Are There Any Honest Realtors In Costa Rica?!
After 10 years of extended visits to Costa Rica I moved here with my eyes wide-open as to what Costa Rica is and what I liked about it.
Still, as mentioned here on Costa Rica Blogger entry, "Moving Day - Chicago to Costa Rica (a REAL reality check!)":
"there is absolutely no adequate preparation for moving to a new country" ... "the panic was not so much acute as it was; what the hell have I just done to myself" ... "Where was my safety net?!"With all the supposed Costa Rica 'resources' only telling one side of the story and twisting the many truths such as "free health care" in order paint Costa Rica as utopia while trying to 'sell paradise', it is truly refreshing to read an honest account of what can be expected from an actual Costa Rica Realtor.
FULL DISCLOSURE: Costa Rica Blogger has no first-hand knowledge of the following Realtor, does not recommend his services and has no financial interest in any business the Realtor may gain from the sharing of this article. The information below is simply honest from our perspective which may demonstrate the overall character of the author - an important trait, especially when considering moving to and buying property in a foreign country.
This year, Costa Rica was elected "Happiest Place to Live" according to the independent Happy Planet Index (HPI). In addition to this, Costa Rica also took top honors as the "Greenest Country" in the same HPI report.
We've all seen the ads on the internet and television, with people horseback riding, jumping from waterfalls and surfing the amazing waves of Costa Rica's Pacific coast. Not to mention the incredibly dense rainforests of the Costa Rican jungles. All of which is true...it can all be had in Costa Rica. However, moving to Costa Rica as your permanent residency has more to consider than just paradise. Let me list a few items you may want to consider before making the move.
1.) Beach life. Sounds dreamy I know! However what is often overlooked by people moving to Costa Rica from colder climates is the intense heat and humidity of life on the beach. This is no joke. It is very common to see people come to Costa Rica with tunnel vision and set on buying at the beach, only to find that a year or so later after enduring the temperatures of the scorching heat, that they would prefer to live higher up in altitude to get the cooler breezes. Beach homes require air conditioning 24/7 which in a country where electricity is tight, and expensive, this can become a problem. Humidity is often 90-100%.
2.) Creature comforts of home fly out the window when choosing Costa Rica life. The life you once had back home, well let me tell you one thing that will ring true the moment you arrive, "Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas any more." A few of the things we (foreigners) take for granted are running water, electricity, accountability, paved roads (sin wacos) and habitual foods of particular brands. Non of which should be 'assumed' to be available to you in Costa Rica. Consider them more....well...ummm...seasonal! You'll get your water 'ahorita'. Which in English translates to, "you will get your water sometime between 10 mins and 3 hours."
3.) Bureaucracy. If you are the type of person who always wants something done quickly and efficiently. Maybe you should think about that before moving to Costa Rica. The Tico (Costa Ricans) version of "you want it when?" is simply, "pura vida". Pura Vida is the answer to almost anything here and it means, "pure life". Not really the answer a person is looking for when wanting a time or date however you better get use to it. Costa Rica was built on paperwork. Never short on laws and regulations, Costa Rica merely lacks the funds necessary to enforce the gazillion laws the government passes.
4.) Noise. Costa Ricans appear to be immune to this but us foreigners, we never get use to this. So unless you buy a piece of property the size of Rhode Island and build your dream home in the middle of it, you are going to hear the Ticos. Although illegal (refer to #3) it's still as common as the sunrise, that large trucks constantly...and I mean...constantly, use their engine brakes no matter if they are in downtown San Jose or in the mountains of the South Pacific.
5.) The term: Custom Order. Almost everything that we as foreigners are use to is a custom order. Even the most obvious of items are considered this. In some respect I think this term is often used to charge more money for items, however it is rampant throughout all of Costa Rica no matter where you go. So when considering building a home you best consider that probably, 60% of your finishing product, will fall in to the "custom order" department and therefore raising the overall budget of your project. This is the same for car repairs. Almost 80% of all parts for vehicles will be classified as "custom order" and can take anywhere between 3-8 weeks to arrive in Costa Rica.
So if you feel that none of the previously mentioned are anything to worry about then guess what? Costa Rica might just be your cup of tea!
But what would an article on Costa Rica be without some of the good things about living here?
1.) No military. Since 1949, Costa Rica has been military free. What about an invasion from neighboring countries? Well we have our secret weapons. Bureaucracy (refer above) and pot holes (wacos). If anyone has experienced crossing the border in to Costa Rica from Nicaragua or Panama, they will know what I mean. Then once in to the country they would have to maneuver around the pothole filled streets of Costa Rica like a game of Frogger.
2.) Laid back to the EXTREME. Considering the country moto is "Pura Vida aka Pure Life", this should be a good indicator of the kind of life to expect here. It's very relaxed and laid back unlike most countries. What we call 'time' is often referred to here in Costa Rica as 'Tico time'. A slightly modified version of reality more suited to life in Costa Rica.
3.) Oxygen. Looking for the most oxygen rich place on the planet? Then maybe the Southern Zone (South Pacific Coast of Costa Rica) is somewhere you need to be. The dense jungles and rich rainforests contribute to the areas intense humidity, where during rainy season (June thru December), it can rain 150cm a year. In the South Pacific, the government of Costa Rica has taken steps to protect the rainforests in order to avoid a repeat of the dry province of Guanacaste where, in the past, they have burned and logged large sections of primary rainforest.
4.) Sandy beaches and jungle waterfalls. Although not known for it's lakes (Lake Arenal is the only one), Costa Rica has a tremendous amount of waterfalls and amazing private sandy beaches. Especially the beaches of the South Pacific where we have yet to encounter the 'pollution' problem faced by the Central and North Pacific areas. The beaches south of Quepos like Dominical, Uvita and Corcovado, are sights to see. For those looking for privacy and relaxation, these areas should be strongly considered.
5.) Costa Rica Property. Buying property in Costa Rica is a relatively simple process like it is back home. While in the confident hands of a trusted agent, one can purchase land in Costa Rica like a local. There are some considerations with maritime zone properties however this goes for most countries. Oh and how could I forget the cost of living? Single individual can live outside of the Central Valley on $800us per month and a family with two children for approximately $1500 per month, depending on your preferred lifestyle. Cleaning ladies are roughly $20-30 a week to relive the worries of keeping a clean house.
By no means is this article meant to deter anyone from moving to Costa Rica. It's merely a suggestion that before making such a huge change in your life, to consider a few of the challenges you might be faced with while living here but also to consider the good.
As a real estate agent here in Southern Costa Rica, I would much rather sell a property to a client who knows what to expect, without surprises, so that hopefully, in the future, they will recommend me to their friends or family. For that reason, it is highly recommended that when you are considering buying Costa Rica property, that you be sure to align yourself with a professional, competent and trustworthy agent who knows the requirements and things to look out for. Knowing you are in safe hands is half the battle when buying real estate in foreign countries.
I hope that you have enjoyed my article and if you do happen to be in the market for Costa Rica Property, that you give me the opportunity to possibly assist you in this life changing endeavor. Pura Vida!
source: Don Halbert, Realtor - Costa Rica Property Site
...an honest Realtor in Costa Rica? There is hope!
I personally have no regrets about moving to Costa Rica ... it's not perfect, but it will do until such a mythical place is located ;o)
¡Pura Honradez!
Posted by Bill Clanton at 10/3/2009 12:46 PM 
Categories: Beaches in Costa Rica,Weather in Costa Rica,Services costs in Costa Rica,Food in Costa Rica,Cost of Living in Costa Rica,Communities in Costa Rica,Doctors in Costa Rica,Vacation Homes in Costa Rica,Horseback Riding in Costa Rica,Real Estate in Costa Rica,Legal Matters in Costa Rica,Life in Costa Rica,Fincas in Costa Rica,Government of Costa Rica,Culture in Costa Rica,Writing about Costa Rica,Immigration in Costa Rica,Home Building in Costa Rica,Retirement Homes in Costa Rica,Second Homes in Costa Rica,Home Renting in Costa Rica,Waterfalls in Costa Rica,Mountains in Costa Rica,Moving To Costa Rica,Investing in Costa Rica,Retiring in Costa Rica,Retire in Costa Rica,Farms in Costa Rica,Living in Costa Rica,Labor Costs in Costa Rica,Health Care in Costa Rica
Tags: Retiring military Climate Retirement Laws Costa Rica Location Culture prices Government Writing Lifestyle markets roads Furniture Living villages costs Home money Healthcare rural Moving Weather river Nature Relocation Community
Categories: Beaches in Costa Rica,Weather in Costa Rica,Services costs in Costa Rica,Food in Costa Rica,Cost of Living in Costa Rica,Communities in Costa Rica,Doctors in Costa Rica,Vacation Homes in Costa Rica,Horseback Riding in Costa Rica,Real Estate in Costa Rica,Legal Matters in Costa Rica,Life in Costa Rica,Fincas in Costa Rica,Government of Costa Rica,Culture in Costa Rica,Writing about Costa Rica,Immigration in Costa Rica,Home Building in Costa Rica,Retirement Homes in Costa Rica,Second Homes in Costa Rica,Home Renting in Costa Rica,Waterfalls in Costa Rica,Mountains in Costa Rica,Moving To Costa Rica,Investing in Costa Rica,Retiring in Costa Rica,Retire in Costa Rica,Farms in Costa Rica,Living in Costa Rica,Labor Costs in Costa Rica,Health Care in Costa Rica
Tags: Retiring military Climate Retirement Laws Costa Rica Location Culture prices Government Writing Lifestyle markets roads Furniture Living villages costs Home money Healthcare rural Moving Weather river Nature Relocation Community
Your blog is fantastic! Thanks! I'm moving to San Isidro del General Costa Rica soon, and the info on your site is very helpful.
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Good article. They don't come out like this too often. If you're planning on Costa Rica,,, u should READ this.
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Let's give one of the few good realtors a "shout out"!
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Thanks for the real deal...
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Yes! There are some 'frustrations' that one should become accustomed to when living in Costa Rica....
There are tens of thousands of pages on this website talking about Costa Rica and even though you can find tips and traps about certain many aspects of life here, I as a Realtor and author on Costa Rica don't want you to accuse me of never mentioning the negative side of Costa Rica living...
When I say 'you' - I am referring to people who are more accustomed to the way of life found in more developed countries in the world like the UK, USA and Canada...
A number of different friends and business associates gave me their pet 'peeves' about living in Costa Rica... Very often, something we consider to be a wonderful 'plus' about living here like the perfect climate for example, also brings with it some negatives...
What We Generally Don't Like About Costa Rica:
What To Do?
Take a really good look around the area where you are thinking of living. Look around during the day AND, you must also look around in the evening.
If at all possible, speak with your neighbors and ask them about the neighborhood and any problems that they may have encountered but, remember that Ticos will rarely speak badly of their neighbors no matter what a pain in the a** they may be...
Written by Scott Oliver, author of How To Buy Costa Rica Real Estate Without Losing Your Camisa and Costa Rica's Guide To Making Money Offshore.
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I've always been interested in Costa Rica, but I have family in Antigua so I usually go there. Do you have any idea of how Costa Rica might differ from Antigua?
http://www.andyewilliams.com/blog
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Wow! What can I say...
We've never met before nor have we conversed on any level but I have to thank you for reprinting my article and I am glad that yourself, and so many of your readers enjoyed it too. I try to keep it as real as possible to be honest. I find it has served me well through the years.
Again thank you! And pura vida mis amigos.
______________________________________
Don G. Halbert (Realtor)
Costa Rica Property Site (http://www.costaricapropertysite.com)
Costa Rica News (http://www.sellingcr.com)
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I want to drive my SUV from the State's to CR Pacific side... Any Suggestion's? Worried about travel through Mexico...Any roads better and safer than others? Look forward to your suggestion's
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was thinking of driving also...wanna go together...my sister lives there...Aloha
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To the question: 'Are there any honest realtors in CR??
NO
Lazier, more cunning, commit cascading errors of omission, hit & run mentality. Go find the property you want to buy. Find an honest lawyer (good luck as well) and do the deal without some fat, lazy, incompetent asshole looking to work you over while you try to figure out what just happened.
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