Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - It is a good idea to shop for a real estate agent before you start a property search. Checking AMPI (Asociación Mexicana de Profesionales Inmobiliarios/Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals) is a great place to start.

In her first Puerto Vallarta Riviera Nayarit Real Estate Vlog, PV real estate agent Laura Gelezunas talks to the AMPI Vallarta President about why you should look for their logo.

If you are thinking about buying property in Mexico and the Banderas Bay area in particular, you want to be sure you are protected in many ways, shapes and forms. You'll notice that there is an OXXO on every corner and most likely a real estate agency right across the street. You want to look for the AMPI label before selecting an agency.

"AMPI is the largest national organization for real estate, rentals and associated business people in Mexico," says Harriet Murray, Vallarta AMPI President. "Mexico is limited at the time for licensing, so we have a national organization with ethics and structure is appealing for people wanting to work in the industry. There are now chapters in almost every state in Mexico. In the area there are chapters in Vallarta, Nayarit and Compostella."

When you are screening agents, if they are not AMPI members you will not be able to check on background or education. AMPI agents and brokers are vetted and must meet education requirements every year. They must uphold a standard of ethics, too. Members volunteer to be in the organization and volunteer to meet those standards.

Just remember that AMPI is a watchdog group that makes sure that all of their members' real estate transactions are legal and above board.

For more information about AMPI Vallarta and a list of certified agents, visit VallartaNayaritMLS.com.

To learn more about the featured property, Villa del Sol, visit Laura's real estate website.