Frequently Asked Questions for Sellers

For real estate in San Miguel de Allende

How long will it take for my property to be promoted on your website?

After you sign a listing contract with one of our agents, the agent will have your home professionally photographed.  Once...

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How are capital gains taxes calculated and paid?

The Short Answer The notario who is managing the sale of your property will decide how much capital gains are...

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Should I leave room in the price for negotiations?

This very much depends on current market activity. The market goes in cycles, and our data shows that in the...

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Who chooses the notario we will use for closing?

In theory, it is the buyer who has the right to choose the notario they want to work with. If...

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Do I have to be in San Miguel for closing?

The Short Answer No. However, you will need to give someone a Power of Attorney (POA) so that they can...

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How do I give someone a power of attorney?

The Short Answer You’ll need to work with the notario who will close your transaction. If you are in San...

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How long will it take to sell my home?

There are four major factors that influence how fast your home will sell.   Location - You’ve probably already heard that...

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How long will it take to sell my home?

The Short Answer There are four major factors that work together to influence how fast your home will sell. These...

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How much is the commission on a sale?

In San Miguel de Allende, most agencies charge 6% commission plus IVA (value added tax). With few exceptions, it is...

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How are capital gains taxes paid?

It is the notario who is responsible to calculate the capital gains taxes due, retain them, and then pay them...

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How do I authenticate, or apostille, a document when I’m outside of Mexico?

An apostille is a certificate that authenticates all of the following: - the signature of a public official (e.g, a...

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What if the square meters of construction are not correctly reflected on my tax bill (predial)?

This is a common problem that our agents can help you correct before closing. This error can occur for a...

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Does Mexico recognize a document that has been notarized in the US or Canada?

To be recognized by Mexico, a document notarized in the US or Canada also has to be apostilled or notarized...

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How much is IVA?

In Mexico, IVA is a value added tax (Impuesto al Valor Agregado) that functions much like a sales tax in...

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What is an apostille?

An apostille is a document authorized by international treaty that authenticates a legal document signed in one country for use...

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Can I have a document notarized online?

I know of a few clients who have been successful with having a document notarized online for leasing agreements and...

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Should I offer owner financing for my property?

Much depends on where your property is located and how robust the market is. The fact is that many potential...

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What is IVA?

IVA is a value added tax that Mexico collects on ALL sales for products and services, with the exception of...

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Does Realty San Miguel use print advertising?

Print advertising used to work great for finding buyers. In the late 2000's, Realty San Miguel would often have five...

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How are capital gains taxes calculated and paid?

The In-Depth Answer Mexico's capital gains taxes are assessed at the federal level and are retained and paid by the...

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What is the capital gains exemption?

The In-Depth Answer You may be entitled to a partial exemption from capital gains taxes If you meet the following...

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Do I have to be in San Miguel for Closing?

The In-Depth Answer No, it is not necessary to be in San Miguel for the closing. However, you will need...

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How do I give someone a power of attorney?

The In-Depth Answer Creating a power of attorney (POA), which gives someone else the authority to sign for the purchase...

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What is a notario?

A notario in Mexico is very different from a notary public in the US. In addition to having a law...

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Does San Miguel have an MLS?

Yes, the Realtor Association (AMPI) in San Miguel de Allende does have an MLS. In fact, the property must be...

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How do I obtain a resident visa?

The main categories of resident visas in Mexico are residente temporal (temporary resident) and residente permanente (permanent resident). Both require...

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How does escrow work?

Escrow is a financial account that is shared between buyer and seller in which funds cannot be distributed without the...

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What precautions should I take when doing a wire transfer?

To ensure that you are not a victim of fraud, once you receive the wire transfer instructions, which you will...

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Should I register the deed in more than one name?

Whether or not to put your spouse, partner, or children on the deed is really an individual choice and usually...

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Who pays the sales commission?

The seller pays the sales commission. This cost is not something that the buyer needs to worry about.

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Which lawyers can close a real estate transaction?

Only a notario who can close a real estate transaction in Mexico.  

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What documents do I need to list my home for sale?

To list your home for sale with Realty San Miguel, you will need to provide ID* copies of your deed...

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