Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Snowbirds will soon be packing up and heading to destinations north of the Mexican border for the hot and humid summer season. This is an annual ritual for some, but for many the process is a new one - and now is the time to make sure your home or condominium in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico will remain sound and secure while you are away.

Summer temperatures in the Banderas Bay region average around 94 degrees, and with very high humidity this creates an intense environment for a myriad of property issues that warrant some extra precautions. It is a good idea to get your villa or condo prepped to avoid harrowing consequences due to inadequate planning upon your return.

Don't wait until the last minute to get ready for the annual migration, you should give yourself one to two weeks to properly prepare and Summer proof your winter home.

Here's a checklist of things to consider before leaving your Bay of Banderas home for the summer. All these suggestions may be used or just a few of them. Some people do everything right and still return to storm or water damage. You really cannot control Mother Nature.

Summer Preparations for your Winter Home

Start eating leftovers and cleaning out the refrigerator. Unless it is a non-perishable condiment, don't leave anything in the refrigerator, except a box of baking soda. Even then, the electricity can be off for quite a while after an electrical storm, so anything inside will spoil.

Once your fridge is empty, it is best to moderate the temperature and leave it running rather than unplugging it. Keeping the motor running will help prevent rust and keep mold from growing. The GE Appliance Manual suggests leaving half full jugs of water in the freezer and refrigerator, which will reduce the compressor's operating time.

Remove perishable items from cabinets, critters can get inside almost anything. Humidity causes items like salt, pepper, and spices to solidify, even if they are stored in sealable plastic containers. And bugs, especially those little bitty ants, just love sugar.

Internet, cable television and satellite services can be suspended while you are away, saving a bit of money. Call your cable operator or Internet provider for details.

Unplug all non-essential electrical devices, including TVs, stereos, computers, etc. and remove the phone jack from the wall if you have a modem.

If you have one, continue having your maid come in at least once a week. Since you probably won't be running your air-conditioner, she can air out the house. If possible, leave a window or two open. She should also run the dishwasher, washing machine, hot water heater and garbage disposal. This prevents seals from drying out.

During rainy season the plants and weeds will grow like crazy, so it is good to have someone keep the greens trimmed before you return to a jungle. Don’t move plants together for easy watering because they may not adjust to their new locations and die.

It is vital that someone have a key to your property and a phone number where you can be reached in case anything does happen.

There is nothing more important than having a good relationship with your neighbors, especially if they live here year-round. Ask them to keep an eye on your place while you are away. Then you can reciprocate one day. It is imperative for neighbors to band together to watch out for each other's things.

"You may want to consider hiring a property manager who can monitor the house and grounds," says Michael Holland of Ron Morgan Properties and Puerto Vallarta Villas, "Using a service with a professional staff like Puerto Vallarta Villas, which offers property management services, can provide weekly inspections. This is imperative during rainy season because water can suddenly spring up and mold can appear quickly."

If anything needs maintenance, they will schedule it and send a monthly report. They also can provide unscheduled visits, which is a great security measure. With a service, you can let someone else handle all the details.

Some condominiums have in-house services available and you can schedule the closing and the re-opening of your unit. Check with your owner's association. Or you can find a house sitter. Some do not require payment, only to live rent-free while they are keeping your home in tip-top condition.

When you return to your winter home or condo in Puerto Vallarta you want to find it as you left it, especially if you took precautions before your departure. Remember, it is the small things that may cause the largest problems, so taking the time to Summer Proof your Winter home will be well worth the effort.

Ron Morgan Properties specializes in luxury real estate in the Marina Vallarta area and beyond to La Cruz de Huanacaxtle and Punta de Mita, as well as along the southern shores of Banderas Bay, from the Romantic Zone, Amapas and Conchas Chinas down to Mismaloya and even Costa Alegre. For more information, visit RonMorgan.net.

Click HERE to learn more about Ron Morgan Properties.