Bucerias Growth

Colin Maruk, a trusted local realtor, shares some insight into Bucerias’ current expansion.

Colin, we thank you for making time in your schedule to contribute your column. It’s definitely a topic our readers take interest in.

Real Estate Trends in Bucerias

It has been nice to see so many neighbors and friends return to the area after the returning to their homes up north to weather the COVID crisis.  One of the first comments that they make when they return is “Wow, Bucerias has really changed!”

I have lived and sold real estate in the area since 2008 and I have seen the market at many stages including the very long “buyers” market that lasted from 2008 until just a few years back. We are definitely in a growth cycle as evidenced by the new construction and lack of resale homes and condos available on the market at the moment. 

The questions always arise as to whether this growth is positive and will it continue?  I would like to try and answer both of those questions and look at the positive aspects of what is happening in our area, and discuss the reasons why it is happening. 

Growth means change, period. Change always has good and bad aspects to it depending on your perspective. We all came to live in this area for a number of reasons such as the culture, the food, the weather and the genuine warmth of the Mexican people who approach life with a refreshingly different attitude that prioritizes family and friends over the mere accumulation of material goods. 

The COVID pandemic has meant that many people have been able to stop and evaluate their lives and have discovered like many of us that life here in Mexico is really a better way to live.  Can we really be surprised that people are flocking to our once quiet beach town to start a new life?

Until very recently many people would comment that Bucerias was like Puerto Vallarta 30 years ago, a sleepy friendly little beach town.  As Vallarta has matured and grown into a sophisticated international tourist destination Bucerias, her little brother, is growing up too. 

This growth means more jobs and prosperity for the local people and thanks to recent upgrades in communication technology, we have more people that can work from home here and can spend more time in Bucerias. This was not possible even a few years back before we had fibre optic internet service. 

I know this growth also comes at a cost in a few negative ways.  The authorities are working on upgrading our local infrastructure to handle the increased people and I for one will be happy when something is done to help with the increased traffic congestion but these are part of the growing pains that happen anywhere during a growth phase.  We can also expect that this growth will continue but that it will inevitably slow as we start to reach capacity. Again, this is the cycle for growth in real estate, the stock market and the business cycle in general. 

As a Realtor here I see both the positive and the negative aspects of growth in the area but how do we tell people who also fell in love with the area that they are not welcome.  I would like to thank the local Mexican people who have opened their arms and embraced the many people who have moved here.  The changes have impacted them most of all and I hope that these changes bring prosperity and security for them. 

I will provide one word of caution about our current market and that is regarding pre-construction and due diligence before you purchase.  I know the excitement of buying a home here and starting a new life, and sometimes that excitement can cloud our judgement and there is a rush to move ahead. Please take the time to do your research about the property and the developer.  Ask to see other projects that they have completed, seek out the help of professionals to guide you (notarios, engineers, architects and realtors).  Please remember that the person selling pre-construction works solely for the developer so it is always wise to have someone on your side to review your contract and to advise you on the buying process. There are many great developers and developments so please make sure you find the one that will be your dream home in Bucerias!

Colin’s services can be commenced by contacting him here: cmaruk@hotmail.com