Well, most of you have no doubt heard that Costa Rica has been voted the “happiest place on the planet”.
Most of us that live here sort of chortled…and then we started thinking a little. And after a while we all started saying “well, maybe it isn’t so silly after all.” Sometimes when you are here (after a while) you “cannot see the forest for the trees.”
Despite the fact that, for many of us, Costa Rica can be a frustrating place to live…we often forget how really good we have it here. Very few people pay personal income taxes and real estate taxes amount to a pittance. For the most part the average Costa Rican is truly happy with his or her lot in life and the saying “pura vida” or “pure life ” really has meaning here. It is truly about enjoyment of life and all that it entails…family, enjoyment of and respect for nature. It is the enjoyment of one another and all that life entails AND not getting caught up in “unimportant” details that really make up life here.
There is a tremendous amount of variety here in the land itself that seldom gets mentioned. Anyone can go to the beach on a weekend… but what is worth mentioning is the fact that one can see volcanoes, oceans, rain forest, cloud forest, mountains, rivers, geothermal springs, stunning inland lakes, and of course, an almost unlimited number of microclimates…all in the space of a Sunday drive! Try doing that in anywhere back home! And don’t forget the huge amount of animal life and biodiversity that exists here. I have always said that Costa Rica reminds many of us of a Spanish “leave it to Beaver movie”…and it really does. The simple life that many of us always wanted to return to really does exist…and it is possible.
Back home? Well, last newsletter featured my frustration with the Supreme Court’s ruling to indirectly go after pension funds by allowing Chrysler to not pay their bondholders what they had coming by law. This week?
Well, try California’s issuance of IOUs in lieu of payment for employees, vendors and just about anyone owed money.
Considering that California, if a separate country would rank somewhere around number 13, it is a sad state of affairs… not only that there is such a huge deficit but also the simple fact that lawmakers cannot agree to “bite the bullet” and admit that there is a major problem with few alternatives for a solution. A harbinger of things to come? We hope not.
We at CR Home are experiencing a phenomenal number of inquiries and calls. Many are exploratory, but many are SERIOUSLY interested in moving here either full or part time.
They are “fed up” and scared for the future. I would not go so far as to say that these people are “exiting” the country…but what I would say is that many are “more than a little concerned” and are examining options.
We purchase leads every month for our sales people and we are continually hearing the above messages…so we know it is not just a fluke. ( and with Costa Rica being voted “the happiest country” it will not hurt the awareness).
The last postcard has had its desired effect…the property has been sold. Sorry, if you were interested and ran out of time…the properties that we present usually are extremely well priced and always generate interest. Keep trying!
This newsletter’s specials:
1. 3 kilometers from ( OK, sorry, 2 miles ) the ocean near Parrita…house with a half acre lot, 2500 sq. feet of construction…superb woodwork throughout, great landscaping, private…plenty of room for a pool…this is a phenomenal price and is also a distress situation. Worth well over $175-200K…now only $110,000. This is a steal. (Click the image for enlage)
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2. Smaller house, new construction, around 400 meters to Bandera beach…closer to Parrita, great beach, clean and quiet…decent sized yard with room for a pool if desired. Great place to start out or getaway…less than replacement cost. $65,000. (Click the image for enlage)
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3. Four hectares, or 10 acres of gorgeous ocean view property…enough for 4-5 building pads if desired…almost directly off of a good public road, but very private. Utilities almost right next door. BUT…the best part? …within two years, the teak on the property will return well over $50,000. Fantastic investment or property for your own home. Only $80,000. (Click the image for enlage)
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4. Atenas…smaller lot of 400 plus meters, home is older but in excellent shape, over 2000 sq. feet and about 10 minutes outside of downtown Atenas…very private. Four bedrooms ( sorry, only one bath …but at this price you can put in another !) Well laid out and great neighborhood. Only $67,500. Way below market value. (Click the image for enlage)
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5. Grecia…originally listed for $90,000. Completely redone by fussy American contractor. Large, 3 BR, 2 baths, large LR and kitchen …great exterior and fantastic back terrace. Lot is smaller but has room for garden and great patio area. Onl y $69,000…great views and located in the mountains above Grecia. Replacement for this would be well over $100,000. (Click the image for enlage)
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Expanding Into the Pacific Coast...
Those of you who read these newsletters know that we will be expanding into the pacific coast area with a new office and more expanded marketing, which has already begun. Opportunities are everywhere and no one is offering properties at the price points that we have…no one. Why not? We sure don’t know because everyone seems to agree that we are in the “right place at the right time.” Feedback from other realtors… “properties in those price points don’t exist!”...and “we don’t represent anything under $200,000.” Well, sorry, but for most of us who have been hit by the credit fiasco those excuses don’t cut it…and we believe that over 60% will be purchasing in the $150,000 or less range. Can’t be done? Sure it can.
More details forthcoming but please signup if you wish to receive advance information. Thanks!
A growing number are now subscribing to our newsletters. We hope that you like what you read and if you don’t…please tell us what you would like to hear or read about. And if you do like what you read, please send our newsletter on to a friend or relative. We like to think that we’re pretty good at what we do and would like a chance to have others judge for themselves.
Thanks for reading...
Randy, Rhonda and all of us at CR Home…
Note:
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http://www.cr-home.com/newsletter07/newsletter07.htm
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Website: http://www.cr-home.com