Prudential Vallarta Blog

By Marilyn Newman

The beautiful residential development, Ikal Vallarta, located next to El Tigre Golf Course in Nuevo Vallarta, was the venue for the recent A.M.P.I. Riviera-Nayarita General Assembly to elect the 2010 Board of Directors.

David Pullen, President of A.M.P.I. Vallarta, says, “It requires an incredible amount of time and dedication to be on the board of directors, and working with Tere Kimball and A.M.P.I. Nayarita has been an amazing experience, with all three Chapters working together”.

Only Associates were present for the first half of the meeting with the Affiliates joining afterwards to enjoy a delicious catered breakfast while the results of the election were announced:

President: Tere Kimball
Vice President: Saul Groman
Secretary: Norm Nelson
Treasurer: Fay Sloane

Special Committees

Vocal: Ali Farach & Matt Caunt
Education: Judith McFadden, Marilyn Newman & Carlos Lemus

Following, developer, Lic. Guillermo Salles, General Director of Desarrolladora Bahia de Banderas (DEBBSA), spoke on the progress of the Ikal Vallarta development, announcing new incentives and promotions.

The rest of the meeting agenda went as usual: a little breakfast, a little business, and a tour of a beautiful property and back to work!

For more information on A.M.P.I  Riviera Nayarita, contact Elena Andrade at elena@ampirivieranayarita.com or Vanessa Lopez with A.M.P.I. Vallarta, at ampivallarta@gmail.com.

Marilyn Newman is a real estate consultant with Prudential California Realty-Vallarta Division. She can be reached by email at marilyn.newman@prurealtypv.com.

By Marilyn Newman

Marilyn Newman Ed Rogalski and Michelle Lenz

I love my life.  Where else could you go to work, in this case to the monthly meeting of A.M.P.I. Riviera-Nayarita, and relax in a gorgeous villa facing the majestic Pacific enjoying fresh orange juice and a delicious croissant while being informed on important issues relating to real estate around the bay.  That gorgeous villa was one of the luxurious Punta de Mita Four Seasons properties and the important issues were, well, important.

The Association meetings are held monthly to provide area realtors the opportunity to network and be informed of changes and topics relevant to their real estate markets.

This month’s agenda, presented by President Tere Kimball of Prudential Vallarta, included an update on a new system proposed to assist area realtors in promoting their properties and it was announced that the up-coming 50-hour Real Estate II course was at capacity, but a one-day seminar was being scheduled as well as the A.M.P.I. National Conference to be held in Morelia on October 11^th-14^th.

Concluding the business of the day, agents enjoyed a tour of the property and were invited to view additional villas in the development.  What a life.

For more information on A.M.P.I  Riviera Nayarita, contact Elena at El Grupo de Bienes Raices (329) 298-1212 or Vanessa Lopez with A.M.P.I. Vallarta, Cel: 322 135 7421, ampivallarta@gmail.com.

Marilyn Newman is a real estate consultant with Prudential California Realty-Vallarta Division. She can be reached by email at marilyn.newman@prurealtypv.com.

By Marilyn Newman

On time, on point and on the move:  that must have been the theme of this past week’s A.M.P.I. meeting held at the new development, Real Nuevo Vallarta, represented by Prudential Paradise Village office.

The Association meetings are held monthly and provide area realtors the opportunity to network and be informed of changes and issues relevant to their real estate markets.

This month’s agenda, presented by President Tere Kimball of Prudential Vallarta, provided information for up-coming courses and real estate seminars, as well as the A.M.P.I. National Conference to be held in Morelia on October 11^th-14^th.

Following a brief discussion period, Mr. Hector Gonzalez and his agents offered a brief over-view of Real Nuevo Vallarta and a tour of the development.

Carlos Lemmus and Hector Gonzalez

Alma Arredondo and Harriet Murray

Attendees

For more information on A.M.P.I  Riviera Nayarita, contact Elena at El Grupo de Bienes Raices (329) 298.1212 or for A.M.P.I Vallarta, Vanessa at 044.322.135.7421

By Marilyn Newman

A seminar entitled, Latest Trends in Fiscal Agrarian Reform, provided by Attorney Jorge Carreaga, Notary four and twelve of Nayarit, was hosted by the three area A.M.P.I. chapters for their members and affiliates.

Attorney Carreaga spoke regarding ejido property and agrarian law, as well as the challenges real estate professionals face when working in these areas.  A simultaneous translation of the presentation was provided by Attorney Maria O´Connor for the English speaking agents.

Attorney O’Connor stated, “I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to participate in such an interesting and informative program.  As an attorney, it is always important to stay current with changes in the laws and their interpretation.  The value and importance of agrarian law and its reforms are crucial for us here in the Bay as the influx of foreign investment in the region increases and interest in rural property intensifies.”

Attorney Careaga provided an overview of the history of indigenous communities and the ejidos, agrarian law prior to 1992 and the sweeping reforms affecting the treatment of rural property.

The second part of the presentation covered the differences between the “titulo de propiedad”, “certificado parcelario” and “constancia de posesión”, among others, and closed with a look at recent fiscal reforms regarding the payment of capital gains tax on regularized property.

The seminar was another opportunity for agents and brokers to participate in continuing education and to stay informed of leading factors in real estate, maintaining the level of professionalism required in today’s sophisticated market place.

For more information on A.M.P.I  Riviera Nayarita, contact Elena at El Grupo de Bienes Raices (329) 298.1212 or for A.M.P.I Vallarta, Vanessa at 044.322.135.7421.

Marilyn Newman is a real estate consultant with Prudential California Realty-Vallarta Division. She can be reached at (322) 226-2690.

By Saul Groman, Vice President of AMPI Riviera Nayarita

The course module, named Bienes Raíces II, is aimed for those experienced brokers and agents that need to keep up to date with the changing laws in order to respond to the new challenges of the market. It was handled in a very intimate and friendly atmosphere at the Prudential headquarters located at the Holiday Inn.

The course, given by Rafael Valdez, who’s certified by the SEP (Secretería de Educación Pública) and IDEFT(Instituto de Formación para el Trabajo del Estado de Jalisco), covers an ample spectrum of subjects that will refresh some important aspects of daily professional life and teach the experienced real estate professional how to be better prepared for today’s current market conditions.

The Real Estate market in Puerto Vallarta is filled with amateurs and part time sales people that have no experience and no ethical conduct, driven by the easy and rapid reward without consideration of the buyers, the sellers, and established real estate professionals who invest in their education. With the continuing education program that A.M.P.I. requires, the boards of the three A.M.P.I. Chapters of the region say; “we are doing our best to differentiate ourselves from others in this business, the ‘coyotes’”. This only helps improve our professionalism and business ethics towards any client, seller or buyer, and also among ourselves.

This is the second of a series of courses that will be recognized by A.M.P.I. and by the Education Ministry, all with the purpose of aspiring one day to secure a “Jalisco or Nayarit Real Estate License” for all of the real estate professionals that practice in this area.

To learn more about AMPI or about these courses please contact
Elena Andrade at: (329) 298-1212, elena@move2mexico.com, or
Vanessa Lopez at: (322) 135 7421, ampivallarta@gmail.com

Harold Hoekstra, Jorge Zavala and  Horacio Nava

This past Tuesday, the 30th of June, the three A.M.P.I. chapters of the area, hosted a Deloitte Touche seminar entitled “The Business Barometer”. The seminar was for all A.M.P.I. members and affiliates. The speakers, Harold Hoekstra, Horacio Navas and Jorge Zavala, spoke on the state of the real estate market and strategies for business administration during volatile times.

Special attention was given to business owners and tips were given out, on how to cut costs, increase productivity and survive in a challenging market.

The seminar was another opportunity for agents and brokers to participate in continuing education and to stay informed of leading factors in real estate, maintaining the level of professionalism required in today’s sophisticated market place.

For more information on A.M.P.I Riviera Nayarita, contact Elena at El Grupo de Bienes Raices (329) 298.1212 or for A.M.P.I Vallarta, Vanessa at 044.322.135.7421

by Marilyn Newman

Imagine the sparkling sea lapping gentle at a beautiful sandy beach in front of stunning multi-million dollar homes and you have envisioned Punta del Burro on the north shore of Bahia de Banderas where the monthly meeting of AMPI Riviera Nayarita was held this past Thursday, June 18th.  Beneath the beach palapa of Casa Playa Arizona, local realtors met for an informal breakfast hosted by La Punta Realty and Cochran Real Estate and to deliberate over the assembly’s agenda.

As soon as Tere Kimball, the presiding president of this AMPI chapter, called the meeting to order, Mr. Ron Lavigna, president of the Homeowner’s Association of Punta del Burro was introduced and asked to give the attendees an overview and update of the new infrastructure project currently underway in this ritzy enclave.  Mr. Lavigna provided a bit of background information on the area and reported the homeowners had initiated a $500,000 dollar infrastructural project to upgrade water and electrical installations and bring in much needed telephone and internet services to the area.

Next on the agenda was an update regarding the AMPI approved real estate courses coming up in July and August, Real Estate Courses I and II.  All realtors are required to have a minimum of 25 hours of continuing education per year to remain AMPI associates and affiliates.  Of course these upcoming 40-hour accreditation courses represent much more than meeting minimum requirements and exemplify the real estate professional’s desire to maintain their high standard of service and excellence. These courses are recognized by the Ministry of Education (SEP – Secretaría de Educación Pública).

The assembly was also reminded of the seminar that will be held on Tuesday, June 30th at the Westin Resort and Spa Hotel (Marina Vallarta) from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.;  “Managing your business in volatile times and the economic barometer” is the topic of this seminar to be given by Deloitte Touche, an international accounting and consulting firm.

After completing other general business topics the meeting was adjourned and an impressive tour was conducted of Casa La Playa Arizona, with an asking price of $1,600,000 USD, 4+ bedroom, 4.5 bath, 378 m2 villa with breathtaking views of the beach and bay.

For more information on A.M.P.I  Riviera Nayarita, contact Elena at El Grupo de Bienes Raices (329) 298.1212 or for A.M.P.I Vallarta, Vanessa López at 044.322.135.7421

Fun was had by one and all!
by Marilyn Newman

What an event!  On Saturday, March 28, more than 250 realtors and guests experienced the best of Vallarta, Paradise Village-Style.

Prudential Vallarta and Paradise Village hosted the event which encompassed a complimentary golf tournament at the world-class El Tigre Golf Course, a Volleyball tournament at El Tigre Sports Club and a day on the beach at Playa Royale Beach Club with tours of Playa Royale Condominiums and Grand Marina Villas.

The day culminated with a spectacular lunch buffet at El Tigre Club House where prizes were awarded for the winners of the Golf and Volleyball tournaments, notable achievers and raffle winners.  The prizes were huge:  laptops, spa certificates, even a 50” flat-screen TV, to name just a few.  There were some very happy participants.  Everyone was a winner that day.

Coming in first in the golf tournament out of 117 participants was Prudential’s own Grace Ramirez, along with Rene Clay Bernal, Edson Rodriguez Loaiza and Luis Mario Ortiz Villanueva.

There were fewer participants in the Volleyball tournament, but the competition was no less fierce, with Team Zamilpa narrowly edged out of first place by Team Ixtapa lead by Guadalupe Reynoso.

Other than just being a good reason to get together with Vallarta’s real estate professionals and valued clients, the event also launched new ventures being offered by Paradise Village.  On hand to give a market perspective and information about up-coming projects were Mr. Barry Cohen and Mr. Graciano Sovernigo of the Paradise Village Hotel Group. Afterwards a tour was offered at Condominiums Ibiza, La Privada and Residencial Los Tigres for agents and clients.

All in all, it was a very fun day.  Perfect Vallarta weather, good food and good people.  Thank you, Prudential and Paradise Village for a great day.

Image Gallery

The A.M.P.I. Riviera Nayarita monthly meeting was held this past Thursday, the 5th of March, at lovely Casa Panoramica  (South) hosted by listing agent Christne Chin of Prudential Vallarta.

At this meeting concerns were discussed regarding the current negative media barrage directed at Mexico in general. It was agreed that everyone in the section would do their best to promote Mexico and Puerto Vallarta as a safe destination and a great place to invest.  It was emphasized that the real  estate community must join efforts to do this at the municipal level.

Tere Kimball announced the Realtor event at Paradise Village to be held on March 28th and Carlos Lemmus announced the opening of Marival condominiums in Nuevo Vallarta.

The For more information on A.M.P.I  Puerto Vallarta, Riviera – Nayarita or Compostela, please contact Elena at El Grupo de Bienes Raices (329) 298-1212 or Evelyn Marquez at Prudential (322) 226.2690.

Jonathon Smart and Tere- Kimball

Maricarmen de Pablo, Alma Arredondo and Tere Kimball

William Mc. Fadden and Christine Chin

The Girls at Prudential