Mexico Real Estate Aquisition Process; The Post Closing

What you need to know after the closing.

Congratulations! You have signed and closed on your new home in Mexico. But now what Before purchasing your property, you found tons of information about the buying real estate in Mexico.

But what about after the closing Owning real estate in Mexico is very different from other countries. There are important issues that need to be taken care of. Here is a list of some important post closing issues:

1- Pick up the titleescrituras when it comes out of public registry.

After the closing you can request a certified copy of the titleescrituras and it can usually be obtained in a few days to a week depending on the notary office. Your original title may take several or many months to come back from the registry office so it is a good idea to at least have the certified copy.

2- Change of ownership in the assessor s office (catastro). When you purchase Cancun real estate, or even in most areas of Mexico, it is not automatically changed to your name.

3- Change of ownership with the federal beach tax office (if the property is beach front)

4- Change the utilities in your name (or contract these services in case of a new construction)

5- Homeowner s and hurricane insurance

There are also ongoing obligations that need attention:

1-Annual Mexico bank trust fee. This is the amount paid to the bank where your trust is established. It can usually be paid by wire transfer to make it easier.

2- Property taxes must also be paid annually. You will not receive a tax bill. This tax must be paid at the town halls tax office (predial) and you will need to take a copy of the last year s paid receipt so they may calculate the next year s payment. This tax can be paid in December for the next year. There are discounts for paying the year ahead in this month.

3- Federal Beach Tax is also an annual payment. Some condominiums complexes include this payment in the condo fees, but not all of them so do check.

4- Homeowner s and hurricane insurance is also paid annually. Usually the insurance company will advise of any payments due, but it is wise to be aware of when your payments are due so your policy does not lapse.

You can normally contract your attorney, Mexico real estate agent or property manager to assist you with these obligations.

Cyndi Ader, originally from the US, has been living in Cancun, Mexico for 17 years. She is a member of A.M.P.I. (The Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals) and is currently a member of the International Relations Committee. She is also an international affiliate of NAR (National Association of Realtors). She is the owner/broker of Cancun Properties Real Estate and specializes as a buyer s broker.

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