Costa Rica Real Estate

There is one very positive benefit of Costa Rica real estate which most people do not talk about.  The Costa Rica property that you purchase today is a great investment in your future.

There are two equally important points to this.  First, if you purchase a piece of Costa Rica real estate at today’s cost, it will amount to financial security in the future.  Even if property costs rise during the upcoming years or decades, you will have the home that you want.  You will not be affected by potentially higher costs in the housing market in the future.  As the Costa Rica real estate market, like all others, is generally quite difficult to predict, so the sooner you select the type of investment you want, the sooner you will be free from worries about future housing costs.

Second, your Costa Rica real estate property will be an excellent asset.  If you should decide you that you wish to sell your property in Costa Rica at a later point in time you will be able to get a very fair price for it.  In addition, if you make improvements to your property, this will increase its resale value.  The overall worth of your property is not completely dependent on what you pay for it now–  many types of easy home improvements and even additions to the landscaping will make it worth much more.

Opera Salvaje Costa Rica home for sale

Both of these factors make it easy to see why an investment in Costa Rica real estate truly is an investment in your future.  You will have the security of a beautiful home in a prime location, and the option of making money from it if you decide to sell it later on at a profit or earn rental revenue while it is vacant. If you are seriously considering making an investment in Costa Rica real estate, you owe it to yourself, to contact a trusted and proven real estate brokerage like Coldwell Banker Jaco. Call them to discuss your ideas or plans and they will help make them come true. You can contact Lisle Head by using this contact form or you can call 866-403-1345 to learn about your options for investing in Costa Rica.

Many people are drawn to the Costa Rica real estate market because while many areas in the world have a stagnant market, the property values in Costa Rica are rising at a significant rate. Therefore, it has never been a better time to invest in Costa Rica real estate and make your own financial gains by developing the property. Even people who are simply looking to retire are flocking to the Costa Rica shores and buying up their own Costa Rica real estate because they cannot think of a more delightful temperate place to retire.

If you are one of the many people interested in retiring or investing in Costa Rica real estate, there are a few things you need to know in order to proceed with picking a property and finalizing the Costa Rica real estate purchase. First of all, the land varies across Costa Rica, so there are many different types of Costa Rica real estate that you may interesting in purchasing depending on if you want to live more in the relaxing mountain ranges, or closer to the shores and larger cities. Therefore, many people enjoy renting Costa Rica real estate for a few years before deciding which area is the best place to purchase or invest in.

One thing you should know is that with the exception of a few beach areas, for the most part the first 50 meters of the Costa Rica oceanfront real estate is not available for development or purchase. This is to preserve the natural beauty of the area, so if you want to live in these sections, you are going to need to invest some time finding a natural citizen who owns Maritime land to sell. Therefore, you might consider looking for Costa Rica real estate that is more central to the nation.

If you have travelled Central America you can describe most of the countries by a few words. Guatemala has its large indigenous Indian culture along with their rustic colonial era architecture. The same can be said about Nicaragua but without the Indian culture which is isolated on the Caribbean coast, colonial towns like Granada really give you a feel what it was like living here during the colonial era. Panama is the Miami Beach south of the border with its chic high rises and young population and good roads. Then we have Costa Rica the ecological trailblazer with vast areas of protected forest and wild animals that has attracted people from around the world to make tourism in Costa Rica the second largest source of income and it is still growing(hint for property investors). Most travelers would agree that another overall descriptive of Central America is the low cost of living in this part of the world and its delightful weather zones from tropical rain forests to mountainous cloud forests offers everyone a place to visit.

Ever since the Iran-Contra scandal people had this image of Central America as a dangerous area to visit and not friendly to northern Americans. But in the last 15 years Central America has been lifted out of this obscure, war torn, guerrilla war to a peaceful region. Sitting in the middle of most of the Central American drama is the democratic republic of Costa Rica which has no military and has been an important ally of the United States for the last 60 years. Once people got the idea out of their heads that Central America is a war zone, tourism began. Costa Rica where capitalism has prospered; was the first country to see its future and made the adjustments needed to attract an international tourism market. As a result, with political and economic stability, it is no secret why Costa Rica has become an area of foreign dwellers who are investing their money in second homes, vacation homes, and investment properties. Today, Costa Rica has excellent and low cost healthcare, excellent private schools and prep schools, high speed internet on the ever increasing fiber optic network, low crime, and low taxes. All of these features continue to attract property investors and developers alike. You cannot have one without the other and Coldwell Banker Jaco has been helping clients and developers find the right investment for them. Lisle Head broker/owner of Coldwell Banker Jaco in Costa Rica can help you make a balanced and rewarding decision for you and your pocketbook. He has helped many people make the dream of living in the rain forest a reality for people just like you. So give Lisle a call today at 866-403-1345 to discuss your options and you will be pleasently surprised to find that Lisle genuinely wants to help you.

Now that you are here, walking on the beach during the sunset, having a drink beside the pool, enjoying lunch at the marina with friends, tee time at 6 for 18 holes and/or hiking in the rainforest is wonderful but for most people who are adventurous enough to purchase a property in Costa Rica they are going to want to discover more. So stay tuned for the second part of this article which addresses the opportunities here in Costa Rica for travel, adventure, and business opportunities that can keep your daily life rewarding and abundant.

Ten Powerful Reasons to Buy in Costa Rica Now!

1. GREAT CLIMATE YEAR ROUND

There are lots of reasons people choose to live and invest in Costa Rica, but the beautiful weather has to be one of the top reasons. There are two seasons; summer and winter. For people who enjoy warm, tropical weather and are looking to get away from the harsh North American winters, then the Costa Rican Pacific Coast is an ideal place.

2. COSTA RICA REAL ESTATE IS STILL STRONG

Although real estate markets have plummeted throughout the United States, Costa Rica is only experiencing a slower selling time and the average property prices do not appear to be less than they were prior to the economic down turn.

3. COSTA RICA, NOT JUST A DESTINATION FOR NORTH AMERICANS.

In the first quarter of 2007 foreign investment in Costa Rica was up 300%. 51% of visitors to Costa Rica came from North America and 49% from the rest of the world.

4. A BABY BOOMERS PARADISE

With thousands of baby boomers retiring and millions of others approaching retirement age, many in this age bracket are searching for a second home or vacation property that offers a warm, tropical climate, government stability, safety, a reputable medical system and a combination of adventure and tranquility all wrapped up in an upscale, environmentally conscious dwelling.

5. COSTA RICA IS NO LONGER A THIRD WORLD COUNTRY

In a third world country you would not expect to find access to excellent healthcare, a literacy rate of 94.9% (estimated in 2006), an education system that is ranked 40th in the world, an abundance of clean, drinkable water, high speed Internet, cable and satellite T.V., great food, personal safety, a reasonably low cost of living by North American standards and a society and government that is environmentally conscious. All of these things are readily available in Costa Rica.

6. DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT WITH STRONG STABILITY

Costa Rica is often referred to as the “Switzerland of Central America”. Costa Rica has one of the most democratic governments in Latin America with a reputation as one of the most stable, prosperous, and least corrupt Latin American countries. In 2006, Óscar Arias Sánchez was elected president. Arias, who had served as president once before (1986 to 1990), won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987 for fostering peace talks that eventually ended the civil wars in El Salvador and Nicaragua. In November 2008, the Costa Rican government voted to implement the Central American Free Trade Agreement that Costa Rican voters had approved in October 2007.

7. EASY ACCESSIBILITY

If you left your home in the morning, you could be enjoying a beverage by the pool at Wyndham Jaco Beach before a beautiful sunset, that same day. There are direct flights from most major cities to San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital. Then it’s a quick 70 mile drive to Jaco Beach. Once the new highway from San Jose to the Central Pacific has been completed the drive time should be nearly half the time, what used to take approximately 2 hours will soon be reduced to about an hour.

8. EXCELLENT MEDICAL CARE

In a study conducted by the U.N. in the 1980s, Costa Rica’s medical system was first in Latin America and ranked near the United States and Canada, among the 20 best in the world. This statistic remains very much the same today.

The World Health Organization’s “The World Health Report 1995” place Costa Rica third in life expectancy. Costa Rica’s laid back lifestyle, healthy, fresh, non-preservative laden foods, tropical climate and a population that is very much family oriented all add to the fact that Costa Rica is a healthy place to live.

With a government-sponsored network of 29 hospitals and more than 250 clinics throughout the country, the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS) is mainly responsible for providing low cost health services to the Costa Rican population. Foreigners living in Costa Rica can join the CCSS by paying a small monthly fee, based on their income or they can buy health insurance, from the State monopoly Instituto de Seguro Nacional (INS), valid with over 200 affiliated doctors, hospitals, labs and pharmacies, in the private sector. Dental work, from fillings to implants, is done routinely on people from every corner of the world.

9. A SMALL COUNTRY WITH LOTS TO DO!

Depending on your preference, there is an abundance of outdoor activities in the Central Pacific area. Jaco has the reputation of being a “surfing town”, so if surfing is your passion or you’d like to make it your passion, this is the place for you. Fishing out of the 200 slip marina, horseback riding, sea kayaking, hiking or bird watching are just some of the great outdoor adventures available in the area. However, if curling up with a good book on your private terrace is your preferred past time, that too is okay. Dining out is a fantastic adventure as well. Fresh fish, fruit and foods to please any palette are easily available.

10. INVEST REALISTICALLY IN TODAY’S ECONOMY

Edit:: The Wyndham project is on hold and all deposit monies have been returned to our clients. The project will recommence once the equity markets stablize.

We are all aware of the state of the world economy and therefore it is important to carefully consider where to invest your money. There is no doubt that the real estate market in Costa Rica has slowed down, but this is a time to invest in a place that will certainly boom, like the popular beach town of Jaco. And there is no better investment in Jaco than the Wyndham Jaco Beach, backed by the trusted Wyndham name. The new highway, slated to be complete by mid-2010, will connect the capital city of San Jose with the Central Pacific area of Costa Rica, which will bring even more demand to Jaco. The excitement and anticipation surrounding the completion of this highway is always on the minds of the locals and foreigners who call Jaco home. We are convinced that once this highway is opened, the area will undergo an even bigger boom.

We feel that investing in a 5 star beachfront condominium at Wyndham Jaco Beach will prove to be a wise choice. Consider this purchase as a ground level investment; one that will likely increase in value as Jaco continues to enjoy the benefits of an area visited by tourists, year round from all over the world.

Courtesy of Wyndham Jaco Beach & Coldwell Banker Jaco is the exclusive real estate broker for Wyndham Jaco Beach.

If you are interested in learning how to purchase a condominium or beach home as a vacation home and/or as an investment to earn rental revenue, please call Lisle Head at 866-403-1345 Lisle can discuss your options with you and help maximize your investment! Coldwell Banker Jaco prides itself on its integrity and its track record of success. Take a look at our Costa Rica Real Estate Testimonials section, we let our actions speak for themselves.

Costa Rica Condo Investment Opportunities are on the Rise!

If you are interested in purchasing a condominium, Costa Rica would be a great place to make your purchase. The economy of the country is thriving, and the people of Costa Rica are turning their coastal villages from wilderness to investment opportunity paradise. Condo projects are established and new ones are breaking ground every few months. As a result, property management services are moving into town. They handle everything from paying your taxes to renting out your condo to earn you rental revenue. There are many reliable property management companies that will care for your property while you are out of the country.

The proof of this growth outside of Jaco Beach Condos and the central Pacific market is a $400 million dollar development being built in the Guanacaste Province. At this time, locals and foreign investors alike are prospering. The construction, business, and property sales in the region have been growing by leaps and bounds.

The central bank of Costa Rica states that foreign investment in the country has tripled in the last twelve to eighteen months. The largest growth throughout the country has been in the tourist industry. Local and foreign entrepreneurs alike are buying up boutique hotels, and other developments. Very few of the developers are mega corporations and most are families and individuals whom have been attracted to Costa Rica by the weather and the natural beauty of the country. It is this segment of the investment market that make up the bulk of new construction and as a group they are making a large investments in the central Pacific area. All types of people from all around the globe have discovered the earning potential of owning a condominium in Costa Rica. A condominium makes a wonderful vacation home, and after your vacation, you can rent it for the rest of the year making a huge profit.

If you want to purchase a condominium here in Jaco Beach you might want to consider one of the projects that offers in house professional property management. For single family homes or lots, property management services can prevent you from dealing with a squatter while you are away or out of the country. The benefit of having a professional property manager is numerous, and it allows you to feel confident when you leave the country. Plus a good manager can earn you rental revenues which can help augment your condo fees. Remember, these services are either paid for by sharing of the rental revenue or a guaranteed fee each month. The first fee structure is obvious, no rent, no fees. The second fee structure offers you a fee per month regardless of the rentals. The flipside is, the rental manager can earn huge profits since everything above their monthly fee is profit for them. Some owners like this because it gives them a lower but steady income each month. You will have no trouble renting your property here in Costa Rica The market is exploding as a tourist and vacation destination each year.

If you are interested in learning how to purchase a condominium or beach home as a vacation home and/or as an investment to earn rental revenue, please call Lisle Head at 866-403-1345 Lisle can discuss your options with you and help maximize your investment! Coldwell Banker Jaco prides itself on its integrity and its track record of success. Take a look at our Costa Rica Real Estate Testimonials section, these are real people just like you.

In Costa Rica, condo ownership represents an appealing alternative to single family home ownership. In the past, condo ownership was dominated by singles and couples with an empty nest. Today, more families are experiencing the benefits of owning a condo but even with the growing trend, owning a condo is not for everyone. For example, owning a Costa Rica condo in Jaco Beach may provide access to luxurious amenities and limit your time spent on maintenance, there can be some restrictions that Costa Rica vacation home owners do not experience. Here we will discuss the differences of owning a Costa Rica Condo or a beach vacation home. Understanding the unique benefits each property type has will ensure you make the right choice when buying Costa Rica property.

The two most basic factors in choosing what property type is right for you is location and lifestyle. Here in Jaco Beach single family homes are scarce compared to the inventory of condominiums. As a result, Jaco Beach condos are always in demand and appreciate faster than the local vacation home market. Also, because your property is a vacation home that would mean maintenance and upkeep will not get your attention most of the year which makes a condo a better choice. Homeowner associations dues pay for general maintenance and security of your property which makes condos worry-free for owners which is very important when your vacation property is in another country. In addition, traditional families with young children choose single family homes for extra space for children to play. However, condos provide amenities such as swimming pools, tennis courts and large open areas to help families relax and play. Economically, the condo-hotel business model allows you to earn rental revenue which is not readily available for single family homes. However, there is far more to consider than location and lifestyle when deciding which type of Costa Rica vacation property is best for you.

The type of property ownership is a prime example of the differences between condos and single family homes. In the simplest terms, owners of single family homes are entitled to exclusive ownership, while most condo owners are subject to certain forms of shared ownership. Purchasing a single family homes provides you with exclusive ownership which allows you to do what you want on your property. Purchasing a Jaco Beach condo provides exlusive ownership within the condo but outside common areas are usually owned by the association and your condo is governed by a set of rules enforced by the same homeowner association which keeps your investment worry-free. If you chooose to purchase a condo, it is important to read the Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) before making a commitment. These documents include all the rules condo owners must follow and can vary widely between condo projects. If you have indoor pets or other specific needs, make sure these are addressed in the CC&Rs to prevent any unwanted surprises. If you don’t understand any part of the CC&Rs when purchasing a condo, Coldwell Banker Jaco Costa Rica will clarify them for you. Also, Coldwell Banker Jaco broker/owner Lisle Head will not sell a condo which does not have a CCR and/or a set of unreasonable rules that would make condo ownership a burden rather than enjoyment.

While shared ownership of a condo might seem restrictive to potential investors, there are cerrtainly plenty of benefits. The obvious and most often forgotten benefit especially when the condo is in a foreign country is maintenance. A single family home owner is solely responsible for any problems with the properties, incurring all costs of needed repairs and for securing the property when it is not occupied to prevent any type of squatting. This is a forgone issue when owning Costa Rica property in the form of a condo. Finally, if you are considering which property type to invest in make sure you consider the revenue potential that the condo-hotel business model offers. It is true that there are many management companies that offer single family home owners services such as renting out the property and maintenance but they do not have the same motivation of a condo association. The homeowner association is collectively the custodian of your property and has a shared interest in keeping your property secure and in good condition which is a great relief to most investors when purchasing a property in a foreign country.

If you still have questions about which property is best for you to purchase here in Costa Rica, contact Coldwell Banker Costa Rica here in Jaco Beach to discuss this further.You can Coldwell Bank by calling directly 866-403-1495 or email by using the contact form located here. Visit the Coldwell Banker website to find more information about buying property in Costa Rica and to browse the Costa Rica Real Estate listings.

If you have already visited the Central Pacific part of Costa Rica, you are propbably familiar with the prestigious Los Sueños Resort and Marina, located in Herradura, just a couple miles outside Jaco Beach. The Los Suenos Resort represents home to many people who wanted unsurpassed luxury for their vacation home or retirement. With lush landscaped gardens, outstanding vistas, and renowned throughout the world, it’s no wonder why it is such a sought out destination for those looking to purchase property in Costa Rica.

Besides having the only full-service Marina in the area, Los Sueños features amenities and services that have become synonymous with luxury real estate. To name a few features, there is the Marriott Los Suenos Resort hotel, 18-hole championship golf course designed by Ted Robinson Jr., exclusive Beach Club for residents, and exclusive shopping in the Los Sueños Marina Village. Right now there is a great opportunity to purchase your dream vacation home or a luxurious home for your retirement in the Los Suenos Resort.

This property is the typical luxury that you can expect when purchasing a condo or home in the Los Suenos Resort. This Veranda Residence has 2 bed/2 bath, with 1400 sq ft. and is fully furnished with its own private garden. Priced to sell at $440,000 makes this the lowest priced 2 bedroom property in the entire Los Suenos Resort. The current owner will consider all serious offers, which means this seller is motivated. A motivated seller, a low asking price, and its Los Suenos location is rare, so when this happens the property will sell very fast. Veranda Residences location provides easy access to all of the resort’s amenities. Located within 200 yards of this Costa Rica listing is the Los Suenos Golf Course, the bars, the restaurants, and the Los Suenos Casino. Plus a few more minutes walking will land you on the famous Los Suenos Marina.

To get a list of all resales in the resort, or if we can help you find something specific just let us know and we’ll be happy to help you make Los Suenos Costa Rica more than just a dream. To view the complete listing for this Los Suenos property click here.

Remember, a low price, a motivated seller, and a luxurious location will create a buzz amongst those seeking to purchase a Costa Rica home for a great low price. Give us a call if you are interested in this listing. If you are interested in something different we can help you with that too. Coldwell Banker Jaco has created many lasting relationships with both buyers and sellers. Coldwell Banker’s accountability and integrity is reassuring and instills confidence when considering the purchase of a property abroad. Contact your Costa Rica real estate agent at Coldwell Banker by using this contact form or you may call toll free at 866-403-1345

It seems everywhere you look in the states there are “firesales” for desperate homeowners trying to adjust to the economic conditions in the US. Many have equity tied up in the property and are desperate to sell so they can use the liquid funds for other purposes. That is not the case here in Costa Rica real estate or even Jaco Costa Rica Real Estate.

While you might find people advertising “Costa Rica condos at firesale prices” the reality is very few properties have sold below their purchase price which is what defines “firesale prices.” In Jaco real estate, the property values have been holding steady since this period last year and new Jaco condo sales continue with a slightly lower volume than this period last year. In other words, Jaco Costa Rica Real Estate owners are not desperate and using the phrase “Costa Rica homes at firesale prices” is nothing but a marketing ploy.

However, for their own personal reasons, Costa Rica property owners have chosen to sell their property at prices that would motivate potential buyers. Here is a great listing of a motivated but not desperate Jaco Costa Rica condo owner:

Oceanviews from the master bedroom and a beachfront location of this condo with a turnkey package. Priced to sell at $350,000!

This Costa Rica condo listing is part of a brand new beachfront community which will finish the construction phase in December 2009, just a few weeks away. This is a great opporunity to purchase at pre-construction prices on a Jaco beachfront community.

The Palms, located in Jaco Beach features 34, 2 bed/2 bath units (1550 sq ft) located on the beach which give all units unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean. Besides having on-site property management, all units will come completely furnished. The Palms is the developer’s fourth project in Jaco, and is one of the most reputable developers in the country. Currently, we have two sellers who are “motivated”, a third floor and sixth floor unit. These sellers are motivated and not DESPERATE. Will they listen to offers? Yes. When we say as low as $350,000 for unobstructed oceanview beachfront such as this, you should take notice.

Coldwell Banker Jaco has maintained that Costa Rica beach front property is and always will be a premium location which is why you see so many development on the beach. One might imagine that there must be many condos available for sale in this area but in reality there are very few 100% fully titled beach front condos in Jaco Costa Rica for sale and the number of opportunities outside Jaco is virtually non-existent. Because this is the type of property that most people prefer to both purchase and rent, it is clear that Jaco is one of the best places in the market to invest. Getting a great price like this just makes it even better!

If you are interested in learning how to purchase a condominium or beach home for your own enjoyment or to earn rental revenue, please call Lisle Head at 866-403-1345 Lisle can discuss your options with you that are the right ones! Coldwell Banker Jaco prides itself on its integrity and its track record of success. Take a look at our Costa Rica Real Estate Testimonials section, these are real people just like you.