“What are my priorities?†you may be thinking, “I can decide that for myself!â€
Of course you can, but from years of working with dozens upon dozens of buyers in Mexico, the following are some priorities you should have in the actual process of finding the home. Take a look:
1. Know which region you want – This is, of course, a basic point where you simply need to start. If you are unsure of the exact region, but you know the style of place you want, Top Mexico’s team could help you select the area best for your needs and connect with a reputable, professional agent.
2. Find the right agent – This is always a big, big #1 in importance (even if it is the second step chronologically.) It is worth investing whatever time necessary to ensure that you are working with a professional, qualified and experienced agent who you also have a good feeling about. Don’t worry about “loosing time†on your real estate search; working with the right agent can save you a good deal of time and headaches later on!
3. Property screening – One of the most important roles of your agent early on is to screen properties to present you with only suitable options – in good legal order, no known structural issues, in a decent neighborhood, etc.
4. Your personal needs and tastes – While having a home that suits your needs is very important, the priorities mentioned above lead to a situation where these features will be on a “solid foundation†of a good property in legal oder. So, you prefer talavera tiles and archways? Or large windows with wide views? Well, as we said earlier, you decide this part for yourself. But to begin with, place the items listed above in higher priority.
5. View all available, suitable properties – Once an initial screening has left only properties suitable for expat buyers, your agent should present you with all available options that meet your criteria or even come close to it. The more good options you see, the more likely you are to find the home of your dreams quickly.
6. Inspection checklist – Even with pre-screened properties, it’s in your best interest to do a walk-trough with a thorough checklist (to be sure you don’t miss any of the small – or big – things) and even to have a professional inspection carried out.
So, what are your priorities when choosing your property? Well, as far as style, price, etc., those are for you to decide; but following these priorities in the search process itself will increase the likelihood of finding the most suitable, safe property.
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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 16 years. In the summer of 2009, he received the first federally applied Mexico Real Estate Degree and Mexico Professional Real Estate License S.E.P. #5978657. He is the president of Top Mexico Real Estate. Contact him at (512) 879-6546.
The TOP Mexico Real Estate Network; “Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely!â€
