www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Does anyone know where some more of the new condo. units in and around SJO are going up? I know of Concasa en San Rafael de Alajuela and the pricey ones in La Sabana/Escazu/Santa Ana. I'm looking more in the San Rafael range ($50K-$70K for a 2/2) . Heard Ciudad Colon may have some options also. Mainly looking for my cabin when I come down but to rent out nice too. Most Realtors only want you to show their inventory and stay from Developer pre-con. units.

Any info. will help. Thanks

Peruse welovecostarica.com. I believe they highlight reputable businesses, including condos.

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Providing humanitarian assistance to self employed chicas, one cash grant at a time.

Tanks

Scott Oliver (welovecostarica.com) has a spotty reputation at best. Read his stuff but do not take it as gospel.

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Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

You really need to be careful. Look at all the ads in the paper and on the web. Then come down and look around. I strongly recommend living here before you buy, unless it is a part time place. There are also lots of places with signs up that are not in the ads. Drive or walk around with pen and paper. Heed IDs post.

BKTUNA
I am never going home

check out craigslist as well

Jester,
Excellent advice from ID & Bktuna.

You can do your homework and get plenty of information while you're in a different location. But do NOT commit to - or sign ANYTHING until you have spent time "on the ground" in the area of interest.

Befriend a Tico, and you'll be amazed at what's available out there that you'll never see in a local paper or internet ad.

Buena Suerte!

MG

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You ALWAYS have an option ....... "NEXT" !!!

Thanks to all. I do takes lots of time, asks lots of questions and study the areas well. Will rent a car for 2 days next weekend and make a lot of stops and then still won't commit until I'm sure. Usually when their first question is "How much do you want to pay" I steer away from them. My answer is always it depends then give them something along these lines:

"Hello ______ and thank you for the prompt response. My answer to the budget question is "It depends". I'm looking for best value 1 or 2 bed/bath not less than 600 sf and not more than 1200 sf +/-. It may be $25K, $50K or higher depending on what it is/where it is etc. I'm just looking at general info. at the time to get a feel for what is out there. My parameters are:

Multi-unit condo. or townhome within 15-20 mins. drive of the Alajuela airport. I don't want land or a house no matter how inexpensive they are offered at. No exceptions. I would like the properties to be from reputable established builders pre-con. or re-sale (so long as clear title). Clear titles absolute must. I'm looking at this prospective purchase soley as a unit for myself and not as an investment. 24/7 armed security in a good safe area is also a must."

It's amazing how many of the realty players down there think we are green to REI. Finding a qulaity property anywhere usually takes a large time investment.

We'll see what I come up with!

If you are considering renting I am vacating my 4 b/r, 2 1/2 bath condo in 2- 3 weeks. It's really nice. Rent is $750. 2 friends came to look and bought in. It's in Lourdes, a couple clicks from UCR.

If you are in CR email me or call 524 1475 and I can arrange to show it to you.

Bob

Jester...any reputable realtor or "guide" in the market is going to ask "how much" you want to spend. You obviously have to have some budget or range in mind...and it would be a waste of time and unfair to the professional showing you stuff that you dont want or cant afford. So...dont judge someone by that question. I would be more suspect if they DIDNT ask it. It sounds like you already have an idea of some options available at certain prices...so it will help you to narrow down looking for the BEST deal you can get for a narrow price range in comparison. Just an opinion from someone who has wasted a lot of time with people who dont know what they want...or can afford.

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All that a man achieves and all that he fails to achieve is the direct result of his own thoughts...

Tman,

Equally. I don't want an inordinate amount of my time wasted and neither do I want to waste an inordinate amount of any Realtor's time or mis-lead them. I'm a straight shooter and often ask for listings or general info. to go take a look at the areas myself first. Most are always very happy to do this.

Then if interested I stay loyal to the realtor/broker who helped me out if I end up making the purchase. I let them throw some #s at me first which most are usually happy to do. It's a negotiation strategy.

It was funny, I was in getting my hair cut near my hotel and noticed an office attached to the side. My barber also did RE right out of the side of the peluqueria and gave me some #s.

What's the typical cut for a good realtor in CR? I have a lead on a guy that is highly recommended from someone I trust, but his rake is 10%. He's extremely well-connected, but that cut seems high to me.

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One-eyed and peg-legged is how I like 'em, ARRRRR!

I will defer to Irish or any other long time CR local in matters of local reuute.

Renting in CR is probably lower risk.

_________________
Providing humanitarian assistance to self employed chicas, one cash grant at a time.

Couple of things to remember. There is no licensing of real estate agents in CR. Print up some business cards and presto you are a realtor There is no MLS. All listings are pocket listings. Real estate sales people routinely get a Tico to give them a sales price and then double it to the buyer giving the Tico what he asked for and pocketing the rest There are no legitimate "comps" in CR the sales price listed in the documents is the lowest possible, to reduce taxes, and has no bearing on the true sale price

You have to live here at least six months before you have enough knowledge to even begin to look.

Always remember: The one person who will absolutely always screw the gringo is.........................................

ANOTHER GRINGO

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Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

The most sound advice as I ever heard regarding this subject, nice one ID