The Costa Rica Real Estate Expert

Through our travel professionals, we have to offer a 7 day “Taste of Costa Rica” land-only tour originating from the Daniel Oduber International airport in Liberia, Guanacaste, Costa Rica.  Pricing for this tour starts at $769 CAD (similar to US funds), per person.  Airfare is extra.

Arenal

From Liberia, you will head to intimate Arenal Lodge which offers up some fantastic views of Arenal Volcano.  During your 3 day stay you will have a chance to reconnect with nature, as lush landscaping will surround you.

Discover your wild side as you fly through the treetops on an Arenal Paraiso Canopy Tour.  In addition to the thrilling ride you’ll get riding along cables from treetop platforms, the views will be unsurpassed.

On the Wildlife River Cruise, you’ll get to see unique and splendid wildlife that until then had only been seen by you on the television.

Pacific Coast

The remainder of your stay will be at your choice of one of the following hotels along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica:

1. Tamarindo Diria Beach & Golf Resort
2. Barcelo Langosta Beach
3. Flamingo Beach Resort

While here, grab your sunscreen and a beach towel and bask in the warm, golden sun!  Or grab a round of golf before lunch on the patio of a local restaurant.  How about a little shopping?  The point is, take it easy and let Costa Rica take care of you!

And while you are in the area, falling in love with Costa Rica, why not take a moment to visit some fantastic properties in the area.  Minutes from Tamarindo you’ll find Naturalia, a luxury condo that’s just a short walk to the beach.

Not much further away you’ll also find Colinas Del Coyolar, a gated community of lots where you can buy and build for under $200,000!  Colinas Del Coyolar is perfect for any type of buyer - investor, second home owner, or a retiree. 

Your stay comes to an end as you return to Daniel Oduber International airport in Liberia for your flight back home.

Make Your Plans Today!

Are you ready for your break from winter?  Are you ready to find your Costa Rican vacation home?  Then contact us today for a quote to get your Taste of Costa Rica!

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Do you know what your options are for financing your Costa Rica real estate purchase?  You may be surprised to find that there are more than you may think.  Check out this article, Financing Options to Purchase Costa Rica Real Estate to review the options available to you.

Okay, so after having read that article, you know what your options are - what next?  Well, lucky for you, the Costa Rica Real Estate Expert has partnered with select financial professionals in Canada to serve our Canadian customers (my peeps - I’m originally from Manitoba).

We want to work with the best in the business, and we think we have definitely found that.  They will help you review all of the financing options available to you, review your current financial situation, and even discuss your future financial goals.  From there, they can recommend a financing course of action to purchase your Costa Rica property AND they can offer you the financial products to do just that.

Our Canadian financing experts would love to assist you.  Please fill out this form and one of them will contact you shortly!

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Negative movements in the exchange rate can drastically increase the cost of property to Canadians 

If you are a Canadian looking to buy property in Costa Rica, you will inevitably need to transfer your currency to US dollars to buy the property or arrange financing.  Canadian buyers should pay close attention to the USD/CAD exchange rate, as volatility in the currency markets can have drastic repercussions on the final Canadian dollar (CAD) cost of an American property priced in US dollars (USD).

For example, a Canadian buyer wants to purchase a property in Costa Rica priced at $300,000 USD.  In the first week of November 2007, it would have cost approximately $271,500 CAD (USD/CAD = .9050).  One month later in December 2007 the same property would have increased in cost due to the exchange rate to $306,000 CAD (USD/CAD = 1.0214).  In other words, the property in one month became $34,500 CAD (over 12%) more expensive to a Canadian!

Currency exchange specialists like HiFX can help you protect against currency fluctuations that would increase the cost of your property by locking in an exchange rate for up to two years with a ‘forward contract’.  This service can be useful if you have a lengthy closing period or future property payments.  With a ‘forward contract’ you will have locked in the cost of the property in CAD and will be unaffected by any volatility in the currency market.  HiFX provides ‘forward contracts’ free of cost and requires only a 10% deposit.

Canadians have amazing purchasing power today

Fortunately for Canadians, now is an attractive time to look for a property in Costa Rica as CAD has strengthened heavily against the USD over the last few years, making property in Costa Rica even less expensive.  On September 20^th, 2007, the Canadian dollar reached parity against the US dollar for the first time since 1976.  This means that Canadians have more purchasing power now than they have in the last 31 years!

If a Canadian buyer was looking to buy a $300,000 USD property in Costa Rica in January 2008 it would cost approximately $300,000 CAD.  If five years ago the Canadian had been looking to buy the same $300,000 USD property, it would have cost them a staggering $485,000 CAD.  In other words, the same property is now $185,000 CAD (almost 40%) cheaper than it was five years ago!

Use a currency specialist to pay for your property

Working with a currency exchange specialist to make property payments can not only save you time and hassle, it can also save you money. The fact is that many individuals will simply use the exchange rate offered by their personal bank. Currency specialists can typically offer more competitive rates of exchange than personal banks, to save you on the cost of your property. The bank may also charge wire transfer fees, commissions, and bank receiving fees. Many individuals don’t realize there are better alternatives available to them.

HiFX has seen an average savings of 1%-4% of the transaction amount for its clients, and in addition will transfer funds free of charge.  On larger transfers the savings can turn into thousands of dollars.  HiFX does not speculate with funds and all funds are held in a secure private client trust account at the Bank of Montreal in Canada.  It may be worth speaking with a consultant at HiFX to register for no cost or obligation.

If you have any questions about the currency exchange rates, or would like to learn more about HiFX fee-free currency exchange services, please contact Thomas Wight.

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So, what do you think about taking a trip to Costa Rica to find your tropical dream home AND getting paid to do it.  It’s no joke - it’s true!

Compass Properties International and The Costa Rica Real Estate Expert will cover up to $2000 of your Costa Rica travel expenses when you buy a home through us*.  Do you know what kind of trip you can get for $2000?  That could cover a fun-filled, exciting, weeklong trip for two!

While you are on your trip to Costa Rica, you’ll be able to meet with Compass Properties’ colleagues and affiliates who will show you some amazing Costa Rican real estate:

• Lots - build your custom dream home with all the luxuries, like granite countertops, tile floors, crown molding, fine hardwood cabinetry, and more!
• Condos - Beachfront, beach close - your choice!  All located in some wonderful areas close to fantastic sights and activities.

 They will also be able to answer questions you may have about visiting your property, renting your property, maintaining your property, or even moving to your property.

Whether you have already made your travel plans, or would like one of our full-service travel professionals to help you, you can contact us to make arrangements to meet with one of our colleagues or affiliates in Costa Rica for a custom home tour, or to request more information.

Pura vida!

* Valid on select properties only.  Please inquire for more details.

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Hey everyone!  Bueno ano nuevo!  At least I think that means Happy New Year in spanish!

I’m real excited about what 2008 is going to bring.  We’ve got a great start with a visit up North to attend the 2008 Recreational & Investment Properties Show at the HomeExpo in Calgary.  This is a 3 day event from January 11-13 at the Roundup Centre at the Stampede grounds, which I have never been to, even though my parents and sister live in the Calgary area!  My lovely parents will be joining me to help man our booth - #3 (one of my lucky numbers).

Costa Rica Real Estate Seminars - How to Buy Safely

I also figured that since I’m up in Calgary, I might as well do a couple of informative seminars on Costa Rica’s real estate market and buying real estate there safely.  We’ve had some good initial response - Canadians DEFINITELY want to get out of the cold!  And I should know, being from Winterpeg (oops!  I mean Winnipeg).

Our first seminar is on January 15th, and our second one is the next day on the 16th.  Anyone is welcome, but it may be especially interesting for retirees, investors, 2nd home owners, real estate professionals, financial professionals, and travel professionals.  If you are interested in attending, you can RSVP online and we’ll put you on the guest list.

Reduced Airfares to Costa Rica

I just wanted to mention that I was checking airfares to Costa Rica (San Jose & Liberia International airports), and there are some good deals going on right now.  Most notable are flights from LAX to both San Jose and Liberia airports.  Of course, that was a few days ago - check for yourself and maybe you can go down there to check out some properties!  And don’t forget that we offer our Fly & Buy program, where we cover up to $2000 of your travel costs if you buy a property though us.

I hope your 2008 is full of abundance!  Peace & blessings!

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CANADA

Costa Rica Embassy, Canada
325 Dalhouise Street, Suite 407, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1N 5T4
Phone:  +1-613-5622855
Fax:  +1-613-5622582
Email:  mailto:embcrica@travel-net.com
Website URL:  www.costaricaembassy.com

Costa Rica Consulate, Canada
1425 René Levexque West, suite 602, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3G 1T7
Phone:  +1-514-3931057
Fax:  +1-514-3931624
Email:  costarica@bellnet.ca

Costa Rica Consulate, Canada
164 Avenue Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5R 2H9
Phone:  +1-416-9616773, +1-416-9616771
Fax:  +1-416-9616771

Costa Rica Consulate, Canada
205-1401 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V79-2H9
Phone:  +1-604-9832152
Fax:  +1-604-9832178
Email:  Consulado@sprint.ca, arreaga@axionet.com

Costa Rica Consulate, Canada
Sparrow Group, Nisku
PO Box 21117, Alberta, Canada, T9E 8A8
Phone:  +1-780-4387878
Fax:  +1-780-4358313
Email:  costaricaconsul@shaw.ca

USA

Costa Rica Embassy, United States
2114 S Street, N.W., Washington, District of Columbia, USA, 20008
Phone:  +1-202-2342945, +1-202-2342946, +1-202-2348653
Fax:  +1-202-2654795
Email:  ambassador@costarica-embassy.org, embassy@costarica-embassy.org
Website URL:  www.costarica-embassy.org

Costa Rica Consulate, United States
203 N Wabash Ave. Suite 1312, Chicago, Illinois, USA, 60601
Phone:  +1-312-2632772
Fax:  +1-312-2635807

Costa Rica Consulate, United States
1101 Brickell Avenue, Suite 704-5, Miami, Florida, USA, 33131
Phone:  +1-305-8717485
Fax:  +1-305-8710860
Email:  consulate_mia@costarica-embassy.org
Website URL:  www.costarica-embassy.org

Costa Rica Consulate, United States
1605 West Olympic Blvd. Suite 400, Los Angeles, California, USA, 90015
Phone:  +1-213-3806031, +1-213-3807915
Fax:  +1-213-3805639
Email:  costaricaconsulatela@hotmail.com
Website URL:  www.costarica-embassy.org

Costa Rica Consulate, United States
175 McClellan Highway East, Boston, Massachusetts, USA, 02128
Phone:  +1-617-5612444
Fax:  +1-617-5612461

Costa Rica Consulate, United States
1870 The Exchange, Suite 100, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 30339
Phone:  +1-770-9517025
Fax:  +1-770-9517025

Costa Rica Consulate, United States
2424 Territorial Road, St. Paul, Minnesota, Saint Paul, USA, 55114
Phone:  +1-651-6454103
Fax:  +1-651-6454684
Email:  lupita.barahona@2424group.c
Website URL:  www.costarica-embassy.org

Costa Rica Consulate, United States
2424 Territorial Road, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA, 55114
Phone:  +1-651-6454103
Fax:  +1-651-6454684

Costa Rica Consulate, United States
3000 Wilcrest Suite 112, Houston, Texas, USA, 77042
Phone:  +1-713-2660484
Fax:  +1-713-2661527
Email:  consulatecr@juno.com
Website URL:  www.costarica-embassy.org

Costa Rica Consulate, United States
3356 South Xenia Street, Denver, Colorado, USA, 80231
Phone:  +1-303-6968211
Fax:  +1-303-6961110
Email:  cronsul@ecentral.com
Website URL:  www.costarica-embassy.org

Costa Rica Consulate, United States
3567 E Sunrise Drive, Suite 235, Tucson, Arizona, USA, 8571
Phone:  +1-520-5297068
Fax:  +1-520-5776781
Email:  costarica@missiontrust.com
Website URL:  www.costarica-embassy.org

Costa Rica Consulate, United States
6836 San Pedro Street, Suite 1160, San Antonio, Texas, 78216, USA
Phone:  +1-210-8248474
Fax:  +1-210-8248489

Costa Rica Consulate, United States
7373 E Doubletree Ranch Road, Suite 200, Scottsdale,  Arizona, USA, 85258
Phone:  +1-480-9512264
Fax:  +1-480-9511204

Costa Rica Consulate, United States
7777 Forest Lane Building C, Suite 204, Dallas, Texas, USA, 75230
Phone:  +1-972-5667020
Fax:  +1-972-5667943

Costa Rica Consulate, United States
80 Wall Street Suite 718, New York, USA, 10005
Phone:  +1-212-5093066, +1-212-5093067
Fax:  +1-212-5093068
Email:  ccamacho@rree.go.cr, parce@rree.go.cr, msegura@rree.go.cr
Website URL:  www.costarica-embassy.org

Costa Rica Consulate, United States
Gainey Ranch Financial Center, Ste 200, 7373 East Double Tree Ranch Road, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA, 85258
Phone:  +1-480-9512264
Fax:  +1-480-539059
Email:  burkeap@aol.com
Website URL:  http://www.costarica-embassy.org/

Costa Rica Consulate, United States
World Trade Center Building, 2 Canal Street - Suite 2334, New Orleans, Lousiana, USA, 70130
Phone:  +1-504-5816800
Fax:  +1-504-5816850
Email:  consulcrno@hotmail.com
Website URL:  www.costarica-embassy.org

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Last updated December 10, 2008

Canadian Embassy

Street address:  Located west of downtown San Jose, in Sabana Sur, behind the Contraloría in the Oficentro Executive complex.  Building 5

Mailing address:  Embajada de Canadá, Apartado Postal: 351-1007, Centro Colón, San José, Costa Rica

Telephone: (506) 242-4400

Email:  sjcra@international.gc.ca

United States Embassy

Street Address:  Calle 120 Avenida 0, Pavas, San José, Costa Rica 

Costa Rica Mailing Address:  920-1200 San José, Costa Rica

US Mailing Address:  US Embassy San Jose, APO AA 34020

Telephone:  [506] 519-2000  From the U.S.: 011-506-519-2000

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