Tips on Buying a Home Cash Down

If you intend to work with Mr. Lopez ( or any agent for that matter... but specifically with him) that you retain your own separate  attorney to thoroughly review any contract you enter with him.  He is also an attorney so he may offer the service to you as well but I highly encourage you to have your own legal representation for the transaction.  Have the same attorney also order the title search and make sure that the terms of recouping your initial deposit are crystal clear in the event something comes up that no longer makes the property a desirable one for you.

Get your own lawyer, do not use seller lawyer. Have him check the deed of the land and ensure that taxes are up to date. May also want to check that the property lines are correct, no need to have issues with a neighbor.

Make an offer with no money, if accepted then put the down as part of the purchase agreement, it must go into a special account not the account of the seller agent. If the house closing does not occur within the purchase agreement timeframe (usually 90 days) then ask for your down back and move on.

The best way to do this is to rent a house for 6 months and move to the island, then look for your dream property.

LarryJohnsonPR wrote:

If you intend to work with Mr. Lopez ( or any agent for that matter... but specifically with him) that you retain your own separate  attorney to thoroughly review any contract you enter with him.  He is also an attorney so he may offer the service to you as well but I highly encourage you to have your own legal representation for the transaction.  Have the same attorney also order the title search and make sure that the terms of recouping your initial deposit are crystal clear in the event something comes up that no longer makes the property a desirable one for you.

This is extremely useful information. I agree that it would be in our best interest to have a seperate lawyer from agent seeing in the end he is most likely going to have the seller's best interest at heart. Now we have to start the search for a good lawyer in that area to assist us. Thank you so much for this advice.

ReyP wrote:

The best way to do this is to rent a house for 6 months and move to the island, then look for your dream property.

We will be dividing our time up living stateside and in Puerto Rico so renting isn't an option. For us it'll work best to buy a home to already have there in order to avoid "rushing" into when it's time to move there permanently. Fortunately, I am in the position to take make the trips required for house hunting.

Hmm.  Vacant houses are tempting targets.  This isn't such an issue if you are buying a condo, but if your plan is for a detached house with some property, security while the home is unoccupied is a real concern.  Is there someone you trust who can watch the house?

WarnerW wrote:

Hmm.  Vacant houses are tempting targets.  This isn't such an issue if you are buying a condo, but if your plan is for a detached house with some property, security while the home is unoccupied is a real concern.  Is there someone you trust who can watch the house?

Yes, we are very well aware and have friends who would be checking on property while we are away.

Does anybody know of a good lawyer on the west side of the island (Rincon, Aguada, Aguadilla & Isabela) area to recommend? Thank you again for taking the time to respond.

As people have mentioned get your own lawyer to review title independently  and the deed seller’s lawyer will prepare and hire a contractor or professional to inspect the home. 


Puerto Rico weather can be tough on homes over the long run and stuff can be hidden to the layman.

I recommend concrete house with concrete roof on higher stable ground away from  tidal waves or flooded rivers.

The inspection should review the building structure/walls/foundation, roof, electric, and plumbing etc.

If you find some expensive defects, it could be a case for you to offer less since its a cash deal.

Someone recently gave me the name of a lawyer (787) 818-5174‬ Agustin Soto.
But personally have not used him, but trust the guy that recommended him.
Good luck, take your time, make sure you do your due diligence.

Thank you so much for going into detail with specifics. We definitely intend on buying a concrete home that’s for certain. I actually have been making notes from all the information I could use that you all have helpfully shared. I appreciate this forum so much. My wife is Puerto Rican with family on the island but they built their own homes. Unfortunately for us, they aren’t in the loop in regards to the home buyers experience and legalities. A big thank you for the legal recommendation, as well.

You must get your own lawyer.   Our lawyer saved our tails on a property that, according to the sellers, had a clear title.  They also had a lawyer waiting in the wings and were pushing hard do the deal quickly.  Our lawyer did a title search and found all kinds of issues.  Long story short, we are still looking and when we find our place, we will use her and no one else.

Yes, we are definitely using a lawyer and not their realtor who happens to be a lawyer. I have a couple of highly recommended lawyers on the island.

Consult a lawyer

Always use your own lawyer.

Get a GOOD lawyer and make sure the title is clear and all taxes have been paid!