Almost six years ago when Rhonda and I moved to Costa Rica, rainy season , at least for me, was a “season” to be endured.    After all, we moved here to enjoy the outdoors, the sun and all that Costa Rica offers…how could rain ( at least a lot of it) be a good thing?   And…every day?…a little too much time being forced to be indoors.   
Now?…rainy season in the mountains brings unbelievable colors and an almost infinite variety of flowers and blooms…the parrots return in full force…and the country literally takes on a different hue and shape.   And not only that…the rain forces me…a confirmed Type A…to slow down.    Oh, did I mention the unbelievable number of rainbows of every size and shape? …and the rolling thunder that can last for hours?…and the different forms that the rain can take…from the gentle mist to the pounding downpours to the rolling fog that can cover the entire mountain.   And the rains bring new dimensions and colors to each individual property and hill…  and each new twig, bush or flower planted now will be unrecognizable in only a few months. 
And of course, it typically does NOT rain all day…on the average a couple of hours in the late afternoon and sometimes into the evening.    And the rain is different at almost every location throughout the country… from the rains in San Carlos which strike throughout the year…to the opposite seasons on the Caribbean coast…to the fog and rain of the mountains…to the sometimes flooding of the coastal areas…to the over 250 inches of rain that the rain forest areas bring.   It is all Costa Rica. 
Rainy season has started early this year.,,so plan accordingly. 

Many of our readers ask us why we are so “up” on the areas of Grecia, Sarchi, Naranjo and Poas?    In a nutshell…it is far enough away from the “big city” of San Jose to be almost crime free and away from the pollution of thousands of diesels and the problems that urban areas almost always seem to bring.   It is clean…almost everyone comments upon the cleanliness of “our town” versus other areas in Costa Rica or throughout Latin America.   The views are stunning…and the surroundings are green and lush…it is rural; coffee and sugar cane are still a huge part of the community and , if tractors pulling coffee or cane bother you…stay away.   The ambience is slower and families are still more important than almost any other facet of life.   And it shows.    It is like the 50s were in the States and Canada…when life was simpler, and more “fun”.   And lastly….water is pure, air is clean, roads are good and you are still less than an hour from San Jose and about the same to the Pacific beaches.     These areas are growing and have definitely been “discovered”…not only by “gringos” but by “ticos” who are exiting areas such as Santa Ana and Escazu and moving here because of a better life untouched by the problems that urban life brings. 

Many of you know that I was in the States visiting my parents and daughter last week .    My visit and return reinforce the “rightness” of our decision to move here and indeed, to begin a new life here.  All of those people that thought we were crazy now are asking us for specifics about life here.   For us…Costa Rica was , and still is, the right place at the right time .

We have a few new offerings this month: 

The first is probably premature, but it is a preliminary offering….we are purchasing a 4-5 manzana (7-9 acres )piece of property which has to be one of the most beautiful , and most unusual we have ever offered…it is in the mountains above Grecia…has the requisite panoramic Central Valley views…BUT this property also has a 100 foot waterfall on the property coupled with a river, second , smaller waterfall with swimming hole…jungle, wildlife, trees galore AND almost total privacy.   It is the only property of its kind in the entire area.   It is our intent to purchase the property, bring in utilities and a road ( approximately 350 meters ) and sell smaller lots.  The area will be gated and will be completely one of a kind.   We estimate that each lot will sell for $100,000 and there will be a total of only four with the balance of the land being common area.     Initial amount to be raised will be ( a guesstimate today ) approximately  $170,000 with the principles retaining 30% of the net profits.    Please indicate quickly if you have an interest  as the “eucalyptus” property offering was subscribed within two days.    Minimum investment will be $25,000.     A good example of the direction that land in Grecia is going…. A one acre parcel with views last week was purchased by a local Tico for $100,000 …and there are almost no smaller view properties left in the area.   Expensive?… yes, but still land is but a fraction of what property is selling for in Santa Ana and Escazu. 

Two smaller view properties in the mountains above Grecia…one directly on a public ( main road ) for convenience….and the other about 50 yards off…both have gorgeous views,  utilities almost on the properties,  each is ¼ of an acre or 1000 sq. meters…priced at  $31,000 and $26,000 respectively. 

Sales are going well at both  Ventanas San Mateo and Playa Azul…with construction on both estimated to begin within 30-45 days.   Two homes on each will be erected immediately.   www.azul-costarica.com   www.crventanas.com  We have had several people ask if they get a discount for being subscribers to the newsletter…so, here goes:  , Ventanas:  smaller ocean view lot of half an acre…all utilities installed…lot only $35,000 down with the balance payable over three years ( amortized over 10 years ) with a balloon… a perfect way to get an ocean view lot in a jungle and resort setting…AND don’t forget the teak!    A great way to speculate on property values rising in the area with the new road nearing completion to the pacific coast. ..two only ! Pueblo Escondido:  purchase a lot now with the balance due , with an agreement to build in one year…reserve for $10,000 with a balance of $40,000 due in 60 days.     Don’t forget…this includes all amenities including pool, clubhouse and gated development  AND the mighty pacific ocean only a two minute walk away!   This is limited to the first two takers!
Two fixer uppers now being offered for resale at Playa Azul…one for $40,000...great view and superb location…the other is $55,000, gorgeous private lot and 150 yards to the pacific beaches.   The latter is in excellent shape and the former needs a little work.   Excellent buys.      Talk to  russ@teamrussellgroup   about life in ownership in Playa Azul.   He purchased there about two years ago.  
 

Last newsletter we mentioned that there were three new properties in Bajamar…finally , here are the pictures…and the average price is the in low to mid $40s…area is fantastic, secluded and teeming with wildlife…fantastic views and only a short walk to several public AND private beaches.  Properties in this area are a rare find.   
 

We have one lot in www.lasbrisascostarica.net   which we are selling at a reduced price…we are selling one property only here at a discount…far less than market value and a fantastic place to live.    Ask us for details

Back in the saddle again…
Randy y Rhonda; Steve y Marzena; Char y Rodrigo, Dolan y Logan; Liffer and Yolanda; Albert y Francini; Russ and Rowena and Chuck ( Stateside ) ;  and of course the ubiquitous Woodpecker, Alvaro.

p.s. one last item… I am still looking for one , possibly two additions to our staff: my ideal person will be outgoing ( or at least personable and interested in people ) , a self starter possessed of initiative, high energy and be creative.    Real estate background is not essential or even preferred.   I cannot be more specific as there are a lot of people that could really “make” their own position here.   BUT, if you want virtually unlimited opportunity here in Costa Rica… the opportunity to make a good living AND the chance to virtually “start over” again…call me.   I am looking for someone NOW.   Please also understand that you will not be given something for nothing but the opportunities are huge and almost infinite. 

p.s. please note the changes in our telephone numbers:
Office toll free:  1-877-262-8904
Toll free:  home:  1-877-247-3014
Home: 011-506-2-444-8716
Cell:  011-506-8-841-5782