You’ve started your Mexico real estate search. You’ve had suggestions sent to you, you’ve reviewed them, and none of them “click.” Maybe you’re getting worried.
Don’t despair. There are some points you can consider and concrete actions you can take to make the search go better and, most of all, feel comfortable with the progress.
Consider the following:
1. Are your expectations realistic?
You would like a 4 bedroom home on a large lot, with a private pool, directly on the beach. And under $100,000 would be nice. Of course it would. Unfortunately that doesn’t exist. Even in the most remote areas, where you’ll need 3 connecting flights to arrive, and 6 hour drive in a Jeep down a mud road, such a home would cost a good deal more.
Remember that in the U.S. or Canada a beachfront home runs into the millions. Mexico’s beachfront homes for around $800,000, or condos for around $400,000 are already very well priced. But they may not be in everyone’s budget.
On the positive side of things, remember that you can enjoy the sunshine, warm weather, colorful culture and beautiful beaches even when you live 4 or 5 blocks back. A 15 minute walk (or 5 minute bike ride) to the beach can be pleasant, and prices drop drastically. Consider your actual budget and look for the location where you can get the right Mexico home for sale for your needs within that budget. Believe me, life in Mexico will not be disappointing!
2. Have you communicated your expectations clearly to your agent?
Most people don’t have a problem being realistic about expectations, but it can happen that these expectations were not fully communicated to or understood by your agent. Perhaps you are flexible about location, property size or location, and your agent doesn’t know that. Perhaps you are looking for a classic Mexican style condo, and you’re getting modern, contemporary suggestions. First of all, make sure you know what it is you want, then, take some time, get your agent on the phone and review your needs.
3. Perhaps you need more information.
Seeing a standard listing with a short paragraph and a few pictures may not be enough to see the property’s appeal. If one seems like it might go either way, but what you’ve seen isn’t convincing, ask your agent for pamphlets, videos, community information and any other details. Even if they don’t exist, most agents will be able to make a video or send pictures of the community.
4. Perhaps you need to see them in person.
Sometimes seeing it in person can make your decision clear one way or another. While you don’t want to invest into a trip to Mexico before you’re confident that there are some good potential properties, if you and your agent manage to put together a larger list of properties that are “might be’s” you may find that they are more captivating when you’re actually down here and see them.
5. It’s worth being patient for that ideal property.
Consider how much time you’ve been searching. Perhaps it hasn’t been that long, and there’s still time; maybe that dream property of yours will turn up in a great real estate deal next month. No body wants to drag a search process out for an unreasonable amount of time – especially if you know you’re serious about buying – but within reason, waiting things out can bring good results. If you feel this is the case, let your agent know, but ask them to keep sending suggestions, and be sure to keep sending them feedback.
The bottom line is that some real estate searches will be quicker and others will take longer. . Following these tips may help you invigorate a “stalled” search, but also keep in mind that each property search is unique.
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Andy Welbourne, from London, Ontario, has been living in Playa del Carmen and working as a part of the team with Thomas Lloyd for 7 years. He has worked with many Canadians and Americans to assist in finding their dream home in the Mexican Caribbean; many of these clients have turned into great friendships. Contact Andy at (512) 879-6546.
The TOP Mexico Real Estate Network; “Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely!â€