Mexico can be an exciting place to live for those who are retiring to Mexico, for those who are working from home on a computer link with their company, for those who are looking for a vacation home or an outstanding investment… above all, for those who dream of a better quality of life! Home…the word represents security and comfort for the majority All too often the word, when used in conjunction with a purchase of property in Mexico creates stress, worry and, at times has been associated with financial loss This needn't be the case Procedures in searching titles and transferring property are similar to those of the United States and Canada The buyer of a house, condominium or lot in Mexico must ask the same questions, and should receive answers similar to those received when buying a property elsewhere

Rule Number One: SelectA Mexico Real Estate Agent

In considering the purchase of something so important as a home it is necessary to have the right people representing the buyer and his interests This can be accomplished by first selecting the general area where you think you'd like to live Through NAFTA agreements, the Association of Mexican Real Estate Professionals (AMPI), is now affiliated with the U.S. National Association of Realtors (NAR), the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), and the International Real Estate Association (FIABCI) These important national real estate organizations are working to achieve standardization of real estate practices and procedures throughout the world The company you select to represent you in your Mexico property purchase procedure should be a member of AMPI Not only is the AMPI member company required to operate under a higher standard of care, and to adhere to a code of ethics, but also it may have access to an increasing number of the properties available for sale through computerized data bases Once the area is selected and a list of the AMPI companies operating there have been obtained – interview the owners and operators of the companies Ask for references, ask for a professional resume Interview carefully the persons that most impress you the person you select should be familiar with the area, with basic real estate principles…and should impress you with his or her honesty and drive to find what YOU are looking for Once you have found the person you feel comfortable with, stick with him or her and let him do his job The sales person who knows you aren't shopping around will generally work harder to find exactly what you are looking for Remember, it is your money and your commitement Do not be pressured by someone who is charming but who does not listen carefully enough to undertand YOUR special needs

Rule Number Two: Examine the Mexico Neighborhood

Once you have selected the right Mexico community, an agent with who you feel comfortable, AND a possible property, check out the neighborhood Is it new Is it old What will it look like in ten years Are highways or other development projects planned for the future Where are the schools, churches, shopping facilities Are there homeowner fees for maintenance of common areas If so, how much are they and when are they paid Are all the utilities in and paid for What does the developer have left to do What building restrictions are there Are there covenants and conditions registered for the usage of the land In many parts of Mexico there is no enforcement of a master plan or building codes This can affect the changing face of the neighborhood you have selected.

"Mexico's Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely!"
Thomas Lloyd, graduated from Purdue University Krannert School of Management with a degree in Management/Financial Option Investments. He has been living, investing, and working professionally in Mexico for over 15 years.  Mexico Real Estate Degree & Professional Identificacion Number S.E.P. #5978657. He is the current president of TOPmexicorealestate