If I buy a house in Ecuador, do I need to hire an attorney?
Do hire a local qualified attorney and/or public notary to assist with the real estate transaction, no matter how hard the seller or agent try to convince you that you don’t need one.
Do not hand over a deposit without first consulting an attorney and drafting a formal written agreement. Legal services are very affordable in Ecuador and are well worth the expense. Try to use an attorney that has no association with the seller or the real estate agent or middle man. A good option is to use an attorney that has been referred to you by other expats living in the area. Contracts and documents will be in Spanish, and unless you’re a pro with legal jargon (in Spanish), you need an attorney.