When buying real estate in Mexico, there are two important concepts to remember. One is avoiding common mistakes buyers make everywhere, the other is not being familiar with Mexico laws about real estate. Finding the right Mexico agents can help a good deal for both of these aspects.
Working with an agent who is experienced, qualified and dedicated to your needs is of high importance to avoid the most common pitfalls. While the agent can be somewhat new to the game, it's important that the office's broker knows the market and has a good deal of real estate interactions under his belt. This is also true for qualifications; in Mexico there are no legal or official requirements, so its up to you to check. You can ask about certificates, training and membership in AMPI, Mexico's professional real estate association. Of course, it's also important to make sure your agent will but these resources to good use for your needs. References, community reputation and your gut feeling are all important.
Once you have chosen the right agent, they will help you avoid the top pitfalls that buyers fall into. These include falling in love with a property that's perhaps not the best available, and/or thinking that a particular house is the only one that will suit you; also closely tied to these two is being so desperate to get your vacation or retirement property that you buy a place that doesn't suit you. The right agent will usually have a feel for their clients and will be familiar with what past buyers have liked or disliked later on. If you've taken the time to choose the right agent, it's probably worth really considering any suggestions they make; this will also help you avoid the common pitfall of making an offer that's really too high.
If you ask your agent, or review their online listings, you'll probably also be able to find some really good real estate deals. Excellent price reductions turn up regularly, and they tend to get grabbed up quickly. While it is most certainly a mistake to take too long act, loosing the property to a buyer who acted faster, it's also a very important balance not to jump in too quickly. Making an offer before carefully considering all aspects of the property, overlooking important flaws are also costly errors. The right agent will be able help you get a feel for how much time you really have to make a decision, or if a property is really worth while. You should not feel pressure from your agent to make a rushed decision; if you do, you may wish to look for another agent.
Finally it's also worth noting that some laws and processes are different in Mexico. Working with the right agent will mean that you someone on your side who can give you pointers in this area, and suggest a qualified lawyer to oversee the legal aspect of the transaction.
On the whole, it's very worth while taking the time to choose your agent carefully at the beginning; any time you spend during that process will easily be saved back in time, headaches and even money later on.
TOPMexicoRealEstate.com; Mexico's Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely
Mexico Real Estate NETWORK; "Mexico's Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely!"
Region: Playa del Carmen 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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