Learn about the different areas of Puerto Vallarta
Choosing a vacation property isn’t only about the bricks and mortar but is also about the property location, view, surroundings and neighborhood. Puerto Vallarta is growing and in doing so offers real estate opportunities in areas new to many tourists.
On our real estate website we’ve put together a number of pages explaining the various geographical places in and around Puerto Vallarta, along with some Pro’s and Con’s to living in these areas. There is also a map of the Bay of Banderas which will help you locate each area.
To learn more about Puerto Vallarta, it’s regions and real estate in these area click here.
Pacific Coast becomes AMPI member
As of December 2008 Pacific Coast Buyer’s Representative & Real Estate has become a member of A.M.P.I (Asociación Mexicana de Profesionales Inmobiliarios). AMPI is Mexico’s largest Real Estate Association, it can be considered the Mexican equivalent to the American National Real Estate Association (NAR).
As many of you may know, Mexico doesn’t have any licensing requirements for real estate sales, meaning that anyone can sell real estate and pass-off as a professional realtor. This can lead to a number of obvious problems, both for a potential buyer & seller, and is a reason that many foreigners are hesitant about investing here.
Associations such as the AMPI have strict membership rules and accept Realtors based on these rules. These range from Mexican and local real estate knowledge and continual staff training, to ethics and the reputation of the real estate agency in the local market.
Another key advantage AMPI brokers have is the access to the Vallarta Multi List service, which has become one of the most advanced Multi List services present today in Mexico. This service offers owner selling via an AMPI Realtor the largest marketing reach to potential buyers.
At Pacific Coast we are proud to have been accepted as an AMPI member and feel that it is a fair reflection to the reputation we have earned over the years; one of honesty, integrity and a strong philosophy to always put our customer’s needs first.
This AMPI accreditation now makes us a member of both real estate associations present today in the Bay of Banderas. Aside being a member of AMPI, we are also an active member of the A.P.I.V.A.C, which is the The Professional Realtor’s Association of Vallarta A.C.
Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe
The 12th of December is one of Mexico’s most important religious and cultural celebrations, it is the Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The day celebrates the appearance of the Virgin to Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin in 1531 on a hill of Tepeyac near Mexico City.
Throughout Mexico there are numerous festivities and pilgrimages with the most famous being the pilgrimage to the Basilica of Guadelupe of Mexico City, which houses the “tilma” (robe) worn by Juan Diego. History recalls that after Juan Diego saw the Virgin her image miraculously appeared on his robe and has remained ever since.
Puerto Vallarta is no exception and also celebrates this event. On the night of the 11th of December many groups of devotees organise processions and walk from the outskirts of the town towards the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The processions are usually made up civic groups, each with it’s own parade truck, music and decoration. The processions finally enter the church doors and circulate in front of the altar before leaving the side door. After the processions there is a midnight mass, and for those unable to enter the church, a large screen projector ouside shows live images from inside the church.
Throughout the night the main square of Puerto Vallarta is packed with thousands of locals and tourists enjoying this tradition. As always, the atmosphere is lively and friendly and groups of families of all ages watch the numerous parades work their way down the main avenue. It is also a great time to enjoy the variety of street foods available throughout downtown.
If you’re planning to vacation in Puerto Vallarta during this time of the year be sure not to miss these great festivities.
©Jamie B. R. Robinson 2008
©Jamie B. R. Robinson 2008
©Jamie B. R. Robinson 2008
©Jamie B. R. Robinson 2008
