The  Costa Rica Real Estate  industry is patiently awaiting the signs of the USA economic recovery while our own is quietly showing very positive signs. 

All the major infrastructure work that was underway never ceased and now most of it is complete adding a lot of fuel to the fire of recovery.  Commercial occupancy rates are still very high and flights are still packed coming into Costa Rica.  Real Estate is picking up as well but mainly on discounted property. 

Please read the following reprint from Inside Costa Rica.
IMF: “Economic Recovery In Costa Rica Is Firmly Underway”

A staff team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) visited Costa Rica during April 7–13, 2010 to conduct the third and final review of the Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) approved in April 2009. The mission met with Finance Minister Jenny Phillips, Central Bank Governor Francisco de Paula Gutiérrez, other senior officials, and representatives of the financial sector.

After the conclusion of the discussions, Mr. Marco Piñón, the IMF mission chief for Costa Rica, made the following statement:

“The economic recovery in Costa Rica is firmly underway. Economic growth rose in the second half of 2009 and remained strong in the first quarter of 2010. Consumer and business sentiment have firmed up and financial conditions have continued to improve. Adjustments in administered prices have pushed inflation to 5.8 percent in March, compared to 4 percent at end-2009, but underlying inflation has remained stable close to 4 percent. Overall, the rebound in activity has been stronger than originally anticipated.

“The economic outlook has also improved since the previous review in December 2009. The projection for output growth in 2010 has been revised to 3.8 percent (1.5 percentage points higher than before). Inflation is expected to be close to the upper end of the central bank’s target band of 4–6 percent in 2010.

“Performance under the precautionary SBA with the Fund has continued to be very strong, as the authorities met all quantitative performance criteria for end-December 2009 and preliminary data suggest that the end-March targets were also met.

“Overall, the authorities’ policy response to the crisis, supported by Fund’s SBA, has proved effective. The government’s strategy to shield the economy from external shocks with external resources, which in the event were not used, helped preserve confidence, maintain stability, and protect the most vulnerable groups. A supportive fiscal policy has provided a boost to the recovery and a cautious monetary policy has allowed inflation to move to low levels.

“The mission expects that the IMF Executive Board will consider the third and final review of the SBA in late-May 2010. The authorities have indicated that they will continue to treat the SBA as precautionary.”

We at Costa Rica Retirement Vacation Properties have been had a strong focus on finding good properties that are favorably discounted to  accommodate the current market.  So far results have been favorable as we have had quite a few sales as a result.  That too indicates that the market is there and you can’t blame clients for seeking deals in this market.

Here is an example of a timely opportunity and taking advantage of the market.

This is the first Costa Rica Golf course in the beautiful southern zone of Costa Rica.  The developer here is truly committed to doing things right.  His debt free approach and concept of populating the area  quickly with good incentives through deeply discounted pricing and waiving the initiation fees is certainly a formula for success.

People could only dream about a south Pacific Golf course, now it is real with 9 holes already  finished.  The locals will eat up this opportunity not only as a place to play but as a social area as well.

For more on this great place to live and invest, contact Robert or Annie at 1 888 581 1786.

How about a project with no debt in a beautiful setting.  Here is one that you can very safely get  involved in without risk and at the same time get a fantastic deal.   Very wisely, this developer understands that this market calls for very safe investment criteria and demonstration of population in the project.  They have it covered as good as any I have seen.

The safe investment part is simply “a project without debt“.  The Population part is reflected on the deal the developer is offering  on the Condo Towers to attract residents and investors wishing to rent their units as well as use it for a Vacation home in Costa Rica. IT IS PRETTY HARD TO GO WRONG AS AN INVESTOR OR RESIDENT ON  THIS KIND OF PLANNING. You will h ave to  find your won long term financing if that is what you need.

I had my on site interview with the owners last Saturday and viewed the project for the first time.  This is the first Golf course in the area and is set up perfectly blending interesting layouts, lush tropical foliage and a par 72 with a good rating.  It has nine holes ready NOW.

It is set in a valley of majestic mountains surrounding the whole complex..the course winds it’s way around the flat lands and up through the hills setting some very interesting holes and spectacular Golf views.

The project will consist of homes, lots and Condos.  The quality is right on the money.  There will be a very nice clubhouse, Golf training center (which is almost complete now) and offer many activities both in the complex and nearby.

Construction of the Condos is well underway and very well planned to accomplish their objectives both safely and securely for themselves as well as their clients.  The first tower completed in 3 months with the second right behind it. The next will be higher up but not hard to access.  The views change very moderately as you go up the hill but any location has a good view and access.

How about 1350 square feet, fully furnished, 2 bedrooms nicely laid out with balconies offering mountains and ocean views for $257,000.  Not only that, the initiation fee of $25,000 is waived in these Condos to help jump start populating the project.

You will be asked for a 20% down and balance in payments scheduled to match your completion completion date.. This is a Costa Rica Golf Property that makes sense.

For all you need to know about this one contact us now:

How the market has changed…….We are seeing some exceptional values these days as the World markets are dictating.  This one is 5543 square feet and priced at $485,000.

This is classic example of opportunities in Costa Rica Real Estate today.  This is one of Costa Rica’s primer Golf communities and very well built and designed home.

Golf families will love this one.  It is 5543 square feet and priced at $485,000 and is in Cariari.

Cariari Country Club features Lifestyle for all with it Olympic poll and smaller ones for the smaller family members along with many Tennis courts both indoor and outdoor and lighted yet.  All the facilities are here. Great for entertaining, family outings and more.  Best of all it costs only $1000 per year after basic membership.

Drive you golf cart to the course and join in the skins game every Tuesday 6, Thursday and Saturday.

Subscribe to our Blogs at the top and for more information on this one……..

Robert Shannon: Cell: (506) 8820 5627 Location: San Jose office Position: Director of marketing  Telephones: (506) 2293 2446 – Toll Free: 1 888 581 1786 Email: robert@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

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

Molina comes back for Costa Rica Classic title
Guanacaste, Costa Rica (Sports Network) – Mauricio Molina posted a three-under 68 on Sunday to come from behind and capture his first Canadian Tour title at the Costa Rica Classic.

Molina finished at nine-under 275 and won by three strokes at Reserva Conchal Golf Club.

Overnight leader Rob Grube struggled to a one-over 72 on Sunday and took second place at minus-six.

Robert Gates carded a two-under 69 in the final round and came in third at five-under 279. Sebastian Saavedra fashioned a round of five-under 66 and was fourth at minus-four.

Chris Baryla (70), Paulo Pinto (70) and Byron Smith (71) shared fifth place at three-under 281.

*Clark Burroughs (69) and Hugo Leon (72) tied for eighth at minus-two, while Josh McCumber (70) and Diego Larrazabal (75) were knotted in 10th at even-par 284.

*Clark Burroughs plays out of Cariari Country Club in San Jose.

Clark Burroughs playing out of Cariari Country Club is tied for 3rd

Molina leads in Costa Rica
Guanacaste, Costa Rica (Sports Network) – Argentina’s Mauricio Molina fired a six-under 65 on Friday to take the lead midway through the Canadian Tour’s Costa Rica Golf Classic.

Molina moved to six-under-par 136 for a two-shot advantage over Venezuela’s Diego Larrazabal (69) after 36 holes at Reserva Conchal Golf Club.

Mitch Gillis (66), Clark Burroughs (70) and Sebastian Saavedra (72) shared third place at three-under 139. First-round leader Rob Grube stumbled to a 74 and dropped into a tie for sixth place with Robert Gates (71) at two-under 140.

Molina managed to post the best score of the week so far despite playing the second round in swirling winds.

He did most of his damage on the front nine, making five birdies in a row from the fourth hole. He then played the back at one-under, collecting three birdies and two bogeys.

Larrazabal had five birdies — including four on the back nine — and three bogeys for his 69.

The cut line fell at 11-over-par 153 with 64 players moving on to the weekend and 15 missing the number.

This is the third event on the 2009 Canadian Tour schedule.