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Thomas Lloyd
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Thomas Lloyd

Foreign ownership


Foreign ownership

Legal Information
Bank Trust Information
Purchasing Procedures
Taxes
Title Insurance
Contract Legalities
FM-3 Documents
FAQ’s

Briefly, any foreigner who wants to buy property in Mexico can do it in one of two ways, depending on what the real estate will be used for: 1) create a “Fideicomiso” trust contract or 2) form a Mexican corporation.

  1. Select your property
  2. Get the foreign affairs permit
  3. Form a “Fideicomiso” or a Mexican Corporation
  4. Then the seller will transfer the property to the bank (“Fideicomiso”) or to the Mexican Corporation

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The “Fideicomiso” is set up through a Mexican bank for a period of up to 50 years and are renewable indefinitely in 50-year increments. To acquire the land the purchaser must obtain a permit from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The buyer can lease, sell or transfer the property to another family member, and if he dies, his property can be passed to an heir. At the end of the 100 years the property can be sold.

In the trust there are three elements: The trust Settlor (“Fideicomitente”) which may be a physical or legal Mexican person, who is the owner of the property which is to be placed in trust; the Trustee (“Fiduciario”) which, by law may be only a credit institution and which holds the raw real estate; and the Beneficiaries (“Fideicomisarios”) the legal or physical foreign persons who are the beneficiaries of the trust who obtain the use and benefit of the property.

The bank (known as the trustee) holds the trust deed (known as the “Escritura”) for the person or persons purchasing the property (known as the beneficiaries). This property is not part of the bank's assets and cannot be subject to any lien or attachment for any bank obligations. The beneficiary has all ownership rights to the property and may sell, lease, mortgage or pass on to their heirs as desired under law. A bank trust is not a lease.

The Mexican government established the trust agreement as a way of protecting foreigners interested in owning property in Mexico. The reasoning was that by making ownership pass through the trust process, there would be an automatic review of the transaction to ensure it was legal and unencumbered. The bank is required to check ownership, insurance and indebtedness of the property, providing further protection to the foreign owner.

Trusts are renewable at any time by filling out a simple application with the bank. It was never the intent that these properties pass back to the government at the end of the trust period. This is a common misconception and fear of most buyers.

It may help in understanding the Bank Trust to compare it with the Deed of Trust, a type of financing instrument used in the U.S. People who buy homes, paying the full amount upfront, receive their titles right away. However, this rarely happens. Under a deed of trust the buyer of a house has only "equitable title," or an equity interest, with the right to use but only a restricted right to sell, until the loan is paid off, after which the owner receives the actual fee simple title. Until then it is held by a trustee, usually a bank or title company. In Mexico the Bank Trust is also held by a trustee, but the buyer never receives the actual title. Realistically many homeowners in the U.S. never receive title to their properties either, because they sell or refinance their homes before the 30-year term of their loan is complete.

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One of the first things you should request when purchasing property in Mexico is a copy of the lien certificate (“Certificado de libertad de gravamen”) on the property. It should indicate the owner of record, surface area and classification of property type, the legal description, and whether there are any liens or encumbrances filed on record against the property. The buyer can also request a certificate of no tax liability (“Certificado de no aduedo”) from the local taxing authority.

Legal Steps to Purchase Real Estate in Mexico:

  1. Offer and acceptance and/or promissory agreement

In accordance with Mexican Law, a letter of intent fulfills the requirements for it to be considered to be a valid contract, with the condition that there has been mutual consent on the part of both the seller to transfer a specific property and the buyer to acquire it.

 

  1. Title Search and Conditions of the Property

This will ensure that none of the information of the Public Registry of Property and Commerce regarding the property is overlooked.

 

  1. Requirements for closing and formal execution of a standard real estate Transaction in Mexico:

A. Certificate of No-Encumbrances:
This certificate will enable the Notary to assess that the property does not have any lien or encumbrance, or any claim pending over it, and thus can be transferred with a clean title. It is obtained directly at the Offices of the Public Registry of Property and Commerce and basically it must contain at least the following information: I) the number of years of documented history made on the property; II) the surface area of the property in accordance with the records; III) the metes and bounds of the property; IV) the name of the owner; V) classification of the property (urban or rural); VI) a legal description of the property (such as if it is owned in a trust or by several owners); VII) the name and signature of the registar and VIII) the official seal of the Public Registry of Property and Commerce.

B. Certificate of No-Tax Liability:
This certificate will enable the Notary Public to assess that the property tax has been paid prior to the transfer of the property.

C. Property Appraisal and Site Survey:
In accordance with the Real Estate Law (“Ley de Catastro”), it is mandatory to carry out a site survey on the property and do an official appraisal. The appraisal must be done estimating the commercial value of the property, considering its surroundings, a market survey and zoning regulations.

  1. Notary Public and Public Registry of Property and Commerce.

The function of the Notary Public is to act as an extension of a Judge or the Government. His duty is to ensure that a real estate transaction is formally executed in compliance with all legal requirements. Upon the execution of the transaction, the deed of title must be recorded at the Public Registry of Property and Commerce of the domicile in which the real estate, subject matter of the transaction, is located.

A Mexican “Notario” is an attorney who, after passing rigorous examinations, is commissioned by the government as a public notary. A “Notario” holds high office for life, unless he or she is removed for cause. The “Notario” fulfills a public function delegated by the government. Although licensed as an attorney, the “Notario” is not in a position to provide either of the parties with legal advice.

The “Notario’s” responsibilities include collecting and reviewing the sales contract, property tax and water payment receipts; ordering a bank appraisal: freezing the property's file at the local public registry (no documents may be recorded in a property's file during three consecutive thirty-day periods); reviewing the property's file to verify the legal ownership and search for liens, encumbrances or anything that could affect the title (as the majority of public registries are not automated, this procedure can take from 60 to 90 days); requesting the public registry to issue a “Certificado de Libertad de Gravámenes” (Certificate of Freedom from Liens and Encumbrances); and performing the closing at this office where the “Notario” handles the transfer of the deed, tax withholding on the underlying real estate transaction, and the recording of the documents at the public registry.

 

The Most Common Choices for Purchasing Real Estate in Mexico:

 

1.      General Purchase Sale Agreement

A purchase sale agreement occurs when one of the contracting parties obligates itself to transfer the ownership of property and the other agrees to pay a certain price in consideration of the property rights. The contract is perfected and binding between the parties as soon as the property and its price are agreed upon, even when the property has not yet materially been delivered and the price paid. All such contracts must meet specific requirements in accordance with Mexican law in order to exist and be valid.

There are two types of elements to the contract:

A.    Essential Elements:
The essential elements of any purchase sale agreement: consent which is granted by the seller's agreement to transfer the real estate to the buyer, and in turn, the buyer's consent to pay a certain price; and object which is the purpose of the title transfer of the real estate on the one hand, and the payment of a certain price as consideration of the transfer.

B.     Validity Elements:
The validity elements are: legal capacity that refers to the legal rights of the parties to enter into the contract; and legal form, which are the formalities with which a transfer complies in order to be perfected. For example, real estate transactions must be in writing, and in order for such to be binding before third parties, they must be recorded at the Public Registry of Property and Commerce.

Basically, the fundamental obligations of the seller in a purchase sale agreement are: a) to deliver the property being sold to the buyer; b) to guarantee the quality of the property; and c) to guarantee the title (with cure in case of eviction).

On the other hand, the buyer's principal obligation is to comply with the payment of the price in the terms place, and form agreed in the agreement.

  1. Installment Sales Agreements withholding transfer of title:
    In this kind of agreement, the seller reserves title of the property until full payment of the sale price is made, but the buyer may use and enjoy the real estate until full payment is made. Usually, this kind of agreement includes installment payments. There are some advantages in using this kind of agreement: First, the agreement can be recorded at the Public Registry of Property and Commerce as being enforceable and binding before third parties. Second, the seller is not able to sell the property while the purchaser is in compliance with the sales agreement, usually meaning that he is current in his payment obligations to the seller. Finally, the obligations of the parties are subject to what in Mexican Law is commonly known as “Condicion Suspensiva” (suspensive condition), which conditions the agreement to full payment of the price to the seller.

  

  1. Irrevocable Real Estate Trust Agreement:
    This is better known as a “Fideicomiso” and is the most common instrument for the acquisition of real estate property within the restricted zone, usually for residential purposes. The seller, "trustor", will transfer property to a Mexican bank institution, the "trustee", by means of an irrevocable trust agreement. The trustee will hold the property on behalf of a designated beneficiary (usually the buyer). The bank is obligated to administer the real estate only for the benefit of the beneficiary, who holds the right of use and enjoyment of the real estate, as an owner. The bank holds title to the property but the beneficiary is entitled to use it and even sell the property held in trust to any eligible buyer, providing that he instructs the bank to do so.

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Property taxes, known as a “Predial”, are very low in Mexico. The rate is 0.1% of the assessed value. Taxes are paid annually, with the assessed value determined at the time of sale. If you purchase a property with an assessed value of $25,000US dollars your annual tax rate would be $25.00US dollars.

Real Estate Acquisition Tax (transfer tax): Individuals or companies purchasing real estate, consisting of land, or land and its improvements in Mexico, are subject to the payment of a real estate acquisition tax calculated at the rate of 2% of the value of the property (the rate may vary from state to state from 2% to 3.3%). This tax must be paid whether the acquisition is carried out through a purchase and sale agreement, donation, trust, assignment, mergers of companies, split-off, or payment in kind.

Mexican real estate is subject to a 20% capital gains tax on the gross proceeds from the sales without any deduction. There is another option; net basis taxation up to 35% (depends on the state and the interpretation of the notary). Under this tax plan, gain is calculated by deducting from the gross proceeds (1) the original cost of acquisition, (2) the cost of improvements, (3) notarial expenses and other costs of sale, including appraisal costs, and (4) commissions. The original cost is separated between land cost and cost of buildings, with at least 20% allocated to land. The cost of buildings and any other improvements is then decreased at 3% per year between the date of acquisition and date of sale, but the cost is not decreased below 20% of the original amount. The cost of the land is increased based on changes in the National Consumer Price Index.

Formula for capital gains tax: AV2 (appraised value 2) - AV1 (appraised value 1) –Improvements - Cost of the Sale = Taxable Amount x 35% = Tax Due

Your FM2 or FM3 can help you to avoid capital gains taxes when selling your property. If someone proves they were living on their property for two years in Mexico, they can avoid paying any type of capital gains.

Individuals in the restricted zone, who are residents of Mexico (have an FM3), and who rent their rights in trust property (“Fideicomiso”) must make provisional payments on their “Impuesto Sobre la Renta” (Tax on Rents) for income generated from cash deposits, credits, exchanges coming from rents or sub-rentals. The calculation will be based on one of two methods; one option is to pay 1% (on average, based on state) of the gross amount received during a three-month period, or you can opt to pay around 35% (on average, based on state) of your net profit.

In order for any authorized expense to be deductible, the taxpayer must obtain an official invoice, which is known as a FACTURA. This receipt must be printed on the press of a government-authorized printer and will contain the RFC number (taxpayer ID number) of the individual or company issuing the receipt.

Authorized items for deductions are the following:

  1. Property taxes, as well as any contributions or local taxes for improvements, planning or public works expenditures.
  2. Maintenance costs that are not related to improvements or additions; water payment when not paid by the tenant who occupies the property.
  3. Interest paid for loans obtained for the purchase, construction, or improvements of the property.
  4. Employees directly employed at the rental property. Salaries, commissions and /or fees are deductible, as well as taxes and benefits paid on those salaries.
  5. Insurance premiums on the properties.
  6. Investment in construction, including additions and improvements (these expenses are amortized at the rate of 5% per year for construction and 10% for installation expenses or improvements.

Mexican residents must file a declaration with authorities by the 17th of each month. An annual declaration is due no later than April 1st the following year and the difference between provisional payments made and total tax due, based upon global Mexican income, is due with the annual return.

Mexico has signed a number of treaties to avoid double taxation with other countries and their benefit can be applicable depending on the type of transaction. Taxes that are paid on Mexican income are generally deductions on U.S. and Canadian income. It is wise, however, for the foreign taxpayer to check with his or her personal accountant to determine how to declare these foreign tax payments.

 

There are different types of Title Insurance, one is available on the land (US Style) and the other is available on just the “Fideicomiso” (Bank Trust).

A title insurance policy is a contract of indemnity that promises to pay for a loss up to the face amount of the policy if the state of the title is different than it is set out in the policy and the insured suffers a loss as a result of the difference.

A title insurance policy will cover both claims arising out of title problems that could have been discovered in the public records and those so called non-record defects that could not be discovered in the public records even with the most complete title search.

A title insurance policy will not only protect the insured for as long as they have an interest in the property, but it will also protect their heirs and devisees for as long as they hold title to the property.

A title policy insures against loss by reason of matters specifically stated or covered in the policy. Purchasers of real estate run the risk of serious financial loss in connection with the title to the property purchased. The seller may lack title to the property because of a problem in the chain of title or may not own all of the interest in the property he purports to convey.

Due to the many rights, claims, interests, and encumbrances that the law recognizes in real property, it is essential for the buyer to have a title search and examination performed before the purchase is consummated in order to identify precisely the nature of the title the seller can legally convey and the rights and interests of all other parties in the particular piece of property. Title policies offer the only protection available against latent defects of title which does not appear of record such as forgery, impersonation, capacity of the parties, faulty acknowledgments, and unclear mechanic's and materialmen's liens.

Currently Stewart Title is offering individual title policies for all buyers. The benefit of title insurance for your Mexican real property is that your rights are enforceable in the U.S. against a U.S. company. Before acquiring any title insurance, it is recommended that you read the policy and determine the exact coverage's afforded.

 

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A legal real estate contract has five essential parts:

1.      Competent Parties - This is generally defined as "being of legal age and sound mind." In Mexico language is a very important issue. If the parties involved do not understand Spanish, the legal language of the country, they are not considered competent no matter how mature or intelligent they are. Thus, the contract must be translated into English.

2.      Lawful Objective - If it is discovered that the intent has been to set up any kind of illegal operation the contracts can be voided. It is also unlawful to try to sell a property that is that one does not own.

3.      Offer and Acceptance - The contract must be signed by both parties and include the date when it takes effect and the place where it was signed.

4.      Legal Description - Legal descriptions can take several different forms, but most importantly, the property must be clearly identifiable.

5.      Consideration - Consideration accompanies a contract as an evidence of good faith. One of the elements of a binding contract; the exchange of values by the parties to the contract. Such values may be money, promises

 

The following information regarding Visa's is from the Consulate General of Mexico's website. Please go to their site for any further information.

Nonimmigrant Visa (FM3)

The Consulate is only empowered to issue the Nonimmigrant Visa for multiple entries (FM3) to those who wish to make trips of limited duration. If the applicant wishes to reside indefinitely in Mexico, he or she, and only in the cases where applicable must request the proper migratory form before the National Immigration Institute of Mexico. (Homero 1832, Col. Chapultepec Morales, México, D.F., Tel. (525)387-2400)

Employment-based migratory form applications must be filed for by the Mexican employer in the applicant before the National Immigration Institute.

Please select by clicking on one of the following:

Requirements for Nonimmigrant Visa for Businesspersons (FM3)

Requirements for Nonimmigrant Visa for Technicians (FM3)

Requirements for Nonimmigrant Visa for Retirees (FM3)

Requirements for Nonimmigrant Visa for Students (FM3)

Requirements for Nonimmigrant Visa (FM3) for persons seeking other profitable and non-profitable activities

 

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FAQ's

We know you have a lot of questions about buying real estate in Mexico.
Below are a few of the most commonly asked questions. Please email us at 
tlloyd@investingrealestate.net  if you have any further questions.

Q: Does Mexico allow for foreigners to legally own property in Mexico?
Q: Will I own title to the land?
Q: Can my land be confiscated by the Mexican Government?
Q: If the holding Bank should ever fail or be purchased by an unauthorized Bank, what will happen to the “Fideicomiso”?
Q: Can my family inherit my property?
Q: Can I legally own property without a bank trust if I have an FM2?
Q: Foreigners can't own real estate in Mexico?
Q: Americans can't own real estate unless they have a Mexican partner?
Q: A Bank Trust is a Lease Agreement?
Q: The Mexican government can take away foreigners' property at any time?
Q: New Mechanisms for Buying Mexican Real Estate.

 

 

Q: Does Mexico allow for foreigners to legally own property in Mexico?

A: Under Mexican law, properties are sold through a bank trust to meet specific requirements existing for foreign ownership of property in the restricted zones. The bank trust holds the deed of property and last for a renewable term of 50 years.

Q: Will I own title to the land?

A: The title to your land will be held on your behalf by the “Fideicomiso” bank trust as required by Mexican law. Title insurance will be covered by an individual title insurance policy on the property.

Q: Can my land be confiscated by the Mexican Government?

A: Under NAFTA, the North American Free Trade Agreement, Mexico may not directly, or indirectly, expropriate property except for a public purpose. This is the same as "Eminent Domain" in the U.S. Where it is necessary to expropriate land, swift and fair market compensation must be paid, together with accrued interest.

Q: If the holding Bank should ever fail or be purchased by an unauthorized Bank, what will happen to the “Fideicomiso”?

A: The “Fideicomiso” will be transferred to another authorized Bank.

Q: Can my family inherit my property?

A: Inheritance in Mexico is actually easier than in the U.S. since the property can be inherited directly without the delays and expense of probate as long as a will is in place. There is no inheritance tax in Mexico as long as a will exists.

Q: Can I legally own property without a bank trust if I have an FM2?

A: The only way a foreigner can own property in Mexico without a bank trust is to become a Mexican citizen or to have a corporation.

Q: Foreigners can't own real estate in Mexico?

A: Not true. In most of Mexico, Americans, or any other foreigners, can own land outright with what is called a fee simple title, the same as we have in the United States. Only in the restricted zone -- 50km (31.05 miles) from the ocean and 100km ( 62.1 miles) from the borders -- is it true that foreigners can't hold a fee simple title. "

Perhaps the main reason for establishing the restricted zone is that the Mexicans lost so much territory to the United States in the 19th century -- about one third of their country: Texas in 1845, and in 1848 through the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo the territory that became California, Nevada, Utah, most of Arizona, and parts of New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming. The treaty was signed shortly after American forces had captured Mexico City. The United States paid only $15,000,000 for all of this land. And in 1854 through the Gadsden Purchase the United States acquired the rest of what is now Arizona and New Mexico. It's not surprising that Mexico was a little nervous about allowing foreigners, especially Americans, to acquire any more land.

But old wounds heal, and now the United States and Mexico are working hand in hand. NAFTA has promoted good business relationships, but even before NAFTA, Mexico wanted to make it possible for foreigners to invest in their country, so in 1971 they developed the bank trust (fideicomiso) as a way for Americans to buy residential property in the restricted area.

Q: Americans can't own real estate unless they have a Mexican partner?

A: Not true. It used to be that for a partnership or Mexican Corporation, foreigners had to have Mexican partners who owned at least 51% interest. This is no longer the case. Under the new Foreign Investment Law of 1993, a Mexican Corporation can be owned 100% by foreigners, and the corporation can buy and own any property with a fee simple title, as long as its use is non-residential.

Q: A Bank Trust is a Lease Agreement?

A: Not true. Under a Bank Trust the beneficiary (buyer) has all the rights of ownership: the right to buy, sell, lease, use, bequeath, improve, transfer, and encumber. On the other hand, a Lease Agreement would grant only the right to use. If a lessee made improvements, such as building a house on the property, that house would belong to the landlord. Nor could the lessee sell the property or borrow money on it.

Q: The Mexican government can take away foreigners' property at any time?

A: Not true. The Bank Trust is established by the government and gives foreigners the same rights of ownership as Mexican citizens. The only difference is that they never receive the actual fee simple title. It is held in trust for them by a bank. When first established, the term of a Bank Trust was for 30 years only and was made renewable for another 30 years. In 1993 the term was extended to 50 years, and renewable for another 50 years and so on.

Not long ago the United States media featured a group of Americans in Baja California who complained that they were being "evicted" from their property. And that they had "purchased" homes in an upscale development in 1986, even though they had been warned that the developer's title to the land was in dispute and that litigation was pending. The courts eventually decided in favor of the Mexican landowners, and the Americans were dispossessed.

A similar thing happened some time ago in Cholla Bay, a community near "Rocky Point" Puerto Penasco, Sonora Mexico. Residents who had held Lease Agreements for many years and built improvements on "their" property were "evicted" when the owners decided not to renew the Lease Agreements. Although the Americans were outraged, the property owners were entirely within their rights. In the United States it was reported that "the Mexican government" had taken away their land. In fact, it was simply the law being enforced. They build houses on land witch they did not own!

Investment opportunities in real estate abound and are as well one of the safest for real estate investments. Foreigners can own coastline land with Bank Trusts held by Mexican banks. These Bank Trusts are set up with 50-year renewable beneficiary rights without limitations. Land and homeowners can enjoy the rights of ownership equally protected by the Mexican government.

This bank trust allows foreigners complete control over real estate in the restricted zones. Under the “Fideicomiso”, the Mexican bank, through the Bank Trust, holds the title to the property in any restricted zone. The owner who is the beneficiary of the Bank Trust administers the Bank Trust and therefore controls the property. The owner is free to transfer ownership, rent or improve the property at their will. Foreign owners may also enjoy capital gains on sold property and can also instruct the Bank Trust to pass the property on to their heirs.

Mexican law also protects beneficiaries of the Bank Trust from any problems that the bank may have. A Bank Trust can never be seized to satisfy judgments against the bank. Mexican law, in 1994, established that Bank Trust deeds are to be 50-year terms and are renewable indefinitely in 50-year increments.

Mexican notaries, “Notaria Publica”, are government appointed attorneys specifically trained to handle the legalities of property transfers. Notaries are the only ones legally able to transfer title. They also make sure the title is clear from the local to the national level, make sure no liens exist and collect any taxes due on the property. Notaries perform title searches similar to American title companies guaranteeing your property is unencumbered.

Rental properties and other businesses can be owned by foreigners by forming a Mexican Corporation. In this case, the Mexican Company, which would hold the title, owns the property and a Bank Trust is not needed. The only benefit being a few hundred dollars for annual trust fees.

Closings are performed by the Notaries and most properties require only 30-60 days to complete the closing process, although it may take considerably longer to receive the Bank Trust or actual title. You can purchase Title Insurance but this generally is not needed with the Notary system.

If you plan to rent your property, understand you will need a passport to obtain your FM3 to conduct business in Mexico, even if you are using a reservation management company. Our Service Concierge, is able to assist you with those documents as well as bill paying and an assortment of other services. Tax bills, as well as utility bills are not sent to you in the mail therefore, using a bill paying service is an added convenience.

Q: New Mechanisms for Buying Mexican Real Estate:

A: The country of Mexico is attempting to accommodate foreign investors in the real estate industry. In concert with United States title companies, banks, and appraisers, it is simplifying the process of determining property values, which will make it easier for buyers to purchase property and for lenders to make loans.

Financing

Finally available in Mexico!  Please visit www.FirstMexicoMortgage.com for information or email Donna@FirstMexicoMortage.com , or call 1-888-909-6570

 

Home Equity Loan

A Home Equity Loan, on the buyer's primary dwelling is often the easiest and most affordable way to obtain the necessary funds to purchase a vacation home. In addition, a Form 1099 is usually provided.

Finally, Fractional Ownership, for instance with another family, is another option. A carefully worded contract with explicit shared-use and property-disposal clauses is an absolute necessity.

These are just a few examples of fairly typical financing arrangements. Creative financing arrangements are best left to a finance professional, and as always, it is best to consult an accountant and attorney to verify the appropriateness of the transaction.

 

Title Insurance

It is now possible to get United States title insurance on some Mexican properties. While this costs more and takes longer, it is worth it to American buyers to ensure peace of mind.

Title searches in Mexico are usually done through a Mexican law firm. The attorneys verify the owner and search for liens, encumbrances, and anything else that could affect the title. Since Mexico's registries are not automated, this can be a lengthy process, taking approximately eight to ten weeks, as opposed to one to five days in the United States. After the search is completed, the Mexican law firm prepares its legal opinion of status of title, which will include owner of record, easements, liens, restrictions, and anything else pertinent to the property ownership. The closing of the transaction is done in the office of the notario, and funds disbursed through escrow.

 

Computerized Property Valuation

Access to public records is taken for granted in the United States, but comparable sales are not readily available to the public in Mexico. The Mexican MLS is working diligently to make mandatory disclosure of sales prices and terms available to the agents. This will make it possible for real estate agents to do comparative market analysis and determine fairer and more consistent pricing.

 

Past History and Future Trends

Financing has been available, but many Americans have financed their vacation homes by taking out home equity loans on their property in the United States, thus enabling them to pay cash in Mexico. Recently several American lending companies have made it possible for buyers of Mexican properties to finance their purchases. One key is the Title Guaranty Deed, which has a foreclosure provision similar to the American Deed of Trust. Lenders can now foreclose within 90 days and get their security back. Another key is title insurance, and this concept too is becoming more widely known in Mexico. Since it protects buyers and sellers alike, it is sure to be used increasingly in the future.

Appraisal is also coming to be an accepted practice. Without the computer data base American realtors are used to, it is more difficult to fix a fair price on properties, but appraisers are building up their own databases, and the states of Arizona and Sonora are cooperating to facilitate computer access to property registries in both countries.

All of these developments are making it easier for more Americans to buy property in Mexico, but they must never forget that they are obligated to follow the laws of their host country, Mexico. Knowing what to expect and what pitfalls to avoid should make it more comfortable for them. Knowing American practices should make it clearer to Mexicans what to expect from Americans and why they act the peculiar way they do.

Our focus is on organization and protection of the interests of our clients at all times. We adhere to the strictest of ethical guidelines and always place the interests of our clients above all. We seek to attract and retain the highest quality sales associates in the market area in order to provide high quality client services. Please let us know how we can help you and your investment partners in Mexico!

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