Costa Rica Real Estate Trends

Costa Rica Real Estate Law & Property Rights

2012-07-06T04:05:00.001-07:00

This holds true for both Costa Ricans and foreign investors, who benefit from similar property rights and privileges of the locals. The state, however, imposes a firm decree on the details of land ownership prior to the purchase of foreigners who are not permanent real estate of Costa Rica.

Land Ownership:

Costa Rican laws and the constitution guarantees private ownership of land. By law, foreigners have the same property rights as citizens. For foreigners, there are almost no restrictions to ownership of private land. However, there are government programs that sell or give land to Costa Rican citizens. After a time period, these lands can be freely traded or acquired by foreigners. You do not need to be a citizenship, residence, or live in the country to own property.

Clear Title Registration and Information:

Costa Rican law requires that all property documents with clear title must be registered in the property section of the Public Registry (Article 460 of the Civil Code). All property must contain a titled registration number, the Folio Real. The national database can be searched with this number or by name index.

This report, the informe registral, will provide all detailed information about the property. The information including the name of the titleholder, all boundary lines, tax appraisal, any liens, unpaid mortgages, recorded easements, and all other recorded instruments that would affect clear title for the property. To protect the buyer, Costa Rica follows the doctrine of first in time, first in right, all recorded instruments regarding land for sale presented to the Public Registry are given priority according to the date and time in which they are recorded. For the buyer, this means that any mortgages or liens, which are not recorded by the national registry at title transfer, are not valid. Since the certificate of title issued by the Public Registry is conclusive evidence for clear title on the date issued, any lean or instrument not recorded at the time the certificate is issued is invalid by Costa Rican Real Estate law. This means that there is no need for title insurance, because any instrument not in the report is deemed invalid.

Registration Procedure for Title Transfers:

One of the responsibilities of the legal counsel is to make sure that the property title is taken care of after settling all the bills. It is the obligation of the specific notary public who made the transfer to present and register the deed with the Public Registry’s Property Department. As the selling or buying party, it is imperative for you to ask for updates on your property’s title transfer. The office of the Public Registry does not recognize deed transfers with unsettled or pending registration and tax bills. Among the other needed documents is a certified copy to be obtained from the Finance Ministry office after providing certifications of the seller’s current payments on property taxes.

Supporting documents can be easily acquired from the local municipal office, where both parties are required to settle municipal tax requirements. As soon as the transfer is acknowledged for registration, the registry office will give back all original papers, complete with documentary stamps. Transfer papers must be registered with the office forty five to sixty days within its presentation.

Property Closing Expenses for Land Title Transfers:

The sale of land includes spending on legal fees, such as transfer charges and stamp tax, to name a few. This aspect of the sale covers about three to six percent of the total cost of sale. Charges involved in the transfer are paid for by the buyer. The amount of transfer tax is based on the declared worth of the property as assessed by the realtor. Legal fees charged on the sales cost of the property also depends if the property in Costa Rica is held by a local corporation, or a multi-national group of investors.

Finding Certified Real Estate Broker in Costa Rica

2012-07-04T05:50:00.001-07:00

The Costa Rica Chamber of Real Estate Brokers (CCCBR) is a self-regulating institution, founded in 1974, with a goal of providing consistency and integrity in those who conduct real estate brokerage services within Costa Rica. The Costa Rica Chamber of Real Estate Brokers, while not under national regulation, adheres to a strong ethics code and actively advocated for the requirement for all brokers to obtain a real estate license. Costa Rican law does not require that a real estate broker have any certification so it is important to incorporate your own good judgment when selecting the criteria that you find to be vital in deciding whether a potential broker is qualified to represent you in the buying process. Membership in this group does not guarantee the knowledge and expertise that you may deem requisite for an individual to represent you in a real estate transaction.

It is not mandatory to have broker representation when buying Costa Rican real estate. If you are well versed in Costa Rican property law, assessing property value, and speak fluent Spanish, it is possible to go it on your own. However, a good broker with experience, a track record of satisfied clients and knowledge of the area can always help.

Sales commissions of 5% to 11% are paid by the seller so it is important to recognize that their loyalty may not be with you. How do you tell if someone is going to do a good job advocating for you? Many North Americans find asking prices that are way too high and brokers that are not as professional as they should be. Some of the larger real estate franchises have moved into Costa Rica and bring a big and familiar name. Franchises charge up to $30,000 for membership, annual dues of up to $500, a brokerage service fee of 2% per successfully closed real estate transaction, corporate overhead and advertising fees and regional advertising fees. All of these costs must be recouped and the burden is placed on their buyers. There is no legitimate affiliation between owners of the franchises and you can easily find one who is unethical and under-handed in their dealings.

So if you cannot rely on certification or big named companies where do you go? The answer is to use some of these perimeters like certification with the CCCBR, but most importantly incorporate your best judgment.

Judging experience, integrity and area knowledge?

· Does your broker have formal real estate training?

· How long have they been in the business? In Costa Rica Real Estate?

· Can they introduce you to satisfied clients from the past?

· Are they Costa Rican or are they legal residents of the country?

· Are they fluent in Spanish and in English?

Judging professionalism

· Are their listings current?

· Are they a full time broker?

· Are they timely and accurate with appointments and contact with you?

· Do they seem to constantly sell real estate?

· Are they helping you understand the entire process? (prices, location, contracts, financing, terms, transfer fees and legal process)

· A good broker should give you a free registered survey map of a property of interest with a unique registration number..

· Are they asking the right questions to help you find what you are looking for and showing you Costa Rica properties that match your requests?

In summary it is important for you, a prospective real estate buyer, to not only look at certification from outside organizations, but also use your own judgment in the certification process. A CostaRica real estate purchase is a very personal thing. The most important criteria is your confidence that a broker will do their best for you!

Why Properties in Costa Rica?

2012-07-02T03:28:00.000-07:00

The acquisition of real estate is one of the most significant investments a person makes during his or her lifetime. It can also be one of the most stressful. In foreign countries such as Costa Rica, the normal stress of the purchasing process can be compounded with other risk factors, such as language barriers and unfamiliarity with local laws and procedures. That said, foreigners can and do legally and successfully purchase property in Costa Rica. In fact, Costa Rica offers potential buyers many types of real estate products including houses, condominiums, time-shares, farms, finished lots and beachfront property.

Dominical real estate, Puntarenas - Costa Rica Real Estate :

Dominical has an easy going atmosphere, with a large community of foreigners. There is a great choice of accommodations to suit every purse and style, some young surfers sometimes just like to set camp on the beach and to sleep under the stars. The food is really good and those who like fish and sea food will be in heaven; there is a large array of restaurants and sodas serving fresh fish, lobster and crab everywhere in the area.

The beauty of the area, the diverse community, the property prices and convenient infrastructure has transformed it into a tourism paradise and a thriving hub for active travelers and nature lovers. The diverse wealth of activities, ranging from bird-watching, whale watching, horseback tours, swimming and movie nights to ultralight flights, sport fishing and live Community Theater. Through infrastructure improvements and thoughtful management this area has matured into a hotspot for luxury real estate. Evenly paced and holistically minded, the Costa Rica real estate market here achieves an exemplary balance of nature and convenience; those are the reasons why all the owners and associates of our office have personally invested in Dominical real estate.

Uvita Real Estate - Costa Rica Real Estate :

The Uvitareal estate market has witnessed a steady pulse – with interest increasing yearly here, more and more people are discovering the beauty of Uvita Costa Rica.

The Uvita real estate market is trending in a different direction aside from the norm in Costa Rica real estate. Here we are seeing more properties being segregated and sold off with the help of an existing model home or some sort of structure at all.

Ojochal Real Estate - Costa Rica Real Estate:

The Southern Pacific currently offers some of the best real estate investment opportunities in Costa Rica. Boasting one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world this area is characterized by rich green foothills, white sandy beaches and clear pacific waters. This is where the mountains meet the sea, where dolphins play amongst the waves and where humped backed whales and turtles come to visit throughout the year.

Like many towns in the South Pacific, Ojochal real estate is expanding but local residents are eager to keep this to a minimum. Ojochal has a real sense of community and this is what makes it so special. Families moving to this area can be sure they will be welcomed with open arms.

10 Beaches to Lounge in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

2012-06-28T03:41:00.000-07:00

Costa Rica’s coastlines have more awesome beaches than can be listed in a single post, so we’re going to take a look at them in smaller groups and this week we begin our journey with a photo tour of the Top 10 Beaches of Guanacaste which is located in the North West of Costa Rica.

1. Tamarindo

Playa Tamarindo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Tamarindo is one of the most well renowned beaches in Costa Rica and not without reason. There are amazing sunsets and a wonderful nightlife. You have a huge variety of Tamarindo Vacation Rentals or beautiful hotels to chose from. Tamarindo is definitely a place to catch some good surf and sun bathing.

2. Bahia Salinas

Playa Bahia Salinas, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Bahia Salinas is the North most beach in Costa Rica. It offers tons of great activities and Natural parks to visit there. You can also enjoy some wind surfing and kite boarding as well as a fun nightlife and a visit to Bolanos Island.

3. Potrero

Playa Potrero, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Potrero is a beautiful beach off the beat and path. The town offers white sand beaches with beautiful views of boats and fishing. It is a quiet little town with a lot of residential. Houses are simultaneously beautiful and simple all wrapped up into one. Not too many hotels around here but you can reserve a Costa Rican Vacation Rental not too far from here.

4. Samara / Carillo

Playa Samara / Carillo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Samara/ Carillo is a quite beach town a little less developed but still offers a beautiful and calm beach that’s simplicity is part of its charm. One to check out if you desire a mellow day with just you, the sun, and the sand.

5. Flamingo

Playa Flamingo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Flamingo, also not too far from Tamarindo or Portero, offers white sand beaches and sport fishing locations. Fun and lively nightlife that locals also enjoy. Several restaurants and a couple of casinos. Lots of great Costa Rica Vacation Rentals, condos and villas.

6. Playa Del Coco

Playa Del Coco, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Playa Del Coco is close to many other beaches and not that unique in the actual beach activities. However, the nightlife here is fantastic and a great place if you have a night with some time to kill with friends. Perfect to experience some Costa Rican nightlife.

7. Ocotal

Playa Ocotal, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

If staying in Playa Del Coco you should definitely check out the snorkeling and scuba in Ocotal beach not to far from there. Beautiful but mellow at night, definitely a place to come check out.

8. Pan de Azucar

Playa Pan De Azucar, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Pan de Azucar, or better known as Sugar Beach, is also close to Flamingo and is a great place if you are looking to escape the crowds. A very mellow beach with the wonderful ocean at your fingertips, great for snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing.

9. Grande

Playa Grande, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

If you happen to have a Tamarindo Vacation Rental you should also take a walk over to Grande. You can take a short boat ride across the Estuary for a dollar or two. Walk along the beautiful stretch of beach here or bring along a surfboard for some amazing surf.

10. Panama

Playa Panama, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Playa Panama is a different style of beach, which offers a more unique dark sand beach and a variety of more exclusive resorts. Beautiful and elegant and a great place to kick back and relax.

11. Hermosa

Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s newly Accessible Property Paradise

2012-06-26T08:50:00.000-07:00

Costa Rica is a beautiful country of Central America and is situated just south of Nicaragua and north of Panama. Costa Rica possesses some of the beautiful beaches, wildlife, waterfalls, rain forests and numerous thundering rivers, and excellent lakes for windsurfing and boating.

2011 has been highlighted as an excellent year to invest in real estate market in the south pacific of Costa Rica. This area is well known for its panoramic ocean views, lush tropic rain forests and the sandy beaches and the once small beach town of Uvita is at the forefront of property investment opportunities in this area. There is no doubt that the Uvita real estate market is in for a busy year.

The room for growth is in Uvita means little grape. The coastal mountain range that snugs up against the beach at Dominical runs parallel to the ocean along the zone between Dominical and Uvita. At Uvita, the coastal mountain range angles inland and then comes back toward the ocean. These results in a triangular rim of mountains creating a bowl-like configuration around the flats that are Uvita.

To buy real estate in Costa Rica is a different process than in your home country. Factors to consider are unfamiliarity with local laws and language barriers. In Costa Rica potential buyers are offered many types of real estate. Houses, entire farms, small pieces of land, finished lots and beach front properties are some kinds of properties.

Dominical Beach is famous for its surf, and on any given day you will see local “surfistas” as well as foreign surfers hunting for perfect waves or just hanging out in a very relaxed atmosphere. At the present time, in town and the surrounding area, many hotels, bars, and restaurants are being built. Almost any business that meets the demands of the local and foreign community grows quickly. You can also book hotels, activities and transport in one single place. You will be able to book directly with the hotel owner the room you need, but you also will be able to see features, photos, check the discount offered by hotel owners and more. The list is filled up by the same hotel owners, for that reason in most of the cases prices are right.

At last I would sum up as Costa Rica real estate is a best option for investors to invest for high out returns. The different states of Costa Rica i.e. Uvita, Dominical and Ojochal are recognized for natural beauty. So they are best places for tourists and nature lovers. Invest in Costa Rica or live in Costa Rica. Both are helpful in achieving goals and dreams.

For reference about Costa Rica real Estate visit http://www.costa-rican-real-estate.com/

Productive Tips To buy Costa Rica Real Estate

2012-06-25T07:10:00.001-07:00

This article is meant to give you some general tips on buying Costa Rica properties to help you make the right choice when buying your dream home in Costa Rica.

Tips to Investing in real estate and buying a home in Costa Rica:

Define a cohesive strategy: in talking with your real estate agent, define your needs according to your budget.
Develop a basic understanding of Costa Rican real estate law. Your agent and your attorney will help enlighten you on the subject (see tips below).
Familiarize yourself with local market conditions: Costa Rica real estate listings with your agent in order to compare products and prices.
Once a property has been identified, contact a reputable real estate attorney.
Start and conclude purchase with the help of your agent, the office's broker, and your attorney (see resume at the bottom).

Your Costa Rica real estate investment is not something you want to leap into blindfolded. There's too much money involved and too many things can go wrong. Here are a few places to look into before you leap.

Things must considering to buying land in Costa Rica:

There is no nationwide Multiple Listing Service in Costa Rica so trying to establish even a rough idea of what property is worth can be difficult.
Do not send money before visiting the plot of land and verifying legal details.
Remember real estate laws are different in Costa Rica than the United States.
While many people in Costa Rica speak English, all legal documents are in Spanish. Take the necessary steps to understand what the documents say.
Make sure the real estate agent you are working with comes recommended and has verifiable references. If the agent is an American, make sure he or she is licensed in Costa Rica to work in real estate.

These are the basics that a purchaser follows when buying a property in Costa Rica.

Step 1: Sign an Option to Purchase with Seller.

Step 2: Deposit 5-10% of the purchase price with Escrow Company,or approved attorney's escrow account, or in some 100% safe cases-directly with the Seller. Please remember that wire transfers from the States typically take 2-5 business days.

Step 3: Title research performed by an approved Notary Public-Lawyer and/or Title Company attorneys. In Costa Rica all notaries must be attorneys, and are registered with the Bar Association, ( Colegio de Abogados.)

Step 4: Closing with final transfer of funds, execution of Transfer Deed, Endorsement of Shares and/or Mortgage Deed.

Step 5: Register new owner with Public Registry (Registro Nacional). In about 6 weeks, receive official Title and guaranty (if purchased).

Contact us for more information on Buying a home in Costa Rica or making a real estate investment in Costa Rica, or call us at http://www.costa-rican-real-estate.com/.

Costa Rica Property to invest or live in

2012-06-22T07:29:00.001-07:00

If you are thinking of buying property, then you should consider buying property in Costa Rica. Costa Rica is very beautiful country of Central America and is situated just south of Nicaragua and north of Panama. This country possesses some of the beautiful beaches, wildlife, waterfalls, rain forests and numerous thundering rivers, and excellent lakes for windsurfing and boating. The prices of property are currently still inexpensive but rising rapidly.

For most foreigners the main beach development areas that are worth considering for retirement and/or vacation homes can be found in Guanacaste areas such as Flamingo, Junquillal, and Tamarindo. The Central Pacific beach areas around the towns of Jaco Beach, Quepos and Manuel Anotonio are also attractive. This Central Pacific area has great potential, as it is much closer to the Central Valley and San Jose. The new Villa Colón-Orotina and Quepos-Dominacal highways will have a huge effect on real estate values in this area, as it will reduce driving time to the Central and South Pacific areas.

Real estate business is the main business of Costa Rica. There are no restrictions on foreigners owning real estate in Costa Rica but buyers must do their due diligence when considering a particular property. Just as elsewhere, ensuring the title to an acquired property is clean and clear is of paramount importance. In addition, one must be aware of some of the limitations that apply to properties in certain areas. "There are government imposed restrictions on how close to the high water mark a person may own land or build. Also, legally speaking, all beaches are open to the public. No one can own the beach or restrict access to it.

The land ownership by both local and foreign citizens in Costa Rica is protected by the country’s constitution and laws. Anyone regardless of race can gain ownership of a private land provided that there are no restrictions imposed on such. Restrictions will be made if that particular land must be acquired by the government for its programs. These particular lands may be sold to Costa Ricans and may not be acquired by foreigners until a certain time period has lapsed.

Property prices in Costa Rica real estate is rising. Investors that purchased a $30,000 property 15 years ago, now find their property is worth as much as $750,000. The prices have dramatically increased as Costa Rica has attracted more foreign buyers and tourists every year.

In the end I would suggest to everyone having capital in hand to invest in Costa Rica real estate. It would be helpful in future for achieving business goals and high out return.

For reference about Costa Rica real estate check http://www.costa-rican-real-estate.com/

Real Estate Tips before Purchasing in Costa Rica

2012-06-21T04:38:00.002-07:00

Costa Rica real estate business is becoming popular among real estate investors, buyers and sellers. Investors invest in commercial as well as residential projects in Costa Rica real estate. They earn a huge profit on investment. Similarly baby boomers also coming to Costa Rica for spending retired life. Every year a lot of tourist came in Costa Rica to enjoy vacations. All this is because of Costa Rica’s natural beauty, democratic government, and peaceful environment. Costa Rica possesses some of the beautiful beaches, wildlife, waterfalls, rain forests and numerous thundering rivers, and excellent lakes for windsurfing and boating.

Before purchasing any property in Costa Rica you need to understand basic rules and regulations. Otherwise there is a chance of frauds and errors. I would like to share some basic tips that are necessary for every one want to purchase property in Costa Rica real estate.

Make sure the property you are about to purchase in not part of a nation park or is subject to restricted use.
Make sure you know the real value of the property.
If you buy in a remote region make sure you can bring electricity to the land. This can be expensive. Also check to see if the water supply is good in the area.
Do not assume the seller or broker is trustworthy just because they speak English.
If buying in the city or near a major street check the noise level. Make sure there are no dance halls, bars or noisy buses.
Do not rely on a verbal contract if you decide to make an offer. Get everything in writing.
Check out your neighbors. There is nothing worse than buying property and finding out later you had bad neighbors.
If buying in the city it is extremely important to be familiar with the neighborhood where you decide to buy. Make sure you are not buying in a crime-ridden area.
If you purchase a home, have an engineer make sure it is structurally sound. Also, check the plumbing, wiring, roof for leaks, water pressure and septic or sewage system.
If you purchase raw land, be sure to get a soil sample and hire an engineer, especially if your lot has been cut out of a hillside.

These are the some precautionary measures you must follow before purchasing any property in Costa Rica real estate. For buying or selling property in Costa Rica you are advised to use the services of real estate broker or agent. Real estate agents have all the knowledge about market trends, current market situation and property listings.

For reference about Costa Rica real Estate visit http://www.costa-rican-real-estate.com/

Why consider buying real estate in Costa Rica?

2012-06-20T01:46:00.000-07:00

Why consider buying real estate in Costa Rica? If you have ever visited Costa Rica, you would more than likely agree that the more appropriate question would be ‘why not?’

Costa Rica’s land area is 50 660 km2 and boasts 1 290 km of stunning, sandy coastline that are freely available to the public. The interior of the country holds its own beauty and variety in the form of coffee plantations, rain forests and steaming volcanoes.

Surrounded by the Caribbean Sea on the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west, the country is one of exceptional beauty. The ocean is warm, the sand varies in color from volcanic black, browns, red and whites and there are many species of insects, birds and animals inhabiting the country. All these reasons result in a huge source of eco tourism for Costa Rica.

There are 2 main seasons in Costa Rica, essentially being the wet and dry season. Dry season runs from December to April and rainy season from May to November. The climate and temperature levels are determined mostly by elevation with the sea level bringing tropical heat and humidity and cooler sub-tropical weather occurring in the mountains. The Central Valley which surrounds San Jose experiences spring-like weather all year round.

With all this natural beauty, it’s no wonder that people who visit Costa Rica often explore the option of moving there or purchasing a holiday home there. However, before investigating in Costa Rica real estate, potential investors should investigate all the benefits and main angles of this investment.

Costa Rica’s tourism is still flourishing but for how long, some think? It’s hard to predict as one would have to believe the impact of world events would catch up with us sooner or later.

But, consider these facts:

1. This year alone over 250,000 Americans will travel to Costa Rica and places like Thailand for affordable medical care. They will be seeking everything from root canals to heart transplants. The proximity to the USA and the high standard of health care Costa Rica offers suggest that a higher percentage will come here.

2. We keep seeing statistics that eco tourism / sustainable tourism is becoming one of the most sought after travel packages. This comes in many different forms, but one of the most popular is the vacationer seeking to get a feel for making their contribution to our planet by using these sustainable tourism facilities.

Last year it was reported by the accommodation industry that boutique hotels and B&B’s are the fastest growing segment of their industry. And, Costa Rica is getting ready for the anticipated increase in business in this area, as well as more major, brand name resorts coming here. For instance, the $40,000,000 expansion to the Liberia international Airport will be completed this year. There will be many new flights and visitors. Tourism is definitely up, and certainly, many of those visitors are interested in sustainable tourism, and others, medical tourism.

For those with a vision, a major eco-sustainable project, coupled with medical tourism, done by a well-financed developer, could make Costa Rica the focal point for the world. Costa Rica, with a land area of only 51.100 km2 (0.03% of the planet’s surface) and 589.000 km2 of territorial waters, is considered to be one of the 20 countries with greatest biodiversity in the world. And, it is also considered to be one of the premier destinations for medical treatments, with its modern medical and dental facilities and well trained, professional, and English speaking, doctors.

Costa Rica Real Estate Law

2012-06-19T06:15:00.002-07:00

One of the things that can make purchasing Costa Rica real estate so difficult is the many small details in Costa Rica real estate law. Many of these can make or break your closing as well as reduce the worth of your property down the line if you are not careful. Whether you are a small investor looking for a piece of property in Costa Rica to retire on, or a large investor looking for properties in Costa Rica to purchase and develop, you need to know about a few small laws that will determine the future of your real estate investments.

First of all, pretty much most investors want a piece of the beautiful Coast Rica beach front real estate. However, getting around the maritime law can be difficult and confusing, plus it involves a large amount of funds and time to actually purchase a chunk you can own. Even then you will only own 49%, so you had better really have your heart set if you want maritime property. Otherwise, you might consider some other prime Costa Rica real estate that is set a little further back along the coast. Ask about the titled beach front properties in Jaco, these are fully titled and do not involve concession laws. It is important that you talk to a qualified real estate agent because the nuances of what you can do and what the law says, can be entirely two different things despite your next door neighbor actions.

Second, you need to know that it is possible to get handed a bad title, and even a property sold with the wrong deed. Working with part time real estate agents will give you part time results. It the title of your property begins to display problems you can watch these disappear when issues are caught in the government processing of your Costa Rica real estate transaction. So employ a reputable lawyer and real estate agent you can trust from. Use some common sense when choosing an agent, work with someone who has demonstrated successful real estate transactions with satisfied clients. It is not hard to find these agents as clients usually are all too willing to give a reference or referral.

Required Documents to buy Costa Rica Real Estate:

Foreigners must have a valid Passport or Proof of Residency card. Costa Ricans must provide their ID

Corporations must be duly registered in Costa Rica and the legal representative must provide the corporate card and a certificate of incorporation in good standing.

A Municipal Certificate from the local Municipality must show that taxes are paid and that the seller has no debts within that municipality.

A Cadastral Survey, duly recorded in the National Register, is necessary for each Costa Rica real estate property transaction.

Real Estate Property Registry Report showing that the property is free of liens, mortgages, annotations and encumbrances.

A power of attorney may be used if one of the parties will not be present at the time of signing the sales documents.

If you are interested in finding a property in Costa Rica contact Costa Rican Real Estate and let the team of professionals help you achieve your goals of owning a piece of Costa Rican paradise. Visit us at http://www.costa-rican-real-estate.com

Finding the Right Real Estate Agent in Costa Rica

2012-06-18T05:36:00.000-07:00

For buying or selling property in Costa Rica you are advised to use the services of real estate broker or agent. Real estate agents have all the knowledge about market trends, current market situation and property listings. They offered many services for buyers and sellers. In fact they act as a communication bridge between buyer and seller. Real estate agents normally collect a 5% commission or higher. In order to find a competent, honest broker, it is wise to talk to other expatriates or contact the local Chamber of Real Estate Brokers or Cámara Costarricense de Bienes Raíces.

The question arises in mind that advising with an agent is necessary or not? I would like to share some reasons defining how it is important to work with a good broker.

An agent can save your time by showing you just what you want.
He will never let you agreed upon on wrong deal.
A good broker can help you find a fair-priced property.
A good broker will know all of the good areas and will not waste your time showing you undesirable neighborhoods. A broker who knows you are working faithfully with him will go all out to help you find what you want.
Working with a broker in Costa Rica real estate business is similar to working with a broker back home. If you are patient, loyal and have confidence in your broker you will find what you want.
Brokers offer a wide range of properties. They sell a little bit of everything: houses, lots, commercial, condos, and even fincas (farms). Therefore, it is best to find a broker who specializes inexactly what you are looking for. A person who sells at the beach cannot possible be an expert in properties in the Central Valley.

Costa Rica real estate agencies take the advantage of modern means of technology and improve their standards by building the websites, blogs, and forums etc where all the information regarding Costa Rica Real Estate property is present i.e. property rates, buying and selling options, rent a property options etc. Users just go to the website and access all the necessary information. Similarly online blogs and forums are also formed where buyers and sellers from different area of the world communicate with each other and discuss the issues regarding Cost Rica Real Estate, bargain with each other and take help from Cost Rica Real Estate agents.

In the light of above reasons one should easily understand the importance of real estate agent. Buyers or sellers who want to be a part of Costa Rica real estate business must find right agent. He would offer a fair deal which will be helpful for investors in achieving business goals.

For reference visit http://www.costa-rican-real-estate.com/

Why Buy Costa Rica Real Estate?

2012-06-16T02:54:00.000-07:00

Investing in Costa Rica real estate is a great option for real estate investors. Many US investors are looking for investment in Costa Rica. According to recent reports, investing in Costa Rica allows for an ideal return on investment because costs are low, the location is ideal for tourism and it offers excellent resources to second home buyers. In Latin American property, Costa Rica is the largest, most sought after property market.

There are many reasons why someone buy Costa Rica real estate?40 million baby-boomers are currently entering retirement over the next few years, and many are looking for a higher quality of life than they can find in the U.S. The U.S. Census Bureau defines the Baby Boomers as those born between January 1st, 1946 and December 31st, 1964. They want to spend their retired life in Costa Rica due to its beautiful climate. Violent crime is a problem in almost all of Central American countries except Costa Rica, where it’s rare. Costa Rica has lowest crime rate as compared to other countries of U.S. There is no Malaria in Costa Rica. No army. Little pollution compared with other nearby countries and a stable, booming Democratic government.

With good and experienced legal help, it is not difficult to get permanent residence in Costa Rica. In order to qualify for retired status, the applicant must show proof of $1,000 in monthly income from a qualified pension plan. A married couple needs to show proof of only one pension of $1,000 per month. Pensioned agree to live in Costa Rica for a minimum of 121 days (approx. 4 months) per year and there is no maximum. Since most people looking to retire qualify for pensioned status and want to live in Costa Rica more than 4 months out of the year, the requirements for being a resident are more than manageable.

Real estate markets in the U.S. have topped out, making investing in the U.S. an unattractive option, and prices in many areas of the U.S. are expected to drop. Therefore, many top real estate investing experts are advising their clients to buy outside the U.S. Costa Rica’s real estate is steadily increasing prices (20-50% per year) to ensure a good return on your investment. So it is a great option for investment. The CIA’s assessment of world real estate in 2007 rated Costa Rica as one of the TOP 5 best real estate investments.

In conclusion, I would suggest if someone has capital for investment then he should invest in Costa Rica real estate. It would be helpful for him in future to attain his business goal and plans. He will get a huge return on investment.

For more reference check http://www.costa-rican-real-estate.com/

Costa Rica Real Estate

2012-06-15T05:22:00.000-07:00

vacation properties in Costa Rica

Purchasing Costa Rica real estate can be one of the most important decisions that a person can make. It can also be a very stressful time for an individual(s). Many U.S. citizens are considering buying property in other countries because the lower cost of living, and there are many factors that they are concerned about, such as language barriers, quality of medical care(currently Costa Rica has an average life span several years longer than the United States), and safety concerns associated with being unfamiliar with the territory. However, Americans who purchase Costa Rica real estate do not seem to have nearly as many problems as in other countries and they can easily qualify for pensionado or rentista programs which favor U.S. retirees. In fact, Costa Rica is known as an excellent place for individuals to buy or rent Costa Rica real estate.

Many Americans discover a home away from home in Costa Rica. They buy or rent beautiful Costa Rica real estate so they can experience this exquisite country which is more affordable than most places in the world, especially the United States. Visitors can rent Costa Rica real estate that ranges from the basic amenities to luxury and elegant accommodations. There are prices to meet any budget. Whether people want short term lodging, extended stay accommodations, or they are relocating, Costa Rica real estate has something for everyone.

Costa Rica is a place that will provide the opportunity for various thrills to be achieved on the water or in the diverse and beautiful terrain, yet it will also present situations of calm, peace, and if you desire it, luxury. Rough adventures are there to be had should you choose to take an eco-tour of the rainforest, a surfing lesson on a world class beach, or head underground to explore the depths of a cave. After such excursions, however, you may find yourself craving a good meal, a soft bed, and in general, a space to rest and nest. The abundance of vacationproperties in Costa Rica make experiencing the full holiday experience a sure thing, so take a closer look at going this route.

Many Americans choose to invest in Costa Rica real estate and have been selling for huge profits for years. To some people, this small country signifies beauty, peace, and money return. Whether you are a U.S. citizen looking to go on a family vacation, retirement location, or just a second home, Costa Rica real estate will fit everyone’s needs.

Costa Rica is known as a place for vacations, investments, and retirement. The people are friendly and the weather is outstanding. Therefore, Costa Rica real estate is a booming industry. It is a country where individuals can own or rent property and just sit back and enjoy the breath-taking scenery that Costa Rica real estate has to offer.

How long does it take to find property in Costa Rica?

2012-06-14T07:08:00.002-07:00

As long as you want. Personally the number one problem I find in searching for real estate in Costa Rica is that everyone is a real estate agent. Why? Because the country lacks a structured real estate licensing program. This means that just about anyone can sell property. Not only that, if you want $300,000 for your property and they can get $350,000, you get $300,000 and the agent can keep the remaining $50,000.

Not really, because this becomes an incredible incentive to say just about anything to make a sale. Not good for most buyers.

On top of this, most sellers have 5-10 agents representing the same property. First one to sell wins! Again,another incentive to make a sale no matter what.

When buying a house, hire your own people. You may toy with the idea of using the seller's appraiser and home inspector, but ultimately do not choose to do so. No one likes spending money on something they could get for free. With that having been said, it is still in your best interests to hire your own workforce so that you have people that you can personally hold accountable. It could save you a ton of money later in life by knowing that you are getting an unfettered understanding of your potential investment.

Investing in real estate is always a risky situation. The housing bubble has finally popped, so house prices are at sane levels again. If you've always dreamed of owning a home, now is the time to buy. If you keep your property long enough, you are sure to gain a profit.

Do you now feel you are ready to buy a home? Hopefully, these tips will ease your concerns. Apply the suggestions that fit your circumstances to maximize your success. Purchasing real estate doesn't have to be frustrating or difficult. Think about how it feels to have a piece of property you can call your own. As you tour prospective properties, pay close attention to costs and choose wisely.

Buying Investment Property Costa Rica

2012-06-13T07:00:00.002-07:00

Investing in property overseas can be a great way to boost your investment portfolio, and one of the hottest places to invest in property right now is Costa Rica. A beautiful land with the Pacific on one side and the Caribbean on the other, Costa Rica is an amazingly peaceful country with everything an investor could dream of, including coastal and mountain based properties, forest areas, prosperous urban developments, and farms. However, there are several things you need to know before you begin the process of buying real estate there.

Costa Rica Real Estate Investment

Costa Rica is fast becoming the next property hot spot with international property investors eagerly anticipating a big property boom in the country. There are several factors that make Costa Rica such an attractive location for property investment. Firstly, with the slow down in the US economy due to the collapse of the sub prime mortgage lending industry, many US investors who would ordinarily make their money at home are looking abroad for safer markets with bigger potential profits.

Investing in Property Costa Rica

Costa Rica has several qualities that make it a promising place to invest in real estate. The climate and beautiful natural scenery which includes everything from rainforests to volcanoes to beaches ensures that tourism in Costa Rica looks set to remain a prosperous industry for the foreseeable future which drives up demand for property. However, despite it’s popularity as a tourist destination, Costa Rica is still relatively underdeveloped in many regions where property prices are still cheap. These are the best places to invest in cheap property as prices look set to rise in the future.

Costa Rica Property Investment

Aside from potentially very lucrative returns on investment, Costa Rica offers a great degree of safety, protection and peace of mind to foreign investors. This has largely been due to the liberal economic policies put in place by the government of Costa Rica making it a lot easier for foreigners to invest in property inside the country. Costa Rica is considered by many to be the strongest democracy in Central America with an independent judiciary ensuring the rights of investors. Unlike many other countries Costa Rica also allows 100% foreign ownership making it easy for US citizens buying investment property in Costa Rica.

Buying Property Costa Rica

When buying investment property in Costa Rica you should be mindful of a few things. Firstly, there is the question of property registration. Make sure the person you are buying the investment property from in Costa Rica is the undisputed legal owner of the real estate in the first place. The seller of your investment property should be able to produce the title deed as well as the plot map for the piece of real estate you are buying. Hiring the services of a property lawyer in Costa Rica will help greatly as they know exactly what documents need to be produced and can verify authenticity.

We have a longstanding small Costa Rica real estate business specializing in Costa Rica's southern pacific zone. We help you to see all that is available in the properties that fit your criteria and then helpwith making the land buying process secure and enjoyable.

Why buying property in Costa Rica is a good investment?

2012-06-12T03:38:00.002-07:00

If you are thinking of buying property for second home, then you should consider buying property in Costa Rica. Costa Rica is very beautiful country of Central America and is situated just south of Nicaragua and north of Panama. This country possesses some of the beautiful beaches, wildlife, waterfalls, rain forests and numerous thundering rivers, and excellent lakes for windsurfing and boating. The prices of property are currently still inexpensive but rising rapidly.

In this article I would like to share some reasons answering the question that why buyingproperty in Costa Rica is a good investment? First one is property prices in Costa Rica real estate is rising. Investors that purchased a $30,000 property 15 years ago, now find their property is worth as much as $750,000. The prices have dramatically increased as Costa Rica has attracted more foreign buyers and tourists every year.

Second reason is buying property procedure. Buying property in Costa Rica Real Estate is easy. The Government encourages investors with no restrictions and foreigners are entitled to the same ownership rights as Costa Rican citizens. So buyers and investors prefer to invest in this area as buying rules and regulations are easy.

Another one is property in Costa Rica is inexpensive. Despite these huge property price rises, Costa Rica real estate is still cheap compared to other parts of USA. Prices for beachfront properties cost up to 70% less than other states of USA like Florida and Arizona. When buying a property in any area, you need to look at the infrastructure, which can improve an area’s value. Fortunately in recent years Costa Rica improved its infrastructure that will increase property prices in this area. A new freeway, a new marine and a new airport are three examples of changing and improving infrastructure which is good sign for Costa Rica real estate. So as a buyer you should consider location before buying property in any area.

Last one is Costa Rica real estate market is demand driven market. Buying property in Costa Rica will continue to be a sound investment as foreign buyers look for an affordable place to live with a great lifestyle.

American’s CIA declared that Costa Rica real estate is among the top 5 best real estate investments. The tax rates, investment terms and conditions and other property ownership laws are also very lenient and easy to follow. Costa Rica land investment has seen average gains of 30% per year for 10 years and many investors in the right location have doubled or tripled their investments quickly and continue to do so. These are the some facts about Costa Rica real estate investment.

Baby Boomers Are Buying Real Estate And Retiring In Costa Rica

2012-06-11T05:55:00.000-07:00

Costa Rica is translates literally as “Rich Coast”. It is truly an incredible paradise. This country is the second smallest country in Central America. Costa Rica has national parks which are highly protected by Costa Rican authorities. Costa Rica is famous for its ecotourism. The country has a stunning variety of landscapes, micro climates, and flora and fauna, and nature lovers will not be disappointed by the superb wildlife viewing.

There are only two seasons in Costa Rica: the dry and the rainy. Both times of year are blessed with an abundance of sunshine, even in the rainy season, which primarily refers to having an afternoon shower.

According to National Geographic, Costa Rica's Central Valley Area is purportedly one of the best climates in the world.

Even those who are fortunate enough to live in warm weather areas like Florida or Southern California, dislike their fast-paced lifestyles. Costa Rica really fits the bill for retiring Baby Boomers anyone who are sick of hustle and bustle and wants to live in a country with a more laid-back way of life. Costa Rica will remind you of the U.S. about 40 years ago when everything was unspoiled, unhurried and uncrowded.

Costa Rica is a unique tropical retirement paradise which offers gentle breezes, stunning scenery with sun-soaked shores and beautiful beaches, spectacular mountains. tropical rainforests, seven active and 60 dormant volcanoes, mountain forests, 9,000 species of plants including 1,400 species of orchids, exotic animals and abundant national parks.

Costa Rica is conveniently nestled peacefully between the warm waters of the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean and offers Baby Boomers a wide variety of choices to retire. We can decide to retire in developed and undeveloped mountain areas or coastal properties, forests or ranches, city apartments or country cabins, beachfront condominiums or farms producing vanilla, pepper, coffee, orchids and lumber...even European-style castles are available to those with the means.

Costa Rica stands alone because it boasts the warmth and flavor of Mexico, without the anti-Americanism and fear of expropriations, the physical beauty of Guatemala without a large military presence and climate of fear, the sophistication and flavor of Brazil without the abject poverty or violent crime and more winter sunshine than Hawaii or Florida with fewer people.

Add to all this a peaceful democratic nation with this political stability and its friendly people who truly love and emulate Americans, it is easy to see why Costa Rica is a true paradise for retiring Baby Boomers.

We are Costa Rica Real Estate Dealer and If you want to get started with browsing property in Costa Rica Real Estate,visit us at http://www.costa-rican-real-estate.com.

Costa Rica commercial Real Estate

2012-06-07T02:46:00.000-07:00

Costa Rica is an important country for investment and profit. Commercial real estate investment is one option in Costa Rica real estate. It includes buying and selling of huge projects like restaurants, hotels, buildings, golf courses and resorts etc. Costa Rica commercial real estate is turned into a strong and profitable business. Many well known investors are now a part of Costa Rica in the form of their investment. Beside this many people combined together to make a group and invest money in this business.

In these days commercial real estate in Costa Rica is the leading resource for office space, warehouses, virtual office, and development land. Real estate agencies offer sale packages for beach development property, luxury condominiums at different rate like $15,000,000 USD and $199,000 USD for beach property and condominiums respectively. Normal trends are investment in golf courses, condos, office lands.

Costa Rica real estate agencies are taking help from internet to promote business. Many of them are live on websites and social media. They update common people about Costa Rica real estate market trends and current issues. Similarly online forums and communities are also live on internet where buyers, sellers, investors and agents can communicate each other discuss the new trends of business. It will help them in their decisions for investing in this area.

The government of Costa Rica real estate is also taking interest in increasing investment. They facilitate both the buyers and sellers by making investment friendly policies. Costa Rica recently signed Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), so investments in the business sector are likely to increase. According to this agreement investors from all over the Central America come to Costa Rica independently and take part in property business.

At the end I would suggest you if you have money and want to invest it, then Costa Rica real estate investment is great option. Stay connected with real estate agents for current market update and property listing. It would be a best decision to invest in Costa Rica.

For more updates about Costa Rica Real Estate do contact us at http://www.costa-rican-real-estate.com/

Purchasing Property Rules and Regulations in Costa Rica

2012-06-06T01:27:00.000-07:00

Purchasing property in Costa Rica requires experience and hard work to find the right one. It requires a complete survey of area under interest. It can also be one of the most stressful. In foreign countries such as Costa Rica, the normal stress of the purchasing process can be compounded with other risk factors, such as language barriers and unfamiliarity with local laws and procedures. That said, foreigners can and do legally and successfully purchase property in Costa Rica. In fact, Costa Rica offers potential buyers many types of real estate products including houses, condominiums, time-shares, farms, finished lots and beachfront property.

For purchasing property in Costa Rica real estate the buyer should know some rules and regulations. First one is property types and property rights. Just like in the US, Canada, and Europe, there are different types of property available to buyers. Understanding the various types that are available for purchase is critical in the evaluation process for the buyer. The buyer understands property options available for him. Second one is purchase process. It is further divided into three steps. a. Legal vocabulary of property purchase. b. Methods of Purchase c. Buying process step-by-step d. Fees. Third one is Investment Protection i.e. strategies and tools to protect property investment.

There are different purchasing methodologies following in Costa Rica real estate. For example: i) Acquiring Properties through direct transfer: A purchase process whereby one or more physical individuals acquire a property in their personal name. ii) Acquiring Properties through corporations: A common practice in Costa Rica is to acquire properties through a new corporation or through an existing corporation that currently owns the property of interest. The process of setting up a corporation is not complicated, but does require a knowledgeable attorney who understands the exact protocols and procedures necessary to properly set up the corporation. The advantage of this system is that it allows a buyer to protect their asset anonymously. Further, if a purchaser acquires a property through an existing corporation that already owns the property, there are no government transfer taxes and stamps to pay. The reason is that transfer taxes and stamps must be paid anytime that there is a change in the ownership of the property. If a buyer acquires the shares of an existing corporation, technically there is no change in the recorded owner of the property (i.e. the corporation still owns the property).

At last I would suggest that Costa Rica real estate is best option for real estate investing. I shared some purchasing terms and method in this article. For reference check http://www.costa-rican-real-estate.com/

Costa Rica Real Estate Business

2012-06-05T00:56:00.000-07:00

Costa Rica is currently having a real estate boom and foreign businessmen and tourists from all over the world are flocking in this county to find gold on real estate. They invest on commercial and residential projects and earn high out returns on investment. Costa is popular among all due to its natural beauty and moderate climate. Every year thousands of people come to Costa Rica to spent vacations. Costa Rica possesses some of the beautiful beaches, wildlife, waterfalls, rain forests and numerous thundering rivers, and excellent lakes for windsurfing and boating. Its major beauty lies in its people who are friendly, helpful and kind to everyone.

Costa Rica real estate agencies with over many years of experience are number one agents in finding your dream property. These teams are a group of professionals who are willing to assist you in English, German and Spanish. Their goal is to provide you with personalized customer service, guiding you through each step in acquiring the best deal and the property you have always dreamt of. Real estate land listings extends from beautiful coastal properties, from the North Pacific to the South Pacific, in the warm and sweat Caribbean, the modern Central Valley, the highlands covered with coffee plantations from East to West and North to South.

Invest in Costa Rica real estate business and earn a lot of profit. It will help you in achieving business goals and dreams. For further updates about Costa Rica real estate visit http://www.costa-rican-real-estate.com/

Costa Rica Real Estate Investment

2012-06-04T02:28:00.000-07:00

Costa Rica real estate is becoming profitable business now a days. Different investors invest money in Costa Rica in search of high out return. As the real estate markets in the US and other developed countries become saturated and slow down, people are looking to make investments in new markets where they can get in at the beginning of the real estate boom which is when the real big money is made.

There are many reasons why people prefer to invest in Costa Rica. The top one is its immense natural beauty. This area possesses some of the beautiful beaches, wildlife, waterfalls, rain forests and numerous thundering rivers, and excellent lakes for windsurfing and boating. Therefore tourists and nature lovers love this area and want to spend vacations in Costa Rica. Second is its stable government. This country has the most stable government. So investors have not any fear of losing investment due to instability of government. Third one is the wise financial policies it has implemented in order to boost the local economy. Real estate investment tax laws and conditions are pro business and allow for any investor, whether local or foreign to make money through buying and selling real estate.

When selling real estate in Costa Rica there is a standard tax of 1.5% of the value of the property imposed. In addition to this there are various stamps that need to accompany the final title deed which end up costing about another 1% of the recorded real estate value on Costa Rica.

Costa Rica recently signed Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), so investments in the business sector are likely to increase. Most Costa Rica real estate is registered with the Public Registry through a computer system known as the Folio Real. Investors should perform a title search in the Folio Real before considering any property purchase. The title search can also be done at the Public Registry office in San Jose (Capital of Costa Rica). Different websites and blogs of Costa Rica real estate are also live on internet where many buyers and sellers from all over the world communicate with each other and real estate agencies guides them properly about all the issues and give them information regarding investment in this area.

If anyone has handsome amount of money and wants to invest in business then it is great chance for him to invest in Costa Rica real estate business. This would help him in getting high profit. This would results in achieving business goals and requirements.

for more details about Costa Rica Real Estate investment visit http://www.costa-rican-real-estate.com/

Real Estate Projects in Costa Rica

2012-06-02T01:16:00.000-07:00

As the real estate industry slowly tries to heal itself around the world. In these situations, Costa Rica real estate is also gaining importance by many people in the United States and Canada. Most people that are attracted to these projects are people that are looking to retire in the next couple of years and are thinking about their options abroad as well as a handful of younger people that are looking for real estate investment or simply want to live in Costa Rica for a lifestyle change.

The main reason behind this is, real estate in Costa Rica is cheaper business as compared to other parts of US. Real Estate in Costa Rica offer some very secure real estate projects at lesser prices. This includes buying and selling of condos, houses, villas, beach property etc. These projects are equally attracted by people from all financial backgrounds. They choose the best option which suits them and start living in this area and enjoy natural beauty and its climate.

Investment in Costa Rica is major real estate business. It is divided into two parts. Beach properties, home for sale, Condos, farms, mountain properties and vacation rentals are some properties in Costa Rica. A small family prefers to buy a small house in this area while business owners invest in large projects. They get a high out return by investing in these projects. Golf areas, resorts, restaurants and motels are the examples of commercial real estate projects. Costa Rica land investment has seen average gains of 30% per year for 10 years and many investors in the right location have doubled or tripled their investments quickly and continue to do so.

Before buying any construction project in Costa Rica one should do some homework about gaining the necessary information about the project which includes

Asking for a copy of the project? drawings, duly stamped by the municipal authorities

Getting information about the location of the project as the Locations should be chosen for future appreciation potential

Check on option to choose a construction linked payment plans, which are usually structured on a project-to-project basis

Check into the finances of the project by insuring that the project is funded by a known bank and has all of the correct approvals.

At the end if you have plan to invest your money and you are in search of high profit then make up your mind and start investing in Cost Rica and stay connected with the CostRica Real Estate. I ensure you that this is the best decision you have ever made.

for more information about the Real Estate projects in Costa Rica do visit at http://www.costa-rican-real-estate.com/

Lifestyles in Costa Rica

2012-06-01T01:11:00.001-07:00

Costa Rica belongs to third world country of United States. It means that it is little bit behind in development as compared to other countries like New York, Mexico, Argentina etc. But its not the case. Yet, if you visit this small country you do not feel you are in an under developed one.

Costa Rica has all the modern day needs and requirements. From modern shopping centers, first class hospitals, adventure tours and great medical care to everything. For this reason Costa Rica real estate has great importance and attracted large number of tourists every year. Real Estate business in Costa Rica has changed into profitable business. In these days different Costa Rica real estate agencies are active in this area and they entertained people coming in Costa Rica by offering different opportunities to explore CR. They offer rent a property like houses, villas or condos and also deals in buying and selling of property in Costa Rica. People prefer staying in CR because the rates are reasonable as compared to other areas of America. Similarly the tax rates, investment terms and conditions and other property ownership laws are also very lenient and easy to follow.

To live in Costa Rica like a king or queen, you require of $6,000 a month. That is if you want to be considered a millionaire. With that kind of money you may rent a nice furnished apartment in a condo with a swimming pool, buy imported food products, fill your 4x4, and send your kids to a nice school. So cost of living in Costa Rica is small as compared to other countries.

Climate is divided into two different parts depending upon the elevation. The lowland areas have dry weather and temperature is around 26 Celsius and highland areas have foggy and misty weather and temperature is about 13 Celsius and main central valley has about 22 Celsius temperature. Costa Rica real estate agencies have their lots, villas and houses in all these areas to fulfill the requirement of their customers. Tourists enjoy fishing, boating, windsurfing and many other sports here in Costa Rica.

Some hot spots for tourists inCosta Rica includes Guanacaste, the jungle-covered coastline of northwest Costa Rica, is attracting some heavy hitters. The latest residential project to come online in Guanacaste is the Hyatt Regency Azulera Resort & Spa, an eco-resort with Michael Graves-designed condo units and a Greg Norman golf course.

I conclude by saying it that Costa is considered as Paradise for nature lovers and tourists. Costa Rica Real Estate is a best business for investor. They earn a lot by investing small capital.

For more information about the lifestyles of Costa Rica, do visit us at: http://www.costa-rican-real-estate.com/

Why is Costa Rica Real Estate so Expensive?

2012-05-30T23:37:00.002-07:00

Recently, the question has arisen about just how affordable Costa Rica is to live in, particularly for foreigners. There have been a lot of complaints among the expatriate community about the increasing cost of living in Costa Rica and things do not seem to get better. In the face of such seeming bleakness, what possible reason can anyone have for deciding to live Costa Rica either full time or part time as a second home location?

Over the years, Costa Rica became a hot destination for tourists with a record breaking number visiting Costa Rica in 2010. Despite the global economic meltdown that rocked the world economy, the numbers did not go down by much. Even more interesting and noteworthy is the fact that as the tourists keep pouring in, those choosing to make Costa Rica their permanent or semi permanent residence have kept pouring into the country in droves.

So despite the fact that prices are increasing, as a matter of fact, just a few short weeks ago, ARESEP – the agency that officially fixes the prices of things in Costa Rica – approved the increase of gas prices, people are still coming to Costa Rica to live in; Costa Rica real estate has been stable pretty much during this time as well.

The reasons for this are not that farfetched. The Costa Rica tourism department has consistently sold the idea of Pura Vida that is, the pure life to people living in the United States, Canada and other countries. The idea is that if you get tired of the daily grind and are looking for where to relax, unwind and take each day one at a time, in fact, if you are looking to get back to the pure life, Costa Rica is the place to go. And there are many reasons to support that.

One of such reasons is where we live Jaco beach. With the new highway opening up last year it is now just 1 hour from Escazu the Beverly Hills of Costa Rica. The country itself is home to countless beaches, each appearing to be even more beautiful than the other. However, owning beach front property in Costa Rica is practically impossible as there are strict laws about that prohibiting the ownership of beachfront property by non Costa Rica nationals. Jaco beach real estate is an exception to that. Jaco’s Beachfront is 100% titled.

Owning beachfront property almost anywhere else in the world is a capital extensive project. But Jaco beach real estate gives the opportunity to own a piece of the Costa Rican beach at an extraordinarily affordable price. Some people come here and think the prices are too high but the truth is they are not comparing Apples to Apples. I’m from California and you could never get this type of beachfront property for the prices it is selling for right now. The price isn’t the only factor the weather is 80 degrees all year around and the ocean water is like taking a bath. So give us a call and plan your next vacation and see what Pura Vida is all about in Jaco Costa Rica.

Some Legal Issues regarding Living or Investing in Costa Rica

2012-04-26T00:33:00.001-07:00

Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful, socialized and welfare country of Central America. It is situated just south of Nicaragua and north of Panama. Costa Rica possesses some of the beautiful beaches, wildlife, waterfalls, rain forests and numerous thundering rivers, and excellent lakes for windsurfing and boating. There are some legal consideration for living and investing in Costa Rica. People who want to invest or live in Costa Rica must understand these terms and regulations.

For registration of Costa Rica real estate transactions, mortgages, vehicles and corporations it has centralized registration system called National Registry (“Registro Nacional”). This registration system is very advanced and the Registry records not only documents (like other Registries all along other countries), but it also registries rights inherent of those documents. Most properties in Costa Rica are registered in a computer system and each property has an identification number called: "Folio Real". For different reasons there are some properties that are not registered meaning they don´t have a Folio Real number and therefore cannot be tracked properly in the Registry.

Before purchasing or buying any property in Costa Rica real estate it is advisable to perform a detailed study before the Public Registry. It includes checking Folio Real and also study of the transfer chain since the property was originally registered. Pending registrations are also present due to incomplete documentation, lack of payment of taxes etc. When you buy a business it is important to perform a more detailed study including: lease contracts, employment contracts, sales, income and property taxes paid to date, permits in place such as: Municipal permits, liquor licenses, Ministry of Health authorization, Insurance, Social Security, among others. Of course the advice of a lawyer and accountant are preferable in any case.

Property transfer in Costa Rica real estate require for buyer and seller to sign a deed before a Costa Rican Notary Public (whose concept is different than the one in many other countries such as the United States or Canada and is required to formalize all transactions dealing with real estate) and for such deed to be recorded at the Public Registry. Each property must have a registered map or survey to be locating the property in the field with exact measurement, actual boundaries, and description of buildings or structures. No property transfers can be made if the land does not have a registered map, and such map must be quoted in the transfer deed. If such map does not exist, it must be made by a specialized registered surveyor and then the transaction can be effectively achieved.

These are the some legal conditions and rules regarding investing or living in Costa Rica. But these are not the final words. I recommend asking for an advice of a specialized professional in the legal area about Costa Rica real estate.

for more information about Costa Rica real estate investing visit http://www.propertiesincostarica.com/articles/some_legal_considerations_for_living.html