Documents needed to sell your home in Puerto Aventuras, as a foreigner

We decided to sell our condo and relocate to another part of Mexico.  We absolutely love Mexico and would never consider leaving this beautiful country.  But after ten years, it was time to say goodbye to Puerto Aventuras and explore other areas like Lake Chapala and The State of Oaxaca.

In my final blog post for Puerto Aventuras, Mexico, I wanted to outline the documents needed to sell your home or condo in Puerto Aventuras, as a foreigner.  It’s a relatively easy process, provided you have all the documents required.  

The entire process took about 4 months; from the time we contacted our real estate agent until we received a real offer and closed.  I say “real offer” because the first person that saw our home put in an offer immediately but needed to apply for a partial loan to secure our condo.  Unfortunately, our home was taken off the market while potential owner waited for their loan.  Tragically, the person was not able to ascertain the loan, and the deal fell through.  

Imagine the disappointment for us and the person that fell in love with our condo.  And, to make matters worse, since our home was taken off the market, there were missed opportunities to sell to other interested parties. After the shock and disappointment subsided, our condo was placed back on the market and the showings continued.  

After a few more weeks of showings, we did receive a legitimate offer and the process started.  Part of that process was providing certain documents to our real estate broker and our closing attorney.  The documents I am going to list may or may not be the same for you.  One of the primary things I’ve learned about Mexico is everything can change, and quickly.  

And one more thing that goes without saying; make sure you have a lock box and set of keys for your agent to conduct showings.

 Here is a list of documents we needed to provide to our real estate agent to sell our condo:

1. CFE - The most recent CFE bill with our RFC on it.

2. Bank statement - Front page of bank statement of where you want the funds to be deposited.

3. Regime from condo or home.

4. Registro Federal de Contribuyentes (RFC). Also known as Constancia De Situacion Fiscal.

5. Property Tax Receipt – The one you received when paying online will not be sufficient.  You will need to go directly to the property tax office and obtain an official receipt from them.

6. HOA Report - Latest report from your HOA showing that you are up to date with your monthly HOA fees.

7. Water bill - Current water bill.  Either your individual bill or the common water bill.

8. Deed - make sure it’s complete.

9. Permanent Residency cards

10. Passports

11. Marriage Certificate

12. Annual trust receipt (Fideicomiso)

13. Quarterly Colonos (our larger community HOA) Payment receipt if paid separately.

In addition to these documents, you will need to have access to the internet, a printer/scanner, the WhatsApp app, and be comfortable using online signature applications.  Everything is done online. 

In terms of selecting a real estate agent, it’s important to do your due diligence.  Ask your friends or neighbors, check out the different agents in your community.  Read their reviews, and maybe see if you can get a personal referral. Discuss what your needs are in terms of timeframe and listing price options. 

Best of luck in your sales process!