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.

 Costa Rica Gold coast indicators - - more evidence of opportunity

In the coning articles, we will be focusing on the infrastructural and housing elements that show forward positive indicators that will lead to an opportunity for Costa Rica Gold Coast Vacation Homes. This all translates into more tourists, and the need for places to stay. Condo rental is an increasingly interesting way to go for families and two couples travelling together. The International Airport of Liberia, Costa Rica is offers excellent international connections to the US and Canada, as well as some Europe and South American countries.The Daniel Oduber Quiros international Airport is the key focus that speaks to the anticipated growth of tourism. The number of Airlines the Airport currently serves, the new international additions (see below) along with the major expansion indicates there is a very positive force at work here. This is quite refreshing in light of the past two years where it was hard to find optimism. 

The New construction and expansion program mean increasing arrivals via Liberia year after year and put the city and airport on the map in a much bigger way. The airport code is “LIR” and the local time is GMT +6.0 (central). We have a list of airlines with operations in Liberia.  Adding to this we now have two more new Airlines connecting us to Minneapolis, Minnesota and Germany.

The airlines research suggests that their clients will enjoy savings utilizing Costa Rica as a vacation destination. Just imagine the numbers we are talking in these two alone.

Sun Country Airlines, an American airline, has announced to start flying to Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia between January and April 2012. The weekly flights will be direct and will connect Minneapolis, Minnesota and Liberia. The flights will depart from the U.S. in the morning and will arrive to Guanacaste at 1:32 pm.  A Boeing 737-800 aircraft would leave the country at 2:30 pm and arrive at Minneapolis at 7:50 pm. “Liberia is a great winter destination that we are willing to offer to travelers from Minnesota.  It will be the only nonstop service,” said Stan Gadeken, president and CEO of Sun Country in a press release. “We are expanding our airline in order to offer our customers a family and comfortable option based on the value of Costa Rica. We are pleased to operate the new route and we think our passengers will be delighted by the savings, the high level of quality and service

A German Airline Will Fly To Liberia for the First Time The flight will make a stop in Cancun, Mexico.  Air Berlin, the second largest German airline, has selected Guanacaste as its new destination. The first flight to Liberia will arrive on November 12, 2011. The flights will depart from Düsseldorf, Germany and will make a stopover in Cancun, Mexico. This will be a bi-weekly flight, operated on Saturdays. Costa Rican Tourism Minister, Allan Flores, has said that this achievement is the result of the negotiations in the ITB tourism fair that took place in Berlin in March. “We welcome with enthusiasm this new connection to Europe, one of the most important target markets for the country. This enables us to strengthen ties with these destinations, open new markets and boost tourism in our country,” said Flores. Germany is the second most important European market for Costa Rica, surpassed only by Spain. “This flight represents the first route between Liberia and Germany and will generate a significant increase in arrivals of German tourists with 18-day stays in the country,” said the Minister of Tourism.

With these kinds of forward indicators, one has to translate tourism into Vacation home needs. Guanacaste Gold Cost Vacation homes are among the cheapest in all of Costa Rica. Prices have dropped considerably from their heyday. Here is an example of what we mean…….Two years ago, Flamingo Condos like these were selling for much more. Today you can buy in a beautiful setting a nice 2 bedroom for as low as $155,000.

Opportunities are springing up for semi retirement folks who wish to buy a small profitable business and change their current lifestyle and live in a popular Beach area. Small, strong cash producing  Guanacaste  Hotels that are operating profitably and located in trendy places suddenly become very attractive and provoke investigation.

This is a point in time. Price have dropped, tourism is on the rise. If you dream of a Vacation Home, it seems this is the time to take a close look at the Gold Coast of Costa Rica.

For more on opportunities that are present as a result of the increase in tourism, contact me now. Jerad Portner

Watch for the next in our series  that covers major
developments ready to break ground,
large hotels moving ahead
and more….

Part I of 4 in a series about events shaping Guanacaste growth…..

Whenever access is made easier and faster, look to growth in Real Estate.  Keep your eyes on the Guanacaste Gold Coast.

Vacation home buyers can now take a serious look at Guanacaste Real Estate.  The events that will be shaping the future of this great area of Costa Rica are incredible.

Thankfully Costa Rica tourism held up pretty well during this terrible world crisis. Not like the past but respectably so.  Guanacaste Real Estate has seen prices drop by as much as 40% throwing up some fantastic opportunities.

Now we finally have some good forward indicators that cause us to feel very positively about the Guanacaste.  Here is the first example of the forward indicators we speak of…..

Expansion of Liberia international Airport Passenger terminal the gateway to Guanacaste….

The terminal began to take shape months ago as a response to the province’s urgent need for establishing itself as a tourist destination. This is a two-story  project of more than 23,000 square feet, 14 double desks, 4 bridges and 3 boarding remote stands.  Tamarindo News contacted the Civil Aviation Technical Council and they say that it is expected to be ready in November this year, before starting the high season.  The terminal will have parking for 500 vehicles, 12 spaces for shops, restaurants and other venues. It will have capacity for 1500 passengers at peak hours, and the double of capacity in waiting rooms, corridors, migration sections and other areas.

With the new airport gearing up, it is obvious that they are bracing for an increase in Tourism and with Condo prices at an all time low, that translates to a perfect point in time.  Baby Boomers are coming of age also.

Costa Rica Vacation homes bought at the right price can be very enjoyable if all the cost associated with them is offset with rentals.  Look at this one that has been reduced considerably.  A nice place for yourself and very attractive for the rental crowd.

Please call us for more on Gold Coast deals.  You may also wish to consider out Lifestyle & Real Estate Tour that fully acquaints you with all aspects of Gold coast living and investing.

Please call us toll free at 1 888 581 1786.  Ask for Jerad.

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.

This doesn’t apply to all reading this but it is however, an interesting subject matter nonetheless.

I’ve heard a recurring statement lately as I get back to people that have inquired about real estate here. The statement revolves around potential real estate buyers telling me that they saw a listing or a website advertising a property at an extremely low price point. That pricing of course looks quite attractive because of its low price tag. They get all excited and start to believe that their piece of paradise is less expensive than they thought, even though they haven’t seen the property, area, amenities, or infrastructure yet. They even start to use that price point as the benchmark for their searches and inquiries throughout the entire country.

There is no question that there are some great deals lingering out there but they don’t last long. That’s right folks, even in today’s market, those great deals are snatched up quickly.

Lately we’ve had quite a number of people contact us regarding building lots in a gated community close to the beach. They tell us that they are looking for a great piece of property to build on either in the future and some plan on building immediately. Some are looking to build a cozy guest home first (2 bed 2 bath) to use a month or so out of the year. Then as they spend more time down here each year, they move forward on the construction of the main house and make that transition over a few year or more.
I would like to  remind you about a few things to consider as you are searching for your little piece of paradise:

1. Infrastructure: if it’s not already in place and if you aren’t dealing with a reputable developer with a proven track record, I would say you like to gamble . Even if they say it’s only 100m from the property. Anything short of having electricity and water to your property could mean you will be waiting a very long time. What about telephone and cable? Is that installed or is that going to be installed mañana?

Consider  the roads also. Can you get to the property via paved roads or do you need to get there via “gravel” roads. If the gravel road is more than a few miles, have fun. Consider what happens to road conditions when it rains because it does rain here and it tends to rain really hard.

2. Proximity: if you are looking to be “close to the beach”, does that involve packing up the kids in the car, then heading down the “gravel” roadway only to drive for another 20 minutes to get to the beach? This is not “close to the beach”. If you can’t walk to the beach on foot…you’re not “close to the beach”.

3. Neighbors: look around – do you have any neighbors? If so, is it the type of neighborhood that you are interested in being a part of?

These are just a few of the things people tend to overlook or choose to neglect because of their excitement over the low listing price.

So this is what I did:  I went out and searched the Tamarindo/Grande/Conchal/Brasilito/Flamingo area to see if there was a project of building lots that had all the points mentioned above. I was pleasantly surprised that I did actually find it! It had all the points mentioned above and more!

Take a moment to visit here  and take a look at this property.

This property is within walking distance of some of the most picturesque beaches in the entire country – Playa Conchal, Playa Brasilito, and Flamingo (3 miles down the road). Additionally, the project was a runaway success in 2006 that quickly sold out. Why? Well, unlike many other projects making big claims to get your attention, Catalina Cove developers just went ahead and acted. They didn’t worry about making promises because they put everything in beforehand. And what they did was spectacular.

Catalina Cove offers a myriad of options and amenities including 100% complete infrastructure. This gated community has 24/7 security, paved roads, electricity, water, cable and high-speed internet to EVERY lot. They even have their own water association. Also on site are operating businesses including a beachside restaurant (The Happy Snapper) and pool for you and the family to enjoy. (The restaurant is a stone’s throw to the beach, not an industrial strength sling shot distance to the beach.) Surrounding you in Catalina Cove you will find multi-million dollar homes. Remember consideration #3 of “neighbors”? This is not to say that you are required to build such luxurious homes yet at the same time it is comforting to know that others before you have invested large sums of money and confidence, in to the same project you could be part of.

Although it is true that in 2006 the project sold out – currently an original investor is selling a couple of his premium selected lots. He bought a block of various lots at the project’s inception and has decided to sell a couple.

The advantage for a buyer today is that they can purchase an exclusive property, so close to the beach,  in a premium development, with the confidence they are getting a fantastic deal at 2006 prices (at virtually pre-construction prices). Now, don’t we always say the same thing when it comes to investments? I wish would’ve bought back then.

Well…here’s your chance.

Take a look the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THvhyz2NlyE

Arrange to take a look at these beautifully planned large lots at prices 40% below what they sold at 2 years ago.
I am Jerad Portner and I love this one and will give you the full scoop on it. Please call me at  [506] 2293 2446 or toll free 888 581 1786.
Ask me about our Lifestyle Real Estate Tours.

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.