Homes in Baja California for Sale

Baja California Homes for Sale

Resale Homes

There are so many communities in Baja California real estate with a great variety of choices when it comes to houses available for sale in Northern Baja California, Mexico. The re-sale market has its challenges because there were few - if any construction or building standards that Americans are familiar with when most of the homes were built. If you do find your “dream home” in one of the older communities, it is extremely important that the appraisal includes a report on construction, electricity, and plumbing as well as a careful look at the roof. Do not take the word of the seller or the agent – insist on an independent report, even if the home has an existing Bank Trust, and make sure you get title insurance. If the seller or agent objects, make it a non-negotiable part of the sale and if possible, try to get your deposit held by an Escrow company.

Custom Home Developments

There are more new communities with custom homes available than ever before in Baja North. These homes will give you a much higher standard of construction as well as a greater choice in design. It is much easier to get finance on new homes and title insurance should be considered essential when purchasing any property, new or otherwise. It is acceptable for the purchaser to control the funds for the construction of new homes. Typically 25% down with three equal payments during construction is advisable. It is also a good idea to have an independent evaluation of the construction of your home. Ask for references from the builder and make sure the Home Owner’s Association is in control of the quality of life conditions. These would typically include the water, electricity, telephone lines and Internet, garbage and sewage treatment.

Condominium Developments

This is the fastest growing segment of the Baja Property market with a new Condo Developments spring up all along the coast. This is also the riskiest type of development and should be thoroughly researched before buying. Don’t buy with your heart here.

Ask to see the title insurance policy and contact the Title Insurance Company yourself. Be wary of any developer that asks for the deposit to be written to his company or the real estate agent. Make sure the deposit is held by the Title Insurance Escrow Company.

Ask to see the building permits and make sure there are sprinklers. If you are buying for investment, make sure there is a solid marketing plan to keep your unit rented and a property management company with references. If there is finance offered, make sure it is in the contract. Ask to see the construction contract so you will know the standards of the construction and make sure every sub-contractor is licensed. There are many good developers in Baja and if you ask the right questions you will know if you are working with one.

Ranches/Acreage

The same criteria applies for land and ranches as any other property purchase in Baja. Title insurance and escrow are essential but there are other issues to consider as well when purchasing land. Water is a very valuable resource so make sure you have enough available for your needs. Access to electricity, to telephone lines and roads are also obviously important and will be very expensive if they are not readily available. Consider who your neighbors are, also what the restrictions on construction are, and what is planned for the community in general. These are all good questions to ask. Get a qualified surveyor, a good lawyer and an experienced real estate agent and ask for references.

Lotes

The decision to purchase a lot to build a home on or to hold as an investment has become very popular. Prices are generally determined by the size and the proximity to the ocean, but there are other factors to consider as well. Gated communities with services including water, electricity and telephone lines are a safe purchase, but the most important factor to determine is the availability of title insurance and a bank trust.

	Many developers will offer finance, but make sure when you pay off the loan you will get a clear title.
	Research the HOA fees and the taxes as well as the plan for roads and street lights. Ask to speak to someone else who has purchased in the development.
	Find out how long you have to build and what the restrictions are in building your home.
	If you are not buying in a community, do the research to determine the services you will have at your property.

Beautiful San Antonio del Mar units available.

In summation, the purchase of property in Baja California, Mexico is no different in its inherent risks, than purchasing property in the United States. Both require the security of title insurance, escrow, lien release, a qualified survey and a legal contract.

Why on earth would you disregard any of these critical criteria when purchasing in Mexico?