Have you been searching for the right property in Lake Chapala to call your new home? Or maybe you have just decided it's time to start looking? Great. Then, like many of my buyer's clients, you may be wondering about the process of buying and working with a local Realtor.
Here are some guidelines for working with a Real Estate Agent in Mexico. Although there is no written contract between a buyer and an Agent, these are important things to know so that you can ensure a win-win situation for both you and the Realtor and share warm fuzzys and 'high fives' at the end of the day.
1: First determine your personal needs and search criteria so that you can clearly communicate these parameters to the Agent prior to beginning your search. Your Realtor will be your biggest ally throughout the buying process, so he/she must know where to begin and what to search for. Your Realtor can easily help you with the process of narrowing down your search parameters and help guide you towards your dream home.
2: Find the agent who is a good match for your personality and style. How? Start by visiting open houses and talking with the hosting Realtors. Or drop in at some of the local Real Estate offices in Ajijic, San Antonio or Chapala, where you can meet the agents who are available to work with you. As well, you may know a friend or acquaintance who had a great experience with a local Realtor and can recommend this Realtor to you.
3: Know that every Realtor at Lakeside has access to every single property listed. This means that you don’t need to waste your time going to the individual listing offices or calling the listing agents. There is never a concern about losing opportunities because you have committed to working with a single agent. He/she can show you anything you want to see on the MLS.
4: If you go out with your selected Realtor once or twice, and you feel they're not in sync with you or what you want, make it known to them immediately, and if necessary, make a clean break. Realtors work out of their own pocket and invest a lot of time, energy, and money into their clients. Unless you end up purchasing through them, they never get paid. If they don’t get paid, they can’t put food on their table or pay their own bills. Be loyal, fair, and honest with them and they will repay you in so many ways.
5: Once you have committed to working with an Agent, it is important to communicate with them throughout the buying process. Keep them informed of personal developments and any changes in your search parameters, so that you and the Agent can remain focused on locating your dream property. Your Realtor is dedicated to finding your perfect home, in protecting YOUR best interests, and securing you the BEST deal possible.
6: Be ready to buy. It's unfair to any agent to have them invest time, energy and money with you if you are not in a position to purchase. As agents, especially since we are located in another country, understand that you may be coming only to look and explore if the area is right for you. Make that known up front! We are happy to provide you with a tour of the area and Open Houses are a great way to see different styles of homes available without wasting anyone's time. We can help you in finding those.
7: What happens when you are ready to make an offer? Your Realtor will guide you through the buying process and be there for you every step of the way. Your Realtor writes your Contract to Purchase and suggests a fair offer/purchase price. He/she will present your offer to the Listing Agent/Agency and negotiate on your behalf. If your initial offer is not accepted, a new Contract with a counter offer can be written and the contract negotiations begin anew.
8: Will your Lakeside Realtor “drop you” after you bought your new home? Fear not, this will not happen with good Realtors! At RETIRE IN LAKE CHAPALA and Chapala Realtors Real Estate, we pride ourselves with being service oriented, supportive, and helpful to all our clients.
There will be a number of things that need to be taken care of after you sign the documents and transfer your money. Name changes for your Telmex (internet provider and phone), deed pick up and copy (if necessary), help with getting your RFC number (tax number), etc, etc. We will always be here for you! We can help suggest professional services such as local architects, construction, plumbing, handy men, maid and gardening services, fumigation, furniture and decorations stores, movers and anything else you may need to start your new life in your new home.
For more details on the Buying Process, Read our two part blog on “Frequently Asked Questions - Buying A Home In Lake Chapala".
In the meantime, if you require information we're here to help. Contact us! Thanks for reading and talk to you soon!
Michaela & Ricardo are your FULL SERVICE Real Estate Agents. Along with our Retirement Seminars, our over 20 years of combined experience Lakeside, and our network of area Professionals, we help guide you to from beginning to forever in your Retirement Journey to Lake Chapala, Mexico.
