We have been receiving literally dozens of phone calls from other owners of developments up and down the coast to help them sell.    Seems as if things have slowed down quite a bit.   Personally we believe that buyers are simply becoming more selective and those with a bit of discretionary income that may have plopped down a couple of hundred thousand or more for an ocean view property “with a good rep” or a great sales pitch…are becoming more careful.  We view this a good thing as we have always counseled doing proper due diligence before buying…and still do!

A couple of notes: 

…we assume that most of our readers and buyers read our website before engaging us to find property for them.    We shouldn’t.   We had an instance where a buyer was rebuffed by two separate sellers when trying to buy properties FOR FULL PRICE, no less.   Prices were raised almost immediately even though the sellers had quoted us prices less than two weeks previous.   The poor  same  buyer had also decided to try a third time…made an offer which was accepted on a piece of land…and then when it was surveyed…it was half the size.   Did the seller come down in price?   No, he just simply laughed and said, “ well, it is still the same piece of property that you viewed…no different.”   The prospective buyer has since left the country… and probably will not be back …at least with us. 
Unfortunately, we are in a rural area where sellers do NOT sign exclusive listings contracts and if the property needs a new survey, will not do one until someone wants to buy the property…so there is no real way to ensure correct size.   It is easy to ascertain correct legal ownership and ascertain clear title BUT without a survey size is a question.    SO…when buying property in this area…please remember that it does NOT always go smoothly.   And please also know that in some instances, in fact most, we cannot always control the process.   It is the nature of the beast. 

…Rhonda and I were also informed within the past week, when showing Ventanas to a couple from Canada that …they only wanted to see properties that we knew personally or homes that we had built…or would build.   We were shocked .
Again, we assumed that it was made perfectly clear that Rhonda and I were the developers of Las Brisas del Cielo, Ventanas San Mateo and the future Pueblo Escondido.   I guess, seeing as I am the architect of the newsletters AND the content of the website that I will have to assume responsibility.  
SO…repeating…Rhonda and I have poured heart and soul into these developments and believe that each of them represents phenomenal value and each of them, in a different way, represents the “real Costa Rica”.   And also please rest assured that we stand behind each purchase and each property bought for an investment or for a home, whether part time or permanent…mountain, ocean view and beach.   

Moving on…
1. Las Brisas is down to the last three properties…people are finally realizing that these are superb values.    If you have an interest in a small, gated community ( hey, it is still almost 25 acres ) act quickly.   There are plans for the first home…approximately 4500 sq. feet.   www.lasbrisascostarica.net

2. Ventanas san mateo….still offering 3 homesites with financing and a small amount down.   These lots are WAAAY below market.    $25,000 down and the balance financed over three years.  This is the best ocean view property on the pacific coast today.   Secure, pool, all amenities included AND 2 models set to build immediately OR buy for investment.   Property values in this area skyrocketing because of the impending new highway.   http://www.cr-home.com/ventanas/page1.html

 
3. Pueblo Escondido…initial ten offerings a third subscribed…$10,000 holds the  property for 30 days and is refundable.    We have a financing source that will give a yea or nay after five minutes with 90% certainty…no charge.  We anticipate that, when the new website if complete and advertising hits that these units will fly off the shelves.   These have no competition.   Where else are you going to get a high quality beach home, titled, within 275 yards of the ocean and surrounded by jungle?…and complete with macaws, mango trees and wildlife? …and a pool, clubhouse, beach house for residents AND 24 hour security?  Almost completed at www.azul-costarica.com

4. We have a home which was on the market almost six months ago that the buyer has reneged on. ( no, not our buyer) .   One manzana, gorgeous Central Valley views complete with all the lights and towns…midway between Naranjo and San Ramon…1500 sf home, 3 BR, one bath, LR , decent shape…comes with small rental home.    Just off a public road.   With all utilities.   Completely turnkey.    Only slightly higher than initial offering.                                                             $42,500

5, Any of you seeking a superior investment package…take a look.    Construction funding of $55-60,000 (waiting for final bid)  for model home.   Turnkey package and a return of 40-50% will be received within an estimated 8-12 months.    Call  or email for details.   We are only seeking funding for one, possibly two models.    Complete collateralization.  THIS IS TRULY NO RISK.

Foreclosure division getting closer.  HSBC wants us to handle their foreclosures as well… so that makes an exclusive with Banco Nacional and non exclusives with BCA, Banco Popular, and now HSBC.   Things always take longer than you anticipate.   Pedro informs me that the worst thing that we can do at this point is push TOO hard.   Difficult for a gringo not to. 

For those of you who have not been following local news…
More businesses being closed in Tamarindo because of massive amounts of pollution flowing directly into the ocean
There have been at least three major developments closed down along the Pacific coast because of flagrant disregard for permitting , municipal and governmental regulations.    About time that rules are being enforced.   There has been no oversight for a long, long time.
35 deaths occurred in Semana Santa Week here in Costa Rica ( Easter week ) and nine of those were drowning.   To put this in perspective, remember how truly small Costa Rica really is.  
The parrots are back in force in our neighborhood…meaning that rainy season will most likely be early this year.  

For many of you looking for more information on Costa Rica and really not knowing what is a reliable source or not, we have written a “white paper” or thesis or blog on “things that you really need to know about Costa Rica…and can learn in 15 minutes”    Click here to be directed to the PDF download.   We hope you enjoy it. Many of you may recognize your questions and comments. 

A final note…we have had some really really great people buy properties from us recently …and have had some really great people visit that we know will be back.    I personally cannot remember a time when so many quality people have visited.   As a realtor ( for lack of a better term ) we are generally exposed to all types and we learn to take the good with the bad.  But lately…all has been great.   Thank you, all of you who have visited us in the last month.   You have all been fantastic.
You all make my “retirement” worthwhile. 

Hasta luego
Randy y Rhonda;  Steve y Marzena; Rodrigo y Charlotte, Dolan and Logan; Liffer, Yolanda and their two little ones;  Felix; Albert:  Russ ( stateside ); Rowena; and of course, the Woodpecker, Alvaro. 

p.s. those of you who have expressed an interested in selling our properties in the States or Canada...now is the time to let us know.    we have probably 6-7 but could use 3-4 more .    Please call or email if interested.   If you love Costa Rica this is a perfect way of paying for more trips down!