Safe payment: escrow and earnest money in Mexico

How your money is protected in the transaction

The most expensive mistake in a property purchase is wiring deposits to personal accounts. Mexico has escrow structures that keep your money neutral until the contract's conditions are met.

Escrow options

• Licensed escrow and title companies operating in Mexico (Stewart Title, First American, Latin American Title among others).
• Bank trust accounts for the deposit and the balance.
• Direct deposit with the notary in states and deals where local practice allows.

How earnest money works

The typical earnest deposit runs 5% to 10% of the price and releases only against signed conditions: deed signed, clean title, closing date. If the deal falls through for the cause the contract contemplates, the contract governs the refund. That is what we review line by line before you wire.

Red flags

Personal accounts, pressure to transfer before a signed contract, and verbal promises about refunds. No serious transaction needs them. My rule: if the money has no neutral structure in writing, it does not move.