Buyer Due Diligence Checklist

Buying a home in Mérida involves more than choosing the right property. Due diligence helps buyers verify the legal status, condition, documentation, costs, and practical details of a property before closing.

Use this checklist as a guide to help you stay organized, ask the right questions, and understand what should be reviewed along the way.

1) Printable Buyer Due Diligence Checklist

Download the Printable Buyer Due Diligence Checklist PDF

Use this checklist to track verifications before closing. (General guidance — confirm specifics with your notary and/or attorney.)

A) Property Fit and Decision Basics

☐ Confirm intended use: ☐ Full-time ☐ Part-time ☐ Rental ☐ Mixed
☐ Confirm neighborhood fit (walkability / noise / parking reality)
☐ Confirm must-haves: ☐ Pool ☐ Garage ☐ Garden ☐ Single-level ☐ Turnkey ☐ Renovation OK
☐ Confirm inclusions (appliances, furniture, equipment) in writing
☐ Confirm seller timeline and your target closing window

B) Offer / Agreement Clarity

☐ Purchase price and key terms are clearly written
☐ Deposit amount and timing are clearly written
☐ Closing date / timeline is clearly written
☐ Inclusions list is attached or itemized in the agreement
☐ Any conditions tied to due diligence are clearly stated (if applicable)

C) Ownership and Registry Checks (Legal)

☐ Seller identity and legal capacity to sell confirmed
☐ Escritura (title deed) provided for review
☐ Property matches documentation (address/description/measurements consistent)
☐ Certificado de Libertad de Gravamen requested and reviewed (liens/encumbrances)
☐ Any annotations/restrictions are explained and resolved before closing
☐ If condo/HOA: legal regime documentation provided (if applicable)

D) Taxes and Obligations

☐ Predial (property tax) status confirmed as current
☐ Water account status confirmed (where applicable)
☐ Electricity account status confirmed (where applicable)
☐ HOA/condo fees current (if applicable)
☐ Any special assessments disclosed (if applicable)

E) Condominium / HOA (if applicable)

☐ Condominium bylaws/rules obtained (Régimen en Condominio)
☐ Rental restrictions reviewed (short-term vs long-term)
☐ Rules affecting renovations reviewed (permits/approvals)
☐ Parking rules confirmed
☐ Reserve fund / maintenance responsibilities understood

F) Physical Inspection and Systems (Recommended)

☐ Roof/waterproofing history reviewed
☐ Moisture indicators checked (walls/ceilings/floors)
☐ Plumbing pressure and drainage tested
☐ Electrical panel and grounding reviewed
☐ Structural indicators assessed (cracks/settlement patterns)
☐ Pool equipment inspected (if applicable)
☐ A/C systems inspected (if applicable)

G) Renovation / Feasibility (if applicable)

☐ Scope of prior renovations documented (what/when/by whom)
☐ Feasibility assessment completed for planned work
☐ Budget range + timeline estimated by qualified specialist(s)
☐ Contingency plan included in your budget

H) Foreign Buyer Ownership Structure (if applicable)

☐ Ownership pathway confirmed: ☐ Fideicomiso ☐ Corporation ☐ Other
☐ Structure aligns with intended use (personal vs business/rental)
☐ Timeline impact understood (avoid last-minute delays)

I) Closing Readiness

☐ Notary selected / file opened / timeline confirmed
☐ List of required buyer documents confirmed
☐ Funds transfer plan confirmed (timing + logistics)
☐ Final inclusions list confirmed
☐ Utility/service transition plan prepared (post-closing)

Notes / Questions:

FAQs