I want to alert others that it is very important to listen to the advise of agencies in the United States about how to buy real estate in Mexico. I did not, and now I have a lawsuit. Here is a link to a pdf file published by the State of Arizona real estate department. It explains the differences in buying real estate in Mexico and the U.S. especially Arizona:

http://www.re.state.az.us/PUBLIC_INFO/Documents/Consumer_Guide_MEX.pdf

You will understand why it is important to use an attorney, not just a real estate agent.

I say this, because I went to Coldwell Banker in Baja, and decided not to use the attorney. I wanted to save money. I thought I could research on my own on the Internet. Short version of the story, I now have an attorney, and a lawsuit to recover my deposit and damages. Though I was told my $5,000.00 deposit would be returned when I put down my down payment, Coldwell Banker cashed the check. They said that the developer told them to use it for commissions. I had a receipt for the deposit, but nothing in the contract about it. They also did not have my down payment put in an escrow account. I thought Coldwell Banker could be trusted because it was an American company. Again, learn from my mistakes, and follow the guidelines.

This is from the United States State Dept. website, http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html#real_estate

REAL ESTATE AND TIME-SHARES: U.S. citizens should be aware of the risks inherent in purchasing real estate in Mexico, and should exercise extreme caution before entering into any form of commitment to invest in property there. Investors should hire competent Mexican legal counsel when contemplating any real estate investment. Mexican laws and practices regarding real estate differ substantially from those in the United States. Foreigners who purchase property in Mexico may find that property disputes with Mexican citizens may not be treated evenhandedly by Mexican criminal justice authorities and in the courts. Time-share companies cannot be sued in U.S. courts unless they have an office or other business presence in the U.S. Consumers should contact a Mexican attorney, the Mexican consumer protection agency PROFECO, or other consumer information agency for information on companies that operate outside of the U.S.

There are many programs, articles, advertisements that promote buying real estate i Mexico, especially Baja. I watched one of these on CBS, because it was a reputable network, I believed it. They presented happy people who found their dream homes in Baja. I went down there and found a nightmare. I bought a home in 2004 and here it is, 2007, and it has not been started yet. This was with a large developer. My real estate company, Coldwell Banker, just south of Rosarito Beach, helped put the deal together. They tried to keep my refundable deposit after I put down the down payment with the developer. Coldwell Banker said the developer said I could to pay commissions. There was nothing in the contract about that. Then I was told one lie after another about when the house would be built. I have met others with the same problem with my developer, Frisas Group. I have met others with similar issues with other developers. Americans need to know, there are no requirements to be a real estate agent in Baja Mexico. They are not subject to building codes and inspections. And, research the meaning and history of the word manana. It does not really mean tomorrow in the same way tomorrow is used in the United States. It has a loose meaning. Unless they say punto manana, it can be anytime. Thus, the attitude about deadlines. Mexicans don't think they are breaking their word when the don't deliver something when they say they will. Just be careful. The United States State Department has a warning about buying real estate in Mexico. Go to their site and read it. They suggest taking a lot of time before entering into a contract, using a Mexican attorney, and making sure titles are secure. The Mexicans have just begun using title insurance companies. They don't in all cases. Don't do this unless you can afford to lose the money you spend. I wish this warning had been online when I researched. I hope this helps save others the heartache I am in.