The Costa Rica Real Estate Expert http://www.costaricarealestateexpert.com/blog Your Costa Rica Real Estate One-Stop-Shop. Sun, 18 May 2008 16:25:24 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.3 en May 1, 2008 Update on Las Colinas de Miramar http://www.costaricarealestateexpert.com/blog/03/miramar-update-20080501/ http://www.costaricarealestateexpert.com/blog/03/miramar-update-20080501/#comments Sat, 03 May 2008 14:14:54 +0000 costaricarealestateexpert http://www.costaricarealestateexpert.com/blog/03/miramar-update-20080501/ Puntarenas BeachThe finalized master plan for Phase 1 of Las Colinas de Miramar (a.k.a. Hills of Miramar) was just release on May 1, 2008.  Download Phase 1 Master Plan Map to your computer for review.

Phase 1 is made up of 123 lots sized around 1.25 acres each, and with 52 of those lots having ocean views.  Pricing is expected to be released within the next month, but initial expectations are that ocean view lots will start at $60,000, and other lots will start at $30,000.

Notice on the map that the commercial area that is situated near the gated entrance, next to the equestrian stables. 

Also new, though not on the map:  In the past, there was talk of building a golf course in the future, and it looks like that will be happening sooner than expected.  More details on the golf course to come in upcoming months.

Stay tuned for more updates on Las Colinas de Miramar.

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]]> http://www.costaricarealestateexpert.com/blog/03/miramar-update-20080501/feed/ Investments in Costa Rica Tourism Still Going Strong http://www.costaricarealestateexpert.com/blog/29/costa-rica-tourism-growing/ http://www.costaricarealestateexpert.com/blog/29/costa-rica-tourism-growing/#comments Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:57:48 +0000 costaricarealestateexpert http://www.costaricarealestateexpert.com/blog/29/costa-rica-tourism-growing/ hotel.jpgEven with the real estate market slowdown in many countries - the US, Canada, UK, and Costa Rica as well - major players in the tourism industry are still confident in Costa Rica as a world class destination.  A number of tourist mega-projects are in the works, or currently underway. Three Spanish hotel projects will begin in Costa Rica, totaling more than $1 billion. Others like the first luxury megacomplex in the Osa Peninsula, in the province of Puntarenas, will begin construction shortly.

So why do major tourism investors continue to feel comfortable in Costa Rica? They say that it is thanks to its legal system, its hardworking and skilled labor force, as well as its peaceful climate - an ideal country for vacationers.  There is definitely validity in this statement, which we should explore further.

Many people are often concerned about their safety when traveling to another country.  Typically, this fear is due more to the unknown and media hype.  But the good news is that we KNOW that Costa Rica is a safe country.  Recently, FTI Ibero-America Consulting rated Costa Rica as THE safest country in Costa Rica for businessmen and multinational companies.  CINDE also states on their website that Costa Rica is the most politically stable country in Latin America.

Regarding Costa Rica’s skilled and hardworking labor force, that is due in large part to their excellent public education system, where all children are required to attend school.  Numerous international companies - like Intel, Glaxo Smith Kline, and Bayer, to name a few - recognize this and have invested millions in Costa Rica.  This of course serves the tourism industry well too, resulting in memorable experiences for tourists.

The bottom line is that Costa Rica is extremely foreign investor friendly has resulted in a tourist-friendly environment - making many major tourism companies very happy.

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]]> http://www.costaricarealestateexpert.com/blog/29/costa-rica-tourism-growing/feed/ Responsible Real Estate Development - Certified Green Worldwide http://www.costaricarealestateexpert.com/blog/28/responsible-real-estate-development-certified-green-worldwide/ http://www.costaricarealestateexpert.com/blog/28/responsible-real-estate-development-certified-green-worldwide/#comments Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:59:49 +0000 admin http://www.costaricarealestateexpert.com/blog/28/responsible-real-estate-development-certified-green-worldwide/ Baby monkeyCosta Rica is well known for its eco-tourism, and for the most part, Costa Rica has done an exceptional job when it comes to being a leader in protecting its precious environment.  It started years ago when Costa Rica truly came onto the global scene as a hotspot for eco-tourism (still a popular niche in the tourism industry), and continues today as Costa Rica is one of four countries in a race to be the first to go carbon neutral (the other three countries are New Zealand, Iceland, and Norway).

That’s why it is not surprising to find a real estate development in Costa Rica that has adopted a firm stance on protecting the environment.  In fact, in my opinion, it should be odd to find a Costa Rican development that does NOT take a strong stance.  Of course, I don’t rule the world yet!

The development that I am speaking of is Las Colinas de Miramar in the Central Pacific of Costa Rica, a Certified Green Worldwide development.  The Certified Green Worldwide designation is a 12-point protocol that mandates comprehensive environmental safeguards:

  1. Protection of wildlife habitats while allowing for recreation.
  2. Protection of wetlands, natural water courses and aquifer regeneration areas.
  3. Soil erosion safeguards; both during road building, construction, and occupation.
  4. Utility operations, site specific or municipal, to contain contamination retention features for ground water protection.
  5. Development plans consistent with local mandates, inputs and requirements.
  6. Maintenance of natural geologic contours.
  7. No construction on sites with a slope greater than 40 degrees.
  8. Density restrictions; based on a formula of slope and wet land proximity.
  9. View shed protections including project height standards.
  10. Construction to use low wattage consumption by electric appliances and fixtures, insulated windows and walls using passive solar techniques, and recycling to reduce the carbon footprint.  Potential solar electrical generation may become additional options.
  11. Encourage community related sustainable economic development though the use of locally produced building materials and local labor.
  12. Good Corporation Citizenship.

As an aspiring Eco-broker, it gladdens me to work with a developer so dedicated to protecting the environment.  That is why I am going to do my part by purchasing carbon offsets from Carbonfund.org.   I am promising that for each Phase 1 lot I sell in Las Colinas de Miaramar, I will buy enough carbon offsets to make a medium sized home (1500-2499 sq ft) carbon neutral for one year.

So what can you do to make better take care of our Earth?

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]]> http://www.costaricarealestateexpert.com/blog/28/responsible-real-estate-development-certified-green-worldwide/feed/ Las Colinas de Miramar near Puntarenas http://www.costaricarealestateexpert.com/blog/25/listing-las-colinas-de-miramar/ http://www.costaricarealestateexpert.com/blog/25/listing-las-colinas-de-miramar/#comments Fri, 25 Apr 2008 05:15:51 +0000 admin http://www.costaricarealestateexpert.com/blog/25/listing-las-colinas-de-miramar/

Best valued development in the Central Pacific

Reserve your lot today - send a reservation inquiry below.

From $30,000

Certified Green Worldwide

Project Updates
May 3, 2008 - The Phase 1 Master Plan map was just released and is now available for download (see below).  Finalized price list to follow within the next month.  Reservations being accepted.  Fill out the inquiry form below for more details on reservations.

May 18, 3008 - The file for the Phase 1 Master Plan map was minimized to make downloading easier.
 
Location
10 minutes from the city of Puntarenas in the Central Pacific regionLocation of Las Colinas de Miramar (or “Hills of Miramar”) in Costa Rica
 
Pictures/Slideshow


Local Sights/Activities
  • Minutes from the historic city of Puntarenas, port for major cruise lines
  • Close to numerous surf spots
  • About 25 minutes from the popular tourist town of Jaco Beach
  • Take a catamaran cruist to Isla Tortuga from Puntarenas
  • The maritime museum, Museo Historico Maritimo, in Puntarenas
  • Parque Marina Del Pacifico aquarium in Puntarenas
 
Master Plan
Download the Phase 1 Master Plan Map for Las Colinas de Miramar (right-click, and select “Save Target As”).  Current as of May 18, 2008.
 
Related Resources
Costa Rica Real Estate FAQ
Costa Rica Real Estate Financing Options
 
Real Estate Professionals
Real estate agents, investors, and other real estate professionals can earn up to 5% co-broke fee.  Please inquire below for more information.
 
Inquire About This Property

Las Colinas de Miramar Inquiry
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Description
Imagine yourself and your loved ones standing atop your own private paradise.Imagine yourself and your loved ones among the verdant fields and colorful flowers of your own special Garden of Eden.

Imagine being lost in the tranquility, romance and splendor of endless sunsets aglow with the brilliant light of nature’s prism.

Imagine The Hills of Miramar.

Nestled among the foothills of the Cordillera de Tilaran near the Central Pacific coast of beautiful Costa Rica, the Hills of Miramar is a “Certified Green” Master Planned Community of 185 custom, fully improved home sites.

Set among 1,200 green acres, the Hills of Miramar (Las Colinas de Miramar) will feature over 100 home sites of 1.25 acres each. All home sites will be fully improved with roads, water, electric, cable and sewer. All will have direct access to the Pan American Highway near the quaint, historic town of Puntarenas. The entrance to the Hills of Miramar is only minutes to the new Caldera Highway - a direct 45 minute drive from the Pacific Coast to the bustling capital city of San Jose.

Most of our home sites offer sweeping, panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Nicoya and the Nicoya Peninsula. All of our home sites feature magnificent pastoral views of rolling green pastures and forests.

All home sites are fully titled - fee simple. You own it! What’s more title insurance is available from Stewart Title - one of the world’s largest title insurance companies.

The Hills of Miramar has been awarded the coveted “Certified Green Worldwide” designation. This honor is given to those communities that conform to the twelve point environmental protocol of the Certified Green initiative ensuring environmentally safe development.

The Hills of Miramar features -

  • Outstanding, panoramic ocean views;
  • Over 100 Custom Home Sites of 1.25 acres each;
  • Fully improved home sites complete with roads, water, electric, cable and sewer;
  • All home sites have direct access to the Pan American Highway and are only minutes to the new Caldera Highway to San Jose;
  • The Hills of Miramar is located in one of the most emerging areas of Costa Rica;
  • The Hills of Miramar has received the Certified Green Worldwide designation for responsible development;
  • All home sites are priced competitively for maximum future appreciation.

Home sites start at only $30,000. You can build right away or whenever you’d like.
 
Community Amenities
  • Pools
  • Basketball court
  • Commercial/retail center
  • Equestrian stables
  • Gated front entrances
 
Preferred Builders
TBD, though you can choose your own!
 
Home Plans/Floor Plans
Coming soon…  You do have a choice of building a home using your own plans or homebuilder (some restrictions may apply).
 
Price/Pricing
Phase 1:1.25 acre lots starting at $30,000.

Same sized, ocean view lots starting at $60,000
 
Financing
Financing available.  Please fill out the inquiry form on this page for more information.
 
Rent/Property Management
Property management will be made available as the community becomes more developed.  For more information please fill out the inquiry form on this page.

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]]> http://www.costaricarealestateexpert.com/blog/25/listing-las-colinas-de-miramar/feed/ THE Caldera Highway http://www.costaricarealestateexpert.com/blog/23/caldera-highway/ http://www.costaricarealestateexpert.com/blog/23/caldera-highway/#comments Wed, 23 Apr 2008 09:47:56 +0000 admin http://www.costaricarealestateexpert.com/blog/23/caldera-highway/ If any of you have ever even remotely considered or inquired into real estate in the Central Pacific - especially around Jaco - then you most probably have been told by one or several people about the Caldera Highway.

Now, they may not have called it the Caldera Highway, but I’m sure that they talked of a new highway that was being built that would shorten the drive from San Jose by half - going from about a 2 1/2 hour drive down to a 1 hour drive.

Sound familiar?

Then you may have also heard about how it has been years since this highway was started, and the local joke was that “yes, the highway will be finished - someday.”

Well in case you hadn’t heard, thankfully it appears as if the wait is coming to an end.  After what appeared to be years, the residents and investors of Costa Rica were fed up and put pressure on the government to “finish the Caldera, or stop promising it.”

The result has been for the government to put their foot down and set some strict rules with the contractor.  Now, the contractor has a strict deadline which they must meet, or suffer strict fines.

And that deadline?  About 2 years from now.

Well, better late than never…

Will it be like this.. Cobblestone road

or this.. Highway

Just jokes!  I’m confident it will be great when completed.

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]]> http://www.costaricarealestateexpert.com/blog/23/caldera-highway/feed/ The Magic Number… http://www.costaricarealestateexpert.com/blog/16/the-magic-number/ http://www.costaricarealestateexpert.com/blog/16/the-magic-number/#comments Sun, 16 Mar 2008 15:57:05 +0000 costaricarealestateexpert http://www.costaricarealestateexpert.com/blog/16/the-magic-number/ Ventimiglia in Playas Del Coco, Guanacaste, Costa RicaI have spoken to dozens of individuals who are looking at buying real estate in Costa Rica.  I have looked at hundreds of properties and developments in Costa Rica.  Of course, everyone’s criteria is varied, but there is a “magic number” that keeps popping up, like the universe recorded it somehow and keeps playing it back to me.

That “magic number” is 200 - or more specifically, $200,000.

Mountain acreage adjacent to La Cangreja parkCosta Rica has a large number of fine and luxury properties, priced at $400K and above.  What is more difficult to find are properties priced at a more modest price tag of $200,000 or less.  Over and over I hear from people that they want to find properties in the $200,000 range - it is like that recording that I told you about.

House at Costa Del Sol for under $200KThe luxury properties are exactly that - luxurious - but there is still the average buyer out there who wants a modest, safe, and clean Costa Rican property, but doesn’t want to pay a fortune for it.  For the beginner, finding these properties seems like a daunting, almost impossible task.  When you search the Internet, a score of ads and search results pop up for high-priced, luxury properties, making it appear as if Costa Rica is not for the average person any longer.  Unfortunately, that’s untrue.

Guanacaste Country Club Golf Course & Club HouseThe key is working with people in the know - people who can network with real estate folks all around Costa Rica to find those properties.  These properties do exist, and there are quite a few of them!

So that is one of my goals - to find these high quality, inexpensive properties priced around $200,000, or less.  My list is ever-growing and diverse, satisfying a large group of buyers who want to invest in the tropical paradise that is Costa Rica.

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]]> http://www.costaricarealestateexpert.com/blog/16/the-magic-number/feed/ Vista Panoramica in the Mountains of the Nicoya Peninsula http://www.costaricarealestateexpert.com/blog/14/listing-vista-panoramica/ http://www.costaricarealestateexpert.com/blog/14/listing-vista-panoramica/#comments Fri, 14 Mar 2008 19:29:16 +0000 admin http://www.costaricarealestateexpert.com/blog/14/listing-vista-panoramica/

Heavenly Ocean & Mountain Views

$495,000 USD

Location
Located in the highest part of the Nicoya Peninsula in the province of Guanacaste, at an altitude of 2,500 to 2,800 feet.See map of area.
 
Pictures/Slideshow


 
Local Sights/Activities
  • Just 90 minutes from the Daniel Oduber International Airport at Liberia
  • Just 45 minutes from the beaches of Playa Coyote or Playa Carillo
  • Immersed in the raw nature of Costa Rica - no tours necessary here!
  • Unprecedented views of the Nicoya Peninsula, including beach, mountain, and even volcano views.
 
Related Resources
Costa Rica Real Estate FAQ
Costa Rica Real Estate Financing Options
 
Inquire About This Property

Vista Panormica Land Inquiry
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Description
A visitor’s marvelling eyes scan the entire Gulf of Nicoya with its many islands and mangrove-lined estuaries below, the row of volcanoes at the horizon toward north and northeast from the Orosi at the Nicaraguan border past Cerro Cacao, the massif of the Rincon de la Vieja Park, the cones of Miravalles and Tenorio down the open Gulf to Jaco, misty Cerro Turrubares looming beyond in the southeast.  When the weather permits even fiery Arenal Volcano is visible glowing at night.

From innumerable natural plateaus one can further see mountains and valleys of the southern peninsula, Pacific blue and white water from Tambor past Montezuma in the south and up the coast from Malpais to Coyote in the southwest, altogether over 200 miles of panoramic vistas!

The farm has its own water from 2 perennial springs, has forest and pasture, fruit trees, 100 avocado trees and - on its south and eastern sides - borders a huge nature reserve supported by a project of the ZooAve in La Garita to introduce captive-bred and rehabilitated animals back into the wild. The subject property thus acts as a bio-corridor guaranteeing a great deal of wildlife passing through. The reserve itself is off-limits to the public.  Jaguar, panther, peccaries, macaws and many other endangered Costa Rican originals can be observed with luck and patience.

The property has year-round access, electricity at 300 m and would be perfect for an ecology-minded tourism project, for building condos or simply to use as an out-of-the-world estate. There is ample building space.

A tentative plan for a 5-larger-parcel subdivision was made but not registered yet.There is absolutely no crime nor is there any contamination of water or air. Great foreign and local neighbours at a ‘safe’ distance.

The international airport of Liberia is about 1 ½ hours away. Pacific beaches of Coyote or Carillo about 45 minutes and the Gulf for exploration of national parks and estuaries about 25 minutes.
Please note that photos never show the real beauty.
 
Land Features
  • 2 perennial springs
  • Forest & pasture
  • Fruit trees - 100 avocado trees
  • Borders a nature reserve
  • Electricity available at 300 m
  • Tentative 5-parcel subdivision plan was made - not registered
 
Preferred Builders
Let us recommend a builder that would be well suited in helping you achieve your vision.  Please contact us.
 
Price/Pricing
$495,000 USD

Please contact us for more information about your financing options and referrals to reputable financing providers.
 
For Developers
This piece of land has so much going for it - proximity to the international airport at Liberia, heavenly views of beaches, mountains, and volcanoes, immersion in Costa Rica’s raw nature, streams, pastures, and more.

If you are a developer and would like to learn more about how Compass Properties and its affiliates can help you get involved in the Costa Rica market, then please contact us.

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]]> http://www.costaricarealestateexpert.com/blog/14/listing-vista-panoramica/feed/ How to Retire to Costa Rica - FREE Seminar http://www.costaricarealestateexpert.com/blog/14/retire-to-costa-rica-seminar-20080416/ http://www.costaricarealestateexpert.com/blog/14/retire-to-costa-rica-seminar-20080416/#comments Fri, 14 Mar 2008 15:04:23 +0000 costaricarealestateexpert http://www.costaricarealestateexpert.com/blog/14/retire-to-costa-rica-seminar-20080416/ Red eyed tree frogFor YEARS now, Costa Rica has been a favorite place for retirees to settle down - either part time or full time.  These lucky people discovered that Costa Rica has a lot more to offer than friendly people, gorgeous beaches, and fresh squeezed fruit juice every morning!

During this seminar, we’ll tell you why so many people have been, and currently are, interested in Costa Rica as a retirement spot, and also how even those who own a modest home can live in luxury, peace, and healthfulness in this paradise called Costa Rica.

During this presentation, I’ll go over some great vacation, investment, and retirement opportunities available in Costa Rica, as well as:

  • An introduction to Costa Rica and why people are retiring there.
  • Staying healthy and worry-free in Costa Rica for your entire retirement.
  • Easy immigration.
  • Introduction to retirement properties.
  • Discuss financing options and products.

Everyone is welcome!  Limited seating, so RSVP now!

WHEN:  Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at 7:00 pm (please show up at least 15 minutes early for sign-in).

WHERE:  Prudential Financial Offices - Computax Tower
21250 Hawthorne Boulevard, Suite 500
Torrance, CA  90503

ENTRANCE FEE:  Free, but we please ask that you please bring a non-perishable food donation for the Los Angeles Food Bank.

RSVP:  Please RSVP to Chris Turkmany at 310-516-3444 or by filling out the form below:

RSVP for Costa Rica for Retirees - Torrance (April 16, 2008)
  1.  (required)
  2.  (valid email required)

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]]> http://www.costaricarealestateexpert.com/blog/14/retire-to-costa-rica-seminar-20080416/feed/ Learn About Exciting Vacation, Investment, and Retirement Opportunities http://www.costaricarealestateexpert.com/blog/06/rewn-meeting-20080326/ http://www.costaricarealestateexpert.com/blog/06/rewn-meeting-20080326/#comments Thu, 06 Mar 2008 20:14:59 +0000 costaricarealestateexpert http://www.costaricarealestateexpert.com/blog/06/rewn-meeting-20080326/ Manuel AntonioI am proud to have been invited to be a presenter at the Real Estate Wealth Network’s March meeting to share with its members some exciting vacation, investment, and retirement opportunities available in Costa Rica.

Now, I have heard it.  You may have heard it.  The naysayers are saying that there are no more “good deals” or investment opportunities in Costa Rica.  Do your homework you naysayers!  I have found a variety of opportunities, many at prices less than you may think.

During this presentation, I’ll go over some great vacation, investment, and retirement opportunities available in Costa Rica, as well as:

  • Costa Rica’s economy and why people are investing, retiring, and moving there.
  • Review investment analysis of investment opportunities.
  • Discuss financing options and products.
  • BONUS:  Co-presenter, Munzer Ghosheh of Entrust IRA Services, will discuss how to buy a Costa Rican investment property using your self-directed IRA.

Everyone is welcome and no RSVP is required!  So come on out!

WHEN:  Wednesday, March 26, 2008 at 7:00 pm (please show up at least 15 minutes early for registration).

WHERE:  Kiwanis Club - Hermosa Beach
2515 Valley Drive, Hermosa Beach, CA  90254

ENTRANCE FEE:  Free for members, $20 for non-members, $15 for guests of members

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]]> http://www.costaricarealestateexpert.com/blog/06/rewn-meeting-20080326/feed/ “Small” Philanthropy http://www.costaricarealestateexpert.com/blog/06/small-philanthropy/ http://www.costaricarealestateexpert.com/blog/06/small-philanthropy/#comments Thu, 06 Mar 2008 12:12:52 +0000 costaricarealestateexpert http://www.costaricarealestateexpert.com/blog/06/small-philanthropy/ It doesn’t take much to help the lives of others, and apparently there is no minimum age requirement either!  I just read an article about a group of preschool, elementary, and secondary school age kids in Canada who raised money to purchase solar, LED lighting systems that they are going to install in the homes of Indigenous Reserves of Costa Rica.

This group of industrious kids comes from a variety of schools around Sudbury, Ontario in Canada, and they have partnered with YMCA Services Club of Canada who will train 12 technicians to install these lighting systems.

This endeavor is notable for so many reasons, the most being that it is driven by a group of kids!  All us adults better take notes, as our kids seem to have their moral compasses correctly calibrated.  This group of industrious kids wanted to help those less fortunate than them to bring something as basic a home lighting.

Also notable is the fact that they are using solar, LED lighting systems to bring light to those without.  This is obviously great for the environment, not requiring any usage of oil oftentimes required to produce the electricity that comes into many North Americans’ homes, and no expensive, potentially destructive, running of electrical cables to remote areas.  Just clean, abundant solar energy!

One other thing that’s important to note is the fact that Costa Rica is a paradise, but there are still many people who live there in rural, remote areas that don’t have the basic resources that most North American and Europeans are accustomed to having - like home lighting!  I think we should all commend this young group of philanthropists, and be thankful that they are our future!

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