22 replies to this topic

[stanthebajaman]

I have been looking for property here in Baja. Two or three times I have seen signs that either say "For Sale By Owner" or they just have a telephone number. However, when I call the number, someone answers the phone and says "Realty Executives, Dianne Gibbs Office". If you are a real estate agent in California, it is completely illegal to put up any type of real estate sign that does not list you as an agent. I hear that down here in Baja, real estate people are not licensed, so I guess anything goes. When I researched Dianne Gibbs on the internet, there were articles that alluded to the fact that she has done jail time for illegal real estate practices and maybe more. But I guess jail doesn't discourage real criminals down here from committing the same acts over and over again. Can anyone shed some more light on this issue? Thanks.

[BajaGringo]

Unfortunately Stan, real estate has not been regulated up until now. There are a couple of bills pending to establish a real estate licensing program here in Baja with minimum requirements for training, experience and a means for consumers to seek relief from agents/agencies who do not follow the licensing guidelines that the program will supposedly set as standards. There is also a federal bill pending but I heard that it stands less of a chance of passing as many of the southern states of Mexico have opposed it, wanting to set their own standards as is happening here in Baja. The latest I heard is that the bill here in Baja stands a good chance of passing this year.

I always tell people that if they are looking to invest in real estate here that they should seek the help of an ethical real estate professional as there are many pitfalls that await you. A good and experienced agent knows the area for best investment potential, will help you negotiate the best deal and can really keep you out of trouble in handling the closing. Closing a real estate deal in Mexico is very different from the US and not having an experienced agent representing you can cost you thousands of dollars in fees and even end up with a property subject to claims and disputes later on.

Many gringos come down here to Mexico and automatically seek out gringo real estate agents thinking that their money and interests will be better protected with someone who speaks english without an accent. My personal experience has been quite the opposite. If you are interested in investing in the Rosarito area and need a referral I can suggest a few different agents down here that I know personally and they will take care of you in a very professional manner.

Good luck...

[bluejeans]

First I want to say that I don't know Dianne Gibbs. Haven't done any research on her either. I have been going to Baja, mostly Rosarito, for over 30 years. I have seen the Dianne Gibbs name associated with a few different Real Estate Brokers over most of those years. All this really means is longevity and she's probably as old as dirt like me. Does anyone have any first hand information to share about her?

[BajaGringo]

I prefer to stay away from throwing dirt around anybody - especially in a public forum. I know many of the real estate professionals in the Rosarito area and there are some very good, ethical and helpful agents working in real estate in Rosarito. My experience has been that you generally won't find them working in the big and expensive offices. Most of them have spent the vast majority of their professional life in real estate, have lived in the area for many years if not their entire life and they know real estate law as well or better than any notario.

[bluejeans]

Like I said, she has been around a long time and she's probably as old as dirt like me."

[sdc]

Welcome to Mexico.......

[bluejeans]

sdc, are you saying... Mexico = Flaky?

[TJDave]

More like businesses in Mexico = Flakey

[sdc]

like their pan dulce Mexico is flaky.....

[the.ronin]

TIM ... This is Mexico.

Sorry, just watched Blood Diamonds.

[Ryu]

That was a GOOD movie.

[sdc]

Ronin you crack me up I was going to write the exact thing yesterday but I feared no one would get my humor..I just was at that movie on Monday....I like any movie where Leanardo Di Capro dies at the end....

[Ryu]

Isn't that like ALL his movies!

[TJDave]

Ronin you crack me up I was going to write the exact thing yesterday but I feared no one would get my humor..I just was at that movie on Monday....I like any movie where Leanardo Di Capro dies at the end....

Good thing I already saw it... Spoiler

[the.ronin]

As much as I can't stand Dicrappio, I was pretty impressed with his performance in Blood Diamonds.

In fact, I think that movie was brilliant. Gives an excellent excuse to not ever have to buy diamonds. "But honey, but what about all the African children??? Think of the Umbutu children!!!" :cry:

[sal619]

Ronin you crack me up I was going to write the exact thing yesterday but I feared no one would get my humor..I just was at that movie on Monday....I like any movie where Leanardo Di Capro dies at the end....

why did you tell us the end? i have not seen it yet :twisted:

[TJDave]

As much as I can't stand Dicrappio, I was pretty impressed with his performance in Blood Diamonds.

Aside from Titanic and The Beach, I think he is a quite good actor.... he was excellent in The Departed.

[Chiquito]

Side note, DeCaprio and Titanic director Cameron visited a friend of mines estetica in Tijuana while filming in Rosarito. She gave them both massages but didn't know who they were until the film came out. She was not born a she, I wonder if they knew?

(This has nothing to do with real estate does it?)

[zunigan]

That is so funny.!!!!!

[Miggiesmallz- TEXMEX]

There is an article on Baja real estate in this month's (March 2007) issue of the "San Diego Metropolitan Uptown Examiner and Business Report". Realtor Diane Gibb's picture is on page 35, she's doesn't look like she's old as dirt.