Treat Your Treasures with Care when Transporting to Mexico

First, have your goods professionally packaged with corners well reinforced. Nothing more disappointing that having your treasures damaged in transit. A few extra cardboard corners, heavy electrical tape and sturdy packaging will ensure the journey is successful.

Next, prepare an accurate list of your items with dimensions, value, artist name and a photograph. These are essential for obtaining an accurate brokerage quote and importation fee. Keep in mind, customs officials are now wired to the internet and very art savvy. They will easily spot the difference between your Boardwalk Find and your Fabulous Brancusi.

Then, be aware of recent changes. On 14 August 2009 the Mexican Marines and new federal officers took over customs at Tijuana (CRATE’s border point of entry). All the old officers were fired and new ones installed to ensure adherence the new laws. Many of these changes affect the fees, value and handling of art crossing the border in both directions.

Also, consider sending your possessions via air versus ground. This often costs more but ensures your packages aren’t opened, inspected and frequently damaged in transition. Air freight is inspected and transported differently, and sometimes special stickers can be used to prescreen fragile and valuable items.

Of course no matter what you import into Mexico, you’ll always pay the sales national tax ( 15% IVA).  There is seldom a way around this.  Art galleries that actively bring in shows from abroad must fill out special paperwork to indicate the collections are temporarily in the country and will be shipped back once the exhibition closes.

Finally, don’t intentionally underestimate your art portfolio. This only leads to fines, impoundment and the risk of losing your valuables altogether. If they are important to you, treat them as such and enjoy them forever!

The Puerto Vallarta Real Estate Conference drew the highest number of agents, brokers and developers on record this year, topping out at over 300 attendees. The event was hosted by Vallarta Lifestyles publishing group and took place at the Hotel NH Krystal, co-developers of the Icon Vallarta condominium project.

CRATE was pleased to join the exhibitors on hand for networking, showcasing new products and sharing industry tips. To celebrate the proximity to Philipe Starck’s Icon Vallarta rapidly progressing project next door, the simply designed CRATE stand featured red lacquered trays and a whimsical candelabra from our Eclectic Mixx design theme. Over 200 boxes of customized CRATE Conference Mints were distributed, no doubt the freshest and most invigorating handout at the show!

The focus of the event was to recap 2008 real estate sales in the Bay of Banderas and Riviera Nayarit regions. Morning and afternoon panel discussions with the industry’s top realtors, developers and thought leaders provided insights on investment strategies during this changing economic climate. Each speaker emphasized the urgent need for new thinking and new strategies to jumpstart the market.

CRATE unveiled a new Developer Partnership Program which offers developer net pricing on model units and public spaces, robust cross-marketing support and incentive packages that can be offered to homeowners at closings. The program has already been adopted by developers at Rio Amapas, who announced the giveaway of a CRATE-designed home furnishings package this month. Just one example of how we’re working to stimulate the local real estate market and create compelling value for the next wave of investors.
Now, that’s a CRATE idea!

4) If your idea of a travel souvenir is a duffel stuffed with original art, then OLIANDA is a must see! Located in the heart of the Los Muertos shopping district, this brightly painted two-story studio is a treasure trove of tribal masks, native curios and pint-sized works of art. Of course there are giant artifacts too that will have to be shipped back home and the friendly staff is happy to make arrangements.

Proprietor Brewster Brockmann is one of Vallarta’s most accomplished artists. Brewster’s solo show debuted last week at Galeria Pacifico featuring his signature over-sized canvasses along with a new series of smaller, budget-friendly works. We snapped up a sculptural figure for Casa Aguacate, our showcase house in Alta Vista. She’ll be delivered and installed today. We can’t wait! Bookmark this page for next month’s list of local finds…

The long-anticipated move-in for Paramount Bay residents has begun. Each week new homeowners are taking possession of their worldclass bay views and wondering what’s new in town or where to find the resources they need.

Now residents can simply make their way down to the sleek all-white lobby and hang out in the CRATE-designed seating lounge. Here they’ll find helpful information about real estate, local restaurants, galleries and CRATE’s exclusive turnkey furnishing solution. The stylish lounge will also function as a hub for representatives from Tropicasa Realty, Tecnoline Shades and CRATE to serve the needs of homeowners and prospective clients right on the property.

Moving in and wondering where to start? Our CRATE team would happily answer questions, offer tips for enjoying Vallarta or help with efficient budget-setting using our six exclusive design themes. Email us at info@crateinteriors.com or call 322.148.0217 in MX or 213.624.0454 in the US and schedule your visit today!

Nestled at the entrance to El Tigre Gold Course is IKAL -the nicest newest neighbor in Flamingos. Pictured here the ELEMENTOS model by CRATE.

The ELEMENTOS model home debuted at IKAL last month, drawing visitors from surrounding Riviera Nayarit and many enthusiastic homeowners who’ve already reserved property in this pristine gated community. Voted the best new development along the Bay, IKAL homes offer tremendous value and phenomenal construction quality starting at $250,000.

Visitors are invited to tour the 3-story model home which showcases the ELEMENTOS furnishings packages designed exclusively for IKAL homeowners by Carlos Gutierrez of CRATE. Designed in collaboration with the project’s Guadalajara-based developers, the thoughtfully appointed turnkey furnishing package draws its inspiration from the four elements – earth, fire, water and air. Here’s you’ll find everything needed for harmonious living, from high quality contemporary furniture to hotel grade mattresses, beautiful linens, right down to dishes and artful accessories.

“I was able to choose everything my family needs for our home at IKAL. From the cute kids rooms to comfortable TV watching, CRATE has thought of it all,” says Magda Milojevic, an IKAL homeowner and proprietor of Vallarta’s Master Baiter’s sportfishing and tackle shop.

Art for the model home appears courtesy of top Vallarta galleries including Galeria Pacifico and Michael Constantini. The CRATE team is available for art tours or studio visits with the city’s fine artists. Preview the model home or browse the furnishings selection here. Then, schedule your personal visit to this harmonious home. Now, that’s a CRATE idea!

The ELEMENTOS model home debuted at IKAL this month, drawing visitors from surrounding Riviera Nayarit and many homeowners who’ve already reserved property in this pristine gated community. Featuring 3-story homes with unspoiled views of the El Tigre golf course, homeowners are invited to preview the ELEMENTOS furnishings packages designed exclusively for them by Carlos Gutierrez of CRATE. Designed in collaboration with IKAL developers, the thoughtfully appointed turnkey furnishing package includes everything for hamonious living, including high quality contemporary furniture, hotel grade mattresses, beautiful linens, dishes and artful accessories.

Art for the model home appears courtesy of top Vallarta galleries including Galeria Pacifico and Michael Constantini. The CRATE team is available for art tours or studio visits with the city’s fine artists. Preview the model home or browse the furnishings selection here. Then, ask your real estate agent to schedule your personal visit to this inspiring home.

Now, that’s a CRATE idea!

CRATE Interiors is pleased to announce a new partnership with the developers of Ikal, a uniquely appointed community adjoining the Le Tigre golf course in Flamingos, Mexico. The 96 unit midtier housing community is under construction with GVA and features homes starting at $275,000 USD.

Conceived in harmony with the distinctive elements of this tropical oasis, the Elementos turnkey furnishings package was designed exclusively for residents and includes everything Ikal homeowners will need to live beautifully. “The four natural elements inspired my concept for this unique property, and they are the cornerstones of life at Ikal,” explains CRATE creative director Carlos Gutierrez. “Each one embraces a different emotion, energy and color palette.”
New residents will hand select each item from many customizable options, including indoor furniture, outdoor seating, carpets and lighting, artful accessories, bed and bath linens, kitchen and tabletop essentials. Within 8 weeks everything is delivered, installed and move-in ready.

Elementos turnkey packages are priced at an exceptional value of $29,950USD.* Experience the unbeatable selection of a fabulous retail store with the expertise of a renown interior design team and a professional White Glove Installation at no additional charge. There is simply no better value or option to bring your new life at Ikal into equilibrium. Contact a Tropicasa agent and schedule your design appointment today!

In today’s unpredictable real estate market, getting the most from your investment is a priority. One way is to enhance your unit’s best features with a cohesive interior design plan and list it with a top property rental agency. Here are a few helpful tips from downtown LA’s best real estate agents.

1. Understand that you’re competing with big hotels for rental dollars. Make your unit as beautiful and desirable as your budget will allow.
2. Put a secure safe in every unit. Post instructions and emergency contact information clearly.
3. Replace your regular bulbs with energy efficient alternatives.
4. Offer internet services. Whether your property is wireless throughout or there is dial-up available, staying connected is key.
5. Dehumidifiers are a must for keeping guests comfortable and dry, especially newcomers who aren’t familiar with our moist climate.
6. Decorate your unit in simple themes that look appealing in rental photographs, yet are low maintenance for your staff.

Wondering where to start? Our CRATE team would happily offer advice and suggestions, including an introduction to our six exclusive design themes. Email us or visit one of our Open House Gallery showrooms today!

Paramount Bay is one of the most acclaimed new residential towers in Puerto Vallarta Mexico. Situated on the lush hills of Amapas overlooking the magnificent Bay of Banderas, the Miami-inspired property features undulating glass curves and sets a new standard for worldclass modern architecture in this rapidly growing resort market.

Wally Demary and Chuck Mallery moved to Paramount Bay with their gorgeous Kieshound, Baci – just in time for holiday entertaining. As longtime banking industry executives, they’re looking forward to the tranquility and calm of a slower lifestyle.

“This home is our lifetime dream. We decided over 30 years ago that we wanted a retirement getaway in PV and thanks to CRATE the dream is now a reality.”

This savvy investor team chose CRATE to decorate their expansive ocean-facing condominium, and presented a very specific design brief: Make it dramatically different from their home in Rhode Island, adapt our Modern Urbanism theme to showcase their extensive art collection and keep everything up off the floor!

Link here to preview the Paramount Bay development, or email a Tropicasa Realty listing agent for more information.