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After what I thought was 2+ years of a good relationship, I now believe the designer of Jardines de Ensuenos (Gardens of Dreams) Trevor Chilton is really out to lunch. Because of some financial changes I decided to try to have my down payments returned. I have not heard from him since I requested them, even after daily email to him. After further inquiry, I have found I am not the only one in this situation. Too bad for us. So if any are considering business, or have business dealings with Mr Chilton, be advised that he is not someone you ought to deal with. I suspect from correspondence with him prior to him shutting me out that he is having financial difficulties, and likely has spent the down payments of those hoping to invest in his project. Any suggestions on what we can do are certainly welcome.
I know nothing of Mr. Chilton or the development but you didn’t mention anything regarding the contractual obligations. How much due diligence did you do prior to doing business? Is Mr.Chilton breaking any of the contractual obligations?
These situations pop up from time to time here and I read them with some interest. Even though I have secured property in CR, I will have future business relationships down there and the Costa Rican system of law seems peculiar to me.
I too have a interest in this project and agree it has been a unusual roller coaster of a ride. The last I have heard was that all permits are finally in hand and construction will begin in the new year. I must say I am amazed at how slow things move in Costa Rica, for here in New York I have watched three shopping plaza’s be built in the time it took this project to get permits. Trevor and his team have more to loose than I should this project not be built. So lets see what January brings. I am sure we would all welcome any comments from Mr. Chilton as well, for to speculate on facts is never a good thing.
Sprite,
The contract is such that 10% is to be deposited. This is to be returned anytime prior to construction if the investor so desires. As construction has not started, there should be no problem with returning the fees. Yes, permits are said to have been issued. A few of red flags are:1) He told me he will not be selling any more condos of that project because the current arrangement is just too much of a hassle. So he is intending to get a large loan for building all the rest. He invited me to join a group of investors to hold a larger share of ownership of the project, hence he was asking for a large sum of money.
2) Last spring he offered me an arrangement in a new business venture with him his body and fender businss partner. As some have seen from the Tico Times article earlier this month, that partner appears to be in hot water from some bank web scam. (Maybe the person who enlighted us of that can add more?)
3) Apparently there are others who are wanting there down payments back and are not able to do so.
Yes, I would agree that he has more to loose than we who were hoping to invest. However, it would simply be nice if he would communicate, and honor his contract (s), thereby improving his reputation.
Having a few investments in and some experience with Costa Rica I’d like to share two things I always share with anyone that visits or is thinking about investing in CR…
1. “Costa Rica is littered with the wreckage of dreamers.”
2. “Another dirt road to nowhere!”
Neither statement in intended to be negative about enjoying, investing, visiting, or living in Costa Rica… just the reality of folks that don’t have a real plan when they jump into paradise to make their millions or reinvent the wheel. Having realistic goals and plans might not be much fun as we all like to dream big… but when you’re in paradise you still have to keep your head about you!
I hope that all works out with this project. I don’t know the fellow but I’m sure his dream was a bit bigger than his bankroll and he got caught short. All to often these projects are not backed with deep pockets but rather folks that hope to use money coming in to continue the work. I’ve stayed clear of a number of such “deals” that had me wondering who get burned when the music ($$) stops. I wish all those involved the best in finding a way to work this out.
At this point please stop dreaming and try and get your money back…although unlikely. I am currently in Costa Rica and nothing but a small unfinished building with a family camping out in it is all that exists on the project site. Also Trevor posted an ad in the paper looking for buyers of the entire project. No way it takes so long to get permits even in Costa Rica! This guy went well out of his way to criticize his competition, brag how competant he and his partner are and fill up a web site with a ton of pure BS. This dream is dead and I truly feel sorry for the good folks who sent this group there hard earned money.
It has been listed for sale in the Tico Times as well as with Real Estate brokers. I don’t mean individual condos…the whole project is up for sale. I was there in December and it was abandoned with what looked like squatters in the shell of one unit.
Trevors architect guy says that even he has not seen Trevor Chilton for a few weeks now so I am guessing here that if the architect has not seen the guy that signs his paychecks and does not know where Trevor is theres a problem here
Does anyone know if Trevor has left the country?
Where would he go?
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