Carlos Osuna of Sierra del Mar, Tere-Kimball of Prudential and Saul Groman of Sierra del Mar los arcos

The incredibly beautiful Sierra del Mar Los Arcos development was the host site for the November 4 breakfast meeting of all three regional A.M.P.I. chapters (Mexican Association of Professional Realtors). Attendance included 45 representatives from all three A.M.P.I. chapters active in the Bay of Banderas area.

Tere Kimball, president of the Riviera Nayarita chapter, made the following points:

• Members must attend at least 50% of the monthly meetings or be subject to suspension.
• The current board of directors was confirmed for one final year (2009) in order to complete several important projects including: Developers Review Certification, Cedula Professional and the MLS contract (urgent).
• Uniform use of the MLS contract for all agencies in PDF file
• Volunteers for the board of 2010. The new President and Vice President will need to start working with the current board one year in advance of their terms.
• New dates for the Real Estate Course I. English: December 1st to the 5th. Spanish: November 24th to the 28th, 2008.
• Next and last meeting for 2008 on Thursday December 4 at 9am in Punta Pelicanos, No. 45. All of the listings for Punta Pelicanos, regardless of which agency has the listing, will be open that day for viewing.

For more information on A.M.P.I  Riviera – Nayarita, call Elena at El Grupo de Bienes Raices (329) 298-1790 or for A.M.P.I. Vallarta call Tom Carota at (322) 223.5511.

Tere Kimball, president of the A.M.P.I Riviera – Nayarita chapter, and Saul Groman, Vice President of the same chapter, explained that the new developer membership program will require that developers allow the review of their project documentation by A.M.P.I. board members. They must also agree to pay standard commission rates to A.M.P.I. member realtors.

Kimball said, “The A.M.P.I. developer membership program will be good for developers and especially good for buyers. Under current market conditions, we need to do everything possible to make certain that new developments are open and transparent about their documentation. We owe that to our clients.”

The new Partial Urban Development Plan of the Bahia de Banderas was presented by Sergio Barajas and Sergio Castro of Sauri y Asociados. A second and more complete presentation will be scheduled by the end of this month. A.M.P.I. members and affiliates as well as the public will be invited.

A.M.P.I. is the National Association of Real Estate Professionals. The three local A.M.P.I. chapters met on August 7 at the new Hotel des Artistes at Punta de Mita. More than 70 real estate professionals toured this innovative project located in Anclote.

For more information on A.M.P.I Riviera – Nayarita, call Elena at El Grupo de Bienes Raices (329) 298-1790 or for AMPI Vallarta call Tom Carota at (322) 223-5511.

The agency is now accepting reservations for Phase II, with groundbreaking planned for March 08 “The first phase has already shown excellent appreciation” he said. “We are just as excited about Phase II.”

“We are not surprised that sales have been so strong for this development,” said (agent) Mariano Rios. “The property has a unique residential concept that assures the privacy of a traditional neighborhood cul-de-sac location.”

Mariano Rios (the agent) notes that Real Nuevo Vallarta has boutique elegance with refined community amenities. “The property is ideal for young families looking for a secure, exclusive environment.”

Real Nuevo Vallarta is located just inside the North entrance to Nuevo Vallarta, on the right hand side, just before the plume that goes into the residential area.

From the moment you pass through the entrance gate, you enter a new world that draws your attention to the details of this developer´s (well known architect Ernesto del Castillo) concept: to bring a new community together while maintaining a sense of ample space and privacy.

A garden oasis in the center of the property is defined by lush landscaping appropriate for its tropical setting. There is a beautiful swimming pool and pergolas that provide the perfect veil from the sun. The deck and palapa around the pool area will entice you to enjoy complete relaxation just a few steps from your home. The pool comes equipped with a wet bar area and two grills for hosting your family, neighbors and friends.

There are a very limited number of 3 and 4 bedroom homes available. Discounted pre-construction prices for Phase II start from $336,000.00 USD.

Contact Mariano Rios at Prudential California Realty, Vallarta Division.
Phone: 297 5146 or 044 322 109 7166.

]]> http://blog.prurealtypv.com/puerto-vallarta/real-nuevo-vallarta-sells-out-first-phase/feed/ http://blog.prurealtypv.com/puerto-vallarta/luma-draws-international-coverage/ http://blog.prurealtypv.com/puerto-vallarta/luma-draws-international-coverage/#comments Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:32:10 +0000 prurealtyvallarta http://blog.prurealtypv.com/?p=4

As the first “Adult Active Living” Beachfront Condominium Project in Mexico

Luma may not have a typical “condo development” name, but that’s because it’s not a typical condo project. Its unique features have attracted extensive international coverage by publications from the New York Times to the Kiplinger Report.

The project is newsworthy because it is the first of its kind – the first project in Mexico designed specifically and exclusively for people over 50.

Medical treatment will be provided by an English-speaking physician at an on-site private clinic. Yearly physicals, eye exams, basic dermatology, respiratory and orthopedic services will all be available, along with basic medical care and referrals to specialists.

But being first in the “50+” market is not Luma’s only distinction. It is also a master planned, luxury beachfront community with unique amenities that set it apart from the broad range of new condo projects on the Bay.

For example, on-site medical care is only one facet of a comprehensive health program. Luma will offer “a strong focus on wellness and preventative medicine,” according to Alex Urrutia, Luma Sales Director.

“It is this unique mix of beachfront luxury with post-50 features that have really set us apart in this market,” Urrutia says. “We are not just another condo project. We are truly unique and, yes, we are the first.”

Luma broke ground on October 18 of last year, and a beautiful sales studio is now open with a spectacular oceanfront sales model. Completion of the first stage is scheduled for Fall of next year.

Luma is located on the beaches of Nuevo Vallarta on Paseo de los Cocoteros #56, just north of Playa Royale. Call for an appointment at 322-226-7290.

International Luma Coverage:

Excerpts from some of the international press coverage on Luma.

“Sheltered by tranquil Banderas Bay and shadowed by the verdant Sierra Madres, Nuevo Vallarta is home to Luma. . . [It] will neighbor to the tony Paradise Village Resort and Luma clients will enjoy use of its amenities. Humpback whales, sea turtles and other creatures are drawn to the warm waters of Banderas Bay and Luma’s position along the coast offers prime viewing.”
Where to Retire Magazine, “Discoveries: Introducing, Luma in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico,” March/April 2008

***

“This community for the 50-plus set will be in Paradise Village, a 440-acre resort and residential enclave. . . . The 1,800- to 3,500-square-foot condos in the towers will have large terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows; there will also be 6,200-square-foot penthouse units that will feature private pools and palapa-style, thatch-roofed terraces.”
New York Times, “Escapes – Breaking Ground,” by Nick Kaye March 7, 2008

***

“The Mexican community of Puerto Vallarta has long been a favorite destination for Canadian travelers with its quaint cobblestone streets and shops . . . But soon there will be an extra reason to visit. [Luma] is being described as the first ‘full-ownership active-adult beachfront community.’”
Forever Young (link to PDF), “Luma Rising,” by Don Wall December 2007

***

“A joint venture between Front Porch, which is known for its retirement communities, and Mexico-based Grupo Krone, a real estate development company, Luma will delve into the mind-body-spirit connection, provide an onsite health clinic and opportunities for its residents to do volunteer work in the larger community.”
Wall Street Journal , “Regions Resorts and Holiday are a Hit,” November 28, 2007

***

“If you like sunshine and you want to head south… we have a great place, Luma Living. . . These condos are gorgeous!”
NBC-San Diego 7/39, Streetside with Kimberly King November 31, 2007

***

“Older Americans have been moving south for decades, but now they’re stampeding beyond the Sun Belt and across the border. . . . Front Porch, a California non-profit that creates residential communities for those aged 50 and over, will open Luma in 2009.”
SmartMoney, “Your Hacienda Awaits,” by Peter Keating January 2008

***

“Mexico has always been a popular Latin American destination for U.S. retirees. . . you can buy one of 400 units at Luma (LumaLiving.com), the first U.S. developed active adult community in Mexico.”
Kiplinger’s Retirement Planning 2007, “The Lure of Living” Fall 2007

The adage about the importance of location in real estate applies to Yubarta. Named after the famous Humpback whales that winter in Banderas Bay, the development is located in one of Vallarta´s most sought after residential neighborhoods. Bordering the lush green fairways of the Marina Golf Course, the site is ideal for families, golfers or for any owners who want space and tranquility within the Marina Vallarta community.

The 90 single family residences at Yubarta are just minutes from the bustling Marina boardwalk and the beach. It is also conveniently close to the best schools in the area, the Marina mall and Vallarta’s international airport.

Yubarta’s Model Home

The project is attractively priced and offers every amenity. Common areas and recreational spaces take up one third of the master plan, each carefully designed to meet the needs of any growing family or snowbirds looking to enjoy a tropical lifestyle. The development includes two pools, large playground area,fitness center, an outdoor sports center and landscaped gardens.

Homes start at US$323,000 and residential Lots US$87,490. The entire project has been pre-approved for mortgage financing.

For further information, contact Veronica Eggleston at Prudential California Realty at 226 2690 or cellular 044 322 110 3448

The SECTUR director noted that during the past 16 months of President Felipe Calderón’s administration, Mexico has accumulated $6.267 billion USD, as a result of which it has achieved 31% of its six-year goal of $20 billion USD.

On behalf of President Felipe Calderón, Elizondo inaugurated the 22nd Annual Convention of the Mexican Association of Tourist Developers (AMDETUR) on “Tourism, the Engine of Development for Mexico.”

Earlier today, Tourism Secretariat Rodolfo Elizondo inaugurated the 22nd Annual Convention of the Mexican Association of Tourist Developers (AMDETUR) on “Tourism, the Engine of Development for Mexico,” at which he told businessmen in the area that Mexico has shown favorable results regarding private tourist investment by accumulating $2.803 billion USD during the first four months of the year.

Accompanied by José Carlos Azcárraga, President of AMDETUR, the SECTUR director stated that as a result of the confidence of investors in the tourism sector, 31% of the six-year goal of $20 billion USD has been achieved, since over the past 16 months of President Calderón´s government, $6.267 billion USD of investment in tourism have been generated.

“55% of this investment comes from national capitals, while the remaining 45% corresponds to foreign investors, mainly from the United States and Spain.”

“The presence of those of you who are tourist investors and developers confirms your enormous confidence in Mexico and your willingness to continue combining forces and coordinating the actions that will enable us to increase tourist flows and investments and thereby contribute to Mexico’s economic development,” declared Elizondo Torres.

He went on to say that in order to continue promoting tourism in Mexico, the National Tourist Promotion Fund (FONATUR) will participate in major projects such as La Pesca in Tamaulipas as well as two tourist real estate developments in Puerto Escondido and Baja California Sur.

The Tourist Secretary admitted that tourism in Mexico will be further reinforced by President Calderón’s support of this industry, one example of which has been the creation of the National Infrastructure Fund.

“This fund provides the possibility of financing tourist projects for the state, which in turn will facilitate the construction of the tourist attractions we have planned, as well as the improvement of urban services in already consolidated destinations.”

In particular, he reported, the Tourism Secretariat has formally submitted a package of seven investment requests for providing basic services such as drainage, safe drinking water and the installation of wastewater treatment plants and other urban works for seven beach tourism destinations, including Cancún, Ixtapa-Zihautanejo, Loreto, Los Cabos, Puerto Peñasco, Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Maya.

Lastly, Secretary Elizondo urged businessmen and investors to continue trusting in Mexico and to create a sustainable, orderly development for the benefit of the industry and Mexico’s economic and social development.
“The point is not to do business to the advantage of a few and to the disadvantage of many but to ensure that investments in Mexico are attractive and profitable for investments while distributing wealth, which will create well-paid sources of employment and provide local benefits.”

“I would urge you to continue investing in Mexico and for our growth to be orderly and planned and have a long-term vision rather than one based on doing business in a day,” he stated.

The inauguration of this event was attended by Ernesto Coppel Nelly, President of the National Tourist Business Council (CNET); Luis Antonio Mahbub Sarquis, President of the Confederation of National Chambers of Trade, Services and Tourism (Concanaco-Servytur), legislators, state tourist businessmen and businessmen in the area.
Source: Head Office of Media and Communication, Press and Information Office, Tourist Secretariat (SECTUR).

Flores has a 22 year record of remarkable success in real estate sales, both in the Vallarta area and in Acapulco where he held senior sales and sales management positions at both the Mayan Island and the Brisas Marques.

Prudential Vallarta has assigned Flores to the prestigious Luma “Active Adult Living” condominium project in Nuevo Vallarta. “I’m thrilled to be a part of the Prudential team for the Luma project,” said Flores. “Luma is unique in Mexico. The first of its kind. And the strong sales response has already demonstrated the viability of the Active Adult Living concept in Mexico.”

Luma is a 264 unit luxury beachfront project exclusively targeting the “50+” age group of second home/retirement home buyers. As the first Mexican example of this concept, Luma has drawn international media coverage, including articles in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and the Kiplinger Report.

Luma Sales Director Alexander Urrutia said, “We are very fortunate to have someone with Manuel’s depth of experience and track record of achievement.”

Tere Kimball, Prudential Vallarta Broker / Partner, said, “Manuel Flores is an ideal representative for a project with the international importance of Luma. We are so pleased that he has joined our organization.”

Residences at Luma include spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom condominiums with dramatic ocean and mountain views. Amenities include a comfortable lobby lounge, café and bar, library, wellness center with an ocean view, massage room, Pilates and yoga center, saltwater infinity pools, bocce court, sports and game room, ocean-view terraces and private marina. A “Luma Lifestyle Concierge” will coordinate everything from restaurant reservations and excursions to housekeeping and chef services.

Located within the Paradise Village Resort complex, Luma provides its residents with exclusive access to the Robert Von Hagge-designed El Tigre Golf Course, spas, restaurants and bars. Luma offers close proximity to shopping, American-style health care, high-speed Internet access and English-speaking staff.

Luma’s construction is well under way. The first phase is scheduled to open in late 2009.

Additional information is available by calling toll-free 866-554-LUMA (866-554-5862) in the U.S., or 322-226-7290 from within Mexico. Or go to www.LumaLiving.com. Luma’s on-site Sales Studio and Model Unit are open seven days a week in Nuevo Vallarta.

Ignacio Benitez

Ignacio was born in Mexico City and graduated in International Business from one of the best universities in the City where he has spent most of his adult life. He also earned a Masters Degree in Marketing while living in Spain. Most of his work experience has been in international trade, having an extraordinary ability to communicate with customers from all over the world. Ignacio is known for his service-oriented personality as well as his great PR skills.

Recently he and his wife moved to Puerto Vallarta, a place they both enjoy and where they were married. He is an outdoor person, enjoys nature, meditation, music and he could be your best salsa dance teacher!

Grace Ramirez

Grace was born and raised in Key Biscayne, Florida. She arrived in Mexico 17 years ago, after a successful multi-lingual corporate career. Grace started her own, independent real estate sales operation in Vallarta six years ago and prospered as the local real estate market expanded. Now, Grace has decided to join a larger real estate organization that can support her continued growth in her profession.

She joins the Prudential team with an intensity of energy and enthusiasm that is contagious. As an avid golfer, Grace has achieved a single digit handicap status and looks forward every year to the Make-A-Wish Foundation Golf Tournament.

The event, held at the Westin Resort and Spa, was attended by more than 80 persons and was coordinated by Harold Hoekstra of Deloitte, in close cooperation with the Bay area’s three A.M.P.I. Chapters (The Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals). Hoekstra is Deloitte’s Director of National Tourism and Real Estate Practice in Mexico.

A.M.P.I. Vallarta president, David Pullen, said “the seminar was an excellent contribution to A.M.P.I.’s ongoing commitment to raise educational standards among A.M.P.I. members.” Pullen, who is also President of PV Realty said the seminar had unique value in bringing the A.M.P.I.’s membership into direct contact with a truly global accounting and financial advisory firm. Deloitte has a worldwide staff of more than 150,000 employees. They provide a broad range of accounting, tax, audit and financial advisory services in 140 countries.

Tere Kimball, president of A.M.P.I. Nayarita (North Bay) said the seminar was “an important experience for A.M.P.I. member agents who may not have had previous exposure to an international perspective on the Mexican and U.S. economies.” Kimball is also the Broker/Partner for Prudential Vallarta.

Deloitte advisors covered the following topics at the seminar:

• Horacio Navas spoke about the trends in the current and future economic conditions in Mexico, with a useful review of the impact of the US economy on business in Mexico.
• Luis Gomez and Guillermo Duran spoke about the a general background review of Mexican real estate, including individual fideicomisos (trusts), condotels, rental pools, tax obligations from renting real estate in Mexico, registration requirements for taxpayers, returns, invoices, the value added tax, business flat tax and some practical structures to deal with tax obligations.

The Deloitte team also covered tax and legal and market issues related to the new flat tax and value added tax (IVA). The Deloitte team defined alternative approaches for dealing with these complex issues, which include potential changes in tax incentives.

Kimball also noted that the tax and economic issues discussed at the seminar will affect everyone in the Vallarta area real estate business including developers, realtors and even current and future homeowners. “The event really opened our perspective on how important it is to be able to introduce our clients to these issues,” said Kimball

For more information on how to become an AMPI member please contact A.M.P.I Riviera – Nayarita, with Elena at (329) 298-1212 / A.M.P.I. Vallarta call Tom at (322) 223.5511/ A.M.P.I. Compostela call Juan José at

Tim Koogle, former Yahoo CEO, and now the developer of El Banco Estates, presented his vision for the development of El Banco at the project location in Punta Mita.

Koogle made the presentation to 45 real estate professionals attending the AMPI Riviera-Nayarita monthly breakfast meeting on March 6th, hosted by La Punta Realty, the exclusive representative for the El Banco project.

Koogle said, “My wife, Pam, and I have fallen in love with both the Puerto Vallarta area and Central Mexico. Pam, who is my partner in life and business, and I selected a world class, bi-cultural design team who could create an entirely new classical Mexican architecture, which we call now ‘New World Spanish Colonial.”

After three years of careful planning, Tim Koogle and Pam Scott-Koogle believe that El Banco represents an entirely new celebration of classic Spanish architecture. The development will blend new architectural elements with open arches, a restrained elegance and timeless materials. Tim noted that the project has required the best of Mexico’s long tradition of artisan craftsmanship provided by some of the country’s finest stonemasons, wood-carvers and ironworkers.

The project is designed to complement the site’s extraordinary natural features: rolling hills and a spectacular beach frontage. Tim and Pam have focused on simplicity as a guiding principal in creating a community in perfect balance with its surroundings. El Banco stands as one of the most luxurious – and ecologically conscious – boutique projects within Mexico.

The four areas of luxury living are El Banco Estates, Beach Villas, Casitas by the Lake, and Villas by the Park. Two of the most important features of the project are a desalinization water plant and underground infrastructure.

Koogle says that their vision for El Banco is to leave as much of the 100-plus pristine acres as natural as possible. Even upon completion, wide-open landscaped areas with plants native to the region will stretch in all directions.

The project is now under way with the very first two estate homes each priced at US$6.2 million.

For more information on A.M.P.I Riviera – Nayarita, call Elena at El Grupo de Bienes Raices (329) 298-1212 or for AMPI Vallarta call Tom Carota at (322) 223.5511.