Here are some of the questions (and our comments) that are probably the most asked here:
“Are squatters really a problem?”… the answer is YES, they are. But, if you take simple steps to have someone watch your property, they are not. Someone cannot simply break in, establish residence and then not be evicted. The police are obligated to remove squatters. To represent otherwise simply is not true.
“Why do people keep coming back ti me after time to Costa Rica if there really are as many problems as AMCostarica.com or many expats say?” …Well, a lot of expats here do nothing but sit around and complain so everything should be taken with the proverbial grain of salt… BUT the well known problems of increasing crime levels (again, it is a matter of comparison) , “substandard” infrastructure, and horrible bureaucracies… DO exist. But please remember, the supposedly poor infrastructure is not necessarily horrible (especially if you pay NO taxes), the crime levels ARE bad in certain areas and nonexistent in others… remember please, people move here to slow down and enjoy life… try not to whine if things aren’t a replica of back home. Most of us come here to enjoy life. Sometimes those who live here can’t see the forest for the trees.
“I am seriously starting to look at Costa Rica as an option to life in the States… can I buy property and feel comfortable that it is not a risk?”…Because of what has happened throughout the world in the past year, Costa Rica is looking awfully good to an increasing number of people. We at CR Home are finding more and more REAL liquidations and excellent pricing that we believe will reflect phenomenal opportunities. And we truly believe that the next year or two will bring prices which will be looked at in a few years as the “bottom of the market.” Our prices reflect value, not just reductions of 10-15%... We have seen prices in some areas drop as much as 70% (granted, that is unusual ) and continue to see more. We do not believe that the marketplace will recover quickly and continue to counsel patience if looking to buy.
“Are there a lot of poisonous snakes and insects?”… There ARE some but probably less than Arizona or Florida. And some places like Grecia or San Mateo have virtually NO mosquitoes.
“Can I live on my social security in Costa Rica?” …You cannot live like the proverbial king and queen, but you can definitely live better than you can “back home” and your quality of life is infinitely better.
“What are the main downsides to living in Costa Rica?” …At the risk of sounding flip , the main complaint is “things are not the same”… Corny?, sure but because “things” are different a lot of people cannot adjust. I have heard people complain because not enough people speak English (honest )… I have heard people say that the same products here are NOT the same as in the States or Canada… Other complaints and downsides: distance from home, it is simply not a short drive home. Not all people here love gringos… you will encounter very little overt hostility, but it is there and most Ticos (Costa Ricans) will try to take advantage of us because of our lack of experience monetarily (a good example will be: how many of us know how much it really costs to build a home? …not many… and if you have a home out for bid, you will see prices ranging from reasonable to crazy. Why? Because everyone knows we gringos have money trees back home… takes some getting used to.
“How bad is rainy season… REALLY?” …When we first moved here, I hated rainy season because it made me feel trapped. I couldn’t get done as much as I wanted... WHEN I WANTED. Now? It is a pleasure because it forces me to relax… Maybe it is age. Rainy season here does not mean that it rains all the time… normally it is sunny in the morning and gradually the clouds move in and it may rain in late afternoon or evening. That is normal. The major upside is that ALL is green and you swear that you can see plants and trees grow before your very eyes. It is a gardener’s dream.
“Everyone talks about how many crooks and swindlers there are in Costa Rica. Is this true or just a myth?” …Well, there probably are more than “back home” because there are far less rules and regulations for almost anything here VS. there. Can most of the problems be prevented? Yes, without a doubt. Our site has a lot of great advice, check lists, and “things to look out for”…the biggest problem seems to be that people visit Costa Rica and are overwhelmed with the friendliness and beauty everywhere that they allow themselves to be seduced into transactions that they would never do “back home”. Simply exercise the same caution as you would back home…or more.
…And another a little different: “What are the things you love MOST about Costa Rica?”….The diversity, the Sunday drives which allow you to see huge differences in terrain, climate, and even the people; the fact that the country seems to big and yet is smaller than the state of West Virginia; the fact that over ¼ of the country is set aside for national parks; no standing army; better literacy rate and better mortality rate than most “civilized” countries… plus of course, the people are friendly. AND obviously we like the fact that we can do a lot more for a lot less.
New listings for this week…
1. Beachfront… one of the top surfing beaches on the central pacific coast… smaller home, prefab, approximately 600 meters of land or a little less than ¼ acre. This beach is VERY upscale and popular… anything with a roof is ALWAYS rented if desired… the home is smaller, around 900 sf, but clean. Fantastic location. A simple matter to expand. Concession in place. We think that the owner will take around $100,000, which is a steal for this area. (Click the image for enlage)
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2. VERY private… 100 meters to a gorgeous, very small and private beach that very few know about. Property does not have a view of the water but it is only a 2 minute walk. Land is decent sized, about 550 sq. meters and the home is smaller but in good shape… excellent location… and act quickly on this one… only $42,000 AND it is titled. (Click the image for enlage)
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3. Fantastic ocean views… new home one week away from being completed. Very private area and several upscale homes. The home itself is almost 5000 sq. feet, 4 BR, 3 baths, fantastic kitchen, great balcony and terrace areas AND swimming pool. Everything built to American standards and with the highest quality. Half an acre of land. This should be listed at 50% higher, but the builder is distressed. Steal it for $190,000. (Click the image for enlage)
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4. Huge, huge discount… this home is almost 3000 sq. feet, with outbuildings, rancho and fa ntastic pool… and of course, front beach. Well over 3000 meters of land with concession. This home, two years ago would have been on the market for over $500,000. The price now? Only $220,000. (Click the image for enlage)
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5. Large home directly on the beach… upscale area, great surfing beach. Owner is almost 80 years old and cannot take care of his beach home… almost 2000 sf, and just a little less than an acre of land. We think that the owner will take $170K. Needs a little TLC but not much. (Click the image for enlage)
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6. Smaller home, front beach with concession… less than 100 yards to the water. Home in decent shape but definitely needs some TLC. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone to buy beachfront in Costa Rica at a bargain basement price… only $75,000. (Click the image for enlage)
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This week’s properties are phenomenal and the areas represented are all gorgeous and very very well thought of and contain many upscale homes. AND of course, you have surfing, fishing and you have several of the best beaches on the central pacific. Please remember, if you have an interest in any of these properties, it is best to call quickly. The last few beach properties that we have featured have sold almost immediately… Call quickly!
If these properties look good to you, tip your hat to our new scout, Christian, who found them. Good job, Christian!
Hasta luego...
Randy, Rhonda and all of us at CR Home…
p.s. Thank you all who inquired about our new Central pacific expansion program…interested parties can still let us know if you wish additional information… We are VERY encouraged by the response.
Note:
If you can not read this newsletter or view the images you can read it directly online at the following address:
http://www.cr-home.com/newsletter08/newsletter08.htm
Contact Information:
Office: 011-506-2444-0582
Cell: 011-506-8841-5782
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Website: http://www.cr-home.com
