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US travelers look to Mexico for Thanksgiving Getaways

Thanksgiving travel volumes may look different this season as Americans navigate a changing landscape of travel restrictions amid COVID-19. While the numbers are down from last year, travelers are still planning trips during the traditionally busy holiday season, according to Allianz Partners’ Top 10 Thanksgiving Destination Index.

Allianz reviewed travel plans around Thanksgiving for outbound flights scheduled between Saturday, Nov. 21 and Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020. In line with industry predictions of a 75 percent dip in bookings for November, the travel insurance and assistance company noted a similar decrease in flight itineraries for the holiday compared with 2019 during the typical six-week booking window.

For the sixth consecutive year, Mexico (pictured above) will attract more Americans for Thanksgiving than any other international destination, with Cancun, San Jose Del Cabo and Puerto Vallarta taking the top three spots. In comparison with 2019, Cancun moved up one spot while San Jose Del Cabo and Puerto Vallarta each jumped up by four places.

Allianz reported that Mexico has been a leader in tourism recovery since COVID-19 began. The country’s accessibility and safety protocols like restricted capacity at resorts to enable proper social distancing may be helping to drive demand, along with the promise of a warm-weather escape. Travelers should be aware that local restrictions may change frequently, including in Puerto Vallarta, which recently announced temporary activity restrictions.

Puerto Vallarta prepares for upcoming high season.

As the summer ends and the high season nears, Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit slowly get ready for things to return to some level of normalcy. Airlines have announced new flights and some cruise ships plan to return. So far Norwegian Cruise and Carnival Cruises have said they plan to return in November. They may not be completely full, but at least they will be starting up their regular routine routes again.

From Canada, five airlines have announced they will be resuming flights to Vallarta/Nayarit from cities such as Winnipeg, Quebec, Toronto, and Vancouver. And from the U.S., American Airlines has announced a temporary flight between Vallarta and Charlotte, starting in December. Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico has estimated that during the first 15 days of October, about 464 flights will arrive in Puerto Vallarta, an important increase that reflects the eventual recovery of tourism for this region.

Luxury and economy-class hotels have been the hardest hit in Mexico with occupancy down 70% over last year while middle and upper middle-category hotels have seen 60% fewer guests in 2020. However, in Puerto Vallarta luxury flights continue to be high at Aerotrón, a good sign for the destination’s high-end market hotels and services.

Puerto Vallarta is leading the coronavirus recovery in terms of tourism, Mexico hotel data reports. The city enjoyed an August hotel occupancy rate of 33.9%, better than that of Los Cabos, which saw 25.8% occupancy, and the Mexican Caribbean which had a 25.4% occupancy rate. All three resort cities beat out tourism to Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, indicating that leisure tourism is beginning to rebound whereas business travel may be slower to recover.

No doubt it will be challenging but the destination has been preparing, sticking with national health guidelines while slowly opening up bars, restaurants, and beaches, getting for what many hope will be a strong return of American and Canadian visitors.

Covid and Puerto Vallarta Real Estate

In the United States and in Canada, Covid has not effected real estate sales. Matter of fact some markets are showing excellent numbers. But in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, which is very much a tourism real estate market, if tourists can’t get to the destination, it’s hard to sell them real estate.

This year started off rather well, showing sales in January and February close to past years in 2019 and 2018, down just about 10%. And that’s not bad, considering that the two previous were excellent years. But as we went into March sales started falling off significantly. Since April sales have been down about 40%, although Realtors say that it is now improving and expect somewhat of a recover in the fall. Sales volume is off as well, was down 40% compared to the two previous years.

Market conditions are good, pricing is good, what is not is air lift, the ability to get people to Vallarta in a consistent manner. Countries, and airlines, are still working through this.

Out at the end of the bay, Punta Mita is seeing spectacular numbers, the best they’ve had in years. And it is primarily being driven by the national market, upwards of 80% of sales are to Mexicans. And this is for a few reasons.

First, just like everywhere else in the world, people are tending to stay closer to home, or at least within their own country so they don’t have to deal with open or closed borders. It’s the same for Mexico. Secondly, in the past many Mexicans have enjoyed a vacation home in the U.S., but with the country tightening its immigration laws and rules, many have begun to look elsewhere, starting within their own country. And thirdly, real estate in Punta Mita, and along the coast of Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta, is sold in U.S. dollars. And with the peso losing value, buying real estate here is safe place for Mexicans to park their money, locking it in to U.S. dollars, and not lose to a devaluing peso. This is something they can’t do in the rest of the country.

That trend will mostly like continue, and American and Canadians will be back, just as soon as the world figures out how to handle the Covid virus. Right now, like everywhere else, when is completely up in the air.

Puerto Vallarta Covid Upate

For those outside of Puerto Vallarta and wondering what’s been going on in PV during the Covid-19 outbreak, here’s a short update.

First, Vallarta is quite empty and quiet. Traffic is estimated to be a third of what it usually is. The beaches and parks are closed, along with the Malecón – the beachfront boardwalk. Those over 60 years of age are restricted to staying inside while those below 60 can go out, but not without a mask and only for work or to pick up essential supplies. Those that disregard these rules could be arrested and held for up to 36 hours, although it is unsure if this is currently being enforced.

Many hotels have closed their doors and are not accepting people or reservations. Most condo projects are not accepting people if they are not the owners, so no-to-little Airbnb traffic. This has left many buildings quite empty. Almost all restaurants are closed and those that are open it is primarily to offer take out.

Supermarkets are limiting the number of people allowed into the stores and only one family member at a time. Workers have masks and cash registers are behind acrylic barriers.

Real estate brokers say they are mostly working from home, and still receiving inquiries, although a lot less. Some closings have taken place at notary offices that are still open. Most offices are using their time to work on their websites and digital advertising strategies. Traffic on MLSVallarta has been cut to about 50% of what it usually sees at this time of year.

Punta Mita has another great year

2019 was a uniquely exceptional year in Punta Mita as it celebrated its 20th anniversary, but also their highest calendar year-to-date real estate sales revenues.

Their gross closed sales volume in 2019 was just over USD$170M, showing a 49% increase over 2018 (USD $114M), and a 79% increase over 2017 (USD $95M).

Americans made up for 60% of total sales, Mexicans for 30% while Canadians made up the difference with 10%.

Punta Mita projects that if the market see “more of the same” from the world and USA economy; if the billions of USD investments recently seen continue to materialize within Riviera Nayarit; if the Four Seasons and St. Regis Resorts continue their exceptional REVPAR results, and since sales numbers show that oversupply is not an issue for them, Punta Mita should continue to be a leader in the luxury real estate development market in the Americas.

Punta Mita announced recently the release of a new community of estate homesites called Las Vistas Estates situated on the hillside behind the main sales office, which offer panoramic views Punta Mita and the surrounding ocean. To learn more about Punta Mita visit realestate.puntamita.com.

Vallarta Real Estate Fair

Puerto Vallarta most popular neighborhoods

It is that time again for the annual Vallarta Real Estate Fair, that’s been put on for a number of years now, thanks to Timothy Real Estate Group.

The Vallarta Real Estate Fair was created in response to the questions that clients and local residents had about recent changes in immigration laws, tax laws, legal and lifestyle issues that affect buyers, sellers and residents of Puerto Vallarta.

“Thinking that it would be best if our clients had the opportunity to ask questions directly to the local real estate-related service providers, we created the Vallarta Real estate Fair”, says Carl Timothy of the Timothy Real Estate Grup. “Getting correct answers to the important questions can help everyone make the best of their international living experience.”

The Vallarta Real Estate Fair has grown to include mortgage brokers, attorneys, title companies, interior designers, property managers, rental agents, and even health care professionals to help answer all of your questions about maximizing your real estate investment in Puerto Vallarta and getting the most out of the Vallarta lifestyle.

Speakers this year include Brock Squire of Coldwell Banker, Terence Reilly of Mortgages in Mexico, Paulo Rojo, speaking on architectural styles, Jessica Reidesser on Closing Costs. No matter how much you think you know about the local market, you’ll be sure to learn something new at this important event.

Admittance is FREE so don’t miss this opportunity to get valuable information about the important issues that affect you as a national or foreign resident of our city. The 2020 Vallarta Real Estate Fair will be held on Saturday, February 15th, 2020 at Rivera Molino Plaza on the corner of Aquiles Serdan and Ignacio L. Vallarta in the Romantic Zone.

For information contact us at [email protected]m

2019 Puerto Vallarta Real Estate Sales Report

Vallarta/Nayarit Real Estate Markets Still on Fire

2018 was a record year in real estate for the Vallarta/Nayarit region, bettering 2017 by 30% in gross volume of sales. And although the market slowed down somewhat 2019, it still showed an impressive increase over 2018 by 13%, reaching US$400 million. What made up for this increase? Well, it wasn’t in the number of sales as agencies sold just as many properties this year as they did in 2018. It was because property prices increased substantially over previous years. And the difference between asking and selling price continues to tighten. It was 10.5% in 2017, 8% in 2018 and 7.5% last year.

These numbers are provided by MLSVallarta and Riviera Partners Realty who provided the numbers for the MLS system of the local real estate association, (AMPI), which together provide a reasonable assessment of the local real estate market. “Reasonable” as it doesn’t include all sales – a few of real estate developments are not members of either service and therefore their sales are not included. And it seems the farther you get away from the center of Puerto Vallarta, further up the coast of Nayarit, the less sales are reported. That said, it is commendable that certainly most sales are now reported and this is in thanks primarily to the efforts of the local real estate associations and their members (AMPI).

The market continues to be driven by American buyers (40%) although the number of national buyers has increased over they years (30%) with Canadians primarily making up the remaining 20%. A couple of reasons for the increase in national buyers is the increasing difficulty obtaining visas into the United States for Mexicans, but also because real estate in Puerto Vallarta is priced in US dollars and therefore becomes an interesting way to hedge the peso against the dollar, especially in recent years where the peso has been losing value to the US dollar.

Condominium Sales

The average condominium sales price increased in 2019 by 13%, from $282,000 in 2018 to $320,000 in 2019. The average size of a sold condominium increased slightly over 2018, from 1,415 f2 to 1,552 f2, remaining pretty much within the range it has been, on average, for more than twenty years. After the 2007 market crash, developers begin building smaller units in order to lower prices and reducing size was an easy way to do that. But they are now back up to their historical average.

For the first time in quite some time, the number of condominiums sold decreased compared to the previous year. 7% fewer condominiums were sold in 2019 than in 2018. This was made up for, however by an increase in the number of homes sold.

We went back and looked at the average sales price and size of condominiums in 2007, at the top of the market, and found that condos were selling substantially higher with an average sales price of $401,000 and an average size of 2,000 f2. But the market back then was driven by new construction and developers were building for buyers that had money to spend to get something special with extra amenities and that were larger in size. It’s probably a good sign that the current market isn’t back to those numbers.

We also took a look at what kind of condominiums were being sold, how many bedrooms they had. Historically, the two-bedroom condo has made up about half the market. It’s the same today as it was back in 2007, and the same for units with three or more bedrooms, which make up about 20% of the market. The remaining 30% was then and is today, made up of studios and one-bedroom units. But back in 2007 less than 1% of sales were studio units, compared to nearly 6% of sales in 2019. People are willing to take less to keep the price down and developers have accommodated by removing the bedroom.

Home Sales

Homes sales surged last year, increasing by more than 20% over the previous year. In 2018 the average sales price was just under $400,000 whereas in 2019 it dropped to $370,000, and for an interesting reason. The MLS systems saw an increase in the number of moderately priced townhouses coming on the market in neighborhoods not traditionally viewed as popular. One area is around the airport, which in 2007 saw no sales at all, only 4 in 2018, but over 50 in 2019. These semi-detached homes sold on average for around $100,000 and this drove down the average home sales price. If we remove these sales we find that the average home actually increased substantially in price to $425,000. These properties were primarily purchased by locals, and we are most likely going to see this trend continue as more and more local sales are reported in the MLS systems, systems that have traditionally catered more to the tourism market.

Most Popular Regions

It is interesting to watch as certain regions become more popular over others over time. Back in 2007, again, at the top of the market, developers were busy building high-rises in the Hotel Zone, which accounted for almost 40% of all sales that year. Next in popularity came Marina Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta whereas downtown Vallarta accounted for less than 6% of total sales. In 2018, however, the Romantic Zone alone, or the region south of the Rio Cuale to Amapas, accounted for 30% of all sales. In 2019 that dropped to 23%. The difference was mostly made up in a return to an interest in Marina Vallarta where a number of new projects are currently under development. The most popular region for 2019 was once again the Romantic Zone, followed by the Hotel Zone, Nuevo Vallarta, the South Shore and then Marina Vallarta.

Cajón de Peñas

Cajon de Peñas is the largest fresh water reservoir in the state of Jalisco, situated at the heart of Costalegre just 60 miles south of Puerto Vallarta, on the recently improved highway #200 to Careyes.

Very low density approvals were just granted for ecological / touristic development in this area, ensuring the preservation of the environment for this small fishing village. Bass fishing, langoustines, sailing, bird watching, star gazing are favorite past times here.

An average climate of 21 degrees celsius makes this weather comparable to Cuernavaca, the city of the eternal spring,,, (about 8 degrees celsius less than Vallarta average temperature). Cajon de Peñas is about 30% larger in water surface than Valle de Bravo, Mexico’s other famous lake, with water so clean you can drink it.

Rock engravings in the area dating 1,300 BC by the Nahuatl indians, streams running through rare blue stones unique to this place, add to an atmosphere of a timeless enchanted mist forest. Costalegre’s new International Airport is just 40 miles away, as well as the virgin beaches around it.

La Lancha Beach Reopened to the Public

A Nayarit beach in Punta de Mita, and that has long been a favorite surf break for locals and tourists, was closed to the public in 2016 but has now been reopened by the federal government. The Secretariat of the Environment (Semarnat) revoked a concession for La Lancha beach to a real estate consortium, reopening it to the public.

Semarnat said it would file a complaint against Mariana Boy Tamborrell, then head of Zofemat and currently in charge of Mexico City’s environmental protection agency. The federal department claims that the privatization of La Lancha beach was illegal. Environmentalists removed the company’s gate to the beach on Friday and invited people to visit once again.

The current director of Zofemat, Rodrigo Hernández Aguilar, said the Mexican government is committed to opening all of the country’s beaches up to the general public. His department will continue inspecting concessions to verify that they comply with regulations.“This is an achievement for the people of Nayarit, considering that since 2016 they have denounced the closing of the beach on the part of the Cantiles de Mita, with the authorization of the Semarnat at the time, manipulating the laws for the company’s convenience,” he said.

In order to deliver on President López Obrador’s campaign promise to open up the country’s beaches, federal Environmental Secretary Víctor Manuel Toledo has asked people to keep in mind that Mexico’s coastal communities have enjoyed the beaches for hundreds of years.

Having lived in the Banderas Bay region for more than 30 years, I watched as slowly more and more beach accesses (“Ventanas del Mar”), were closed off to the public. Developers have to realize that taking away such access can work against them, for if people can’t get to the beach they’ll stop coming to the destination. Hopefully next in line will be access at Destiladeras Beach, which for years was a favorite for many locals and tourists, but has been fenced off for a number of years now, even though no development has taken place there.

Courtesy of Mexico News Daily

Home Seller’s Guide to Real Estate in Vallarta/Nayarit

So you are considering selling your Vallarta home or condo.

This is not always an easy decision to come to as you are selling a place that has most likely been a home for you and family for a number of years. All the memories that go with it, the good times and the bad, originated here. Sometimes, however, we need something smaller, or larger, or perhaps its just time to to move on.

Before your mind is made up, you need to take into consideration current market conditions. How are properties currently selling? How active is the market? Is there much competition and how has pricing held up? How long have properties been on the market? Unfortunately this information is not always easy to come by, Vallarta has never managed to have substantial statistical information available, for a number of reasons. Some of this information is available online, in publications, or talking with realtors.

Do you have title for your property?

This may seem like a silly question, but in Mexico, its not. Some people have purchased what is called “ejido” property, which cannot be owned by foreigners. If you have purchased a new condominium, title may not yet have been passed from the developer to you. You want to ensure that what you have to sell is ready to be transferred to a new owner. You don’t want to run into problems at the closing that could delay or even cancel a potential sale.

Are you subject to a capital gains tax?

You need to know if you will be subject to capital gains or not, as this could certainly effect whether you can sell at this time, and at what price. This is an important calculation that can be done either by a notary, real estate lawyer or a real estate agent. Make sure whoever you are talking to know what they are doing. Your best bet is having a notary take a look at your situation, as they are the one’s who at the end of the day will be determining whether you pay or not.

Calculate your repairs and home improvements expenses

Are there things that need or should be repaired or improved before you put your home on the market? If you’re trying to get top dollar for your home, you’ll need to do some remodeling to get it into selling shape. Prioritize by choosing projects that’ll give you the most return on your investment. Estimate the costs of supplies and contractors, see what projects you can afford and adjust how much you expect to get for your home. Don’t give buyers a reason to haggle on price. Make necessary fixes like fixing leaky faucets and update your home with new light fixtures and hardware.

Keep up with the Joneses, but don’t outdo them. You don’t want to have the most expensive home in your neighborhood. If the neighborhood norm is hardwood floors and you have carpet, upgrade. Buyers these days expect stainless steel appliances and granite countertops in the kitchen.

Calculate your selling and moving costs

Real estate agent commission: This has been typically eight percent of the sale price, but it is not fixed as fixed commission rates are not allowed in Mexico. Commissions are negotiable, especially in a slow market, an agent may be willing to accept less of a commission. But remember, you get what you pay for. There may be a very good reason one realtor is asking for a full rate commission; because of their marketing program, expertise and level of professionalism.

Mortgage payoff penalties: Do you have a mortgage? Are you subject to a penalty? If so, can you negotiate with your lender to reduce it?
Capital gains tax: Check with an expert to see if you are exempt.
Moving expenses: Will you be selling furnished? Or will you be moving the furniture and appliances elsewhere?

To determine the potential proceeds from your house sale:

Roughly estimate how much you expect to get for your home, based on comparable home sales and listings in your area. You can see what is currently for sale by using the “Quick Search” function on MLSVallarta.com.
Subtract your selling and moving expenses. If you’re lucky or live in a solid housing market, you’ll have appreciation and a potential profit.
Research the local real estate market
The best place to see what’s currently available for sale is by searching on MLSVallarta.com, where most of the re-sales and new development properties are listed for sale.

For sales statistics consult with local real estate experts. If home prices have dropped significantly, you may want to wait it out. Otherwise, you’re likely to be bombarded with low-ball offers.

Consider renting your home rather than selling it

If after reviewing the market you decide that it may not be a good time to sell, you may want to rent out your home. This can be done long term or short term. Long term rentals offer a lower return but you at least know what you’ll be receiving each month. Short term rentals offer a better return (when it is rented), but there is a lot of competition, marketing costs, commissions to rental agencies and its very seasonal.

When budgeting for a renter, be sure to include the following costs:

Mortgage payment
Property tax
Homeowner insurance (check to be sure your premiums won’t change if you convert your residence into a rental property)
Homeowner association dues (if applicable)
Property management company (if applicable)
House maintenance
Warning: Not everyone is cut out to be a landlord. Prepare yourself mentally. Realize this house is no longer your home but your rental property. Check out these risks to renting.

Selling strategies

Pricing your home correctly is probably the most important decision you make and will affect your ability to sell quickly and smoothly. Do your research and be realistic. Know your competition (previously owned homes, new construction,) and find ways to make your home stand out. Market your home strategically and effectively and consider offering incentives (this has become more and more popular). Currently, Vallarta is a buyer’s market so your strategy will mean the difference between selling or not.
The approach you choose depends on your motivation, i.e., how fast you need to get rid of the home and how much money you want to get from the sale. Keep in mind that the longer your house is for sale, the more you’ll have to spend.
If time is of the essence, a low price is the easiest way to sell fast. You might even end up with the price you want if a bidding war ensues.
Consider offering non-price incentives such as new appliances, a furniture allowance or paying for closing costs or interest points. We’ve seen people throw in vehicles as incentives!
Depending on your situation, you may be able to sell the house yourself as a “for sale by owner” (FSBO), and try to save on the real estate agent commissions. But this can be a difficult route to go if you are not regularly in town or familiar with Mexican real estate law.

Timing your sale to maximize your selling price

Activity in the Vallarta real estate market tends to be most active during the winter/spring months. The influx of visitors (potential buyers) during these periods can help improve your chances of finding a buyer and selling at top dollar. After April the market can still be active, but its when you’ll find the bargain shoppers coming into the market.

Pricing your home correctly is probably the most important decision you make and will affect your ability to sell quickly and smoothly. Do your research and be realistic. Know your competition (previously owned homes, new construction,) and find ways to make your home stand out. Market your home strategically and effectively and consider offering incentives (this has become more and more popular). Currently, Vallarta is a buyer’s market so your strategy will mean the difference between selling or not.

The approach you choose depends on your motivation, i.e., how fast you need to get rid of the home and how much money you want to get from the sale. Keep in mind that the longer your house is for sale, the more you’ll have to spend.

If time is of the essence, a low price is the easiest way to sell fast. You might even end up with the price you want if a bidding war ensues.
Consider offering non-price incentives such as new appliances, a furniture allowance or paying for closing costs or interest points. We’ve seen people throw in vehicles as incentives!

Depending on your situation, you may be able to sell the house yourself as a “for sale by owner” (FSBO), and try to save on the real estate agent commissions. But this can be a difficult route to go if you are not regularly in town or familiar with Mexican real estate law.

Timing your sale to maximize your selling price

Pros and Cons of selling it yourself

Agent commissions are negotiable, but typically range from about six percent to eight percent of your sale price. Sellers who want to save money on the commission will sell the home themselves, or go FSBO. But don’t expect to save the entire amount. You’ll need to spend money on marketing and preparing the house yourself.

You may be able to go FSBO if:

You already have a serious buyer
Your local market is so strong the home can sell itself (not too much of that lately)
You have the time to prepare, show and market the home yourself

The potential disadvantages of going FSBO include:

No access to listing in the MLS
Pricing your property incorrectly
Inability to market the home effectively
Inexperience negotiating with buyers
Unfamiliarity with the closing process, especially in Mexico
Potential for legal problems by not being aware of Mexican real estate laws

What great agents have that you may not:

Access to an insider perspective on market information not immediately available to the public, such as the current selling prices of comparable homes in the area (referred to as “comps”)
Access to the MLS
Years of experience and extensive contacts and networks
Access to a bank of potential buyers
They live here and have the time to show your property, which you may not

Selecting a real estate agent and getting in the MLS

Most sellers work with real estate brokers; real estate agents who are members of the multiple listing service (MLS), a database that only real estate professionals can access. There are two MLS services in the Vallarta/Nayarit region: Multi-List Vallarta, the largest and longest running, and the AMPI-MLS, put out by the real estate board.

The listing agent will help you determine how fast you sell and the price you get. They will represent you and look out for your best interests. Your MLS listing will have photos and details about your home, such as the address, age, square footage, number of bedrooms and baths and more.

For information about many of the real estate agencies in the region, what services they provide and the agents working with them, check out the “Agencies” section of MLSVallarta.com. There are also agent profiles at this site available as well, under the “Marketplace” tab.

When shopping for an agent, look for one that:

Understands your needs
Has experience selling homes in your area and price range
Has a high success rate
Has a strong marketing program
Is well-connected (with buyers’ agents, mortgage specialists, appraisers, home inspectors, insurance agents, etc.)
Ask family and friends for referrals or find an agent through the MLV directory.

Find out these things when interviewing agents:

Number of years in real estate
Familiarity with your neighborhood, home type and price range
Number of home sales last year
Average selling price of homes sold last year
Length of time between listing and sale
Client references

Negotiate the terms of the listing agreement

Once you’ve chosen a listing agent, you’ll be asked to sign a legal contract with the licensed real estate broker. The listing contract outlines the broker’s commitment to find a ready, willing and able buyer that satisfies your price and terms and the seller’s promise to pay a commission to the broker.

Terms of the contract are negotiable, including the broker’s compensation. The agent is typically paid with a commission based on a percentage of the sale price.

Most contracts outline a 90-180 day listing period, which gives the broker sufficient time to market and sell the house. After this period you can renew the listing or list with another broker.

Determine the listing price your home

Fair market value is the price a buyer is willing to pay and a seller is willing to accept. It’s the amount your house is worth in the market today, regardless of how much you paid for it.

To calculate your list price, research for, comparable homes in your area with similar square footage, construction, age and condition that sold recently or are currently on the market. If your property is situated in a region where there are not many properties, comparables may be hard to come by. Especially in a slow market.

Ask your agent to prepare a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) report. A CMA is a compilation of statistics that include “Recent Sales” information on homes sold within the past six months and “Currently for Sale” information on any “active listings” similar to yours. Recent sales are what people were willing to pay recently for a home similar to yours. Listing currently on the market are your competition; you want to be competitively priced against them.

What will be included?

Its a good idea to make up a list of what will and what will not be included in the sale of your home. Usually those things that are not fastened down or fixed to the property, do not go with the property. But to be clear, a list is best.

Will artwork be included?

Are you considering leaving all your furniture with the home?
If not, will you be trying to sell it (not always easy) or use it in another home?

Marketing your property

There are a number of things you can do, along with your real estate agent, to help sell your home:

Make sure your home it presentable -That it is free from clutter, walls are freshly painted and the home is clean –scrub it down!
Let your neighbors know the home is for sale; perhaps they have a friend or relative who would like to live close by.
Ask your agent to hold an open house.
Get it featured in local real estate publications such as the Vallarta Real Estate Guide and Vallarta Lifestyles. These publications are very well read when people are here on vacation. And Vallarta Lifestyles is available digitally and therefore read online by people even when they aren’t in Vallarta
Make sure your property is listed on MLSVallarta –the largest and most frequently visited MLS for Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit properties.