Minnesota Annual Summer Reunion

This week Rhonda and I head back to Minnesota for our annual “summer reunion” at the lake home. It is bittersweet because both my mother and father have cancer and are fighting having to move into an assisted living facility.

And at least half of our immediate family is confronted with severe consequences as a result of the “recession/depression.” It is not a pleasant time in many ways and yet family , at least for us, continues to be one of the cornerstones of our lives.

I have enclosed a link at the bottom of this newsletter which is entitled “URGENT…special report.” I think that most of you will find it interesting. Please give me feedback if you can. It is always welcome.

Costa Rica Home We have had an amazing stretch of “little summer” the past two weeks. It was forecast earlier and then never really took hold and now we have had maybe 2-3 minor, afternoon showers in the past two weeks. A nice respite. People here get depressed too with TOO much rain and being forced to spend TOO much time indoors. We are most likely getting close to a return to “normal”.

The annual pilgrimage to Cartago which takes place every year at this time includes up to (an estimated…) two million “walkers” and penitents.

Costa Rica Home It is often a family affair and groups of people for the next week or so are seen walking along the roads on the way to Cartago , which is the destination. This year, because of concerns over swine flu, the pilgrimage has been officially cancelled because of the potential of larger groups gathering and the potential for transmission of the virus.

There will definitely still be pilgrims as Catholicism and tradition is too deeply ingrained here to even attempt to proclaim a cessation to worship. ( this entire tradition dates back over 200 years and has its roots in the locals finding a black statue of the Virgin Mary, placing it in a prominent location … and then losing it and having it mysteriously return…).

We are continuing to find superior product…here are a few…and if you have an interest please email as I will be checking several times daily while back in the States…we are encountering at least 3-5 people daily that are bonafide buyers and seriously interested.

So, we believe people are not only looking…but that it will take very little to get them to “make the move.”

Listings for this week…

1. House in Atenas…brand spanking new…one week until completely finished…this is a distress AND divorce situation… almost 2000 sq. feet of home, 4 BR, 3 baths, one with Jacuzzi. Decent sized rooms and good quality construction ( note that the kids in the pictures have obviously not picked up their rooms and they are living with Dad). The only drawback here is the size of the lot… only 350 sq. meters. Great view out the back… fantastic neighborhood, and we think that it would take very little to make the front and side yard into a show piece. Best thing to do here? Compare this to a condominium …only it is a house with a lot…and extremely underpriced at (we think ) $90,000. Great area, private and less than two kilometers from downtown Atenas. Hurry. (Click the image for enlage)

2. Rhonda and I stopped by both of these ocean view homes last week. The neighborhood is upscale…the homes are next to a very exclusive gated area and are very private. One is $170,000 and the second (featured previously) is $190,000…these are absolute steals. These homes have it all…quality, surroundings, amenities, and of course, wildlife. See them before they are gone. (Click the image for enlage)

3. Lot in Parrita (Palo Seco)… beachfront with concession…750 sq. meters or a little less than ¼ acre. Gorgeous beach. Two years ago properties were selling for $150 to $200 per sq. meter…we think this one will sell for around $50,000. Build a 1200 sq. foot beach home with eye appeal ( cost probably $60K) and you have a product worth $175-200K… even in this market. (Click the image for enlage)

4. Take a look at this home …in great shape…ocean view and only a three minute walk to the beach. Pool, recreation area…security as well. This is a great retreat and getaway …yes, it is titled as well. Only $60,000. (Click the image for enlage)

5. The “waterfall property” in Palmares has been reduced drastically in price…a true distress situation. Previously around $50,000, the owner says “move it” and she is reducing to a hair under $30,000. If you want a property with a GREAT waterfall and close to town with definite buildability…this is it. It is stunning and one of a kind. (Click the image for enlage)

6. Property overlooking the pacific near Ojochal, just past Dominical…an acre and a half of gorgeous, manicured land with fruit trees and tropical flowers…and of course, the requisite toucans, parrots and wildlife…smaller house but in immaculate condition…easily expandable at your convenience. Owner desperate to sell and we think that he will take around $140,000. Most homes in the area with these views are twice the price. Only 10 minutes to numerous pristine and private beaches! (Click the image for enlage)

7. Ojochal…house is 80% completed and it probably will take another $20,000 to complete ( yes, we will work with you on it!)…The home has ocean and mountain view, is set in a very private setting …yet still with epic views totaling almost 360 degrees. The home is 2000 sq. feet in construction and the pool is already in…just not tiled. Lot is approximately 450 sq. meters. Utilities in. Finishing touches would take probably about 45 days , no more to complete. The owner is in desperate straits and says that he will accept offers around $100,000. Finished homes , similar size in the immediate area have sold for $179,000 in the past 60 days! This is a great deal. A very comfortable, 3 BR, 2 bath home with great outdoor living. (Click the image for enlage)

Last notes:

Our pacific coast expansion is underway and we will be setting up office within the next 45 days. Look for more news soon. We also have more properties that we are adding to our inventory daily… from Esparza on down as far as Uvita and Ojochal.

Anyone inquiring about properties in this newsletter please have patience. While Rhonda and I are out of the office for ten days, not everyone knows all of the details. We have pictures, pricing and more but not everyone can get back to you immediately. And any other questions about other matters, the fastest way to get a response is to talk to Charlotte, our daughter, and she can relay a message to us virtually immediately if it is urgent.

No rain yet today! …still feeling aftereffects of “little summer.”

From all of us at CR Home...

Randy, Rhonda …


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Traditions and Legends of Costa Rica

This link will introduce what we hope will become a regular part of our newsletters, "traditions and legends". If the English seems a little stilted... well, it is . Cesar Murillo, our contributor, readily admits that English is his second language but I think that we will all enjoy the reading AS IS. Thanks, Cesar