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them and had an outstanding experience. They helped me immensely in get-
ting through my first home-purchasing experience in Mazatlán. Their beauti-
ful receptionist, Elvira Barron, was extremely helpful in connecting my utili-
ties. The telephone number is 914-4001. Their email address is
realtymex@mzt.megared.net.mx.
Mazatlán Homes: My fellow gringo, Roger Culbertson owns it. While the
company is part of the multiple listing system, and works with properties all
over Mazatlán, they specialize in old Mazatlán.
Everyone I talk to who has made a property purchase
through Roger swears by him. Even those that have not
purchased property comment on how helpful Roger
has been. He can be telephoned at 982-6333 or cell
phone, 044-669-919-4836. His email address is
mazhomes@mazinfo.com, and his web page is
www.mazinfo.com/mazhomes.
Mazatlán Online Properties: This is not a real estate
company, but a part of Henry Laxen's Maztravel website.
Property owners or agents can list their properties for sale there free of charge.
You can register the property on a simple form and send a photo to Henry
Laxen. Naturally, people interested in purchasing property can go to the web
and review them. Check out this great site at http://www.maztravel.com/mops.
The Deal
Generally, you will be required to make a written offer, with a check as a
deposit, or a 5% deposit in a bank. The agent will take your offer to the seller.
You may receive a rejection or a counter offer, but not always in writing. If it is
a counter offer, you may either submit a written counter offer, or reject their
offer. Be warned that I've heard that some Mexican owners are not really inter-
ested in selling their home. I've been told of occasions where buyers have made
offers of the advertised sales price and the seller rejected them. My guess is that
they are testing the market. You should always execute a purchase agreement
with the seller of the house. Some agents have a fairly standard written agree-
ment, but I have, with permission of Henry Laxen, copied a page from his
http://www.maztravel.com website, at Appendix 6 for your use. Once you
agree on a price, the Notario enters the picture.
Notario: Notarios are not like notaries in the U.S The Mexican Notario has
a law degree and becomes a certified government agent. They are unbiased,
official representatives of the government and have a fiduciary responsibility
to both parties and sanction the contract from a tax and legal point of view.
Roger Culbertson,
Mazatlan Homes
117
Char les A. Hall