1. Be as close to positive as you can be that the AREA you are choosing
is the one for you. Does it “feel right”?

2. Medical... if you need to be near medical facilities or other
professional services , make certain of their location. Do not assume
that the specialist you need will be available at a medical clinic.

3. Shopping. If you enjoy browsing, window shopping or just killing
time “looking”...are there stores and merchandise near your location?

4. Restaurants. For some people this doesn’t matter... for others it
does. If it does, check around.

5. Types of people in the area. Do not assume that there are gringos
or like minded people in your area. Know who your neighbors will be
BEFORE you move in.

6. Access to airport. If this is important, how long a drive is it from
your “home” to the nearest airport?

7. Banks. Is a bank closeby? Is it a national bank that has the
services you need?

8. Internet. Do not assume that internet is available everywhere.
Oftentimes it is not. And high speed internet is NOT available in
about 99% of the country.

9. Utilities. Do not assume they are available. Get positive
confirmation from the nearest municipality. In many affluent areas
along the beaches, homeowners are often shocked to find that
telephone service may not be available for literally years. Ask about
electric and the type of water available in your area. ASSUME
NOTHING concerning utilities.

10. Building permits. Even if you see other houses in your chosen area,
do not assume that you can get building permits. The bureaucracy
with regard to building in Costa Rica can be maddening. This is not a
certainty either.

11. Infrastructure. Talk to the locals. Find out if there are problems
with electric or water. Oftentimes a community grows too fast, resulting
in a poor support system or even , as in some cases, a
complete cessation of building permits. Santa Ana and Escazu, two of
Costa Rica’s more affluent suburbs are experiencing severe
infrastructure problems with water and electric outtages almost daily.
Poor planning? Perhaps, but avoid the problem if you can.

12. If you are buying property and intend to build, make sure that you
check construction prices in your local area. What is standard in San
Jose will be completely different than Guanacaste.

13. Schools. If you have children that attend secondary or primary
school , ensure that the schools meet with your satisfaction. Do not
assume that schools will be adequate in your area. Most of the time
they are not.

14. Hobbies. If your hobby or special interest requires special
materials or equipment, try to ensure that availability exists in your
area.

15. Remoteness. This is almost not worth mentioning except for the
large number of gringos that choose to live in remote and isolated
areas...and a short time later, discover that too much isolation is
unbearable. BE CERTAIN! Isolation is great when daydreaming but
different in reality.

16. Weather. Make certain that you thoroughly understand what the
weather will be like in your area ALL YEAR ROUND. Being in the beach
area in the overwhelming heat of summer months is different than the
winter months. And rainy season is completely different than summer.

17. Roads. A large number of both Ticos and Gringos whine about road
conditions. The sad fact is that changes to the country’s
infrastructure are slow in coming. Do not trust the local or the realtor
that says “ a new road will be installed next year”. The reality is more
like five years or never. If the roads drive you crazy when you visit,
think what they will be like when you have been here a year.

18. If you are planning on building on your property in the near future,
ensure that there is a reliable builder in the area or at least one that
is available...in your price range. Many people who assumed that they
could find a low priced builder in Guanacaste in recent months have
been shocked to find that they are being quoted $80-100 per sq. foot.

19. Many people arrive here and buy and assume that they will be able
to find a job to supplement their income. DO NOT ASSUME THAT
YOU WILL BE ABLE TO FIND WORK. It is difficult and most likely
you will have to create your own job . Being employed in Costa Rica is
extremely difficult.

20. Make sure that you understand what types of insects and animals
will be inhabiting your land with you. Sound stupid? If you are
petrified of spiders , scorpions, snakes and more... ask .

21. Security. Self explanatory? Not really. Many people either
assume that there is too much crime everywhere and assume they have
to live in a gated community OR they believe that there is no crime
here and that Costa Rica is the second coming of Shangrila. Both are
wrong. Check with locals . Talk to the local police. Talk to the people
who live in the area.

22. What are the zoning laws and building codes in your area? Most
likely there will be no problems, but best to make certain.

23. Do you speak Spanish? If not , you may not want to completely
immerse yourself in a community where you are the only gringo...just
because it sounds romantic. You might want to consider renting first.

24. If you have any doubt whatsoever about the buildability of your
property , engage an architect or better yet, an engineer. Soil tests
and possibly a contour map will confirm buildability... or not.

25. If you are buying an existing home...do not expect the owner to fix
problems that may arise in the future. Have someone examine the
structure with a fine tooth comb.

26. If possible, spend a night or two ( or longer ) in your future
neighborhood. You might be unpleasantly surprised at the smells,
sounds and activities. Know what you are getting into.
This list cannot tell you values and whether or not you are getting a
“good deal” or not. It can prevent a great deal of headache and
heartache. It is important not to assume that any aspect of real
estate is the same as in your home country. IT is most definitely not.

Good luck. We hope that , wherever you end up in Costa Rica...you love
it here as much as we do.

Randy y Rhonda