Nasty Title Issue-Be aware of buying in the DR

[Hooley]

This is an on going post and wish I was cleaver like some of you are to include the history. Just look for post by Hooley to get the full story.

I waited a long time to buy property in the DR. Heard all the bad stories and was very conservative.

I was finally given a referral of a "good lawyer" and decided to trust him and make a contract to buy land.

This "good lawyer" has personal and political connections to the president and my connection was made through a DR national in Florida who had a family connections to him.

It turns out he was perhaps worse than useless.

When I went to file my title papers they would not accept them because the wife did not sign the contract.

I have asked the lawyer to get an appendix signed by his wife so the title can be filed before the April deslinda deadline.

He is balking. Giving me the incorrect fax number to his office and so on. The way they do.

(Sorry Mr G your man in Samana was not recommended)

The advice to get a good real estate lawyer is good advice - it might be much more useful to tell us how we can determine who is a good real estate lawyer.

I really thought I had one, and I don't consider myself an innocent.

If I can not find a solution to this issue I would certainly advocate that individuals to not invest in property in the DR.

[johne]

It seems that you have been around DR1 for over 4 years now.Where've you been during that time? Certaintly not reading about the bad guys OR the recommendations (dozens of them including advertisers on this site) of good lawyers.

What am I missing here? Haven't posted here in a while so excuse me I'm just getting my DR1 fingers in gear.

[DOMINCAN JOE]

Originally Posted by Hooley

This is an on going post and wish I was cleaver like some of you are to include the history. Just look for post by Hooley to get the full story.

Avoiding buying "protected" land

[AK74]

Originally Posted by Hooley

I waited a long time to buy property in the DR. Heard all the bad stories and was very conservative. .

I feel sorry about your loss!

But why did you pay money without seeing Title first?

Money in exchange for Title. Simple as that?

[b.batista]

Originally Posted by Hooley

If I can not find a solution to this issue I would certainly advocate that individuals to not invest in property in the DR.

So if you can find a solution then you would advocate buying here? The entire Dominican real estate investment security hinges on the success of your transaction? Illusions of grandeur? I will help you solve your problem about the run around and the wrong fax number. Get on a plane and come here and hand deliver the papers to him and drive over to the wife and get her to sign and then you can go home and tell the world how great and easy and secure it was.

[La Mariposa]

Originally Posted by b.batista

So if you can find a solution then you would advocate buying here? The entire Dominican real estate investment security hinges on the success of your transaction? Illusions of grandeur? I will help you solve your problem about the run around and the wrong fax number. Get on a plane and come here and hand deliver the papers to him and drive over to the wife and get her to sign and then you can go home and tell the world how great and easy and secure it was.

With him (the lawyer) of course

[AlaninDR]

Hooley, did you confirm from outside sources that the "good lawyer" actually had connections? Probably not. You relied on a DR national that was related to the supposed good lawyer. At best, lawyers here are a crap shoot. However, if you have enough people of good character that have had good experience with a particular lawyer and are willing to stand up for him, you do perhaps have a small advantage over taking the word of someone with no vested interest in your future success.
Sorry for your loss and problems, but in this country there is no one to take care of and watch out for you.

[Robert]

Originally Posted by Hooley

The advice to get a good real estate lawyer is good advice - it might be much more useful to tell us how we can determine who is a good real estate lawyer.

How to find a good lawyer 101.

Read this board on a regular basis and if in doubt, pick up the phone and call Fabio Guzmans office.

They might not be the cheapest, but at least you have the peace of mind of knowing that they are one of the best and most reputable firms here with a very long track record.

This message board is by far the best resource in the DR for researching legit and recommended businesses. Combined with a very knowledgeable local posters, it cannot be beat.

Use it, it could well save you thousands!

[Bob K]

Here was your first mistake:
"was finally given a referral of a "good lawyer" and decided to trust him and make a contract to buy land.

This "good lawyer" has personal and political connections to the president and my connection was made through a DR national in Florida who had a family connections to him"

It was doomed to fail from the get go. One needs to do your homework before purchasing property here. There are lots of "friends" out there just waiting for your money.

Do the research! Many of us have been very successful at purchasing property here with out problems.

Bob K