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they ahve been tryong to get me to buy some property,near Jaco. The developents name is Columbus Heights. I would appreciate any help that anyone could give me
shellpatI have not personally visited the property but believe that they have up until now only sold lots to build on.
Scott Oliver – Founder
WeLOveCostaRica.comI was one of the first to purchase when it was still a cattle ranch…I really rolled the dice…especially after reading about them here!Lol! I have no complaints and have met with everyone involved, builder, attorney etc..Of course I saw the land before “sending” any money and knew the area very well after spending about 6 years visiting Playa Hermosa. To date the place looks good and they are in the final stages of completeing the infrastructure as pavers are being laid on the roads, water has been brought to the lots etc..As far as houses being built time will tell, I plan on building in November. It will be interesting to see how many people actually build, the architects/builders that are on there site tell me they have quite a number of deposits to start construction on homes. They have sold over 200 lots so I am hoping people are going to build but I am sure some bought to speculate or for retirement..we’ll see? You don’t have to like the sales people or the principles of the company, but if you find a condo, home or land that you love have a good Costa Rican attorney check it out and then move forward.
This company contacted me after I inquired about the properties they are selling, “Columbus Heights” was one of them and the other was “Vista Pacifica” I believe. I was so turned off by the arrogance of these sales people that I wish I’d never inquired. They called my home phone at least 50 times in four days and never left a message. I spoke to a salesperson and explained that I was no longer interested and they had a sales manager call me and I told him the same thing. A few days later they had another person call me and finally I asked if he could just send me a berochure and his card (BECAUSE HE WOULD NOT TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER) so Icould look it over and that I would get back to him if I was interested. He said first I would have to call and speak to his attorney in Texas. I asked him why and he said it’s protocol. I told him I had no intentions of calling his Texas attorney for no reason and so he told me I would not be receiving an information packet. A few days later the information packet arrived?????? A week later they called again and I informed him that I purchased property with another developer and he proceeded to “Bad Mouth” this developer and any others I mentioned. They were rude & unprofessional and the sales tactics used were the “highest pressure” I have encountered with any Developer in Costa Rica, and there have been many. My recommendation would be to get a copy of Scott’s book (No, I do not work for scott Nor do I know him)”How to buy CR Real Estate without losing Your Camisa” The book is going to help me when I make my next real estate purchase in CR which will be soon. I’m sure the book wiil be helpful to others as well.
Good Luck to all,
Artie
I bought a lot in the first phase. I went there first before buying. Everything seems to be going smoothly so far. One note, when they changed the path the road would be built I lost aprox 1/3 of my lot which originally aprox 6100 sq meters. They notified me of this and when my partner, my brother went to check things out at Wellington, they refunded the proportional amount, no problem. I still have 4100 sq meters.We get update almost every week with pictures of the progress. So far everything has gone reatively smoothly. I don’t think there are many lots left. before I dealt with them I had some good contacts in C.R. and they told me that as far as they could find out, this outfit is ok. As for the sales staff I suppose it is who you deal with that will make a favorable impression or not.I can only speak for myself. I may add that I did say I bought a lot there, but I have not closed on it and won’t until infastructure is finished. My money is still in escrow.I wanted to make that clear. My dealings with them so far have been pretty positive but a few of the sales people need to drop the attitude. I talked to some real jerks from Costa Developers, that made these guys look like choir boys, but that was my own experience.
Thankyou for your reply, it was very informative, I guess my impression was so bad because of some sales people who’s attitudes were obnoxious. It sounds like they have been honest and above board with you so that’s good to hear and I’m glad for you and your partners. It’s funny how everyone has a different experience depending on the sales people they happen to deal with on that day. I had a wonderful experience with Costa’s sales people but I must admit I have heard from many people who said that they had terrible experiences with Costa’s sales people too, I guess I was one of the lucky ones. I bought 3 lots at Esterillos and I’ve got a long wait before anything really developes there but I’m not in a rush so it does not matter.
Nice to be in touch with you, take care,Artie giordano
Yes, we are going to build a home but the time frame is uncertain right now…We will be moving there before we build a house. We feel that we want to be close during the construction to keep an eye on things. I’d have to say that we will moving there in about 18 months and building in two years.
artie giordano
I have no plans to live there yet, but plan to build a small home in November. Maybe offer it out to rent and stay there 2-3 months a year.
I hope to build there in a aprox. 18 months to 2 years depending on finances. The real estate market in my area upstate NY Saratoga area is a little flat now and I have to sell my property there to afford to build. I was quoted prices from $70 -85 a square ft to build, depending on amenitites desired. These were from recommended builders, but I am still looking for other builders also. I have to build at least 2000 sq foot, which is more than I need, and can build up to 8000sq ft if desired.
Update, have closed on my property, the process was painless and they did all the work. Also found out that I have the only commercially lot in the development, which leads to many more options for its use. I would assume that it would be more valuable because of this.If there is alot of building going on in the next year or so I mlght put up a store there along with a house. all in all it was an easy experience and the owner where helpful and to my knowlege honset. This is only my experience and other might have a different experience or opinion. I wii say that anyone wishing to buy in Costa Rica should go there check out different areas, talk to as many realtors, homeowners etc as possible and get to know the country before considering buying there and get a good attorney.
Just curious… have you received your permit to build at this point? I understand the process can be slower as this is an area with a tremendous amount of projects in the works…
No I have not got my permits and have only spoke to a couple builders for ballpark prices. But from the conversations I have had the process does take alot of time and depends on the type of construction. But I have a feeling that I better get more details what is involved and get my a** in gear, just in case it takes longer than I thought. sorry I couldn’t be more help.Have a nice day
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