We have had a HUGE number of responses to our beach homes for sale in the Playa Azul and Tarcoles area. Most of the questions center around the question of title, which was addressed in the postcard.
While we know that many of you prefer titled property we also believe strongly that this form of “ownership” is misunderstood. And one thing that should be strongly stressed is that ticos ( Costa Ricans ) prefer this form of ownership (preconcession) over concession. And because titled beachfront property is such a rarity and extremely expensive… concession and preconcession are the only real forms of ownership open to Costa Ricans (in the maritime zone).
Because the “invention” of concession is a relatively recent one (1977) and requires that each municipality in question undergo a rigorous submission known as plan regulador (better known as a zoning plan, which will define not only surveys and individual properties but also how the entire area will be utilized… from residential ownership to commercial use, to tourism area, to right of ways and more)- The submission, when completed, requires governmental approval for the municipality to issue concessions, which are simply a lease by the municipality for a specific term of years. The terms are always automatically renewed in favor of the lease and application cannot be denied.
What is NOT known is how widespread beachfront “ownership” is WITHOUT concession or fee simple title. Costa Ricans have always built in the maritime zone with or without building permits… please understand that we do not takes sides here or advocate doing the same… we are just stating facts. Why would anyone, Costa Rican or otherwise, build in the maritime zone without approval… indeed, without a title of any kind?
Well, firstly, there IS a record of ownership and a title. Homes and the occupancy of the land IS registered (typically) with the municipality of record. Taxes are then paid on the property and there is a record that such a property is occupied and built on. No one else can then be issued a similar paper if the filing is done in the proper way. And no land registered in such a manner has ever been confiscated or taken away. This is common place here and what is done in the vast majority of beach properties here.
Please understand that we are not advocating NOT filing for concession, if it is available. BUT, for inexpensive properties this form of protection is precisely what is used by those who live here…and it is effective. And it is safe. It has been used by Costa Ricans for literally decades and there have NEVER been problems or risks. “when in Rome…”
Costa Rica Properties to check: (Click for more details)
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Another topic:
Many people ask what I like the most about living in Costa Rica. Well, for me there are two main things that I always stress when talking to newcomers about the country… (other than the climate, of course… hey, we’re from Minnesota! )
1. The diversity and the many different things to do and see within just a short drive. Most of you know how small Costa Rica truly is… it always seems bigger because of the huge list of activities and places to see. In an day’s drive we can see: two oceans, volcanoes, mountains, rivers, unbelievable vistas wherever you turn, estuaries, beachfront, ocean views, agricultural land, bays, islands and open ocean…and this is just for starters! You will never get tired of the country itself.
2. Chip and Barbara, our future neighbors over at Ventanas San Mateo … have gotten involved with the local elementary school… first painting the entire school and fixing up much of the structure that was almost beyond repair. There are only 14 children that attend the school from the local area and a full time teacher for all ages. After painting, they decided that they wanted to maintain contact with the children and their families… and have since instituted a biweekly “movie night” using a DVD projector. The first presentation, “Narnia” was shown and attended by over 50 people. Everyone loved it…two former teachers (gringas) attended and said that the appreciation shown by the families and children was so overwhelming that it reaffirmed again why they have moved to Costa Rica.
Thanks, Chip and Barb!...for all of your hard work, sacrifice AND for being our friends.
Isla Chira Real Estate Video
We have very few new properties at this point but what we have are new updates from Isla Chira. See this link for latest videos:
Our daughter, Char and her husband Luis, visited Chira on Saturday and spent most of the day fishing and exploring nearby islands. Fishing was a hit and even a blowfish of some kind was caught. The children all loved it as well. If anyone ever asks “what is there to do on the island?”… Char and Luis can fill them in. They are in the process of purchasing property there as well! (Click to enlarge)
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We are finishing up renovating one house on the island and will start construction of the first bungalow within the next two weeks. All materials have been purchased and lots are now marked. Small downpayments (almost ridiculous... starting at $5000 ) with long term financing at low interest rates…payments for land AND home also almost border on the absurd. No one is doing anything like this anywhere in the country…and the fact that it is an island only adds to the mystique. (Click to enlarge)
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Our NEW website will be done shortly. We have been doing fairly extensive advertising over the past three months or so and have NOT taken deposits …well, we are almost ready. The Tico market is huge for this type of offering so any of you who are intrigued by an island property…hurry. Take a look at the videos… know that you can keep your own boat on the island ( total cost for boat and motor …smaller, around $2000-2500 max. )…Ask us about total costs for home and land…and how much down and how much to finance. Honestly, you won’t believe it. Our biggest fear is that we will not be able to keep up! If these have interest… hurry …call or email and ask your questions. If you think that we are exaggerating… we aren’t… it really is “that good.” This is the vacation home or future retirement home that you have been waiting for … and at the right price. It really does have it all.
Costa Rica Weather Update
Raining sporadically nearly every day… States and Canada not the only ones with unusual weather!
Randy, Rhonda and all of us at CR Home…
A few more shots of of our new home in Ventanas! Coming along nicely… it won’t be long now.…
(Click to enlarge)
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Note: If you can not read this newsletter or view the images you can read it directly online at the following address:
Contact Information:
Office: 011-506-2444-0582
Cell: 011-506-8841-5782
Toll Free:1-877-614-8079
EMail:
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Website: http://www.cr-home.com
