Recently I’ve had read and heard a few people commenting about their observations on real estate advertised in Craigslist.

For those of you who are not familiar with Craigslist, it is a website where people can find and post pretty much anything for sale and barter.

The site has also become a very popular place for to find real estate. What I have noticed is that because it there is no official Multiple Listing Service (MLS) in Costa Rica, many people regularly check the listings in Cragslist Costa Rica and use it as a gauge for the market.

While I can understand the reasoning, I would like to point out a few mistakes and dangers with doing that and in using Craigslist to purchase real estate.

1. The Real Estate Listings: The listings are simply not a fair sample. Getting a snapshot of listings to learn the market will not help you. Just like in the states markets vary from regions, even from different neighborhoods and different projects. If there is one thing that is certain in Costa Rica it is that all areas are not equal. You have to remember too that Craigslist tends to cater to bargain hunters so the listings on there tend to cater just that.
2. Misinformation: I have seen many listings advertised that are clearly inaccurate and recently, I saw someone advertising condos in Jaco for $200,000 when the real asking price is $299,000 – Nearly 50% higher. In another case I saw one advertisement claiming the lowest priced condo in a project was $330,000, when it was really $250,000. Remember Craigslist does not regulate the listings so if you are using their prices to try and understand the Costa Rica real estate market, it can be a nightmare.
3. Costa Rica Real Estate Scams and Outright Fraud: I know of many cases of bait and switch tactics on sites like this… There’s a reason that Craigslist clearly warns about frauds and scams on their site!

Please don’t misunderstand me! Craigslist can be a good tool. Our office and some of my agents use it regularly to advertise listings, but the truth is you should still treat the site as just that – a tool, as a user you still need to do your research.

You might also remember what Scott Oliver and many other VIP Members on this site recommend, spend more time researching and finding an experienced Realtor and put your trust in them.

A reputable and knowledgeable Realtor like the professionals recommended on this site will know the market much better than anyone watching Craigslist, and you won’t have to worry about losing your shirt (your camisa) in the process!

For more information about condos, homes and land for sale in the beach town of Jaco and surrounding areas please contact our Recommended Realtors in Jaco Shawn Fletcher and his wife Hannah Fletcher
using the simple form below:

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.