M: Email has been enabled in profile.

TH: Notary just keeps asking for an extention.

Rob: Thanks for the info

So I made the plunge and purchased a place in Zihua that was being built. Now that it's time to transfer title they are refusing to, saying we never had a contract, even though there is, it was done by courier. Yes they have been paid. Is this common?

Before you made the plunge did you check to see if there was water in the pool?

The explanation of your plight is a little short on details, but it is probably safe to say that at any Mexican beach resort it is "common" to find scam-artist realtors and fraudulent developers. Zihua cannot claim exemption from that.

Separtely, the legal system in this country -- including land title -- can be a confusing, tangled mess to negotiate for locals, let alone foreigners.

Some basic rules: Always deal with on a reputable real estate agent on any transaction, and even contract an outside lawyer for additional advice. NEVER "leap before you look," and NEVER buy a property "off the drawing board."

I would like to add some color to your post.
As far as I know, real estate agents are not a 'licensed' profession in Mexico in the way I think of it in the USA.
Although I do think there are some Mexican and even possibly non-Mexican individuals who have some kind of 'certification'.
Anyone can claim to be a real estate agent.
So reputation is everything.
Please correct me if I am wrong.

As regards buying "off the drawing board", I did so because the architect/builder was well known (Zozaya) and I had seen some of his other projects which I admired- and who doesn't like a (pre-construction) 'deal'?
For the most part I have been happy with my purchase. Not without issues however.
So I guess it depends on an individuals tolerance to enter into a bit of the 'unknown' in a field where there may not be many knowns.

Maybe you've noticed I don't recommend the architect you mention. He's shown a lack of ethical principles too many times for me to be able to list him or recommend his services.

I have noticed.
And I do understand and appreciate your concern.

The explanation of your plight is a little short on details, but it is probably safe to say that at any Mexican beach resort it is "common" to find scam-artist realtors and fraudulent developers. Zihua cannot claim exemption from that.

Separtely, the legal system in this country -- including land title -- can be a confusing, tangled mess to negotiate for locals, let alone foreigners.

Some basic rules: Always deal with on a reputable real estate agent on any transaction, and even contract an outside lawyer for additional advice. NEVER "leap before you look," and NEVER buy a property "off the drawing board."

I would like to add some color to your post.
As far as I know, real estate agents are not a 'licensed' profession in Mexico in the way I think of it in the USA.
Although I do think there are some Mexican and even possibly non-Mexican individuals who have some kind of 'certification'.
Anyone can claim to be a real estate agent.
So reputation is everything.
Please correct me if I am wrong.

As regards buying "off the drawing board", I did so because the architect/builder was well known (Zozaya) and I had seen some of his other projects which I admired- and who doesn't like a (pre-construction) 'deal'?
For the most part I have been happy with my purchase. Not without issues however.
So I guess it depends on an individuals tolerance to enter into a bit of the 'unknown' in a field where there may not be many knowns.

Maybe you've noticed I don't recommend the architect you mention. He's shown a lack of ethical principles too many times for me to be able to list him or recommend his services.

Sorry I didn't leave enough details. We have a lawyer, purchased from a well known builder. Did research and spent 3 years on this. Took the plunge. We have extended the titling due to the builder not signing off, not sure if I am using the right words but technically we don't have ownership they are refusing to transfer. (Yes I know we don't personally get the title) Living in the house. Lawsuit going. Lawyer basically saying builder has more moola and knows the judge. Brief on details as I don't need more trouble.

ColdCanadian- activate the ability to send you a personal message.
It's in your profile

The explanation of your plight is a little short on details, but it is probably safe to say that at any Mexican beach resort it is "common" to find scam-artist realtors and fraudulent developers. Zihua cannot claim exemption from that.

Separtely, the legal system in this country -- including land title -- can be a confusing, tangled mess to negotiate for locals, let alone foreigners.

Some basic rules: Always deal with on a reputable real estate agent on any transaction, and even contract an outside lawyer for additional advice. NEVER "leap before you look," and NEVER buy a property "off the drawing board."

I would like to add some color to your post.
As far as I know, real estate agents are not a 'licensed' profession in Mexico in the way I think of it in the USA.
Although I do think there are some Mexican and even possibly non-Mexican individuals who have some kind of 'certification'.
Anyone can claim to be a real estate agent.
So reputation is everything.
Please correct me if I am wrong.

As regards buying "off the drawing board", I did so because the architect/builder was well known (Zozaya) and I had seen some of his other projects which I admired- and who doesn't like a (pre-construction) 'deal'?
For the most part I have been happy with my purchase. Not without issues however.
So I guess it depends on an individuals tolerance to enter into a bit of the 'unknown' in a field where there may not be many knowns.

Sorry I didn't leave enough details. We have a lawyer, purchased from a well known builder. Did research and spent 3 years on this. Took the plunge. We have extended the titling due to the builder not signing off, not sure if I am using the right words but technically we don't have ownership they are refusing to transfer. (Yes I know we don't personally get the title) Living in the house. Lawsuit going. Lawyer basically saying builder has more moola and knows the judge. Brief on details as I don't need more trouble.

Thanks for the clarifications.

Sounds like your lawyer wants you to play the game of "who can pay the biggest bribe". Not a good sign from your lawyer.

So I made the plunge and purchased a place in Zihua that was being built. Now that it's time to transfer title they are refusing to, saying we never had a contract, even though there is, it was done by courier. Yes they have been paid. Is this common?

You paid WHOM for WHAT?? Foreigners can't have titles for land within 50 km of the coast. You have to have a bank trust.

A lawyer might be just more wasted money at this point, but it appears to be your only recourse. Major bummer!

Separtely, the legal system in this country -- including land title -- can be a confusing, tangled mess to negotiate for locals, let alone foreigners.

Some basic rules: Always deal with on a reputable real estate agent on any transaction, and even contract an outside lawyer for additional advice. NEVER "leap before you look," and NEVER buy a property "off the drawing board."