Forums > Areas > Southern Mexico

tulumnthesun

Aug 23, 2010, 9:13 PM

Post #1 of 9 (5047 views)

Shortcut

Home Inspections

Can't Post | Private Reply

Hello to Everyone
I am currently looking into some different property for long term investment and potential retirement as well,and my question is regarding Home Inspections. Are they not common place in real estate transactions in Mexico or the Yucatan? It would be helpful even after visiting a property to have someone with experience in this field look at a paticular residence and give me an overall condition report of sorts. Looking at many properties with limited time doesn't allow that kind of inspection. Any thoughts would be helpful.
Thank you very much

chinagringo

Aug 24, 2010, 9:20 AM

Post #2 of 9 (5016 views)

Shortcut

Re: [tulumnthesun] Home Inspections

Can't Post | Private Reply

As with title searches, title insurance and many other aspects of a property transaction in Mexico, one should not expect a great deal of similarity with those NOB. A home inspection by a qualified "home inspector" is another of those aspects typically missing. Having been associated with a franchise of one of the largest Home Inspection Companies in the US, there is a real disparity in qualifications and expertise NOB due to the lack of licensing or testing. In much the same manner as most anyone can claim to be a real estate agent in Mexico, I would guess that there are virtually no qualifications necessary to hang out a shingle claiming to be an inspector. Have no idea about the Yucatan but will use the Lake Chapala area as an example. To my knowledge, there is only one fellow offering such a service and he has written articles for MexConnect:
http://www.mexconnect.com/...ors/94-j-brad-grieve

His web site is:
http://www.inspec-mx.com/

It might be worthwhile contacting him for comment and maybe recommendations.
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM

tulumnthesun

Sep 24, 2010, 9:00 AM

Post #3 of 9 (4683 views)

Shortcut

Re: [chinagringo] Home Inspections

Can't Post | Private Reply

Thank You Neil
I appreciate your input. I checked out the link you provided to Ajijic Home Inspections and this would be exactly the type of services I would be interested in. Ive done a search of the area I am looking into (Playa del Carmen North to Tulum) only to find a real estate company providing that as a service.It seems as though that might be a tad bit of a conflict of interest. Im curious as to how other mexconnect members have dealt with this same situation.
Thanks again Neil.

Regards,
Ken

chinagringo

Sep 24, 2010, 9:17 AM

Post #4 of 9 (4679 views)

Shortcut

Re: [tulumnthesun] Home Inspections

Can't Post | Private Reply

"only to find a real estate company providing that as a service.It seems as though that might be a tad bit of a conflict of interest."

You have hit the nail on the head! Even here in NM, listing or seller's agents know exactly who to recommend for a Home Inspection to get a good report - ethics be damned. I have seen inspectors that will do an inspection in 15 to 30 minutes for a 4000 square foot home and then crank out a "cookie cutter" report that reports zero or very few minor problems. If they get caught with omission errors, they go out of business and then start up with a new shingle. One of the easiest professions to get into without certification or licensing.
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM

Reefhound

Sep 24, 2010, 12:40 PM

Post #5 of 9 (4643 views)

Shortcut

Re: [chinagringo] Home Inspections

Can't Post | Private Reply

When I bought my house 12 years ago, my buyer agent gave me a list of inspectors and invited me to find my own as well. She marked a few as deal killers and a few as deal makers, explaining that the former could find stuff to scare a buyer to death in a brand new home and the latter wouldn't find anything if the roof fell in on them during the inspection. I found my own and one of the first things he asked when he showed up was whether I wanted the short form or the long form, explaining some buyers already know they want the house no matter what and just want a quick inspection to satisfy the lender. I chose the long form and he was there 5 or 6 hours and I got a binder a few days later with each system described in detail.

chinagringo

Sep 24, 2010, 3:34 PM

Post #6 of 9 (4622 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Reefhound] Home Inspections

Can't Post | Private Reply

Contrary to what some real estate agents would like people to believe, a qualified and thorough home inspector: Does not Kill Deals - A BAD HOME KILLS DEALS!
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM

(This post was edited by chinagringo on Sep 24, 2010, 3:50 PM)

Vichil

Sep 24, 2010, 4:48 PM

Post #7 of 9 (4611 views)

Shortcut

Re: [tulumnthesun] Home Inspections

Can't Post | Private Reply

In Chiapas , I hired an engineer and in Ajijic a contractor who could answer my question independently from the owner or realestate agent.

Peter

Sep 24, 2010, 5:10 PM

Post #8 of 9 (4606 views)

Shortcut

Re: [chinagringo] Home Inspections

Can't Post | Private Reply

Contrary to what some real estate agents would like people to believe, a qualified and thorough home inspector: Does not Kill Deals - A BAD HOME KILLS DEALS!

I agree, I want to know what I may have to deal with right away. But a few minor discrepancies can kill financing and also deals if the seller doesn't care to correct an over-picky list of faults.

roni_smith

Sep 25, 2010, 2:54 PM

Post #9 of 9 (4552 views)

Shortcut

Re: [tulumnthesun] Home Inspections

Can't Post | Private Reply

I know people who can help you on the Caribbean coast

Michelle and Rob

Here is the blog. There is contact information there.

They have built in Puerto Aventuras, do real estate business and are building their dream home now.

They have a reputation of integrity

http://www.buyplaya.com/..._kinnon/default.aspx
------
Planning for Mexico Move Blog