5 Common Mistakes When Buying Property in La Paz (And How We Avoid Them Together)
Buying in Mexico is different, but it doesn’t have to be confusing
If this is your first time buying property in Mexico, it’s normal to have questions. The system is different, the timelines are longer, and you might hear conflicting advice.
The good news? With the right guidance, buying here can be safe, transparent, and even enjoyable.
After helping many foreign buyers and fellow Mexicans make La Paz their home (or second home), I’ve noticed certain mistakes that pop up again and again, and that can easily be avoided.
Let me walk you through them.
1. Choosing an agent without proper certification
In Mexico, not all “real estate agents” are actually licensed. Many people start working in real estate without going through the proper training or certification process.
I always encourage clients to ask:
Are you certified by the state (SETUE)?
Are you a member of AMPI (Mexico’s Association of Real Estate Professionals)?
Do you work with secure listing platforms like MLS or EasyBroker?
This matters, because certification means your agent understands the law, has ethics training, and can guide you through the entire transaction with accountability and professionalism.
2. Not understanding the real timeline of a closing
In the U.S. or Canada, buyers are often used to picking a closing date in advance.
Here in Mexico, it’s different, especially for foreigners.
If you’re not Mexican, the purchase must go through a bank trust (fideicomiso), which requires coordination between:
the bank
a notary public
your legal team (closing attorney)
and the public registry.
Even after you sign and pay, the new title must still go through official registration, which can take 6–12 weeks.
The best way to avoid frustration is to know this from day one.
3. Trying to buy directly from the owner without escrow or legal review
I once had a client who was tempted to buy a property directly from the owner, without an agent.
The seller still owed on their mortgage and wanted to use the client’s down payment to pay off the loan.
Sounds risky? It was.
Without escrow or legal safeguards, the seller could pay off their loan, and still back out of the sale, leaving the buyer in a legal mess.
That’s why I always recommend working with:
a certified agent
a secure escrow company
a trustworthy closing attorney
They’re not “extras”, they’re protections for one of the biggest investments of your life.
4. Not verifying if the property is actually ready to be sold
Just because a home is listed doesn’t mean it’s legally ready for sale.
Before any offer is signed, we check:
title status
property tax payments
current fideicomiso or escritura
seller’s legal rights to sell
This is part of the due diligence process, and it’s what prevents nasty surprises down the road.
5. Thinking you don’t need a legal team because you’re “just buying a house”
In Mexico, the closing attorney is not just for the wealthy or complex deals. They are your advocate during the purchase.
They:
verify all legal documents
coordinate with the notary
ensure your fideicomiso is properly set up
handle registration with Catastro and Registro Público
Trying to “save money” by skipping this step can cost you a lot more later. I always remind clients: this is your future home or investment, it deserves a solid foundation.
Final thoughts
Working with a certified real estate advisor, one who knows the process and the local culture, can make all the difference.
My goal is not only to help you buy safely, but also to feel at home in La Paz.
If you’re thinking of buying here, I’d be happy to guide you.
Send me a message, and let’s talk.
