Why Buy Real Estate in Costa Rica?

Lately, many people have been asking me, “Why should I buy Real Estate in Costa Rica when I can get something cheaper somewhere else in Latin America?”

There are many answers for this seemingly difficult question, so I compiled my top 5 answers below:

1. Something for Everyone: Now I like to put this one first because it is so important when trying to find a place to live, vacation or retire. There really is something for everyone in Costa Rica. There are amazing beaches, tropical rainforests, exotic plants and animals, volcanoes and lakes; and then there are activities and events to emphasize each of these incredible aspects of this diverse country.

2. Stable Real Estate Market in Costa Rica: As we have all clearly seen, the Real Estate Market in the United States crashed dramatically and heavily affected many people. Fortunately, this has not been the case in the Costa Rica Real Estate Market; in spite of the economic recession occurring throughout the world, the market has remained relatively stable, and this is in part due to the lower holder costs of properties in Costa Rica, as well as Foreign Investment.

3. Costa Rica has some of the Lowest Property Taxes: The property taxes in Costa Rica are 0.25% (a quarter of 1 percent), which compared with Real Estate in The United States and many other countries, is extremely low, especially when compared to other Coastal Real Estate throughout the world.

4. Costa Rica is an International Real Estate Market: Costa Rica is the choice for many experienced International Buyers. During these instable times around the world, people want to invest in Foreign Real Estate Markets in order to expand their earnings. However, everyone wants and needs to be cautious at this point, and that is what makes Costa Rica in such high demand. Internationally, investors are aware that Real Estate in Costa Rica is a safe investment, has been for years, and is only getting better.

5. Great Infrastructure / Stable Government: Yes, Costa Rica is in Central America. Yes, Costa Rica is considered a 2^nd world country. However, what really separates Costa Rica from the rest of the Central American countries is the modern infrastructure and stable government. There is excellent medical care (bringing visitors from around the world), great educational system in Costa Rica (with a 95% literacy rate), stable economic conditions and a secure, democratic government (without a military since 1948).

www.PropertiesJaco.com

Choosing a Real Estate Agent in Costa Rica

There are many important things to consider when picking a Real Estate agent in a foreign Real Estate Market, such as Costa Rica. Below are five things that I regard as most important when embarking upon this daunting process.

1. Credible Company: When Buying and Selling Real Estate in the difficult market of today, it is much safer and smarter to be represented by a company with a credible reputation. It is important to check out the company website, agents, marketing and history in the area before choosing which company will represent you best.

2. An Agent who Owns Real Estate and Lives in that Market: If your agent is selling Real Estate in one area and living in another it makes you think, “Well what’s wrong with the area where you are selling Real Estate?” You need to know that your agent has confidence in the area, that they believe it is a good investment (and have made the investment themselves) and that they believe it is a good place to live, vacation and/or fully enjoy.

3. A Full Time Agent with Experience in Real Estate: In the Real Estate world you constantly run into people who call themselves “Part Time Real Estate Agents”. The main problem you encounter when working with a Part Time Agent is they don’t know the market as well, they are only dedicating some of their time to Real Estate, and therefore it is almost impossible for them to stay updated on the ever-changing housing market in Costa Rica.

4. Communication: Looking for an agent with whom you communicate well is vital. You want an agent who you understand and who understands you; an agent who responds to your phone calls and emails within a reasonable amount of time is essential.

5. Referrals: Check to make sure that your agent has plenty of referrals from past clients. If they are not readily available, online or in print, ask for them to be provided for you or ask for the contact info of referrals to check on them yourself.

Make sure to do your Homework before picking the best Real Estate Agent for you in Costa Rica!

www.PropertiesJaco.com

Gated Communities in Costa Rica

Gated Communities can be a very important thing to consider when purchasing a vacation or second home. When you don't plan on being at your house year round, you want to know that your things will be safe and your house will be undisturbed. These are some of the benefits that come along with living in a Gated Community. Luckily, they have become very popular in Costa Rica and we have a few really great Lot Developments on the Central Pacific Coast.

Costa Esterillos, Costa Montana and Costa Reserva

Whether or not you are aware, a ready to build lot with out a history of legal issues and infrastructure in and complete is harder to find then advertised in The Central Pacific of Costa Rica. These Costa Developer's lots are all re-sales, all infrastructure is complete, they are located in a fantastic accessible area and ready to build! Costa Developers also overcomes the obstacle and daunting process of building by providing all of the resources for you.

Piper Renner

PiperRenner@hotmail.com

www.Propertiesjaco.com

Jacobeachinfo.com

506.8347.2334

U.S. 714.369.8133

Vista Mar 4th Floor Ocean View Condo

YouTube Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TK5vPKnptsg

Located in the center of Jaco Beach, this luxury condominium development offers some of the most Incredible Sunset and Ocean Views. The complex consists of 28 luxury units, with only 4 per floor, providing absolute privacy to its owners. This fully furnished 3 Bedroom, 3 Bath Condo features spacious walk in closets, two Ocean View Balconies, high-end appliances, granite counter tops, 3 plasma TVs and panoramic views of Jaco Beach.

Jaco Beach Realty

All my clients and fellow realtors are always asking what the great deals and distressed properties are right now, because when great deals do come up, they move off the market quickly. Below are a list of my most motivated sellers, great locations and best values in general.

HoneyMoon Suite Private Beach Access: $110,000

This condo is absolutely one of a kind. It is detached from the main condo building providing it privacy with Italian style balconies surrounding it. The bathroom is all custom with a walk in “cave” style shower. This fully furnished one bedroom, one bath unit features Austrian made sliding windows, marble floors, and hand plastered walls. L877

Custom Designed Beachfront Condo: $175,000

This one of a kind oceanfront condo was remodeled by one of the top designers in the area. It is a one bedroom, one bath with patio with lots of light. It comes fully furnished, is prices unbelievably low. This seller is motivated and this condo is exceptional in price, location, and offers lots of light, breezes and charm. L841

Macaws New Construction Private Beach Access: $235,000

These units have the highest quality finishes and construction. The condos are 1150 sq feet with 2 bedrooms and 3 baths. The construction quality is unbeatable. The project is gated 24 hours with secured parking and is located in the town of Jaco on the most scenic and tranquil part of the beach. L521

Spanish Style Luxury Condo: $330,000

This condo complex is low density and designed to feel like a small European village. This two bedroom, two bath condo is located on the first floor in a building with only one condo above. The deck, living room and dining area over looks the pool area and ocean. The interiors are spectacular with warm finishes and fine furniture. Turn Key luxury! L1002

Acqua Residences Estate Sale: $395,000

Fully furnished 2,000 square foot two bedroom, two bath luxurious unit on the 7th floor offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Jaco, and the wondrous mountain landscape, which can be enjoyed from any of the several private terraces off of the bedrooms and living areas. This is an Estate Sale and the owner is motivated! L1003

Please contact me for additional information. Many of these listings offer buyer’s agent bonuses!

Piper Renner

PiperRenner@hotmail.com

www.Propertiesjaco.com

Sportfishing in Costa Rica

Yesterday we went out on a sport fishing trip all day long! We left from the Los Suenos Marina and went about 30 miles out into the Pacific Ocean for some serious fishing!

We caught 10 yellowfin tunas and 1 big mullet snapper and left very satisfied and excited for dinner! Sport Fishing is very popular in Costa Rica and many people come to the Los Suenos Resort for just that purpose. After such a successful day yesterday, I can easily see the attraction.

Fee Simple Ownership in Costa Rica

The most widespread and complete form of owning Real Estate in Costa Rica is called “Fee Simple” Ownership.

For this type of ownership the conditions and regulations are equal for residents and foreigners alike.

The concept is basically the same as in the United States, Canada and Europe; specifically, fee simple ownership provides the owner with the right to use, enjoy, sell, lease, improve upon and materially own the property in question. The only areas of discussion being details that are outlined in the Costa Rican Laws, for example, various zoning policies.

For example, in Mexico, real estate is not Fee Simple, Panama has problems with Title, in various other countries you can’t own real estate if you aren’t a resident or national; however here in Costa Rica anyone can own, enjoy and benefit from the beautiful property we have to offer.

The Rich and Famous Buying Real Estate in Costa Rica

Actors, singers, models and more are busy buying Real Estate in various luxurious parts of Costa Rica.

Brian Austin Green from “Beverly Hills: 90210” just bought a mansion in the Gulf of Papagayo, where he and his fiancé Megan Fox have been spotted tanning on the spectacular Costa Rican beaches.

Mel Gibson bought a $25.8 million dollar beachfront property in Guanacaste (northwestern Costa Rica).

Gisele Bündchen has a home on the shores of Santa Teresa where she and husband Tom Brady held their intimate Costa Rica wedding.

Furthermore, Sting has a home in the south of Costa Rica, Harrison Ford has a mansion in Guanacaste, Singer Jamaroquia bought a home in Tambor Beach, and then there is the Four Seasons Resort.

Salma Hayek, David Hasselhoff, Donatella Versace, Shaquille O’Neal, Janet Jackson and Carolina Herrera all have real estate in this luxury resort on the Peninsula of Papagayo, Costa Rica.