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The Buying Process

Find a property

Whether you are looking for a home, a condo, or land, the first step is getting acquainted with what is available, and the prices. Since Coldwell Banker has come into our area, we have been accused of "raising the prices" in our area. This is actually not the case, as very seldom are we asked "what price should we ask?". It is much more common for a seller to tell us what he wants for the property he is going to sell. He has gained his information from neighbors and friends who have watched the real estate market in their town.  Most of the sellers in our area are very savvy and watch the prices of properties on the rise - and of course, want to get the most out of their real estate. We will show you the properties for sale, not only of our company, but other companies as well.

Agent Showing - You may come by one of our offices and make an appointment to view homes. All of our agents are aware of available properties in our area and can make the appropriate appointments to view the homes. If it is property you are interested in, many times we are able to show vacant land, on your first trip into our office. We have an agent on duty at all times who can share information and show you properties.

Real Estate Tours - Another option, is to take our real estate tour bus. Our 12 passenger air/conditioned bus leaves every day (during the high season) from our Barra or Melaque office at 11:00am. The cost is $100 pesos per person, which will be refunded should you purchase a property. We won't be getting out of the bus during this tour, but looking at properties that are for sale, as we pass down the streets. You will have a chance to make appointments to see the inside of any home you are interested in, once we get back to the office. You should plan on 2-3 hours to take this tour.

Make an Offer

Making an offer on a property is very similar to the process in the US or Canada. Most times, what a seller in Mexico is asking for his property, is what he WANTS for his property. In the States/Canada we never go into a store and negotiate a price for an item, but of course, that is what we do when in Mexico - bartering is very common. As we are accustomed to in the US/Canada, when we purchase property, we very seldom offer the asking price right from the start. But in Mexico, they are used to getting their asking price!  We encourage offers and negotiate throughout the buying process, but you will want to make your offer a decent one, so you don't offend the seller. We present any and all offers to the seller, and explain to them the details of the offer. We encourage a counter-offer, if that is necessary to keep the seller negotiating. Of course a transaction doesn't get to the next stage, unless both parties agree and sign.

Be aware, that there are many times that the owner will not accept anything other than the asking price, and we will be up front with you, should we know the owners wishes.

Down Payment/Deposit

In most cases, the deposit is given directly to the owner, unless you purchase title insurance or choose to involve a title company (and pay their fees) who will then hold your money in escrow. But in our area, the sellers aren't experienced with escrow, and want the deposit as this is the sign that you are going to complete the transaction. If you don't, then the buyer keeps the deposit. Because of this, you should be sure that this is the property you want

More Information on Buying in Mexico: