Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
When we got our building permit last year in Tilaran we were told to drill our well before the end of the year. The engineer said new laws were going to be effective starting 2007 to restrict new wells and make new home owners hook up to municipal systems. I don’t know how that’s going to be possible in rural areas like Guanacaste. Has anyone else heard about this new law?
Try ricorealty@hotmail.com, I got through to Rene last week.
I have to weigh in on the Lake Arenal/Tilaran side. The Central Valley is too big city and the north and west side of Lake Arenal seems to have the perfect climate. It’s partly sunny and breezy all day so that even if the temperature is 84, it feels cooler and the sun isn’t oppressive. The green is magnificent and the tranquility in there every day. Tilaran is big enough so that everyday shopping is done locally and Canas and Liberia aren’t that far away. Yes, some things need to be purchased in San Jose but the Pan American Highway makes it possible in a day trip. I haven’t spend a good deal of time in the central valley but even my Tico son-in-law gets lost every time he comes to San Jose so my guess is, If you’re thinging of being in a suburb, you’ll stay there and not venture into the city any more than necessary.
I also would contact Jim and Rene and Rico realty. They know the area and will hook you up with an honest attorney. A local contact can also be make through Ingrid Solano’s office. She is an attorney but speaks little english. I think her secretary speaks a little but her husband, Luis Diego Murillo, is knowledgeable about land available from Tico’s. Stop in Ingrid’s office and she can get hold of Diego.
Do not let anyone sell you on the northeast side of the lake. The climate is rainy, windy, and nasty.
Good luck
RitaHi all:
You were all so helpful, I wanted to bring the discussion full circle. I contacted Dr. Macaya through arrivacostarica.com and talked to his staff about what I wanted done to make my face and eyes look younger. They gave me information and a reasonable estimate of costs (I also got similar information from other doctors for comparison). They said their first opening was at the end of Sept. so I asked them if they kept a cancellation list. They indicated that they had a cancellation on July 12th and could I make it here. Long story short, I got here, had the surgery and am EXTREMELY pleased with the outcome, Dr. Macaya’s follow-up and care, and his bedside manner which totally calmed any nervousness. So, alls well that ends well. Thanks so much for your help and guidance.
RitaSenta:
Thanks for the info. I contacted Dr. Federico Macaya and the earliest opening they have is Sept. I work in a school and need to be presentable enough to be at work by Sept 5th. so I asked them to put me on a list in case there is a cancellation/rescheduling. thanks again for the info.
ritaThe current line is coming from a spring not the local water supply but your suggestion of the 2″ line seems prudent. It’s surprising that well drilling is so expensive, how do Ticos afford one? We were told that the law is changing regarding individual wells and if we are going to need one to drill it this year. Does anyone know what’s proposed or changed?
I don’t know about problems with building policies, so far we have had none. I think the problem with Nuevo Arenal is that it is on the leeward side of the continental divide. The Tilaran side of the lake gets more wind and sun because the clouds dump the rain on the hills east of the lake and the wind whips across the lake. In this area, it’s as much about open space as it is elevation or so it seems.
I was also thinking about any of you who want beach property but are unable to pay the prices in the Guanacaste beach communities. Puntarenas is a reasonably sized city and the economy there is still rather depressed. It is a friendly town and has a nice beach. Because it is a poorer part of the country and has a reputation for being somewhat dirty (recently the city fixed beach showers and are regularly cleaning the beach), the property is more reasonable. The development of the port at nearby Caldera should help the economy in the area so someone might want to look at Puntarenas as a longer term investment. By the way, the views of the Nicoya peninsula, gulf, and Pacific are as good as anywhere.
Jessica:
The bottom line for me was water and my husband can’t stand the heat of the beach areas (great to visit, not to live). We emailed a wonderful gringo couple who are realtors when we got serious and there are a number of good realtors in the area but we hit pay dirt when we made our Tico connections. There is a quaint hotel/restaurant in Tilaran called LaCarreta (it may be sold soon so I don’t know who you will find there). The owner introduced us to someone who knew all the properties that were available but not with a sign on them. I will email our friend and ask if it’s OK to give you his email address. One of the things you need to understand about the continental divide and Lake Arenal is the weather is different every few km. The rainfall and amount of cloud cover is about 2 times greater on the east side, which is where you were in Neuvo Arenal. The southwest side of the lake has a much nicer climate. A word of caution about buying from locals, make sure you see several properties from at least a couple of realtors. They are not dishonest, they will just ask as much as they think you can afford and with the developments going up in the area, I can’t blame them. There are plenty of realtors and listings on the web for the Tilaran area. Rico Realty (west side), Moran Realty (north), Lake Arenal C21 (east) among a few. Do your homework and I’ll get back to you about the friend who found our land for us. We also have a wonderful attorney who does everything right, which will be essential.
RitaWe’ve used Liberia as often as San Jose and prefer Liberia because there is so much congestion at and around San Jose. When we fly out of Liberia, yes, they search your bags right in front of you. I think the only difference is the airport is small and they don’t have an area to do it after the bag is checked. It’s my understanding that the bags on all international flights are searched, it’s just uncomfortable when your underwear is out there for everyone to see. We still prefer Liberia if you’re going to a Pacific destination.
wspeed1195
Thanks for directing me here. Do you know any builders in the Tilaran area, we are going to need a reasonably priced, reliable person for a 1 bedroom house and later, a 3 bedroom house with a pool. The lot is sloped about 10 ft in 200 ft.Thanks so much, it looks like we’re committed to this engineer for the small house but we are also building a 3 bedroom when we move to CR. Having someone who can build both of them for a reasonable price restores our faith in the CR dream. Thanks again.
WOW! I need names. We’re building a 1 bedroom house that is costing us $3400. in architect fees and permit fees and he estimates it will cost $40,000 to construct. It is only 81 m2. OMG we’re being ripped off. Need help in the Tilaran area.
I feel like an outsider but we bought just ourside of Tilaran. Just beyond the jungle at the end of our property (2.8 acres) is Lago Arenal. The views in this area are breathtaking and you can do anything you want on this gorgeous lake. Tilaran is just big enough (15,000 in the area, 5,000 in town) and the climate is 70 to 85 year round with a breeze most of the time (there is a rainy season and the breeze can reach 65 mph during wind surfing season). The Guanacaste beaches, the Liberia airport, and the Monteverde cloud forest are all about 1 1/2 hours away. La Fortuna and Volcan Arenal are about 1 hour away. The people in Tilaran are so friendly we feel very much at home when we visit and there are enough gringos so that you can pick and choose your companions. Check it out!
