When purchasing property in Mexico, there are some mistakes that can result in catastrophic losses to your savings.
Not Using a Trusted Neutral Escrow Agent
It is very risky to give money to the seller or agent as a good faith deposit. In Cashing in on a Second Home in Mexico, Tom Kelly writes “If a [...]

There is no question that Mexico real estate presents many opportunities for significant investment gains, but significant loses can occur if you do not fully understand Mexico’s real estate law. While there are several similarities with US practices, assume nothing or you will risk everything. Here are some of the most important differences-
Cost of Real [...]

With the real estate market falling apart in the U.S., many homeowners - especially already retired Baby Boomers - have their homes on the market with plans to take their profits and move to Mexico. Enter the advertisements for “to-be-developed” gated communities, usually “on the beach,” in Mexico. These condos and homes are for sale [...]

Getting a loan for Mexico real estate is no longer the brick wall it once was. Traditionally people in Mexico either paid cash for their homes, inherited their home, or built one themselves and home loans were virtually non-existent. The banks that did offer loans had high interest rates that discouraged foreign home buyers from [...]

Loreto, Mexico was once identified to be a potential blockbuster destination by the Mexican tourism agency, only to be promptly forgotten when places like Los Cabos and Cancun took off. After pumping $200 million dollars into infrastructure improvements, the tourism agency turned their attention to other areas. Left for dead, Loreto was rediscovered recently by [...]

Mexico real estate can be owned by any foreigner in almost any location. The only restrictions involve zones near the borders and oceans, and can be bypassed legally through certain legal structures. Foreigners may own “restricted” land either through creating a Mexican corporation (real estate cannot be used personally), or by establishing a trust with [...]

In finding reliable good help, a trusted interpreter will become especially useful. If you are building rentals, hotels, or condos, getting acquainted with the neighborhood will be essential to find reliable and trustworthy domestic help. Acquainting yourself with the neighbors, other local investors and businesses is the best advice for those looking to find. Posting [...]

Electricity in Mexico is run by the CFE or Commission Federal de Electricidad, except for the Baja peninsula where the electricity is exported to California from a separate commission. Electricity is billed bimonthly and will be shut off if there is a late payment. Paying electricity bills can be a hassle as bills must be [...]

The water systems in Mexico are highly inadequate, relative to those in the United States. As a result, most people drink bottled water. If you are running a hotel or rental property bottled water is essential. Water pressure is usually low in Mexico and is pumped through mains into underground cisterns. Most places in Mexico [...]