Puerto Vallarta Rentals Blog

Puerto Vallarta was once a quiet fishing village, but ever since it served as the backdrop for John Huston?s 1964 film ?The Night of the Iguana,? starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, the sleepy seaside town has grown to become the blockbuster resort that it is today. This longstanding popularity only seems to be increasing among both tourists and retirees, and as a result, Puerto Vallarta’s real estate market is thriving.

Many foreigners looking to retire in Mexico have chosen this seaside town for its beautiful scenery, its small size and the relative ease of conducting day-to-day life with limited Spanish required. Interest among international buyers is so great that almost all real estate agencies quote prices in dollars.

About Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta, west of Guadalajara
Located on the Pacific coast, the municipality of Puerto Vallarta occupies 502.19 square miles and has a view of the beautiful Sierra Madre mountains. With its estimated population hovering around 300,000, the city is the fifth largest in the Mexican state of Jalisco.

Tourism is the largest industry in the area, followed by agriculture and fishing. Puerto Vallarta is the second most visited resort town in Mexico and welcomes 2.2 million tourists annually, according to Visit Puerto Vallarta Mexico, an online guide to the city.

The city?s official slogan, ?where Mexico comes to life,? rings true to John Youden, founder of Puerto Vallarta’s real estate multiple listing service, Multi List Vallarta, and owner of Vallarta Lifestyles Publishing Group, he said. ?Puerto Vallarta is a Mexican town that became an international tourist destination. Los Cabos and Cancun, for the most part, were planned destinations,? he said. Puerto Vallarta has a lot of Mexico to offer, according to Mr. Youden. ?Its downtown central area with its plaza and Malecon offers something truly unique. It is also very close to Guadalajara, Mexico?s second largest city.?

Puerto Vallarta was ranked in NuWire’s top five Mexican real estate markets in 2008. In 2000, Puerto Vallarta sold roughly $50 million in resort real estate, which is defined as property purchased by retirees or as a second home, according to Darryl Bowie, the general manager of Coldwell Banker La Costa Realty. Million-dollar homes were rare and there were only a few large scale developments. In 2007, resort real estate sales reached $500 million. There were condos selling for $2 million apiece and homes garnering a hefty $5 million, according to Coldwell Banker La Costa Realty.

As of summer 2008, there are more than 100 developments around Banderas Bay, making Puerto Vallarta first in resort property sales in Mexico. Punta Mita, one of the better known developments, has Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton and St. Regis Hotels and two Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses. “The whole area is booming, from Rincon de Guayabitos in the north to Mismaloya in the south,” Bowie said.

The major property buyers in Puerto Vallarta are Mexicans, Americans and Canadians and mostly they come looking in one of three categories, according to figures from Coldwell Banker La Costa. Some are seeking full-time winter homes. Others are looking for a second home that can also double as a rental property. Many are looking to retire in Puerto Vallarta.

“This year, with the sub-prime crisis, election, price of oil and other economic factors, we have seen a noticeable drop in American buyers and a noticeable rise in American sellers. The Canadian buyers have really stepped in with a strong dollar, however, as the oil-based inflation woes make the news, even the Canadian buyers are being more cautious than usual,” Bowie said.

Those who are looking for properties under $250,000 but want amenities such as a pool, beach, security, view and proximity to downtown are finding a market where prices are much higher than they expected, according to Bowie. The market under $400,000 is strong, especially in the condo sector. However, sales from properties valued between $500,000 and $1 million are not doing as well. “At this price range, buyers are faced with a major investment decision and when the economic indicators are all screaming ‘buy gold, inflation is looming, oil is going higher, cash is king, the sky is falling,’ they put the dream on hold,” Bowie said.

“The $500,000 to $1,000,000 market seems to be softening at this time, with a desire toward either less expensive condos in the $300s or very high-end condos and villas, typically over $2 million,” said Wayne Franklin, president of Tropicasa Reality. The top end of the market is doing quiet a bit better than any other portion of the market. “This makes sense because economic fluctuations affect high profile clients less,” Franklin said.

The paperwork and real estate language used during property transaction may seem similar to those used in the United States but international buyers must remember that similarity does not translate into sameness. They must research every turn and ensure all procedures are completed in accordance to Mexican law. Generally, property purchase involves a bank, a lawyer, a real estate company and a public notary, according to Mexonline. Transactions that are not within restricted zones don’t need to involve banks. Read more bout Mexican real estate law in our article The Myth of Mexican Property Ownership.

“Investors need to do their homework and work with an AMPI [Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals] agent to make sure that they are being represented properly,” Franklin said. Buyers must review and evaluate documents of their chosen development critically to ensure that everything is as it seems. “If the investor has found a valid project, preconstruction developers sometimes offer great discounts for entry level into a development. Others offer terrific terms throughout the course of the construction. In Mexico, prices increase on developments as inventory decreases, so price escalations are typically built into the model. You may also find a developer whose sales have stagnated. They?ve reached a plateau and they need to get moving again. Being in the right place at the right time can pay off in these projects. You may be able to convince a developer to give you that ‘special deal’ on the next unit sold so that he can get sales moving again,” he said.

The next few years

Real estate agents are optimistic about the future of the Puerto Vallarta property market as new developments are planned to open the town to even greater numbers of tourists. “A new highway is under construction to Guadalajara, which will bring more visitors to the beach. This will be a huge boom for Vallarta. People will need lodging, food and want to shop and drink. All businesses will enjoy an uptick in activity, real estate and hotels especially,” said Franklin.

“The baby boomer population continues to retire with huge wealth despite U.S. economic factors. Vallarta, with its proximity to major wealth centers in the States, will continue to grow and be among one of the top vacation and retirement destination as baby boomers look for more out of life,” he added.
Puerto Vallarta Rentals

Puerto Vallarta is a popular city in Mexico that is well-known amongst travelers as one of the best resort locations in North America. The majority of the economy in Puerto Vallarata is centered around tourism so everything in the city and surrounding area is geared towards attracting vacationers. This means that there is no shortage of places to stay, things to see and activities to do. Puerto Vallarta is not only popular with travelers from abroad but locals as well. Many residents of nearby cities travel to Puerto Vallarta on the weekends.

Puerto Vallarta

With all this great tourism comes great expense as well. The resort hotels in Puerto Vallarta can be incredibly expensive. Thankfully, there are some alternate choices for people interested in staying for an extended length of time. The most popular, renting one of the many Puerto Vallarta villas is a great way to save some money. Puerto Vallarta condos are also another rental option.

Renting a villa or condo for a week will be cheaper for you and your group than staying in a hotel. You might not get all of the perks and benefits of staying in a high class resort hotel when you stay in a villa or condo, but the savings you?ll receive by renting can be put towards other parts of your vacation. With so many things to do inside and around Puerto Vallarta any money you can save on your accommodations will make your Mexican vacation that much more exciting.

The industry surrounding Puerto Vallarta rentals has begun to boom over the last few years. People are becoming less and less interested in hotel resorts which can sometimes feel stuffy and uncomfortable. By renting a homey condo or villa you can have a more relaxing and stress free vacation with you and your family without worrying about added costs and high priced things like room service and other amenities you can probably get by without.

Walt and Jean Smith start their mornings with coffee on the terrace. Sometimes they spy a school of playful dolphins jumping the waves. Usually, though, they watch the town awaken. Women pull tarps off small beach shacks where they’ll soon start grilling the ‘catch of the day.’ Young men joke and chat with each other before they head off in separate directions to sell their colorful wares and silver jewelry.
Later in the day, the Smiths may walk down to the malecon, or seaside boardwalk, for lunch. They know the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta … those that are off the tourist track and where you can still get a filling lunch of fresh fish, rice, beans, and tortillas for $5 or less.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, is one of the favored destinations for U.S. and Canadian retirees. Although it’s difficult to corroborate exact numbers, estimates are that one million American and Canadian retirees live in Mexico at least full- or part-time. The Lake Chapala area, south of Guadalajara in the middle of Mexico’s central highlands, is home to the largest concentrated population of U.S. and Canadian retirees living outside the U.S. and Canada.
When the Smiths first retired to Mexico, they settled in the Lake Chapala area, in the village of Ajijic. They bought a large property, remodeled it, and reopened it as an upscale B&B. After five and a half years as innkeepers, they were ready to retire again … for real this time. And this time they chose to live in the famous resort and beach town of Puerto Vallarta.
“Moving from one town to another is fairly typical of the retiree experience in Mexico,” says Dan Prescher, publisher of International Living magazine and the expansive website about living and investing overseas, www.internationalliving.com. Prescher and his wife have themselves lived in three towns in Mexico: Ajijic, San Miguel de Allende, and now Merida in the state of Yucatan.
“Mexico is a very easy country to live in, especially if you’ve never lived overseas before,” says Prescher. “You can drive here easily from the U.S. or Canada, it’s easy to get a resident visa here and to import your household belongings duty-free. It’s easy to start a business. And the cost of living is lower than it is north of the border. Importantly for retirees, especially, health care in Mexico is first rate and can cost 50-60% less than it does back home. While Medicare doesn’t cover you anywhere outside the U.S., foreigners can buy into the Mexican government health insurance program for less than $300 per year. There are, in fact, many perks and discounts extended to retirees in Mexico.”
The country has so much to offer, says International Living editor Laura Sheridan, that for the second year in a row, Mexico ranks #1 on the publication’s Annual Global Retirement Index.
“In Mexico, you can afford the kinds of luxuries only the wealthy enjoy up north … like a maid, a cook, and a gardener,” says Sheridan. “Whatever your vision of the ideal retirement involves … shopping, fishing, sunbathing, diving, mountain climbing, collecting crafts, visiting archeological sites, going to concerts, attending the theater, or fine dining … in Mexico you can have all this and more.”
To determine the Annual Retirement Index, Sheridan says 29 countries, are analyzed and ranked in categories including real estate costs, special benefits offered to retirees, culture, safety and stability, health care, climate, infrastructure, and cost of living.
“We look closely at the best opportunities worldwide for retirement living,” she says. “Where will the pensioner’s dollars go farthest? Which country is the safest? Where is the health care best? We give top priority to those things that matter most to anyone planning for retirement, including programs with special benefits for retirees … things like tax breaks and discounts, for example, that various governments offer in an effort to attract investment and retirement dollars.”
“This is the second consecutive year that Mexico tops our list as the best country in the world to retire to,” Sheridan says. “It’s followed on that list by Ecuador, Panama, Uruguay, and Italy.
“Keep in mind that every place has its pros and cons. And every country has pockets where living is easier … or cheaper … than another. Mexico is a good example of this. Living in a resort city like Puerto Vallarta is more expensive than living in a smaller and lesser-known town like Tepic, just a few hours north.”
The same is true of Italy, Sheridan says, where higher prices are common in the northern part of the country and near big cities like Rome and Florence. “But go south to the Abruzzo, Molise, and Campania regions and towns like Strazzari and Calitri to find the bargains.”
Ecuador, in the number two spot, may be the best-kept retirement secret in the Americas, says International Living publisher Dan Prescher, especially when it comes to real estate prices.
“On a recent trip to Ecuador,” he says, “I saw flat, buildable lots with majestic views overlooking the Pacific Ocean for $6,000. In a tidy gated community right on the beach lots are selling for $18,000. Gorgeous modern condos in high-rise towers in the Oceanside city of Manta sell for $100 per square foot. And in the highlands, prices can be even lower. How does $46,000 sound for an 1,100-square-foot penthouse with views of two volcanoes?”
This is the 16th year that International Living, founded in 1979, has compiled its Annual Retirement Index.
The United States ranks #21 and receives particularly bad marks in the area of special benefits for retirees. It scores well in both safety and infrastructure. The United Kingdom ranks at the bottom of the list at #29 – primarily because of its high real estate prices and overall high cost of living.
“No place scores a perfect 100,” stresses Sheridan. “Even Mexico, our number one retirement destination, earns a score of only 77. The best, but not perfect. If you’re trying to pick a place to retire, keep that in mind. There will be good points and bad, no matter where you go. Realizing that ahead of time will eliminate many disappointments later.”
Puerto Vallarta Rentals

For all the logical minds out there, consider this equation; a trip to Puerto Vallarta + a fabulous vacation rental + one or more beloved people ? all responsibility and stress = a successful getaway that will resound in your memory for years to come. Sound appealing? It?s time to wrap your brain around the relative ease with which you can soon come up with a correct answer of your own.

Start with the first component: Puerto Vallarta. This town exists on the Pacific coast of Mexico and has made a name for itself as an all around pleasing destination. From amazing restaurants to lovely beaches, surprising displays of public art to warm and pleasant sunny days (especially during the winter), this spot along the Mexican Riviera has definitely earned the right to be considered ?hot.?

Places like the main square, Los Muertos Beach and the Malecon could all be accessible from your well-equipped condo or spacious beach villa. These properties are abundant in Puerto Vallarta, as many people have already discovered that a true home away from home complete with specialized amenities and one-of-a-kind personalities add something delightful to already fun vacations. Perhaps it?s unlocking a door with an actual key as opposed to one of those credit-card things, or maybe it?s the extra dose of privacy that you so appreciate. It could be any number of factors, but the bottom line is that rentals are where it?s at.

No matter who your traveling group is composed of, be it extended family, long-lost friends, or just you and your sweetheart, there?s a place for each to comfortably call home. Reunions and weddings have been known to take place on luxurious properties with breathtaking views of the beach and bedrooms for everyone. Celebrate whatever happy occasion you want amidst an idyllic scene of sun, sea and gardens, where the beauty of the people you?re with can be complemented by the splendor of the setting.

Groups of adult friends will love staying in the same house, where everyone can have their own space to sleep and unpack but won?t be cut off from one another when it?s time for social hour. A communal living room, game room and kitchen will allow much quality time to be spent together, so seize the chance to enjoy your friends without giving up any privacy.

Finally, vacation homes are known for providing the ultimate romantic getaways. Hot tubs, hidden decks, long walks on the beach, breakfast in bed?the list goes on and on. Simply having the opportunity to be alone with your love will seem novel after months (or years) of being challenged and interrupted by quick pace of modern life, so rest assured that your Puerto Vallarta love nest will take you away from such nonsense, if but for a little while.

Even the mathematically-challenged will see that Puerto Vallarta Vacation Rentals just make sense, so start working things out as soon as you can.

If you’ve ever wanted to own property in Mexico, buying a piece of Puerto Vallarta Real Estate can be a valuable investment in your happiness. The homes in Puerto Vallarta Mexico come in a wide range of sizes and have something to offer for everyone. If you want to live in a smaller property that’s more within your budget, a condo may be the perfect solution. Condos are great for single people or couples with no children or family members living in their homes. These types of families can buy a condo and not have to worry about paying for electricity and other utilities for a large home with too much space. If you have a family or several pets, a villa or other more sizeable home may be a better choice. These bigger properties have more room for recreation and have more bedrooms and bathrooms to make living together a little less frustrating. The outdoor amenities and conveniences available vary widely from one property to another, but many properties have plenty of room for rest and recreation. If you’re considering a piece of Puerto Vallarta, you’ll need to decide what you’re looking for and let your Mexico realtor find properties that match your list of requirements. Working with a realtor to find potential homes in Puerto Vallarta Mexico can help you to find a home that is a good value and a wonderful investment in your future.

Puerto Vallarta is surrounded by some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico, making it the ideal location for anyone who loves to spend time on the beach or in the water. Along with the beaches comes the opportunity for water sports if you’re athletically inclined or walking along the water at sunset if you’re more of a romantic type. If you don’t want to spend all of your time sunbathing and listening to the water hitting the sandy shores, there are many opportunities for recreation in Puerto Vallarta so you’re bound to find something that’s perfect for you to do with your free time. The traditional architecture and colorful buildings provide a beautiful backdrop for the cultural events, music, and sights of gay Puerto Vallarta and are sure to brighten your spirits even if you had a long day. The homes in Puerto Vallarta Mexico are a great choice for anyone who’s ever wanted to own property in Mexico or just live in a little slice of paradise.

Puerto Vallarta is the perfect vacation destination if you are looking for amazing beaches, a comfortable climate, amazing shopping, and outdoor activities that can occupy the entire span of your trip. If your desire for adventure has led you to Puerto Vallarta, be sure to find accommodations that suit your vacation style and allow you easy access to the all the attractions you plan to visit. You certainly do not want to miss out on any of the fun that this city is known for!

With numerous amazing restaurants, a variety of shopping outlets, and a lively nightlife, staying close to the city is perfect for individuals who plan on taking advantage of all this resort town has to offer. A Puerto Vallarta condo that is located in the immediate downtown is an excellent option that puts you close to exactly what you want to see. A short walk out the front door, you will find the art galleries, nightclubs, and restaurants you so desire and, with a quick look out the window, you can catch sight of Guadalupe church and Playa Los Muertos. The excitement of the city surrounds you in a downtown condo, prodding you to get out there and walk the cobblestone streets so you can truly experience all this bustling city has to offer.

If your vacation is centered around the beautiful and plentiful beaches of this area, then make your lodging an oceanfront retreat away from the noise and activity of the city. A Puerto Vallarta villa that is situated directly on the beach means that you can sit on your balcony in the morning as the sound of the waves gently wakes you up and then slowly meander out towards the sand when you are ready. There is no rushing to get dressed and pack up your belongings so you can fight for a prime sunning spot. All is peaceful throughout the day as you wander in and out of your vacation home for afternoon snacks and more sunscreen. And if you need a little more action, the ocean sits before you and there are kayaks and bicycles readily available so you can view your surroundings from different angles. Whatever you need to make your beach vacation as relaxing as possible is simply at your fingertips in an oceanfront villa.

No matter who your traveling group is composed of, be it extended family, long-lost friends, or just you and your sweetheart, there?s a place for each to comfortably call home. Reunions and weddings have been known to take place on luxurious properties with breathtaking views of the beach and bedrooms for everyone. Celebrate whatever happy occasion you want amidst an idyllic scene of sun, sea and gardens, where the beauty of the people you?re with can be complemented by the splendor of the setting.

Groups of adult friends will love staying in the same house, where everyone can have their own space to sleep and unpack but won?t be cut off from one another when it?s time for social hour. A communal living room, game room and kitchen will allow much quality time to be spent together, so seize the chance to enjoy your friends without giving up any privacy.

Finally, vacation homes are known for providing the ultimate romantic getaways. Hot tubs, hidden decks, long walks on the beach, breakfast in bed the list goes on and on. Simply having the opportunity to be alone with your love will seem novel after months (or years) of being challenged and interrupted by quick pace of modern life, so rest assured that your Puerto Vallarta love nest will take you away from such nonsense, if but for a little while.

f you?re looking for the ideal vacation rental home, Puerto Vallarta Condominiums and Villas may be the solution you need to have a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation in this beautiful destination. Instead of trying to have a great time in a cramped property with none of the comforts of home, you should consider renting one of the finest pieces of Puerto Vallarta real estate that you can find. One of the best things about the Puerto Vallarta real estate market is that you can find rental properties in a number of sizes and styles to suit your budget and personal needs.

Start with the first component: Puerto Vallarta. This town exists on the Pacific coast of Mexico and has made a name for itself as an all around pleasing destination. From amazing restaurants to lovely beaches, surprising displays of public art to warm and pleasant sunny days (especially during the winter), this spot along the Mexican Riviera has definitely earned the right to be considered ?hot.?

If your vacation is centered around the beautiful and plentiful beaches of this area, then make your lodging an oceanfront retreat away from the noise and activity of the city. A Puerto Vallarta villa that is situated directly on the beach means that you can sit on your balcony in the morning as the sound of the waves gently wakes you up and then slowly meander out towards the sand when you are ready. There is no rushing to get dressed and pack up your belongings so you can fight for a prime sunning spot. All is peaceful throughout the day as you wander in and out of your vacation home for afternoon snacks and more sunscreen. And if you need a little more action, the ocean sits before you and there are kayaks and bicycles readily available so you can view your surroundings from different angles. Whatever you need to make your beach vacation as relaxing as possible is simply at your fingertips in an oceanfront villa.

If you?re worried about finding the perfect property, relax. With the explosion of online technology, you can look for Puerto Vallarta condominiums and villas from the comfort of your own home way before you?re ready to make a decision. If you plan on visiting a specific area of Puerto Vallarta, you can choose the amenities and attractions you?re looking for and generate a whole list of vacation properties matching your criteria.

In Puerto Vallarta, you will notice villages in the hills and villas on the beach, but one alternative to the typical accommodations is a secluded bungalow in the jungle. A private retreat nestled in the natural surroundings of the city is the perfect getaway for a couple looking for some time alone. You can still catch sight of the Pacific from your vacation home, but here you can truly escape from it all and relax in your own private paradise. There is a cook to prepare your meals, which you can enjoy on the gorgeous patio, and afterwards you can take advantage of the close proximity to the beach with a moonlit stroll in the sand. Whether you are looking for total seclusion or simply some privacy on your vacation, a private villa will satisfy your desires and accommodate all of your needs.

Finally, vacation homes are known for providing the ultimate romantic getaways. Hot tubs, hidden decks, long walks on the beach, breakfast in bedthe list goes on and on. Simply having the opportunity to be alone with your love will seem novel after months (or years) of being challenged and interrupted by quick pace of modern life, so rest assured that your Puerto Vallarta love nest will take you away from such nonsense, if but for a little while.

You came to Puerto Vallarta to get away from it all. You love the intimate privacy of your villa in Puerto Vallarta, but you know the sun and the beach are waiting. Well, here?s your chance for privacy and sand: spend some time on Conchas Chinas Beach on the south end of town.

Conchas Chinas is actually three small, secluded beaches separated from each other by volcanic rock formations that run into the sea. It does take some extra effort to get there; you have walk from Playa Los Muertos or from the coastal road, but it?s worth the trouble because almost nobody comes here (relatively speaking). It?s the perfect place to spend the afternoon if you?re looking for a bit of quiet and privacy.

This beach getaway is the real thing ? no vendors, no party bars, just a small slice of secluded rocky beach tucked away. You?ll want to bring your own drinks and food, because you won?t find any to buy at the beach. It may be quiet, but there?s plenty to do at Conchas Chinas Beach. Swim and snorkel; explore the tide pools; collect seashells; hold hands and splash through the waves.

A quick walk from your villa rental Puerto Vallarta or an even quicker cab ride will put you within shouting distance of Conchas Chinas Beach. The beach path at the far end of Los Muertos beach will take you there, as well. When you?re done beach combing for the day, you?ll be glad to get back to your condo in Puerto Vallarta for a cold beverage and a bite of something to eat.

www.puerto-vallarta-rentals.com

If you?ve been looking for the perfect romantic getaway destination to share with a loved one, Puerto Vallarta Rentals has a lot to offer in one of the best destinations in the world. The sparkling beaches and relaxing atmosphere are perfect for weekend getaways and long honeymoons alike. If you want to live in the ultimate comfort during your vacation, Puerto Vallarta villas offer all the conveniences of home in a destination known for its beauty and enchantment. These luxurious Puerto Vallarta Rentals offer a wide range of comforts for couples looking to enjoy an exciting and romantic vacation. Enjoy luxurious linens, pampering bubble baths, and state-of-the-art entertainment systems in a beach setting that you?ll remember forever. If you want to meet other couples on your getaway, there are many Puerto Vallarta villas that are nestled next to other complexes designed so that couples can meet each other and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Mexico beach scene as a group. If you?d prefer to be alone on your getaway, many Puerto Vallarta condo rentals properties are secluded in out-of-the-way locations that are perfect for sharing some quiet time with that special person.

When you?re ready to venture outside of your luxurious villa, you?ll be greeted by sandy beaches, sparkling waters, and a number of activities that are perfect for couples. If you want to spend your time in the sun and sand, Puerto Vallarta is one of the best destinations in the world. Water sports abound in this beach destination ? from swimming to boating, you can spend your days getting chilled in the cool beach water and warming up in the bright sunshine. Other outdoor activities include fishing, golfing, and spending your days walking the beaches looking for the perfect shell. If you and your love are indoor types, there?s no shortage of activities to help you create the perfect vacation. Fine dining, games, and other indoor activities can help you stay out of the sun while creating a lifetime of Puerto Vallarta vacation memories. Many of the best Puerto Vallarta real estate properties are within walking distance to beaches and other recreational activities, making these vacation homes the best value for your money and your time. Planning your Puerto Vallarta vacation is sure to get you excited for your trip, but nothing will match the excitement you will feel when you?re greeted by the beauty of this Mexican beach destination. So pack your swimsuit and your sandals and get ready to have the vacation of a lifetime.