We are starting off this New Year with a look at many of the things which are facing “my” generation:

Many of us are facing our retirement years with much less resources than previously. And frankly, it is scaring the crap out of us because we have no confidence in the future any longer. It appears that the “climb” out of the economic problems faced by the entire world may be much longer and much more severe than previously thought.

Do we simply “hunker up”, smile, and trundle on down to WalMart for a part time job? Or do we look for alternatives? And if we do…what are they?

· The generation of our parents is slowly disappearing and many are faced with “what to do when independence is no longer an option?” Two generations ago and further back, families took care of everyone…young and old…and those who could not take care of themselves without assistance.

· Which way is the world headed?...and each of our respective homeland’s? The United States, rightly or wrongly, stands squarely on the cusp of massive changes over the coming years. Many believe we are headed toward socialism and huge numbers say that their independence is being stolen. Should we in fact, be providing medical care for everyone who cannot afford it? Can we even afford to be considering it? Either way, mountains of debt are being incurred without a plan in place to pay it back…if in fact, it will ever be paid back. How do we plan for the future without knowing some semblance of what the future holds?

· How do we protect our assets… short of buying gold bullion, and storing food like many of the survivalists? Is it even possible? Can we live comfortably like we originally planned without resorting to stockmarket advisory services which promise to triple our money in only a few months? Can we adequately live on less if we have to? What are our options? Given the facts that many have lost large percentages of their home equity savings and reserves as well as many having taken huge losses in the stockmarket…what is next to hit? Are we in fact looking the demise of the dollar and years before we recover, if at all? Stay tuned because everyone knows what opinions and assumptions are worth.

Pretty depressing, huh?

I talk to my daughters and one is scared to death of losing her job and the other has already filed bankruptcy…and no recovery is in sight. And I talk to my parents who are faced with assisted living and they are facing an uncertain financial future as well. It is sad for the vast majority. And no one has answers and the worst thing for our mental well being is uncertainty… and we have that in spades.

What do we foresee for the coming months and what are some of the options which should be explored?

Well, retirement overseas is an option which we think even more and more will seriously consider. And they should…medical coverage here is superb and dirt cheap. Many of you know that Costa Rica is higher priced than Panama and Nicaragua and many places in Mexico ( and certainly higher priced than Uruguay, Ecuador and other places in South America ) but face it, there is a lot to be said for stability, safety, and certainly convenience ( hey, we don’t want to endure a 20 hour flight or more to Ecuador, transfer planes three times and pay over a thousand bucks…we want to be able to visit our families and vice versa, without breaking the bank ).

What can you realistically get for your money in today’s markets in Costa Rica?

Well, firstly , let’s look at monthly costs…summary: it is very possible, in fact, many do live on social security benefits alone…to live on $1500 per month and be very comfortable. Sure, you can upgrade from that level pretty easily but face it…if you were in the States, what would you get for that amount of money? And what would happen if you had a medical emergency? That would not occur in Costa Rica because insurance and coverage is literally pennies. And face it…those of us from the frosty north country are already saving because there are no heating costs. I have had a great many people tell me how cheap real estate now is in Florida or other areas. Well, yeah it is…but anyway you slice it, you have living expenses and there isn’t anyone who can tell me that it is NOT cheaper to live in Costa Rica.

The other factor? Quality of life. Not even mentioning winter weather, life in Costa Rica simply is much more diverse and it seems that there is no end of things to do…with over 30% of the land set aside for national parks, two oceans, umpteen different microclimates, mountain ranges, volcanoes…well, you get the idea. It never seems to get dull. I cannot imagine going back to the life that I would have known in Minnesota…knowing what I know now.

OK, so what can I afford now in Costa Rica?

Best buys…

· Without a doubt, our Palo Seco property… only three properties left…see the website here: www.cr-home.com/dosvistas/ The former owner paid all total over ¾ of a million dollars for this property and all of the permitting and planning. I can tell you that we paid CONSIDERABLY less and each lot is priced ( with utilities, no less ) at $45,000. This is on what we consider to be the best surfing beach and family beach on the Central pacific. Take a look and if you like what you see…call us because it is a guarantee that these lots will not be around long. And a small house can be put here and you can be in and out in the best beach around for way less than $110-120,000. Check it out quickly. (Click image to enlarge)

· Take a look at our island property… http://www.cr-home.com/island-sanctuary/ It is, without a doubt, one of our best developments ever. We know that it is not for everyone…but the views, location, and certainly pricing make it truly one of a kind. We think that this development will be talked about for a long, long time. Where else are you going to get the country's BEST views...a house out of teak and hardwood...AND a vehicle or ATV for what we are charging? Certainly, in our mind, there is no competition whatsoever. (Click image to enlarge)

· Ocean view properties in San Ramon…almost two acres, 25 minutes from town, utilities very closeby…coffee, trees and nearby river… less than $35,000. Build your own rustic style cabina or finished product …range from $30-50 per sq. foot. (Click image to enlarge)

· A fantastic, HUGE ocean view lot with gorgeous house, pool, cabinas, and large outside terrace for outdoor living…this is the quintessential “quinta” here in Costa Rica… a sort of hobby farm where you can get away and enjoy the weather, the the great outdoors …and of course, the fantastic views. (Click image to enlarge)

“what will it cost me to build in Costa Rica?”

Best estimate we can give is…a comfortable, upscale house with all the comforts that we have grown accustomed to …hot water, marble, top of the line tile, quality millwork and a great kitchen…average is around $50 per sq. foot. Ask for samples to see of the type of work and craftsmanship you can get.

 Hopefully this gives some ideas of what the markets are like now. We expect a little bit of a pickup from high season but…we see that only the true “bargains” are moving again. Buyers are extremely cautious and extremely slow in making decisions…because, after all, no one wants to make a mistake. We have an extraordinary large number of potential buyers coming for “serious” real estate shopping. We fully expect nearly all of them to be VERY meticulous and careful with the choices…and if the “right” opportunity does not come along, then time will provide another opportunity.

 We feel that a purchase of real estate in Costa Rica offers not only a hedge against an economy headed south…but also provides excellent opportunity for appreciation in the future.

We hope to see many of you in the next few months of another “green season” here in Costa Rica. And please, if you do not get a response from us within 24 hours, call our toll free number or drop us another email. We know that many of our emails end up in cyberspace or in someone’s spam box…so please check that first…or last.

I am currently on the way to Minnesota and 20 degree BELOW zero weather…for a visit to my parents and to my daughter. I always seem to catch cold during my visits and doubt if this will be any different. Haven’t seen snow in a while and am not overly anxious to see it this visit either.

From sunny Costa Rica …and headed toward Minnesota…

Rhonda, Randy and all of us at CR Home.

p.s. we have had a great number of you ask about initial participation in our projects… please rest assured that we have not forgotten you and if any of you wish to receive further info and details about upcoming projects and how you can participate… please sign up below and we will send you details within a week or so. Yes, we are that close. Thanks for your patience.

Contact Information:
Office: 011-506-2444-0582
Cell: 011-506-8841-5782
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Website: http://www.cr-home.com