Use an attorney. Not all agents are educated or experienced enough to take the place of an attorney for you. I recommend one who is bilingual and bi-cultural. A client needs to be told what is happening here and how it is different from what he is expecting. Many...

In Spanish-speaking countries, notaries are highly trained attorneys who provide legal advice and draft legal documents. In Mexico, a Public Notary is an experienced attorney appointed exclusively by the state governor. His or her role is to sign and authenticate documents and provide legal advice as necessary. If you...

What is a first right of refusal in a lease or a purchase of real estate? This law is applicable in Jalisco.  The legal code addressing this right applies to different kinds of businesses. We know it applies to leases and offers to buy and sell real estate properties in Jalisco....

Several topics came up this week in different situations. They are important and part of the foundation of real estate knowledge and ethics, which helps us navigate the twists and turns of maintaining standards and practices and doing the best job for our clients. Exclusive Listing instead of Open Listing Exclusive indicates that the property...

Let's look at the number of condos for sale in our MLS FBS inventory in the Bay of Banderas – Nayarit and Jalisco Active As of today, there are 1,606 active condos for sale. I am looking at some of the main features buyers ask for. Pet Friendly: 1,541 are...

We recently had an unfortunate situation in which an 'escrow company' failed to send purchase funds to the seller, took all the money, and left the country. How could this have happened? Escrow is a third person holding funds for others in a transaction to buy and sell. The...

Two of the most often asked questions from buyers looking to buy a condominium are about animals and people: pets and renters. You should think about these topics and the building size you could be living in or renting out.   Large condos have to act as policemen and even try...

A real estate closing coordinator organizes all aspects of the final stages of a real estate transaction. Often, they are an attorney, and their purpose is to prepare closing documents to facilitate a smooth transaction between buyer and seller. In the Bay, the coordinator obtains the no-lien certificate, tax...

After working here for several years, I have realized that two of the biggest hurdles for buyers from the USA and Canada are learning how to belong to a condominium HOA and how a trust differs from a will.    Suggestions regarding HOA ownership: Do some homework. Jalisco and Nayarit have...

Richard Burton is said to have purchased a home in Puerto Vallarta for his new love, Elizabeth Taylor, for the equivalent of 57,000 USD in 1964. This event was not remarkable, but it quietly sparked increased interest in Puerto Vallarta, a small fishing village in one of the largest bays...