The Gringo’s Quick & Dirty Free Guide. The four major problems you face in the Costa Rica real estate market.

Here are the major problems that you will face when searching for Costa Rica real estate:

1. 1. Contrary to what some people might tell you, there is no Multiple Listing Service to speak of so trying to establish even a rough idea of what a property is worth is difficult. Take a look on the internet and you will often find the exact same property listed by different ‘brokers’ at dramatically different prices.
   2. Half the population call themselves ‘Realtors’ because any ‘Tom’, ‘Dick’ or ‘Jose’ can freely call themselves a real estate ‘broker’ but few can call themselves a ‘Realtor.’ To be involved with Costa Rica real estate, you do not need any qualifications, training or experience whatsoever to call yourself a ‘broker.’ and… There is an organization of ‘brokers’ involved with Costa Rica real estate, however, very few people who call themselves ‘brokers’ have even heard of it never mind belong to it … And nobody is regulating or watching over these people!

1. And you know the Costa Rica legal system is based on Napoleonic Laws and not Common Laws as they are in the US & Canada right? How much do any of us know about the Napoleonic legal system?
2. Although many people speak some English, Costa Rica is a Spanish speaking country and all legal documents will be in Spanish. If you can’t read Spanish well then understanding contracts for example will be very difficult.

This means that when it comes to buying Costa Rica real estate which may be one of the biggest investments of your life…

More than likely, you will be listening to ‘expert’ advice coming from someone with zero qualifications or training in real estate, who is trying very hard to earn a sales commission selling you a property that could be dramatically overpriced…

To watch this short video, please click on the small black triangular Play button.

Sounds like a recipe for disaster and it can be!

There are a few excellent Costa Rica real estate professionals but finding them is a challenge because guess what? Some of these professionals have so much business they simply don’t have the time to put up and maintain a website! So finding them on the internet just does not work!

So what can you do? How do you ensure that you’re not going to ‘lose your shirt’ or get ripped off when you buy property here?

You must insist on working with real estate ‘professionals’ who are qualified, experienced, trustworthy, reference-checked and personally recommended.

If you have a serious interest in buying real estate in the Central Valley area where you will find thousands of expats, the best health care, schools, shopping and entertainment and still visit the beaches on either coast, please email me at to@welovecostarica.com.

Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.