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March 2008 Newsletter |
Many of you that know Rhonda and I know that we couldn’t be happier with our lives and Costa Rica and the many twists and turns that they have taken. But…with all the problems that are currently being brought to the attention of the country because of the upcoming Presidential election…this is probably a good time to reflect upon ( by comparison) as to why life here is an improvement…at least for us. Our oldest daughter is 26 and lives in an average 2 BR home about 45 minutes outside of Minneapolis, MN. Her husband is a partner in a company that lays carpet and wood flooring. And with the real estate debacle in the States , his business is off by at least 50%. They are being squeezed to death financially and facing probable bankruptcy. And nearly all of their friends, who we knew in high school and just beyond are facing similar problems. I have memories of them being happy , carefree, and looking forward to the future with confidence. Now they are miserable and unhappy because they are being choked to death financially. Is some of it their fault? Of course, but most of the circumstances are beyond their control. I know very few people who dislike the United States or Canada that have moved here. But what I see almost daily is a fear that many of the problems Most will simply accept the status quo and live ( as Thomas Eliot put it) “lives of quiet desperation” because they can see no alternatives OR because they know of none. Those of you that subscribe to this newsletter know that there are alternatives…and hopefully you will begin to explore them in the coming months and years. Whether it be Costa Rica…or Panama , Uruguay, Ecuador or the myriad of other countries that offer other possibilities…please examine the possibility of at least taking the first step. A different life IS available and alternatives are available if you are NOT satisfied with the status quo. And please also know that if you choose to examine the possibilities here , you will see for yourselves the alternatives that exist…not the million dollar homes in Guanacaste …but rather the real costs of construction and land in areas where many of us prefer to live full time. And if you choose to buy a part time residence for investment or “possible” part time or full time residence please know that you will always be shown “real” prices…prices that locals pay and not prices that are elevated to take advantage of the uneducated. This is what CR Home is about…the education and all of the facts BEFORE purchase…not after. You may not be ready for life in Costa Rica…but you will never Oh, to those of you who believe that you will be able to buy properties for far less money in the future because of the impending economic “recession” and because of the real estate mess in the States…unless you are looking to buy an upper bracket condo in Jaco or an upper bracket home in Guanacaste…it ain’t gonna happen. Sure there are sporadic “deals” or “liquidations”, especially in areas that were overpriced to begin with…but just ask yourselves why we are recommending property in other areas other than Grecia. Supply and demand. There are not enough properties to satisfy buyers.
Offerings:
1. Almost one hectare in Naranjo…huge valley views with giant trees and vegetation everywhere…huge boulders rim cliffs and a river at the base of the property which features a swimming hole over six feet deep. Fantastic building area … about 250 meters from a public road and extremely private but only 10 minutes or so to downtown Naranjo. Only $40,000
2. 3200 meters or almost an acre of gorgeous land in Naranjo… directly off of a public road and gently sloping downward. A huge, huge view of the town and the entire Central Valley. A fantastic property at a low price and a great investment as well. The neighboring property at the same price is also available. Some landscaping already completed and property is ready to build with utilities right next to the property. $30,000
3. A dollhouse of a property…smaller, with block construction and would need some repair for gringo buyers. Two BR, bath, kitchen, living area. Total land is only 340 sq. meters but the property has a huge view AND the right neighborhood…San Isidro de Grecia. Only $30,000
4. This property is a phenomenal find…views toward the mountains AND the ocean…. Landscaped with a fantastic location…just on the outskirts on Atenas before setting out over the Aquacate mountains to the pacific ocean . Unbelievable views and setting. We bought a property in this area three years ago and this is the first that we have seen since then. If you are looking for an ocean view property but don’t want to be in the clouds or the colder weather…this is it. The right location… almost two acres. $100,000
5. Two manzanas just off of a public road…in Grecia overlooking the entire Central Valley and nearby towns. Private entrance available and property is bowl shaped and sheltered from the sometimes summer winds. Very very private and would make a great family compound as it is nearly all buildable and each location can take advantage of the views. Great investment. Trees and coffee. $85,000
6. This is an unusual situation…not for everyone but truly an exceptional property. The owner has had the property for almost three years and has had it in the development stages for most of the time. Water and electric are approved by the municipalities and installation will begin shortly. The property is comprised of six separate properties…is extremely private with a river and huge number of trees at the base. It is one of the most scenic properties in all of Grecia and … if it were half a kilometer further north…it would be worth triple the asking price. The owner has divided the property into six lots ranging from 4000 ( one acre ) sq. meters to 5000 sq. meters . ( one large lot at the bottom by the river ). The owner wishes to sell the entire property but will consider offers in the $10 per meter range…and he will further put a large portion of the monies in legal escrow until the infrastructure is complete. This is absolutely the perfect investment for someone not seeking to move immediately or simply hold and watch it appreciate. Call for details.
Not many ocean and beach properties available. The three Bajamar properties outlined in the investment newsletter have been gobbled up or at least spoken for immediately …the house in Playa Azul as well. Only three fixer uppers left. Thanks for putting up with my ramblings again. Watch for our new website in the next week or two ( we expected it out sooner, but hey, this is Costa Rica!). Don’t be too surprised to see a few new sales people in the coming weeks and maybe even a new office in Naranjo in the coming months. We are always changing…but we are still always having fun. And none of us would change a thing. Pura vida p.s. watch for the upcoming investment letter…ALL of the investments in the last letter were sold out or subscribed to within a week. Getting closer on the foreclosures too…keep watching. If you haven’t filled out an investment form please read and do so if you have an interest. We still get the bulk of our investors from those who know us and have purchased from us in the past…that says to us that we must be doing something right.
Hasta luego |
facing these two countries are irreversible…the impending probable bankruptcy of the Social Security system, the inevitable rising of medical costs, the probable rise again of inflation because of rising oil, raw material and agricultural costs. We already know that $4 per gallon gasoline is upon us, prices of many agricultural commodities have doubled and China is gobbling up the world’s construction materials with an insatiable appetite. And , while almost all of us love America and Canada…we are scared for her future…and for ours. Politicians do not have a great track record of acting in the country’s best interests. 
know the alternatives until you examine them . Life here can be lived to its fullest on a small pension or even Social Security…rentals can be found for under $250 per month which far eclipse anything Stateside…and the diversity of flora and fauna makes life here a constant exploration and discovery…and those with a decent pension or retirement that would be “squeezed financially” back home can literally live a life of near luxury here. And remember…those of you who think that Costa Rica is a world away…life here can be lived on almost the same level with the same degree of comfort…you do not have to sacrified ANYTHING to live here. 
