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FAQ

FAQ

What you need to know before making a real estate decision in Puerto Vallarta or Riviera Nayarit

Buy

Can a foreigner buy property in Mexico?

Yes. If you're Mexican, you buy in your own name even if you live in another country. Foreigners can also buy legally, including near the ocean. In the so-called restricted zone, they do so through a bank trust (fideicomiso) or, in certain cases, a Mexican corporation. In Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit this is a very common process, and local notaries know it well.

General information, not legal or tax advice. Please confirm with a notary, attorney or accountant for your specific case.

What is a fideicomiso (bank trust)?

It's a contract with a Mexican bank, which acts as trustee. The bank holds legal title and you are the beneficiary, with the right to use, rent, sell or pass on the property to your heirs. It has a setup cost and an annual fee that vary by bank. I help you compare quotes before you decide.

General information, not legal or tax advice. Please confirm with a notary, attorney or accountant for your specific case.

How do I know a property's paperwork is in order?

As real estate agents, we make sure full due diligence is done during the buying process to protect your investment. We review the property's title and the sellers' legal capacity, meaning the seller is the rightful owner and has the authority to sell. Once your offer is presented, we request the property's complete file: deed, lien-free certificate from the Public Registry, property tax, water and HOA payments up to date, and we confirm the land is not ejido land without full ownership (dominio pleno). With that information, the notary does the final legal review before signing.

General information, not legal or tax advice. Please confirm with a notary, attorney or accountant for your specific case.

How do I protect my money when making a deposit or paying?

Money is never handed over without a supporting document. The process usually starts with an offer letter and a deposit, backed by a promissory purchase agreement or an escrow account. The final payment is formalized before the notary. I don't recommend cash payments; the law also limits them in real estate transactions.

General information, not legal or tax advice. Please confirm with a notary, attorney or accountant for your specific case.

How long does a purchase take, from offer to signing?

It depends on the type of transaction. A cash purchase between Mexican nationals can close in a few weeks. With a bank trust or a mortgage it usually takes longer because of permits and appraisals. From the start, I give you a realistic timeline so you can plan your schedule and your trips.

How much are closing costs?

As a reference, we usually estimate around 6% of the property value, although it isn't a fixed figure: it varies by municipality, the transaction value and whether there's a bank trust or a mortgage. It includes notary fees, acquisition tax, appraisal, certificates and, if applicable, setting up the bank trust. That's why it's important to get a quote in advance: before making an offer, I ask the notary for an updated estimate so you know the real amount with no surprises.

General information, not legal or tax advice. Please confirm with a notary, attorney or accountant for your specific case.

What ongoing costs does a property have after you buy it?

Property tax (predial), an annual tax paid to the municipality (Puerto Vallarta or Bahía de Banderas), which is usually low compared with the U.S. or Canada. If it's in a condominium or gated community, there are also HOA fees and internal bylaws. We review them before buying, because they say a lot about how the place is managed.

Can I get financing?

Many buyers pay cash, but there are mortgage loans from Mexican banks, some for Mexicans living abroad. Each bank has its own requirements and timelines, so I recommend confirming your case with the lender before you start looking.

General information, not legal or tax advice. Please confirm with a notary, attorney or accountant for your specific case.

Should I buy pre-construction or an existing property?

It depends on your goal. An existing property lets you see exactly what you're buying, check its condition and management, and use it from day one; that's why my main focus is resale. If you're interested in pre-construction, you need to review the developer's track record, the permits and how your money is protected until delivery.

Buying from abroad

Can I buy if I don't live in Mexico?

Yes, and it's a big part of what I do. Many of my clients are Mexicans living in the U.S. I support you with video calls, video tours, document review and coordination with the notary. Depending on your case, you can sign in person or through a power of attorney.

General information, not legal or tax advice. Please confirm with a notary, attorney or accountant for your specific case.

Can I pay in U.S. dollars?

Many properties in the region are listed in U.S. dollars, but that doesn't always mean the seller will accept payment in that currency. Part of my job is to confirm it from the start with the seller or their agent. I can tell you up front that many sellers, both foreign and Mexican, have foreign-currency accounts, which makes these transactions easier. What doesn't change is this: all payments must be traceable and go from the buyer's or buyers' accounts to the sellers' accounts, without exception.

How do I see properties if I'm not here?

First, we filter remotely. I send you options that truly match what you're looking for, with video, area context and points to check. We do live tours by video call, and if you decide to come, your trip is to see only the finalists, not to start from scratch.

Sell

What is my property worth, and how is the price set?

The right price comes from data, not from what we'd like to get. I analyze comparable properties sold and for sale in your area, the condition of your property and current market timing. A well-set price attracts the right buyers; an inflated one keeps the property on the market for months.

What documents do I need to sell?

In general, I'll ask you for: registered deed; the purchase CFDI (tax invoice), if you acquired the property after 2014; official ID; CURP; tax status certificate (constancia de situación fiscal); birth and marriage certificates (if applicable); proof of address no older than 3 months; property tax and water paid; and a no-debt HOA certificate if it's a condominium. If the property is held in a bank trust, its documents too. Having them ready from the start avoids delays when the buyer appears.

What taxes do I pay when I sell?

Capital gains tax (ISR) is normally paid on the profit from the sale. There may be an exemption if it's your primary residence and you meet certain requirements, and the rules change if you're not a resident of Mexico. The notary calculates the exact amount; I recommend reviewing it with your accountant as well before setting the price.

General information, not legal or tax advice. Please confirm with a notary, attorney or accountant for your specific case.

How long does it take to sell a property?

There's no guaranteed timeframe, and be wary of anyone who promises one. It depends on price, presentation, area and market timing. What we do control is the strategy: the right price, a great presentation and promotion aimed at the right buyer.

Why sell with an exclusive listing?

Because your property needs one strategy, one price and one person responsible from start to finish, not several listings competing with each other. With an exclusive listing, I invest in its presentation and promote it with fellow agents, national and international portals and my own marketing. On the Sellers page I explain where your property will be seen.

Working with me

Why work with a real estate advisor?

Because buying well starts with understanding well. My job is to represent you: explain the area and the process, filter options, review documents, negotiate and coordinate with the notary and specialists. I speak clearly about the advantages, risks and context of each option, so you make your decision with complete information.

What happens at our first meeting?

It's a conversation, not a sales tour. You tell me what you're looking for, why, your timeline and your budget, and I explain how the process works in your case. By the end, you know your next steps, even if you decide not to move forward yet.

Have another question?

Write to me and we'll figure it out together, wherever you are.Book an appointmentMessage me on WhatsApp

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