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Today is a big day; it’s the closing day on the property you are buying in Costa Rica. Local real estate agents do not give additional relocation services. They’ll show up at the closing to make sure the seller pays them the real estate commission, but don’t expect them to go the extra mile for you. Some details are easily forgotten by the different parties involved, and we want you to relax and not freak out after the closing. So, I thought to give you a few Costa Rica real estate recommendations.
The last two weeks before closing day are always hectic since organizing the move to a new house is a lot of work. Hopefully, your real estate agent has helped handle all the usual issues that give anyone a headache. Did your real estate agent and your real estate lawyer work well together? Did they take care of all the necessary documents, the bank financing, and the walk-through before going to closing?
Do you think you’re done now? There’s nothing else to worry about? Find out if you can relax, or if you need to follow our 12 Costa Rica real estate recommendations after closing day
12 Costa Rica real estate recommendations
You don’t want to arrive at your new house and find out that the water and power are shut off, and many other promises by the seller were not kept. Any real estate closing involves many details. Do not get caught empty-handed. Therefore, I’d like to share the following recommendations:
1. Internet & TV
Did you sign the new internet and cable TV contracts? Ask your agent to check with the company to see if it’s possible to write a new contract with the same company at the exact location number, without disconnecting the former owner’s service. If the cable company can’t get you connected fast, get a prepaid chip from any of the phone companies on your cell phone in the meantime. As a result, you will be able to watch TV on closing day.
2. The Locks
Also, change the locks of all the exterior doors. A cheaper option is to replace just the cylinder, and you might use the master key to unlock the locks. Some sellers have handed out keys to real estate agents, friends, and family, and you don’t want to walk anyone into your house unannounced. Change the codes on your garage and gate remote controls.
3. Water & Power
Find your water shut-off valve and circuit breaker panel or breaker box. Identify all the circuit breakers in the breaker box and label them so that in case of an emergency, you will know right away which breaker to shut off without leaving the whole house without power. If your property has a water-backup system, find out how to operate the pressure pump. If you’ve had a home inspection done, you can ask your inspector to assist with this.
4. The Neighbors
Go meet your new neighbors. Maybe you could bring a nice gift when you introduce yourselves. Ask your neighbors about the farmer’s market, good shopping, neighborhood security, and other handy info if you get a chance.
5. The Garbage
Also, find out when garbage pickup is, on which day(s), and at what time. Is the garbage recycled, and on what day should it be put out? Are there any other tips? Also, find out if there is a Bulk Waste Day in your community.
6. Administration
If you bought a condo, you’re supposed to have received a balance statement and a letter with the deed, introducing you as the new owner. Introduce yourself to the condominium administrator, ask them to introduce you to all the guards, write down their names, and find out how to contact them in case of an emergency. Find out when the next homeowner meeting is and ask for any pertinent information on the last meeting. Inside your condo, you should change the batteries in the fire detector.
7. Your Address
Get help from your real estate agent or a neighbor to get the correct Tico address and draw a map so the people you invite to your housewarming party can find it. You will also want to have a mailing address in Costa Rica.
8. Repairs
Go through the home inspection repair list. Were repairs to be made, were they repaired by the seller, or should you make the repairs before moving in?
9. Unlist the property
Ask the seller for the names of all the real estate agents who listed the property. Then you can email all of them to introduce yourself as the new owner and let them know the house has been sold. Thank them for their efforts and ask them to take the property off their website.
10. The Deed
Ask your lawyer to let you know as soon as your purchase–sale deed is registered in your name. And ask him/her to send you the certification by email. Use this certification to change the power meter, phone, and water into your name. Put the date on which the utilities are due on your agenda.
11. The Municipality
With the same certification from your lawyer, you should go to your municipality and change the registration of your property from the former owner’s name to your name. Find out when and where you have to pay your property tax (impuestos municipales) and put it on your agenda. Learn all about Costa Rica taxes here.
12. The Party
Also, last but not least, invite your friends and new neighbors to your housewarming party. Do not forget to invite your real estate agent!
If you read Costa Rica real estate recommendations before you purchase a house in Costa Rica, try one of our agents because we are very good at what we do and look out for your interests. Contact us now for an appointment.
Featured image from Freepik.
