A Baja Fair Trade agent explains to Buyers and Sellers the importance of all of the following:

1. Deposit all purchase funds in a reputable escrow until transfer of title 
2. Make all deposit checks in the name of a reputable title company
3. Title insurance and, where relevant, gap insurance from a reputable title company
4. Manage all debts as mortgages (i.e. liens) that are tied to real property rights
5. Make all contracts contingent upon delivery of a clean title and title insurance
6. Recommend Mexican professional closing services (or legal counsel) and property inspections
7. A good-faith estimate of closing costs in Mexico

Any real property shown by a Baja Fair Trade agent should meet certain standards.  The Baja Fair Trade agent discloses all of the following factors that affect a Buyer's purchase decision:

• The financial risks associated with skipping any of the above steps (i.e. that the Buyer's entire investment is at risk)
• Known environmental hazards
• Known structural issues with the land or improvements
• Known lawsuits or other disputes
• Other known factors that may affect property values (e.g. recent crime waves in the neighborhood, odor problems, utility problems, noise, etc.)
• Residences that are invading the Federal Maritime Zone and how erosion may affect private property claims in the future
• When and how the agent’s commission is paid and any special bonuses that they receive
• The nature of any family or professional relationship between the agent and the seller of a property being offered

Baja FairTrade standards prohibit certain referrals for compensation. A Baja FairTrade real estate agent may not receive compensation for referring customers to any escrow agent, structural pest control firm, home protection company, title insurer, controlled escrow company, or underwritten title company.

Additional details on the ethics, rules, and operation of Baja FairTrade will be published as they are approved.