Top 10 Myths Stopping First-Time Buyers in the Riviera Maya

If you’re thinking about buying a property, you’ve probably asked your family and friends for advice. Also, today we have tons of information on podcasts and social media, and this can be overwhelming.  I am going to share with you 10 myths that people normally think of when going to buy a property and that could interfere with your plans for investing in real estate.  Buying a property is a big decision but if you are well informed, the path will be peaceful, and the result will be the right one for you and your financial future. 

 

Myth #1: You must be Mexican to own property in Mexico. 

As a foreigner, you can acquire property through a bank trust or Fideicomiso and through a Mexican Corporation. 

 

Myth #2: Real estate agents are expensive.

First, your agent’s fee will be paid at the closing of the transaction by the seller so it won’t cost you. In addition having an agent is a wise decision because he or she will guide you throughout the process.  They are expert in the theme, they know the area and they have access to all the properties.  They will advise you and will work on your behalf.

 

Myth #3: Don’t call a real estate agent until you’re ready to buy.

Although it’s good to have a clear idea of what you want, you can start your professional relationship with an agent at an early stage in the process.  He or she can guide you on how to start if you are not sure how to do it.  Having a call or meeting them is recommended to build confidence and understand your needs. 

They can create a search for you, filtering the properties that meet your criteria.  It is important to be open with them and to share information like estimated budget, area where you would like to buy and what kind of property you are interested in. 

 

Myth #4: It’s all about location.

Yes, location is very important to consider, however, if you are not local or familiar with the area an agent can guide you on the pros and cons of each place.  The decision on where to buy will depend on your needs and desires, for example, you should consider lifestyle, kind of property, purpose of buying, and budget.

 

Myth #5: Renting is always cheaper than owning.

While this may be true in the short term, over time, the cost of renting can add up and may even surpass the cost of owning. 

 

Myth #6: The bigger the down payment, the better.

While a larger down payment can reduce the amount you have to pay each month or may give you a discount, it may not always be the best option for your financial situation. This is an important point to consider, you don’t want to be financially unstable.  Here you can be advised either by your real estate agent or your financial advisor. 

 

Myth #7 All homes appreciate in value.

The value of a home can increase over time, but this is not always the case and is dependent on a variety of factors, such as the state of the housing market and the condition of the property.

 

Myth #8 Buying a home is a quick process

The property buying process can take several months, from finding the right property to closing on the sale so being guided by an expert can give you an idea of how long will your process take.  

 

 

Myth #9 You need to have a lot of money saved up

While it’s important to have a savings account, you don’t need to have a large amount of money saved up to buy a property, there are different options in the market that can allow you to buy with financing plans.

 

Myth #10 It’s best to wait until interest rates are low.

Interest rates are always fluctuating, so there’s no guarantee that they’ll be low when you’re ready to buy.

 

Now that we have revealed the truth behind some of the most common real estate buyer’s myths, we invite you to consider making your wish come true.  Contact us, we’ll be happy to help you!