Home Away From Home
By Josef Kandoll W.

Puerto Vallarta, including the entire Banderas Bay area, continues to be one of the most sought-after vacation markets in the country. As such, buyers frequently have their eye on investment as well. Many begin with one property and eventually expand to include several more. Your real estate broker or agent will help you analyze your needs to get the best value from your dollar.

For discriminating buyers, there hasn’t been a better market than the present for some time. While prices haven’t necessarily gone down as a result of economic struggles elsewhere, specific properties are offered at decent discounts based on the sellers’ needs—creating a truly delectable buyers’ market in Vallarta.

Pacific Boutique Properties’ Victoria Pratt comments: “If you’ve ever been thinking about buying, now is the time. Prices in some cases are as low as they were about three or four years ago. Not only do you have a better choice of properties, but agents will take the time to preselect those that actually fit your budget or needs.”

Pacific Boutique Properties, as the name implies, focuses on boutique properties, “those with a special flair, unique homes and villas,” primarily in the North Shore, including popular Punta de Mita. This small select group prides itself on being at least bilingual if not trilingual. “It’s something we consider of prime importance to help you interpret the numerous legal and financial forms that must be completed in Spanish. We are totally service-oriented and offer all the classic services with our own select portfolio.” For rentals, Pratt points out that their corner on the market is “the estate escape, for those who want a splurge vacation with family or friends: a gorgeous hacienda or villa by the sea with all services.” pacificboutiqueproperties.com

Ron Morgan of Timothy, Fuller & Associates, who works in Puerto Vallarta, says, “The Romantic Zone is still one of the most popular areas for living. It’s close to everything and the offering has updated dramatically. While more established businesses and restaurants have taken the time to renovate for this coming season, even streets and lighting have improved.”

With offices in Molino de Agua and on Rodolfo Gómez, Morgan mentions that, “special interest-only loans as well as developer financing are now available in the market. The process for buying is streamlined while interest rates are stabilized. This is an amazing time for buyers to compare.” While their rental office includes the entire bay area, Morgan points again to the success of Old Town. Molino de Agua is experiencing a phenomenal attraction for its facilities as well as location. “People really like to walk in the evenings and Old Town continues to retain its original charm.” ronmorgan.net

Sherri Narro of Carlos Osuna’s Sierra del Mar Los Arcos offers an update on their South Shore development. Despite the general slowdown, “Sierra del Mar at Los Arcos has sold one villa lot and seven condos so far in 2009, proving that people see quality as a good value and will spend their money to buy that quality, even in a less-than-perfect global economy.” The first-class beach club—also home to a gymnasium, spa services and a Zen garden—provides the anchor for the beachfront project. There’s also an infinity pool with a breathtaking view. From this angle on the bay, enjoy your first cup of coffee in the morning sun.

Construction continues on villa-sized condos, estate homes and villas in this low-density oceanfront setting. 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 are unmatched above the emerald waters of the bay. This gated community promises to be a neighborhood of distinction for those who recognize value at any price. sierradelmar.com

Finally, located right at the downtown end of the Hotel Zone, an exciting project is taking shape. Sunset Plaza’s Rodolfo Cibrian explains: “It will be the first of its kind; a full-service resort within walking distance of downtown. The Sunset Plaza, planned in three phases, will eventually include 14 floors with a total of 306 units of varying sizes. [It will feature] numerous eateries including two theme restaurants, a full-service spa, gymnasium, adults-only pool, mini-market deli, mini-club for kids, bars, tennis courts, multiple-use meeting rooms, parking and security.”

Located in Las Glorias, where the current Plaza Pelícanos offers hotel and time-share opportunities, this will be a true resort experience with all services right at the fingertips. Memberships include RCI and Shell Vacations Club, with the highest ratings for the combination of location and facilities. “This is a place where families can stay together and have a great time, while guests with children can rest assured of their safety if they choose to go out at night. Vehicles aren’t even necessary since we’re so close to downtown,” Cibrian concludes. plazapelicanos.com.mx

Whatever type of home you prefer, your perfect place in the sun awaits you in Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay.

Residencias Sierra del Mar at Los Arcos
9.75 Barra de Navidad
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico 48300
Tel: 322-228-0356; Fax: 322-228-0357
E-mail: sales@sierradelmar.com
Website: sierradelmar.com
Days/Hours of operation: Monday–Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Fifteen minutes south of downtown Puerto Vallarta, Sierra del Mar Oceanfront Residences at Los Arcos is a secure gated development of estate homes and villa-size residences sharing a private beach club and a 1/3 of a mile of coastline.

Ron Morgan
Callejón de la Igualdad No. 127, Col. Alta Vista
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Mexico 48380
Tel: 322-222-1535; Fax: 322-222-9237
E-mail: rmorgannewmex@hotmail.com
Website: ronmorgan.net
Days/Hours of operation: Monday–Friday: 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m.; Saturday 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
The ultimate souvenir... real estate. A portfolio of fine properties is at your fingertips with Ron Morgan at Timothy Fuller & Associates. Whether you are looking for a year-round residence or a simple studio getaway, you can expect the best! Member of A.M.P.I. and Luxury Real Estate.

Sunset Plaza Beach Resort & Spa
Diego Rivera No. 120
Zona Hotelera Las Glorias, Mexico 48300
Tel: (322) 226-2700
Website: vacationownership.com.mx
This luxury development, scheduled to open in late 2010, will have 312  one-, two- and three-bedroom accommodations. Located in the heart of the Hotel Zone, 10 minutes from the airport and five minutes from downtown Puerto Vallarta, it will offer all the services of a five-star hotel—including a European spa, restaurants, deli, bar, gym, tennis courts, children’s club and concierge service. Afiliated with RCI and Shell Vacations Club.

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