I am getting more and more readers sending me emails
asking for references of real estate agents in the area of Mexico in
which my wife and I live. I never give any out because buying real
estate in this area of Mexico is fraught with dangers for the Gringo.
The
Punta Banda fiasco as well as the Presta Nombre scandal of the 1980's
is something that seems to be rearing its ugly head in Mexico's
heartland these days. If you are not familiar with the story of how
Americans were ripped off to the tune of millions of dollars and all
because the Americans had no Linguistic or Cultural Fluency then read
this website:
http://www.mexicomatters.net/mexicorealestate/09_ensenadapuntabandastory.php
You
may speak Spanish and do so well enough to discuss the news, weather,
and sports with Mexicans. But, this does not mean you have the Cultural
Fluency to know when you are about to be ripped off in a contractual
agreement with a Mexican.
As sorry as I am to have to say this, when SOME Mexicans
see a Gringo coming down the pike they often will take you for all your
worth. In Mexico, with your contract in hand, you have about as much
legal standing as a Mexican dog, and that isn't saying much at all
since dogs are often the most despised among the locals.
I am
sure there are some, and that's an assumption I am making, Gringos who
have taken Mexicans to court and won but I know of none. I've asked,
and Gringos never win against Mexicans. Sorry. That's how it is. And,
that's why my wife and I will never own a house in this country. Never.
No
matter what I say, Gringos are coming. They haven't a clue at what they
are up against here, and yet they are coming in droves wanting to buy
houses in Mexico. They will come no matter what I say... so:
If
you are set on buying a house in Mexico you will need the services of
this lady. I know her well and if my wife and I were ever to buy a
house we would use this woman's services. We trust her. She is a
bilingual and bicultural Mexican-American who will have the cultural
fluency to be able to tell if someone is trying to rip you off in any
sort of contractual deal in this country. Go to her website and see.
She isn't cheap but frankly I do not feel she charges enough for what
she provides. I would gladly pay her fees for her services-she's worth
it!
