My husband and I am trying to buy a condo in Puerto Plata. In June 2022, we approached Scotiabank about a loan as they advertised they offer mortgages for Foreigners wanting a vacation home. We were told that we have to have a "Offer to Sale" to start the process. So, we found a condo, put thousands down in Earnest Money. We gave this contract to Scotiabank. Next, we are told they can't tell us we are approved until we get a lawyer, get an appraisal, home inspection, etc. Fast forward, it is now September and Scotiabank keeps saying we are working on it. Meanwhile, all these parties have been paid and we still have NOT been approved. Now the sellers are wanting to back out and we are out of nearly $10k USD! I feel like we are getting scammed.