I have so many people in this market that have been to Costa Rica seeking property close to the beach for a very low budget..  Until now, I just couldn’t help them and they either settled for something else or decided not to buy.  Now, I can.  The opening of the new highway as well as the advancement of this small project has changed all that.

Last week Robert wrote about  clients seeking investment properties in Costa Rica and are coming to Costa Rica ready to buy.  He suggested that it doesn’t work that way for various reasons.  Well, I have broken the rule because I have one that is very real value and you don’t have to wait for it to com along, it’s here and now.  Yes, it was some time coming as lots needed to be separated, roads and services had to be installed.  I have been on this one for a year and I wanted to be the first one to know when it was truly ready for market

Imagine a property touching a beautiful wide river that you can swim and fish or take boat with mountains in the background and more, only five minutes to a wonderful beach.  Imagine only 1 hour form Sam Jose with all it’s great amenities such as health care, shopping, dining and much more.  Imagine $39,000 only.
This is one of those investment opportunities whereby you can come prepared to buy because this is a truly exceptional value.  SEE IT HERE

Costa Rica Retirement Vacation Properties has the good fortune to be privy to some very good value properties.

Consider using a self directed IRA on this one and forget you have it for 4 or 5 years, IMAGINE

Our Lifestyle Real Estate Tours are very comprehensive.

For information on this property:
Steve Martinez : Cell: (506) 8827 9258
Location: San Jose office
Position: Marketing associate
Telephones: (506) 2293 2446 – Toll Free: 1 888 581 1786
Email: steve@costaricaretirementvacationproperties.com

Buying Ocean front Condos is the dream of many. Vacation homes in Jaco beach have been very expensive by our standards (not by California  or Florida) in the recent past.
A vacation home often provides a good way to defray costs of owning through the rental pool programs.  Caution – Not all projects have great Rental Pool Programs. Also, maintenance can be very high.

When choosing a Vacation home one has to pay particular attention to the maintenance and the rental pool that is being offered.  Costa Rica has experienced it’s first drop in prices in 20 years and some deals are appearing, but you must heed the foregoing.  Here is an example of a very good product at a great price, good developer and one of the best rental pools.

It has what we as professional Realtors  deem amenities that match up with the price.   It is located in the center of Jaco Beach, central Pacific and is now 45 minutes from the Capital with all the amenities and world class health care.     This is the latest luxury ocean front development to be completed in Jacó Beach. Located in the heart of town, you can easily walk to countless restaurants, markets and shops.  Suite 302 in the North tower is situated on the 3rd floor as close to the sand as you can get. Two bedrooms and 2 and a half bathrooms feel spacious in this 1,615 square foot condominium appointed with porcelain floors, granite counter tops and all furnishings down to the silverware.  Eventually an on-site commercial center will host restaurants, a day-spa, fitness center, and more. 70% financing is offered.  We include this project on our comprehensive Real Estate Tours.

Carol Odonnell:
Location:Hermosa/Jaco beach
Position: Marketing Director Central Pacific
Telephones: Office (506) 8318 0717
Toll Free: 1 (866) 374 -8522  or  1 888 581 1786
Email: carol@costaricaretirementvacationproperties.com

True Community Living,  A Golf Resort reaching out to its local community.

When I read articles about new developments in Costa Rica that have done horrible damages to the environment as well as destruction to the local community, it makes me proud that the first Golf Resort in South West Costa Rica has gone to great lengths not only to protect the environment, but to improve the local community. The San Buenas Golf Resort has a vision to significantly invest into the people and infrastructure of the pueblo of San Buenadventura, it´s new neighbor. There are 4 main projects.

-Escuela San Marcos This school is a completely new 2 room educational facility for 28 local students in kindergarten through 8th grade. Materials were donated by community members. All labor and construction was completed by the staff of SBGR. This includes an upgraded electric system, improved drainage, and an edible fruit and medicinal plant garden.

-Recycling Programs Located in the new Escuela San Marcos, and focused on educating the students on the importance of recycling, the project receives plastic, glass and aluminum from 90 local businesses. The SBGR employees use company trucks bi-weekly for pick up, recycling more than any other project in the Southern Zone. A pilot program for the Canton of Osa is being formed.

-Local Hiring Practices SBGR employees 20 men and women in various capacities, but would like to hire every willing person in San Buenaventura. In order for them to excel, every new staff member is provided with training and educational materials. Remember the old saying “Give a man a fish….”

-River Rehabilitation Project To minimize local flooding and erosion the river banks are being lowered and routed to access parts of the Golf Course, creating a natural floodplain on site, not in the town. Additional reforestation will provide stability and not affect playability.

-Road Improvements SBGR will be providing laborers and equipment on a regular basis as part of the community plan dedicated to improve the road conditions. Plans are to improve 5 kilometers of the Coastal Highway to a standard 14 meters wide, improving safety and access.

As time goes by, SBGR will create and join many other community efforts. It is commendable that while so many other developments concern themselves with maximum profit, they put the community and minimal environmental impact first.

Annie Drake, marketing manager, south Pacific
Costa Rica Retirement Vacation Properties

Identifying problematic situations in purchasing a home or a piece of land for constructing a home or small development is often the most difficult part of any purchase.

The laws, proceeds and protocol can be intimidating to many when developing a special project or building a home. One has to worry about potential inherited problems when buying a turn key house or business. You should know the potential uses of the property under consideration if is is your intention to develop. Property owners and potential buyers in Costa Rica need help evaluating various properties and navigating the complexities of purchasing and planning their construction projects.

As part of our services of Costa Rica Retirement Vacation Properties southern zone, we are trying to make things easier for our clients. For this purpose, we use and recommend a specialist who is a consultant with a wide range of experience. This serves to identify and solve many problems prior to purchasing property offer independent consultant services to support  Costa Rica Retirement Vacation Properties clients seeking assistance with purchasing, developing and selling Real Estate in the Central and Southern Pacific areas of Costa Rica, including Perez Zeledon (also called San Isidro).

His background is that of a project manager with engineering and technical experience in gaining approvals for site development, design, and construction in the United States, Europe and Central America.  His role ranges from conducting feasibility studies to providing bilingual project oversight and problem-solving. He provides reports and assistance mainly focused on determining if the visions and plans of the clients –- potential buyers or owners — can be realized for a specific property. After doing research, he produces reports tailored to each situation. The reports address important questions and cover potential costs and development options on a property or a remodeling project for an existing home.  The two main products are:

Basic Report: This includes information about the property from the public registry (Registro Nacional) and determining if any liens, restrictions, setbacks or other issues are discovered that warrant caution by the potential purchaser. After a site visit, he can make rough estimates for improvements such as roads, electrical service, remodeling, construction, etc.  In most areas, the Basic Report will include an overlay of the official “plano” or property map onto a Google Earth photo of the area, with my notes and comments.

The Basic Report answers the client’s specific questions, such as, “Can this property be subdivided into segregated and titled lots and sold on the open market?” The report also evaluates possible building sites on properties with environmental restrictions around natural springs and rivers.

Pre-Build Report: For potential buyers, investors or property owners who want to start on the process of developing or building on a property, he produces a Pre-Build Report similar to that required by SENTENA –- the Costa Rican equivalent of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This report includes clearance and setback information required for the building permit process and can be completed before architectural and engineering plans are finalized.

Documents obtained in the Pre-Build Report include the critically important Uso de Suelo in areas administered by municipalities and INVU for unincorporated areas. He submits formal requests to public utility agencies such as ICE (electricity and phone) and AYA (municipal water) to determine if these services are available.  Most of the official documents obtained in this effort are valid for one year and can be used in the submission for building permits.

The Pre-Build Report also can include price estimates for improvements such as access roads, on- and off-grid electrical services, water sources including wells, and more.  Also available are well-researched reports on what plants, trees, and food-producing crops will work well on a particular property.

Other types of projects that he has supported include development strategies for an assisted living center, intentional community planning and the sale of properties with “issues”

Please feel free to write or call me if you require this kind of service.  Telephone 1 888 581 1786 or email me at
annie@costaricaretirementvacationproperties.com
Costa Rica Retirement Vacation Properties

Not Par for the Course, Golf for the Ecologically minded Golfer

The new, exciting news in the South Pacific region of Costa Rica is the SAN BUENAS GOLF RESORT, the first one in our area. Not only are locals thrilled about the project and the new possibilities that it offers, but we are proud of the ecological, environmental way it has been developed.

This 18 hole course is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of the land upholding the highest standards to cause minimal environmental impact. The 332 acres was originally a pasture that had been deforested for the cattle. Great efforts were made to leave the 220 original trees in tact, thus influencing the design of the course. Traditional tractor work which can cause damage was replaced working with the natural existing features. The local sand and gravel provided the perfect drainage.

The SBGC did not only stop at preservation, but actually made more of a positive impact through reforestation. Through the advice of forest engineer, they are adding 15,000 more trees, including a wide variety of fruit trees and over 80 varieties of indigenous trees. This ongoing project is supported by 2 on site nurseries with plans to build a larger 3rd nursery. This former pasture will one day be a migration corridor for native wildlife, while in the meantime providing shade for residents, golfers and employees.

The Paspalum grass, native to Australia is also an ecological benefit. It can be irrigated, live and thrive off salt water, thus diminishing weed growth. It has minimal, low toxicity fertilizer requirements and tolerates wet conditions well, but has minimal dew collection thus facilitating faster drainage. Playability will not be affected by rains.

An Earth University graduate advises SBGR on greenhouse management, seedling propagation, pesticide, herbicide and fertilizer production from organic materials. They are creating natural pest control systems. Some of these methods predate the use of modern chemicals. It is more common to see birds than bugs there.

As far as water goes, the importance of responsible and sustainable water management is a priority. The project is located on 3 high flow springs that produces enough water to sustain the community and future growth, leaving a surplus to tie into the local water system. The mini waste water treatment plants are aerobic verses the normal anaerobic septic systems, creating a cleaner process. Natural Bio-filters like shrimp, fish and crayfish will be seed the projects wetlands resulting in water that is perfect for irrigation. Only recycled gray water, rain and small springs will be used for irrigation, no potable water.

In future entries, the luxury amenities of this Ecological Haven will be described. The clubhouse, golf academy, hotel, villas, condominiums and view lots are inviting, but it is nice to know that something of this magnitude could be created with such low impact on the environment.

For a tour of this great property, call me, Annie Drake  at 1 888 581 1786 or drop me a line
annie@costaricaretirementvacationproperties.com

I am the proud owner of four dogs, so I feel that the many people like myself that are thinking about retiring in Costa Rica have this subject foremost on their minds.

“Can I bring my pets to Costa Rica”?

Read this guideline
Importing Your Pets To Costa Rica

The very first step

you must take is to check with the air carrier that you will be using because I have found that from one carrier to another, their requirements vary from “oh, we don’t ship pets at all”, to very specific requirements as to time of day and temperature, season, “in cabin” requirements as well as “cargo” requirements. The fee for their transport varies from one airline to another from almost highway robbery to extremely fair. When checking with the carrier, it is recommended that you personally go to the airport where you will exit and speak with a knowledgeable agent.

Also, it goes without saying that for the comfort of your pet, try to choose the most direct route to Costa Rica that would eliminate many connecting flights.

They will have requirements for transporting “in cabin” which normally means the pet must be small enough to fit under your seat in a soft, collapsible carrier and that the pet must be able to stand up in their carrier without the head touching the top, etc. Also, if you have more than one pet, they may have requirements per flight of how many pets can fly in cabin.

If your pet is too large, it must travel in cargo in an airline approved hard transport carrier (no wire or open carriers, it must be plastic, closed on three sides, etc) and all transport carriers marked appropriately with your name, phone number, “LIVE ANIMAL”, etc. Also, if you have more than one “in cargo” pet, you need to know the rules for that as well. Again, do your homework and adhere to their rules to the letter.

Step two would be to determine as soon as possible the date you want to leave and this may be dictated by the airline if they have certain months of pet embargo due to climate, etc.

If you have a choice, try to choose the mildest climate for the pet, spring or fall to avoid the extremes in temperatures and night flights during especially warm weather is going to be better than day time. Make sure your pet/s is healthy and free of parasites and are up to date on their vaccinations, and especially rabies.  The rule is that the vaccinations must be no older than one year or newer than one month.

So, you have met all the air carrier’s requirements, your pet/s are healthy and up to date on vaccinations and free of parasites, your next step are their International health certificate from a qualified veterinarian. Again, adhere to your air carrier’s requirements as to exactly when you get the health certificate completed. The (very strict) rules seem to be by the airlines that the health certificate be issued no more than 8 to 10 days prior to take off. This is pretty obvious as they don’t want an animal with a six month health certificate that has contracted a disease in the interim. Carefully choose the doctor because your vet must be certified (be sure he/she is) to issue an international health certificate.

To Tranquilize Or Not? Tranquilizers act differently in each animal; leaving some dangerously sedated and others wired for charge. Since you would not be able to supervise should a normal dosage happen to be an overdose in your pet, it is best not to drug them at all.

To Feed Or Not To Feed? Feed them a good meal no sooner than 6 to 8 hours prior to take off to assure they don’t get motion sickness and vomit and have to travel the whole way in a soiled crate. Perhaps feeding a meal with a high moisture content to keep them from dehydration is a plus.

A good and vigorous walk some few hours prior to take off to be sure they eliminate well will go a long way for their comfort. Pack a soft absorbent type of fabric, an old thick towel is great to serve as comfort for resting or to absorb any type of bodily “mistakes” is a great aid. A favorite toy is a good comfort as well.

Now, with all documents in hand and pets loaded and everything a “done deal”, sit back and enjoy the ride. When you land in Costa Rica, pets will be waiting separately from luggage for you to present proper paperwork. Let me dispel one fear: Costa Rica does not have a pet quarantine. Your pet is accepted or rejected; it won’t enter “purgatory”.

If you adhere to all the above regulations when you present your paperwork to the Costa Rican customs agent you will be fine!.

Please feel free to call me or write for any help you may need
Carol Odonnell: Cell: (506) 8318-0717
Location: Hermosa/Jaco beach
Position: Marketing Director Central Pacific
Telephones: Office (506) 2778-7410
Toll Free: 1 (866) 374 -8522  SanJose toll free  1 888 581 1786
Email: carol@costaricaretirementvacationproperties.com

Costa Rica Retirement Vacation Properties -
We are a Real Estate Company – listing and marketing properties in all of Costa Rica.  We and know the country and Real Estate business very well.
Buying Real Estate is easy simple and safe with our company.

The current investor should be taking a hard look at good projects priced to this market with amenities built in that won’t cause you to lose sleep over the maintenance fees.  These should be located with good proximity to the Ocean and to the major medical and services.  The location and amenities should reflect a real price savings over that of the past.

One such place that we see falling nicely into the Retirement market in Costa Rica as well as the Vacation Home market is located in Orotina.  It has gorgeous land at $50 per meter ($5 per foot) and beautiful infrastructure as well as ocean, valley and mountain views.  The Best part is that it is only 25 minutes to the beach and 30 minutes to San Jose with all its services including fine dining, world class health care, dentistry and shopping.

This is not a deeply discounted deal, but is a true deal today.  You can lock in your Costa Rica Retirement or Vacation home now and when you look down the road, it will have truly been a deeply discounted property.

The market for this type of product will be fantastic in the near future.  Costa Rica is still a number one destination for retiring north Americans. With the 77,000,000 Baby Boomer falling out as we speak, coupled with other social and political issues, our share of the Baby Boomers  is going to be even larger in the future.  This spells opportunity for the investor, vacation home buyer and those seeking a nice community for retirement today or in the future.

We are currently previewing this project in depth with our full staff and will be happy to report  more information on this retirement or vacation home location.  We will be showcasing it on our Lifestyle Real Estate Tours.
call us at 1 888 581 1786 and ask for Steve, Robert or Gustavo.

Costa Rica Retirement Vacation Properties  
We are a Real Estate Company – listing and marketing properties in all of Costa Rica.  We and know the country and Real Estate business very well. 
Buying Real Estate is easy simple and safe with our company.

Often  clients call to tell me they are coming to Costa Rica with cash and are coming to buy. They make it clear that they have cash and will only entertain deeply discounted opportunities.  Further, they plan to arrive in 3 days to 1 week.  Think of the logic here.  When a real deal that is truly deeply discounted appears, who knows about them first?

The owner’s:  Realtor? – Bank?  -  Attorney?

The Bank, depending how they prioritize it can move it the same day if they want as they have good clients of their own asking them to be on the lookout for deals. If the Bank has money in  it, they will prioritize it and give it to their clients seeking this kind of deal, or a good Realtor client of theirs.  Seldom do they have to call Realtors.  Attorneys are in a similar position.  Not only do they have clients seeking deals but often will buy it themselves or with partners.  Realtors as well have clients waiting and they also have interest in putting deals together on distressed situations.  So unless, I have an inventory of really good deals that I am sitting on (not likely), my new found client is coming all the way here for nothing.

Wielding cash doesn’t get done what one thinks. Often the person has already discounted his property in bad markets and is in a wait and see mode.  Therefore the cash guy comes to him with his already discounted property and tries to offer 50 cents on the dollar.  Where do you think this negotiation is going?  Nowhere.  Sooner or later frustration sets in and when he sees something on his own he perceives to be a real deal, it may be something that is fraught with problems.  It usually is. You know where this is going.

Well, how do you find the good deals you are always hearing about?

1  You need to advise your representative that you are sincerely interested in deeply discounted properties in Costa Rica.

2  You need to be ready to come to view the Costa Rica Real Estate on very short notice.

3  You need to  have the ability to act quickly

This may take 2 to 6  months, but in the end it is the best way to go about it.  There are some very good deals that we hear about early as Costa Rica Retirement Vacation Properties covers most of Costa Rica.   Costa Rica for the most part is very nicely situated in this down economy believe it or not.  Prices have finally adjusted and we are seeing sales again. That tells us what the market  pricing really is for the here and now.  Deeply discounted properties are not that available today given the above scenario.  Also, a property can only be deemed deeply discounted when there is an up market on the horizon so you may take advantage of it and sell.  That is the only barometer as far as how discounted anything really is.  We don’t see escalating prices in the near to mid term.

Costa Rica Retirement Vacation Properties -
We are a Real Estate Company – listing and marketing properties in all of Costa Rica.  We and know the country and Real Estate business very well.
Buying Real Estate is easy simple and safe with our company.