Buyer Due Diligence Checklist

 

1) Printable Buyer Due Diligence Checklist

Download the PDF: Download

BUYER DUE DILIGENCE CHECKLIST (MÉRIDA)

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:





FAQ's

What is a “Certificado de Libertad de Gravamen”?
Who requests the Libertad de Gravamen certificate?
Do I still need an inspection if a notary is involved?
What should I verify about furniture and appliances?
What are the most common “surprise” issues in Mérida?
If the property is a condo, what documents matter most?
When should foreign buyers decide on fideicomiso vs corporation?
What are the reasons closings get delayed?