Up until recently I have been an optimist about the state of the economy and its eventual recovery.

Many of you have corresponded and voiced concerns over the huge deficits being incurred by the new administration…and with good reason because all of us know that, sooner or later, the piper will have to be paid.

I have always believed in the resiliency of the American people and their ingenuity and ability to deal with adversity. Even with my generation’s problems with Vietnam and eventually Iraq, I have always been a big big believer that the American people ALWAYS bounce back stronger than before.

BUT…lately I have been concerned. It is not just the simple facts that we are bailing out private enterprise with taxpayer money…I can deal with that because I believe that the magnitude of this crisis required drastic measures. But the one thing that really tipped the scales for me was when the Supreme Court refused to even acknowledge the bondholders request for fair treatment in the Chrysler bankruptcy.

Most of these investors were “mom and pops” who invested with their unions and their hard earned savings. Now, in the real world, when we invest in stocks, we take our chances knowing that we could conceivably lose it all.

The government and Supreme Court said, “too bad, bondholders in this case get the same as shareholders.” Never mind, that , by law, bondholders are ALWAYS paid first… well, no longer. Our savings, our retirement monies, can easily vanish in a heartbeat. THIS bothers me. THIS is our new administration. And frankly, now it is starting to scare the hell out of me. Because it makes me wonder who and what is next.

Where am I leading with this? I guess to simply say: take care of yourselves first…protect what you have…and do not expect the old ways to continue. We are seeing, almost weekly, proposals for new health care, more regulatory bodies for almost everything…and each involves staggering amounts of money. We have seen the banking system as we know it change dramatically.

And now the financial system and many of the icons of America as well. Are we headed for socialism? Is this the end of capitalism? I would like to say no, but frankly, I don’t know any longer and I am fearful for the nation I love. I am not a “gloom and doomer” nor one of those who has years of food stored away for the impending “Armageddon.” But I am seeing things that make me nervous and simply want to take steps to protect what I have AND what my children and grandchildren SHOULD have.

Either way, as Sarge used to say on Hill Street Blues before he sent his crew out for their shift: “it’s a dark night, BE CAREFUL OUT THERE”

Does all of the above mean Costa Rica for any of you? Possibly…a haven of tranquilty, a refuge from madness and stress…an investment? It is all of that AND more. Keep reading, keep watching and please…call if you have specific questions about life here and simply “anything” in general. Our volume in inquiries and calls has almost tripled in the past month. That says, at least to me, that an awful lot of people are feeling the same as I am.

Okay…we have had a tremendous amount of interest in the beach properties advertised over the past month. The biggest problems that we have encountered are:

1. Distance makes it difficult for most to get here quickly to examine potential purchases is the most common problem, thus giving an advantage to locals or those who happen to catch a “lucky flight”.

2. Bidding sight unseen is always a worry and not something we recommend. We can always describe a property to the best of our ability and take a ton of pictures but bottom line is that we may not see something that someone else may see… or miss. Sometimes we can hold a property with zero down until the buyer can examine, but usually a small downpayment is required to hold it AND it is usually non refundable.

3. We also communicate to buyers (which oftentimes here are difficult to deal with as we are dealing through a network of “scouts”) and offers as they come in the door. We make every effort to do our due diligence before anyone comes to visit but we are not going to carry out full fledged legal due diligence unless someone is seriously interested.

4. Usually it is difficult to convince a seller to “hold” a property until a potential buyer visits. Normally a small downpayment is required and that is normally non refundable. In rare instances, timing can work out where the buyer can get here in a relatively short amount of time, the property has not sold AND a downpayment has not been required. That is the perfect solution .

Status of beach properties:

***** …the “white postcard property”…seems that it is NOT concession after all but rather “informacion processoria” which means kind of a never never land between concession AND title. Those who live here do NOT view it as a risk but others who do not live here do. Your call. …a lowball offer was not accepted and it is still on the market. One potential buyer was here this past weekend and fell in love…and he has since dropped off the face of the earth. So…for now it is still available. And we think that partial financing may be available. (Click the image for enlage)

***** …the “purple house”… SOLD.

***** …the two story in Parrita…still available…this is the best buy on the beach… “move in condition”…may need paint touchup on outside and minor landscaping but we are talking almost no money…in excellent shape, over 2000 sf, two large master suites upstairs and huge balcony overlooking the ocean…walk to the beach in 30 seconds. Larger than normal lot with excellent neighbors. A year ago this would have been listed for well in excess of $250,000-300,000. Death in the family and two brothers want to cash out NOW. We think that $130-135K will take it. This is our best recommendation. (Click the image for enlage)

***** The two story blue and white house in Bajamar… SOLD.

***** The one story almost directly on the water in Bajamar with gorgeous ocean views and titled beachfront… we had a buyer for the property but the owner has been extremely difficult to reach. On again, off again…this is absolutely a steal at this level of the low $70s. It requires a little remodeling, probably $10-15K but after that, it is worth $125-150K… the view absolutely cannot be beat and you can walk to the beach in two minutes on a private path… and the beach is gorgeous and secluded. This is like Costa Rica was 50 years ago… unspoiled. Everytime we visit we see at least 10 scarlet macaws, some pizotes, armadillos, monkeys, and of course, iguanas and more. It is paradise. And still convenient. Can you put up with having to play catch up with the owner… who says it is still for sale? If you have the patience, this will pay off big time . It is an unbelievable value. … but it is also one of those situations where you simply shake your head and say “ it is what it is” because you and I cannot understand some mentalities here. (Click the image for enlage)

***** “buyer lost his job… resale at Pueblo Escondido”…reserved with a deposit until new buyer sees and accepts or rejects. Our bet is for the former. It is too good to pass up. The area has much more landscaping now and nearly 7 homes are complete with one beginning.

That’s the recap…any questions, interests, or whatever…we are here and ready to answer questions. Plan on seeing more beach stuff in the coming weeks! And thanks for putting up with my rants! …

Enjoying the rainy season at least…after 7 years…

Randy, Rhonda and all of us at CR Home…

CR-Home with the school children in Playa Azul...the school was recently repainted, we provide the children with lunches, in many cases clothes, shoes and of course Pueblo Escondido T-shirts!

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