Learning Spanish, or at least the basics, is a must before you arrive in Costa Rica. Traveling to another country is always an exciting adventure full of new sights, sounds, and experiences. However, this experience can be challenging due to the sometimes subtle, and sometimes obvious differences in culture. Add in an unfamiliar language, and…
How important is the quality of the construction when you build a home in Costa Rica? Do you see that building that fell over entirely in the picture on the left? This is an unoccupied building still under construction at Lianhuanan Road in the Minhang district of Shanghai city. One worker was killed. The investigator…
Estimated Reading Time: 3 Minutes I gave my last update on the Costa Rica Luxury Home tax in January this year as a reminder to you all that this annual tax always has to be paid on January 15th. Let’s see what happens with the money that is paid by those who own a luxury…
Why would anybody in his right mind purchase Playa Hermosa Guanacaste real estate also called Hermosa Beach Guanacaste? Playa Hermosa Guanacaste real estate is always a hot place for vacation rentals and vacation homes for expats and locals. Unlike many other beaches in Costa Rica, in Playa Hermosa Guanacaste you will find amenities for all…
20% Of the population living in Escazu is foreign born. Escazu has, therefore, the highest percentage of the population born abroad in the Province of San Jose. This does not mean that those who live in Escazu are mostly foreigners. The demographics do show that there is a high percentage of foreign born. They might…
Estimated Reading Time: 5 Minutes When Isabelle Jones started selling Atenas real estate in 2004, there was only one real estate office in Atenas. Suddenly, Atenas real estate became popular for Costa Rica retirement. Why did Atenas real estate become so attractive? Let’s find out. Isabelle now retired, but she had the advantage of starting…
Some details you should be aware of when buying a condo in Costa Rica. Every city condo and beach condo in Costa Rica has a homeowner association. But the owners don’t really get involved in the management of their building or community. Most condo owners do not live permanently in their condo in Costa Rica…
Are you buying a condo Costa Rica in the wrong place? Before you buy a condo Costa Rica for sale, here are 18 reasons you can be buying in the wrong place. This past weekend, I was showing some condos to clients. While some administrators do not maintain their community and the common areas look…
Costa Rica is a tropical country but even if you live a cool climate, we can assist you. You like to sleep under a blanket and you hate the heat but you would still like to retire to Costa Rica for many other reasons. Well, the American European Real Estate Group has the solution for you. That…
The property owner stole the city park and hoped the buyer wouldn’t figure it out. I’m sure the property owner sold that property to someone else who did not know what was done. I would like to make you aware that there can be certain issues about a property that will not be seen by…
Should you have a good look at the property survey before signing the check to purchase a property? I bet you do! Learn why. You are ready to put an offer on a Costa Rica property. Have you had a look at the survey map, also called the plot map? You probably have not, but…
Ocean view property in Jaco Beach is definitely your best choice if you’re in the market to purchase beach property. If you have traveled as much as I have, then you know that it doesn’t matter where you are, great views are a premium. When you reserve a room in any hotel you will find…
A Southern Caribbean home can be your next vacation home, did you ever think about that? The Costa Rica Caribbean might not have come to your mind if you plan to retire, to start a new life in Costa Rica or purchase a vacation home on the beach, but it will be very beneficial to you…
Condominium Condado de Baviera is located in Bello Horizonte on the east side of Escazu, on what is called “la Calle Alemanes” by the locals. On this street, you’ll find several mansions, estates, and luxury homes. Also, there are some very nice communities with controlled access like Vista Alegre and La Suiza. Condominium Condado de…
Did you know that pets can influence the sale tremendously? I hope you like pets. I have sold properties in Costa Rica for about 20 years now. And still, now and then, I am surprised by the strange things that happen during the showing of the property. Of course, I tell the sellers all the things…
Therefore, Our Costa Rica Home Specialist Rudy Matthews follows up on San Jose East Side specialist Patrick Mulheren’s last month For Sale by owner Costa Rica articles. These articles look at FSBO or not FSBO from a sellers’ perspective and from a buyers’ perspective. Rudy writes: I share with you comments that I hope will be informational and…