When you decide to purchase a property in Mexico, you will most likely want to do it with a real estate agent. Once you decide to work with an agent, there are many qualities you should look for in order to find the right match. You want to work with someone who will work diligently to find you the property of your dreams. It doesn’t matter if this is your first transaction or you are a seasoned investor. Either way, you want this process to be as easy and smooth as possible.
Finding the Right Match
When you’re looking for a real estate agent, you want to find someone you have chemistry with – much like a romantic partner. You need to be able to work together and understand each other. One thing you can do to get started is to get a referral. Ask a friend or family member who has purchased property in Mexico before. By doing this, you know that the real estate agent was successful and knows how to close a deal. If you are new to the area and don’t know anybody who has bought there before, shop around. Make sure the real estate agent you work with can answer all the questions you may have.
Ask Your Real Estate Agents Everything
Don’t be afraid to pester them with questions about their experience. After all, you’re purchasing them first. You need to be sure you’re getting the most experienced expert in the industry. Ask them how long they’ve been selling real estate in the region, how many clients they’ve had and how many successful sales they’ve closed. The agent must be focused on you and willing to invest time in you.
Ask your real estate agent specific questions about the area. You want them to be able to tell you everything there is to know in the area where you will potentially invest. If you are looking for a permanent home, ask about things to do in the area, nearby supermarkets, shops, restaurants, and more. But if you are just looking for an investment, ask about the neighborhood’s rental rates over the past year and the projections for the future.
Don’t be afraid to ask your agent or agency for references from previous clients. Nothing is more powerful than a word-of-mouth recommendation. This will help you get a feeling of the agent and their knowledge.
Real Estate Agent vs Real Estate Agency
Many real estate agents work independently and rely on outsourcing for legal needs, advice and others. When you find a real estate agent through an actual company, you are hiring the full service. For example, at Top Mexico Real Estate you get an experienced and professional agent who is certified. But you also receive all the help from outside partners such as law firms or property management providers. Moreover, you get a specialized closing department that takes care of all the final steps of the transaction all the way until you receive your key.
Licensing
The truth is, for a long time, Mexico regulations were so loose that anybody could work as a real estate agent, get clients and make a buck or two from it. However, authorities discovered bad practices soon enough. Because of this, organizations such as AMPI (Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals, for its initials in Spanish) started introducing mandatory regulations to license agents and have them go through thorough certifications, exams and courses in order to be deemed able to sell real estate.
When you are in the search for your real estate agent, it is important to ask to see their credentials, certifications and licenses. AMPI works with federal, state and municipal authorities to impose laws and regulations for real estate activity. Today, there are over 10,000 practitioners backed by AMPI in Mexico.
Whether your agent has a real estate university degree, a regulated certification or a license makes all the difference. Avoid working with uncertified agents – especially if they work independently – to avoid any downfalls during your search for your dream home.
Jump at the Opportunity
If you are planning to move to Playa del Carmen, or any surrounding areas, and purchasing property, go for it. There are a handful of trustworthy and certified real estate agents out there. There is one waiting to guide you in the process of becoming a homeowner in paradise. The point is to make it as easy and stress-free as possible.
And remember, at Top Mexico Real Estate…we make it happen!
