The Costa Rica Real Estate Expert

The 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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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 region   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 Your Name (required) Email (valid email required) Phone How would you prefer we contact you? PhoneEmail What's the best time to contact you? MorningAfternoon EveningOther Would you like information on reserving a lot? Yes No Message cforms contact form by delicious:days

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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I 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.

Costa 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.

The 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.

The 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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I 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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Discover Jaco 4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS - LAND ONLY BOOK OR INQUIRE ABOUT THIS BUYING TOUR

From around $298 Per person, double occupancy.

Pictures/Slideshows   Summary Explore downtown Jaco where you will find a variety of shopping and dining. Relax on the beach with a good book or get some surf lessons from one of the many surf shops in town. Take in the nightlife at one of the dance clubs or bars. And while in Jaco, set aside a few hours to take a look at some great properties which are well suited for vacation, investment, and even retirement. BOOK OR INQUIRE ABOUT THIS BUYING TOUR   Properties You Can See On This Tour Bahia Azul Bahia Encantada La Paloma Blanca Diamonte Del Sol The Pacific Costa Del Sol (Lot #34) View all Jaco area properties BOOK OR INQUIRE ABOUT THIS BUYING TOUR   Other Related Resources 2007/08 Jaco Rental Analysis Worksheet Financing Options for Buying Costa Rica Real Estate   BOOK OR INQUIRE ABOUT THIS BUYING TOUR       All prices are subject to change at any time. Availability is not guaranteed.  Book far enough in advance to avoid disappointment All information contained herein is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be verified independently.

Itinerary DAY 1 SAN JOSE/JACO BEACH.  You will be transferred to your hotel in Jaco Beach DAY 2 JACO BEACH.  Set aside a couple of hours for a guided property tour of some fantastic real estate right in Jaco.  In this collection of properties, you’ll find they are well suited for retirement, vacation, and investment homes.  The rest of the day is free to discover Jaco. (B) DAY 3 JACO BEACH.  Free days.  Take an optional tour or relax on the beach - the choice is yours (B) DAY 4 JACO BEACH/SAN JOSE.  Return to San Jose (B) BOOK OR INQUIRE ABOUT THIS BUYING TOUR   Hotel Info Price per person from HOTEL TWIN SINGLE Best Western Jaco (F) $217 $324 Hotel Amapola (F)       Standard Room  $281  $480   Junior Suite  $371  $661   Villa  $516  $950 Punta Leona Hotel del la Playa (F)       Slvamar - room  $298  $450 Club del Mar (F)  $382  $642 Villa Caletas - boutique (SF)       Standard Room  $453  $748   Villa  $535  $911   Jr. Suite  $687  $1216 Xandari by the Pacific (SF)       Garden Villa  $524  $861   Beachfront Ultra  $693  $1199 Los Suenos Marriott (DLX)  $404  $727 Ask about other hotels.   Discover Jaco - Optional Tours Pre-book your optional tours to avoid disappointment. Optional tour prices per person Manuel Antonio National Park wal (closed Mondays) $48 Carara National Park  $68 Canopy tour  $82 Tortuga Island (L)  $114 BOOK OR INQUIRE ABOUT THIS BUYING TOUR

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Over $60K in equity!

$199,000 $165,000 Just lowered another $34,000!  Price to Sell!

Location Around 20 minutes South of the popular tourist town of Jaco, Puntarenas, Costa Rica.   Pictures/Slideshow   Local Sights/Activities 3 minute walk to Blue Ribbon awarded beach Jaco Beach 20 minutes away Costa Rica’s prized national park, Manuel Antonio, less than an hour away Less than a mile from new commercial center where you’ll find restaurants, shops, and groceries.   Related Resources Costa Rica Real Estate FAQ Costa Rica Real Estate Financing Options   INQUIRE ABOUT THIS PROPERTY Costa Del Sol Property Inquiry Your Name (required) Email (valid email required) Phone How would you prefer we contact you? Phone Email What's the best time to contact you? Morning Afternoon Evening Other Message cforms contact form by delicious:days

Description This is a rare and fantastic opportunity at the fabulous Costa Del Sol community, just 20 minutes south of popular Jaco Beach. It was recently reduced to $165,000 from $199,000, which was already below market!At Costa Del Sol, you’ll find a fantastic community which is perfect for getting to know your neighbor.  Meet up at the pool, plan BBQ’s with your friends, or catch some rays at the beach, just a short walk past the palm trees.  Meet others by starting a tennis club, playing on the community tennis courts. And when you want a little more action, head north towards Jaco for dining, dancing, surfing, or to take in some of the tours. This house is unlived in and has fantastic terracotta tile throughout.  Each bedroom has its own bathroom, finished with granite countertops and a tile & glass shower surround. The kitchen has hardwood cabinetry and also granite countertops.  The adjacent dining and living room make for a perfect atmosphere for entertaining, with the fresh ocean breeze flowing in through the patio doors. From the roomy dining and living rooms, 2 sets of patio doors lead you out to the backyard.  It currently has a grass lawn, but it is large enough for a pool.  Or grow a lush, tropical garden that you can escape to. Full furnishing packages can be provided for about 10% the cost of the home.  Contact us for more details. Other homes in the community are selling in the $260’s, so this is a fantastic deal that won’t last!  Contact me TODAY so we can get you over to see the property.  And don’t forget our full service travel agents who can assist you in your travel needs!   Property/Unit Amenities Lot #34 Bedrooms:  2 Bathrooms:  2 1/2 Square Feet:  1366 under air Terracotta tile throughout the house Solid wood doors and cabinets Granite countertops in kitchen and bathrooms Tile and glass shower in master bathrooms Plenty of natural light from numerous windows Large patio doors opening to back yard with grass lawn. Washer/dryer hookup in linen closet 2 car carport Lot Sq Ft:  5403 Furnishing packages available for about 10% of the property cost   Community Amenities Gated front entrance Pool BBQ area with granite prep station in open air pavilion.  Located by pool. Tennis courts 3 minute walk to Blue Ribbon beach Lush landscaping   Floor Plan This home in Costa Del Sol is the Marquis model.Costa Del Sol’s Marquis Model Floor Plan   Price JUST REDUCED AGAIN!  $199,000 $165,000   Financing Costa Rica Real Estate Financing OptionsContact us for referrals to loan providers in your area - Canada, US, Europe, or Costa Rica!Typical financing: Note:  These numbers are estimates only.  It is recommended that you get an accurate quote from a loan provider. Price:  $165,000 25% down:  $41,250 Interest Rate:  8.25 Term of Loan:  25 years Monthly Loan Payment:  $975.71 DOWNLOAD Loan Calculator for Costa Del Sol Home - Lot 34   Rent/Property Management Available.  For more information please contact us.

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Even though Costa Rica is a small country - about the size of West Virginia, or 1/10 the size of Alberta - it is still quite diverse offering up a variety of landscape and climates.  There are beaches, rainforests, mountains, and 2 coasts very different from each other.  This makes the number of different options for places to live quite numerous.

Though the majority of foreigners who are looking to buy real estate in Costa Rica are interested in Pacific beachfront or “beach-close” (my own term, indicating that a property is a short walk to the beach), there are others who would like something in the mountain areas or even on the Caribbean side of the country.  Some people are looking for an investment or vacation/investment, while others don’t wish to rent out their property and instead plan on retiring there full or part time.  Whatever you are looking for in Costa Rica, there are definitely certain properties that lend themselves better to certain uses or situations.

For those of you that are concerned about the value of your Costa Rican home - more specifically about appreciation - there is no need for concern.  With annual appreciation rates of foreign-owned homes, in the range of 10-30%+ (highest in the coastal areas), you can rest assured that your Costa Rica real estate purchase will experience healthy appreciation, wherever or whatever you buy.

So, the first step in starting your property search is to sit down with any other decision makers (spouse, investment partner, etc.) and make a list of the following things:

1. Location - do you want beachfront, “beach-close”, mountain property?  Is there a specific city, town, or region you are interested in?
2. Usage - how do you intend on using your Costa Rica property?  Investment?  Vacation?  Retirement?  A combination of any of these?  Or maybe you even want to move to Costa Rica full time?  Are you okay with renting the property when you aren’t there?
3. Budget - Just like anywhere, property values vary from region to region.  Get a good idea in your mind of what your budget will be.
4. Conveniences & activities - How close do you want to be to all the conveniences like shopping, grocery stores, restaurants, etc?  How about proximity to activities or sights like golf, surfing, fishing, or national parks?  Do you want to be in the heart of the activity or in a more private location?
5. Property type - You might be able to get a good deal by building.  Or maybe you prefer a condo?  Looking for a lot to invest in?  Consider your options carefully, but remain as open as possible to as many possibilities.  Of course, if you cringe at the thought of building in another country, or don’t want to be directly next to your neighbors in a condo, just cross that off the list.
6. Property details - How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need?  What sort of amenities would you like?

Now that you have put together your Costa Rica property “wish list”, fill out our Personalized Property Search form for a specialized property recommendation from one of our Costa Rica real estate specialists.  We’ll review your wish list and recommend a selection of properties that are a best fit for your needs.  And if for some reason we do not have a property that we can recommend (it’s rare, but it happens), we can refer you to one of our affiliates who may have something that would be a fit for you.

One last note - the final step is to go down to Costa Rica and see the properties for yourself.  It is recommended that you not only check out the properties that were recommended to you, but to look at others.  You may be surprised to find that a particular property didn’t appear to be a fit for you on paper, but in reality is perfect when you see it in person.  Give each property a chance, or you might miss out on a gem!

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What if I told you that it was very possible that you could build a new home, just minutes from the beach, the popular tourist town of Tamarindo, and under 40 minutes from the Daniel Oduber International airport in Liberia for under $200,000?  Would you believe me?  Well, it’s true at the gated community of Colinas Del Coyolar!

The developer of Colinas Del Coyolar is offering incentives to its buyers for:

1. Using the developer also as the home builder, and using one of their attractive home plans.
2. Having the developer build this new home within a year of purchasing the lot from them.

When you use the Colinas Del Coyolar developer as the home builder, you get an 8% discount on the purchase of the lot.  And when you have them build your home within a year of purchasing the lot, you get a 5% discount off of the building costs.

So, do you want to see how much it will cost for you to build a home at Colinas Del Coyolar?  Then download the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet below and play around with the numbers to see what your estimated building costs will be!

Download this Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet:  Estimated Building Costs & Worksheet for Colinas Del Coyolar

Colinas Del Coyolar home plans from the developer:

• Colinas Del Coyolar Home Plan 2
• Colinas Del Coyolar Home Plan 3
• Colinas Del Coyolar Home Plan 4

Exterior home style choices for Colinas Del Coyolar home plans from the developer:

• Colinas Del Coyolar Home Style #1
• Colinas Del Coyolar Home Style #2
• Colinas Del Coyolar Home Style #3

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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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