Vallarta

    Time for a Good Nap

    High season is winding down and even though there are still many activities, the town has quieted and we feel more relaxed and looking forward to summer nights with friends, cool breezes coming off the ocean, and early mornings, the best time for a good walk around the neighborhood. In Puerto Vallarta, these actions call for a nice siesta in the afternoon to preserve energy for the evening and catch up following an early rising.

    We have read time and again that naps are a regular routine for successful people; statistics show that nappers have less heart issues and better all-around good health. Not just in Puerto Vallarta, the siesta is a symbol of intelligent and healthy behavior. Smart people in hot climates, such as Puerto Vallarta, are known to sleep through the hottest part of the day, eat a light dinner in the cool evening hours after sundown, and accomplish more in their waking hours.

    Siesta originates from the Latin hora sexta, which means the sixth hour. In many cultures, a day actually began at dawn, making the sixth hour noon, a perfect time to rest, collect thoughts, ideas, and future inventions, following what should be the best and largest meal of the day. Practiced in the Mediterranean and the South of Europe (riposo in Italy), as well as the Philippines and much of Latin America, it’s common for businesses to close, giving both proprietors and guests a chance to stay at home, have a midday feast, and a well deserved break. Siesta is not limited to countries with warm climates; South American countries, regardless of year round temperatures, make it a practice.

    Studies have shown that Mexicans and Japanese are the hardest working cultures, putting to bed the image of a large belly under a sombrero sleeping beneath a cactus. Therefore, in Puerto Vallarta, the siesta should never be viewed as a symbol of laziness, but one of purpose and brilliance. The siesta has been around since the beginning of time, when smart people in hot climates, such as Puerto Vallarta, sleep through the hottest part of the day and eat a light dinner in the cool evening hours, after the sun has gone down.

    When homeostatic sleep and circadian rhythms, the subjects of sleep, are the topic of talk shows and scientific studies, we know we have made the correct choice of living in the paradise we find in Puerto Vallarta.

    High doses of Ambien from https://rosarydental.com/ambien-online/ can lead to various adverse effects such as bradycardia, ataxia, visual disturbances, dizziness, drowsiness, respiratory issues, nausea, uncontrollable vomiting, seizures, inappropriate behavior, loss of consciousness, and even coma. The dosage regimen should be tailored to each individual, starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.

    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.

  • Medical Matters in Puerto Vallarta

    Medical Matters in Puerto Vallarta

    The title of my column here somehow became “Medical Matters” but this is never to be confused with what is the REAL Medical Matters! This is a massive event that we have in February at the Hotel Marriott Casamagna.

    Medical Matters began about seven years ago when the US Consular agent and I decided to have a few physicians and hospitals with exhibits in a smaller sized room at the Marriott for folks to stop by, collect information and that was it. To say that it grew exponentially is an understatement.

    The most recent Medical Matters (held the year before last, I decided to take a rest for a year!) had almost 4,000 people pass through the doors throughout the day. The Grand Ballroom at the Marriott is filled to capacity with healthcare related exhibits/providers offering information on everything from lab studies to vascular specialists to insurance information and everything in between. In addition, we have three separate rooms running with continuous speakers programs given by local physicians on a wide variety of topics.

    This is for citizens from ALL countries.

    We are pretty strict with who can participate as an exhibitor. They must be legal and licensed to work in the Banderas Bay area and be an established and reputable business.  We have limited exhibitors to only local businesses because the focus on what is available HERE in the area.

    This is a no-charge event. Many people have suggested that I charge for this, even a nominal type fee like 50 pesos to attend. I waffle back and forth with this decision and have decided to keep it as a free event. Why? Believe me this is not a money-maker for Healthcare Resources. Exhibitors pay directly to the Hotel Marriott for their stands, not me. I still prefer to keep this open at no charge for people so that everyone is able to attend.

    Attempting to operate this colossal event is daunting. It cannot be done without a small army of volunteers who assist with everything from registration to manning the doors of the speaker’s rooms. This is a no-pay gig and if you are interested and available to assist, please send me an email as I am just now putting together the details for volunteer duties.  Thank you!

    We have not been without our challenges at past Medical Matters. The speakers rooms fill quickly and some, more ‘aggressive’ people actually fight over seats when they cannot have one.

    In past Medical Matters, the Marriott prepares and has put out throughout the day wonderful snacks of muffins, cookies and the like. Attempting to keep some people from filling their bags with these led me to last year, serve fresh fruit and vegetables instead, making it a bit more difficult to overload a bag. Try doing that and not making a mess in the bag. Ha! And after all, this is a health event so better to have healthy snacks.

    On the same theme, exhibitors complain that there are some people who rush in, run around the exhibitor’s room filling their bags with ‘free stuff’. Seriously. Pens and notepads, coffee cups and hand sanitizer; are they really that difficult to find around here?

    All in all, I am extremely proud of this event! We are able to present everything health-related in one day along with featuring some of our very best physicians speaking on current topics.

    So please save the date! February 11, 2019. Doors open at 9am. You will see massive amounts of publicity. So much so you will probably be sick of seeing it! But plan your day and we look forward to seeing you there! Now, my big challenge: my shoes for this year’s event!

    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: Health Tips

    Health Tips When Traveling

    We love to eat, whether we’re in Puerto Vallarta or anywhere else in the world. So far we’ve been very lucky to not experience Montezuma’s Revenge or Delhi Belly, but it’s mostly about using common sense. You can partake in the local fares and not worry about spending your vacation in a bathroom, or worse yet, emergency room. Here’s how: Drink water, lots of it and make sure it’s purified (bottled or filtered). When flying, avoid coffee, sugary drinks and alcohol. They dehydrate you and the most important thing when traveling by air is to stay hydrated.
    When flying, get up and move around as much as your flight allows. We advise sitting without crossed legs, however unless you’re in First Class, that’s not likely possible anyway. Blood clots, especially in older travelers, can be very dangerous. Eat protein and avoid loads of carbs; you’ll feel much better. If you don’t take vitamins, this is a good time to start. We take a probiotic every morning. Eat fresh and don’t frequent establishments that look grubby or unkempt. Make sure you aren’t eating pre-prepared food. Yogurt is beneficial and you will see it in different forms in Puerto Vallarta; Yakult is everywhere and provides protection for the tummy.
    Wash your hands and keep them off your face and out of your mouth. Hand sanitizers are great for bacteria but they don’t do the job on viruses. Keep your hands clean, every chance you get, with soap and hot water.
    We recommend getting in shape before you take a trip. Walking is the best way to see things and there are a lot of stairs and hills in Puerto Vallarta, and you can expect to find them when you travel. If you are a runner, swimmer, biker, or whatever your healthy sport is, do a little research of your destination ahead and you will find the best locations and paths.
    We always travel with moleskin. It is readily available in any pharmacy, as well as Body Glide. Both products can make life a lot more pleasant if you’re walking a lot. Blisters and chafing can be avoided, and Body Glide works for rubbing sandal straps, knapsacks and backpacks and is a must for anyone using a wetsuit. Be sure to have well fitting shoes, more than one pair.
    Don’t overdo, over-drink, or over-think. Get enough rest each night to start out your next day fresh. Being inebriated can get you into all sorts of trouble, so limit your intake and don’t go wild. If you’re traveling in a country or town you aren’t familiar with, you’ll see things that aren’t normal to your senses. Don’t jump to conclusions and if you think you’re witnessing something odd or unusual, ask a person in a reasonable position of authority. If you feel ill, find out how to see a doctor or what types of walk-in clinics are available. Chances are the cost will be surprisingly low, someone will speak your language, and putting things off can make you really sick. Your stomach may be upset for a day or two in any foreign place; take this is stride. You’re probably adjusting. Don’t drink a lot and stick to mild foods; likely you’ll feel better in a matter of hours.
    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 Real Estate Inspired Living: Buen Fin

    Buen Fin and Mexican Economy

    If you were out and about in Puerto Vallarta the past couple of weeks, you couldn’t have missed the advertising of Buen Fin. Buen Fin is Black Friday in Mexico and Puerto Vallarta gets in on the act in all of their popular shopping venues. This year topped the charts in popularity and purchases. Over 120 billion pesos (US $6.2 billion) was spent in the four day event this past weekend, which was a 7% increase over last year’s sales.

    If you missed it, there are still some lingering sales in stores around town and it won’t do any harm to ask them to honor Buen Fin prices, which most retailers are likely to do to make the sale in an individual store. Don’t expect Costco to do this, but many of the other big box stores will, as will the smaller, locally owned businesses. However that’s not what we want to point out in this blog.

    The results of this past weekend far exceeded the expectations of Concanaco, the Confederation of Chambers of Commerce, Services and Tourism of Mexico. Known as the cheapest weekend of the year, stores were flooded with people taking advantage of the upward economy, which had an increase in growth of 0.1% over the summer. That in itself is a very good sign, taking into account the economy in Mexico showed signs of stagnating in the first and second quarter of this year. Those early predictions were depressing but it’s great to know they were incorrect. Records were broken instead!

    This year, the biggest purchases were large-screen TVs, and large and small appliances. White goods, toys and tools were in the top fifteen items purchased, a sign that people are making improvements in their homes and lives. Shopper numbers were also up by an astonishing amount of 20% higher than 2018, with many using credit cards, a relatively new concept for Mexicans. Keep in mind, this type of spending is a major boost to the national and local economy.

    Be ready for Buen Fin next year, when the Bank of Mexico will make it even easier to make purchases in Puerto Vallarta by employing the use of their new digital payment system, CoDi.

    Que es cómo es.

  • Vallarta Inspired Living News: The Huichol People

    Art of the Huichol People

    There’s still time to see the incredible exhibit of Wixárika (Huichol) at the Instituto Cultural Cabañas in Guadalajara. A quick trip over the mountains during the holidays is a good idea, when the beaches are crowded with nationals on winter break. Grandes Maestros del Arte Wixárika (Grand Masters of Wixárika Art) is showing until December and then the pieces will go back to places like Harvard University and the Museum of Natural History in New York, from whence they have been borrowed. There are about fifty pieces of these amazing yarn paintings which are created in a manner of pressing the yarn of brightly colored dyed pieces into a beeswax and pine resin base.

    The artistic creations of the Huicholes, which have found a market throughout Mexico, consist mainly of colorful yarn paintings and clay objects, gourds, jewelry and clothing. They’re sold through distribution in museums, boutique shops, airport souvenir stores and directly from the artisans. Made with a foundation of thin layers of wax and resin into which the yarn is meticulously pressed, nierikas or votive paintings are the result of dreams and journeys. Tiny glass beads, imbedded in the same type of basework, magically cover gourds, vases and clay objects in such shapes as deer, reptiles, jaguar heads, skulls and masks. Older works of art contain seeds, coral, semi-precious gems and tiny shells. The Huichol art was a well kept secret until the early 1960’s when it began to make an appearance in art galleries in Guadalajara. Interest caught on quickly and what were once left as offerings to gods in caves and the hills of the high desert, became highly desired collectors’ pieces, some fetching none too altruistic prices.

    The Huicholes symbolism has serious significance and is the groundwork of the culture. Tatewari, the god of fire and Tayaupa, the sun, are the grandparents and the source of all life. The Blue Deer, Kauyumari, the guardian spirit, leads the shamans in their peyote dreams. The deer give their life to the Huichol so they might sustain theirs and when a deer is sacrificed, an elaborate purifying ceremony follows to make sure the animal is properly acknowledged and thanked. Arrows represent departed family; Birds are messengers to and from the gods; Turtles are responsible for all forms of water; Snakes are direct instructors to shamans. The Scorpion is represented as a repellent of bad luck and evil, thought to be very dangerous and yet held in great esteem. Candles are very prominent in ceremonies and characterize the illumination of the human spirit. Traditionally, colors in yarn paintings were limited to White (cloud spirits), Red (fire and masculinity), Blue (water, ocean, rain, femininity), Green (earth, heaven, healing, heart, grandfather, growth), Orange (the sacred land where the peyote grows) and Yellow, often thought to represent corn, the basic sustenance of all ancient Mexico, but used primarily as a ceremonial face paint.

    Que es cómo es.

  • Puerto Vallarta A Community That Stands with Love in Adversity

    A Community That Stands with Love in Adversity 

    Timothy Real Estate Group wants our staff, friends and clients know that Puerto Vallarta has been through hurricanes, torrential storms, and even a little flooding with no problem.  We made it through the global economic downturn in 2008, and we will make it through this strenuous period as well.

    How do we know this?

    Because Puerto Vallarta is full of residents who love their home.  Both the locals & people from all over the world have moved to this beautiful town after falling in love with it.  Vallarta’s beauty, great weather, wonderful culture and friends from all nations is a beautiful place to call home and the heart of this destination is now and will always be the people who love this place.   And we know and believe in the power of love in the face of adversity.

    For myself, I moved to Puerto Vallarta because I fell in love with the residents, and because I have always dreamed of living near the ocean.  When I moved from Los Angeles, I comforted myself by saying “If I don’t like it, I can always move back”.  I had a private office in Beverly Hills with a wonderful realty company that had been holding my office for me for a year. One day they called to see if I was coming back to work.  That was a pivotal moment for me because I had no hesitation in responding:  no.   I have never regretted that decision for a moment and I am more committed than ever to helping my adopted community.

    It is comforting that our community is full of giving and caring neighbors.  We know that many of our friends and neighbors may be having a difficult time right now and we want to help.  Many of the local businesses may be starting to suffer and we want to make sure our senior friends and neighbors are OK.  We will happily help with the pickup of medications, take you to the grocery store, help with errands and more.

    What really makes Puerto Vallarta beautiful is the people.  Sure, we are surrounded with the blue Pacific Ocean, green Sierra Madres and breathtaking Sunsets, but the most beautiful thing about the Bay of Banderas are our friends and neighbors.

    We are here when you need us and we are easy to find, just pick your favorite mode:

    US Phone 310-356-6514,

    MEX Phone 52-322-223-5300

    email us at: inspired@timothyrealestategroup.com

    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 Col犀利士
    onia 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: Whats An INAPAM Card

    INAPAM Card INAPAM is a great benefit for retirees living in Puerto Vallarta. Who doesn’t like to save money, given the opportunity? The goal of INAPAM, officially Instituto Nacional de las Personas Adultas Mayores, is to provide programs for those over the age of 60 years who wish to stay active. This covers a lot of territory. INAPAM’s focus is making sure that elderly people in Mexico are taking advantage of their due rights and opportunities. INAPAM has been around for a long while but it was only at the turn of this century that the government began implementing the program to affect coverage for families, run at both a state and federal level. They provide education on the topics of mental and physical health, host cultural activities and help care providers get the training they need to assist with elderly living situations.

    Anyone can get an INAPAM card, as long as you’re 60 years or older and have the proper papers. You are entitled to some great discounts in Puerto Vallarta if you qualify. Property taxes are chief among them. You already get a discount if you pay early and with your INAPAM card you will get a full 50%.
    To get your very own card, go to one of the DIF offices in Puerto Vallarta; there are several locations around the city. It helps to speak Spanish but it’s not completely necessary; we know those who’ve managed to stumble their way through the process but it rarely takes only one visit. Bring originals and copies of passport, electric (CFE) or water (Seapal) bills in your name, and any residency card you may possess. It is not necessary to be a permanent resident of Puerto Vallarta but if you are, if might speed up the process. If you come fully prepared, there’s a good chance of you leaving the DIF office with your INAPAM card in hand. Arrive early, no later than 8 am and get your name/s on the list. The office doesn’t open until 9 am but a guard will be there to take names, which will allow you to receive a number ahead of those who come later. By 9 am, that list will be a couple dozen people long and it’s too late then. Take a book, knitting, a friend to talk to, or whatever helps you pass the time, because, like the immigration office, they’re in no big hurry. You’ll also need photos for your card; the photographer (we recommend Plaza Caracol) will know the correct amount required.
    As stated, the discount for your Predial (property taxes) is worth the trip, but there are many other advantages. In Puerto Vallarta you’ll get a discounted bus fare, which doesn’t seem like a big deal but you also get the same discount on tour buses, traveling distances all over Mexico. Some restaurants give discounts if you show your card. Ask. Traveling within the country by air can also be discounted. If you have a Mexican driver’s license, it will cost you half price for renewal; theater tickets are cheaper; special events are discounted. INAPAM puts on events specifically for cardholders.
    Our advice is to arrive at the DIF office very early, as they are known to run out of cards on busy days.
    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

  • Solar Energy Has A Hold In Vallarta, Finally

    Solar Energy in Puerto Vallarta: Solar energy is not new. It was discovered and developed in 1839. Because coal was available by mining and created a lot of jobs, solar took a back burner to other forms of energy. When science and the general public began to be aware of the impact of oil and coal retrieval and their uses on the environment, solar was back in the forefront, getting much more attention. In 1881, the first real solar panel was produced by Charles Fritts, who discovered that dim, diffused light was capable of producing energy, as well as exposure to bright sunlight. The real breakthroughs didn’t occur however until the early 1940’s when Russell Ohl patented the solar cell design that has been adapted for the types of panels that are in use today.

    It takes more than one panel to produce any efficient amount of energy, so most installations require several modules. Solar power in Puerto Vallarta becomes more popular with time and the price becomes more affordable. Most owners of these systems are amazingly delighted to receive their monthly power bills, and the cost of installation has become more reasonable with competition.

    Developed structures will usually require a number of modules, to be determined by the size of the space being serviced; plus an inverter; a battery pack for storage, which is optional; interconnection wiring; and a solar tracking device, which is also optional but recommended.

    We’ve heard of some people who’ve bought the equipment in the USA, carted it down, and found someone to do the installation here in Puerto Vallarta; however that’s not necessary. There are several reputable and reliable companies in the greater Puerto Vallarta area. We suggest you consult with a minimum of three, letting them know up front that you are getting competitive bids. Don’t go with the lowest bid; it may not be the best or worth your money. More importantly, make sure the company you hire will be willing and able to help with the coordination with CFE (the electric company). Before you get started, gather your past bills and have them handy for your installer. If you don’t have them for any reason, they are available on the CFE website and printable. Do your due diligence and ask about brand, origin of manufacturer, guarantees and warranties, extra equipment, KWH-per-area ratio, and cost of installation. Make sure to ask questions and keep notes. We’ve heard of homes having bills as little as 25 pesos, which we’ve been informed is the minimum.

    This is a lifetime investment and worth every peso, recoverable in as short at time as two or three years. It’s good for your resale value, too.

    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