Adam Morien asked:


When you think of your idyllic retirement what do you see? Some people imagine a bustling down-sized condo right in the heart of Manhattan, while others dream of a $200,000 family estate in the Colorado foothills. What if, for the same price, you could own a piece of the rainforest — complete with waterfalls, resident toucans and a hacienda situated on 1.5 acres of real estate? Costa Rica real estate agents can help you finance the retirement ranch of your dreams, tucked away in the wilderness of South America. The prices are so reasonable, the appreciation value (up 34% since 1998) so high and the land so desirable that even Mel Gibson recently purchased his own chunk of Costa Rican land. Costa Rica real estate agents will tell you that the region is full of British and American ex-patriots!

For many years Costa Rica real estate agents had all this land and nothing to do with it. With a $1.9-billion-a-year tourism industry, it was only a matter of time before some of the world travelers recognized the tremendous development opportunity amid the pristine wilderness. Owing in part to relaxed international development laws (Costa Rica is part of the “Organization of American States” and the United Nations), many tourists decided to build in Latin America, affording houses three times the size and acreage of a similar American investment. Since Costa Rica real estate agents have been so busy over the last decade thanks to true pioneers who were willing to wait for decent roads and amenities in favor of larger land and relative isolation, the infrastructure sector finally caught up. In 2010, the new International Airport (Costa Rica’s third) situated in Palmar Norte will be finished. Additionally, an 80,000 square foot hospital under construction and nearly complete and The Costanera Highway (Pacific Coast Highway) is being widened and repaved to connect Quepos and Dominical. The largest (and only) full service marina is being built in Quepos as well, which is sure to make Quepos a choice destination for investors and retirees alike.

Knowledgeable Costa Rica real estate agents can tell you which area would best suit you, but there are a few considerations to make before calling. First, decide if you want to purchase unfettered wilderness at a cut-rate price to build your dream home on, or you’d prefer something already established. If you want a pre-existing home in the Costa Rican market, you’ll need to decide if you want a beach condo with all the amenities, a single-family residence in a community or secluded, or just an apartment rental in a culture-saturated Latin American metropolis. According to Costa Rica real estate agents at BuySafeCostaRica.com, roughly two-thirds of the population lives in Central Costa Rica around La Fortuna, Lake Arenal, San Jose, Cartago, Alajuela and the Irazu Volcano. Central Pacific Costa Rica is situated along the Pacific Ocean and offers popular tourist cities like Jaco Beach, Dominical, Quepos and Puntarenos. Some of the natives and early developers complain that foreign investment and unplanned developments have been moved too rapidly in recent years and is taking away from some of the area’s natural beauty. The Caribbean Sea side of the country is known for its warm, laidback beach atmosphere and its Afro-Caribbean culture in Puerto Limon. The Southern Pacific region is bordered by Panama and the Pacific Ocean and houses Buenos Aires, Golfito and San Vito, but is relatively remote still. Prices here are pioneer-cheap because the area is still so untouched by development yet. Even so, Costa Rica real estate agents say the Osa Peninsula is still the starting point for much eco-tourism, sport fishing, diving and wildlife watching (especially at Corcovado Park!)

Michael B asked:


I am planning a trip to Costa Rica with my girlfriend in Mid-March. We want to do alot of active sightseeing, sport activities, and of course alot of beach relaxation time. I have heard that avoiding the Caribbean side of the country may be a good idea if you are only there for 2 weeks. Can anyone tell me (hopefully from personal experience) a great 2 week itinerary? You can lay it out like so

Day 3 and 4-Manuel Antonio-Take a cab to this location. Great beach motel here named……

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NebojsaStanojevic asked:

New Team - Arrival in Costa Rica
Okupljanje nove posade

Sacha Tarkovsky asked:


With many ocean front properties in the US expensive, more Americans are turning their attention overseas and getting properties up to 70% cheaper than the US and better capital growth potential.

Not only this, but your Costa Rica second home is just 3 hours from the US and offers a fantastic lifestyle.

So why are Americans buying in second homes in ever increasing numbers?

Here are 10 reasons why:

1. Cost of Real Estate

The cost as we have seen is 70% less than in the US, making it affordable to a huge number of people, but buying a second home in Costa Rica offers something more:

2. Investment Potential

Average prices have risen 300% in the last 10 years and many investors in the right locations have doubled or tripled the money in a few years.

The future potential for the Costa Rican second home market looks good going forward as foreign investment soars and the economy booms.

Prices are on the increase and so to are rentals, as more tourists visit than ever before.

3. Costa Rica Is Cheap

Property is cheap and so are living costs.

You can live well on just $2,000 per month. Want to dine out? $12, fancy a full time maid? – $150 a month

4. Costa Rica Is Safe & Secure

The World Bank at its annual conference stated that Costa Rica was “one of the most stable and robust” democracies in Latin America and commented on Costa Rica’s “healthy economic growth rate” and “some of the best social indicators” on the continent.

When buying a second home in Costa Rica it’s nice to know you are investing in a stable country, where you enjoy the same rights as residents and it has strong ties with the US.

This is not the case with many other Latin American countries, So Costa Rica offers peace of mind when investing.

5. Tax advantages

You gain significant tax advantages when buying a Costa Rica second home. The government wants investment and tax and red tape are kept to minimum.

6. It’s Beautiful

Voted one of the top adventure tourist spots in the world, Costa Rica offers stunning beaches, the pacific the Caribbean, spectacular rainforest, hills, majestic mountains, awesome volcanoes and a huge amount of wildlife.

7. It’s Close

Your Costa Rica second home is just a three hour flight form the southern US and the time difference is just 2 hours.

Proximity and ease of access from the US is a major reason for the influx of people buying second homes

8. Crime

Unlike many other Central American countries violent crime and drug wars are non existent and this low crime rate is a major factor for people coming Costa Rica

9. Its relaxed %& Friendly

With more and more Americans buying second homes in Costa Rica there is large expat community as well as friendly locals.

The pace of life is unhurried, relaxed and for those wanting a more peaceful friendly environment Costa Rica offers this and much more.

10. The economy is growing

The economy has been growing strongly since 1997, which is seeing a dramatic change in the infastructure as more people buy property this means:

More growth on your second home in Costa Rica, better rental income and more amenities to enjoy!

So leave the high prices, low growth rates, high crime and stress behind, relax and make money from your own Costa Rica second home, it’s affordable and could be your best investment.

Brown asked:


We have heard a lot about Costa Rica, and nothing but good things. We are thinking of taking our yearly vacation there this year, but just don’t know what area is best. Please provide any information as far as the best location to visit, along with hotels if possible.

Thank You

Gordon B asked:


I am going to Costa Rica on vacation (specifically the arenal and manuel antonio areas). Do I need to take any medications / shots before I go on the trip?

Thanks!

Cerro Fresco asked:


Looking for a tropical locale that boasts rugged highlands, volcanoes and miles upon miles of beaches that can all be experienced in one day? Costa Rica, a small Central American country nestled between Nicaragua and Panama, is the place for you. The real estate market in Costa Rica is booming since the profile of this Central American country has been raised. Whether you are looking for a second home or a new home Costa Rica has what you are looking for.

There are many types of homes for sale in Costa Rica. From luxury condos to unique tropical homes to luxury beachfront homes such as can be found at www.cerrofresco.com. When looking at homes for sale in Costa Rica you will find all the comforts of home, plus more. All amenities that you are used to, such as electricity, fresh water, internet and even television are readily available in homes for sale in Costa Rica.

Homes for sale in Costa Rica are largely affordable with prices generally lower than those in the United State, the United Kingdom and Canada. There is also a large market for resale in Costa Rica. Between the low cost of living, an amazing quality of life and an affordable luxury lifestyle, who would not want to look at homes for sale in Costa Rica? Costa Rica is a politically and economically stable country. There are already over fifty thousand United States citizens living in Costa Rica. The Costa Rican people strive for a quality of life similar to that of the Western way of life. All in all, when looking at homes for sale in Costa Rica you must keep in mind that you are likely to find whatever type of home it is that you are looking for in nearly any price range.

Nick Viale asked:


Falling in love with Costa Rica is easy. Still relatively undiscovered with a warm climate, white sand beaches, lush wildlife and stable democratic government, this welcoming central American country attracts more foreign investment every year. With the new airport well-established in the province of Guanacaste, prices are steadily rising and development in this area is moving steadily forward. So if you’ve lost your heart to this tiny country, the time to invest is now - but don’t go it alone.

Costa Rica is a new frontier that’s also been attracting its fair share of shysters. Don’t go it alone - protect yourself by building a solid real estate team before you buy.

THE KEY PLAYERS IN YOUR LINE-UP:

THE REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY

Hire an experienced lawyer to help you manage the financial details and ensure you get what you expect from any deal. An attorney can also help you set up a corporation if you are interested in purchasing your property this way. It’s essential that your lawyer be familiar with Costa Rican real estate laws, as they can be vastly different from the laws in the US.

THE NOTARIO PUBLICO

You will also need to contract the services of a notario publico. Your notario, who is also an attorney, will verify who has title to the land (and who has the right to sell it) according the the public land registry. This simple search is invaluable - make sure you’re not putting your money down on the equivalent of “a nice bridge in Brooklyn.” As an added precaution, have your notario research the ownership history of surrounding properties as well, it’s good to know your neighbors.

THE MENTOR(S)

Make friends with your future neighbors and compatriots as soon as you can! Talk to everyone you can who has had experience buying real estate in this beautiful country. The Costa Rican culture is unique. Let people who understand the country guide you through important details like local politics, regulations, culture and general trends. Of course it goes without saying that your chosen advisors must not stand to benefit from any purchase you will make.

THE (licensed!) REAL ESTATE AGENT

Your real estate broker should be someone you have good communication with, who understands your needs and has a history of experience with real estate in the region you’re interested in. Insist on an agent who is licensed, in Costa Rica, anyone at all can legally sell real estate, make certain they are accountable!

THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT

This is especially important in an area like Guanacaste where hundreds of miles of protected rainforest, natural biodiversity and abundance have elevated the area to a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Considered to be a universally important part of our world’s shared culture and history, parts of Guanacaste are governed by strict environmental laws and buyers may be liable for violations that occurred prior to purchase. Before you buy, have a thorough Environmental Due Diligence assessment done and reviewed by your team.

THE SURVEYOR

Contract a land surveyor to check out the property and the properties surrounding it in order to get a big picture of what you’re buying into.

THE APPRAISER

It never hurts to have a second opinion. Hire an appraiser to assess the value of the property.

CHECK THE RECORDS

Finally, prior to closing any deal, find out if there’s tax owing on the property and what the tax history is. Check lien notices, mortgages, construction plans, and condominium documents.

Whether you’ve been captivated by the beauty of this coastal paradise or simply want to make a strong investment, there’s no need to resist Costa Rica’s allure. With the right team and a bit of homework, your investment in this growing real estate market will be protected.

Scott Hughes asked:


Costa Rica has become a popular destination for vacations, weddings, honeymoons, and many other trips. Costa Rica has also become home to many resorts, conferences, and social gatherings. With so much hype about Costa Rica, you may consider retiring there. You are not alone. Many people from the United States and other English-speaking countries have retired in Costa Rica. There are many advantages of retiring in Costa Rica.

First of all, the lower cost-of-living in Costa Rica makes it a great retirement spot. Your savings and your retirement income will buy you more in Costa Rica than it will in the United States. If you lived and worked in Costa Rica, you would also receive a lower pay, which would balance out the lower cost-of-living. However, retirees have the advantage of receiving the same income no matter where they live. By retiring in Costa Rica, you can save a lot of money.

Another great thing about retiring in Costa Rica is that the local people are so polite. Politeness is a major part of Costa Rican culture. You will find that polite and helpful people come in especially handy when you have moved to a new place and do not know your way around that well.

You will also love the weather in Costa Rica. It is warm year-round. The only drawback is that Costa Rica does have a rainy season. If you really dislike the rain, Costa Rica may not be for you.

The wildlife in Costa Rica is amazing. There are all sorts of animals and plants. It is very green in Costa Rica, and the scenery is beautiful.

Costa Rica also has beautiful beaches on both sides of the country. If you really wanted, you could visit the Pacific beaches on one side of the country and the Caribbean beaches on the other side all in the same day. You can relax on the beaches, but you can also engage in various activities such as SCUBA diving or fishing.

Before retiring in Costa Rica, you want to think about it carefully. Research the country and the retirement laws. You do not want to make such a major decision on an emotional whim. If you have not visited Costa Rica, try visiting it a few times before deciding on retiring there. Also, remember that Costa Rica is a Spanish-speaking country, so you probably want to start learning some Spanish if you plan on moving there.

Whatever you do, good luck and have fun!

andreacello asked:

Mi Mama y mi Papa buscando inodoros para la casa nueva. Caramba! Que dificil…. Fuimos al Guadalupano, a Abonos Agro…. Isabel Rojas and her husband looking for the right toilet to install in their new home. Watch and learn from Mrs. Rojas about what to look for in a toilet…