Paradise Listings is a real estate advisory firm serving the Riviera Maya and beyond, dedicated to helping international buyers invest, relocate, and build extraordinary lives in Mexico—with legal oversight at every step.
What Sets Us Apart
Paradise Listings was founded by husband-and-wife team Sarah Rose and Javier Contreras with a commitment to help international investors buy safely in Mexico.
Sarah and her team of licensed advisors guide clients through the process of finding the right property, understanding the market, and making confident investment decisions. As a Mexican real estate lawyer, Javier brings the legal expertise of his law firm that helps clients navigate contracts, due diligence, ownership structures, and closing procedures with clarity and confidence.
Together, we created a model that bridges the gap between real estate and legal services. At Paradise Listings, we don't simply help people find their little piece of paradise in Mexico. We help them buy safely—with legal oversight and peace of mind every step of the way.
We Help You Buy Your Property Safely
One of the biggest misconceptions we see among people starting their property search in Mexico is assuming the process works the same way it does back home.
One of the biggest differences between Mexico and countries like Canada and the United States is that there is no centralized MLS system.
Because of that, properties can be marketed across dozens of websites and social media platforms without the same level of oversight many foreign buyers are used to.
Unfortunately, that means buyers sometimes encounter:
Incomplete or inaccurate information
Properties with legal issues that haven't been properly disclosed
Unclear ownership situations
Developments that haven't been fully vetted
Agents operating without the proper licensing or training
This is one of the main reasons professional representation matters so much when buying property in Mexico.
At Paradise Listings, we built our agency differently.
My husband Javier is a lawyer, and together we created Paradise Listings to bridge the gap between real estate and legal protection in Mexico.
While most agencies focus solely on helping you find a property, our approach focuses equally on helping you buy safely.
Every client we work with benefits from professional guidance throughout the process, including independent legal support and due diligence to help identify potential issues before you commit to a purchase.
Your Questions About Buying in Mexico, Answered
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Yes. Foreigners can legally purchase real estate throughout Mexico. In coastal and border areas, ownership is typically held through a bank trust called a fideicomiso, which grants the foreign buyer full ownership rights, including the right to sell, rent, renovate, inherit, or transfer the property.
Want the full explanation? Read our guide: "Can Foreigners Buy Property in Mexico?"
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A fideicomiso is a bank trust used by foreigners to purchase property within Mexico's restricted zone (50 km from the coast and 100 km from international borders). Despite common misconceptions, the buyer remains the full beneficiary of the property and enjoys the same rights as a direct owner.
Want to learn more? Read our complete guide to fideicomisos in Mexico.
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Yes—provided you perform proper due diligence. Just like any real estate market, some properties are excellent investments while others carry risks. Working with a licensed real estate professional and an experienced real estate attorney can help protect your investment.
Read our article: "Due Diligence in Mexico: What We Check Before You Buy."
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While not legally required in every transaction, having a real estate lawyer review contracts and perform due diligence is one of the best ways to protect your investment. This is why we provide this service at no additional cost to our clients.
Read our article: "Why Legal Representation Matters When Buying Property in Mexico."
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Closing costs typically range between 7% and 10% of the purchase price and may include acquisition tax, notary fees, registration fees, trust fees (if applicable), and legal services.
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Yes. Several Mexican and international lenders offer financing options to foreign buyers, however rates are higher than in the US or Canada. Most international buyers purchase with cash or arrange financing through home-country institutions. If you think you will need financing, we can connect you with one of our mortgage specialists to help you explore your options.
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Most resale transactions take around 90 days, depending on the complexity of the transaction, Mexican holidays, processing times, and the trustee bank. Pre-construction purchases often follow a payment schedule tied to the construction timeline.
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Not necessarily. Many foreign buyers complete their purchase remotely by granting a trusted representative a Power of Attorney (POA) to sign closing documents on their behalf. This can be especially helpful if travel isn't practical during the closing period.
Read our guide: "Can You Buy Property in Mexico Without Being There?"
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In certain situations, yes. Some investors, business owners, or buyers with specific commercial objectives may choose to hold property through a Mexican corporation. However, this structure is not appropriate for every purchase and comes with additional legal, accounting, and compliance requirements.
We strongly recommend consulting with our legal team to determine whether a corporate ownership structure is suitable for your particular situation and investment goals.
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Title legally transfers on the day the deed (escritura) is signed before the notary and all closing requirements have been fulfilled.
Following closing, the deed must be formally recorded with the Public Registry of Property. This administrative process typically takes between three and eight months, depending on the municipality and local workload.
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Unless otherwise negotiated in the purchase agreement, possession of the property is transferred at the same time as title transfer and the release of funds from escrow.
In practical terms, this means that once closing is completed and the seller has received payment, you receive the keys and become the property's new owner.
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Owning property does not automatically grant residency, but many homeowners choose to apply for Temporary or Permanent Residency through separate immigration programs.
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At Paradise Listings, we combine licensed real estate expertise with in-house legal guidance through our partnership with Lighthouse Legal. Our goal is to help you find the right property while navigating the buying process with confidence, clarity, and legal certainty.
Meet the Founder
Originally from Canada and now based in Mexico, Sarah Rose founded Paradise Listings to help international buyers navigate the Mexican real estate market with clarity and confidence. Having personally relocated and invested in Mexico, she understands the questions, concerns, and aspirations foreign buyers bring to the process.
Her vision for Paradise Listings is simple: elevate standards, prioritize legal certainty, and help clients build meaningful lives in extraordinary places.
Our Team
LIGHTHOUSE LEGAL
Lighthouse Legal Services provides independent legal review and due diligence for Paradise Listings clients, ensuring every transaction is legally sound, transparent, and properly structured. Their oversight adds an essential layer of protection from contract to closing.
LEGAL TEAM
In addition to being a real estate advisor, Carlos is an accomplished wedding planner, known for his attention to detail, organization, and ability to create seamless experiences. His warm personality, professionalism, and dedication make him a trusted guide for clients looking to find their perfect place in paradise.
REAL ESTATE ADVISORCARLOS HERNANDEZ
BELINDA CONTRERAS
Lighthouse Legal Services provides independent legal review and due diligence for Paradise Listings clients, ensuring every transaction is legally sound, transparent, and properly structured. Their oversight adds an essential layer of protection from contract to closing.
REAL ESTATE LAWYER AND ADVISOR
ALICIA LEDESMA
Originally from Mexico City and with over 7 years of experience in the Riviera Maya, Alicia offers a seamless client experience. In addition to her background in real estate, Alicia is a lawyer specializing in real estate law so she brings an extra layer of expertise to her clients.
REAL ESTATE LAWYER AND ADVISOR