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 Marc Serrao shares investment opportunities in Puerto Vallarta
BY BRIAN PADGETT
Even though the difficult economic climate appears to have
a monopoly on our current circumstances, there exists a not-so-far-away
land where you can take advantage of the strength of the
American dollar. Yes, you read that correctly. Strength!
If this suggestion sounds frivolous, recall the real estate
mantra: It’s all about location, location, location!
Marc Serrao could very well be your investment guru in disguise.
As a real estate agent with Tropicasa Realty, an international
real estate firm that specializes in property purchases in
the beautiful Puerto Vallarta area, Serrao reassures that
the local property market has held strong. “Mexico, like
many countries, never relied heavily on mortgages for home
buyers,” Serrao notes in regards to the subprime crisis we
are witnessing on our side of the border. “We are not seeing
a lot of the problems associated with that. ... You can get
a lot of bang for your buck here.”
Because, unlike the U.S. housing market, that of Mexico,
(and Puerto Vallarta in particular) is a cash market, so
home owners are not in a position where they have to sell,
which works advantageously long-term, as the values of properties
are rapidly increasing.
“The growth rate in Puerto Vallarta has been stable, with
a seven to 10 percent appreciation,” Serrao informs.
“Your security through our experience,” reads Tropicasa’s
corporate slogan. With a combined total of over 180 years
of experience in both North America and abroad amongst the
agency’s brokers, clients are imbued with the extensive knowledge
necessary for successful international property transactions.
Serrao’s own shrewd discernment played a part in his decision
to join the Tropicasa family. “I wanted to work somewhere
that focused on North American professionalism, with high
standards, but in a tropical market,” Serrao admits, divulging
his personal commitment to excellence as well as his unbridled
passion for the area. “Tropicasa works off the MLS (or Multiple
Service Listing) system and all of their agents are AMPI
members.” (AMPI is the Mexican equivalent of the National
Association of Realtors in the U.S.) Agents will show home
buyers every property available to purchase in the Puerto
Vallarta area regardless of whether or not that property
is listed with Tropicasa.
“If the client wants something, and we do not have it in
the inventory, then … we will go out and find it,” Serrao
asserts.
Despite currently residing in Puerto Vallarta, Serrao grew
up in the American heartland—Davenport, Iowa to be exact.
He later relocated to Dallas, Tex. but always maintained
an affinity for cultural diversity, travel and adventure.
During his extensive travels in Mexico and Europe, Serrao
cemented his appreciation for foreign lifestyles.
“In Mexico, as in Europe, people live for the moment and
their friendships with others,” Serrao muses. “There is not
as much of the ‘hurry up’ to get nowhere, as we are so used
to in the U.S.”
The desire to spread a stronger appreciation of this way
of life has greatly influenced Serrao in his professional
endeavors, courtesies he extends to his clients, individuals
he refers to as “friends.”
“Because I live here full time I am able to give them guidance
based on my experiences. I am here to help them through every
step of the buying process. … I do not want to just sell
someone a house and disappear from their lives.”
Serrao also assures that he is available for his clients
“anytime, whatever, whenever. I can pick them up at the airport;
help with dinner reservations, etc. Buying a house is an
ordeal sometimes in the U.S., but [here] they are miles from
home, so I am there to help and guide them when needed.”
To prospective LGBT home buyers that embrace the safety of
our “gayborhoods” and are hesitant to venture off our rainbow-clad
streets, Serrao has more than a few calming words regarding
the levels of acceptance in a location that could easily
be referred to as “paradise.”
“The attitude towards the LGBT community is very similar
to that of San Francisco [and] Key West: Live and let live!”
The surge in gay clubs, restaurants, beaches and hotels in
Puerto Vallarta is a testament to its growth, prevalence
and strength. Serrao also points to the large numbers of
luxury amenities available throughout the city, ranging from
ecologically conscious day spas and massage parlors to various
resorts and beach clubs, as well as its close proximity to
rustic hamlets and jet skiing meccas. Medical facilities
in Puerto Vallarta are top-notch, and the hospitals all employ
English-speaking doctors.
“The economy in the U.S. will rebound, and the prices here
are continuing to appreciate,” Serrao predicts. Citing the
stable market growth, appreciating values and the easy flights
to and from the U.S., Serrao emphasizes, “I wish, 10 years
ago, I had started buying property here. ... A lot of property.”
Direct all inquires regarding property purchases in Puerto
Vallarta to Marc Serrao.
Puerto Vallarta: (011-52-1) 044-322-148-9635
U.S. Vonage direct: 214/295-6883
Mexico (toll free) (01)800/877-7000 marc@tropicasa.com
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