There is an Upside to a Down Real Estate Market.

There is an upside to a down market. When the boom hit, you couldn’t go a mile without seeing a cement truck kick up dust along the dirt roads.

It was an exciting time, an unrealistic time, and just like in the states, it changed overnight.

My first impression was that the results would be devastating. But after the dust settled–literally–it became clear why I chose this country in the first place. The decrease in construction allowed a window of opportunity for wildlife to return. They’re smarter than us; they won’t live near the deafening sounds of jackhammers.

Now I don’t have to either. There so many wonderful developments with gorgeous homes ranging from the modest to the extravagant and since construction is not in full swing at the moment, I’m looking forward to a few years of peace and quiet as I build my new home.

The homes that I have seen are on large pieces of land, some up to 5 acres. Views from these dwellings could compare to those found on the Amalfi Coast or the French Riviera. However, the price tags are drastically less expensive.

Although you may pay slightly more for a home in Costa Rica than you would pay in other Central American countries, I find the amenities are beyond compare.

For example, if you were to look for a home in other countries with the same sweeping ocean views from way up on a mountaintop, it might be a considerable distance from an international airport.

I love the idea that I can get to Arenal or Poas Volcanos, Monteverde, or the Caribbean by simply getting in my 4×4 vehicle. It’s this type of landscape and diversity that attracted me to this unique country.

Real estate tax is only .25% annually which I find makes it very easy to hold on to a piece of property. My parents pay $8,000 a year in property taxes for their small home in New Jersey and I have other friends who pay even more.

If you eliminate this expense in your budget, you can see why I consider Costa Rica an affordable place to live. After your initial investment, your day to day costs are very reasonable.

I went to my lot today and looked out across the Pacific. There were no dump trucks, construction workers, or the din of striking hammers to disturb me.

There was just the slight rustle of the wind and the distant sounds of the ocean. I stayed there longer than usual, enjoying the moment and the dreams of what’s to come.

So as I’m planning on building my home, I’ll give more consideration to the serenity that has become this place and my new furry friends that have inhabited the landscape.

I will show them tile samples, perhaps consult their opinions concerning where to plant a banana tree, but more importantly, promise them that I will not build a 10 bedroom McMansion. I will not be selfish… my window of opportunity includes them as well.

[custom_script adID=97]

Written by Nadine Hays Pisani who was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey and attended Rutgers University. Nadine moved to Costa Rica in 2007 with her husband and dog, Clementine. When not writing, you can find her at the beach, on the back of a scooter, or frantically tossing scorpions out of her bed. She shares her weekly adventures on her blog: Happier Than A Billionaire.

• You can buy Nadine’s paperback on Amazon.com book here.
• Buy Nadine’s Kindle book on Amazon.com here.
• You can order Nadine’s book at Barnes and Noble here and …
• Order her book in other digital formats on Smashwords here.

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.