Arguelles & Company LLC

OFFICE
Belize

EMAIL ADDRESS
belize@elareflaw.com

El-Aref Law Office is affiliated with  Arguelles & Company LLC, a company which has established itself as one of the top specialist Belize Law Firms. The firm specializes in select areas of law and has the support staff and contacts required to expedite and facilitate client transactions:

Experience Reflects Excellence- Arguelles boasts specialized staff with expertise across all major aspects of Belize Law.

Local Contacts- productive working relationships with all departments of government

International Experience and Immediate Results- use of technology to meet the demand of international standards

Enduring Partnerships- understanding the client’s long term needs

Rigid Regulatory Regime- bound by the high standards of organizations:
• Member of IBA - International Bar Association
• Member of STEP - Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners
• Member of INTA - International Trademark Association
• Member of ASIPI - Inter-American Association of Intellectual Property
• Member ITPA -International Tax Planning Association
• Member of AREBB - Association of Real Estate Brokers of Belize
• Member of The Belize Bar Association
• BOPA - Belize Offshore Practitioners Association

Belize Attorneys have developed high-caliber and specialized staff and expertise in all aspects of structuring quality legal solutions for straightforward as well as complex matters resulting in increased savings for the client coupled with faster service delivery. The firm places special professional emphasis on the importance of confidentiality between attorney-client as well as within the structures themselves. This confidentiality requirement is absolute in regards to third parties and other entities. As the working relationship is long term and mutual, the firm prides itself on securing a few good clients rather than seeking out bulk work requests, which result in the loss of personal contact and efficiency.
 
 Any potential purchaser of land in Belize is advised to seek the assistance of a Belize real estate lawyer and we excel here, providing comprehensive services.

LEGAL SERVICES
• Provision of legal advice as to the most appropriate structure for the transaction in light of the
   client’s needs and with regards to savings on taxes
• Preparation and Review of the agreement for sale to discern the contractual obligations and
   to ensure the proper execution thereof and attestation thereto
• Attending to its recording (if in recordable format)
• Investigation of title to the property at such registries as may be necessary depending on the type
   of property
• Making requisitions as to title (if necessary) and title opinion thereon
• Preparation of conveyance/transfer documents in respect of the property
• Attending to the payment of all requisite government fees on behalf of the client including property
   taxes, stamp duty and recording or registration fees
• Ensuring the proper execution of and attestation to the conveyance/transfer
• Attending to recording or registering of the said conveyance/transfer documents at the appropriate
   registry
• Placing or preparing Liens or Cautions on the property where required or appropriate
• Submission of retainer agreement between the parties
• Procuring all locally required permits for foreign ownership if applicable, and
• Providing such other normal professional services as may be necessary from time to time to effect
   the real estate purchase/sale transaction

After initial review, Arguelles and Company LLC will provide an exact quote of all fees payable by client for the contemplated transaction. There will be no hidden professional or governmental fees.

BUYER'S AGENT/ SELLER'S AGENT SERVICES
• Legal representation & review of all title issues, contracts and monitoring of timelines
• Requisitions of all further lien information, title documents and tax information
• Searches
• Title Insurance arrangements
• Negotiation of terms, costs and sales price
• Market Valuation comparisons
• Architectural, Environmental, Development and Contracting contracts and permits

TIMESHARE & HOTELS/ RESORT LAW
In October of 2007, Belize passed a Timeshare Act that now regulates, licenses, registers, and provides protection for all parties involved. Kindly contact us for further information on Hotel & Resort Law or visit the link below in respect of Timeshares.

Go to Belize Timeshare & Escrow for more information.

ESCROW SERVICES
Type A - Acting on behalf of one party:
• Preparation of detailed and tailored escrow agreement for your personal special terms
   and conditions
• Full practical and legal protection for client’s money, security of title and interest
• Release only when favorable to clients which is dependent upon the specifics of the properly drafted
   escrow agreement

Type B - Acting as an Independent Third Party Escrow Agent
• Preparation of escrow agreement with local industry standard terms and conditions
• Release strictly upon terms of the agreement being fulfilled or alternately, a refund of the escrowed
   funds
• Total and assured impartiality, independence and integrity

TITLE INSURANCE
For clients wishing to supplement their piece of mind, Arguelles & Company LLC is country approved attorney for First American Title Insurance Company, International Division, Latin American/Caribbean. The firm reviews Root of Title and submits a full report (together with tile documents, affidavits etc.) to First American for them to act upon after their review. To maintain a high level of professionalism and independence, it is preferable that clients request insurance services directly unless otherwise preferred.

The Legal Report is then reviewed for compliance with standard quality assurances, a commitment is issued and then underwritten if everything is satisfactory.

LOCATING PROPERTY
Arguelles may perform a search for a certain property or type of property without middlemen brokers’ fees and commissions, and will need  the following to do so:
• Name and email
• Price range
• Type of property
• Location
• Size
• Special features
• Number of units, baths
• Contemplated Timeframe

FINANCING AND US DOLLAR ACCOUNTS
Arguelles & Company LLC works in conjunction with Provident Bank & Trust of Belize Ltd. and Atlantic International Bank Ltd. to secure financing for any purchase of land by non-residents of Belize secured by the property itself. For further details on procedure or personal references, please contact us.

US Dollar accounts (in either your name or through the use of confidential local corporate structures) can also be facilitated with no Central Bank Permission (normally mandatory) for repatriation of profit, outgoing wires, or incoming funds. There is no ceiling on any transaction, except when dealing in cash. There are no foreign exchange regulations applicable, currency conversion rates, nor are our clients subject to US Dollar availability. 100% access and availability at any time to anywhere.