How to Verify a Developer Before Buying Preconstruction in Mexico EPISODE 12

Buying preconstruction real estate in Puerto Vallarta can be a strong move, but only if you know who you're actually buying from. Episode 12 of *The Foreign Buyer's Guide to Mexico* tackles one of the most critical steps foreign buyers skip: verifying the developer before any money changes hands. Nancy Valiente, an Attorney and Real Estate Broker with deep experience guiding international buyers through Mexico's real estate market, walks through seven specific areas every buyer should investigate. These aren't abstract tips, they're the exact checks that separate a sound preconstruction purchase from a costly mistake. **The legal entity in the contract.** The name on the contract must match a verifiable Mexican legal entity. If it doesn't, that's a red flag before you've even gone further. **Land ownership.** Who actually owns the land the project sits on? The developer and the landowner are not always the same party, and that distinction matters enormously to your title. **Signing authority.** The person signing your contract needs documented authority to bind the company. Nancy explains what to look for and why a signature alone isn't enough. **Permits, in context.** A permit exists on paper doesn't mean the project is fully entitled. Understanding what a permit covers, and what it doesn't, is essential due diligence for any home buyer entering a preconstruction agreement. **Payment instructions.** Where your money goes should align precisely with the transaction documents. Mismatched payment instructions are one of the most common vectors for fraud in preconstruction deals across Mexico. These five areas are part of the full seven Nancy covers in this episode. Taken together, they give foreign buyers a practical framework for evaluating a developer's legitimacy before committing to a purchase in Puerto Vallarta or anywhere else along Mexico's Pacific coast. Preconstruction real estate in Puerto Vallarta continues to attract significant interest from buyers across North America in 2026, and the due diligence process hasn't gotten simpler. This episode gives you the vocabulary and the checklist to ask the right questions and protect your investment. If you have questions about buying preconstruction in Puerto Vallarta, reach out to Nancy directly.