Costa Rica has become the ultimate destination for many Americans, Canadians and Europeans that want to avoid cold weather but still wish to enjoy the perks of living in a country that’s politically stable with a growing economy. Many come to find peacefulness in a beach-like environment and many others come to retire somewhere around the Central Valley to enjoy life in the city.

Today, I would like to suggest a few things to take into consideration when pursuing your dream of buying a property in Costa Rica.

Once you have decided you want to buy a property, the first and most important thing you should do is find a real estate company that’s well known and has a good reputation. The realtor plays a key part in all this process: It is most likely that he/she will have a better knowledge about locations, paperwork, contracts, questions on legal or financing you might have. Also, keep in mind that it is very likely that an agent could get you a better deal on the property you want.

Don’t worry, if you are reading this, it means you are in the right place. Properties in Costa Rica is an established company, that has 18 years on the market and there are many agents, myself included, willing to go the extra mile for you and eager to help you on your adventure of buying a home in Costa Rica.

Another key point to take into consideration is the location: It is very important that you let the agent know what locations you’d like best. If you don’t know your way around Costa Rica yet, just let the agent know specific details of what do you expect of the area where you’d like to purchase your property. Tiny details do help on finding you the perfect place. The real estate agent can also give you a better understanding of property’s value around the area you are interested in.

Once you’ve found a right property for you, it is important that you get in contact with a home inspector, so that if there’s something that needs repairing or isn’t safe you’ll be aware of it. Any remodeling or drastic change will affect your pocket; so financially speaking I think hiring a home inspector is the best way to go. Don’t be shy to ask as many questions as possible about the property you want to buy.

If you are buying a property in a Condo or a gated community be sure to ask about the maintenance fees or what are the costs of the municipality taxes. These municipal taxes are not as high as in the States, so for many Americans this might seem great, specially because automatically they make the comparison with taxes paid back home, It is truly a humongous difference.

When you finally find a right property for you and decide to purchase, remember to read carefully the contract before signing anything. If there’s something that you don’t understand very well, ask the seller, or you can even find support in professional help, find yourself a lawyer, maybe asked about the clauses on the contract so that everything is crystal clear for you before signing. Your lawyer can also help you afterwards on registering the property.

Either way, your real estate agent here in Properties in Costa Rica will guide you through all of the process and clear any doubt you may have.

I’m most certain that looking forward to moving to Costa Rica might sound like one of the greatest adventures in one’s life, and it actually is. However, be smart when it comes to renting a property so that you get to enjoy first, instead of having trouble with the place you choose.

The first thing you should consider when moving to Costa Rica, is the area you want to live in: for someone who has never been to the country, this could be tough but hey! Cheer up! That’s why we are here for.

Make sure you find real estate agent you can trust and once you do, talk about what your expectations are. Tiny things such as “waking up to a mountain view”, “being in touch with nature”, “proximity to grocery stores”, “having a nice garden do matter”, so be sure to mention this kind of details.

Another thing to consider is San Jose’s ever-lasting traffic: People in Costa Rica live life very stress free and this perhaps will be one of the things you first notice BUT, and this is a big but, when it comes to traffic things might get a little tense. The driving is a bit rough and there is really no way to sugar coat it, there is always a traffic jam so be smart on the location you pick to move in. Ask the agent who is helping you if there are alternative routes to get to what you will soon be calling home. Maybe being close to work or school could save you hours stuck in traffic.

Even though Costa Rica is really safe, it is still really important to check if the neighborhood you are moving into has 24/7 security or if it is considered a good area by locals. There are a few areas, as in any other country, that’s best to keep away from. Most expats search for areas such as Escazu , Santa Ana , Heredia , Grecia. So maybe try and look for options around these neighborhoods.

Make sure you mention if you are looking for a long term rental or a short term rental. Furnished or unfurnished . Do know that if you are committed to a long term rental and you don’t stay the full year you lose the fully security deposit.

Once you have found the perfect place to call home for a while, the process of renting isn’t complicated at all. Make sure you read the leasing contract very well, in it you will find your obligations as tenant and the obligations of the landlord. Also, if you are not fluent in Spanish, ask your real estate agent for a contract in English, they should provide it for you.

It is important for you to check the condition in which they are giving you the property: it should be flawless but if it’s not, be sure to let the owner know so that he can fix it or so that he can keep in mind the state in which things are. Dirty walls, for instance, is something you should notify to the owner or the agent before you sign the contract, so that you get a response before you move, maybe the owner isn’t willing to paint the property but can lower the rental price a bit. In addition, if once you already moved in something inside the apartments stops working, let’s say it’s a broken sink, notify to the owner the issue, he is in charge of fixing it.

Some people jump at once to the idea of purchasing a property, which is OK when you know the area and neighborhood you want to live in, but if you have never been to the country, it may be best to take it slow and rent first to see how you like living in the area. Don’t forget that at Properties in Costa Rica , we are really eager and happy to help you on your new adventure and on finding a place that is right for you!

If you are planning to visit Costa Rica and you are not into the crowded very touristy places, you have got to read this.

I’m a firm believer that every place holds hidden treasures that are special because not many people can be found in them. That secrecy gives tourists a sense of freedom and a chance to discover a place entirely, no rules apply, no tourist guides, no time restrictions.

1. Playa Zancudo: this beach is located at Puntarena’s province. What’s so cool about thisplace is that you get to enjoy at the North side of the beach a calm, wave-free water, perfect to do some snorkeling or to just relax and take-in all your surroundings. You also get waves on the Southern side of the beach , great for those looking forward to doing some water activities, such as surfing, water skiing, boogie boarding, you name it. Get to experience tranquility and enjoy this isolated beach town. There’s also a chance you might see some monkeys and even crocodiles near this place.
2. Barra Honda National Park: if you are into exploring, this would be an ideal place tospend your afternoon. This often forgotten National Park has a large amount of caves for you to visit. There are 42 caves in this place but only 19 have been explored. You can also appreciate a diversity of rock formations, such as stalactites and stalagmites. The Park is located at the Nicoya Peninsula . There are some caving and bats tours available, so if you are concerned with getting lost, don’t be.
3. Mal Pais – Santa Teresa: Mal Pais used to be a well kept secret destination butnowadays, many young tourists visit this place because it is considered one of the best Pacific Coast beaches. It’s starting to attract many surfers. However, it makes the cut on this countdown due to the fact that it is a beautiful and relaxed place you must visit. Santa Teresa gives you the opportunity to get to enjoy some international cuisine and maybe do a little yoga or my ULTIMATE FAVORITE, horse back riding at the beach . Oh! And if you are not into surfing don’t worry, the town services are available and close by. If you are not quite into surfing but interested in trying it out, there are also lessons offered. Take into consideration that you can reach Nicoya Peninsula by taking the ferry at Puntarenas. If you are planning on taking a road trip from the Central Pacific to Mal Pais, this would be the easiest way to go.
4. San Gerardo de Dota: is a small town located next to the Savegre river, a quiet, relaxedoption if you want to get away from all the chaos, just two hours away from San Jose. Around the town, there is a wide variety of options to stay from hotels to villas, that allow you to enjoy mountain and forest views. The main attraction in the forest I think would be the variety of birds around the area, including hummingbirds and woodpeckers. There is also a chance to fish some trouts within the Savegre river. Nature enthusiasts really would love this place. There are one-day tours available for this outing.

Whatever place of these top 4 you decide to visit, make sure you take lots of pictures and remember to relax and have a great time. Don’t forget to share with us your special memories by using the hashtag #propertiesincostarica . Dare to discover Costa Rica!

Costa Rica is best known for its beautiful volcanic beaches and its rainforest wildlife: many people come visit to enjoy some stress free vacation and while they are at it, they oftenly get to see monkeys, butterflies, sloths and even some exotic birds, all interacting at their natural habitat. But there’s also a marine wildlife to be enjoyed at this lovely country: you can be able to see turtles, a variety of fish, dolphins and whales! Yes, whales!!

When I first arrived at Costa Rica, I was amazed by the fact that one could be able to see whales. I had an idea in my mind that whales only lived at Antarctica because of the cold waters. Little did I know that when waters start to cool too much during winter, two huge migrations of whales take place. Costa Rica offers the longest season for humpback whale watching in the world: there’s approximately nine months out of the year were you can spy on these amazing, magnificent mammals. How is this even possible? As I mentioned above, two huge migrations of whales occur: we get whales migrating from the north, more specifically from Alaska or even California and then we get other migration from the Antarctic zone to the South. Northern humpback whales can be seen in Costa Rica from December through April, while Southern whales arrive late in July and stay until November.

Whales usually spend their time in Costa Rica at the Southern Pacific, more specifically at The Osa Peninsula and Gulf of Dulce, but also at a beach town called Uvita known for attracting whales close to shore and Dominical (Whale Coast). If you are planning to see them, there are some paid tours offered at Uvita. Usually snorkeling time is included too, so you might get to see some turtles, rays or even dolphins.

Do not worry if you are at Guanacaste or somewhere at the North Pacific: although tours to see whales are not very common there, many ocean tours often detour to popular zones where humpback whales are mating at the migration season.

A great advice if you want to ensure your whale watching tour trip, would be to book it while the Annual Whale and Dolphin Festival is taking place at Uvita. It usually starts in September, at the peak of the “whale season”.

Some other tips to make the most out of this experience would be to bring waterproof clothes or maybe a light blanket because it does tend to get chilly and also to avoid sea sickness: keep in mind that you will be inside a boat for a few hours, so do not skip your breakfast since an empty stomach could worsen the sickness. A pair of binoculars could be useful too (though not strictly necessary), sunglasses to protect your eyes, sunblock, and lastly and most important thing YOUR CAMERA! Be sure to keep it ready to shoot because you will never know when you will spot a whale soaring into the air!!

At Properties in Costa Rica , we hope that you make the most out of your time in this great country, so do feel free to share some of your memories with us, using our hashtag #propertiesincostarica on Facebook and Instagram. Have fun!

If you are planning to come to Costa Rica or if you are already here, don’t think for a second that beautiful beaches is all this country has to offer. There are also some great places to visit, that will surely look great in the pictures you will definitely want to take.

So today, I made this sort of countdown about places to go to in the Costa Rica Central Valley. Hopefully you will fall in love with this places too.

1. 1. Arenal Volcano National Park think it is safe to say that Arenal is the most popular of all volcanoes in Costa Rica, located at Alajuela province, it used to be the most active volcano in the country with 41 eruptions per day. Nowadays is not possible to see Lava coming out its crater because right now it is going through a resting phase but there is still so much to do around the Arenal Volcano National Park. Visit Lake Arenal, Costa Rica’s largest river, and the base of the Volcano. There are some activities done in this river such as fishing, or stand up paddleboarding. No matter what you decide on doing, take in, for just a minute, all the beauty around you.If you want to live a great adventure, this is a place to visit. Whether you are into hiking or a more laid back activity such as horseback riding, there’s no problem, there’s plenty of everything for all taste. Do make sure you find yourself a bilingual guide so that you don’t missed out on anything. Be sure to visit La Fortuna Waterfall, this is very near Arenal, you can get here only by foot, so you can either take a 15 minute hike or horseback. Do bring your swimming suit with you so that you can get to swim in a crystal clear water natural pool. There are also the natural hot springs Arenal has to offer. You can relax and enjoy a nice time taking a warm bath in this therapeutical natural waters.

1. 2. San Jose Central Market or Mercado CentralIf you want to get a taste of Costa Rica’s food and also get a chance to hang out with locals and get a sampling of the authentic urban culture of Costa Rica, this is the place to visit.This marketplace was founded in 1882 and since then it has experienced many remodelations throughout the years. Do be advised, this is a crowded place with lots of shops and eateries. Perfect place to buy some souvenirs for sure.Be sure to try some typical dishes such as Casados or Gallo Pinto and also some typical Costa Rican sweets.

1. 3. Lankester Botanical GardensLankester Botanical Gardens is located near one the most beautiful central regions of the country, the province of Cartago.If you love orchids, this a must go to place. Lankester Botanical Gardens was founded in the 1940’s by a british orchid enthusiast named Charles Lankester, he dedicated his life to the creation of one of the most comprehensive orchid gardens in Central America. You can visit any time of the year, but in March and April most of the orchids are in bloom, so if you happen to be in Costa Rica at this time of the year, take a visit to this place. There are guided walks offered at the main desk every 30 minutes but I honestly would recommend you to go by yourself and take the time to appreciate the wide variety of plant species there is.The place is really clean and well maintained. There is a Japanese Garden too, you can walk through a beautiful bamboo path. There is also some areas for doing picnics so you can bring your food basket and blanket and enjoy. This is a pet friendly place!

1. 4. The Ruins of Ujarras.Ujarras town is located at Cartago province. This town offers a truly good experience of Costa Rica’s history and its culture. The Ruins of Ujarras is the place where the oldest church in Costa Rica was built. The legend states that indigenous Huetar Indian fisherman found a box with an image of Virgin Mary on it, which they were unable to remove from the location. Because of this, Nuestra Senora de la Limpia Concepcion was built on the site. Over the years, it is believed that the spirit of the Virgin Mary cautioned locals of a devastating flood and performed several miracles for the villagers. There is a beautiful garden surrounding the ruins, so you can spend the afternoon here.

There is so much more that Costa Rica has to offer and also so many things to visit but for now we will just leave you this four places to go to. We truly hope you fall in love with this country and don’t forget to think about us when you do visit, we would love to see all the pictures you take, so don’t forget to use our hashtag #propertiesincostarica on Instagram and Facebook so that we can check out all the memories you make. Pura Vida!

Costa Rica is home to plenty of properties and whether you want a beachfront condo , a beautiful villa on the banks or even a plot of farmland to call your own, you will find a wide selection of homes to choose from.

Not only that, but the country has so many activities to keep people of all ages busy day and night that you will never run out of things to do. When you combine the variety of living arrangements available together with the great fun as well as the friendly people living in the country, you will find that a move to Costa Rica is like living a dream vacation every day of your life. Everyone can use a vacation, but when you can live one every day, you really have it made.

The Lifestyle

The locals are friendly and helpful. Whether you’re a tourist in the area, or someone looking to move here, you can find that pretty much everyone is ready to help. The markets are always bustling on mornings, but provide a gentle, not rushed flow of people through the aisles. You can grab fresh fruit, veggies and even meat during these times.

The atmosphere as a whole is laid back, inviting and refreshing. Without having to worry about the hustle and bustle of normal life, you can slow down a bit and take in the area, the people and all that life can offer you.

You will quickly find that living a laid-back lifestyle is easily done in Costa Rica. Even if you are working, the environment around you can help keep your stress level low and your productivity level high.

The Climate is Wonderful

The average temperature in Costa Rica is 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, which allows you to get the most use of the beaches and other great outdoor fun. Yes, you may run into some rain if, especially if you live inland, but don’t let the ran dampen your fun. With such a great year-round climate, you will have plenty of time for not only surfing, snorkeling, boating or soaking up some sun on the shore, but you can also enjoy other exciting outdoor experiences such as bungee jumping, parasailing, hiking or biking or taking a trip through one of the rain forests or even a day hike to check out a volcano.

Moving Can Be Done Easily, For Anyone

Moving yourself and even your family can be handled quite easily, even if you need to have a few things shipped over. Most people arrive in Costa Rica with a few bags that they bring along on their flight. While you can find accommodations that are partially, and occasionally even fully furnished, you will most likely find that you’re going to need some of your own personal household things. One thing you will want to do is compare the price to ship with the price of purchasing new or used before you schedule anything.

Another thing to consider, besides basic household goods, will be whether you need to ship your own car. If you will live in a large city, you’ll find ample public transport, and will most likely be able to walk or even take a bicycle to most local places you need to travel. If you live rurally or plan to trek off to the mountains or travel frequently to Panama or Nicaragua or even from one side of Costa Rica to the other, a car may be a good thing to have. You may find numerous cars for sale when you arrive, but be sure to have any car checked out thoroughly before you buy one. You may find that it is less expensive to have your own car shipped over but be sure to speak to local mechanics and check with parts supply stores to make sure your car is one that can be easily repaired if anything goes wrong.

You will need paperwork to import household goods as well as a motor vehicle. Some of the basic paperwork that will be necessary includes:

• Passport
• Motor Vehicle Registration
• Original Bill of Sale
• Driver’s License
• Signed authorization from vehicle owner if you are bringing a car that is not in your name. This must be notarized by the Costa Rican consulate.
• Bill of Lading
• Emissions test certificate
• Itemized list of goods (for household and personal items) Be sure to include all serial and model numbers for electronics or appliances.

More information on shipping a motor vehicle to Costa Rica can be obtained from https://www.a1autotransport.com/

Moving to Costa Rica is an exciting adventure that many people only dream of taking. Whether you are planning to visit for a while or you are making a long-term move, you can find a great place to live including vacation rentals as well as beautiful family homes during your stay. You will also be able to partake in some of the biggest adventures of your life while being able to live stress free in paradise.

The southern part of the Nicoya Peninsula is home to many lesser known marvels of nature that are both exciting and pristine. The northern beach of Playa Blanca, a short distance from the ferry that arrives in Playa Naranjo from Puntarenas, has sugar-white sand and clear waters.

A little further south in the town of Rio Grande, 7 miles north of Paquera, the Campinas Waterfalls, three separate waterfalls cascade down a smooth rock face into a cool pool below. It is a short walk from the parking areas and is a well-kept secret for the locals to enjoy. Also in Rio Grande is Playa Pajaros, a sandy beach along the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Nicoya. There is no development, no buildings, no cables and very few people on this lovely beach.

In the town of Paquera, where the other ferry from Puntarenas docks, the locals enjoy the long, uncrowed beach of Playa Organos. It is situated directly in front of Isla Tortuga and the islands block the large Pacific swells making it a safe and fun place to swim and play in the waves. The offshore island of Tortuga is visited by over a dozen tour boats a day as well as by local tour operators. It has white sand, clear waters for snorkeling and the tour companies provide tropical picnics with delicious drinks. The guests can snorkel, swim, kayak, jet ski or just relax in a hammock in tropical paradise.

The Biological Reserve at Curu is open to tourists to see the domesticated rescued animals as well as observe the wild animals around them. Several walking paths weave through the tropical forest and a 4 mile long private beach is there for the visitors.

Heading south past Tambor, one arrives at the Tango Mar resort with a quiet, uncrowded beach and a picturesque waterfall that drops into a large pool and then the sea.

The town of Montezuma is well known for its local crafts, waterfront bars, Tarzan and Jane waterfall and its Bohemian attitude. It is a laid back place surrounded by natural beauty. The trip up the creek to the waterfall is rewarded by a spectacular sight and a large swimming pool beneath the cascade.

Costa Rica has submitted a proposal to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to establish the Savegre River Watershed as a Biosphere Reserve. A biosphere reserve is an area of land or coastal ecosystem that promotes solutions in reconciling conservation with sustainable use. The Savegre River, which begins in the Talamanca mountain range between Cerro de los Muertos and Chirripo and ends in an estuary in the Manuel Antonio National Park on the Central Pacific Coast would be Costa Rica’s fourth Biosphere Reserve (joing La Amistad, Cordillera Volcanica Central, and Agua y Paz). The Savegre is one of the nations cleanest rivers surrounded by lush rainforest, waterfalls and canyons, with only 1,000 people living along its banks. It is a welcoming habitat for all kinds of exotic wildlife.

According to UNESCO, biosphere reserves are, “are areas comprising terrestrial, marine and coastal ecosystems. Each reserve promotes solutions reconciling the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use.” Thus the goal of UNESCO biosphere reserves are to encourage sustainable development, balancing the relationship between people and nature. There are three zones in one biosphere reserve to fulfill three complementary functions. The core areas are a strictly protected ecosystem that contributes to the conservation of the landscapes, ecosystems and species, the buffer zone that surrounds the core areas used for activities compatible with sound ecological practices that can reinforce scientific research, training and education, and the transition area which is the part of the reserve where the greatest activity is allowed, fostering economic and human development that is ecologically sustainable.

There are currently 669 biosphere reserves in 120 countries. If the Savegre is recognized as a biosphere reserve it will receive international recognition and benefit from efforts to find a balance between conservation and socioeconomic development.

Properties in Costa Rica

There is not a shortage of outdoor adventures in Dominical. This green area includes two national parks, magical waterfalls, wildlife and nature sanctuaries, legendary surfing and plenty of water activities for the novice and the pro. There are few places in the world that match the abundance of opportunity and fun families couples and friends can enjoy in Costa Rica. Only a short drive from San Jose, it’s one of the country’s favorite spots for nature enthusiasts and eco-minded people.

1. Nauyaca Waterfalls

A two-tiered waterfall that rises 61 meters (200 feet) high with a natural pool for swimming makes Nauyaca Waterfalls one of Costa Rica’s top destinations for adventure seekers. Arrive either by horseback (tour includes lunch) or hike to the waterfalls and spend the day. If you plan on hiking, the trail to the falls is very challenging and rugged but well worth it.

2. Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary

Visit the Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary where you will find over 75 animals native to Costa Rica. This non-profit organization feeds, provides shelter and veterinary care to distressed animals brought under its care. The center also includes an educational program for school children. It’s dedicated not only to the care and preservation of wildlife but also to teaching the future generations about the importance of animals and preserving their natural habitats. It’s a remarkable place to visit when traveling through Dominical.

3. Hacienda Baru

This 800-acre wildlife refuge hugs the southern coast of Costa Rica neighboring Dominical. With a diversity of habitats, primary and secondary forest, mangroves, grasslands, and beaches, you can get pleasantly lost here for hours hiking through the reserve. A cattle ranch till 1990, the owner banned hunting on the land and quickly went to work to create one of Costa Rica’s most treasured reserves. It officially became a reserve in 1995. The lodge, restaurant and zip line tours fund the property. It’s a sustainable, self-supporting venture that relies on responsible eco-tourism to protect the wildlife and ecosystem. Here you will find treasures everywhere in the over 330 species that inhabit the land. You can take one of the many self-guided hikes to spot monkeys, sloths, caiman and more or opt for the zip line tour for a bird’s eye view of the reserve.

4. Yoga

Dominical is home to one of the top yoga retreat centers in Costa Rica. The Danya Yoga Retreat and Eco-Lodge offer visitors retreats, yoga, surf, meditation and arts and crafts programs. There are daily drop-in yoga classes taught by well-regarded instructors. It’s a special place to reconnect with yourself, rejuvenate your spirit, and return to balance.

5. Marino Ballena Park

Just 20 minutes south of downtown Dominical, Marino Ballena Park attracts visitors from all over the world. Established in 1990, the protected 270 acres of land and 13,300 acres of ocean is one of the newest parks in the country. Home to the largest coral reef on the Pacific side of Central America it beckons scuba divers. The crystal clear blue waters make it perfect for snorkeling. You can also venture out to Cano Island for more scuba diving. Explore the mangroves, and spot the humpback whales during migration season. The beaches are also a favorite place to spot Olive Ridley and Hawksbill turtles. Spend hours here horseback riding, hiking, paddling through the mangroves or just laying on the beach; it’s a perfect refuge to take in the wonders of nature.

6. Surf Lessons and Surfing

In Dominical, surfs up every day of the week. One of the most popular destinations for both experienced as well as those new to surfing, Dominical offers consistent waves. With waves averaging anywhere from three feet to double overhead and a sandy bottom, it’s a top surfing destination. As a bonus, the town of Dominical extends to the beach making parking fairly easy. You can also take surf lessons and get some yoga in at Bodhi Surf School.

Escape into the wonder of waterfalls, zip-line across the rainforest canopy, explore the beaches on horseback, take in the surf and enjoy the wonder of the ocean at sunset in Dominical. It’s one of Costa Rica’s treasured spots for visitors and residents. All are welcome here.

So its that time again! The Costa Rican real estate market took an upswing 8 years ago and it is happening again. As many of you think – what’s going to happen? whether you are looking at your life now, in retirement, your home for vacation or even your politics – think ahead and buy a build-able lot here in Costa Rica.

1-Pick a price range that you can afford and want to be in. Anywhere from $30,000USD and up

2-Choose an area with good resale. Right now the ‘suburbs’ of the central valley are hot – and I mean that in a good way! the mountains that make up the valley have access to the city and are actually 70-80 degrees year round with no need for need A/C. Not only expats are moving there, but lots of ticos as well.

3-Schedule a trip with a trusted realtor who can show you different areas, such as San Ramon, Grecia, Naranjo, or a company with Realtors in several different areas you are interested in. many Realtors here will help you with more than just buying a lot so it is worth using a good one with a reputable company.

4-Find the lot that works for you and buy it! Yes, its that simple here. Due diligence is already half done on lots with Properties in Costa Rica, so we can close in as early as a few days if nothing new has come up.

• Bring your passport and license
• Have 10% of your budgeted purchase price ready to put down in escrow
• Sign a Limited power of Attorney to your realtor, friend or family here to ONLY sign the closing documents if the Closing will happen when you are not here and you are not able to come back.

5-Build right away or wait – there are many good companies and builders in the mountain areas. don’t pick one yourself, find one through references from your realtor. Don’t let the few bad stories trump all the successful building stories that don’t make the headlines.

6-Furniture – One of the hardest things for my expat clients to believe is that we have good, quality furniture and household items here. Sure – you can fill up a container in the states and ship to for 10,000. And honestly, if you are building 3 or more rentals and need to furnish them all, you may save money doing it that way. but furnishing one or 2 homes, better, put that money into the CR economy, and buy the items easily right here and have them delivered to the house for much less than shipping them from the US.

7-Move! or vacation, or rent, or sell. Just like any other part time home or investment property. If you use it, great! Welcome! Don’t move? Rent or sell, or do both. This is a little slice of Paradise, and we people always want to come enjoy it. The weather is great, we are close to everything, literally. I can day trip to the beach, or a volcano, or a huge mall with Forever 21 and Benetton. Costa Rica’s allure isn’t going anywhere!

So if you are thinking of buying a lot here as a backup plan to build later, I say do it! And do it now.

K. Rubens