The recent changes in the country have been celebrated nationwide as people look positively into the future as events will shape the future of Costa Rica Real Estate and travel industries.

First, Costa Rica has a new President… we elected a female president for the first time ever. This has increased overall confidence that Costa Rica will continue in former President Arias’ footsteps to offer better infrastructure and a foreign policy that will maintain and even encourage foreign investment.

Second,  are the infrastructural changes such as:
the new highway connecting Santa Ana and Escazu to the Coastal highway of the Central Pacific has finally been completed after planning for  over 30 years!.

Third, the bridge in Paritta that always cause a 20 minutes delay has now been replaced
Fourth, the road from Quepos to Dominical is now a 30 minute smooth ride replacing the old 1.5 hours that would shake bad dentures loose.

San Jose is a mere 45 minutes away from Jaco.  This highway is just the dose of medicine the economy of the Central Pacific has been waiting for and now is the time everyone has been waiting for.  Prices are low and this is the time. Buyers looking for retirement  and vacation  homes as well as solid offshore investment in Real Estate will now be only 45  minutes our away.

Anything that makes a piece of real estate easier to get to,  drives it.  I’m talking about roads, bridges, airports and sea ports. I remember what happened when the new airport opened in Guanacaste in Costa Rica. Accessibility in the surrounding area increased and real estate values sky-rocketed.  We call this “Pioneer Investing” or positioning yourself “ahead of the Path of Progress”. This is one of the favorite strategies for profitable international Real Estate investment.  As a result of Costa Rica’s commitment  it has seen the growth in the past and will again flourish as one of the top markets in the world.

Example – Here is a project that was developed in anticipation of this new event.  The developer has timed it perfectly.  Located in Orotina, it is only 25 minutes to Jaco Beach and 20 minutes to San Jose.  That simply means that all the great health care, shopping and fine dining are only 25 minutes away.   Day trips to the southern zone are now an easy event.

The project is well conceived as it has scope and good planning.  It will attract three distinct markets as a direct result of the new highway passing.  It becomes and obvious great location for those seeking retirement property and for those seeking Vacation homes.  Investment is an no brainer as this is truly Pioneer Investing.

This project offers a nice range of product for every budget, it i s high and scenic, nice climate and most important a great developer.  Develpers  can check in here as well for some shovel ready packages that will ultimately create the change of pace projects need from area to area.

A perfect vacation home setup

Many people rush into buying their vacation home and find later that rentals are low, maintenance is high and the quality is not what it appeared.  In the end, they would probably have done better paying rent.   The objectives govern much of the decision so it is not fair to say that and leave it there.  Some people just want debt service covered and look to the future for gain. Others just want their own place and really don’t care about the cost so much.

If you happen to be lucky and find one that is free standing, has luxurious design, in excellent condition, nice grounds and close to golf and a place like Tamarindo for dining, shopping and beaches  then you have done well.  If it also has a good track record for rentals and is a home then rentals will be better as families tend to like homes.

We found one such place and it is priced relative to the rental history and can even be improved upon. Guanacaste has been a very popular area for Costa Rica Vacation homes in the past.  With the market driving pricing these days, it can be opportunistic for the those seeking viable option for vacation homes.

When Costa Rica Retirement Vacation Properties listed this one, we realized this is what families look for.  In this case the owner has a lot of use of this beautiful home with it’s great location. Here are a couple of more photos.

If you are looking for  a very good vacation home, this is a luxury home priced right  and has a spreadsheet showing activity.  Please feel free to call us or write at any time for more on this beautiful home.

Beautifully constructed and located Hotel with a drop dead gorgeous Ocean view on the main highway, this Hotel is being given away.  It is beautiful land and enough to build many more rooms.

Last year it was under contract for
$2,000,000, then when it didn’t close,
the price dropped to $1,800,000 then
to $1.200,000 and
now is $850,000.   
It cannot be replaced for $1,400,000.   (The owner is very sick and has to sell it.)

FOR THOSE ON SIDELINES WAITING FOR A DEAL ON A COSTA RICA HOTEL , THIS IS THE REAL ONE.

Call me immediately for full details – nothing bad about this one.

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 Email: carol@costaricaretirementvacationproperties.com

So many people have been hit financially by the economic downturn that they need to have additional retirement income.  Many are thinking of retiring offshore and picking up B&B operation that can not only provide a place to live but generate income as well.

Jaco beach, Playa Hermosa and Esterillos are perfect locations to start your new life and Costa Rica business.
It is easier now than ever before to realize your dream by purchasing a B&B in the central pacific area. Costa Rica Real Estate prices in Jaco, Playa Hermosa and Esterillos are now affordable so you can have that Pura Vida lifestyle and make money at the same time.

Resort. You can enjoy a beautiful 3 bedroom 2 bath US style owners residence with all the upgrades and realize a good retirement income at the same time.  This Mom & Pop Costa Rica Hotel has 8 separate vacation suites that will make you money year round.

This is a PRIME SURFING LOCATION, Hermosa Beach and Surfing is a very good market for this Hotel.
Ask for cash flow projections on this one.  Find out how you can live for free and earn $70,000 annually living the life of a retired person in the sun.

Jaco Beach, Playa Hermosa and Esterillos are popular with the many tourists that come to enjoy the beautiful beaches, fishing, surfing and the abundant wildlife and local activities.

Another B&B  nearby that comes with a beautiful owner’s residence is the Playa Hermosa B&B.  This secluded property has beautiful tropical landscaping and is hidden away but still close to everything. It is within walking distance to the pristine beaches of Playa Hermosa and just 5 minutes to all the restaurants, shopping and nightlife to be found in Jaco Beach.

The new highway connecting the capital city of San Jose & the International Airport to the Central Pacific beaches has recently opened after 30 years in the planning. This has caused us to see a tremendous increase in tourism and demand for hotel rooms and vacation rentals in our area.  Jaco Beach is now only and hour and 10 minutes from San Jose so if you want to retire in style and lead the good life; you just may want to consider the Central Pacific area of Costa Rica.

I live here full time and feel that I have made the best possible choice by moving to this beautiful Costa Rica Beach area.  If you have any questions about what it’s like to live here; please feel free to contact me as I manage the Lifestyle Real Estate Tours for all of this area and will include all there is to see for the time you allocate to properties.

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 Email: carol@costaricaretirementvacationproperties.com

Much is written about how cheap it is to live in some of these other Countries that are being being promoted.  Also, Costa Rica has risen beyond a point of being affordable.  One must respect the views of others as many circumstances dictate decisions for location and regiment.

It is important that relativity be applied as well or one can miss the obvious benefits of a little more cost .  Some of the benefits we offer in Costa Rica are as follows:

Many direct international flights
Closer proximity to mainland USA
Politically tranquil
Friendly people
Less crime
Very good infrastructure
Great health care
A beautiful country
Choices of climate and lifestyles

These are just a few of the many many benefits if you really want to make a case.

Choices of places to live is also important.

Here is one couples documented comparison of  costs to  live in Costa Rica

My wife and I happen to provide a perfect real-time laboratory of an expense comparison. Every year we split our time almost exactly 50/50 between two very beautiful parts of the world; our house about an hour outside San Francisco, California, and our house on the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. In California our 1,500-square foot house sits on a 1/3 acre lot nestled in the redwoods. We have two cars in California, both more than 10 years old. In Costa Rica our 2,700-square foot house sits on a 5-acre lot overlooking the Pacific Ocean. We also have two older vehicles in Costa Rica, both 4WD of necessity.

I just analyzed our living expenses in selected categories going back over five years. Of the total in each expense category I computed the percentage spent in California vs. the percentage spent in Costa Rica. The table below lists the result

To find out more about this, contact Costa Rica Retirement Vacation Properties or ask to include this property   Lifestyle Real Estate Tours when you arrive.  This is also and example of good use of a self directed IRA.

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

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.