Let’s take a look at the most common scenarios for those who purchase property in Costa Rica and then “decide” later that they wish to sell…

….Beach and ocean view properties account for a very large percentage of all properties sold to foreigners .    Face it,  the views are gorgeous and nearly all buyers have had fantastic and unforgettable beach experiences in Costa Rica…hence the purchase.   What’s not to like?
Well…after a subsequent, longer visit reality sets in…beach living is HOT ( yes, really really hot ) and very HUMID…then there are the insects ( and we are not talking just a few mosquitos here…), the remoteness and lack of civilization and conveniences ( not to mention medical care and professional services )…it is difficult to build in most areas along the beach ( if you can even get utilities ).

BEST SOLUTION to avoid being one of the 50%  who sell ( in the beach areas )…
….rent first and live in the area for at least two weeks.   Or buy a less expensive beach property or home for short visits only.   Be aware of exactly the atmosphere and climate that you will be living in.    And remember …this is Costa Rica, not Florida or Texas. 

Buyers in other areas need to be aware of:

….legal issues…make certain that you have a first class attorney AND use a second attorney to check on the work of the first ( no, this is not a joke )
….Prices…”how can I make sure that I am getting the lowest ( or at least a fair ) price?  Click here for a pdf booklet
….Make certain of your building costs…building in Costa Rica is not as simple as it appears.   Use the same guidelines for finding a builder as you would for buying land.   Remember, regulations and rules are almost non existent here and so is your financial protection.

DUE DILIGENCE!
…. The things that you take for granted in your home country…you cannot take for granted in Costa Rica.   There are no guidelines and no rules or regulations of almost any kind regarding real estate or construction .   DO NOT ASSUME that the regulatory authorities will protect you and watching over you.   Even if you were to buy a property and later find that you had been completely defrauded…and you had an airtight case against the sellers…the legal system in Costa Rica may not protect you.

Other issues…
….squatters
….outright fraud
….unstated “laws” regarding easements
….additional regulations and rules regarding rivers, springs and mangroves and wildlife areas….
….concessions that vary from municipality to municipality
….rights that native Ticos have that foreigners do not.  
….and much much more…

NERVOUS YET?
….you should be.

When my wife and I moved to Costa Rica five years ago, we paid over $30,000 too much for our land and our home.    And it took us two years to discover it!

Which is why we started CR HOME REALTY…

We know that we only cover a very small percentage of the areas where people purchase land and homes in Costa Rica.  And if you choose to explore property in the NW portion of the Central Valley or in selected areas along the Central Pacific, the odds are very good that you will be dealing with us.

But… the other 98% of buyers…sorry, but you will most likely come in contact with someone who will take financial advantage of you. ( sad, but true ).   In fact, the odds of you purchasing land at the lowest price OR even being represented fairly are against you!

“SO…WHAT CAN I DO TO PROTECT MYSELF?”
….in summary…USE AS MUCH CARE AND DUE DILIGENCE AS YOU WOULD IN YOUR OWN HOME COUNTRY….REALIZE THAT YOU WILL LIKELY BE YOUR OWN PROTECTION AGAINST FRAUD IN COSTA RICA….ASK QUESTIONS ( lots of questions…)….LASTLY, “if your purchase does not feel right or smell right…WALK AWAY”… and finally…take your time …do not be pressured.

We recognized that a great many of you will think we are exaggerating .   Well, there is an easy way to prove that what we are saying is true….
“ask any gringo who has lived in Costa Rica for more than five years what he or she thinks about the real estate market “…and then be prepared for a verbal barrage because you will most likely get it.

IF WE AT CR HOME REALTY CAN HELP YOU…PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL US.   YOU WILL GET STRAIGHT TALK AND NO EXAGGERATIONS AND DEFINITELY NO SALES TALK…
WE ALL LIVE HERE AND WE LOVE IT HERE.   And  if we can help make your transition to Costa Rica easier and help you cut through the maze of confusion, please do not hesitate to ask for assistance.

Randy , Rhonda and all of us at CR Home

PROPERTIES, LAND , INVESTMENTS AND HOMES….IN GRECIA , POAS AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES  AND SELECTED AREAS OF THE CENTRAL PACIFIC, OCEANVIEW AND BEACH PROPERTIES.