In this video, Karina Sayed, broker and owner of Playa Realtors, walks first time buyers through what to know before buying property in Mexico and how to use our website to plan a purchase. Here is a written summary of the main points.
Who will guide you
Playa Realtors is a licensed real estate brokerage in Quintana Roo with more than 20 years of experience in the region. Karina is a member of the National Association of Realtors in the United States and of AMPI in both Cancún and Playa del Carmen. The team covers the whole state, from Holbox in the north to Bacalar and Mahahual in the south, with offices in Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
Why representation matters
Many of the bad stories buyers hear in social media groups come from the same place: no representation, or poor representation. Karina explains that Playa Realtors works for the buyer and does not represent developers, so there is no inventory to push. The team has access to the full market, including presales, resales and properties that are not publicly listed, and works with the entire network of listing agents.
She also points out something many foreign buyers miss: Spanish is the legal language in Mexico. Contracts, agreements and the closing are all in Spanish, so your agent needs to know the language and the local process, not only the market in your home country. You can check whether an agent is licensed in Quintana Roo before you work with them.
A quick tour of the region
The video gives an overview of the main areas buyers ask about:
- Isla Blanca and Costa Mujeres, north of Cancún and growing fast.
- Cancún, including the ocean facing Hotel Zone and Puerto Cancún.
- Puerto Morelos, a fishing town between Cancún and Playa del Carmen.
- Playa del Carmen, facing the island of Cozumel, a favorite of divers.
- Akumal and Puerto Aventuras, with its marina, between Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
- Sian Ka’an, a large protected area with a few secluded luxury villas on the ocean.
It starts with knowing you
Before showing properties, the team wants to understand how you live: what you do in your free time, whether you want a Mexican style home or something brand new, or a condo so you never have to think about the pool. That is how they recommend the right city, not only the right property. The relationship also does not end at the offer: it continues through delivery of the property and after the sale.
Next steps
- Read the Buy with Us guide and the closing guide to see every step of the purchase.
- Explore the cities to compare areas.
- Meet the Playa Realtors team.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my agent from Canada or the United States to buy in Mexico?
They can help you at home, but the process in Mexico is different. Contracts and the closing are in Spanish and follow local rules, so you need a licensed local agent who represents you.
Does Playa Realtors represent developers?
No. Playa Realtors represents buyers, never developers, and has access to presales, resales and off market properties across Quintana Roo.
What does the buying process look like?
It usually starts with a conversation about your goals and lifestyle, then property search, due diligence, offer, notary and closing, and support through the delivery of the property. Plan for closing costs of 7 to 10% of the purchase price.
If this approach makes sense to you, reach out to us. We start with a conversation, not a showing, because the right property only makes sense after the right strategy.
More videos: all Playa Realtors videos.
