Buying Costa Rica Real Estate. What women want most in a new home.

In Costa Rica, the vast majority professional Realtors who are helping Gringo buyers are men and, it seems to me that these male Realtors are paying way too much attention to what the male buyers are saying when, deep down we all know that it’s the woman who makes the final decision, right?

Most male Realtors focus on communicating with the man, showing the man what he himself considers important like the floor plans and a comparison between the cost per square foot in this building versus another but, and this is a big but, it’s his wife (or girlfriend) who will make the all important buying decision and those features are rarely at the top of her list.

Women are far more interested in lifestyle, organization and convenience rather than price per square foot, women want more security than men, and less maintenance. Women will compromise size and cost to find other amenities but they will not compromise on location or the quality of overall neighborhood.

Women will also want to be located close to decent shopping facilities and, while the man may be quite happy living in the boondocks and retreating into his cave for some peace and quiet, most women will want to know that there is a community of like minded people nearby so she can start making new friends.

And single women, who have more money than ever before, make up an rapidly increasing number of real estate buyers in most countries in the western world.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in the USA for example, in 1981, the number of single women and single men buying homes was about the same, but since that time, the percentage of single women buyers has almost doubled, while the percentage of single men buyers has actually dropped by 1%

To entice women, builders and Realtors should remember what’s more important to women:

1. A spa like ensuite master bathroom with luxury faucets
2. A deep bathtub as well as easy to clean rounded shower
3. Skylights in bathrooms for natural light because women prefer natural light in the bathrooms
4. Lots of drawers and storage space in the master bathroom
5. Preferably two walk in closets, one of him and the larger one for her with a full length, well lit mirror
6. Lighted mirrors in the bathrooms
7. Light, open gourmet kitchens close to the family room with
8. Well respected brand name appliances
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9. Natural finishes
10. Bigger windows
11. Laundry rooms upstairs
12. Light-colored walls
13. Newly finished, easy to clean hardwood flooring
14. More storage space especially closets near the entrace
15. Good security, gated access and well lit streets
16. Low maintenance gardens
17. Easy access to their social circle

So when a Realtor is helping a couple who looking for their new dream home in Costa Rica, although the man may be primarily concerned with price, it would be wise for Realtors to remember that old adage; “a happy wife is a happy life” and should focus more on the lifestyle aspect of the property and, only after she’s confirmed her approval should the Realtor start showing the floor plans and discussing costs.

As always, your comments about this article would be greatly appreciated and in this case, especially from our women VIP Members.

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Written by Scott Oliver, author of 1. Costa Rica Real Estate Scams & How To Avoid Them, 2. How To Buy Costa Rica Real Estate Without Losing Your Camisa and 3. Costa Rica’s Guide To Making Money Offshore.

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.