Rushing is a poor advisor
A reservation can be useful if the opportunity is real and documentation is clear. The problem appears when you pay to avoid losing something you still do not understand.
Before depositing, confirm what you are reserving and what happens if a condition is not met.
Frequent mistakes
- Not identifying lot, block, dimensions and price in writing.
- Not requesting validity and refund conditions.
- Accepting verbal changes about discounts or payments.
- Not asking for receipt and formal next step.
Best practice
Take 24 hours to review the document if you have doubts. A serious transaction withstands questions and leaves clear evidence of each commitment.
Do not confuse urgency with complete information
A promotion or limited availability may have a deadline, but it does not remove the need to identify the lot, seller, price and conditions. Avoid transferring funds during a call without receiving the document and time to read it. Ask what fact will change if payment is not made that day and request the answer in writing. Decisions improve when verifiable details are separated from phrases such as unique opportunity or paperwork later. No discount corrects an incorrectly identified lot.
Verify the recipient, purpose and refund terms
Confirm the account holder, their relationship to the seller and the receipt you will obtain. The document should state the amount, lot, validity, credit toward the price, next payment and conditions if the transaction does not continue. Avoid vague payment references and cash without a receipt. If the account or beneficiary changes, verify through an independent channel. Screenshots are supporting evidence; the file should contain the payment confirmation and signed agreement.
Use the reservation period to close open items
Create a list covering ownership, registry, cadastre, plan, utilities, restrictions and the next contract. Assign a responsible person and date to each item. Do not let the reservation expire without requesting answers or documenting an extension. If the listing, visit and documents conflict, pause later payments until the difference is resolved. Profeco models help identify contract elements, but legal review of a particular case belongs with a notary or qualified professional.
Set an exit condition before transferring money
Define what must be verified during the reservation period: seller identity and authority, ownership, liens, exact lot, area, utilities and contract. Name the reviewer for each item. If a document is missing, agree whether time extends or money returns. Avoid open language such as subject to review with no date or consequence.
