Common Misconceptions about Costa Rica

If the hustle and bustle of city living is taking its toll on you, you may want to think about going for a change of lifestyles. While you can relocate to any one of America’s 50 states, there’s a place farther south you might not have considered yet—Cost Rica. Expats from the U.S. and other countries have been buying real estate in this country for many years due to its pleasant weather, beautiful scenery, and affordable living costs.

A lot of people harbor misconceptions about this gem of a country. One of these is that Costa Rica has poor public services and a revolving door of a government. In reality, Costa Rica has excellent universal health care, earthquake-resistant buildings, and a stable democratic government. It also has a thriving economy that greatly benefits its citizens and residents.

Many people also believe Costa Rica is somewhere in or around Mexico. Costa Rica is in Central America and has its own unique culture and cuisine. Even the Spanish the locals speak is unique to the country -- it’s slower, clearer, and the “r” isn’t rolled as much. Indeed, Costa Rica is a nation that proudly bears its own identity.

Likewise, people who think Costa Rica’s only attraction is its beaches should explore its rich land attractions. While it’s true that Dominical has become a surfing mecca, nature lovers can also enjoy the breathtaking and well-preserved trails in the country’s government-protected forests.

Pura Vida! The Reasons Why You’ll Love Costa Rica

With its wonderful sceneries, vibrant culture, and friendly locals, Costa Rica is definitely one of the best places to be in the Caribbean. It is currently the home of some 40,000 US citizens, and is frequently ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world. True to its traditional greeting, “Pura Vida” or “Good life!”, the first thing that visitors would notice about Costa Rica is its beautiful landscape: trees, beaches, and mountains in all their natural splendor.

However, there are other reasons why some people would leave their home countries and spend the rest of their days here. While the low cost of living in the country is remarkable in itself, Costa Rica’s healthcare system is topnotch. Many drugs and medicines are readily obtainable without prescription, and the national healthcare and social security system (CCSS) ensures that everybody would have equal access to major public hospitals and clinics in the country.

The crime rate is also quite low, particularly when compared against those in other Central American and Caribbean countries. While the country hasn’t had a standing military force since 1949, Costa Rica employs an efficient and well-funded police force that protect tourists and locals alike from petty thievery and break-ins. 

Why Buy Real Estate in a Surfing Paradise?

Without a doubt, surfing is one of the most popular recreational activities in the world. Everyone from teenagers to young professionals, to sports icons like David Beckham surf to offset the stresses of the day. Surfing owes its popularity to the fact that it requires minimal equipment and no formal training to enjoy it. Due to surfing's popularity, it's estimated that the global surfing market will grow to a $13.2 billion industry by 2017.

Dominical in Costa Rica has become a mecca for surfers around the world. Its beaches produce the most consistent waves in the country, making it the perfect surfing spot for all surfers. The smaller white-water breaks are ideal for newbies, while the bigger waves are a draw for more advanced surfers.

Due to the popularity of Dominical's beaches, buying real estate in Costa Rica can become a bountiful investment. Buyers can open restaurants or bars that surfers can hang out in after a day chasing the waves. Other investors can open hotels to cater to the booming tourist population. If you're a surfer yourself, buying a house that's a skip and a hop away from one of the best surfing beaches in the world will be a dream come true.

With all that Dominical has to offer, real estate properties in the area—like its beaches—are indeed world class.

Retiring? Why Buying Real Estate For Sale in Costa Rica is a Good Idea

"The massive recession in 2009 devastated the finances of many people of many countries, including those from the U.S. Between dwindling savings and an economy in recovery, many are feeling the need to reevaluate their retirement plans. Unfortunately, most are discovering that they cannot afford to retire in the USA. So what to do? Where to live? Purchasing real estate for sale in Costa Rica may be the solution. AARP, Inc., formerly the American Association of Retired Persons, explains why: Costa Rica is where you go to live the lush life. It is lush with nature—misty rain forests, extraordinary wildlife, and fabulous beaches—as well as such comforting amenities as malls, supermarkets, restaurants, museums, and social clubs. U.S. retirees have flocked here for years, drawn by its mild climate, its prosperity (relative to other Central American republics), its literacy rate, its health care, and, significantly, its stable government—with no army. Another plus: Costa Rica's commitm
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Gone South: Why is that Retirees Are Buying Real Estate in Costa Rica?

"You don’t even have to confine your search within the country’s 50 states. About 50,000 retired Americans have crossed the southern border to buy real estate in Costa Rica to spend their golden years there. Expats can obtain residency status by proving that they receive at least $1000 in pension, Social Security, or retirement funds. Once they do, they can then enroll in the country’s top-notch public health-care system for a small monthly stipend. International Living Magazine says that health-care costs in Costa Rica is only about a third to a fifth of what it would cost stateside, and even private health insurance is markedly cheaper. Many retirees live comfortably there on just $1000-$2000 a month, nearly impossible in the States. On that monthly budget, a retiree need not sacrifice some luxuries like cable TV, internet, cell phones, and the occasional dinner out to enjoy his life in the new country."
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Retiring in Costa Rica

Upon visiting Costa Rica, it won't be long after you arrive when at least one Tico (a title that Costa Ricans call themselves) greest you with the words, “Pura Vida!” In English, that means “Life is good.” Indeed, these words ring true for many of the country's residents—Costa Rica is frequently at the top of “Happiest Places on Earth” lists, including those by Yale University, Columbia University, and the New Economics Foundation.

Many retirees and expats from the U.S. opt to move to Costa Rica because of its natural beauty. The country holds almost every picturesque offering that nature can bring, from pristine beaches and lush rainforests to majestic volcanoes. It is one of the most biologically diverse nations in the world, and over 10 percent of the country is protected national parkland.

Aside from natural beauty, many find the decent and affordable health care, the friendly inhabitants, and the stable democracy very attractive. Many expats liked that the country has been peaceful for a very long time. Compared with most of its neighboring Central America and Caribbean countries, Costa Rica's government has been relatively incident-free since 1949.

Today, Costa Rica hosts about 50,000 U.S. Citizens—there's an expat in nearly every town, which is something that can't be said about other Latin American countries.

Company Specializing in Real Estate for Sale in Costa Rica Entices Clients With Live Surf Webcam

"Yes, we are known as the company that specializes in real estate for sale in Costa Rica. As one of the most trusted realtors, we can give you thousands of reasons why you should buy a property in this country. But we have thought of something better – we'll just show you how great Costa Rica is! We have installed a Dominical Surf Webcam on our site so you can see the pristine waters and the exciting surfing activity in the area from the comforts of your home. You will be able to watch people surfing and riding the waves. And if you decide you want to move to Dominical and experience the place yourself, instead of watching it from a webcam, we're here to help."

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Want to Be Happy? Then Invest in Costa Rica Real Estate Right Now!

"A lot can be done with these survey results, although it's not a stretch to say that they proved just how lucrative investing in real estate in Costa Rica can be. Firms like Dominical Real Estate even specialize in specific provinces simply because tourists and investors alike have their hands full finding the “best place to stay” in the country. The province of Dominical, for instance, is a well-known haven for surfers, jet skiers, and others who're interested in water sports. Of course, people should still be careful even when visiting one of the happiest places on Earth today. The US government recommends caution when swimming in the country's beaches since the currents can change dramatically in an instant. Even buying real estate in Costa Rica may warrant the help of a lawyer, especially if the buyers aren't familiar with the country's property laws."

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Tips on Assessing a Real Estate Agent's Competence

Hiring a real estate agent must not be done haphazardly since you also want to get your hard-earned money's worth. Here are a few tips that you can follow to assess an agent's competence:

Talk with an agent's recent clients. You can do this by asking the agent to provide you with a list of what they've sold in the previous year, along with the contact information of the buyers.

Look up the licensing board and see if the agent is indeed licensed or if he or she has received any disciplinary actions or complaints. In the United States, there are states that put information into online databases so that clients can do research on the background of an agent. You may also check if an agent you're looking to hire has won any awards given by recognized organizations or industry authorities.

Take note that real estate agents also have specializations. The alphabet soup that comes after their names tells which additional classes they have taken to support their specialization. For example, an agent with CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) appended to his name has completed additional training in handling residential real estate. One named as an ABR (Accredited Buyer's Representative) has completed additional education in representing buyers in a transaction. In turn, those with SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) have completed training aimed at helping buyers and sellers in the 50-plus age range.

Sense of Peace, Pride Come with Owning Your Home

Buying a house is such a big investment that you have to be totally sure about making a purchase before pushing through with it. Also, you have to make sure that you will love your surroundings and the people in your neighborhood so that you won't regret buying your home. Even with these considerations, there are many benefits that come with owning your own home instead of renting it.

First, owning your own home will make you feel a certain kind of freedom. Most first-time home buyers say that when they buy their house, many things in their lives are also falling into place. Once you own your home, you will have peace of mind, knowing that you will no longer have to worry about paying rent.

Owning a home also enables you to be in control of your surroundings. You can make your home look the way that you want it and you will not be limited in what you can do. You will not need to ask for someone's approval anymore if you decide on remodeling your home or replacing appliances and fixtures.

Most homeowners also get a sense of pride once they get to buy their first house. With the purchase, they prove to themselves and to everybody that they have the capability to achieve their goals in life.

Where Are the Best Places to Live in Costa Rica?

For many decades, Costa Rica has been considered one of the best places to live in the Americas, primarily because of its abundance of natural resources that make living generally healthier than anywhere else. This was only amplified by the government's efficient healthcare system and a free education system that allows Ticos and Ticas to received subsidized education until 11^th grade. Top that with the some of the most beautiful beaches and forests in the world and there's plenty of reason to find a house for sale in the country.

The capital city of San Jose is probably one of the best places to look for real estate, especially for those who have a soft spot for history and beautiful “colonial” aesthetics. It's central location also means that tourists can easily go to the country's many beaches either on the Pacific west side or the Carribean east side. Another town worth a look is Dominical, which is well-known for its surfing scene.

On the other hand, those who are more at home with nature should definitely check out Heredia, the City of Flowers, which contains a number of exotic plants, mountains, and national parks. The climate in this city is also generally more favorable than the rest of the country, which makes it a suitable place for retirement. Limón, on the other hand, is thriving with both culture and nature, making it yet another popular destination for tourists.

Surf's Always Up in Dominical, Costa Rica

Surfers are always in search of the perfect wave, and the most serious of wave riders travel the world to further their quest. After all, the generation of waves is usually tied to the seasons and each country will have varying conditions for their appearance.  There are disputes among the surfing community as to which beach has the best waves, but all surfers worth their salt know that a good place to start would be Dominical, Costa Rica.

Dominical is famous among surfers for its year-round surfing season; the large waves never fail to appear near this small fishing town. Due to the region's ever-present waves, the modest community gradually transformed into a surfing Mecca. Hundreds of surfers, both local and foreign, gather to this place yearly to catch some serious hang ten.

It's every surfer's dream to live in a place where the waves keep coming, and Dominical offers that opportunity. There are plenty of real estate options for surfers to choose from, and they'd make great vacation homes for when they decide to drop by. There's also the fact that Costa Rica is such a wonderful place for Americans to retire to, and the American dollar is honored widely in the region. All in all, there couldn't be a more fitting surfer's paradise than Dominical.

Demand of Real Estate For Sale in Costa Rica Increases

Costa Rica is considered as one of the most beautiful countries in the world due to its gorgeous attractions. It's no wonder many think of it as a genuine paradise. And this beauty is a major reason why many foreign investors are settling in Costa Rica to try their luck and establish their own venture in the country. A great number of foreign investors keep on coming in the country in the past years. In line with that, they're also applying for permanent residency. Once they attain their citizenship, they can stay and live in Costa Rica as long as they want to. Hence, the demand for real estate for sale in Costa Rica is increasing. Reports state that the rate has been good since 2000 and they expect it to further improve in the following years. The process of obtaining a real estate unit is very convenient for expats and immigrants. They just have to make sure that all their documents are duly notarized. However, they still have to be aware on the properties being offered t

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Beautiful Real Estate and Attractions in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is known for its gorgeous attractions. But aside from that, the country is now emerging in the real estate industry as well. Expect to have a lot of real estate units to be sold in the market in the coming days and months. This is after The Banco Nacional Costa Rica's declaration that they will be selling off properties it has repossessed in the past. These assets are said to be reclaimed due to overdue payments. The season is on for prospective buyers to check out those assets for grabs. These mainly include houses and lots. The said situation is an advantage to the growing tourism industry in the country, as these properties can be used to put up more beach front resorts and even residential units. With the attractive scenery and the number of available real estate in Costa Rica, you wouldn't be surprised if people will not just visit the country to travel and explore, but will also start living and have a new life there.

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Buying Real Estate in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has no shortage of real estate investment opportunities. In addition, the property acquisition process in this Central American country is similar to what you'll find in the United States; for instance, all you need is a title and a survey for most transactions. Real estate agents don’t have to be licensed, but you'd be much better off working with members of the Costa Rica Chamber of Real Estate Brokers that enforces the applicable laws and industry code of ethics.

It also helpful to keep in mind the country's unique regulations as regards real estate acquisition. For instance, the courts follow the “first in time, first in right” principle, so during a dispute, the property is awarded to the party who claimed it first. As such, it is essential to register property deeds immediately upon transfer. Every property is given a tracking number to be used for all transactions, so steer clear of properties with no tracking numbers.

Hurricanes rarely make their way to Costa Rica, even along its Atlantic coast. Earthquakes, however, pose a real threat; as such, buildings have to abide by strict earthquake safety standards. Whether you're looking for a tropical getaway or a place to retire and settle down, you're likely to find it in Costa Rica.

Get Away From It All In Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

A holiday in Costa Rica would not be complete without visiting Osa Peninsula, a tropical paradise in the country's southeast region. Osa Peninsula is the home of 13 major ecosystems that have hosted hundreds of bird and mammal species for centuries. National Geographic has described the place as “the most biologically intense place on earth”. With ecotourism as one of its top attractions, visitors can explore raw jungles and forests, and experience the wonders of its oceans and coral reefs with friendly and knowledgeable guides.

Other adventures also await holiday-seekers at Osa Peninsula. Horseback riding, hiking, zip lining, and tree climbing are just some of these. The shorelines and coastal areas of Osa Peninsula also make great party places after 6, when numerous restaurants, bars, and clubs come alive with merry-making and revelry.

As a major tourist destination, Osa Peninsula has a wide array of accommodations ranging from bed-and-breakfast services to five-star luxuries. You can also find excellent vacation rentals in strategic areas within Osa Peninsula. Ojochal de Osa is one such great location for a vacation rental. Situated along the white-sand beaches off the Pacific Ocean, Ojochal, as it is commonly called, is a beautiful seaside community that will make a good springboard for your Osa Peninsula adventures.