One of the BIGGEST MISTAKES When Purchasing in Costa Rica

I've seen this so many times, and think that people just dont understand how crucial of a mistake it is for them. Most people by now are aware that there is no MLS in Costa Rica and since there are so many different ads and listings for Costa Rica it is easy to inquire and deal with multiple realtors, but this is a terrible mistake. Let me provide an example, client John Smith sets an appointment to see properties A & B with realtor Bob, then makes an appointment with realtor Steve to see properties C & D, each realtor is obviously going to push the properties they showed. It's the same with developers and their sales offices, they are representing the developer not the buyer.

The good news is this can be avoided quite easily. So many people I talk to spend so much time researching properties but dont research realtors. I recommend spending more time in finding a reputable realtor that is knowledgable and has good references, one YOU feel comfortable with, but then once you find him/her stick with them. There is no property that a realtor can show someone. Clients can continue to look for properties on their own, but if they see something they would like more info on simply forward or call your realtor and let them know you are interested in that property, it's really that easy. Just like accountants, lawyers, doctors, and every other profession, professional realtors provide professional service, take the time to find a good one and you'll save more money and time in the long run

Showcase - Furnished Beachfront from $289,000

One of my favorite communities in all of Costa Rica is Paloma Blanca. It is is a very low dense beachfront community (34 units) on the south end of Jaco Beach. With the backdrop of pristine rainforest and pacific ocean in front, it truly captures what makes Costa Rica so distinct. And while it may seem like you are in your own private paradise, Paloma Blanca is just a ten minute walk from the center of Jaco where you will find plenty of great restaurants and shopping.
Four on site swimming pools, an outdoor barbeque area and cascading waterfall in the central courtyard create a serene residential atmosphere. Resort-style living includes staffed security, housekeeping and on site management.
Pricing starts at $289,000 for a completely furnished 2 bed/ 2 bath, making it the most inexpensive 2 bedroom on the beach with comparable properties at $340,000. And with airlines currently offering outstanding deals to Costa Rica, nowmight be the perfect excuse to plan a trip to this beautiful country.

Click below for a full video tour.

Please, GET THEM OUT OF HERE!

A couple weeks ago NBC started a new realty series called I"m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here that is being filmed in Costa Rica. It is basically a bunch of C list celebrities put together in terrible conditions doing all sorts of crazy activities. I checked out the show last week for maybe 5 minutes and thought it was absolutely horrible. The idea is completely played out, but more so, the celebrities are a complete joke and would are hardly considered famous.

So yes, do get them out of here, and save Costa Rica for the real celebrities, like Jessica Alba who is caught below enjoying the beach here and looking pretty good while doing so :)

Flights to Costa Rica

I have lived in Costa RIca for over four years and I dont think I have ever seen flights so inexpensive. For those looking to come visit now is definitely the time. Here are some examples that I just pulled up

New York City - San Jose, Costa Rica - $279
Chicago - San Jose, Costa Rica - $276
L.A. - San Jose, Costa Rica - $329
Houston - San Jose, Costa Rica - $274
Miami - San Jose, Costa Rica - $207

All of these were for flights in July, as you can see they are all incredible deals. So what are you waiting for, if you have been waiting for an excuse to come down I think this is it. Give me a call if I can help you more with finding you a great deal on a flight, 1.866.403.1345.

World's Best Surfers Coming Soon

We are just two months away from the Billabong ISA World Surfing Championships.

Costa Rica is getting ready for the biggest surfing championship in history held in Central American coasts. One of the most important and traditional global surfing events, the Billabong ISA World Surfing Games will take place from August 1-8 in the perfect waves of Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica. This will be the first time that a Central American country will receive the best surfers from around the world.

The chosen place for the event will be the strong and consistent waves of Playa Hermosa, two hours away from the capital city, San José, and five minutes away from the famous surf town of Jacó. Waves are consistent at Playa Hermosa, going from one foot to six with perfect barrels. Even better, the dates were chosen according to the best season at Hermosa, because of the great conditions of the southern swells during this part of the year.

Obviously this is a very big deal for the central pacific region and all of Costa Rica. If you are want to see some incredible surf skills you might want to make plans now, (you can contact me for vacation rentals), or you can just see some of the country's best surfers in the video below.


Best of the Best Tico Surfers - The best video clips are right here

Showcase - Condos Block from the Beach -Starting $210,000

Here is one of my favorite communities in Jaco Beach. Check it out below. Located just a block from the beach and has a great feel. I was pleasantly surprised to see how well their property management was doing on rentals, producing cash flow for owners who elected to rent out their units. All of this and more details can be provided, along with more photos, just give me a call 1.866.403.1345.

Costa Rica Crushes U.S. in World Qualifier

I had plenty of calls last night from Costa Rican friends politely asking me what happened to our U.S. soccer team. In case you missed it, last night Costa Rica hosted the U.S. in a World Cup Qualifying game and they were not a very kind host. They scored about a minute into the game and really dominated the entire game en route to a 3-1 win. The win put them in first place for this region and dropped the U.S. to second place. Sitting in a bar full of Costa Ricans led to me taking plenty of abuse, but it's ok I'm confident the U.S. will bounce back when they host Costa Rica for a rematch in October. Check out the highlights here...

Costa Rica Taking Lead in Medical Tourism

I'm sure everyone is fully aware of the problems the U.S. is facing with health care. We are getting to the point that many Americans simply can't afford or qualify for health insurance and even if they can, are hardly able to pay the deductibles for major surgeries and operations.

Many countries are seeing this as an opportunity, trying to get a piece of this mult-billion industry. Medical tourism is quickly becoming a new alternative to more affordable health care. Costa Rica is on the cutting edge in this new trend. Check out this video that goes into more detail.