Purchasing property in a foreign country is far from easy. The real estate is typically far away, where different laws and procedures govern. What steps do I take? Can I trust the people with whom I deal? Will I end up with a bogus title?

Communicating with contacts in a foreign country will likely be costly and tedious. Your contacts there may hardly speak English (or speak no English at all). You will want to ensure that you get actual title to a piece of land. You will want to avoid someone stepping from the woodwork a couple years from now and claiming ownership, where you then lose the property. You will also want to make sure that you can use the land as you expected. If something goes foul, can you hold the contacts in the foreign country accountable? Or are you left alone, a helpless victim?

Such concerns are very valid. Consider the following warning from the U.S. State Department for property purchases in Honduras:

"U.S. Citizens should be aware of the risks inherent in purchasing real estate in Honduras and should exercise extreme caution before entering into any form of commitment to invest in property, particularly in coastal areas and the Bay Islands. Honduran law and practices regarding real estate differ substantially from those in the United States, and there are many cases of fraudulent deeds and titles. In addition, the Honduran judicial system is weak and inefficient, often prolonging disputed cases for many years before resolution....There have also been incidents in which violence has been used against Americans involved in disputed property cases. American citizens should investigate purchases thoroughly and take all legal measures to prevent and, if necessary, resolve property disputes."

-U.S. State Department, Honduras-Consular Information Sheet (2001): 6.

Our name, A.A.I. Law Firm, P.C., stands for Atlas Advocate International Law Firm, Professional Corporation. Let us lead you through the process of purchasing land abroad.

Procedural Differences
We are licensed as lawyers all over the world. We know the law and procedures in foreign countries.

Language Obstacles
Our attorneys speak a host of languages in addition to English, ranging from Spanish to Russian. Let us handle the communications.

Ownership and Use
As attorneys, we are trained to avoid pitfalls in purchasing land. We can assist you with securing valid title, and will explain how you can use the land.

Accountability
Good luck holding accountable a shady contact in a foreign country. You can, however, hold us accountable in U.S. courts. We want a good result as much as you do.