Buying Real Property In Puerto Vallarta: Closing Process

PUERTO VALLARTA
THE LIFESTYLE YOU’VE BEEN LOOKING FOR

Puerto Vallarta is waiting for you. It’s a paradise, where history and natural beauty is met with all of the comforts of home, and you can live the life you always dreamed of while making a strong investment into your future. We are Boardwalk Realty, a boutique Puerto Vallarta real estate agency that goes beyond buying and selling homes. We help turn lives into a perfect Puerto Vallarta lifestyle. Contact Boardwalk Realty today with any questions you have or for expert advice on buying or selling a Puerto Vallarta home or condo. More Puerto Vallarta real estate information.

Stop! Don’t Make a Move Until You have Read our Mexico Buyer’s guide

The real estate closing process in Mexico – Downloadable Guides


Whats A Notario?


Bank Trusts Explained


Why is it a good time to buy?

Some documents to help you navigate the real estate closing process in Mexico.   We will help you get through this painlessly but a little information goes a long way  toward knowing what to expect.

Did you know foreigners can buy property in Mexico without holding resident status?

Although visitors to Mexico can purchase real estate without applying for temporary or permanent residence, holding a resident card will benefit you when it comes time to sell. Claiming the property as your principal residence may exempt you from any capital gains tax on the sale. Obtaining Mexican citizenship will allow you to purchase property in the restricted zone, which refers to properties that are 100 kilometers from the border and 50 kilometers from the coastline, without a fideicomiso, bank trust or a Mexican corporation.

You have found your dream home in Mexico: What is the next step?

From making an offer to closing the deal, a lawyer here in Mexico can guide you through the process and provide sound advice about purchasing real estate in Mexico.

Discuss your plans for the property with your lawyer. Are you buying to retire? Live in Mexico full or part time? Do you plan to start a business or use your property as a rental? These important facts will help your lawyer determine your best strategy regarding the purchase. In any case, be sure to consult your attorney before signing a sale contract or make the contract offer conditional to a lawyer’s review.

Choose a reputable, international lawyer who is governed by and accountable to a professional order in Mexico to assist you will the purchase contract and provide an estimate of the closing costs. If you can not be present for the closing, you may provide the law firm with Power of Attorney to act on your behalf.

 Closing The Deal: What does closing mean?

Closing, also known as completion is the final step in executing a real estate transaction. On the closing date, the ownership is transferred to the buyer. The closing date is the day the property becomes yours, and the title deed is signed. The date is previously agreed on by the seller and the buyer but also determined by the notario, as the notario will review the certificates of non-debt and other documents related to the sale of the property.

Who will be involved in the real estate closing?

  • Buyer and the seller
  • Substitute trustee, Your benefactor, will be named in the fideicomiso as a substitute trustee in the event of death, but it is imperative to have a Mexican will as there are no rights of survivorship in Mexico.  
  • The Notario Público (Notary Public) is a licensed attorney, certified and appointed by the government as an official representative of the government. A Mexican notary has much more responsibility than a notary in the US or Canada. They are responsible for ensuring the legality of the title deed transfer and registering the deed in the Public Registry. It is their legal responsibility to verify the facts regarding the property, record the transaction in the Public Registry and withhold fees and taxes. The notario does not solely represent the buyer, in this case, they are a neutral counsel and represent the buyer, the seller, and the government.
  • The Trustee Bank is the Mexican bank authorized by the federal government to act as trustee (Fiduciario). The majority of foreigners buy Mexican property through a fideicomiso which is held in trust at the bank with the buyer as the beneficiary. As a fideicomiso property owner, you have all the rights and privileges of property ownership. You are free to renovate, rent, mortgage or sell. Properties held in trust are not considered assets of the bank.
  • The buyer’s lawyer: It is strongly recommended that the purchaser has legal counsel during a real estate purchase. Not only will the lawyers ensure your investment is secure, but they will do the leg work, and you avoid the runaround to various government offices collecting and verifying certificates, documents paying fees. Let the lawyers at Mexlaw take care the closing.  Dealing with official agencies will be very difficult if you are not fluent in Spanish. Experience and the right connections enable the lawyers to achieve these requirements quickly and efficiently.

Although the state property registries will issue certificates of no encumbrances, stating there are no liens on the property, if a discrepancy is found after the fact, the buyer will have no recourse against the government for any human errors. Coordinating with the bank officers, the notary public, and the seller’s documentation will be supervised by the buyer’s lawyer. Your lawyer will conduct their due diligence revealing any liens, ensuring a clear title.

  • Your lawyer will submit the permit to the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs on your behalf.
  • Research and confirm clear title with title history.
  • Gather non-debt certificates.
  • Set up appointments with the bank regarding your Fideicomiso.
  • Confirm the property is not Ejido land.
  • The title of property or Public Deed with registration.
  • Property tax paid up to date.
  • Active cadastral certificate (survey of the property)