When people think about doing something in retirement a B&B or a small Boutique Hotel comes to mind rather quickly. Most feel that if they have people skills and a sense of hospitality needs for travelers, it can be a good business with a minimum of start up training. While this is true, in the past it was not so easy. Marketing ability was the key factor in success as is today so one needed a lot of this experience or savvy.

Today, it is much clearer and easier with advent of Internet marketing, a good Hotel ranking systems (trip advisor) and websites. To really have an immediate impact and improve performance the following can take an existing business and improve the business by large percentages.
Simply embark on a program of personal community interaccion with travel agents and tour operators, area taxi drivers, bar tenders etc. Add this effort to your web site marketing, Hotel ranking and existing customer base and you will have a winner. The best part is that you will have a lot of fund meeting all the contacts in the areas, adjusting to the new lifestyle, making new friend, enjoying the cultural changes and making the extra income.

Here is an example of a couple of good deals at present that one could take advantage of in this market. In both cases they have need to return to their Country for unexpected things that happened in families.
how to do it in Costa Rica.
This one was just reduced to $339,000. It is located in Costa Rica Prime Retirement location, Atenas.  Atenas is set in beautiful Mountains all around. It offers a nice home with pool, good income (recorded) best climate anywhere and many ex patriots in the community. You don’t have to sell anyone on the area. In fact, you probably already have heard about it or been there. It is only 20 minutes from Escazu in the Capital of San Jose with all it’s world class health care, great super Malls and fine dining of every imaginable type. Also, going the other way 45 minutes to the beaches and attractions of the central Pacific.  See this beautiful Atenas Bed and Breakfast here.

This one adds Ocean to the mix. It is located on one of Costa Rica white Caribbean beaches which offer great diving and all the water sports.

It has been reduced drastically to $325,000. This was originally $495,000 and was price right then. It is one of the nicer Boutique Hotels on the Caribbean side.  Owner has emergency need to return home very soon.
See this Costa Rica Oceanfront B&B

Buy a B&B such as these - Live in it as your residence - Budget your time and profit requirements together to maintain a comfortable balance of keeping active, relaxation and discovering the new culture and lifestyle activities.

We have various opportunities in most of our locations across Costa Rica .  If you wish to look into this great alternative, call us and we can give you good counsel on areas and product available that matches your budget and lifestyle objectives.

Toll free 888 581 1786 and in Costa Rica (506) 2293 2446 ask for Robert

Timing Guanacaste Costa Rica part III…….

Every good investment depends on timing and this series is an attempt crystallize what’s going on in Costa Rica’s norther zone.  The previous segments covered new Airlines arriving and the international Airport expansion program.  Here, we are covering the beginning of a much needed phase that will really be a factor in driving the growth of the area.  World class health care is almost here in Liberia.

Baby Boomers retiring to Guanacaste are of an age where health care becomes a priority focus and one of the first question is
“How far is the closest private hospital’?  It has always been a stickler and for sure has limited the opportunities to sell Guanacaste Real Estate to the more senior market.  With what you are about to read, you can see that this will become a distant problem of the past very quickly

New major Hospital – Cima Guanacaste opening in November 2001

Things are moving ahead   many fronts in Guanacaste.  The massive Sun Ranch project in Liberia is going to be the anchor that is need to diffuse fears of the Baby Boomers relative to health care.

Part of this massive complex is the new Hospital Cima.   The hospital is being built as part of the Pacific Plaza which is eventually going to be a full range living community offering individual housing, apartments, assisted living, nursing home and an Alzheimer’s clinic.

The first phase of the Cima Hospital  is a primary Care facility.  CIMA Guanacaste is part of the International Hospital Corporation group of hospitals that has facilities in Mexico, Brazil and here in Costa Rica. This first phase is expected to grow into a hospital offering a variety of services all operating to a USA based Joint Commission International accreditation standard.

The first phase of the hospital will offer Radiology including mammography, diagnostic ultrasound and CT scanning; Clinical Laboratory; Endoscopy; Surgery including minimally invasive procedures; a fully equipped emergency room; a pharmacy with 24 hour services; and, a heliport to transport critically ill patients to our San Jose facility. The inpatient unit will open with six private rooms in November 2011. Twelve rooms will be added in the first half of 2012.

Quality of Care

CIMA is committed to a very high quality of care. The CIMA facilities are accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI) based in Chicago. Recently the CIMA San Jose Hospital received its second three year accreditation. CIMA received one of the highest score ever recorded by JCI.

Patients must receive the highest quality care. This begins in the emergency room and continues through diagnostic services. Operating rooms and infection control are critical to positive outcomes. We also believe that patient privacy is part of a quality service and we only provide private patient rooms. Of course the medical staff and hospital personnel must also be of the highest quality.

Leading indicators for Guanacaste investment
With tourism holding up, prices dropping in good Real Estate coupled with this kind infrastructure expansion, Gold coast Real Estate and Guanacaste as a whole are going to benefit greatly, and soon.

These are very positive leading indicators for investing in Costa Rica’s  Guanacaste Real Estate.

Watch for our next in the series of Timing Guanacaste and leading indicators as you will hear all about the fabulous Sun
Valley project and some new large Hotels that are really serious about the area by adding upwards of 400 rooms to the inventory.

We at Costa Rica Retirement Vacation Properties are looking very optimistically to Guanacaste as the next real hot spot for investment and retirement.  Please contact us at 888 581 1786 or locally [506] 2293 2446 and ask for Jerad or Robert for all the fine details and opportunities that lie in the area.

If you are one of the victims of a devastated IRA or any other savings or valuation loss.  You are probably questioning when if ever you are going to be able to retire comfortably.

We have been monitoring the inquiries of the past two years and find more an more people are seeking an investment that they can control and from which they can augment income.  People are liking this kind of opportunity because it not only helps them live the second half of their life more comfortably bur it also ……..KEEPS THEM OCCUPIED.

The single most prevalent dissolution is when people retire and find they have nothing to do.  Problem solved …….

Costa Rica is the best of all choices for this concept because of it fame for it’s long term peaceful democracy, friendly people, and good infrastructure just to name a few.

The wisdom of this is evidenced by some of those that have already made the move to get offshore  and hedge their money by managing it themselves in something they can work at.

One such a case is a client that bought a surf Hotel and simply made the rounds to old connections of the Hotel that used to promote it, dressed up the website, got it a good rating and he has never been so pleased.  He was fully booked for the high season and high occupancy for the green season.  that exceeds what you need.

With tourism holding up in Costa Rica and new flights coming this year, the ITC is estimating a 7% increase in visitors.  This is a force for good for this concept.

We wrote about a Costa Rica Boutique Hotel in a very trendy little area  a short while ago.  Here are a few pics of the recent Billabong all girls surf tournament.  It can be aa fun thing creating special events to attract people to your Hotel… and profitable too.

Here are a few more pics showing some activities. For sure the girls enjoyed this tournament.  The owners had fun making it happen as well.

Costa Rica Boutique Hotels are often found in very interesting places such as this one above.  It is located in a very famous surfing area in a trendy little town that often finds some of the biggest names in the entertainment business walking down the main street.  It is a beautiful place, the beaches are wonderful and lifestyle is certainly laid back and different.  People want this after 40 years of hustle for everything.

A good example that has it all…
Here is an example of  a Costa Rica Ocean front 12 room Hotel on one of Costa Rica’s nicest beaches.  The owners are very motivated, it is on the beach, has room for expansion and is full through the season.

If you find this an interesting option for you, please contact me and I will be pleased to send you a list of viable choices. (see below for contact info)

Here is a sampling  of some very good options as well.  some have a good specialty, other low down payment, other location & location and most of all good pricing.

We specialize in these properties so let us guide you to the best choice.

If you are a first timer to Costa Rica and want to see if Costa Rica is really for you, you should seriously consider our Consultation service which features a very comprehensive Lifestyle & Real Estate Tour.  It the most thorough, inexpensive method to do help you with your decision.

Read about the process

The interview
You establish the best time for us to call and interview you
The interview will take 20 to 30 minutes depending on discussion

The Profile
We develop our report from the interview from which we identify Lifestyle and Real Estate elements we need to cover thoroughly for you.

The Itinerary
The itinerary is based on our report and includes all things items necessary to a thorough understanding of the Lifestyle, locations properties suited to your needs.

The Orientation
First morning is orientation for 1 hour (this covers all aspects of relocating to Costa Rica directly related to your profile.

The Tour
Tour covers takes you to Lifestyle areas to visit while the host is explaining the areas and proximity to services.
This is mixed with a good sampling Real Estate that is also geared directly to your potential budget and Lifestyle needs
We summarize after the first day so we may adjust anything that needs more focus for your specific case
The next day will be more of the same approach to Lifestyle & Real Estate needs.

Read more on it here….

The clear objective
to introduce you physically and verbally to the reality of Costa Rica and the areas suited to your profile so you may identify if Costa Rica is really for you.

The cost
$325.00 per day with lunch included.  A nice feature we can offer is that if Costa Rica is for you and you return and buy a property with our firm within then next 12 months, we refund the tour cost to you.

Why you need to use this approach if this is your exploratory visit to Costa Rica

You are about to make a large decision on how and where you are going to spend the balance of your life.  You will never be furnished with enough information from reading as you have to be here and experience the place with people that know it well.

Fact
The better Realtors always qualify clients and if your are identified as just looking, then the service is less than you need for this kind of investigation.

Our vast experience tells us that only showing Real Estate is never fulfilling enough for people to make educated buying decisions.  Those who have been here or had previous Tours have a vastly different view.  A good Consultation Tour is worth the cost many times over.

Offshore living is not for everyone and you need to look at all sides of it before deciding.  Merely reading web pages (which are for the most part search engine optimization fodder to gain position), or making a cursory trip doesn’t cover it like we do.

Costa Rica Retirement Vacation Properties
It was obvious to us many years ago that a good tour was needed for our clients that were first timers or those who had not seen enough to make a good decision on moving to Costa Rica for the second half of their life.

Since we are getting paid, our object is not to sell you anything on the tour which is very important.  This sets us apart from a self-serving Real Estate Tour.

With vast Real Estate experience and countrywide coverage, along with our years of focus on people seeking relocation and investment, were very well equipped to making consultation tours for people like yourself.

Please check it out here….

With all the turmoil in the world today,  people are looking for alternatives and leaving their countries these days.  One such reason is to semi retire and start a new life and business.  Costa Rica retirement is always good bet for this especially if one is seeking a small Hotel or B&B (tourist related business) for income. Tourism has held up very well in Cost Rica making it a viable location.

Costa Rica Retirement Vacation Properties  has been finding a large interest in small Hotels and Bed and Breakfasts this year and as a result when we get one we feel good about, we like to promote it.  One such Hotel that caught our eye is located in a very special area.

This is a classic SEMI-RETIRE operation with a good income, high quality trendy location. for only $399,000.

It  is  a profitable Botique surf Hotel with an upscale surf school attached. This trendy little piece of heaven will surprise you with a nice local population and a number of famous people hiding away here in their vacation homes.

It is profitable and offers financials, a complete inventory list and business plan.  It has a beautiful lot adjacent with ocean view that can be a great owner residence and  is not attached directly to the business.

It is distinct because  its a surf destination, upscale surf school and a boutique hotel.  It is nicely furnished and landscaped 100 meters from some of the best surf breaks anywhere.

 The price, at a very low $399,000 or together with a beautiful lot $455,000.  This is a semi retire situation that you can love even if you are not a surfer.  See details of this Hotel.

We have a number of small Hotels for sale in Costa Rica.  Please contact us directly at our toll free number 888 581 1786 or locally [506] 2293 2446 ask for Robert.

I thought I had seen it all the beautiful places and deals

Last week, Mike Paulin our man in San Ramon asked me to visit and see some things he was working on.   We had just been to one of the most spectacular views in Costa Rica in San Ramon just above Berlin.  As we were leaving he asked me to take minute and visit a place he was listing about 10 minutes below the area we had been.

When we entered through a nice gated driveway , we found a small project of 3 homes.  This one was a spectacular small log home with views similar to what we just left .  It as a modest home but very charming and simple. The asking price was $1119,000.

People dream of this kind of  place.  In many of our inquiries clients seek, security, non crowded, country like settings, mountains and yet near to American community.  THIS IS IT!!!

San Ramon is  one of Costa Rica’s very popular towns with it’s good health care, many services, supermarkets, easy access and much more. This is a beautiful San Ramon retirement location in Costa Rica.

Please feel free to call and ask about San Ramon and it’s areas of interest for retirement and investment

Call toll free 888 581 1786 ask for Robert or Mike.

There are many different profiles we find in our interviews for our Lifestyle & Real Estate Tours and not all match this, but for the ones that do, this owuld be a no brainer.

Many people welcome the change of Country for their retirement years as a new horizon and opportunity.  It can be a refreshing experience. They look forward to the change and want to do new and different things, learn, develop satisfying hobbies such as photography, painting  etc.

Unfortunately, they often embark on this without a lot of concern over the cultural shock that may accompany the lifestyle.  This sometimes results in people leaving if they are not prepared and have to learn this as a result of living in a new Country.  A great deal of retirement money and time are spent going full steam ahead based on what you read and hear without being properly prepared.

Often, people will follow friends, or buy into the publicity of certain Countries without knowledge of the great amount of adjustment that is needed.  Sometimes, the spouse does not share the enthusiasm of the partner and goes along reluctantly but obediently only to find it impacts on the relationship and therefore, the lifestyle later on.

Costa Rica Retirement may not be for everyone, but if handled properly,  a very high percentage will choose Costa Rica for their offshore retirement location because of what the Country offers.

Many people choose to come on Tours, look things over and often decide to give it a shot.  Often people buy where they think would be suitable for their lifestyle.  This can be risky as many things will be impacted by this decision.

Often people come here and use Real Estate companies to investigate.  Good companies have to qualify their clients and when they find you are only coming to look around, you are relegated to a minimum of service simply because their sales people are on commission and cannot afford to be consultants for free anymore.  So, this is not the best approach to to making the decision that will impact the second half  of your life.

Other rent for a year to see if they really are going to like it as well as where they want to live.  If after a year, they decide that they will live here, they have spent a lot of retirement money, and passed one year living in rented quarters instead of your own dream retirement home.

This is a slanted view because we do this every day and have a good vision and feeling for people seeking Costa Rica Retirement.  Our attitude is why not find out first if Costa Rica is right for you.

Your active retirement years are valuable . Use them efficiently and don’t place the cart before the horse so to speak.

We offer a method that is without prejudice, very thorough, most informative and most important, the cheapest way to find out if Costa Rica is right for you.

We have identified clearly that clients that are serious need the kind of service we offer.  We are a full service Real Estate Company with personal representation in all markets suited to Retirement or Investment in Costa Rica.

Please contact us directly at 1 888 581 1786 ask for Robert, Steve or Al.

Don’t tell me what great land you have with all  the expansion potential and how I can make it very profitable if I just do this and make this a little larger, change the staff, expand the hours and so …..SHOW ME CASH FLOW POSITIVE and I buy it.

13% return year after year – turnkey beach town good little buisiness -
Playa Grande Costa Rica

Bar, Restaurant, Supermarket, 6- 2 bedroom rentals, fully titled with liquor licenses.

This great location is Costa Ric’as  Playa Grande, the quiet town with it’s beautiful beaches.

Want to live in semi retirement and have it all.  Now you can.

Playa Grande is one of Costa Rica’s jewels featuring beautiful beaches and lots of activities.

The excellent Tourist trade, retirees and local Tico population make this very successful little business a serious contender for any number of people seeking to retire in Costa Rica or even just change venues and move here for all it offers.

This is the kind of business people seek today.  They don’t want you to tell them the potential, they want cash flow and positive.

THIS IS IT.    And…. the owner will hold your hand until you get it under your belt.  If he likes the way you operate, he may even finance.

To get the full scoop on this one, you have to be here.  Give us a call and let us help plan your trip to come see this before it is scooped.

Call us toll free 1 888 581 1786, ask for Nova or Robert

Where life can be exhilarating at any age. 
A popular place and a nice choice for retirement in Costa Rica

Costa Rica Retirement Vacation Properties likes to keep you updated with the new properties and events from Costa Rica and the region of San Ramon. When activity occurs, new projects appear. Currently, there are four and worth looking into. Remember the old cliché, “whenever access such as bridges, roads or development in general occur” things happen.  We will be updating you regularly as they advance.
Why so many people are choosing San Ramon
It is still very affordable, a very nice town, tranquility, with fantastic views of the mountains, gulf of Nicoya and the Islands.

Prices are interesting also
Lots are from 1.2 acres and up are offered from $25,000 to $105,000 with all services in. One project is offering owner financing with no interest for 4 years This is really a great place to hang your hat for the second part of your life.

Good access
San Ramon is located in the province of Alajuela about 45 minutes northwest of San José, and 35 minutes from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO). It is growing in popularity among expats but is still largely untouched by the foreign masses. Its proximity to the “Pacific slope” requires only a 35-minute drive to the coast. Residents enjoy a very comfortable climate all year, but may still take advantage of the beaches for day-trips or overnight adventures.

While barely noticed just a few short years ago, San Ramón had become the “up-and-coming area” for North American and European retirees who wish to experience the real Costa Rica but do not want to give up the activities and services important to them.   Consider the balance of your life spent here.

Trying to describe all San Ramon has to offer is like rewriting the new testament so I will offer a few things for you that you will find alluring. very friendly people, outstanding environment, peaceful lifestyle, numerous activities, and a very affordable cost of living. It is worth exploring the area and finding out more about this undiscovered gem.

If Costa Rica is in your cross+hairs and you wish to get a really good feel for it and see if Costa Rica is right for you, or this area in particular. You should seriously consider our Consultation service which features a very comprehensive Lifestyle & Real Estate Tour. It is the most thorough, inexpensive method to do help you with your decision.

If we can show you around the area, give us a call at 1 888 581 1786 and ask for Mike.

Costa Rica Water sport Eco tourism business fully equipped for
only $265,000 with financing offered.

Just reduced  from $475,000

This is the best area in the Caribbean for this activity and has a great network for it’s business such as all the Hotels, B&B’s, travel desks and including all San Jose Tour operators that have clients seeking diving and watersports.  Also, the world wide market for Diving tours is potentially one of the best opportunities.

This Costa Rica water sport and eco-tourism business opened in 1994 offers PADI certified courses taught by a PADI Master Instructor are: Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, Medic First Aid and Dive Master. Non-divers can rent masks, fins and snorkels, boogie boards and kayaks. Additionally, guided dolphin-watching trips are available, as well as various other guided adventures in the Refuge.

Contact Robert at 506 2293 2446 or toll free 888 581 1786