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Not sure if you´ll be in the Central Valley ( San Jose ), but the owners of a cantina ,in Sabanilla – Montes de Oca , called La Bamba have an offroad club – a big excursion they do annually. I seen videos of the trucks and terrain, sounds like what you are describing . If I have a chance to stop in there , I´ll ask them about it. If your in this area, ask for La Bamba, everyone knows where it is, great local hangout.
Alvaro, I am sorry to have offended you. I wasn’t trying to say that Latinos in general are corrupt, just that corruption is everywhere and it is in the news media on a constant basis here.
I’ve worked in the latin community in Chicago for many years offering financial assistance and counsleing. I can tell you the day in and day out stories I heard from these folks getting the shaft back home and also getting it in the states too. Many would never pursue action against the scumbag American business people / businesses because of 2 big reasons ( fear, maybe they weren’t legal or the other main reason they always give me, it happens back home all the time . )
The government really needs to do something here. A statement of some sort has to be made for others that plan on doing this may think twice. If this developer is guilty, they should be shut down, either return the lands or sell assets to pay the value of the stolen property. All the foreigners coming here wanting their beachfront properties have created this market, you’ll have some good guys and some bad guys mixed in there. Maybe a luxury tax on beach fronts to compensate future claims, wait a minute , that $$ will disappear too.
I think Latins in general are used to corruption , fraud , bribes , scandals, you name it . My tico friends and family don’t say much either about this, except the occasional jue…. Gringos !
Someone else on this site , you’ll have to search, commented on searching the pin # of the vehicle online, if the vehicle originated from the US, to determine the mileage when it was sold and transported to CR. The story goes on to say that many dealers turn back the mileage on their cars.
Yes the mortgages are very expensive here in costs / fees , rates. There are however several local lenders that offer up to 80% financing on residential homes / condos and 70% on lot loans to Non -resident Americans / Canadiens . I know of 5 lenders offhand. But you are correct , the fees are much higher than in the states, but they may be the only option for some buyers .
If you look at the drop in property values in California and Florida , some buyers from those regions may not have the equity they thought they would have or may even be upside down if they used high loan to value lending recently.
The problem with these local banks is that it is difficult to get answers to questions from them unless you have the inside person’s name that is in charge of approving or declining such loans. I have yet had anyone tell me if loans to 65 year old non-residents are considered or not.
Yes, that is correct. I believe Banc Uno is also aquired by Citibank. Possibly my question can be taken 2 ways. Are loans to residents treated differently than loans to , say non-resident applicants. Are there underwriting differences ? In my mother’s case , she applied as a resident although her retirement income came from the US.
You have to go to the driver’s facility in San Jose. Photo copy your driver’s license, also all pages of your passport. Like David said, stop by and get your physical exam for 5,000 colones by any # of so called medical offices all around the facility. You don’t have to look for one , they will find you before you even park. Go inside , first line is to register your name , etc. , next line is to pay fee, think it’s $10-$20 most. Next line is to get interview by director, basically the ok ( buena vista ) . Next line is to get photographed, then sit and wait for your license. Took me several hours to get done and if you haven’t finished by lunch, add a couple more hours. Good for 2 years.
I remember watching an accident, car hits motorcyle and throwing the bikist several yards. The local police drove by, checked to see if the vicitm was somewhat ok from their window and drove off. I asked my brother in law , what the heck was that ? He said , that is the job of the trafico ( traffic police ) not theirs. Since they get paid almost nothing , they will not do anything extra. I imagine for them to see, in their eyes , someone who makes 100 times their pay, the “rich gringo ” can afford the loss.
In case the seller attorney is conducting fraud, the buyer should have their attorney also do a title investigation. Also, follow up not only that the deed has been presented to the registry, but also that it was recorded. If taxes haven’t been paid or not enough fees collected with the deed, it will not get recorded, even though it was presented for recording.
I was wondering for anyone who did use Stewart title for example, do they really provide title insurance against fraud, like back in the states, or are they just verifying what the attorney has done and give you a piece of mind for the fee. What does their policy cover ?
Hernan Jimenez and his partner Joanna Cruz can be reached at arquieco@gmail.com. Cell number is 388-6943 for Joanna. They do ecologically friendly designs and also offer landscape design in a manner that protects the environment. Let them know Charlie Quesada referred. I do not get paid , he is a long time tenant of our property complex.
I know a Costa Rican architect in CR who is very reputable , is a professor at the University of CR and also designed the college of engineeres and architects building. He has a business called Arquieco S.A. and specializes in ecologically friendly design , incorporating building design with the environment, protecting nature. his name is Hernan Jimenez and his assistant is Joanna Cruz, arquieco@gmail.com . Maybe they can help you with a reference. Let them know Charlie Quesada referred. I don’t get paid, he rents his office from me for over 15 years.
I’ll post his contact info later today, just went to his office he rents from us , he isn’t there right now.
There is an expo in August , 8-12, at the hotel Ramada / Herradura near San Jose airport . http://www.expocasa.co.cr, I’m sure you can find some leads there , and also see home decor companies for your new place .
If you need an architect, one of my tenants , Hernan Jimenez, who designed the colegio of engineers and architects building and is a professor in the University of Costa Rica , may be available. I can say he is a reputable and honest man. I spoke with him recently and he was available. His english is very limited but his assistant is fluent. If you are interested, I can contact him for you, let me know . I’ll keep the notify on.
