This article can serve as a stand-alone read, but if you’d like to read the preceding, sequential articles in this series, please click for: Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3. The scope of these articles starts roughly in the 1970’s up to the present. The idea here is that we are living in, working … Read more
This is part 4 of a 4 part series. Click for: Part 1 || Part 2 || Part 3
Due Diligence
The term for due diligence is normally 3 weeks, and closing is usually in 4. Due diligence starts when the deposit is made, which follows the the written Offer to Purchase having been signed by buyer and seller. This document will have the contingency points detailed out. Some properties have no contingency points, some have several, it depends on the property. This is one of the more important areas where you, the buyer, have to rely on the expertise of your broker.
Below is a copy and paste from an e-mail inquiry regarding buying a property for the purpose of investment initially. It needs to be an existing rental property that the buyers intend to move to and live in at a future time. They need for the property to, at the very least, cover its expenses … Read more
I’d say that about 1/10th of my time spent with people looking to buy property in Costa Rica’s Southern Pacific zone is spent in the actual buying/selling of property. The other 9/10ths is a mix of conversations regarding what’s involved with living here, as well as discussing the business of real estate in Costa Rica. … Read more
What a glorious rainy season it has been. After a few years of lighter than normal rains, we’re having a season now that fits the descriptions old-timers here give to what rainy season “used to be like”. Rains starting in the early to mid-afternoon. Going into, and perhaps through, the night. Partly cloudy but clearing … Read more
I got asked the other day what the opening of the new Matapalo Police station has to do with real estate, and by extension, why is it mentioned in my “Costa Rica real estate” blog? Well, I’ll tell you – it all starts with land.
I was told some time ago about a dinner party here in The Zone where the host got up on to a table and announced: “I would like for all conversations about real estate to stop. If you are unable to comply, please leave.” It is reported that the room went quiet.
A few of the the “non-real-estate” factors that affect the value of “Costa Rica real estate”
Granted, this was back in “the day” – back when fortunes were being made on the buying and selling of land here in The Zone. Such conversations are not nearly as prevalent now as back then, but they are certainly a daily occurrence in my life, and I suspect that many here would make the same statement.
I contend that all news comes around to affecting, or being affected by land. If you are interested in moving here, migrating, retiring, or simply, to visiting here, the topic of property and its value will enter the picture. The managing of crime has a direct impact on the value of property.
As do:
tourism
currency
climate
water
taxes
animals
roads
laws
residency
language
culture
etc…
I don’t want to have this bulleted list go down through your floor, so the”etc…” embodies all the rest. This list is based on my time spent talking with people who want to move or migrate to here.
Returning to Matapalo: it is receiving a steady flow of foreigners moving in as re-locators, migrators, and investors. They did not have a police station there before, so it could be reasoned that any self respecting thief would view that area as the place to be and to ply their trade. The presence of a police station has a positive effect on this scenario. One would then surmise that the value of land there will hold steady or perhaps increase.
Along with some of the other appealing amenities: screaming views, proximity to both Manuel Antonio and Dominical, proximity to a gorgeous, unpopulated and miles long beach, quiet living in Costa Rica’s tropical jungle, you can now add “enhanced security due to the presence of a police station”. My question: how can a Costa Rica real estate blog not mention such a thing?
Currency: The exchange rate of the colon versus the dollar. One of the hot topics going on right now in many sectors of the globe is what the effect of the “recovery” is having on tourism.
I know what you’re thinking, “That’s beyond obvious, Mr. Guy In The Zone.” For those who tune into this blog on a regular basis, I agree… BUT, did you know that the search term “Where Is Costa Rica” gets over 13 million global monthly Internet searches? Two things came to mind when I saw this statistic—
The Pura Vida Buzz, a phenomenon I will expand upon below
Rising Interest in Vacation and Retirement
Searching for Costa Rica…?
The Pura Vida Buzz — The last time I asked the question “Where is Costa Rica?” I was waaaaay back in college. My roommates were surfers, and they mentioned Costa Rica as a possible surf destination. Search engines weren’t as populated with information in the early-90s, but there were a few travel books in the local bookstore. The thing I remember jumping out at me was the color green. Whether it was the frogs, the jungle, or the aerial views…
We have new Costa Rica real estate office in Ballena, just 5 minutes south of Uvita. We also touch on real estate news and current activity in The Zone. Enjoy! And please feel free to browse our listings at: www.hotcostaricarealestate.com – Ben and Rod
Yes, we moved… from our office in Uvita to a new, larger space in Ballena, just a quick drive down the Costanera Highway. Ballena and Uvita are both home to the Marino Ballena National Park, an area that is vibrant with wildlife, as well as, electric green and blue hues. Ballena is only 7 kilometers … Read more
