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At least twice a week we get asked “how much does it really cost to retire in Costa Rica?”…for the record: we think that it IS possible to retire on Social Security benefits here, but it would be tight ( but then again, think of how much tighter it would be in the States or Canada!).
We also get asked at least once weekly how much it costs to build a “nice house of 3BR, 2 baths, about 1500 sq feet. , set on a nice piece of land , maybe a couple of acres so that we can garden and have fruit trees?”…for the record: it is almost impossible , in our area to BUY a house like this on a setting like this for less than $100,000. CAVEATS: it is possible to build a great house , depending upon construction, for ranges of $75,000 to $125,000.(yes, that includes the land!) And if anyone disputes these figures, they can see our construction and talk to our construction crews! And if you need your dollars to stretch even further…you can find remodels and smaller pieces of land for less than $50,000 and sometimes for even considerably less! Don’t be afraid to tell us what you need. I have always told our kids to “always ask for what you want”…( don’t try that with your own kids because I guarantee you that they will never forget it!)
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We are starting to see our “baby boomer” generation more and more in the news as time progresses. It is almost useless any longer to point out that the Stateside and Canadian social security and pension systems will soon be stretched to their limits and it is sad to see that so many boomers will soon be forced to live hand to mouth… and that is even assuming that our retirement benefits will continue to be paid. So,that obviously brings us to Costa Rica… “if you have not seriously thought about Costa Rica as a retirement destination, maybe you should…quickly.” All of us at CR Home moved here and have become involved in helping others find new lives here. And we will all be the first to admit that Costa Rica is not for everyone. But if you are truly interested in exploring the alternatives and need to talk or correspond with someone who will give you straightforward and honest answers about life here…we are willing to listen and give you feedback.
And those of you who are younger…and still thinking about “the move”…ask us if it is possible to make a living here. All of us at CR Home are retired and do not “need “ to work…but all of us are making a good living. If you want to find out if this can be possible for you…ask.
We have received a little criticism of late about our seeming “concentration” on beach properties rather than Central Valley properties…which is where it all started. Part of the reason for the neglect is simply that properties in our area (Grecia, Poas, Sarchi, etc ) are getting harder to find and definitely more expensive. And this year just happened to be the time when we discovered the area of the “fixer uppers”. ( see past newsletters) And they created such demand that CV properties were neglected. We are trying to rectify that …keep watching our listings regularly! You will notice a big difference.
This week is Easter…Semana Santa ( Holy week ) and the country shuts down. Almost anyone that has a vehicle or that can beg, borrow, or steal one flees to the beaches for at least a long weekend. Children and teenagers visit local rivers for swims and immersion ( remember, it is holy week ). The last four days of the week , Grecia and the surrounding towns become almost deserted. Business is not transacted for the simple reason that no one is available to do business or help. The country shuts down…but it is also the time for family and that is cause for celebration. Walks in the park and time with the children…and time for us to remember that Semana Santa is part of the reason we came to Costa Rica…and part of the reason that we stay.
Best properties as of today |
 Four manzanas ( one manzana is 1 ¾ acres ) Heavily treed and planted in coffee. Gorgeous views through green valleys where the parrots and literally hundreds of other species of birds fly daily. The property slopes to a fast moving river with waterfalls. Utilities very closeby. Owner will sell as small a portion as one manzana. Cheapest price for one manzana in Grecia…. $28,000 |
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 Ten manzanas in Naranjo and only 15 minutes to the center of town. For those of you who don’t know Naranjo, it is fifteen minutes away from Grecia and only a couple of minutes of the Pan American highway. It is a sleepy , smaller coffee town of less than 10,000 but very very comfortable. All amenities and the town is gorgeous. Definitely a farming community but very friendly and welcoming. The property has an unbelievable view of the entire Central Valley. The terrain is ALL gently sloping and has a river at the bottom of the property. The road in is lined by giant cypress trees and the property has many different types of trees, vegetation, grasses and flora. $145,000 |
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Five and one half manzanas, Grecia. Huge, panoramic view of the entire Central Valley and surrounding mountains and volcanoes. Gently sloping to a river. Currently planted in coffee. Owner will sell as few as one or two. This is the lowest price view property we currently have and , up until recently, the owner would only sell the property in total. About 500 meters off of a main , paved road on a good gravel road with all utilities right next to the property. Private. This may be the last view property in Grecia ( one manzana )
priced under $40,000. $37,500 per manzana |
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 One manzana in Naranjo. Gorgeous , heavily treed property planted in coffee. Very picturesque and located on a flyway for birds. Private. Excellent value and only a short distance from downtown and just off of a main, public road. $28,000
Still properties left on the beach!! Two sold since last newsletter, and four more left. Prices range from mid-thirties to just over $50,000. Almost all have ocean views. Ask for details as they will be gone by the end of high season. See past newsletters . |
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MORE NEWSWORTHY ITEMS:
1. Char is expecting any day. Watch for details of our second grandson.
2. New puppies doing well and chewing everything in sight. Steve and Marzena have now officially adopted four puppies .
3. ATV rallies!! Rodrigo finished in last place, Steve flipped his new quad twice and yours truly was a spectator. Each ridge or barrio usually has an event to raise money for the local school and this year both Cajon and San Luis had rallies. Nine hours on a quad? Only for those brain damaged or extremely adventuresome;.
4. Woodpecker’s son broke his arm playing “hide and seek”. ( at least that is the official story ). It did not stop him from participating in the quad rally the next day. Little Jose is ten.
5. Our new home is a month into construction. See the new link here…Click here
On a more serious note: at least 95% of you know that we were oversubscribed on our latest FUND. One of our larger investors still has not come forth with his funds . If any of you still wish participation, please ask us. In retrospect, we should have not turned people down until the funds were actually in hand. Two units of $50,000 are still available. See past newsletters for more information . Or call Randy directly on the toll free number on this newsletter. Each investment targets a return of 50% or greater for the shorter term. We currently have several investments targeted and are basically “locked and loaded”. ( and they are superb!)
Have a great Easter!!
The gang at CR Home…Randy , Rhonda, Steve and Marzena, Rodrigo and Char ( and Dolan ), Jeff and Melissa ( and Grey)….and of course…the ever present Woodpecker ( and his brood of children, wives (present and past ). |
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randy@cr-home.com
Toll free: 1-877-247-3014 incountry: home: 444-8716 cell: 841-5782 or 342-8230 |
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Office/Home: 011(506)444-8716 |
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Cell: 011-506-841-5782 |
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Toll-free: 1 (877) 247-3014 |
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