Carta Oferta / Oferta de Compra (Offer Letter / Purchase Offer)CAR-tah oh-FAIR-tah
A carta oferta (offer letter) is a written proposal from a buyer stating a proposed purchase price and key terms for a property. While not legally required, it formalizes the buyer's interest and, if accepted by the seller, leads to a binding promissory agreement (contrato de promesa de compraventa).
By Daniel Ortega · Last reviewed 8 November 2026
How it works
In Mexico, the offer process is more informal than in the US or Canada. Most transactions start with verbal or informal price negotiation through an agent, with no standard offer form. When a buyer wishes to formalize interest, the agent typically drafts a carta oferta stating the offered price, proposed payment terms, any contingencies (such as title review or financing), and a deadline for the seller to respond (commonly 24 to 72 hours). The carta oferta itself is not legally binding and does not oblige either party to complete the sale. If the seller accepts, the parties move to a contrato de promesa de compraventa (promissory agreement), which does have legal force under Federal Civil Code Articles 2243 to 2247. At that stage, the buyer typically deposits 5 to 10 percent of the purchase price as enganche (down payment), and both parties commit to closing within a set timeframe (usually 30 to 45 days). Some agents request a small apartado (reservation deposit) of 1 to 5 percent when the carta oferta is accepted, to hold the property during due diligence; this amount is then credited toward the enganche.