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For Edgardo Guel, the key to success in real estate is understanding his clients and their needs. It’s about their lifestyle and how he can help close the deal.
Guel, Broker and Founder of Casa Luxe Real Estate, has built a reputation as one of the Bay of Banderas region’s most trusted and forward-thinking real estate professionals. With a career spanning more than two decades in sales, real estate, marketing, and development, his approach blends deep market knowledge with a personal touch.
“When people invest in Vallarta, they are buying more than a home, they’re buying into a dream,” Guel said. “It’s my job to guide them with honesty, strategy, and a little bit of fun along the way.”
From Vision to Reality
Before launching Casa Luxe Real Estate, Guel worked in both the corporate and boutique sides of real estate, honing skills in negotiations, marketing campaigns, and client relations. His portfolio includes managing luxury presale developments and agency resale listings, assisting international buyers and sellers and leading teams to deliver projects on time and on budget.
In 2021, he opened Casa Luxe Real Estate with a vision of combining high-level professionalism with approachable service. What started as a small operation has since grown into a full-service agency with 12 team members and a wide range of exclusive listings.
“Our growth has been organic,” Guel said. “We focus on creating relationships, not transactions. That’s what keeps clients coming back and referring their friends.”
Casa Luxe Real Estate now offers sales, rentals, property management, and development consulting. The team’s multilingual agents work with clients from Canada, the United States,
México, and beyond.
The Puerto Vallarta Market: Opportunities and Hotspots
Puerto Vallarta’s real estate market continues to see steady demand, particularly from international buyers looking for vacation homes, investment properties, and retirement residences.
“The city’s charm, safety, and infrastructure make it an enduring favorite,” Guel said.
“We’re seeing growth in the Versalles neighborhood, with its trendy restaurants and
new condos,” he added. “Zona Romántica remains popular, especially with the
LGBTQ+ community, and the Marina is attracting boat owners and those looking
for a quieter lifestyle.”
North toward Bucerías and La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, new developments are transforming once-sleepy fishing towns into vibrant enclaves. South toward Conchas Chinas and Mismaloya, ocean-view villas continue to draw high-end buyers.
Best Area for the LGBTQ+ Community
For LGBTQ+ buyers, Guel says Zona Romántica remains the top choice — a colorful, walkable neighborhood packed with cafés, nice restaurants, art galleries, beach clubs, and nightlife.
“Zona Romántica is more than a neighborhood — it’s a community built on strong relationships,” he said. “It’s welcoming, diverse, and has some of the best dining and entertainment in the city.”
Still, he notes that many LGBTQ+ clients are exploring nearby Versalles for its affordability and emerging dining scene, or Amapas and Conchas Chinas for a quieter, more residential feel while still located close to the vibrance of Zona Romántica.
Presale Properties
Presales — buying into a development before it’s completed — can be one of the smartest
moves in Vallarta’s market, Guel says, but it’s not for everyone.
Pros:
● Lower entry prices compared to fully built units.
● Flexible payment schedules.
● Build equity from day ONE.
● A brand-new condo to call home.
● Low-hassle investment.
Cons:
● Construction delays are possible.
● Keep in mind the logistics and costs of furnishing your new condo, as most presale properties are delivered unfurnished.
● You need to wait until the delivery of your new property to use it or rent it.
● The developer’s reputation is critical — buyers and their AMPI Real Estate Agent should carefully review the developer’s track record, ensure all permits are in place, and confirm that the developer is represented by an AMPI Real Estate Broker.
“In presales, the key is due diligence,” Guel said. “Know the developer’s track record, ask for timelines in writing, and understand your presale unit’s payment structure.”
Making an Offer: What to Expect
Once you’ve found the right property, the process of making an offer in Mexico has a few distinct differences from buying in the U.S. or Canada.
Typically, offers are made in writing in both Spanish and English, followed by a good-faith
deposit held in escrow. Negotiations can be swift or drawn-out, depending on the seller.
“We prepare clients so they know exactly what’s next,” Guel said. “From offer acceptance to closing, we’re managing inspections, closing appointments, and bank trust set-up for foreign buyers.”
First Steps for New Buyers
At Casa Luxe Real Estate, the process for first-time buyers starts with a detailed questionnaire. This covers budget, property type, preferred neighborhoods, lifestyle goals, and investment plans.
“The questionnaire is our roadmap,” Guel explained. “It saves clients time and ensures we’re only showing properties that fit their needs.”
From there, Casa Luxe provides a curated selection of listings, schedules tours, and discusses the pros and cons of each option.
Key Differences from Buying in the U.S.
Foreign buyers in Mexico purchase property through a bank trust (fideicomiso) if it’s within 50 kilometers of the coast. A Mexican bank holds the title on behalf of the buyer, who has all ownership rights to sell, rent, or will the property.
Closing timelines can vary — 30 to 60 days is typical — and transactions are overseen by a Notario Público, a government-appointed legal official.
“In the U.S., your title company handles closing,” Guel said. “Here, the Notario is like the ultimate authority — their word is law.”
Property taxes are generally much lower than in the U.S., and annual homeowner fees for condos can vary widely depending on amenities.
Advice for the First-Time Buyer
Guel’s best advice: Take your time, but be ready to move when the right property is agreed on.
“Vallarta is a competitive market,” he said. “If you fall in love with a home, don’t wait
too long. Good properties, priced right, can sell in days.”
He also recommends visiting at different times of year, budgeting for closing costs (usually 3–5% of purchase price), and working with a licensed, reputable broker.
From modest beginnings to a thriving 12-person agency, Edgardo Guel’s Casa Luxe Real Estate is not just selling homes — it’s helping clients write the next chapter of their lives in Puerto Vallarta.
“I’ve seen people’s lives transformed by their move here,” Guel said. “That’s what keeps me passionate — knowing we’re not just selling property, we’re helping people find their place in this world.”
This article is from our Fall 2025 print issue. You can view it here.
Esta publicación también está disponible en: English Español
