Buying Land in Other Countries (Mexico, Central America, etc)

[aegean adrift]

Originally Posted by daddle

You will get a local attorney and ask all the questions: Water, access, development rights, permits, surveys, taxes, etc. ... Of course this is rarely done, even in the USA, as folks are just too lazy.

And in some countries, local attorneys might be in cahoots with the developers, to some degree or another. Not to mention that attorneyship law might be different to how it is in your own country.

Originally Posted by markpierce

The smart move is to not act on that impulse. You would just be asking for possible troubles/financial losses.

Yes. Amazing how many people buy property on impulse in holiday spirit. I'm not complaining about the commissions, and as long as these people can complete and hang on to the purchase for 10+ years it'll pay off. But hello ... often it's only luck that has them buying from a joint that actually gives them the deed. They could just as easily have walked into an office across the street or next door, where things run a bit "differently."

Originally Posted by Boracay

The single theme that came out of it all was that before making any sort of major commitment to an area it would be very wise to go and live there first for quite a while. In a hotel or resort, then renting a house and so on...

Please do. And maybe learn at least a little of the local language, and build relationships with local service providers.