Karen & Ken Miller
Status: Couple
Employed or Retired: Retired
Where are you living now / where are you from: Oregon City, Oregon, USA; Originally from Portland, Oregon
Timeframe for a move: Spring of 2017.
Why Vallarta: We visited there in April 2016 for 16 days and liked it very much. We are going back again in September to see what the weather is like during the rainy season. We also plan to look at some houses for sale while we are there.
How can ExPats in Vallarta assist you: By answering some basic questions for us. 1. Is it difficult to bring your car over the border and are there any problems getting the vehicle licensed there? 2. Did you have to pay import tax? 3. Where/Who is the best auto insurance company there? 4. Can you recommend an attorney to assist us in purchasing a home there?
We hope to be able to sell our home here in the US before the end of the year so we can pay cash for a home there.
We also would enjoy meeting some ExPats at the monthly dinners.
Well Karen and Ken, you are making a wonderful choice. My wife Faye and I have lived here 13 years in Sept. And we would never move back to the states to live. This is coming from a retired California Highway Patrolman born and raised in the San Francisco East Bay all of his life. I never thought I would ever leave and now I only return for a visit every two or three years because of family and friends still there. We have everything here i.e. two Walmart’s, Costco, Sam’s Club, KFC, Domino’s, Burger King, McDonald’s, and so many Starbuck’s and a Home Depot, Office Depot and Ofrfice Max Etc to name a few.
But more importantly the people are wonderful.
Now let me address the car questions: We brought our first car down in 2003. That was not too bad but then they changed the laws here. Any car not made in either Canada, USA or Mexico is not allowed and can be confiscated. All under the NAFTA Treaty.
So about 3 years ago while visiting our friends in Bend, Oregon we bought a 2006 Honda Pilot in Bend, Oregon and thought we were smart because no sales tax and it was made in Canada. By the way, we love our car and will buy another. Would we do it again? Absolutely not. You used to be able to drive here with USA plated cars. Not any more. SO now your plates have to be Mexican in the state you are living. The initial registration is a bear and any money you think you save by buying the car in the states is rapidly lost and that doesn’t count the inordinate time loss during the process. Bottom line, buy your car here and sell your car up in the states because it is illegal to sell it here.
Our insurance carrier here is Quality Insurance and we are very happy with them and I can direct you to our agent,
As for Real Estate. After I got injured on the CHP and retired, I owned a large Real Estate and Property Office in San Leandro, CA. I also taught Creative Real Estate as a member of the Contra Costa Board of Realtors. That said, Real Estate here is very different. ALL SALES have to go through a registered Notario. We finally have a title company here like the USA called Stewart Title. There are many realtors here but one must be careful. Grubb & Ellis is here. And some of our friends are also Christians and realtors I can recommend. I am no longer a realtor but instead we are missionaries and teach English in an orphanage and a Mexican church and do a lot of other outreach. I am a go to guy in town. I help the American Consular Agent here when she has wanted felons coming into Mexico. I have caught two for her so we have a great relationship. I also have an adopted Mexican daughter and her husband that are English/Spanish teachers and also do the visa process for gringos. Wow, almost my life story. Sorry. If you want more info lets e-mail or message each other. My e-mails are: fstphoen@juno.com or hiswillhiswayministriespv@gmail.com
Dear Karen and Ken,
My name is Nancy Chapman .
I have years of experience as a Realtor here and
Many years before that in California .
This is an exciting time for you !
If you care to tell me what might be on your wish list
In a home , as to style, outdoor space , areas ( if you are familiar with them)
And price, I’m happy to and you some relevant profiles of properties that might suit your needs ..
Please see our PV Realty web site below .
Yes, I can recommend Attorneys , we work with several of them that
Coordinate with the Notaries on Closings . They speak perfect English and streamline the buying process
With comfort and ease to clients
One thing you might want to consider about a car .
Consider , buying one here . It’s pretty much hassle free
Plus parts for repairs will be easily available .
Vallarta is not kind to cars .