Our Experience Buying a House in Puerto Vallarta Mexico

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

Check out our follow-up video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2m8g4aoeayebZY

[@gm-qn8ri]

I agree with you 100% when I move to Mexico in a few years from now .I just want the basics .I don't care much for stainless steal appliances , Granite Counter Tops ,Dishwasher Etc .Not that you can't get that in Mexico,but if I'm going to complain and be picky about all that , I might as well just keep my sorry ASS here in the Good Ole USA . I'm looking to move to a Colonial City like San Miguel de Allende .Perhaps Ajiijiic in the Lake Chapala area . I also plan on not owning a car ..I plan on eating a lot of great Tacos Drinking some cold Mexican beer and listening to Mariachi bands .

[@EastCoastGal66]

richard mctere That will be a Great way of living❤️

[@ExceedX3]

very good choice, there are people who choose to live with luxuries others with the basics, and in Mexico you can get everything they sell in the states, plus good tacos almost anywhere there are, there are many things to do in Mexico, I am from Guadalajara , and I hope to live in ajijic or stay here and move to another area, I have heard that many people retire to ajijic and chapala, but also to guadalajara, I have seen many foreign people and you can see that they spend very well

[@angelicahernandez9964]

Goals

[@bestbets6972]

Lynn Collett Lynn? What a name for a tough guy with a pony tail. You get what you pay for, that's the way is been and it will ever be. Bring me the money I'm sure there's lots of stuff to buy in the woods big spender! 😜

[@WestShoreMan]

Lynn Collett How ignorant you are.

[@mangaku1]

Finally a realistic vid on living in Mexico

[@kellysy3191]

I lived in PV growing up and now I'm trying to convinvced my husband to move over there, we are currenbtly living in USA. PV is honestly the best place to be, in my opinion. I hope after I show him this video he can at least consider it. Thanks for the video!!! Enjoy life in PV!!!

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

Thanks! And we of course agree with your opinion!

[@erikawoods8975]

You guys! I am from SLP married a Texan and now here I am too. Y’all make so jealous living in and enjoying my beloved MX. I definitely stepping up my game talking my hubby into getting me back home 😂

[@alexcastillousa]

Thanks for sharing the beginning of your journey!

[@EastCoastGal66]

We ❤️ Puerto Vallarta and we plan to live for half of the year in just a few years! Enjoy your lives In Paradise!

[@eddym5532]

South of Mexico in a couple of years it`s going to be lot of changes for the better, like Quintana Roo, Yucatan, Chiapas. Keep an eye on it.

[@deanguy66]

I'm curious as to what you see happening there.

[@armandob.castenelli3525]

Wow, That view is spectacular. Love the simplicity. I always think that way. Those of us who have experienced grand luxury, we want to go back to living simple. My biological family lives an hour north from there and sister's husband is very good at construction. I plan to use his services when I build my nest down there. Congratulations.!

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

Thanks Armando, love the comment, you are spot on!

[@robertdominguez3040]

Yes, that view is a selling point. I really like the way you think about buying and yes is all about what you want and what you don't want, but, but 55 steps are a little bit to many, although those steps going to get you in a great shape...

[@jamesday7344]

Seems like you had the right state of mind going into it. Good for you guys, enjoy your view and home

[@Aleja-zf6ki]

Just found your channel today and I loved it! You guys make very good & informative videos.

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

Thanks Maria!

[@zisananter]

I loved loved your new place and thank you for all the good information. Enjoy PV.

[@teresita4791]

I LOVE YOUR HOUSE, AND YOUR NEIGHBORS HOUSE, ITS SO BEAUTIFUL!

[@maf8199]

Thank you. This was SO helpful. Much appreciated

[@erickvh117]

Hi! nice video, i'm a local and i really liked the way you made this paradise your hometown, now i see you're actually my neighbors (i live just 1 minute walking from your home) cheers!

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

Excellente! Say hello when you run into us!

[@gigi-jeff]

Thanks for subscribing to our channel as it gave us a chance to see your journey as well! We share many of the same philosophies on simple living! Love the beach view! Enjoy! Gigi & Jeff

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

Thanks! There is something about living simply we all strive for!

[@yessicamoman8501]

You're video was very informative, we have a home on the mountains and our walk to our home is about 90 steps, however the view is beautiful. We are thinking of building a second floor would enjoy knowing and getting references. Our home also is not an expensive condominium or with other tourist its within the locals. By the way your view is beautiful also very close to the Malecon.

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

Yessica Moman Thanks! We liked our builder so much I created a website for them: www.castillopv.com/ Our neighbor had some work done by them so we went with them as well. Rafa Jr. and Sr. is a father / son team. The son did most of the day to day work with his team. The dad is fluent in English. Feel free to email me at [e-mail] and happy to give you more info, neighbor!

[@steveandpaula3541]

Well done guys. Thanks!

[@sweetds1]

Thank you! So much information and honesty. You should create a series on your own. Enjoyed this much more than house hunters.

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

Thanks for the comment! ❤️

[@carolinebesinger8611]

Thanks see ya soon, we have a couple homes there ,and I'm coming home, nex xpat, we had those homes in our family for 39 years, it now out time so excited, to meet you 2 like your Style

[@carolinebesinger8611]

What a view.

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

@@carolinebesinger8611 look forward to meeting you someday!

[@gardeniamontes8044]

Hi you guys this is my first time whatching your videos ,im from puerto vallarta,but i live in salt lake city utah,you guys make a great decision ,puerto vallarta is beatiful place ,i was there last year

[@gerardolozadluna4149]

Woo hot tub and all that beautiful view wow very nice happy for you guys

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

Thanks Jerry!

[@paulinawaas9204]

How much did you pay for the house ?

[@RatfromNadeaust]

Hmm idk but I’m guessing like 60k. Or a little more. I’m currently looking at home myself but in the state of Nayarit and I’ve found nice new homes for about 55k.

[@mrbear3487]

Nice lived in Mexico several years didn’t even bother to buy a car used public transportation instead mostly taxis buses. Although I did get a moped to go grocery shopping Locals asked me why I didn’t buy a car. instead of explaining, that I grew up in Los Angeles and fed up with driving a car. I just told everyone I couldn’t afford one. Mi girlfriend and I lived in Cuernavaca on four hundred dollars a month easily.

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

As some of you have asked, the website for our contractor is www.castillopv.com/. Thanks for watching! I am impressed by the number of people who have watched our entire video! Feel free to ask questions or give your own experiences in the comments!

[@AndyX1337]

Wow what a view! Thanks for sharing your story.

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

Thanks!

[@patrickconnolly7799]

Charming and well edited video.

[@carrolhealy8531]

Where is this place that you bought the Acapulco chairs from? We tried one place off of Marketplace and it wasn’t a functioning place

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

Do a search on “ibanava pv” on Facebook and it’ll be there!

[@firebird6522]

Nice house. Simple and comfortable.

[@stephanies870]

Your place is gorgeous. Thank you for sharing

[@out2flip]

I’m one minute into the video and already know what I need to do. THANK YOU!! P.S. what is the realtors information. Please.

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

Have fun house hunting! Our Realtor was David Hoffman: tropicasa.com/team.php Cheers

[@paulrichardson7905]

Great information. I would like to know about taxes. I have a pension and Social Security monthly income which I receive from the USA. I pay tax on these in the USA and understand I will always pay USA tax on these no mater where I live in the world. If I live in Mexico would I need to pay the Mexico government tax on these incomes (World wide income) ?

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

We are not tax folks, so others would know more. Usually if you spend more than six months in a country there are tax treaties that apply. Here is one of many links you can search out. Have fun on your journey! www.escapeartist.com/mexico/live/taxation-expats-mexico/

[@michelloranger2590]

Love the house and the area. We ve been going to Puerto Vallarta since 1995 and we love it. You re living our dream. Hope one day to be able to go live there too.

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

Michel Loranger Look forward to seeing you there!

[@bjlugo5982]

So tell us the hold or the total cost of your property, if you would please. Very good information.

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

BJ Lugo we don’t want to get too specific - it is really about negotiations and finding the right contractors. Purchase price was a Tesla and renovation was a Prius. Hope that helps!

[@rachelhelen19]

I love it! That view

[@anthonymoraga8946]

Awesome video, very informative! And your house is beautiful! I'd like to hear the story of how you get such a nice big hot tub up those stairs.

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

Anthony Moraga would you believe 8 guys by hand on the balcony floor by floor!

[@MrSsthakur]

Great informative video. Very good tips.

[@sylgibbons859]

Hello from Vancouver Island, BRitish Columbia Thanks for your great video. What price range would we be looking at for a small place such as yours. Perhaps, a bedroom? Older style.

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

You really have to watch the listings for something around 100k USD, but they can be found. Prices seem to have gone up a bit this year. You can build a basic new house on a plot of land for 50K or so... the building is the inexpensive part. the more turnkey you go, the much higher the price. Cheers.

[@sr9253]

Is there a quiet area in the suburbs? How much did you pay?

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

Definitely there are quiet areas, but not where we live! Check out our friend Risa’s videos: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pV6tZKh8nticrMk. Our house was the cost of a higher end Tesla and renovations cost as much as a prius. Prices have gone up since 2017, but deals are still out there! Check out my.flexmls.com/ampimls/search/idx_links/20101209212452924646000000/listings

[@tobsstone]

Great video. Could do with some numbers? Cost of place and renovations/

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

Noted!

[@garyward1606]

Hey, really enjoyed your video! I'm currently working with David Hoffman to find a place. Looking forward to checking out the rest of your videos.

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

Thanks Gary, appreciate the comment. Enjoy the hunting and look forward to seeing you around town! Cheers, Stefan

[@garyward1606]

@@LivingSimplyinMexico Do you guys live there full time or do you rent it out? My husband and I can't live down there full time yet, so, I'm thinking condo with rentability. I'm just wondering how viable a place like yours would be for rental. I saw the cathedral to the left. Are you in el cinco de deciembre?

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

@@garyward1606 we are in the El Cerro area. Our place is up the hill with many steps, so rental wouldn’t make too much $ given the effort. Recurring Cost to own is very minimal - this allows us to keep our house just to us and extended family. From what I can tell, prices continue to go up in PV, but rental fees have not so much. Even before the pandemic, my thought was that renting would cover expenses, but wouldn’t necessarily make money. I think for some, owning a house is a little scary, so this results in lower cost per square foot. We (Ada and I) own our own businesses in the SF Bay Area, have a Freshman in High School, and are dealing with complications of taking care of my parents - so the pandemic has kept us up north primarily. Still working, we try and make it in normal times down to PV every six weeks or so through some juggling and stay a week or two weeks at a time (we have a southwest companion pass so Ada flies free + taxes). In a way it feels like we are living two very different lives up north and down south - we would not change anything even though the pandemic has curtailed most of our travel. That is our story! 🤗

[@ShoJ369]

Not for me, but I wish you both happiness there, The roof with the hot tub is class. But I couldn't cope without a cooker or washing machine.

[@K1k05]

Consider this, life here is different... Portable restaurant stove (use indoors or outdoors) and a Microwave/Convection combination, it's easy to get a Washer/Dryer(People prefer to air dry) combination. Or, if, then all else fails, Eat out it's just to inexpensive, take your laundry to the lavanderia (laundry) they will clean all your clothes(personals too) and fold them for you for a few dollars. Learn to enjoy a new life...lol 🙏

[@ShoJ369]

@@K1k05 That does sound good, Maybe I will move to Mexico, thanks for getting back to me.

[@StreetTruckinTitan]

@@K1k05 Yes a laundry service would be a selling point for me! Looking forward to retiring to PV in the not to distant future. cheers!

[@alohastateofmind3565]

What are the pros and cons of buying vs renting? Cost wise? What did you pay for your place if you don't mind answering.

[@bewellstaywellnetwork]

Aloha State of Mind We never really weighed out the pros/cons of renting as buying was something we always had in mind. For us, we wanted a place we could make our own and have as a place to share with our friends and family, but without having a lot of extra stress and feeling weighed down by it. We bought our house for less than a tricked out Tesla.

[@MultiScrappydo]

Great choices, I think! I was hoping for some numbers 😁

[@rogerresendiz2416]

If you rent.. Total expenses.. Run fron $1200-$1400 a month... Eating out twice a week...

[@rogerresendiz2416]

House prices run from $25-$350 thousand

[@samuel1121]

Lovely home,I like what you’ve done

[@tanyabetancourt2382]

Thank you for the informative video. Do you have a video on all charges/fees associated with home purchase in PV, Mexico? Thank you. Tanya

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

We don’t, but our realtor David Hoffman put some good info online: davidhoffmanproperties.com. Happy hunting!

[@daddyrichard957]

Just love your home,from Trinidad.

[@murreyhall6704]

great advice, thanks

[@AB-Trains-Automation]

They said purchase price is a Tesla, Renovations is a Prius Tesla S/X about $100,000 Prius about $30,000 Hope this helps

[@jbrarh10]

Pesos or usd 😅

[@MrSgtau]

Nice setup there! How much does the bank charge annually for administration of the trust?

[@salvadorfernandez3455]

Hey guys, is true that around June and July time there’s a lot of rain and thunderstorms? And if so, does the rain usually last all day? I’m traveling down there late June early July this year and was wondering if what the people are saying is true. Thanks in advance!

[@adiielena]

Salvador Fernandez yes it’s tropical rain season! It’s absolutely beautiful !!

[@adiielena]

Not all day but def a good chunk of the day

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

Periodic rain and thunderstorms. When it is sunny it can be pretty hot. We like it though, just different than the winter months. Nothing that a cold beverage can't handle! The only real issue is the beach water quality can worsen given the runoff from the rivers at certain times. Well worth the trip in general!

[@kiiyannahudson]

Beautiful home . Everyone please be cautious of buying a home with stairs if your plans are to stay there as an elder.

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

kiiyanna hudson Agreed, always know what you are getting into! Our neighbors are elderly and scoot up and down every day - this keeps the healthy! However, having a fallback plan is a necessity.

[@pbjsilverstudio4882]

And the wiring?! Hahaha!! Have ya been to Thailand yet? We are looking at retiring outside the US and are considering Thailand or somewhere in Mexico. Thank you for the helpful information.

[@mrvisitador1]

Pamela Bellesen how about the Dominican Republic cabarete area!

[@pbjsilverstudio4882]

mrvisitador1 of it was not in annual threat of Hurricane I’d be all over that and my husband too!! Being a ‘water baby’, I LOVE The Caribbean. But after so much devastation from hurricanes lately, it scares me to death thinking of deliberately placing ourselves in the possible path.

[@gustavobarajas6155]

The objective of the Mexican govt is to lower the dollar and strengthen the peso. This means ex pats with dollars are going to have to find a job, open a business in Mexico because dollars are not going to be worth much. The govt of Mexico will need anglo-expats to become Mexican citizens the reason is because the govt is going to ask for visas Mexico is no longer scared of U.S. policy.

[@HiddenTruth346]

Everyone and their mother is Moving to PV including me

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

We are trying to get our mothers to come down!

[@leticia_v6404]

Thank you very helpful.

[@johndaly4673]

What if there is s fire or weather damage? Do you have insurance?

[@robertmorin3641]

Hi. Recently found your vids and have subcribed and liked. I am familiar with most of PV from several vacation trips and was wondering what general neihgborhood you went with? We've liked staying at a small hotel about a block and a half from the pier on Los Muertos beach. Now retired and looking for longer term rental or possible purchase and our tastes line up pretty well with yours. Thanks for doing this!

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

Thanks for the comments Robert! We are in the El Cerro/Gringo Gulch area. We absolutely love it there with the traditional buildings and cobble stone streets. Going down the hill south, it’s an easy walk to the Romantic Zone or north to the art studios and Cinco de Diciembre. Cinco de Diciembre is a little less pricey and a little further away from the romantic zone, but similar in feel. We are way up the hill so we get our exercise in. There are more flat areas in Cinco de Diciembre if you are looking for more accessibility. We are so used to climbing hills now we don’t even know we are doing steps. Here is a video of the area. Note that when they show The Gringo Gulch map they also include El Cerro. kzbin.info/www/bejne/anOXmIOljcmHrqM

[@robertmorin3641]

Thanks for that. Love that area too! All the best😎

[@wadewave4323]

David is our Real Estate Agent as well..we are going down to purchase on April 10

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

Congrats! Tell David "Hi" for us!

[@RicambiFiat500]

@@LivingSimplyinMexico I am thinking about moving can you share your realtors name with us

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

RicambiFiat500 David Hoffman @ Tropicasa

[@onetanamera1985]

RicambiFiat500 hi, I'm looking for David Hoffman? Would that happen to be you?

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

David’s info is here: tropicasa.com/team.php

[@fv1291]

You look like a cross between Rick Steves and Phil Donahue 😉 Thanks for the great video!

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

Filbert V Ha! Once I was in a Europe and someone came over and asked if I was Rick Steves. Oh no! He is around 15 years older than me! Phil is much older! ... but I’ll take it as a compliment. ;0)

[@fv1291]

@@LivingSimplyinMexico Funny, I ran into Rick Steves in Munich one time, and he's really nice. We spent last Thanksgiving in PV, and will return next Thanksgiving as well. We stay at the Hotel Amaca, so are very familiar with stairs! The little funicular was a lot of fun too.

[@bewellstaywellnetwork]

I can’t unsee that now. Uh oh.

[@Nout-qu6gi]

What website do you recommend to search homes for sale?

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

This we've found to be good: www.mlsvallarta.com/ Cheers

[@mikehuffman5460]

what a view!

[@nucreation9833]

Is it expensive to replace the windows with sound proof windows in Mexico? Have you even considered it? I think it would make a big difference

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

NuCreation You are correct, but we went the traditional route. Anything higher end would be expensive though and reduce the feeling/ vibe of the place. It is a tough balance for sure, considering conveniences vs accepting the local PV lifestyle! I’ve learned to turn the sensitivity way down on my mic! 😉

[@oscarnavarro5279]

Excellent content, love it 😊😊 New sub

[@lynnesunshine]

I really enjoyed this video and advise on a different attitude with living in Mexico. I would appreciate some actual costing examples of construction costs and hot tub etc... Looks like you are enjoying PV life! Gracias!

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

Our basic renovation was the cost of a prius including the hot tub. Asking our contractor what would it would take to build a basic house from scratch on already purchased land, their estimate was around $50K USD. Anything related to concrete, tile, ironwork (ie manual labor) is very inexpensive. They just raised the minimum wage in Mexico to approximately $5USD per day (not hour). Anything purchased from a store is more expensive. We bought a locally built hot tub, but I did compare tubs at the costco in the US and in Mexico - about $1000USD more in Mexico for the same tub. Another basic (but important!) thing is our blender -- about $60 in the US and $100USD in Mexico.

[@lisafarrell6334]

Do you have videos on the costs involved.

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

We don't break down on the real estate costs, but fairly minimal and an agent can walk you through them. Utilities are inexpensive and a we pay for the entire year. Property tax is very low. Most expensive cost is a trust to hold the property, which can run $500 or a little less annually. Sorry we don't have more detail for you here. Unlike many other things in life, our house in PV is quite cost effective. That is the benefit of owning a home as condos have their monthly fees, but also provide benefits of well of course. All the best!

[@romanvansanchez1]

My husband has one of those step watches!! lol Suggestion: Put a stain glass window up, so you won't see the wires? Mexicans have many talents there!

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

We have many ideas... part of the fun!!

[@lauraahernandez2620]

Did you have difficulties making the funds transfer to purchase the property?

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

Laura Hernandez Actually great question. In PV, at least where we were at, the escrow was held in the United States and the transaction was completed in USD - I guess this is fairly common even for a Mexico based seller. We did open up a bank account in PV for expenses and that was no problem. Good to have an account locally. Cheers

[@lauraahernandez2620]

Thank you! Your reply is very helpful.@@LivingSimplyinMexico

[@livingintorontorealestate]

For a somewhat similar house, (I know no two houses/situations are the same). .. But, with price increases, what do you think a similar type house (needing renovations, etc. with a view) in one of the neighbourhoods surrounding the center. What might the price tag be? .. Also, were you able to negotiate on the price? Saludos

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

David Murray Maclean Yes, you can definitely negotiate down. Some places are “Make me move” prices that are way too high, while others are more realistic. Houses can stay on the market for a long time. You’ll find houses around town that are not on an MLS and don’t have a seller’s agent, but typically these are not truly listed for sale as there are deed issues or family issues - many houses are passed down through generations and have co-owners. Usually if houses are on the MLS and have a seller’s agent, they’ve gone through some vetting to be ready to sell. Houses like ours now I think you can get still in the mid to low 100s USD, but you have to keep an eye out for them. Best area to look is in the 5 de Diciembre area, although you may find a place in our area of El Cerro. Be sure keep an eye on the MLS. The big win is the very cost effective construction costs. Cheers www.mlsvallarta.com/search/

[@ptk51]

How much is a house like that? and what you spent on renovations? Can you please tell?

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

We were in the right place at the right time. As mentioned in some other comments... in late 2017 the house cost as much as a Tesla and renovations were about the same as a Prius (I know, very Californian of us). The takeaway is to use the right contractor (we've provided a link to ours) and buy something that is not move in ready to keep the costs down. Contractors in Mexico can do a lot of things with a minimum budget if you find the right people.

[@chrismaxfield5484]

Can you add a video about renting an apartment in PV?

[@adannegrete6055]

How much did you pay?

[@fireball1566]

Good job

[@christinedailey9254]

Love your home! We are looking to do the same and are meeting with a realtor in May. I have a few questions if you don't mind me asking. Were your remodel costs in addition to what you call "Tesla" money or were they included in that amount? Was anything complete in the home or did you do a 100% remodel? Last question, are you still happy with your choice of neighborhood? (BTW - We live in Alameda! Maybe our paths will cross in PV or Alameda.) TIA!

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

Christine Dailey Hey Christine, we live on Bay Farm. We are happy to get together at La Penca or somewhere if of interest. Too funny you live in Alameda!

[@michaelfruchter732]

Hi Guys, I just subscribed.. Great and informative videos Can you give me some idea what the places like yours cost please You said there was a whole list from the cheapest to the most expensive ones.. I’m trying to figure out if I can afford something like what you guys have or am I better off in Zapopan , Guadalajara or Ajijic... Where did you guys stay until you closed on your place and lastly please, did it take long to close on your place Thank You Very Very Much , Michael

[@jbrinkley9-t1r]

Great vid! Thank you.

[@dwightbrown6365]

We have a house south of San Felipe, little town with a bay, my grandfather bought it about 50 years ago with a 99 year lease for 1500 dollars.

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

Dwight Brown I (Stefan) have been to San Filipe when I was a kid. Great memories of the place!

[@cgvmdnurses1]

Do you have fast reliable uninterrupted internet there to be able to work?

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

When we first arrived we just used our North America AT&T unlimited data plan that could handle video conferences on our computer surprisingly well. We now have very solid internet for about $30US a month. It is not high bandwidth (fiber) as we are too far up on the hill, but actually it’s pretty good still for video conferencing and anything we’d use it for. We have not used it during summer thunderstorms yet, so we’ll see how that goes!

[@munozconnie]

15 peso a kg, its just my husband and i and we spend 1000 pesos a month, think it would be cheaper to have a washing machine, you are up a hill also:( so what was cost and how much money did you have to put into it for upgrades?

[@bewellstaywellnetwork]

connie munoz maybe a washer later but honestly, it’s so easy to take my laundry down to the bottom of the hill. I get it back, all folded. No need for me to have to do laundry. I would rather spend 10 minutes carrying a bag of clothes up a hill than folding it. LOL #whoneedsagym

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

House is about the cost of Tesla and renovations the cost of a Prius. Hope that helps!

[@BillGreenAZ]

@@LivingSimplyinMexico That helps a lot. I'm looking to move to Mexico too. Your story is the first I've heard of loving PV as a place to live. I had always wanted to visit. Now I will thanks to your story! Thanks!

[@BarkHowl]

The bus is like 8 pesos. Why would you use an uber when the bus goes where you are going and back for cheap?

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

BarkHowl Agreed! We actually use all forms of transit. The bus is 10 pesos now, still super convenient and inexpensive to your point. Uber is best for us when we are hauling around bigger items such as loading up on groceries, going to more out of the way places, or where time is important. In PV there are lot of passionate opinions between Uber and taxis. For big items we know a guy with a truck (check out our bed related video - a fun experience). Of course, our main form of transit is by foot. Thanks for highlighting the bus!

[@lindasilva4256]

@@LivingSimplyinMexico y

[@nancyreyesreyes334]

I love Puerto Vallarta, I want to sell my house in California and move.

[@bertlouis6082]

I will be retiring very soon and want to purchase in PV using a very similar approach to yours. If alright with you, is it ok if I contact you (or vice versa) to get more details? Thanks, Bert

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

Hey Bert, you can reach out at [e-mail]. Cheers

[@gloriadelgadillo9524]

Do you mind sharring the price range of your place?

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

Hey Gloria, in some other comments we discuss this, but in short the cost was the price of a Tesla and the construction was the price of a Prius (very California speak I know). To give you some of the info on the condition, when we got it, there was a sewer smell because there were no sewer gas traps, a gas tank in the kitchen for cooking, no sink in the upstairs bathroom (just a shower), the upstairs inside ceiling was foam, no water pressure, and the second story shower had an outlet in the shower (not grounded or gfci) with a generally rough condition. However the bones were good and all this was easily fixed. Hope this helps!

[@gloriadelgadillo9524]

@@LivingSimplyinMexico I appreciate you getting back to. me I just now have to research what a Telsa cost😀

[@elcaudillojauregui481]

The wiring has to be clean but if you go to Santa Barbara Ca is the same old way

[@VictorLopez-nn8nx]

do you rent your place when you are not there?

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

Thanks Victor! Not yet, but a consideration for the future. We are currently using the home for a few retreats & friends and family gatherings.

[@elgringoec]

Nice place! At the beginning I believe I heard you say you can't own the house there due to your immigration status, so I'm confused that you'd invest so heavily in upgrading the property. Will you be reimbursed for the improvements? 🤔

[@antoniobaez6282]

I think the bank or a agency holds the property in a trust, in your name for you. You basically don't hold or own the title because of the proximity of the ocean. I think 100km of the coast is the law. If and when they sell it, the proceeds of the sale will go back to the owner/them.

[@elgringoec]

@@antoniobaez6282 100km = 62 miles 🤔 🤯

[@Andrew-cj1bo]

How much you buy your place for? What is the name of your agent? Thanks.

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

Hey Andrew, roughly the house cost the price of a Tesla and construction the price of a Prius. Hopefully that will guide you. Agent was David Hoffman at Tropicasa Realty. Cheers.

[@stevenduvall2549]

Two terraces???? SOLD!

[@keithesaf08]

Why make a 15 minute video and skip out what everybody wants to know; How much? No Tesla references.

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

Hey Keith, Outside of the slight bit of privacy we like to keep, the reason we don’t give an exact number is that living in Mexico you have to go with the flow a bit more (a tough skill for us Northerners!). Whether we gave you an estimate within one dollar or 30 thousand dollars it doesn’t matter much as there are many other variables in play - our comments are just to get folks in the ballpark. Variables include: how long you look (or how lucky you get) in finding a place at the right price, current market conditions, having a good contractor, your negotiation skills, and other factors. The first lesson I learned in Mexico (being an engineer and business guy by schooling) was not to attempt to create a detailed cost model for negotiation and subsequent renovation (Ha! Was I wrong to bring a US mindset to Mexico). What I’d suggest is set a budget and test it out... is it 200k, 150k, or 100k USD? (All doable, but not for gringo expectations for a turn key / no renovation purchase) We were on the lower end and just assessed what we could get and renovate for the price. I do suspect prices are going up since we made an offer / closed in 2017/2018. Not a fulfilling answer for you I suspect, but hope you understand. With our approach, there were no hidden costs in our closing (our realtor David Hoffman at Tropicasa was very circumspect here) and after making a loose contract with our contractor (that was referred to us by our neighbor), they came in on budget even with some redos - this was done by building trust not holding them to a tight contract. My gut says negotiate down 10 to 30% on the asking price, estimate 0 to 50k USD for renovations (50k could buy you an entirely new house construction) and go from there. That is just my gut. Hope this helps! Viva Mexico!

[@DaveWoodland]

Keith - Here is what they said and yes, it is in Tesla Reference (Ha): Posted by Living Simply in Mexico 4 days ago Hey Andrew, roughly the house cost the price of a Tesla and construction the price of a Prius. Hopefully that will guide you. Agent was David Hoffman at Tropicasa Realty. Cheers.

[@StreetTruckinTitan]

If you want to know the ball park price of their house google the price of a tesla and then the renov price a prius. Done! I think you can figure that out?

[@jborrego2406]

They had to go into it blind so do u lol there good ppl on KZbin that tell u what they pay or look at house with price tag :)

[@deanguy66]

Wow, we own a Prius so I guess we could afford a house in PV. Ha! Actually, we've been to PV about 15 times since 1997 and we totally love it. But because I'm a collector of antiques with a Huge collection, I don't think I could ever move there. ;^)

[@molomix]

just got a parcel of land in Buscerias, Bahía de Banderas. :D

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

Congrats! Bucerias is a great place. If you need any developer recommendations, let us know!

[@andrewthacker114]

Nice

[@Radio280]

How much did u pay for the house guys? And what is the construction in m2 of the house? Is that a hotel next to u? U will need some privacy with that hot tub 😏. The view is awesome. I hope they did not build anything in front of u

[@pbjsilverstudio4882]

Fabulous!!!

[@romanvansanchez1]

thank you

[@vickyf1051]

so what did you pay for your house

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

VICTORIA Fisher, Our place was similar to this, but a fixer upper and two years ago so the cost was less. www.mlsvallarta.com/property/mlv/44407/casa-ambos-mundos-/

[@luisvilla799]

@@LivingSimplyinMexico omg white people have really ruined Mexico price wise lol thanks for the gentrification lol

[@towaritch]

the only resort in Mexico more expensive than PV is El Cabo

[@braincreativesit2884]

i also did

[@alexmang9155]

I Just want to know one thing. Are Coronas cheaper down there? Lol

[@bettyli6635]

Where I live in Mexico, locals don't drink Coronas.

[@alexmang9155]

Ok, Modelos then?

[@bettyli6635]

@@alexmang9155 Most drink Dos Equis, Tecate or Sol.

[@jpmgalvan]

Alex Mang where I live in GTO it’s all Coronas and they are way less expensive. A caguama which is a 40oz is 40 pesos- that’s about 2dls.

[@gvbalajee]

I want to settle please help

[@juantejeda4271]

Nice place

[@LivingSimplyinMexico]

Thanks Juan!