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My name is Steve Kerr, and I am a transplanted Canadian who moved to Puerto Vallarta in 2012. Life, the universe, energy, however you want to describe it assisted my move here through a series of unplanned events. Of course something had to kick start the dominoes, and that first domino was the idea of purchasing an investment property in Puerto Vallarta. Shortly after starting to look I found a property and jumped at the chance to put in an offer. With financing secured, as a home equity loan back home, I was on my way to owning my first Mexican property.
One quick phone call from by boss at HP asking me if I wanted an exit package, and as you might’ve guessed the resounding answer was YES! Making a long story short, sold the condo, paid off the loan, marched over to the Mexican consulate in Montreal, and next thing you know I was closing on a property in PV. All of this happened within a period of 2 months. Buying a property was the planned part, the rest of life was the unplanned part.
Missing the old life, adjusting to the new, opportunities to go back, all yes. Working in real estate in a vacation / tourist market does have its challenges. The rewarding part is helping people to achieve their dreams either through real estate investment, re-location or early retirement income with the eventuality of moving to this beautiful place so many of us now call home.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Walk my dog, head to the beach, relax, chill, Netflix, read, the usual.
If you could share a secret about Puerto Vallarta, what would it be?
Hiking trails & biking seem to be catching on. The other day coming through Puerto Vallarta you could see a huge waterfall in the mountains. Puerto Vallarta is blessed with a unique topography of mountains meeting the ocean. This is an untapped resource Puerto Vallarta has yet to fully capitalize in on.
What is on your bucket list?
More travel. I used to travel more and have been getting the bug again. Puerto Vallarta is a beautiful place to live, so heading to a beach town is not on the bucket list. Scotland, Amsterdam, Spain, Jordan, Budapest, Thailand and India are on the bucket list.
What is your signature cocktail?
Gin & Tonic. This is hardly a signature cocktail but I do like a good gin and tonic.
Do you have any guilty pleasures?
Food is a safe bet here. Salt or Sugar? Chocolate covered pretzels.
What things do you not like to do?
Endure small talk. It has to lead somewhere to keep things interesting.
What would your autobiography be called?
Eat, Pray, Love. Oh, wait that is already taken. How about Play, Laugh, Love, Repeat.
What did you Google most recently?
Pacific Hurricane Season and “What movie best describes your life?”
What’s your secret talent?
Difficult question. I get along well with others.
What always cheers you up when you think about it?
Having a free day. That feeling you get when you realize you have nothing pending and nothing urgent to do. You wake up and the day is yours. No one is expecting anything from you. You can head to a market or go and explore a new place . One time I was working in Portland Oregon, and it was a Saturday. I had my hiking sandals on, grabbed a coffee and jumped in the car. I drove to the coast and walked down the beach for 2.5 hours, had lunch, and then walked 2.5 hours back. One of the best feelings in the world is when you have nothing to do and then just do something.
If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?
I would read more but give up sleep? I love sleep. I like naps, afternoon weekends in the rain on the hammock.
What hobby would you get into if time and money weren’t an issue?
Sailing. I used to sail in the summers in Canada. A friend who was recently visiting Puerto Vallarta asked why I wasn’t taking advantage of sailing in Banderas Bay. He reminded me that J/World offers world class sailing charters, courses and a variety of special events right here in Puerto Vallarta.
When people come to you for help, what do they usually want help with?
Because I work in real estate in Puerto Vallarta for Tropicasa Realty, most people come to me with questions about purchasing real estate in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. They want to understand the process of buying and selling, what is required as a foreigner, why do we need a trust, how do real estate transactions differ than their home country, do I need a will, etc, etc..
What do you wish you knew more about?
Languages! I have started studying Spanish in Puerto Vallarta since I have lived here for a few years. It is easy to slip back into English mode, especially dealing with foreign clients mostly from Canada and the United States. My wish is know more about Spanish and apply it. Immersion would definitely help.
What are you interested in that most people haven’t heard of?
Right now, drop shipping and e-commerce.
What movie title best describes your life?
Thema and Louise, after I googled “What movie best describes your life?” But seriously?
What was the best compliment you’ve received?
Well you’re an independent character. I am not sure if it was meant as a compliment but I took it as such.
Who inspires you to be better?
Generally, positive constructive people.
What’s the hardest lesson you’ve learned?
Not to take things personally. We can all be sensitive to comments and opinions of others. People who take pot shots and are generally demeaning are just an energy drain.
What do you regret not doing?
Being more courageous and expanding my horizons.
