Faq
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I list my property on MBO?
Mexico does not have a Multiple Listing Service (MLS). This means realtors and brokers often share your listing with a small number of contacts but do not have a way to showcase your property to the world market. Often, after a few weeks, your property becomes an afterthought and is almost invisible to potential buyers or renters.
Is MBO a real estate agency?
No. Mexico by Owner is an online listing service only with no affiliation to any agencies, realtors or brokers. So, we are able to represent all who are looking to sell or rent their property.
Is it really just $1 a day to add my property to MBO?
Absolutely. Owners who list on MBO are billed $30 US every 30 days (plus any applicable taxes) for our standard listings option. Or, choose to be a featured listing for $1.50/day and be billed $45 US every 30 days. Imagine what that could save you in realtor commissions, broker fees, rental agency costs or online vacation rental platform fees.
Is MBO completely free for potential buyers and renters?
Yes. Buyers and renters search for free, contact owners directly and pay MBO nothing, nada, zero.
Are there contracts? Can I cancel anytime?
MBO does not tie you down with contracts or exclusivity. You are free to sell or rent your property however and wherever you choose. You may cancel at any time by logging into the website. Note: any days remaining on your billing cycle are not refundable.
Can I edit my property listing myself?
Yes. You have full control over your listings through the MBO website. There, you can change any details, pricing or photos as often as you like free of charge.
How does billing work?
You will be billed every 30 days via Link by Stripe, which is one of the world’s most popular and secure online payment platforms.
How do I cancel my listing subscription?
To cancel your listing just log in to your owner dashboard, click “My Subscription”, select “View” for the listing you wish to cancel, and click “Cancel Subscription”.
Your listing will be removed at the end of your current billing cycle. Any days remaining on your billing cycle are not refundable.
What do I do if I have an interested buyer?
You are, of course, able to still work with a realtor to guide you through the selling process — perhaps even at a lower rate since you have found the buyer. You can also choose to use the buyer’s realtor and save on commissions. Or, you can close the deal yourself by hiring your local notary or “notario público”.
Notarios are a necessary part of every real estate transaction in Mexico. They specialize in real estate and handle the legal transfer of funds and title for a fee rather than a commission.
How can I verify the owner of the property?
In the case of purchasing property, you should always consult a notario (notario público) and not send money directly to the owner. The notario is there to make sure all parties follow the legal process for real estate transactions and transferring titles in Mexico. The notario has an obligation to protect you and your money and can set up an escrow account. They are a vital part of every real estate deal and should not be skipped.
When renting, you can verify you are dealing directly with the owner by asking them to provide documents featuring their name and the address of the listed property, for example: a current utility bill such as CFE (electricity), CAPA (water) or Telmex (internet).
We remind you that MBO is a listing service only—designed to help owners, buyers and renters connect—it is your responsibility to follow the proper steps to ensure your purchase or rental goes smoothly.
How can I spot a scam?
Sellers
If a buyer offers to purchase your property sight unseen that is a red flag. As the saying goes, “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.” Serious buyers will want to tour the property in-person, conduct an inspection and negotiate on the price.
Beware of sending sensitive property ownership or banking documents. Once you and a buyer have negotiated a price, it is time to consult a notario público. They can guide you through the legal process and paperwork and ensure all steps are taken to protect everyone involved.
Buyers
Deposits and payments should be handled via a reputable escrow service rather than sent directly to the owner. In Mexico, a notario público is a highly regulated lawyer appointed by the state, not just someone who stamps documents. All legal closings must go through one. If someone tells you, “We don’t need a notario,” it is a red flag.
The notario is the one who actually transfers title and registers it in the Public Registry. The notario will advise you and the seller regarding deposits and payments for the property using an escrow account to protect all parties and follow proper procedure.
Can I still use a realtor or broker?
Of course. MBO is a way to make your property more visible to the world market. Once you find your own buyer or renter, you may be able to negotiate a lower commission or flat fee with your representative for them to help guide you through the process; or, you can handle the entire sale or rental with your local notario público.
Mexico by Owner is an affordable tool that gives you more control over the sale or rental of your biggest investment. Use MBO by itself or in conjunction with other online platforms and agents for maximum exposure.
Can I share my listing?
Of course! We encourage you to share your listing with as many people as possible. The entire purpose of MBO is to get your property noticed and found by potential buyers or renters.
Can realtors and brokers also list on Mexico by Owner?
MBO is open to everyone. Realtors, brokers or representatives can list properties on their clients’ behalf — with their permission, of course. MBO is an excellent way to attract potential buyers or renters beyond the regular channels.
Why are prices in US dollars?
Clients can charge final prices in whichever currency is most convenient for them and their buyer or renter. But, for listing purposes, pricing in US dollars allows for ease of comparison across the site. Also, visitors to MBO live around the globe and USD is the most common standard used worldwide.
Does MBO sell my information to third parties?
No. Listing fees are the only way MBO is monetized.
