close

Top 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling a Home in Puerto Rico

19 Apr, 2025

Selling a home in Puerto Rico involves more than just putting a sign out front. Legal missteps and pricing errors are two of the most common—and costly—issues that can delay your closing or derail your sale altogether. In this article, we break down the top 7 mistakes to avoid and how Puerto Rico Real Estate, PSC helps you prevent them so you can sell with confidence, clarity, and the best possible outcome.
← Back to Blog List
selling-mistakes-legal-pricing-errors-puerto-rico

Top 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling a Home in Puerto Rico

Top 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling a Home in Puerto Rico

Subtopic: Legal & Pricing Errors That Could Delay Your Closing

Selling a home in Puerto Rico can be a profitable and empowering experience—if done right. However, without the proper guidance and preparation, it’s all too easy to fall into legal or pricing traps that delay closing, cause stress, or cost you money.

At Puerto Rico Real Estate, PSC, we help homeowners navigate the real estate process from listing to closing day. Over the years, we’ve seen the same mistakes crop up time and again, and we’ve also helped countless clients avoid them.

Here are the top 7 legal and pricing mistakes that could slow down or jeopardize your home sale—and how we help you avoid them.


1. Overpricing Based on Emotion or Assumptions

One of the most damaging mistakes a seller can make is overpricing their home. Sellers often set prices based on sentiment, what they “need” to make, or comparisons to properties that are nothing like theirs.

The risk?
Overpricing your home deters buyers, prolongs time on market, and can force price reductions later—making your listing look stale and undesirable.

How we help:
We provide a data-driven Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) and expert local insight so you list your home at a price that attracts qualified buyers and supports a successful closing.


2. Not Having a Clear Title or Updated Escritura

Many sellers don’t realize until it’s too late that the title of their property isn’t clear. Whether due to inheritance, missing documents, or errors in the registry, title problems can delay or block a sale entirely.

The risk?
Legal complications, buyer backing out, or lengthy probate processes that stall your sale.

How we help:
We work with local attorneys and notaries to review your title early in the process and help resolve any legal obstacles before you go under contract.


3. Skipping a Cadastral or CRIM Review

The CRIM (Municipal Revenue Collection Center) must reflect correct ownership and property information. Discrepancies in CRIM records, missing tax payments, or disputes over lot boundaries can delay closing significantly.

The risk?
Legal delays, closing cancellations, or fines owed at the last minute.

How we help:
Our team checks CRIM records, ensures the catastro matches the title, and guides you in resolving any errors proactively—long before the buyer’s attorney discovers them.


4. Failing to Order a Recent Appraisal (Tazación)

Without an updated appraisal, sellers may base their asking price on old assumptions or online estimates that don’t reflect the current market or improvements.

The risk?
Buyers’ banks may dispute the value, leading to failed financing or renegotiated deals.

How we help:
We coordinate with trusted, certified appraisers to provide an accurate, bank-accepted value for your home—so there are no surprises during due diligence.


5. Incomplete or Missing Legal Documents

Many sellers don't realize that documents like the “Plano de Mensura,” segregations, or updated survey maps are often required to close. Others may not have access to a certified copy of the title, ID numbers (finca and catastro), or power of attorney if selling remotely.

The risk?
Weeks—or months—of delays and a frustrated buyer who walks away.

How we help:
We help gather and prepare all necessary legal documents and connect you with professionals (attorneys, surveyors, notaries) to ensure every requirement is met for a smooth closing.


6. Not Understanding Capital Gains or Tax Implications

Many sellers aren’t aware of the tax implications of their sale. In Puerto Rico, capital gains tax may apply depending on your cost basis and how long you’ve owned the property.

The risk?
Unexpected tax bills or incorrect net proceeds projections.

How we help:
We refer you to licensed tax professionals and CPAs familiar with Puerto Rico and IRS laws. We help you calculate your expected net and strategize accordingly.


7. Choosing the Wrong Real Estate Partner

Selling property in Puerto Rico—especially if you’re off-island—requires a team you can trust. Inexperienced or non-local agents may not be aware of the legal complexities or pricing dynamics of the island.

The risk?
Undervaluing your property, missed marketing opportunities, or getting bogged down by avoidable legal problems.

How we help:
At Puerto Rico Real Estate, PSC, we’re island-based, experienced, bilingual, and fully integrated into the legal and marketing aspects of Puerto Rico real estate. We take care of every detail—from paperwork to price strategy to remote closings.


Real Seller Story

"We thought selling our family home in Ponce would be easy, but we didn’t know the title was still in our grandparents’ name. Puerto Rico Real Estate, PSC walked us through the whole inheritance process, connected us with the right notario, and helped us close successfully with a buyer from the U.S. We couldn’t have done it without them!"
María R., Seller in Ponce


Why Sellers Trust Puerto Rico Real Estate, PSC

We’re not just agents—we’re advisors, connectors, and your boots on the ground in Puerto Rico.

Here's what sets us apart:

✅ Deep legal experience with local transactions
✅ Pre-listing document reviews
✅ Access to trusted attorneys, appraisers, and notaries
✅ Professional pricing analysis
✅ Full marketing strategies (photos, video, drone, social)
✅ Remote support for off-island sellers
✅ Bilingual service and responsive communication
✅ End-to-end closing support


Our Commitment to You:

✔️ Avoid delays with proper legal prep
✔️ Price your home with confidence
✔️ Attract serious, qualified buyers
✔️ Support you every step of the way
✔️ Get you to closing day—on time and stress-free


Ready to Sell? Let’s Do It the Right Way.

If you’re thinking about selling your home in Puerto Rico—whether you're on the island or abroad—our team is here to guide you from start to finish.

Let’s price it right. Get the documents in order. And sell your home with confidence.


📞 Contact Us Today:

📞 787.244.6364
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.ThePuertoRicoRealEstate.com

#PuertoRicoRealEstate #SellYourHomePR #HomeSellingTipsPR #AvoidClosingDelays #PuertoRicoHomes #LegalSellingTipsPR #RealEstateAdvice #SellSmartPR #HomeClosingPR

Client Reviews.

Your satisfaction guides our every step. Thanks for choosing PRRE. View all.