The Board Norm Nelson Tere Kimball Saul Groman and Harriet Murray

Carlos Lemmus and Hector Gonzalez

Kayte Soasey and Marilyn Newman

Mary Palomino Carmen Garcia and Amparo Meza

Norm Nelson and Connie Beck

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.

The more than 50 revelers joined Broker Tere Kimball in raising the roof as well as the spirits for the year 2009 with music and laughter.

Tere commented on the challenging year coming to a close and spoke of the team’s optimism and strength for the year to come. “We’ve weathered the worst of it; all of us in the real estate and tourism industries are now going through a renaissance and we’ll be stronger than ever. Our team has continued to grow, evolve and improve each year, and that’s what counts. The people at Prudential Vallarta will again make the difference in ’2010.”

Nicole Martin, executive sales associate, organized the cocktail event with her usual panache, with fireworks, beautiful floral arrangements appointing white draped tables and delicious catered hors d’oeuvres on a backdrop of stars and the Vallarta city lights.

Alex Urrutia Tere Kimball and Antonia Lavender

Ana Maldonado Laura Barajas Veronica Flores

Rosana Chavez Carmen Garcia and Ignacio Benitez

Paloma Mestre and Ed Rogalski

Marilyn Newman and Gary Amrine

Idalia Corrales Denise Lopez Desiree Lara Veronica Flores

Prudential Vallarta agents congregated at Paradise Village in Nuevo Vallarta recently for a refresher course on professional ethics and a pop quiz on terms and requisites of real estate in Mexico, specifically for our area and market.

There were also motivational topics presented with plenty of role playing and interaction between the agents to prepare them for the coming travel season.

Indicators suggest that real estate markets in both Canada and the US are on the mend. As Prudential agent Luis Muñoscano puts it, “whatever happens in Canada and the US, positive or negative, will ultimately be reflected in our market as well”.

Up-beat Prudential agents are prepared to rally in the new season with enthusiasm and élan.

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

I and several other area real estate agents recently sat for the exam of the A.M.P.I. approved Real Estate II course in English, given by Lic. Rafael Valdez, a certified instructor recognized by SEP (Secreteria de Educación Pública) and IDEFT (Instituto de Formación para el Trabajo del Estado de Jalisco).  The course covered a range of topics to re-enforce daily professional life and to instruct the experienced real estate professional in certain aspects of real estate law and documentation.

There were not nearly enough agents taking the course though.  It might seem like we are beating a dead horse by perpetually bringing up the benefits of continuing education for all area real estate agents and brokers, but I hold that the horse isn’t dead, he just needs a good beating.

For those agents who have not taken advantage of the courses being offered, there will be another opportunity to become the professional, well educated and informed agent we all hope to be.  A new course is being considered for early October and others will be formed based on requests.

For more information on course schedules and topics please contact Lic. Rafael Valdez by e-mail:  raval@rex-mexico.com; or cellular:  (322) 294-1679.  To learn more about A.M.P.I. please contact Elena Andrade at El Grupo Bienes Raíces, (329) 298-1212, or Vanessa Lopez with AMPI 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

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.

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

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.

With the recession hitting the United States harder than Canada, and the Canadian dollar still strong, this may be a great time for Canadians to buy that sunny, tranquil getaway in the U.S. or further south. But to make sure it is tranquil, do your due diligence, just like you would at home.

Tom Kelly, a syndicated columnist based in Washington state, has co-authored two books about buying real estate in Mexico and Central America.

He believes prices in those areas will go up once American baby boomers recover some of their wealth.

U.S. boomers weren’t prepared for the economic downturn and once they rebuild, they are going to look for a cheaper lifestyle. And it’s definitely cheaper in Mexico and Central America, Kelly said.

Canadians, on the other hand, haven’t been as hard hit and were better prepared, he said. So they are in a better position to buy now.

“And the further you go, typically the less expensive it’s going to be,” Kelly said.

Panama, for example, “is a bargain right now,” Kelly said. “But it costs money to get there.”

And while Puerto Vallarta and other places in Mexico are easier to get to, deals can be found there too, because not as many people are buying, he said.

The outbreak of H1N1 flu in the spring turned some people off. And the rash of drug-related crime did too, Kelly said.

But Kelly believes Mexico is perfectly safe, with the violence limited to the drug trade near the border. “There’s no history of these people targeting non-nationals,” Kelly said.

Mexico is also safe from a purchasing perspective with title insurance now available to those buying property, he said.

A lot of the horror stories of people buying in Mexico and ending up with nothing really stemmed from “non-nationals buying property they should have never bought in the first place because nobody owned the title to it,” Kelly said.

So just like you would in Canada, “go out and do the due diligence” before you buy, he said. “Don’t leave your brains at the border. Check out the property in person to make sure it’s what you want, rather than buying off the Internet.”

For financing, it’s cheaper to remortgage your Canadian property and buy with cash than get local financing. While there are international banks that will lend you money, they will charge more, he said.

David Ingram is a North-Vancouver-based former real estate agent who has made a career out of advising Canadians who want to buy property outside the country, and foreigners who want to buy property in Canada. About 6,000 people attended his seminars last year, an indication of the interest in offshore real estate, Ingram said.

The first thing to remember is, every country, and every state, is different, he said. So get the advice you need to learn the rules before you buy.

In Mexico for example, non-nationals aren’t allowed to buy within a certain distance of shores or borders, for reasons of national security. But that can be overcome by setting up a trust to purchase the property, for which title insurance is available.

Other things to think about are local laws relating to rentals. If the property is to be rented out, chances are tax must be paid on the rental income, both Kelly and Ingram said.

While owners may be tempted not to pay the tax, Kelly recommends against it. If you don’t pay and the government finds out, you will have to go through a hearing and the government could put a lien on the property.

“So it’s better to be safe than sorry,” Kelly said.

Don’t forget about visa requirements to stay in the country where you buy, Ingram said. While no visa is needed for the U.S., if you stay too long you may have to pay tax on your worldwide income. And if you’re not careful, you may lose your entitlement to your medical services plan; B.C., for example, requires residents to be physically present in the province for at least six months of the year.

“So get proper advice” before you buy, Ingram advises.

Prudential Vallarta is proud to announce the marketing launch for the residential horizontal condominium “Ikal”, located adjacent to one of the region’s most prestigious golf courses; ¨El Tigre¨.

The first 14 two story townhomes are currently under construction and the first phase which include 37 homes will be completed in the first quarter of 2011. The development will ultimately include 103 two story townhomes on a nine acre lot with extensive green areas.Ikal will have its own crystal water lake, and a first-class clubhouse with a large size pool, playground, grill terrace, entertaining terrace, walking areas and a fitness center.

The project is being developed by Desarrolladora Bahia de Banderas, SA de CV, formed by a solid young group of Mexican businessmen, and designed and built by GVA Gómez Vázquez Aldana, one of the most renowned architectural firms in Latin America. Ikal offers four different model homes and eight distinct floor plans, all with two covered parking spaces, as well as shared visitor parking.

But the best news about Ikal is its pricing. With excellent finishes throughout that include some features that you could only find in more expensive homes, Ikal´s pricing starts at just $250,000US.

Tere Kimball, broker/partner for Prudential Vallarta, says “I am extremely thrilled that our team has the opportunity to market this project, with excellent quality and great location. No more than ever, people looking for an affordable retirement home, a family who’s looking to invest to create future equity, all becomes a reality with Ikal.

This is truly a unique project that fills the gap of what is needed in the Bay of Banderas, especially in Nuevo Vallarta”.

“Ikal provides harmony with regional traditions”

The model home at Ikal is open from Monday thru Friday form 10am to 6pm. Saturdays from 10am to 5pm and Sundays from 11am to 3pm. If you require more information, please email us at: info@prurealtypv.com or call 297 5146 or 226 2690.