One of the first steps that most American and Canadian buyers take when buying Puerto Vallarta real estate is to consult online Mexico MLS listings. While this is a good first step, to make the most of it, it is best for buyers to know more about the situation of MLS listings in Mexico.
No Universal MLS System
First and foremost, it is important to understand that there is no universal MLS listing system in Mexico as there is in Canada and the U.S. This means that any listing service that a buyer finds on the internet will only be as good as the effort made by those preparing the service; does it include properties both on the beachfront and the hillside, the downtown area and the new resort area developments? Does it include homes, condos and lots? It should be both thorough and selective. There are many, many properties for sale in Puerto Vallarta; the listing should reflect this fact, but at the same time those preparing the listing should be pre-screening properties and exclude any that are simply not suitable for expat buyers.
Puerto Vallarta’s Regional Listings
Puerto Vallarta has the special situation of having a regional MLS service. Online listings based on this service have the advantage of offering a thorough, widely used database of properties found and selected by professional agencies.
The Role of the Agent
In any case, it is important for a buyer to realize that online MLS listings are only a starting point, and that the services of an experienced and professional agent will be needed as the search process moves along. This is for a few reasons. One is that even though they are using Puerto Vallarta’s most thorough listing service, the right agent will always be keeping their eye open for new listings showing up to help their clients be among the first to know, as well as unlisted and private property sales. They act as “eyes and ears” in the market, which buyers searching from a distance will need.
Although the support of an agent will be needed, online MLS listings are a great place to start a search, offering buyers a good tool to get to know the market and get a feel for what features they want in a property. Buyers should look for a listing service that makes use of the best of Puerto Vallarta’s regional MLS system, and in general review for thoroughness and quality of the listings.
Mexico Real Estate NETWORK; "Mexico's Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely!"
Region: Mazatlan real estate Thomas Lloyd graduated from Purdue University Krannert School of Management with a degree in Management/Financial Option Investments. He has been living, investing, and working professionally in Mexico for over 15 years. A Mexican Certified Realtor he is the current president of TOPmexicorealestate, you can contact him at (512) 879-6546.
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