The 9 Steps to Home Ownership in San Miguel

Step - 1 Make the Decision to Buy

It seems obvious, but it's good to note that the first step to buying a house is making the decision to buy. Consider the reasons you want a house in San Miguel and write them down. Determine how long you want to live in the house - does buying still make good financial sense? Can you afford a house that will meet your list of requirements? Will this be your principal home or a vacation / rental house?

Step 2 - Seek Professional Guidance

I'd like to schedule a time to meet with you to hear the reasons you want to buy a house and your plans for the future. We'll talk about neighborhoods, San Miguel's many assets, economic factors liable to affect the market today and tomorrow, as well as how you would like your house and neighborhood to grow with you.

At this time, I will explain some of the differences in buying real estate in Mexico as compared to the U.S. For example, most transactions are in cash. Mortgages as you know them do not exist here for non Mexicans. 

Step 3 - Begin the Hunt

After our initial meeting, I'll search all my resources for houses on the market that fit your criteria. I'll preview these houses to eliminate the duds. Then, I'll schedule appointments to tour the houses at times convenient to you.

As we tour houses, I'll point out positive features and negative features. I'll ask you to tell me what you like and what you don't like. You'll probably amend your "wish list" as we tour houses, some things will become more important and others less important. With this new information, I'll refine our search criteria to narrow in on the house of your dreams.

Step 4 - Know the Market

My knowledge of the local market is an essential factor in the house search. I'll let you know when the market in a particular neighborhood is "hot" and requires immediate action or when the market is "cool" and allows for thoughtful consideration.

As we tour houses, I'll let you know when the asking price has negotiating room and when the house is "priced to sell". My unique market knowledge will keep you a step ahead of the "house hunting competition".

In a "seller's market". It is not unusual to see multiple offers on a property, full-price offers and even above-price offers. On the flip side, during a "buyer's market" there are more houses for sale than buyers. This gives us more negotiating room as houses are taking longer to sell. In Mexico, the prices often change overnight for no apparent reason. Because the market here is always "hot" sellers expectations change daily.

Step 5 - Find Your Dream House

I'm confident we'll find your dream house. When we do, I'll put together the purchase offer tailored for your needs including a private contract.

The offer is normally presented with "earnest money". This is a cash deposit made to a home seller to secure an offer to buy the property. The amount is applied to closing costs. If the seller accepts the offer, generally closing is held 30 to 60 days from the offer date (generally dependent on the turn around time of your permission to buy and the title being clear).

Step 6 - Negotiate the Deal

It is not uncommon to receive a counter offer when the initial purchase offer is submitted. Don't let this discourage you. We will discuss the counter offer and decide whether or not to accept the counter offer, submit our own counter offer, or reject the counter offer and move on.

Market conditions will play a role in how aggressively we negotiate the deal. We will also work within your limits. Emotions can lead to buyer's remorse. It is better to set limits prior to negotiating an offer and stick to these limits.

Step 7 - Private Contract and Your Permission to Buy

Once your offer has been accepted, it is time to write the private contract. All the parties involved meet with a notary or with 2 witnesses here in our office and specify the conditions of the sale and the closing. We will make an appointment with the notary to check the title for any problems prior to the selected closing date and start the process of getting your permission to buy.

Step 8 - Close the Deal

You will receive a "Good Faith Estimate" of closing costs at the time of the meeting. You will have several options to choose from now. You can work with our notary and receive the benefit of a reduced closing charge or you can select your own notary. I will be glad to review the "Good Faith Estimate," answering questions and highlighting missing costs and estimates I believe to be low.

Step 9 - Move In

Congratulations! It's time to move into your new house and make it your home. Enjoy this exciting time. I'll give you a checklist to help you remember the numerous details that will make your moving day a pleasure.

Looking to Buy?

Are you looking to buy a house? Let us help you. Just fill out as much of the information below that you want and we'll get right back to you, with no obligation to you. We guarantee your privacy.
 
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Los Suenos Properties
Orizaba 16-A, Colonia San Antonio
San Miguel de Allende, GTO 37750
Office: 415-152-1763
From the US dial 01 52 415-154-1763
Fax / Phone: 415-154-4344
Primary Cell: 044-415-153-1003

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