Hopefully most of you that read these newsletters can tell that most of our clients become our very good friends.   Most of these people are truly appreciative and thankful for all of the work we do put in , and all of the extras we do on their behalf.   And we are grateful for the compliments and the friendship that nearly all of our clients give us.

When Rhonda and I first moved here there was literally no one to help us with the details of bank accounts, doctors, dentists, veterinarians, plumbers, electricians, and literally everything that had to be learned ALL OVER AGAIN.   Now, thank goodness, this information is easy and painless to pass on.  This, and the fact that there are very few “guidelines” for  “newbies” to follow really summarizes why Rhonda and I started CR Home. 

However…there are always a few who do not understand or think that we should be treated just like realtors in the States…and that we should be grateful for their patronage.  A couple of years ago , I made the comment ( at least something to this effect ) that we at CR Home were not bound by specific rules and regulations and could pretty much run the business as we saw fit.   In retrospect, it was a pretty stupid thing to say as it became misconstrued by several people who lambasted me.   I guess what ( again, in retrospect) what I meant to say was “ the real estate industry is NOT the same as in the States and we are NOT obligated to work with people who are rude and ill-mannered”.  

CR Home does not have an MLS system for finding properties.   We have our own local scouts who are continually seeking out new properties and looking for different areas.   These scouts are on our payroll…we pay their expenses and salaries AND we provide them with vehicles.   And I guarantee that, with gasoline at $5 per gallon , and the backroads these guys drive on…the ultimate costs for finding properties is not cheap. 

I used to have a sign posted in one of my copy/printshops back in the States that said “prices of all work will vary depending upon how much we like you.”   That still pretty well sums up our attitudes.   Last week we had someone visit who was very cordial to Rhonda and I but treated our son in law, Rodrigo, like dirt.    The upshot of our attitude was simple:  he wanted Rhonda and I to build him a house just like Dos Vistas…we told him that we simply didn’t have time to work with him.  ( we did…but the bottom line…we didn’t like him and his attitude and frankly, we hope that we will never need the work so badly that we will sacrifice our principles here ).  And hopefully this will do a better job of explaining what I meant two years ago when I stated that we could “treat people however we wanted”.

That being said…please understand that real estate here is definitely a horse of a different color.   We take a lot of pride in who and what we are and how we treat people…please take the time to look over our site and our the system works here. 

Moving on…my diatribe in last month’s newsletter was actually well received by everyone except one gentleman from Michigan who suggested that I never return to the States.  And I thought I was being pretty restrained…especially in comparison to the ongoing presidential campaign in the States and the stock and economic advisory services that I receive.   I still believe that the future of the States is pretty bleak for retirees, especially when I hear of some elderly that have to choose between eating and being able to buy medication which keeps them alive.   It is depressing.   Here I see the poor and not so poor and virtually no one goes hungry and medical care is available to everyone.   It is not a panacea but when I can live a life that I couldn’t begin to touch in the States for 4 or fives time the amount of money…I am grateful.    It is not paradise…but most of the time it beats the alternative. ( especially in winter!)

So…please know that we appreciate your business and thanks.   And also know that a thank you and a little appreciation goes a long , long way.

Last rambling ( at least for now )…the passage of the Free Trade Agreement here , at least to the average, uneducated landowner here has lead him ( or her ) to believe that a huge influx of “gringos” is imminent and that prices should be raised at once.   And unfortunately, they have been raised…almost across the board…and we are having to work twice as hard to find reasonably priced properties in our area.  It does no good whatsoever to argue with these people because they definitely have their minds made up.   But…ultimately the marketplace will dictate where prices will end up.

New offerings in the area:

1. A house and land which previously was on the market and then under contract…is now back on the market…a dollhouse in Bajos del Toro.

Now priced at $62,5000.

2. A new offering in Bajamar, next to our Beach home 555, one acre of land, a striking brick structure, approximately 100 meters from the ocean and a secluded beach…one main house with three BR and one bath.  This main structure is connected to another guest house via a bridge …comes with pool and several cabinas and large guest rancho.   Many large trees and decent landscaping.  There is an adjacent lot which is also included which has a smaller worker’s structure and an orchard or mango trees ( this could be sold off easily ) .   Very few pics at present as our scout is not exactly a professional with the camera.  THIS PROPERTY IS TITLED .  It probably needs $20,000 worth of renovation to become a showpiece but is very very liveable ( trust us, we know what liveable means here )

this property is dirt cheap at $140,000.

3.  2 ½ manzanas ( over four acres ) of coffee and jungle about 6-7 minutes outside of Grecia .   Private with gorgeous views and several superb building areas.   ( and of course, a river at the bottom of the property).   This land also has a house on the property …a Tico home but liveable.

$95,000

4.  Almost half an acre of gorgeous panoramic view property…trees, coffee and private entrance…and of course, river at the base of the land…complete with a cabina currently under construction and expected to be completed in approximately 30 days…2 BR, 2 baths, balcony, terraces, rustic construction………ask for details

around  $80,000

5.  We have no pictures of this house but is needs probably $8-10,000 of renovation to make it up to “gringo” standards…smaller lot of 500 plus meters…same view as Dos Vistas ( see our ad on the site )…a phenomenal value at less than $25,000.   We think that the view along is worth almost that…and the house is really liveable as is.  Move in…and fix it as you go!

less than $25,000.

6.  For those of you looking for a mountain home or land in Grecia that is secure, we are now able to offer financing on Las Brisas del Cielo.  A mortgage company and a local company are able to offer financing on the land and couple that with house financing if you so desire.    Up until recently this has been an impossibility.   www.lasbrisascostarica.net     Call with specific questions.   With rainy season almost ended we expect that these will be sold out within 3-4 months.  And also ask us about specific construction prices and availability.  

7.  One last view property…in Grecia, about 8 minutes from downtown, huge panoramic view…rolling lands planting in coffee and trees.   Best price for this size , especially with the view…. 5000 sq. meters or an acre and a quarter:
  

only  $36,500.

8.  One last beach fixer upper…not offered previously,   two level, with lower level concrete and upper level wood….100 meters to the ocean, about 750 sq. meters of land or a little less than a quarter acre…decent shape…about as close as you can get to the ocean without violating the maritime zone!    

Great buy at only $44,000.

Rainy season is rapidly ending…not raining every day now and definitely the change of seasons is upon us.   And for those who don’t know…the transition of the seasons is also when “earthquake season” starts.   Nothing like California but still…..

Those of you who have put off moving to Costa Rica or have been afraid of construction, please ask us for details of how we can help make this process completely painless for you…and take away the trepidation of building in a foreign country.   Take a look at our latest home and plan on seeing it when you are in country….

Summer is almost here…hope to see you all soon.