Help me Buy in Puerto Vallarta…My kids are driving me crazy!

Dear Mike,

I want to take what is left of my 401(k), come down and buy a place off the beaten track and live like a local in the beautiful Puerto Vallarta real estate area.

My kids say I should rent a place first, then find a TOP Mexico Realtors, make an extensive search, check out ALL the Mexico real estate listings in the MLS and learn more about the local culture and customs. They also want me to investigate banks, supermarkets, health care and immigration requirements.  And if I find something I like, they want me to ask to see title to the property, consider having an inspection and survey and confirm that there are no liens or encumbrances against the Puerto Vallarta property.  Finally, they are INSISTING that I do not give any money to a seller before the closing, that I only put my deposit in a U.S. Escrow account and formalize any Real Estate documents in front of a Mexico Notary Public!  What advice can you give me in order to stop the nagging, get these know-it-alls off my back and live out my golden years in peace?  Free Spirit, Pasadena

Dear Free,

Kids can be so demanding these days! It is particularly frustrating when you have worked hard all your life to raise them and save enough for a Mexico retirement.  Hey, it is your money and those party poopers’ should just mind their own business.  However, a Real Estate purchase is a big undertaking, especially in a foreign country.  So here is what you should do:  Consider renting a place first, then find a TOP Mexico Realtor, make an extensive search, check out ALL the listings in the local MLS and learn more about the local culture and customs. Then, investigate banks, supermarkets, health care and immigration requirements.  If you find something you like, ask to see title to the property, consider having an inspection and survey and confirm that there are no liens or encumbrances against the property. Finally, do not give any money to a seller before the closing, and put your deposit in a U.S. Escrow account and formalize any Mexico Real Estate documents in front of a Notario Publico!

Do you have a question about the Puerto Vallarta Real Estate market? Just ask!
Michael Green moved to Puerto Vallarta to take advantage of the unsurpassed lifestyle PV offers. Today, with over 12 years of experience, Mr. Green is one of the most recognized brokers in Vallarta. TOP Mexico Real Estate “Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely!”