Why invest in Costa Rican property

Far more than just an enchanting holiday or retirement, Costa Rica is a great location for real estate investments. While there are numerous options in the market, here are a few reasons to consider real estate investment in Costa Rica.

You can combine your investment with business interests

Real estate investment in Costa Rica can be more than a mere financial venture; it can be your business interest. The business opportunities in Costa Rica offer great diversity the local government and the business scene welcome ambitious ventures with open arms. Providing for those who have dreamed of owning a bed and breakfast, a restaurant, a café, or an art gallery, to agricultural properties like cattle farms, forestry management like teak farms, will find favorable conditions for them to flourish. Lifestyle property investments are a new way to invest and change the way you live.

A fantastic tropical getaway

Investing in Costa Rica real estate also provides the opportunity for your friends and family to spending an exciting vacation in either your managed short-term vacation rental or to have a full-time home or long-term rental in the tropics. Purchasing a rental property in Costa Rica will give you the freedom to plan an escape to your tropical vacation rental where you can escape cold winters. Think of owning a property that can be reserved for you, your families, and your guests all year round or left under the care of a quality property management company to cash flow when you are not using it.

Not a resident? Not a problem

A real estate investment in Costa Rica is freely open to non-residents who will be treated the same as residents, as residency status is not a requirement to owning real estate in Costa Rica. Moreover, the Costa Rican government exempts numerous nationalities from acquiring a visa to enter the country, including nationals from the United States, Canada, Australia, Britain, and EU countries. If you are a citizen of the exempted countries, a 90-day visa with no further questions asked shall be granted at the airport when you visit. You are obligated to travel outside of the country at the end of the 3-month period. If you are ever interested in obtaining residency, your investment in Costa Rica real estate should serve as a considerable advantage.

The prospects of Costa Rica's infrastructure are promising

Costa Rica hosts frequent flights to and from various U.S cities and many other international destinations. The main international airport is Juan Santamaria (SJO) located north of San Jose, in the central valley. If the Pacific beaches of Guanacaste are your destination, the Daniel Oduber International Airport is located near Liberia, only an hour or two driving distance away from the famous beaches of Guanacaste such as Flamingo Beach and Tamarindo. There are also regional airports across the country and there is a possibility of a new international airport being built in the south. A modern new highway also connects the Central Valley to the Pacific Coast. The colossal Interamericana Highway which runs all the way from the U.S to Chile in South America significantly revitalizes and expands the region near the city of Liberia. Looking at their well-maintained modern airports and roadways, we see Costa Rica's government has made its welcoming statement to prospective investors and travelers crystal clear. Needless to say, the ease of getting around facilitates your travels around Costa Rica.

A property that works for you

If you choose to rent out your property, spring, summer, and winter are the best time for business as the flows of visitors to Costa Rica are immense during these periods. For instance, travelers on a budget tend to plan their trips during the green season when the scenery is spectacular and better vacation rental rates are available. The majority of Costa Rica's green season expects daily rainfall, from April to December. Some regions might have less rain than the rest, such as the Northern Guanacaste province, with a notoriously dry climate with little rainfall. You can expect a steady income for about 10 out of 12 months in many popular beaches and surfside towns like Flamingo, Tamarindo, and Samara.

It is worth noting Costa Rica's stable economy and political climate make investing in real estate here an even sweeter deal. Political stability is the norm, as Latin American countries have embraced stability and economic growth over the last 30 years and Central America has been one of the leading economic growth regions in the world based on annual % growth rate. Crime rates are low and, similar to Panama, Costa Rica has no standing army, at least ever since 1948. Colones, the local currency, is very stable with a small fluctuation in value. Costa Rica also boasts one of Central America's highest literacy rates and a strong public school system. According to independent studies, the country's quality of life is ranked among the highest in the world. Costa Rica has no hurricane or tropical storm season, which marks itself among the rare countries in the world with a tropical climate that enjoys such wonderful weather. Indeed, real estate investment in Costa Rica can be an unequivocally outstanding opportunity for you to own a piece of a tropical paradise in Latin American. Contact our expert team for further consultation and the best offers today.

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Who we are

Premier Casa Costa Rica is an international full-service real estate company focused on Guanacaste, Costa Rica, specializing in sales and rentals of residential and vacation properties.

With a large international listing base, we continually seek, identify, and implement ideas that add value and maximize return on investment for our clients. Our international marketing gives us an advantage in finding the best buy for any property creating a real estate win-win as a primary home, vacation property, or real estate investment. We find the property most suited for your needs providing the highest standards of quality and integrity in all transactions.

Our international realty network of experienced professionals aims to deliver the right solution to meet our real estate buyer or seller's objective. We provide a full range of real estate services, including residential and commercial property sales, rentals, leasing, property management, real estate valuation, acquisition, and related realty services.

Implementing effective property management concepts from the US we have built an international full-service property and real estate asset management company designed to make owning offshore real estate investments hassle-free while adding value and maximizing returns on well-located quality real estate investments.

Some highlights of the real estate services we provide through our experienced multilingual staff:

• Online property marketing and booking
• Utilities and building administration fees payments
• Monthly owner statement with complete and organized accounting
• Property Maintenance and cleaning services

We identify land in growing markets for future resale or development, maximizing long-term value growth for our clients. We look for real estate assets sales in dynamic property markets that present good property value and growth potential.

Welcome to our Costa Rica real estate office located in Flamingo Beach on the gold coast of Costa Rica.

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Real Estate Sales

Find Out What You Can Afford

The general rule of thumb is to spend no more than 1/3 of your net monthly income (after taxes) on a housing payment. With that said, make a monthly budget, which should include additional expenses like homeowner's insurance and general maintenance to make out the maximum monthly payment you can afford. Depending on your existing debt, some Costa Rican banks may give a loan of up to 50% of your net salary.

Note that you'll be required to provide a minimum 15% down payment, and interest will be between 7-10% over a 20-30 years loan term. Typically, U.S. dollar loans carry a shorter term. Use an online mortgage calculator to establish your maximum mortgage amount.

Save For A Down Payment

Such a task takes time and persistence. If you take out a loan with a Costa Rican bank, a 15-20% down payment is required– that's $30,000-$40,000 on a $200,000 home. You can start saving for it by cutting down on your living expenses – pay for a smaller cable package, take the public bus when you can, and budget your monthly to shop.

Put all your savings in a dedicated bank account, especially if you find one that pays interest. If a relative offers to help out, ask for a low or no-interest loan or gift. Some homeowners may be willing to finance your down payment, but do not take this option unless they offer market interest rates.

What Lenders Look For

Mortgage loans are available to residents and non-residents of Costa Rica. Lenders are various, including private and state banks, mortgage brokers who connect clients with creditors abroad, and private lenders, or prestamistas.

All lenders look for a stable income, a solid credit history (minimum credit score of 650), and a decent debt-to-income ratio. You will need to provide an income report, bank statements, past tax returns based on which all lenders will perform an international or local credit check. If you've had an account with a public Costa Rican bank for five or more years, the bank might just do a local credit check.

What is Loan Pre-Approval

This is an important step in your home-buying process, as a lender may determine whether you can borrow a different amount than you originally calculated. Getting pre-approved for your loan means that you have a written commitment for a certain amount of mortgage.

Pre-approval will narrow down your home search to only those properties you can afford, making your hunt for a home more efficient and less frustrating. Speak with several local banks or a mortgage broker about the process and requirements for obtaining pre-approval.

How Not to Buy the Perfect Home

Buying a home can be a complicated process, especially in a foreign country. We at Premier Casa do our best to help you avoid the following common mistakes when it comes to home buying.

Moving Too Quickly

After you've located your ideal neighborhood, opt for rent for at least 6 months to a year. This will provide you a chance to adjust to local life, have a full experience of the rainy and dry season, and see if you'd like to make a long-term commitment to purchasing a home.

Buying After One Real Estate Seminar

Costa Rican real estate seminars are more common than you think, especially for retirees. These info sessions can be useful, as you get to know an overview of local markets, cost of living, mortgages, and other related topics. However, the goal of these seminars is to sell your property and to increase the odds, they will present you with only the best of Costa Rica. It is advisable not to rush into it and take time to discover potential pitfalls and frustrations and how to handle them before you make any purchase. As a result, you'll be happier in your new home.

Committing to Unseen Site

Fight the urge to put down a deposit after you find a seemingly perfect home online. Costa Rican real estate differs from that in your home country, so you must visit a property and inspect it thoroughly before making any deposit.

Not Revisiting the Home Throughout the Day

It is very important to revisit a home throughout the day – early morning, midday, early afternoon, and nighttime. If your potential home is located downtown, where homes are close together, you'll absorb the neighborhood's sounds, sights, and scents. Also, pay attention to how much light enters the property at different times of the day. For instance, during the rainy season, you'd opt for bright spaces and rain that angles away from the house.

Not Putting Everything in Writing

It's fine to make a verbal agreement with the seller but be sure that all terms are defined in a signed contract. This protects your interests and finances for the future and makes sure there are no overlooked details, like whether the appliances were included in the sale. Have your real estate attorney draft the purchase offer contract (POC) to ensure all your commitments are well defined and your risks minimized.

Making an Unconditional Offer

Never make an offer to buy a home with no contingencies. Common and prudent contingencies include making your offer subject to a home inspection, mortgage financing, and selling your current home. In Costa Rica, think about other important matters, like the ability to get a phone line or high-speed Internet.

Not Having A Bilingual Attorney

Foreign-language legalese can be difficult for even fluent speakers to handle. Since all legal transactions will be conducted in Spanish in Costa Rica, make sure you hire a bilingual and competent real estate attorney to go through all relevant paperwork. Explain how you understand the contract and the lawyer should help you clarify any misunderstandings from there.

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Real Estates Rentals

As you find yourself browsing around the web and searching for Costa Rica property rentals, If you are looking to live long term in Costa Rica and are looking for a long term rental to live in Costa Rica you realize you are not well-versed in how the system works, what the rules are, and how to avoid problems. This article helps you answer all these questions. Vacation rentals or the full-service monthly rentals tend to be full service and this in-depth knowledge is less of a necessity.

In Costa Rica, there are a set of laws that oversee all property lease contracts, which is law No. 7527, "Ley General de Arrendamientos Urbanos y Suburbanos," or the "General Law of Urban and Suburban Renting." This law governs all contracts, verbal or written leases of real property for myriad purposes, including housing, commercial, industrial, technical, professional, cultural, craft, or recreational activities and public services. Excluded from law 7527 are hotels, hostels, bed and breakfast, and vacation homes where stays may last from one day up to 30 days. The law also does not regulate car parking or company housing for employees.

Rents: Can landlord and tenant agree on rents in Costa Rica freely?

Both parties can freely negotiate the rent initially. To increase the rent, the landlord and tenant should agree upon the annual rent increase in the agreement. If such an agreement does not exist, the landlord can file a claim to increase the rent on an annual basis.

For housing, the annual increase cannot exceed 15% of the fixed rent. For an increase higher than 15%, Costa Rica's inflation must be higher than 15%, and the rent increase must be based on a certification of the inflation issued by the State.

Note that a rent increase is allowed only when the agreements are in colones, the Costa Rican currency. If the rent for housing is agreed in US dollars or other foreign currency, no yearly increase is allowed.

Security deposit

A security deposit will be negotiated between the landlord and tenant but typically it is one month's rent. There is no legal maximum for a security deposit but if a landlord is asking for advance payment, this is limited to one month.

If you have any pets, the tenant might be asked to make a second security deposit. This deposit is meant to cover any damages caused by the renter as well as to ensure the completion of the term of the agreement. The deposit will usually be returned 30 days after the tenant has left, so utility bills and inventory can be checked.

If you terminate the renting before the lease term is completed, you will probably lose your security deposit, unless the lease agreement states otherwise.

Short-term rental

Many short-term and vacation rentals may require a smaller security deposit – make sure to double-check this when agreeing to your stay with the landlord.

Short-term or monthly rentals are a great way to explore Costa Rica and getting the feel of its various locations and landscapes before choosing the ultimate location to settle in. In case you have found a vacation lease that you are fond of but are looking to stay longer-term, you might be able to negotiate a cheaper rental rate to stay longer.

The best place to look for short-term rentals is in the Premier Casa rental section or on vacation rental segment.

Long-term rental

Article 70, Law 7527 indicates that the lease term of a lease agreement cannot be less than three years, which is what we address as a long-term rental. Nevertheless, it is a common practice to stipulate a different term in the lease agreement. Most lease agreements in Costa Rica will indicate: "The term of the present contract is for one year, which is renewable for an additional two years and will be in force starting…"

It is customary that the tenant will not be reimbursed with the security deposit if he/she leaves before the first year is up, which should be clearly stated in the lease agreement. Most

agreements stipulate that the security deposit will be returned only if the first year's contract has been completed and at least 30 days' notice is given to the landlord. Some landlords will request 60 days' notice. Alternatively, the landlord and tenant can negotiate a fixed penalty for leaving the property within the contracted 3 years.

The language

The legal language of a lease agreement in Costa Rica is Spanish, the country's official language. To fully comprehend what you are signing, consult with your real estate agent to supply a copy in English or find an attorney to check the agreement for you. Do not sign any contract that you do not understand.

Fortunately, at Premier Casa, we are very well experienced in this aspect as we have worked with dozens of international clients from around the world.

What about the duration of the contract and eviction?

The minimum term of a lease agreement in Costa Rica is three years. If the tenant wants to walk before the lease expires, he/she must inform the landlord by providing a three-month prior notice, unless the parties agree on anything different.

If the term of the contract expires, it is automatically renewed for three years more, unless the landlord provides a 3 months' notice that he/she will not renew the contract.

Indefinite terms of rental contracts are not allowed unless you go to the full-service vacation or monthly rentals which are a different category.

The eviction process

Although this is an undesirable situation, it is important to know what is involved. An eviction process should not take longer than one year. In this process, the collection of unpaid rent can be pursued. In reality, the collection of unpaid rents is normally difficult, since the tenant does not possess any assets or money to attach.

Eviction for Non-Payment of Rent
Duration until the completion of process service	20
Duration of trial	90
Duration of enforcement	30
Total days of evicting a tenant	140

Final note

When selecting a location for a rental property, it is of high importance that you consider the local amenities that are available to you, such as supermarkets, nightlife, or hospitals. Some rural areas in Costa Rica can be located in isolation and a long way from basic amenities.

Finally, it is advisable to rent a property for your initial entry into the country and then make an ultimate decision to whether you opt for something more permanent, such as buying Costa Rica property. As you can see properly well-experienced management company is a must for real estate investors.

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History of Costa Rica

Costa Rica's rich history spans centuries and hundreds of miles with historical and cultural sites, from pre-Colombian times with traveling Indian tribes to the time of colonies, and finally modern democracy:

-Teatro Nacional Costa Rica: On the south side of the Plaza de Cultura you will find the Teatro Nacional, which is the English term for Nacional Theatre. This building is from the year 1897 and features a stunning lobby of marble and an auditorium with paintings showing life back in the 19^th century.

-Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles: Maybe Cartago's most important place is the religious shrine which you can find in the "Our Lady of the Angels" Basilica from the early 1630s.

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Facts about Costa Rica

Hard but essential facts about Costa Rica (Source: CIA's World Fact Book)

Capital city: San José

Location: in Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua and Panama.

Population: 4,930,258 (July 2017 est.)

About half of the population resides in urban areas with roughly one-fifth of the total population lives in San José - the largest city.

Total area: 19,730 square miles (51,100 square kilometers).

Time Zone: UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC during Standard Time

Popular ex-pat areas: Tamarindo, Orosi, Lake Arenal

Property: Natives and foreigners enjoy equal access and treatment when it comes to property ownership in Costa Rica. However, no one (local or ex-pat) is allowed to own property within 50 meters of the ocean.

Renting in Costa Rica: Real estate agents in Costa Rica often offer rental properties, and so do some property management companies. Numerous rental properties are listed on real estate websites will list, which are usually short-term leases.

• Language: Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica, while English is commonly spoken in many areas.
• Climate: Costa Rica has two types of climate, tropical and subtropical. Its dry season runs from December to April, while the rainy season runs from May to November. Temperatures are generally cooler in highlands.
• Healthcare: Costa Rica has some of the best healthcare in Latin America. In addition, new hospitals, new equipment, and improvements in staff training are increasingly surfacing, showing that the country's public and private health systems are constantly being upgraded.
• Currency: The legal tender is the Costa Rican Colón. US$1 = 569 Costa Rican colónes (CRC).
• System of Government: Headed by a publicly-elected president, Costa Rica is a democratic republic. An election goes every four years, and any citizens above the age of 18 can vote. There are 57 publicly-elected representatives in the country's Legislative Assembly.

Head of State and Government: President Luis Guillermo Solís Rivera (since 8 May 2014). There are two Vice Presidents in Costa Rica. Current Vice Presidents are Ms. Ana Elena Chacón Echeverría and Mr. Helio Fallas Venegas.

• Religion: Roman Catholic makes up the largest religious presence in Costa Rica, at 76.3% of other Protestants (0.7%), while 4.8% of people identify with other world religions and 3.2% identify with none.
• Telephone Country Code: 506
• Emergency Numbers: For police, medical, or fire services, dial 911 or 112
• Internet Country Code: .cr
• Life Expectancy at Birth: 78.6 years (Male = 75.9; Female = 81.4)
• Economy overview: Economic growth has been strong and stable in Costa Rica since 2010, with a growth rate of 3.8% in 2017. The country continuingly attracts numerous foreign investors, thanks to its political stability and relatively high education levels, as
• well as the incentives offered in the free-trade zones. Costa Rica has boasted one of the highest levels of foreign direct investment per capita in Latin America.

Exports: $9.824 billion

Imports: $14.76 billion

Gross Domestic Product (Purchasing Power Parity): $79.26 billion

GDP per Capita: $16,100

Inflation Rate: 0.3%

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Costa Rica Facts to Tell Your Amigos Upon Your Relocation to Costa Rica

-Costa Ricans use tico or tica for females to refer to themselves, meaning someone who was born in Costa Rica.

-On the other hand, the term Tiquicia is used to describe something that is "very Tico," which is also the name of a popular authentic restaurant in San Jose. Essentially, Tiquicia denotes a state of being profoundly authentic and unique to Costa Rica and its people.

-Soda is a term for a small, very inexpensive restaurant where you can buy local cuisine, like the typical Casado plate.

- And if you're wandering on the beach and hear a vendor yelling "pipa, pipa!" don't let them walk away…they're selling fresh and delicious coconuts.

-Pura Vida is the country's unofficial motto, which is also that of Tamarindo – the natural beauty laid-back gem that has long attracted tourists and retirees. Literally translated as "pure life," this expression is more akin to the "Life Is Good" t-shirts and bumper stickers you see for sale in North America. Pura Vida gives a peek into the spirit of lifestyle in Costa Rica as it is a commonly used phrase there. Costa Ricans prioritize time with family and friends. They make a life where they are, not just make a living. Living in a beautiful tropical country contributes to their happiness.

-Pura Vida is more than just a motto, it is also an everyday phrase. People use it to say "hello," "good-bye," "thank you," and "your welcome". If someone asks how you are doing – you can simply answer with a hearty Pura Vida! – I'm doing fantastic!

-Citizens of Costa Rica are officially called Costarricense. But the term is more commonly used in news reports or formal documents or situations, rather than in everyday settings. The nickname tico, for a man, or tica, for a woman, is more common. There are actually different opinions about this, but some say it originates from Costa Ricans' habit of attaching the suffix "-tico" to words to denote that they are small. But hey, if someone uses it to refer to you, it is also a display of affection.

-Costa Rican army was abolished at the end of a civil war in 1948, and the country has had no army since. Costa Rica has been a stable, peaceful, and democratic country since then. The army ban is stated explicitly in the constitution, with the money going to contribute to better education, culture, and other fields.

-Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet - with 5% of the world's animal species but just 0.03% of its landmass. A dynamic combination of factors come together to make this biodiversity possible - its position between North and South America and its variety of climates and environments, from beaches to rain forests to cloud forests to wetlands and more. Of those many species around 300,000 are insects.

-The government and private individuals of Costa Rica have impressively demonstrated a true commitment to conservation and wildlife preservation. A quarter of the country's land is set aside for national parks or private reserves.

-Costa Rica aims to be the first country to go carbon neutral by 2021. 93% of its energy is already successfully generated through renewable sources like wind, geothermal, and hydroelectric.

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Doing Business in Costa Rica

It is all about beating the competition when it comes to selling your home for top dollar is all about. What you'll need to do is to get together a good real estate team, prepare your house for sale, and make your home's strengths stand out.

Real Estate Agents

Costa Rica's top real estate agents have the necessary tools you need to sell your home - extensive networks, popular websites, and word-of-mouth referrals. The agent will only receive a commission if they sell your home. There is no listing exclusivity in Costa Rica; you can advertise your property with as many agents as you choose, as long as they are trustworthy. Especially when it comes to Premier Casa, our reputation for uncompromising real estate professionalism in Costa Rica and integrity in everything we do is earned day to day by serving our clients and earning their trust.

FSBO

If you have much spare time to spend on this project, consider listing your home For Sale By the Owner (FSBO). You'll have to submit your real estate listing to online listing websites and talk with potential buyers directly. The advantage is that if you end up selling your home via FSBO, there is no need to pay any agent commission.

Price

There is no central Multiple Listing Service (MLS) in Costa Rica, meaning there is no centralized database of recently sold properties and those currently for sale. Consequently, it might be a bit difficult to price your home. A real estate agent will help you fair market value for your property, but if you choose to go with FSBO exclusively, keep your eyes open. Do your research online for comparable properties and drive around to see if there are any properties for

sale in your neighborhood. If your home doesn't get sold within a few months, it may be time to lower the price.

Current Condition

A well-maintained, handsome-looking home will always be a catch to more buyers. If your house needs some renovations, make sure you give it an upgrade before putting it out for sale. Simple touches like a new coat of paint, or a manicured lawn can go a long way in how potential buyers view your home.

Improvements

A renovation of your property should not be discounted by your potential buyer. Take inventory of any and all improvements you've made to your home, be it paint, upgraded tile, lighting, fixtures, kitchen countertops, and so on. Put a monetary value on your renovations. Discuss with your listing agent(s) about the improvements and their value, and don't hesitate to inform potential buyers about a detailed list of the upgrades.

Staging & Showing

The way you stage your home is an integral aspect of making a sale. Stay organized, and always keep everything clean and neat. Remove personal items – family photographs and trinkets – to make your home approachable to everyone. On the showing day, bring some refreshments or burn some essential oil (vanilla works well!) to welcome people with a warming atmosphere.

Location & Livability

Location is one of the most crucial criteria, so the real estate mantra goes. If you're in an ideal location in Costa Rica, stress the benefits of where you live, whether it be an upscale neighborhood or an up-and-coming town. Are you just a few minutes to the mall, a nice park, private schools, or the main highway? Does your neighborhood have shared amenities, like a pool or clubhouse? The more habitable your area, the more valuable your property. As you or your real estate agent come up with a property advertisement, don't forget to mention nearby conveniences.

Strategies

If you've tried everything, and your home is still on the market, it's time to think strategically. There are a few things you can do:

• Offer an upgrade allowance to potential buyers,
• Selling your home furnished,
• Offer three months' worth of paid utilities,
• Offer to contribute to the buyer's closing costs
• Buy top-placement in real estate magazines or websites and find forums that place your listing for free.

Most of your competition won't go the extra mile, and these strategies will help your home stand out from the pack.

Making A Sale While Abroad

If you're selling a Costa Rican property while living in another country, a good real estate agent is the way to go. Needless to say, you should hire someone whom you can trust and who has excellent communication skills, especially via email. Curb appeal is very important as they form the first impressions, and you won't be around to assure these for yourself. So, talk to your agent about staging your property; small changes can go a long way. Have a well-referenced landscaper/gardener and cleaning service for regular upkeep.

In terms of legal matters, it may be necessary to work with a lawyer, family member, or trustworthy friend who lives in Costa Rica. This individual will act as your legal representative for all purposes granted by the power of attorney: the permission to sign legal documents on your behalf, access to utility accounts in your name, and other tasks related to property management and the eventual sale of your home.

Now that we are at it, let's talk about what kind of expert team that you need.

What Should Your Real Estate Team Made Of

What do you call a property investor with inadequate support? Mistake.

Hiring your real estate team is the make-it-or-break-it aspect of the home buying process. A professional, responsible team will assist you throughout the journey, ensuring the process moves forward efficiently.

The Team Members

Your real estate team is comprised of a real estate agent, attorney, home inspector, and if you're getting financing, your mortgage broker or bank. These indispensable individuals will work with you through every step of the process. Needless to say, your team should be reliable, responsive, and most important of all, understand your needs. Look for a team with experience working with ex-pats, as unforeseen cultural differences can create frustration during the home buying process.

Bilingualism

Communication plays an immense role in getting what you want. Even if you're fluent in Spanish, real estate and legal jargon can be confusing. Hire professionals who are bilingual in Spanish and your native language to avoid misunderstandings.

Responsiveness

Before you make any commitment, contact each professional several times, and take note of how long it takes to receive a response. You'll want your team to meet deadlines and be prompt for meetings. Phone messages should be returned within one business day, and emails within two business days.

Go Local

Expertise in the local market is an asset, so look for a real estate agent who possesses this. On the other hand, your attorney should have enough experience to understand a neighborhood's unique conditions. For instance, your lawyer should know whether recent laws have made construction permits more difficult to obtain.

Experience Speaks Louder Than Words

You want to hire the most competitive team possible. An experienced professional maintains his or her business over time by providing quality services. In the absence of real estate licenses and professional associations, the experience will be an important factor to consider.

A proposed law, the "Regulation of Real Estate Contracts and Real Estate Agents," is currently being evaluated by the Costa Rican legislature. Another proposed change is a provision that makes it mandatory for all real estate agents to register with a recognized real estate association, the Department of Revenue, and to be bonded. The law would also enact real estate escrow laws, setting regulations regarding escrow funds, which are not common practice in Costa Rica.

With a large international listing base, Premier Casa continually seeks, identifies, and implements ideas that add value and maximize return on investment for our clients. Our international marketing gives us an advantage in finding the best buy for any property creating a real estate win-win as a primary home, vacation property, or real estate investment. We find the property most suited for your needs.

Some highlights of the real estate services we provide through our experienced multilingual staff

• Online property marketing and booking
• Utilities and building administration fees payments
• Monthly owner statement with complete and organized accounting
• Property Maintenance and cleaning services