FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why is title insurance important?
When you invest in real estate in Mexico, you want to be confident your funds are secure and you’ll receive clear title to your property. Fidelity Title International can provide you that assurance. Through Fidelity National Financial, Inc., and our family of insurance underwriters, our comprehensive title services include:

• Identification of the legal property owner.
• Identification of all existing liens recorded against the property.
• Identification of all easements, restrictions and other encumbrances recorded against the property, as well as survey matters if an acceptable survey is made of the property.
• Assurance to lenders that their mortgage documents are valid and legally enforceable against the property.
• Indemnification as to the cost of defense against adverse claims based on covered matters.
• Assurance that Fideicomiso land trust properly vests beneficial title in the insured.

Our in-depth research will uncover any title issues that would prevent you from assuming undisputed ownership of the property at closing. With a title policy through Fidelity Title Internationals’ underwriters, your ownership rights remain fully protected.

Why do I need title insurance if I work with an attorney in Mexico?
Legal advice from Mexican counsel is worthwhile; attorneys can provide valuable advice to purchasers such as document review, transition, drafting of contracts, tax tips, etc. However, most Mexican attorneys do not make an independent examination of title records to the property their client is purchasing. As acknowledged experts in title matters with the industry’s largest reserves, policies issued by Fidelity Title International Underwriters provide additional comfort when investing in Mexican real estate.

Doesn't the Notario Publico (notary public) verify that I have clear title to the property?
The notary is responsible for a title search in Mexican property transactions. Typically notaries rely on a current deed to the property and certificates issued by the Public Registry and Cadastre Office. This minimal effort can result in an incomplete title history of the property, leaving you vulnerable to recording errors, liens, encumbrances, fraud, misrepresentation or other attacks on title. In addition, Mexican notaries do not hold legal responsibility for title defects they may fail to uncover, so restitution is not an option. Fidelity Title International will expose any title problems before title is transferred and financially back our U.S.-governed policies.

What are the advantages to placing escrow funds with Fidelity Title International?
Deposits for properties outside the United States must be managed securely for your protection and peace of mind. Fidelity Title International utilizes JPMorgan Chase Bank, one of the most trusted banks in the world, to deposit accounts into escrow. Funds are held in trust and disbursed pursuant to the sales contract. International escrow accounts are held in the United States, allowing our customers quicker access to funds by eliminating the need to deal with different currencies for custodianship of funds.
Using Fidelity Title International as your U.S. third-party licensed escrow agent provides you with the security that your funds are safely deposited in a major U.S. financial institution. Global Solution’s bonded services are also a convenient way to keep your earnest money protected and available to you for a timely closing.