Frequently Asked Questions

These are 10 frequently asked questions we hear at Protierra Partners:

 

  1. Is it safe and secure to buy real estate in Mexico?

Absolutely - as long as you are using a competent real estate agent who can refer a good Mexican real estate attorney to ensure that every element of the transaction goes according to local legal procedures. Protierra Partners has a great legal team that will advise on all of the items that need to be confirmed before your transaction is finalized.

  1. Are escrow companies available and used in Mexico?

Yes. We have two very reputable escrow companies in our region. Protierra recommends that all transactions make use of an escrow company to hold and disburse all transaction related funds.

  1. Can I buy beachfront or property near the beachfront in Mexico?

Yes – however any property within 50 kilometers (31 miles) of the coast, or 100 kilometers (62 miles) of the US border is considered to be in a “restricted zone” within which foreigners can only securely purchase property through a Fideicomiso (bank trust) or a Mexican corporation. If the property is outside the restricted zone, foreigners may legally purchase property in their own name. Protierra can advise as to which option is best given your situation.

  1. What is a Fideicomiso?

A fideicomiso means that the purchased property title is safely held in a bank trust with you as the trust beneficiary. The Fideicomiso is a secure way to own property; you have full authority over your property with the same rights you would have under a free title real estate ownership. Protierra can offer several excellent bank options for your trust. 

  1. What Function does a Notario Publico Serve?

The Notario Publico is a government-appointed attorney responsible for confirming that all legal processes and documentation are in place and for registering real estate deeds with the Public Registry Office. Although the Notario is a lawyer, they represent the buyer, seller, and the state.

  1. Will my property have Title?

Yes, provided it was a legal purchase and you have an attorney that guarantees title on your investment.

  1. How long do real estate transactions take to close in the Riviera Nayarit area?

If the purchaser is a Mexican citizen, it can be as short at 45 days. For foreign citizens, it usually takes 60 to 75 days.

  1. Must I buy all cash or is financing available?

While a large majority of transactions in the Riviera Nayarit area are sold on an all-cash basis, some financing options are now available. Seller carry-back financing has always been a factor. We now have a few purchase financing options from a select number of US lenders and Mexican bank lenders. Protierra can advise on the financing options available for a particular property you are interested in purchasing.  

  1. What has appreciation been like in the Riviera Nayarit area?

For the last 5 years, appreciation of property values has been very robust – averaging between 10% to 20% per year.

  1. What is great about our area?

Our region is officially classified as ‘Mega Diverse’ due to the fact that we live in a convergence of marine and mountain ecosystems - that happen to exist on the same line of latitude as Hawaii. The combination of these overlapping habitats with a consistent tropical climate results in a rich diversity that relies on us now to protect it. 

This area is home to an incredible cultural confluence as well - where local and international communities weave a Sunkissed lifestyle together. We are another world that’s only a 2 hour flight from Los Angeles. Here you can find a ‘real place’ with deep archeological roots, a colorful cuisine and a bustling-yet-relaxed atmosphere. Living immersed in nature defibrillates the soul and touches us all in primal ways. It unlocks a quality of lifestyle unparalleled in this hemisphere.

Together, all these factors constitute a very precious place that deserves our care. And this is why, at Protierra, we are committed to ‘conscious real estate’ - which is about so much more than deal flow and transactional exchanges. We recognize that change and development are a constant - but the shape change takes is up to us. While impacts are inevitable, how we impact a place is a matter of choice and becomes our legacy.