Times are a Changin for Piper..Happy New Year to All!

 

This past year I persevered down a rather twisty road but encountered many great new experiences as well as ones, which I call “learning experiences.”  The highlights were ending the year with my Andalusian horse, purchased as a baby, finally grown and delivered to my home stable fro me to ride (which has been going fantastic) and going home for Christmas with my Brother and father and their spouses for an excellent holiday.  Many of the “learning experiences” this year occurred with my home remodel; now that it is done, I feel like my home is really entitles “Piper’s home” and I am reminded everyday of how fortunate and blessed I am.

Another “learning experience,” which was highlighted along the way, (especially on a personal level by the individuals who worked with me) was my work with 2 Costa Rica Real Estate whom I recently left to work for Resort Realty of United Country. Real Estate is a competitive and difficult business and like any business the office’s basic structure and functioning is so important. As agent in the Jaco office of 2CRRE, those issues were hindering me, in turn, I left my clients neglected, and myself discouraged in this difficult market.  I hope to reach out to some of those whom I might have neglected because, as of now, I have my mojo in motion and solid structure behind me. So, feel free to contact me anytime at my new office and I assure a quick response (see my new contact below!).

I have known the family team at Resort Realty for years and feel at home and fortunate to be part of it. I took note over the last couple years RR has been quietly pulling off fantastic sales. Resort Realty was started by one of the original sales agents for Los Suenos, so they specialize in the Los Suenos community with a wealth of experience and knowledge there, but have been successful in sales in the immediate Jaco area as well. I am beyond happy for this new road that lies ahead. On this path I see a lot of outdoors with my horses and a reenergizing for my real estate career and maybe some additional pleasant career highlights (think interiors, Costa Rica, Art)…

Every new year I seem to be more and more great full for my health, family, and, love I receive everyday…also, my doggies are happy and healthy!

For  little thanks for all I have; I drove around the poor local areas with tons of wrapped up goodies form soccer balls to lots of candy and coins for the children there and I know this will be a yearly tradition from all the smiles I got..

Murder in Jaco?

What clients frequently ask and there main concern when moving or thinking of investing in Central America is how is the crime? Is it safe in Jaco? I get this all of the time because there is a reputation, which is leaving Jaco, that Jaco is a dangerous place. Now, I have lived in Jaco, as single women in a single-family home for nearly 7 years. I am always great full for my safety no matter where I live, and always take preventative measures, such as; locking car doors, not showing valuables, showing respect to locals, and not putting my self in areas where danger readily exists. I consider Jaco, now more than ever, one of the safest places on the coast and of the larger cities in general. We have 4 police forces and are a tight nit community that looks out for each other and does not tolerate crime, which brings us to the “murder of Jaco.”

The story is as follows. There is a foreign (Belgium Mechanic) who supposedly has a violent temper and had an abusive relationship with his wife for years. This wife finally left him and left him for a woman! She then moved in with this lesbian woman who was a shop owner and good citizen of the Jaco area. I a fit of jealously, which this mechanic was known for as well, in which he ordered the murder. The lesbian was shot dead closing the gate of her house, in broad view, if anyone was around, in Hermosa. It was crime of passion. The community of Jaco turned out in hundreds to participate in a walk for the justice of the murderer and the support and loss of a member of the community. For a town that gets trashed by people who don’t know it, it seems like the people here are supporting and good people who can come together. Besides the drug crime, which is criminal on criminal and usually happens in places we don’t hear of, Jaco was shocked to have a murder of an innocent woman and put full support in bringing justice. This is a good community.

The OIJ is the harder crimes unit of Police for Costa Rica, although they aren’t known for catching people who break into cars, they have a great record of finding criminals and bringing them to justice. In this case, a man who walked around town as if he was innocent, but everyone knew this isn’t the case, is know being brought to justice. Bot of the people involved, the murderer and victim, were foreigners (Belgium and Argentinian). I have heard some negative things being said about Costa Rica and Jaco because of these murders, in my eyes, a crime of passion occurred which could occur anywhere. Then the community showed a huge support while the police began a proper investigation with out jumping to conclusions or unjustly arresting people. I think we should be proud of how a sad situation brought the community a little closer, and that, at least in important areas; the judicial system is still working in Costa Rica. It is a relief to me they follow procedure and do not unjustly arrest people, in a foreign country; this can be a scary thing for foreigners. It is also nice to see such an international community where everyone who is a local has respect and the support of the community. So many “foreign destinations for living” in certain areas, hold a distinct line between foreigners and locals, tis line often times dictates higher prices for foreigners, resentment, and negative aspects. Jaco is an international town and we consider those who add to the community and stay full time, a local who is truly part of the community.

I have done consulting for developers wanting to market to North Americans in places like Ecuador (very popular in International Living) My greatest concerns in those places was that, at least for the next 15 years, you will always be the foreigner with entitlement and just more. You will always be the one to take from, because of that and to be at the mercy of unjust justice systems. They were kind and educated people, with a beautiful country and culture but Costa Rica is a special. Small, liberal yet conservative, international country, and while the prices are higher than in some of the current “hot places for people to retire,” even I, who is fluent in Spanish and has hiked with nothing but a tarp form the Caribbean to the Pacific, would not want to live. People are you connections to a place, and I can personally vouch for what a cool community Jaco is, and how they can come together when they are needed, so yay for Jaco!

Costa Rica, best tourist destination in 2011

The American company "Apple Vacations" granted to Costa Rica the award for best tourist destination in 2011. For 42 years, Apple Vacations has been involved with market tour operators.  The winner of the award, "Crystal Apple Award for Best Destination 2011", was announced during Apple Vacations' 24th Annual Trade Show in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois.  This selection was based on the results of surveys measuring hundreds of customers' satisfaction and likelihood to recommend Costa Rica as a destination to friends and family.  This award also recognizes the sustainability of Costa Rica that seeks a balance between environment and society, which distinguishes it from other destinations.

Costa Rica is truly a beautiful country to enjoy, either on vacations or to live permanently. Its beaches, its vegetation, everything is a spectacular setting that you cannot help but to enjoy. In this amazing country, there are many protected areas, wildlife refuges, marine parks, volcanoes, etc. that makes you not want to leave.

 

Tourism in Costa Rica

The tourism in Costa Rica is one of the main economic sectors and fastest growing in the country and since 1995 is the first source of foreign exchange economy. Since 1999, tourism generates more income for the country than the export of their traditional crops of banana, pineapple and coffee together. The tourism boom began in 1987. There were 329,000 visitors in 1988, increasing to one million in 1999 and reaching 2 million foreign tourists in 2008. This has generated and astounding USD $2.14 billion in foreign currency. In 2005, tourism was responsible for a 13.3% of direct and indirect jobs, and in 2008 contributed 7.2% of GDP of the country and 22.7% of foreign exchange generated by exports.

The main comparative advantage of traveling in Costa Rica is its system of national parks and protected areas; covering about 25% of the country, this is the highest percentage on the planet. It is also estimated to contain 5% of the biodiversity of the world in less than 0.1% of the world's land mass. In addition to the vast flora and fauna, Costa Rica has beaches on the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea separated by only a few hundred kilometers. On one trip to Costa Rica, tourists can easily visit volcanoes in the north, multiple national parks, the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. In the early nineties, Costa Rica became known as the chief representative ("poster child ") of ecotourism; period in which foreign tourist arrivals reached an average annual growth of 14% between 1986 and 1994. Some well known sites in Costa Rica are:

· Heritage, the Isla del Coco is one of the most outstanding natural destinations of Costa Rica and was one of 77 finalists in the competition for the 7 Natural Wonders of the World.

· Manuel Antonio National Park is a popular destination for its four beaches located within a natural environment, Quepos Puntarenas.

· Some of the most visited beaches are Hermosa Beach and Jaco Beach, also known for surfing.

New investments in Costa Rica generate more jobs

It was confirmed in the news that next year the American chain Hard Rock Cafe will open its first restaurant in Costa Rica.

Mr. Gustavo Araya, president of the Ramada Herradura hotel, is a national businessman who was awarded the franchise, explained that in January of the present year he signed the agreement with Hard Rock Cafe to open two restaurants in this country. This was agreed after six months of negotiations.

Araya also reported that $2 million will be invested in the first restaurant. He nevertheless, did not want to mention the place where the restaurant will be located as it is still in negotiations with the real estate developers. The only specifics he made were that the restaurant would measure near 600 square meters and in addition would have a concert area and a store with sale of souvenirs.

Tom Pérez, Franchises Operations director for America, of Hard Rock restaurants indicated that the opening of the first restaurant is planned for the second one quarter of the next year. As for the opening of the second restaurant, a date is not yet predicted.

It fits to mention that this Hard Rock Café will be a tourist icon; this is a premium franchise restauraunt, which will garner a lot of attention.

On the other hand, we know that Hooters will open its third restaurant in Plaza Bratsi in Heredia. The operations manager indicated that this investment will cost $ 1 million and generated along with the other two locations about 60 jobs.

In addition, the Spanish chain of restaurants "Fiebres x el Futbol" will open a new store in Escazu and will be the first in Latin America. The restaurant will seat 100 people.

Costa Rica is bringing in the big tourist franchises, meaning big bucks ,but also a change in the authenticity of Costa Rica. I think it is a double bladed sword but it has to happen and in the end will provide incomes and further investment in Costa Rica.

This is hilarious and soo true So I wanted to put it up for my readers. It was written on WeloveCostarica a different blog by a private investigator.

10 Stupid Things Private Investigators Watch Gringos Doing in Costa Rica!

Costa Rica Private Investigator Doug Smith

1. Putting down a ton of money for a property that's not been built without having their own attorney performing all the necessary due diligence, to help with all the agreements and the escrow account!
2. Nominating their new, young and very sexy Costa Rican girlfriend as one of the executive officers on their Costa Rican corporation which owns their home in Costa Rica, their bank account or their car... Or all three!

Private Investigations in Costa Rica

3. Buying their girlfriend or wife a car that is much faster than any car that you have... Because you may have to follow them at a later date.
4. Re-hiring the same lousy attorney that allowed them to be ripped-off or, actually ripped them off the first time around.
5. Hiring an attorney that does not speak perfect English, who does not return phone calls or e-mails.
6. If you are married and you're trying to be discrete about an extra-marital relationship in Costa Rica, think twice before you load up the photographs of your new girlfriend in your new apartment in Costa Rica on your Facebook page! Remember there are professionals like me who work for your wives in the US and this is making my life just way too easy.
7. If you are having an affair with a young lady here in Costa Rica, try not to leave the Western Union receipts of the money that you have been sending to her on your desk at home! Again thank you for making my life way too easy - I love the beach!


8. You might also want to think about NOT taking home a 'T' shirt souvenir to your wife from the Hotel Del Rey in San José or the Beatle Bar in Jaco (both well known house of "ill repute") but again thanks for the help.
9. If you're having an 'affair' with a girl here never charge your room to your wife's credit card, but if you do...? Thanks again for the help... I like the beach.
10. If you are 'involved' with a girl down here, never let a complete stranger take a photo of you with your arms around her, but again thanks! I love the beach.

Written by Doug Smith CEO of www.WillSPy.com Investigations. Costa Rica telephone (506) 8378-5668. For confidential investigations by proven and discrete investigators you can count on Doug Smith and his team.

Pacific Coast get a New Earthquake Monitering System

Heredia’s Observatorio Vulcanologico y Sismologico de Costa Rica (OVISCORI) has just opened it’s newest earthquake monitoring station, on the Pacific coast, near Los Suenos in the Jaco area.

The observatory runs 36 stations around the country and provides real time readouts. The observatory is in the process of updating their current stations as well, may which have been in operation since the 70’s. New digital systems are replacing the old school technology. Currently 14 stations have been updated.

Scientists compare the reports from the various locations in order to calculate magnitude, location and depth of earthquakes. The central pacific coast is extremely active for 2 reasons. The Coco’s tectonic plate is colliding wit h the Panama microplate to the south as well as being sub ducted under the Caribbean Plate, even though the later is much lighter.

For more information you can visit their website at:

http://www.ovsicori.una.ac.cr/sismologia/sismogramas_linea.htm

Summer Time Rock-n-Roll in Costa Rica

Lots of great shows are lined up this summer to hit the stages of Costa Rica….there will be no shortage of entertainment of all types. Rumors have started that the Red Hot Chili Peppers may be scheduling a concert in the near future, but before you hold your breath on that one, why not enjoy one of these other gems?

One of Argentina’s rock legends, and two metal mainstays will be lighting up the lives of the local people.

Fito Paez, from Argentina, known for some of the best selling albums, including “Circo Beat” and “El Amor Despues Del Amor”, will play the Melico Salazar theatre on June 25^th at 8pm. Tickets are on sale at the music store, Vertigo, in san Jose.

Thrash metal band Slayer, will be playing the Ricardo Saprissa stadium on June 17^th. Metal shows have dominated the Costa Rican music scene in recent months, and appear to continue to have a hold on the local scene.

The National Stadium will be hosting none other than Judas Priest, forerunners of the metal movement of the ‘80’s, on September 27^th and they will be joined by none other than Whitesnake.

So if you’re in the area and feel like getting you head banging on….you’ll find yourself with no shortage of activities. Pura Vida roqueros!

Liberia's International Airport Plans a $27 million Expansion

The Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport in Liberia is planning a $27 million expansion, due to open in November of this year. The current terminal just hasn’t been able to handle the large number of tourists flooding Costa Rica. Currently the terminal has the capacity for about 900 passengers, and with many more than that coming through, the result has been long lines, and cramped waiting areas. The new facility will be able to handle 1500 passengers, and will include a food court, several new gates, and a new sports bar.

Currently there are 8 non-stop routes from Canada and the United States to the Liberia airport. Delta, United, US airways, American Airlines, Frontier and Continental all have flights into this Guanacaste airport. Liberia is the gateway to many of Costa Rica’s more northern Pacific beaches, as well as the National park, Rincon de la Vieja, a unique park filled with endless waterfalls, rivers, and of course their famous hot springs.

While they authorities hope to have the new facility open by November, don’t hold your breath, often “tico time” prevails, and while everyone’s intentions are good, well, lets just say, things tend to take a little longer. Pura Vida!

Reforestation of Central America

The Union for Conservation of Nature, launched their new project on April 6^th. A campaign called Reforestando Centroamerica, is being headed up by the youth Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua. The young people will be not only planting, but monitoring the growth of some 5 million trees in Central America. Here in Costa Rica, there are plans to plant 5000 trees in mangrove areas and also in some coastal towns.

Only Native species are used in an effort to replicate that which nature itself intended to do.To date some 150 trees have already been planted by students onto the property of a university professor. Their efforts will continue until all of the 5000 trees have found a new home.

2011 was declared the Year of the Forest recently by the United Nations general Assembly. Hopes are that planting trees becomes a habit, in an effort to undo some of the damage we and our ancestors have done. It requires a small amount of time and effort and yet the results are amazing,

Advantages of Fractional Real Estate Ownership in Costa Rica

Fractional ownership is the shared ownership of a vacation home or condo by a group of individuals or families. Fractional ownership can be accomplished in different ways, however most frequently they are set up by the property owner or developer. With the real estate market skyrocketing in Costa Rica, opportunities for fractional ownership of a beautiful and luxurious vacation home or condo are endless and offer many advantages over full ownership.

Seeing as the majority of people only use their vacation home for an average of 17-30 days a year, full property ownership can often lead to complications. For example, the dilemma will often arise on whether to rent the property or to leave it vacant. Renting often involves rental promotion, booking handling, property upkeep in between rentals, limitations on available times for personal use of the property, and many other burdens. Furthermore, leaving the property vacant can lead to a different set of complications such as wasted potential of capital gain, vandalism, and theft. While having a property manager or rental agency handle these problems is one option, fractional ownership can be a less expensive and more efficient way of solving them.

By splitting up the costs of acquisition, taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance, a fractional property owner can often times afford to invest their money in two or three different vacation homes rather than just one. Doing so can significantly lower investment risks while simultaneously giving the owner more options for personal vacations in comfortable and personalized homes or condos.

Different Fractional projects have different legal structures for usage. This is something you should consult your lawyer on or an experienced realtor. Some structures are better than others and protect the owners and their rights. Contact me for more info:

Piperrenner@hotmail.com

New Listing!!! Opera Salvaje Boat House...Custom Home...Offerred at $425,000

Spacious Spanish Colonial Home set in the popular community of Opera Salvaje which is well known for it’s safe, beautiful, and family orientated atmosphere. This home is easily accessible and was built by a highly regarded builder who also has built home in Los Suenos. The finishes are done to the highest quality and the home has been decorated buy some of the most well known designers in the area. The master suite is located on the first floor with a walk-out patio to the pool, a very spacious double sink bathroom with a rain effect shower and flat screen T.V. The living area and kitchen is an open floor plan with patios all opening to a pool shaped in as a boat hull. The yard is beautifully landscaped with a covered bar overlooking the pool area. The home ha s generated which significantly reduces electricity bills. This owner is will to provide owner financing.

2 Costa Rica Real Estate

The New Year is bringing exciting news, and I wanted to update everyone that I have moved offices from REmax to 2 Costa Rica Real Estate. I have worked with 2 Costa Rica Real Estate for years with clients interested in Manuel Antonio and Escazu (where their original offices reside).

This company is one of the only in the country which has a true multi office presence with the same ownership, and the core team brings a combined total of over 40 years of local business experience to the table.

When the company opened an office in Jaco I saw an opportunity to forward my career and provide better service to my clients, knowing that 2 Costa Rica is one of the most professional, highly regarded, and innovative real estate companies in Costa Rica. They are the only office with 3 locations (under the same ownership) that work together as a team and have built their reputation on hard work, impeccable service and integrity and sold more real estate then nearly all of the U.S. brand name companies.

2 CRRE is the Exclusive Board of Regent members for LuxuryRealEstate.com for all of Costa Rica and bring our clients not only the best network of professionals here in Costa Rica, but also access to the largest and most successful luxury real estate portal in the world and the top professionals around the globe.

Please go ahead and check out 2Costa Rica Real Estate’s company. High season is here, properties are moving, and buyers are looking! I am excited about this move and hope to have you all on board in what I feel will be another level of success for all involved.

http://www.2costaricarealestate.com/Piper_Renner/page_2423460.html