Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit are among the best places in Mexico to be a real estate agent: dollar tickets, constant international demand and healthy appreciation. Here's what you need to start (and what you can earn).
Do you need a license?
Mexico has no national license. In Jalisco (Puerto Vallarta) a mandatory state registry DOES exist: an official SEDECO-endorsed course (taught by AMPI Vallarta). In Nayarit regulation is less clear and professionalization mainly runs through AMPI certification ⚠️. At HOMIA we help you get certified and registered.
What you really earn
- Typical sale commission: 3%–6% (in Vallarta/luxury often 6%–8%).
- Under a brokerage you keep ~50%–70% of your side; the rest covers leads, marketing and support.
- A single foreign sale in dollars can exceed the annual income of an average agent in Mexico.
- High/tourist segment: potential of $1.2M–$4M+ MXN per year done well.
What makes you successful selling to foreigners
- English — it's the filter between the high-ticket agent and the rest.
- Master fideicomiso, capital gains/closing costs and contracts: legal mistakes are costly.
- CRM and consistent follow-up (stay top of mind).
- MLS/FlexMLS access + exclusive inventory to offer more options.
Solo or with a brokerage?
Solo you keep 100% of the commission, but you carry all costs and all legal risk. With a serious brokerage you get leads, inventory, marketing, technology, training and legal/tax backup — in a foreign-buyer market that almost always wins on net income and speed.
Ready to work with HOMIA?
Apply to the HOMIA teamInformational content for real estate professionals. Not legal, tax or financial advice. Confirm figures with a local notary/accountant.