-🏡 Checklist for Buying Your First Property in Mexico

Buying your first property is one of the most important decisions of your life. Whether it's a house, an apartment, or a real estate investment, you need to be prepared to avoid costly mistakes. This updated guide offers a clear and practical checklist with everything you need to know before signing.

Includes:

• ✅ Required documents

• 🛡️ How to verify that the property is free of debts or liens

• 🌎 What to do if you are a foreigner and need a trust

📑 Documents You Should Have Ready

Before approaching a real estate agency or signing a contract, make sure you have these documents:

For domestic buyers

1. Valid official identification (INE or passport)

2. CURP and RFC

3. Recent proof of address

4. Proof of income (pay stubs, bank statements or annual tax return)

5. Credit pre-approval (if you are going to use a mortgage)

6. Marriage certificate (if applicable)

For foreign buyers

1. Valid passport

2. Immigration Form (FM2/FM3 or equivalent document)

3. Certified translation of documents, if applicable

4. Bank account in Mexico or transfer from a foreign account

🕵️♂️ How to Check if a Property Is Free of Liens

One of the most common mistakes is not verifying the legal status of the property . Here's how to do it:

Steps to check if you have debts, mortgages, or lawsuits:

1. Request the property folio at the Public Registry of Property
   This document contains the legal history of the property, including:

   • Previous owners

   • Current mortgages

   • Lawsuits or seizures

2. Request a certificate of no outstanding property tax and water bills
   It is processed at the town hall (property tax) and at JUMAPAM (water, in Mazatlán).

3. Verify that the seller is the legal owner.
   Your name must match the inscribed deed.

4. Check if there is an active trust (if the property is in a restricted area for foreigners)

💡 Tip : You can consult the Public Registry online in several states, including Sinaloa. Visit the official website or contact a trusted notary.

🌐 If you are a foreigner: Purchase with Trust

In Mexico, foreigners cannot directly purchase property in restricted areas (such as beaches or border regions), which includes Mazatlán . To do so legally, you need a bank trust .

What is a trust?

It is a contract through which a Mexican bank acts as the nominal owner of the property, while you (the foreign buyer) are the beneficiary.

Requirements:

• Hire an authorized bank (BBVA, Banorte, Autofin, etc.)

• Pay an annual fee (from $500 to $1,000 USD annually)

• Signing of trust agreement before a notary

• Permit from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE)

Estimated processing time:

Between 30 and 60 days , so you should consider it within your purchase schedule.

✅ Conclusion

Buying property in Mexico is entirely feasible, safe, and profitable if you're well-informed. This checklist will serve as a practical tool to help you avoid common mistakes and prepare each step correctly.

Ready to buy your first property in Mazatlán or another part of the country?
📩 Contact us for personalized advice and we'll guide you through the entire process.