| Spending your retirement in Costa Rica is a real | | | | of an apartment in that same building that has a |
| dream come true! It's an exotic tropical island full | | | | view. Many Australian Realtors believe that the |
| of beautiful scenery, sunshine and smiles! Buying | | | | view is in fact 50% of the value of the house. |
| Costa Rica Real Estate for your retirement is | | | | When it comes down to judging a 'good view' |
| definitely a desirable game plan. But in order for | | | | from an 'excellent view' it is a matter of opinion. |
| your investment to go smoothly, there are a few | | | | Technically speaking, an 'excellent view' has no |
| things you will need to know: | | | | visible obstructions or foreseeable obstructions in |
| 1. Costa Rica Real Estate is a totally unregulated | | | | the future. One study showed that homes located |
| market. They do not have the education and | | | | within 300 feet of the water generally sell for |
| licensing requirements we have here in the United | | | | 28% more than homes located inland. |
| Sates, the UK, or Canada. Any individual is free to | | | | Don't buy on an emotional whim! This always |
| be a 'Realtor.' | | | | works out great for the seller but rarely for the |
| 2. All legal contracts will most likely be written in | | | | buyer. Make sure the amazing view doesn't rush |
| Spanish. If you're not familiar with the language, | | | | you to buy a home that is far from the regular |
| you should learn or find someone you trust who | | | | amenities you will need on a weekly basis. Decide |
| is fluent. Unless you really know what's going on, | | | | how much you're willing to pay for an amazing |
| you'll need to do some serious research. | | | | view of the ocean long before you go and see |
| 3. Investing in any real estate can be risky, so | | | | the house! |
| don't be fooled by the beautiful scenery, Costa | | | | A few things you should know about Costa Rica |
| Rica is no different. Seek advice from trusted | | | | Culture: |
| sources to avoid getting scammed. | | | | 1. Appearance is important. Costa Ricans take |
| For most retired individuals, the price of living | | | | appearance very seriously and it is the axis much |
| plays a role in how they determine where they | | | | of their society revolves around. Personal hygiene, |
| will spend their retirement. Here are a few things | | | | clothing, courtesy, manners, cleanliness of your |
| you will want to know before moving to Costa | | | | home and car will all be used to help determine |
| Rica. | | | | who you are as a person. |
| How much does the food cost? | | | | 2. Money Talks. Costa Rica has a solid middle class |
| Food in Costa Rica is comparable to that in the | | | | who have considerable assets, however by |
| United States. Fruits and vegetables like bananas, | | | | European and North American standards this is a |
| mangos, beans and oranges are usually locally | | | | relatively poor country. The cost of living is not |
| grown and less than or equal to the US in price. | | | | particularly low, however the wages, by |
| Many feel the taste, texture and freshness are | | | | comparison, are. |
| even better than that in the US. | | | | 3. It's all about the attitude. Leave your bad |
| Eggs and meats are readily available as well. Eggs | | | | attitude at home because Costa Ricans don't |
| are sold by the Kilo (There are usually 16 eggs in | | | | appreciate it! Here, it's considered not only silly but |
| 1 Kilo) and are usually just over one dollar. | | | | will actually lower their opinion of you. |
| Because they are farm fresh eggs they are | | | | 4. Costa Ricans are Patriotic! Costa Ricans are |
| better tasting than the supermarket eggs | | | | fiercely patriotic much like Americans are during |
| Americans are used to. Chicken is affordable as | | | | times of war or crisis. They will struggle to |
| well- a 5lb chicken will be about $3, and grown | | | | understand individuals who don't share their |
| entirely naturally with no force feeding or | | | | enormous pride for their traditions and culture. |
| chemicals. | | | | 5. The humor of it all. Costa Ricans have a great |
| Costa Rica is an amazing island so it's no surprise | | | | since of humor and will expect you to as well. If |
| that delicious fresh fish are on large supply. Fish | | | | you take yourself very seriously and are of the |
| can be delivered regularly and cost between $2.50 | | | | humorless sort, Costa Rica probably isn't the |
| and $3.00 a pound. | | | | retirement destination for you. Humor is a deep |
| What kind of affect does the 'view' have on the | | | | part of Costa Rican culture- they find it in |
| Real Estate price? | | | | everything and use it as a way to explain the turn |
| The view of any home or apartment directly | | | | of events in their lives. |
| affects the price. This is a reoccurring theme in | | | | Finding your retirement real estate can be an |
| real estate everywhere. The price of one | | | | exciting project- find a trustworthy company that |
| apartment in a New York building that faces the | | | | really knows the area well. Don't settle, it's your |
| back of another building can be as much as half | | | | retirement! |