Heading into September…it appears that “little summer” has wound down and we are back to everyday afternoon rains. For those of you coming, at least partially, to look at properties…plan on viewing only in the morning and early afternoon.

There are major changes coming … not only for CR Home but also for Rhonda and I. We have sold our home in Grecia…the home that Rhonda always said that “we’ll live here until we die.” We had originally purchased several acres of land in the mountains above the town and had evolved into a family compound” with our daughter and two grandsons. Well, knowing that “the only constant is change” our daughter and her husband got divorced and were forced to sell their home. Thus, our family compound is no more and the retreat that we viewed as long term no longer felt like home.

And Grecia is no longer the same town that we moved to seven years ago. The sleepy coffee town with the “red metal church” has now become a bustling suburb which is almost impossible even to find a parking spot any longer. We still love Grecia but it has also become the most popular destination for those living in Escazu and Santa Ana as those areas have become too “dangerous” and simply not good areas to raise families any longer ( at least according to a lot of people moving here ).

When we moved here we maybe would see 3-4 expats daily downtown … and that would be on a busy day. Now we see literally hundreds. I suppose in retrospect a lot of the growth was spurred by the writings and recommendations of CR Home, so in part, I have to assume partial responsibility for the growth of Grecia. Rhonda and I will be moving to San Mateo, where we have a development: www.crventanas.com. We may be back… we may not. We will be maintaining an office in Grecia and we will also be opening one along the pacific coast near Jaco.

Rhonda and I moved to Costa Rica to escape hustle and bustle… now, granted we have gone “from the frying pan into the fire” because of our expanding real estate business and developments. When we get home… we want our privacy. Grecia will always be our “home” but circumstances change.

We are well underway to having additional developments… one ocean view, the second a two minute walk to a gorgeous surfing beach and the last…only a 25 minute drive to the airport just south of San Pedro de Poas with unbelievable vistas.

We will also be ramping up the construction side of CR Home. There are simply too many people that are unaware of the options available from qualified Costa Rican builders. Most people have heard of the horror stories which have happened and prefer not even to consider construction as an option.

Most people here are unaware of how much money can be saved (not to mention the advantages of having EXACTLY the home you want). Watch for details in the future. We are also seeing a tremendous increase in interest in liquidations and foreclosures. At the end of this newsletter there will be a signup for early notification. Many of you know how quickly our best “finds” sell… so hopefully this will give many of you an early lead. We don’t mind if you do NOT buy or if you are not quite” ready…but if you are please realize that these are substantially below market (and we will specify at what level we see each offering).

Here are a few new offerings:

1. A home in the mountains above Grecia…A frame , well kept, good location , private and great neighborhood…smaller lot of only 1/8 of an acre. This is well below market at a hair under $60,000. This will go very quickly as there is virtually nothing else like it. (Click the image for enlage)

2. We have two lots ON THE BEACH just outside of Parrita. Both are under $65,000 and are concession. Both are stunning and beachfront doesn’t get any better. We will work with the buyers to build and believe that a house of 1000-1200 sq. feet can be built for around $50,000-55,000. Based upon average current market, and our projections for the markets to recover in a year or two ( we are hoping for two!) we believe that the market value should be low $200s. And a pool can be installed for under ten grand ( yes, a decent quality pool with all filtration and pumps ). (Click the image for enlage)

3. Our last offering of one of the best ( if not THE best) fixer uppers in Grecia is still available ( it is “dogdays” in the States and Canada and traffic is done…so take advantage). This has one of the premier views in all of the mountains overlooking the town. It is an easy renovation and decent space to put in a garden. Great spot and opportunity to begin your “new life” in Costa Rica. We will, of course, assist with renovation. Test drive Costa Rica for around $35,000. (Click the image for enlage)

4. A property of 1400 sq. meters , or almost half an acre of concession property almost directly on the beach. On the Nicoya Penninsula near Playa Coyote and not far from Samara. Quiet , private and absolutely stunning. Original price was $140,000…asking price now is only $60,000. In this area prices are extremely strong and we have seen VERY few liquidations and even reductions in price. This is a GREAT buy. (Click the image for enlage)

5. The last person who put down a deposit on a “distress sale” in Pueblo Escondido backed out. The seller needs out NOW. Potential buyer loved the project but wanted to be closer to a surfing beach. The house is 65% done now…we have posted a before and after picture of the home. Just in time to pick out your own colors, tile and finishing touches. The seller says “mark it down to $80,000”. He needs money, has lost his job and cannot complete his contract. This is a steal. (Click the image for enlage)

6. We have run across a condominium in downtown Jaco that is being offered at half price of the last sale. It is “off the beaten path”, very private and the construction is top notch. Last sale was $125,000 and we think that the present owner will take around $60,000. Pool, close to the beach (and to town)…perfect for someone who wants a condo and no maintenance and no worries. Approximately 700 sq. feet and others in this price range are around 300 sq. feet and those around 1000 sq. feet or so can run as high as $240,000. (Click the image for enlage)

We will be also posting pictures on a regular basis of our construction. Those of you who have not followed construction methods in Costa Rica are in for a treat. It is reminiscent of the 50s where contractors learned from their fathers and their fathers before them. Bring a laser sight to a construction sight here or a ready mix truck and you will get open mouths and blank stairs. Construction here is a treat.

Below is a signup for those who wish to receive advance notice of deeply discounted properties AND foreclosures. We will continue to post here in the newsletters as well but advance notice will be given to those who sign up.

No rain yesterday or today…and “little summer” is over… strange.

Randy, Rhonda and all of us at CR Home...

Last week we featured a signup for deep discounted properties and foreclosures…if you missed it…it is early notification for the “best of the best.”

Note: If you can not read this newsletter or view the images you can read it directly online at the following address:

http://www.cr-home.com/newsletter12/newsletter12.htm

Contact Information:

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Website: http://www.cr-home.com