Real Estate with a Focus
By Josef Kandoll W.

Whether you come to Puerto Vallarta as a regular or first-time visitor, you're bound to consider investing in property if you haven't already done so. Take your time and review your options. A complete selection, many with guaranteed returns, awaits you.

Sierra del Mar at Los Arcos: While Puerto Vallarta continues in growth and development, real estate sales respond to specific stimuli. Giants in the field have seen the cycles before. Carlos Osuna Jr. of the Sierra del Mar at Los Arcos points to the marked trend of high-end residential based on a quality product. Similar to his original residential prize-winning enclave Sierra del Mar, a project that took about 20 years to complete, the new Los Arcos is long-term. Following the solid infrastructure of the cobblestone access roads off the southern highway, the first-class beach club provides the anchor for the beachfront project. An intimate sandy cove that's caringly sculpted holds the infinity pool with a view of the beach club—also home to a gymnasium, spa services and a Zen garden. From this angle on the bay, enjoy your early coffee in the morning sun. Currently under construction is the first of nine exclusive private estate homes, as well as the first two towers that will hold a total of 34 condos in four mid-rise buildings, all oceanfront. Ensconced within the unique jungle vegetation of the coast, Los Arcos looms to the south while downtown Puerto Vallarta, only 12 minutes away, is clearly visible on the coastline to the north. Views from every condo and villa above the emerald waters of the bay are unmatched. This gated community promises to be a neighborhood of distinction for those who recognize value at any price.
www.sierradelmar.com

Tropicasa: When Wayne Franklin of Tropicasa came to Puerto Vallarta for the first time, it was to rest and recuperate. Little did he know what a life-changing visit it was going to be. Within 10 short years, he not only became the president of the local chapter of AMPI (the Mexican association of real estate professionals) but also a top leader in the national real estate industry. "This year," he says, "is on par with last year, which to me means it's a much better year in comparison. But rather than corner one specific area of the market, we let our clients dictate the focus through their specific needs. In fact, with some 150 or more developments in the Bay Area, we've created the concept of the Open House Gallery to help the clients more efficiently find what they need."

Tropicasa represents a number of developments, "primarily in the mid-range," as Franklin explains. Avalon and Paramount are both down to 10 and 15 percent availability, respectively, at press time, with the new Dos Marías on the horizon above Garza Blanca. Ikal is a new offering in Nuevo Vallarta, with financing packages available and pricing beginning in the low $200s. In Amapas just above the Romantic Zone, Villas de la Colina offers spacious two- and three-bedroom deluxe suites in the $600 range.
www.tropicasa.com

G3Mex: It was love at first sight when Chris Haines of G3Mex first visited a little-known area called Litibú, with lots that offered spectacular views of the ocean north of Punta de Mita and south of Sayulita. Now, with only two lots left to sell, he finds himself actively developing projects on the south coast in Cabo Corrientes and Costalegre. In the meantime, Vista Cangrejo in Emiliano Zapata and Las Vistas in La Pechuga of Vallarta are nearing completion. But perhaps the most pleasant circumstance is his recent move to Vista El Estero, an office complex he masterminded near the banks of the Pitillal River. The land was purchased with the help of investors who will recoup a 12 percent rental income. Finishing with a very strong second quarter, Haines looks forward to similar projects, including residential and commercial lots.
www.g3mex.com

Prudential California Realty: Director Tere Kimball of Prudential California Realty Vallarta Division compares this year with last year, saying, "Despite all that has happened with the U.S. economy, we have had a good year. Our sales this semester have almost matched our last year (2007) January to June period…. There may be some stimulus for buyers to come to Mexico simply because Mexican real estate is correctly perceived as an extremely good value." With a large sales force of 30-plus, the focus is on many different aspects. "I have agents that deal with land for development, residential, high-end, mid-level housing—and we are fortunate to be able to match our clients with the ideal agent." Current developments represented by Prudential include Luma, Paradise Village, Yubarta Residences and Golf, and Ibiza and La Privada on the championship El Tigre Golf Course in Nuevo Vallarta.
www.prurealtypv.com

Re/Max: Re/Max in Marina Vallarta is currently focused on a development of Martell homes in Paradise Village's El Tigre Golf Course. With 20 homes located right on the pleasant fairway, the four-bedroom units offer around 305 square meters of construction with open floor plans starting at US$680,000. Monty Merrell reports that the first half of the year broke sales volume records, with activity continuing through the summer. "Marina properties continue to sell just about as fast as they're built," he says, "with re-sales just as hot," resulting in waterfront and beachfront lots basically not being available anymore.
www.montymerrell.com

Realty Executives: John Morel of Realty Executives says, "Current buyers are at the top and the bottom. There are those who are just entering the market for their first residence, and then there are those who are buying a second or even third home. It's a good time for investments." While the average sales figure has dropped, nevertheless Morel says that his total volume has increased. Realty Executives, with only two years under its belt in the Puerto Vallarta office, goes as far back as the 1960s in its Phoenix headquarters. The company's local base extends from Las Juntas y Los Veranos south of Mismaloya to Bucerías in Riviera Nayarit. Its 28 sales executives focus on international second residences, primary first homes and commercial projects and hotels. A major movement, says Morel, is that of individual quarter-acre lots in security areas south of town, as well as land sales to developers.
www.realtyexecutivesvallarta.com

Villa La Estancia: John Vering, sales executive of the luxurious Villa La Estancia in Flamingos, reports the opening of the third and final phase of the company's upscale product with a focus on fractional and full-ownership sales—and the promise of not just a condo but a suite with a lifestyle. On-site fine dining at La Casona offers Kobe and Angus-certified beef and New Zealand rack of lamb, among other things. Poolside appetites are assuaged with a more casual La Parrilla in a pleasant atmosphere of joie de vivre. The deluxe Tatewari Spa offers ancient healing rituals and hydrotherapy, with quarters for both men and women. The top-end Villa La Estancia shares time with numerous resorts worldwide at levels that were previously only accessible to the elusive jet-setters.
www.villalaestancia.com

Rivera Cuale: An interesting new project called Rivera Cuale, represented by Jean Talbot, offers ecofriendly riverside living in a quiet Mexican neighborhood—not right on the beaten track but within easy walking distance of downtown Vallarta. Deep into phase one of the residential development, Talbot says that sales have done reasonably well, with 10 percent sold. With the model completed by October 2008, sales will undoubtedly increase on the three-tower, 100 residence development. Choose from contemporary condos with two bedrooms/two baths, or three bedrooms/three baths, or the spacious three-bedroom/3.5-bath penthouse with almost 4,000 square feet of space. Located on the banks of the Cuale River, this project combines a modern lifestyle with every convenience for the flavor of a Mexican colonia.
www.riveracuale.com

Applegate Realtors: At the helm of Applegate Realtors is scion Moray Applegate, who grew up in the real estate business in Puerto Vallarta. With a personal focus on land sales for developers in both Riviera Nayarit and south of Puerto Vallarta, he says, "Business is good, and during times like these, it's the quality that counts." Applegate also points toward the new highway being developed from Guadalajara as a major reinforcement for the development in the entire Banderas Bay region. While Applegate Realtors prides itself on the longevity of its service in the community, its sterling reputation quietly speaks volumes.
www.applegaterealtors.com

Sotheby's International Realty: An international company that just made its presence known by opening an office in the area in 2007 is Sotheby's International Realty, directed by Eugenia Fregoso. "Things are going very well," she reports, since the market sector that forms its clientele is high-end residential, with the added backing of the prestigious auction house. Already a major presence in Latin America, the new Vallarta office is a great addition to Mexico. "We formed an exclusive relationship with Amapas One and Amapas Two, unique properties that reflect our focus on a particular lifestyle."
www.sirvallarta.com

Paradise Mortgage and Sandcastle Dreams Realty: Business partners Jonas Seder and Danny López operate Paradise Mortgage in Marina Vallarta, providing fixed or amortized mortgages to the public via the real estate community in Vallarta. With over 16 years in finance in the San Francisco Bay area, Seder founded the office as part of a lifestyle change that led him to raise his family in Mexico. "Not only do I love the people of Mexico, but I have a safe mooring for my boat right in my backyard in Isla Iguana." They are associates as well in Sandcastle Dreams Realty, with a specialty in second and third homes for those who cannot resist the call of a life in paradise. While plans include possible expansion to other areas of Mexico, Vallarta will continue to be home. In the meantime, financing is available in purchases of residences, land or commercial property as well as numerous options for refinancing.
www.paradisemortgagemx.com; www.sandcastledreamsrealty.com

Los Veneros: Located in the exclusive Rancho Banderas area of Punta de Mita, Los Veneros is progressing rapidly on phase one, which includes a beach club and three low-rise buildings with astounding views of Banderas Bay and the southern range of mountains of Cabo Corrientes. The Discovery Center is already operating, with an active sales force in this high-end but friendly development. The 239 residences in eight buildings will range from condos to penthouses and villas. Three- and four-bedroom floor plans offer two-tiered terraced views of the coast and easy access to an amazingly extensive common area with numerous freeform swimming pools, tennis courts, a full-service spa and gymnasium, and three restaurants in addition to a business center. Management will be handled by a high-end international boutique hotel company for savvy investors.
www.losveneros.com

Acqua Vallarta: In the Acqua Vallarta development in Flamingos, a beachfront lifestyle welcomes you, with residence sizes ranging from studios to lofts, penthouses and villas. Whichever you choose, you have access to the spacious grand pool with mist-cooled tanning beds and food service at your fingertips. The international Club Danzatoria joins Buda Restaurant in offering dining and nightlife right on your own turf. An ultra-modern hotel tower provides accommodations for family and visitors, without having them underfoot. Exclusive shops and boutiques as well as concierge services keep you ahead of trends during your active days and nights.
www.acquavallarta.com.mx

Plaza Pelícanos: Close to downtown Puerto Vallarta is the flourishing Plaza Pelícanos, a development that includes a grand beach resort hotel along with timeshare options. The friendly, homey complex allows for groups and families while specializing in events, reunions and meetings. The mid-rise towers overlook the grand pool areas, with food and bar service available under shaded palapas. A recent renovation has upgraded the rooms and suites for your spacious comfort. Perhaps best of all, colorful downtown Puerto Vallarta is just a hop and skip away.
www.plazapelicanos.com.mx

After many years without any new development dedicated entirely to time share, along the beautiful beaches in the hotel zone of Puerto Vallarta, an amazing new project started construction in October 2008 with pre-construction sales early November.

"Sunset Plaza Spa and Beach Resort" will be the newest 5-star resort to be built in this magnificent area just 10 minutes from the airport, and 5 minutes from the magic and charm of downtown Puerto Vallarta. This new development will consist of 1, 2 and 3-bedroom units all of which will have one of the most spectacular breathtaking views of the bay; the units will be sold in a points-based system in conjunction with Shell Vacations Club one of the most successful vacation clubs in the United States.

When completed, the complex will consist of 182 units with the first phase to be delivered late 2009. Resort amenities will include spa, gym, infinity pool, kids club, tennis courts and concierge service.

Get a complete list of real estate resources and brokers, here.