do a preliminary semi-retirement, spending more time at a second home or perhaps even moving the family to the second home for a year or two for a cultural experience. The kids pick up a second language, while dad commutes back and forth. And while they are in Vallarta, they continue to be active with further real estate investing. For others, it involves taking a few years off to build a home and enter the job market later on, perhaps returning to their past employer on a part-time basis or as a consultant. “They’re looking for different blends – three days a week, for example, or maybe six months a year. Many want or need the income, but that’s not the only motivator. People tend to identify strongly with their work, their disciplines, and their careers. Many wish to learn, to grow, try new things, and be productive indefinitely, through a combination of commercial, volunteer, and personal pursuits.” This quote from Dychtwald’s article is basically how local realtors describe their buyers recently. They are not retiring in the traditional sense, but are taking a mid-life break to try something different, perhaps to return to work later on, although most likely in a different manner than before. #2 Downtown is Trendy
In the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, when Marina Vallarta sales were going strong, sales for the downtown neighborhoods of Los Muertos, El Cerro and Gringo Gulch were adversely affected. These markets remained quite stagnant right up into the late ‘90s. Today, the downtown areas are hot, described by Silvia Elias of PV Realty as “trendy.” “There is such a lack of supply that we have a list of people waiting for good properties to come on the market.” Despite the strong demand all around the bay, the downtown area has not been negatively affected, rather the reverse – the market is stronger than ever. People are buying up older homes to renovate or whatever lots are still available to build. With traffic congestion getting worse for Vallarta, the downtown area has the advantage that you can park your car at home and walk to many restaurants and shops. #3 South Shore Niche Market
There are fewer and fewer good building lots available in Las Amapas and Conchas Chinas, as most have been picked up by developers for small condominium projects. One of the more successful developers in this area is Terra & Mare, with La Cima and Horizon condominiums. Modern, larger and 146 | VALLARTA Lifestyles | Summer=Otoño 2005
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