Buyer’s Resources

When purchasing a home in Mexico, you’re bound to have many questions.  For example, “Is the process similar to buying a home in your original country?” … “In what ways is it different” … and “In what area can I find a home that suits my needs?”

The answer to the question most often asked, “Is it possible to purchase a home in Mexico with a clear title?” can be found here.

Below are some other articles that you might find useful in the home buying process. Please feel free to click on one of the links below to read more.

Buyer Articles     

• Advice for Buyers
• The Negotiation Process
• Glossary of Spanish Architectural Terms
  

Advice for Buyers  

• List of Needs & Wants: Make 2 lists. As would be true wherever you’re searching for a home, make a list of the features you must have (i.e., the number of bedrooms & bathrooms, a one-story house if accessibility is a factor, etc.).

• The second list is your wishes, things you would like to have (lake view, pool, den) but that are not absolutely necessary.
  Realistically, you might not get everything on your wish list, but it’s helpful to your agent to be as informed as possible when selecting properties for you to consider, so as not to waste time on a home that won’t meet your needs.

• Representation by a Professional: Consider hiring your own real estate agent; ask around town for referrals, and look through Point South Real Estate Guide, the free real estate magazine covering the Lake Chapala area, available in every real estate office, as well at other locations around town.  This will give you an idea of the type of properties available, locations, prices, and a feel for the agents at Lakeside.Once you decide to enlist my services to help you, I can–and will–show you any properties you’d like to see, even if it’s not one of my listings.
• Focus & Organization: In a convenient location, keep handy the items that will assist you in maximizing your home search efforts. Such items may include:
  1. One or more detailed maps with your areas of interest highlighted.
  2. A file of the properties that your agent has shown to you, along with ads you have cut out from the newspaper.
  3. Paper and pen, for taking notes as you search.
  4. Instant or video camera to help refresh your memory on individual properties, especially if you are attending a series of showings.
  5. Location: Look at a potential property as if you are the seller. Would a prospective buyer find it attractive based on proximity to positive and negative features of the area?
• Visualize the house empty & with your décor: Are the rooms laid out to fit your needs? Is there enough light?
• Be Objective: Instead of thinking with your heart when you find a home, think with your head. Does this home meet your needs?
• Be Thorough: A few extra dollars well spent now may save you big expenses in the long run. Don’t forget such essentials as:
  1. Include an inspection contingency in your written offer.
  2. Have the property inspected by a professional inspector.
  3. Request a walk-through to take place within 24 hours of closing.
  4. You want to check to see that no changes have been made that were not agreed on (i.e., a nice chandelier that you assumed came with the sale having been replaced by a cheap ceiling light).

All the above may seem rather overwhelming. That’s why having a professional represent you and keep track of all the details for you is highly recommended. Please email or call me directly to discuss any of these matters in further detail.

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The Negotiation Process 

Once you, as a Buyer, have found your dream home, you’ll want to get the best deal possible.   Tom has proven to be a top negotiator.  His thorough market knowledge, positive relationships with other Realtors, and his reputation as a no-nonsense straight-shooter ensure that you get your deal done in a reasonable time frame and at the best price possible. 

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Glossary of Spanish Architectural Terms