How to Find a Reputable Real Estate Agent in Mexico

Buying real estate in Mexico, especially in the Riviera Maya, starts with finding the right agent. A good agent does far more than show you properties. They guide you through the legal process, introduce you to trusted professionals, and help you avoid the most common and costly mistakes that foreign buyers make.

But in a market full of unlicensed brokers and casual opportunists, how do you know who to trust?

Here’s how to vet your agent the right way.

1. Look for Licensing and Certification

Real estate in Mexico is a regulated profession, but enforcement is still evolving. In Quintana Roo, all agents are required to hold a valid license through SEDETUS, the state housing authority. This license confirms they’ve completed required training and are registered to legally operate in the state.

As of 2025, only around 960 licensed agents are registered in Quintana Roo. Thousands more continue to work without one, many with no formal training, legal understanding, or long-term commitment to the region.

You can also ask whether an agent has completed additional certifications or belongs to professional associations like AMPI, Mexico’s national real estate network. While AMPI membership isn’t required, it can be one more way to verify that an agent takes their profession seriously.

Bottom line: Ask for proof of licensing. And always check reviews, references, and track record. Those speak louder than any membership card.

2. Look for Experience and Specialization

Not all agents are created equal. Some specialize in vacation homes, others in long-term rentals or off-market deals. Ask your agent how long they’ve been working in Mexico, what areas or property types they focus on, and whether they work with international clients regularly. If they stumble over those questions, that’s your answer.

3. Pay Attention to Education, Not Just Sales

Great agents don’t just sell. They teach. Look for someone who explains how the buying process actually works in Mexico, points out risks and red flags, and offers resources and introductions without pressure. If you feel rushed or pushed, walk away.

4. Check Their Reputation Beyond the Website

Most agents have polished websites and glowing Google reviews, but those only tell part of the story. To dig deeper, ask for client references, search their name in local expat groups and forums, and look for agents who participate in the community, not just market to it.

5. Evaluate Their Referrals and Relationships

Who your agent connects you with says a lot. Are they recommending a variety of trusted professionals or just funneling you into one developer, lawyer, or notario they’re tied to financially?

Look for agents who offer options, disclose relationships or referral fees, and partner with people who are also licensed and respected.

6. Work With Agents Who Promote Ethical Integration

This is about more than a transaction. In regions like the Riviera Maya, the real estate boom has deeply impacted local communities. Foreign buyers often arrive without context or consideration, and unethical agents only add to that problem.

A responsible agent should help clients understand and respect the local culture, educate buyers on legal migration and responsible ownership, encourage community-conscious investing, and work in collaboration with local professionals.

At Selling Freedom, we’re building a dedicated division focused on conscious migration and integration because we believe real estate should be a bridge, not a wedge.

The goal isn’t just to help you move here. It’s to help you belong here.

Final Thought

If your agent can’t prove their license, explain the basics, or answer your questions with patience and clarity, move on. The right person is out there, and working with someone who respects the law, the community, and your long-term goals makes all the difference.

Next Steps

Check out our Step-by-Step Buyer’s Guide to Purchasing Real Estate in the Riviera Maya

Learn more about whether you need a lawyer or a notario