Expat Community > Brazil

SojourningMom
Joined 2009
Posts: 12

Is this normal?

15 years ago

Hi guys

Based on advice from an Internet company, I am purchasing a condo off-plan in Fortaleza (actually a bit east of it on the red cliffs). It's a 2 bed, one bath condoon the third floor, full ocean views for $R223,000. It seemed like a good price to us, considering the location, which is beautiful. However, this is the first time we're doing something like this, and we're a bit anxious and obviously inexperienced.

A Brazilian lawyer charged us $R400 to obtain our CPF numbers (mine and hubby's). That sounded reasonable. I told him I did not need him to review the contract, and to exclude that from his services. Later, I did ask him a list of 6 questions, which he answered, some with a sentence and some with three sentences. He is charging me $R2000 for that. Is this normal? That seems awfully expensive to me...

I really don't want to be taken here, and we've done as much research on the developer as we could - they seem solid, with 40 similar projects completed on time and budget. Maybe we've just gotten us a very expensive lawyer, but it is the only one recommended with whom the developer works.

Maybe I'm just overly nervous, but I would surely appreciate any input...

SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

Living in Brazil Guide

Whether it's the beaches, exciting nightlife or the banking industry that draw you to Brazil, expats seem to truly enjoy life in Brazil. We've pulled together tips from expats in Brazil about learning Portuguese, crime, international schools, renting an apartment and much more.

Brazil Forum
Join our Brazil forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Brazil.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Brazil.

Best Places to Live in Brazil

If you're considering a move to Brazil, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Brazil in 2023.

Healthcare in Brazil

Expats in Brazil are able to get excellent health care in and many of the larger cities in Brazil. There is national health care available, but expats still strongly recommend private health insurance while living in Brazil.

Cost of Living in Brazil

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Brazil.

Moving to Brazil Guide

Our guide to moving to Brazil with lots of advice from expats on the ground.

Real Estate in Brazil

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Brazil.

Pros & Cons of Living in Brazil

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Brazil.

Retiring in Brazil

Advice for people retiring in Brazil.

10 Tips for Living in Brazil

If you've recently arrived in Brazil, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Brazil.

Additional Information:

Visit our Brazil Index for a Full List

SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

Contribute
Help others in Brazil by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Brazil.

Login

Or, Send Login Link

Expat Community > Brazil

Is this normal?

Login