• View Properties
  ALAJUELA CARTAGO GUANACASTE HEREDIA LIMON PUNTARENAS SAN JOSE

Costa Rica Real Estate - Tips and Information for those considering Investing in Costa Rica

Before You Buy Real Estate in Costa Rica

OBTAIN LEGAL ADVISE

Like most things in life, advice is worth what you pay for it, and good advice can save thousands of dollars by setting up a sound investment strategy if you are considering the purchase of Costa Rica real estate.

Every ethical real estate broker in Costa Rica highly recommends that the buyer should use their own lawyer, or get a reference from your real estate broker on a well known lawyer specializing in, or very well educated in, land research and property law in Cost Rica. The legal system in Costa Rica is very unique and problems with liens, boundary markers, title holder records, and several other factors affecting the title can be discovered in a diligent search of the existing records associated with the real estate in question. Purchasing a house or new home is a very important investment and ensuring that no problems with the land or title exist should be a primary factor. This will ensure the property purchase is not delayed by unexpected problems, or even worse, that problems come to light after the sale has been finalized.

NEVER rely on a title search performed by the seller, sellers agent, broker or attorney. Insist on an independent title search by your lawyer or hire an independent specialist to perform the title search. We highly recommend Stewart Title, to assist in your real estate transaction. They are well known and recognized throughout North and Central America for their experience in real estate matters.

CHECK OUT THE REAL ESTATE LOCATION

Does the location offer the services and conveniences you expect?

Many area of Costa Rica do not have the services or conveniences that North Americans or have become accustomed to. Check the area to assure all of the modern conveniences and infrastructure are available in the area you are considering. Make a quick list of things you feel are necessary to live in the style you are use to. Do you want cable TV, Satellite news from around the world instead of local Spanish TV, high speed internet, public power grids, public water, trash service, telephone, schools, shopping centers, modern grocery stores, or shopping? Living in many areas of Costa Rica will not afford these luxuries. If you would enjoy living deep in the rainforest on the Osa Peninsula, with limited modern conveniences and wild animals as neighbors, Costa Rica has a place for that too.

Be particularly mindful of Costa Rica's climates. San Jose's urban valley, the Guanacaste dry pampas, San Vito's rugged mountainous terrain; Zancudo's tropical fall rains and remoteness, Osa's primitive rugged peninsula and the tropical rainforests on the Caribbean coast. Each has its own habitat and personality, but seek the one that best fits your lifestyle. Once you've found your climate and lifestyle make sure that you'll be close to what you find important.

COMPARE LOCATIONS

After narrowing your real estate selections down to a limited few choice pieces of property make a list of the good and bad features, lifestyle alternatives and services available at each. Develop a grading system on a 1 to 10 basis and score each property based on your lifestyle. Next grade each from a long term investment standpoint; consider market conditions, quality of the house construction, the neighborhood, surrounding areas and any other features that could affect the property resalr value and appreciation. After a detailed analysis of the two results, your decision should be easier.