Once we have an accepted offer, the Closing Coordinator will provide the buyers, who will be responsible for 100% of the closing costs, with a closing cost estimate. It is an estimate because the exchange rate fluctuates in Mexico and it can have an effect not only on the fees and expenses but, more importantly, upon the value of the property which is often ‘sold’ in terms of US Dollars but always registered in Mexican Pesos.
The buyer will be asked to advance about half of the estimated costs to the notary to cover his out-of- pocket expenses, and the balance is usually paid by personal check to the notary at the closing, or can be deposited into an escrow and disbursed directly to the notary’s account at closing.
The Closing Costs in Mexico consist of various fees and expenses and generally total between 4% to 6% of the actual purchase price (higher if there is a mortgage involved). These costs are always the responsibility of the buyer. (The seller will bear the cost of the real estate fees and his capital gains taxes, as applicable). These Closing Costs are generally as follows: (these fees – in USD – are to be used as a guideline only and are approximate. They will vary according to the size of the transaction and the exchange rate at the time).
- Transfer tax – 2% State Tax
- Trust Permit –$1,000 Department of Foreign Affairs Mexico City
- Foreign Investment Registry – $700 Department of Foreign Investment Mexico City
- Trustee Bank Acceptance Fee – $550 Wherever the Trust Division of the Trustee Bank is located in Mexico.
- Trustee Bank First Year’s Trust Fee – $550 Wherever the Trust Division of the Trustee Bank is located in Mexico.
- Appraisal for Future Tax Assessment – The appraisal for Future Tax Assessment in Mexico varies with property size with locally certified appraiser.
- Non-Encumbrance Certificate – The Non-Encumbrance Certificate from the Land Registry Office (LRO) in Jalisco or Nayarit is about $15.
- Preventative Notice Advice – The Preventative Notice Advice from the LRO are about $30 (for 2).
- Registration Fees in the LRO – Registration Fees in the Land Registry Office varies from .5% to 1.0% (Jalisco/Nayarit).
- Notary’s Fee – The Notary’s Fee in Mexico varies from .5% to 1% depending upon transaction size.