Tagged: costa rica life RSS

  • Sophia 2:10 pm on April 9, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    $49k for Beach Lots @ Las Olas Beach Community! 

    Las Olas Beach Community Pool ClubLas Olas Beach Community in Costa Rica is a fully self-contained gated Community and all lots are literally steps to the beach. The property runs from the main highway to the beach which is a distance of one half mile. So when we say steps from the beach we mean steps from the beach. The project will also offer security with entrance gates and security guards. There is also a private security firm right in the community that can wire homes and monitor them 24/7 with armed guards right in the village that respond if an alarm goes off. All residents will have a Free Membership to the Beach Club located on over 5 acres directly on the beach. Esterillos Oeste Beach is one of the most stunning beaches in Costa Rica with great views of hills and ocean.

    Project Size and type: 100 gently rolling view acres directly on the beach extending into the hills overlooking the beach. First Phase consist of 72 fully titled lots and the Second Phase consist of 300 home sites under a condominium plan. A Beach Club with a Boutique Hotel and a condo hotel units will be built on a 5 acre parcel directly on the beach. There are two area on the main highway that will be designated as commercial centers. Take advantage of this ground floor, pre-construction opportunity with prices starting at only $90,000 for a beautiful beach side home site only steps from the beach.

    The Lure of Costa Rica: Property in Costa Rica is currently among the most desired in the world. In fact MSNBC recently called Costa Rica the hottest real estate market in the World. At still low prices compared to the US, many say it’s like buying real estate in California and Hawaii 30 years ago. But what is the lure of Costa Rica and what’s the secret that draws so many people to her like a magnet?
    There are many places in the world that have beautiful beaches with huge hotels, bright lights and loud night clubs. But Costa Rica is a special place where luxury and beautiful beaches are touched by the splendor of nature. From her tranquil beaches you will see Macaws, Sloths, Iguanas, Parrots, Monkeys, a variety of birds, luscious tropical vegetation…and much more! You will enjoy the beauty, peace and quiet as you walk along her pristine beaches and breathe in her fresh clean salt air. Costa Ricans call this air, “vitamins from the sea”. It’s a place where you can experience the calm and feel the beauty of nature around you and within you.

    At night… there are no bright lights to block your view of the heavens so it seems that every star is looking directly into your eyes. Cost Rica is a magical place where imagination meets reality and once you have experienced it, you’ll want to become one with her beauty.

    Las Olas Beach Community is located on the Central Pacific Gold Coast in Esterillos Oeste, 15 minutes north to Jaco Beach and 40 minutes south to Manual Antonio National Park, the most popular tourist destination in Costa Rica. This is one of the nicest beaches in Costa Rica, with wide and pristine beaches you can walk for miles and see nothing except the beauty of the nature around you as you breathe in the fresh salt air.

    Las Olas Beach Community is located in one of the only areas on the Central Pacific Coast where there are hills right next to the ocean. From miles on either side of Las Olas Beach Community, the terrain is flat right next to the beach with no beach access. (see our aerial tour) In fact, most of the property being sold in Costa Rica today is high in the hills with distant views of the ocean. There is really only 1/10 of a percent of good beach front property for sale in Costa Rica. So owing property on a beautiful beach in a popular tourist area is an incredible investment. Property like this just doesn’t exist in the US and is very hard to find in Costa Rica. So the location of Las Olas Beach Community is unique, irreplaceable and very valuable.

    Keep this in mind, it cost the same to build a house in the hills or on the beach, the difference is once those homes are built, the home on the beach is much more valuable. Why? Because it has a higher rental demand, a higher appreciation value and more easily sold simply because this is where people want to be. So astute investors are choosing to invest in beach front property when they are presented with an option. Just think for a moment, where would you like to be? Can you imagine yourself walking along the ocean with the fresh salt air blowing gently on your face? You don’t have to imagine any longer, it is now within your grasp at Las Olas Beach Community!

    Contact us today to LEARN MORE!

     

  • Sophia 10:18 am on March 25, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Why Choose Costa Rica to Live or Retire? 

    Retirement in Costa Rica

    Thinking about moving to Costa Rica? Curious to see what land and/or a house will cost you? Search Multiple Listings for FREE at http://www.CostaRica-MLS.com

    Costa Rica has become one of the most desirable retirement destinations in the world, not only because of its ideal climate and breathtaking beauty, and a country of great heart and soul, making it always endearing and generally unique among its neighbors.

    RELOCATION FACTS & FIGURE:

    WHY Choose Costa Rica? – WHY is it different, better, unique? Well, the reasons are as abundant as the overall diversity of this enchanting country – Heavenly mountains and delightful beaches, the healthiest climate of the world.  A profusion of flora and fauna like nowhere else on this planet.   And on top of it all, very reasonable real estate prices. All of this make Costa Rica a true paradise.

    Costa Rica offers all the comforts of home in a relaxing tropical paradise, Costa Rica has become the ultimate relocation and retirement destination. The warmth of its people and its climate have attracted thousands of Americans and Europeans, but the advantages of living in Costa Rica extend far beyond its “fun-and-sun” reputation.

    Costa Rican food may be a little different than what you are used to, as with traveling, living or retiring to any country, but you will surely enjoy the wholesome differences, with infinite variety of garden fresh and street market inexpensive fruits and vegetables.

    STRATEGIC / ACCESSIBLE LOCATION:

    Strategically located in the center of the Americas, means quick and easy airline access from the United States, as well as convenient shipment of personal goods to Pacific or Carribbean Ports.

    We have two modern international airports, one in San Jose and the other in Liberia. There are commuter flights throughout the country to smaller local landing strips. We have an outstanding bus and taxi system. And even if our country and local community roads are not always in the BEST repair…You can trust that the main highway systems are smooth, modern, well planned and well-maintained.

    WEATHER:

    During the dry season –our Summer – which is roughly the end of November to May, we still get showers a couple of times each week. Even in the rainy season – our Winter – around the end of May through December, the sun shines all morning and into the early afternoon, before we are blessed with a lively rain typically lasting 2 to 4 hours. There is but one caveat to this perfect climate…Although we have mountains… we DON’T DO… snow!

    PEOPLE:

    The Costa Rican people (or Ticos as they call themselves), are almost an international cultural phenomenon because they are such a gentle, spirited, friendly, educated, polite and kind people. They are open-minded and eager to assist. When you say thank you or “gracias” in this country, the reply is always CON GUSTO which translates WITH PLEASURE, and they MEAN it! And as an added bonus they seem to border on a refreshing obsession for cleanliness. You will surely find and appreciate this to be one of the cleanest countries in the world. The people, their homes and public facilities.

    STABILITY / GOVERNMENT:

    The psyche of the people is most certainly, and quite fortunately, reflected in the more than 150-year history and tradition of free and honest elections. Costa Rica boasts the oldest democracy in Latin America, which is why it is richly known for its political, social and economic stability.

    NO ARMY BENEFIT:

    This stability (even among less stable neighbors) has been achieved and upheld WITHOUT a standing army, which was abolished in 1948. Instead of investing money into a military, resources were instead allocated to highways, education, medical care and the cultural arts.

    AFFORDABLE COST OF LIVING:

    This theme of democracy and devotion to the enrichment of the lives of the population has resulted in a highly educated, productive, yet affordable workforce for companies and individuals, alike.

    In turn, Costa Rica in general, has a very affordable cost of living which is particularly appreciated by visitors or those who relocate from the United States, Canada and Europe. A couple can live comfortably on less than $1500 per month. Housing, construction, food, utilities, property taxes, insurance premiums and labor (7) domestic help are where you will find the greatest and most dramatic savings.

    If your current tastes already trend higher, then you will pay more for it here, as you would in your own country of origin. But more is still less.

    PROPERTY VALUES:

    As for property ….The type, size and location of the property will dictate how much you pay. A simple but pleasant home can be purchased for $45- $90 per square foot. The range in price will depend on your personal preferences. Check out some retirement properties and communities, and inexpensive living housing here.

    COMMUNICATION:

    So now that you have arrived…please know, that at least in most locations in the country, you can enjoy consistent and realiable access to modern communication. Internet, cell, fax, land phones, and, actually, an efficient surface mail system. Let it be known, however, that the Spanish word for address is “direccion.” Unless you have a Post Office Box, more often than not, your address is, literally, a sequence of “directions” unless and sometimes even if, you live in a more metropolitan area.

    Two top-notch English newspapers, cable DirectTV access with US and British Channels, along with availability of English language books and movies help appease the potential for “homesickness.”

    There is also a wide variety of options for Spanish language study in both private and public venues.


    MEDICAL GENERAL    :

    So what if I get sick? By the way…yes, you CAN drink the water! However if you DO require medical treatment, Costa Rica is considered to have among the best, low-cost medical systems in the world. This system focuses on both preventive and curative care, is accessible, affordable and comprehensive. You can be treated in or by, private or public hospitals/doctors or clinics. AND based on your residency status, you will have different advantages within the country’s system. Many doctors here are also board certified in the U.S. and have practiced or studied in the U.S. or Europe. You should look to your own health insurance provider and their reimbursement rules when visiting or living outside your home country. Claims reimbursement will vary depending upon your insurance provider.

    MEDICAL COST:

    In general, the cost of an office visit will likely be comparable to your co-pay in the U.S. or at the minimum ½ to 1/3. You can also be confident you will be well cared for by staff and doctor.

    MEDICAL – COSMETIC SURGERY/COST:

    Looking for some rejuvenation?….want a little nip, tuck, enhancement or reduction? Costa Rica is rapidly building a reputation as the Beverly Hills of the south in regard to cosmetic surgery. Cosmetic surgeons here are highly qualified, academically correct, speak perfect English, have fine facilities and post-op care, and thery are able to offer their services at a fraction of the cost of the United States. Typically, 30-50% more affordable than the same procedure in the U.S.

    DENTAL CARE:

    The quality of dentists and the more reasonable cost of routine and cosmetic dental procedures follows the same integrity and savings that can be observed for medical procedures.

    BUSINESS CLIMATE FOR INVESTMENT:

    Now that we’ve covered a lot of the “emotional” WHYS of Costa Rica, perhaps we should get down to business.

    Costa Rica, is well recognized for its friendly business climate, infrastructure of international business standards, and a positive attitude toward foreign investment, making it one of the safest and most attractive countries in Latin America for investors from anywhere in the world.

    A recent World Bank Study ranked Costa Rica at a very high 83 percentile, Meaning 83% of countries worldwide have LESS political stability than Costa Rica, and accordingly, we have the most desirable rating in all of Latin America.

    BUSINESS SENSE MAKES CENTS:

    Depending on the type of business, there are generous incentives, tax breaks and in some cases, waivers on import duties. The Maximum Costa Rican tax rate is 30% with no city or state taxes and low property taxes. Formation of an offshore corporation to shelter earnings and reduce taxes is an option for many. Also, U.S. citizens can recognize sizable tax exemptions, currently $80,000 applies to individual overseas-earned gross income. Please, however, always seek advisement from a professional financial advisor, so that you can make the best and most informed decisions.

    Entrepreneurial opportunities are feasible and most certainly exist for those inclined. Keep in mind, however, there is always risk, anywhere, when starting a new commercial endeavor.

    HOME AWAY FROM HOME:

    With so many Americans, Canadians, Europeans and others relocating to Costa Rica on a full or part-time basis there is ample opportunity to “find your own crowd” and interact on your own level, whatever that might be. A large selection of clubs, organizations, churches and volunteer activities will enhance your ability to make friends, with either locals or transplants, who share similar interests, regardless of race, color, creed or national origin.

    You can also still play tennis or golf in the local country club or in your own gated community. And…when you yearn for US restaurant franchise food, familiar clothing labels and product brands they are always available and accessible.

    WHAT DO I “DO” WHEN I GET THERE?

    The short answer is…anything you want. Both locals and transplants easily find and forge new friends to share in a vast array of cultural, social, sporting, ecological and volunteer activities. Costa Rica is the perfect destination to re-think or re-invent your life or business, or simply hone your own personal status quo. And… you can drink the water, communicate, hibernate or proliferate in this country that is ‘beyond clean,’ welcoming, open-minded and communicative….whether or not you speak the language.

    Well, as the locals say, “Pura Vuda!”

    Thinking about moving to Costa Rica? Curious to see what land and/or a house will cost you? Search Multiple Listings for FREE at http://www.CostaRica-MLS.com

     

  • Sophia 10:01 am on March 24, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    COSTA RICA: A Place for the Astute Investor 

    Las Olas Beach Community, Costa Rica

    Source: Las Olas Beach Community, Costa Rica

    I chose this article because it discusses some very key benefits of buying land in Costa Rica. Some of the points only apply to beach front lots that the Las Olas Beach Community is selling, they start at $49k, if interested please contact them here: Las Olas Beach Front Lots $49K

    Happy Reading, Sophia

    COSTA RICA 2010 OVERVIEW

    1. NEW ROAD: After 30 years in the planning and two years in Construction, the New Highway to the coast is set to open in a few months. This will cut driving time in half from San Jose to the Central Pacific Coast and both demand and prices for good beach front property and is sure to increase. Already, price of land near the exits in La Garita and Atenas has double and tripled in price.

    2.  NO CAPITAL GAINS TAX OR BAD LENDING PRACTICES IN COSTA RICA: Costa Rica has no capital gains taxes on sales of property, stocks, bonds or interest income. There are no shady lending practices at the banks in Costa Rica like the ones that were responsible for the present problems in the US housing markets. The banks in Costa Rica do business like the banks in the US did years ago when they made homes loans and actually serviced those loans. There are no Freddie Macs or Fannies Mae’s making government backed loans.

    3. LONG TERM DEMOCRACY: Costa Rica has one of the longest stable democratic governments in both Central and South America that was established in 1948. Also in that same year the government disbanded their military because the leaders at the time understood that militaries often times provide the means to keep dictators in power. You have a real sense of Freedom in Costa Rica. You don’t feel like big brother is looking over your shoulder because he is not. If they police stop you they come up with a smile and say Buenos Dias Senior and shake your hand. They don’t have tasers or pepper spray and if you get a ticket it’s about $10.00 and not $200.00.

    4. AN IDEAL PLACE TO RETIRE: Costa Rica has always been a favorite place to retire for people in the US, Canada and Europe. However, with the advent of the economic crisis and the increased cost of living in the above countries, Costa Rica is becoming more and more popular as a place to relocate. Cost of living here is about one fourth the price in the US. Taxes are a fraction of what they are in the US, health care costs is about one tenth, fresh fruits and vegetables are one fifth the cost, there are no hurricanes, tornadoes, raging fires, blizzards, no draught conditions. With an average temperature of 76 degrees year round, many people do not need either air conditions or heating and you can grow organic fruits an vegetables all year long. More importantly the people are warm and friendly and love the Americans. Many have called Costa Rica the last paradise on earth.

    5. DOLLAR STILL A VALUE: Although the US dollar has been highly devalued against the EURO, the dollar still goes a long way in Costa Rica compared to the high prices in Europe. On a recent trip to Europe I was shocked at the prices.  Oranges that cost $1.00 per dozen in Costa Rica, cost $3.50 in Europe, three bananas that cost $.20 in Costa Rica, Cost $2.20 in Europe, a bunch of parsley that cost $.15 in Costa Rica cast $2.00 in Europe. Everything was just way more expensive. People are feeling the pressure over there; I never saw so many people chain smoking and just looking all stressed out.  It is exactly the opposite of the Pura Vida life style that we have in Costa Rica.

    6. A SAFE PLACE CLOSE TO THE US: Compared to other places in the world, Costa Rica is a safe place that is close to the US. The people are gentle and love Americans and there is none of the violence that plagues many other parts of the world. There are no hurricanes, tornadoes, raging fire storms or water shortage in Costa Rica. With an average temperature of 76 degrees per

    7.  WHERE TO BUY PROPERTY: As we all know location is the most important consideration when buying property anywhere.  It is also well known that property on a nice beach in a resort area is the one of the sought after properties and therefore one of the best investments you can make. Why? Because that is where people want to be. Only 1/5 of once percent of the all the land in Costa Rica is on a blue flagged pristine beach.

    8.  BEACH FRONT LOTS: Most of the property being sold right now in Costa Rica is up in the hills with distant views of the ocean. Why? Because there is just not a lot of good beach front property that is available for development in Costa Rica. People want to be on the beach, they are not making any more of it, so rental demand is strong.

    9.  HIGH RENTAL DEMAND: Beach from homes have a high rental demand with beach front rentals ranging anywhere from $1000 to $2000 per week during high season. This provides an excellent opportunity to have your investment paid off with rental income and in a number of years have a paid off asset worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

    10. LAS OLAS BEACH COMMUNITY HAS ALL OF THE ABOUE. Las Olas Beach Community is one of the very few locations that is on a blue flagged pristine beach and has all the permits and ready to build and all the utilities are already in place. It is one of the few places  with hills right next to the beach. In fact from Playa Hermosa to Quepos, Las Olas Beach Community is one of the few beach front locations along the entire 40 miles stretch that has hills next to the beach.

    11.  THINK ABOUT SELLING: There is an old saying in real estate that we all should keep in mind, “Before you buy a property you should think about selling it”. If some time in the future you want to sell your property will the property have a low, medium or high buying demand? How sellable will your property be? It’s just a well know fact that properties located in a beach side community has the highest buyer demand because that is where people really want to be.

    12. COSTA RICA’S THE REAL ESTATE MARKET, BANKS AND THE ECONOMY ARE VERY STABLE: Costa Rica banks and investment firms are very sound and stable. They never got into the toxic investment vehicles like sub-prime mortgages, derivatives, swap defaults and all the other toxic investments vehicles that were created by Wall Street and the big banks to make them big money. They weren’t satisfied with slow steady growth; they wanted warp speed growth and profits. They got their warp speed profits and the US economy and investor got a warp speed financial disaster when the bubble burst. This cost the US investors trillions of dollars and wrecked the US economy and it will take years to recover.
    Since Costa Rica banks and investment firms never got into this kind of financial madness they did not suffer the huge economic collapse and loses that the US investor has suffered when the bubble burst. Therefore, the Costa Rican investors and the economy are in relatively good shape. Consequently, the Real estate market here, as well as the economy, is very stable as well as the cost of living. There are no huge tax increases here like in the US and there is no push here to establish new government bureaucracies that will cost more money and debt. Therefore, Costa Rica is becoming the place of choice for people to relocate out of the US, Canada and other places in the world that are becoming more and more expensive to live.
    The banks in Costa Rica are very conservative. The two large National banks guarantee both personal and business deposits 100 percent. They are very careful in their lending practices and monitor accounts very carefully as well. Often times, if you write a large check or have a large transaction on your credit card, they will call you to verify the transaction. If you want a mortgage you will have to put up 20 percent, have proof of income and good credit. Like the banks use to do in the US in the 50’s.

    13. CONCLUSION Doesn’t it just make good sense to invest in a country that has good fiscal policies in place coupled with good management policies? A country has no capital gains taxes that will not tax your savings, dividends, or profits on the sale of stocks, bonds and real estate. A country that has banks that have good lending practices and where you can keep you money in either Dollars or Euros? Costa Rica and Las Olas Beach Community is not only a place you really want to be, but it’s also a place your money wants to be. Act now and secure your investment in a Las Olas Beach Community property while they last. There are only a limited number of lots being sold and when they are gone the resales will only be more expensive. With and increase in demand in property in Costa Rica in general and the New Highway opening soon, these lots won’t last long.

     

  • Sophia 8:43 am on March 18, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    The Great Exchange Rate Mystery of 2010 

    ticotimes.com

    Since early January, the colón-to-United States dollar exchange rate has varied dramatically, hitting a sell value of as high as ¢ 582.21 for $1 over the weekend of Jan. 9-11 to a sell value of as low as ¢ 550.39 as of March 10. Since Jan.1, the sell value of the colón has fallen eight colones, marking the first time in years that the colón has appreciated against the dollar during the first months of a year. Since the year 2000, the colón has devalued an average of ¢ 25 per year against the dollar.

    So what is happening in 2010?

    According to analysts, the answer to the erratic colón can be found in a combination of abnormal economic factors as a consequence of the global economic crisis, along with calculated intervention by the Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR).

    Fewer Imports Equals a More Valuable Colón

    Exchanging Ideas: Costa Rica Central Bank President Francisco de Paula Gutiérrez says he expects the colón-to-U.S. dollar exchange rate to “return to behave as it did before the (economic) crisis” with the economic recovery.

    “The simplest answer to explaining the decrease in the exchange rate is to look at the various ways that U.S. dollars are circulated in the Costa Rican market, which is in the import, export and tourism sectors,” said Ana Tomaya, an economist at Aldesa, a Costa Rican economic analysis firm. “(Activity in) all three of those sectors decreased in the last year, with the most significant drop occurring in the number of imports.”

    In 2009, Costa Rican imports fell by nearly 25 percent. When Costa Rica buys good overseas, almost all purchases are made using U.S. dollars, the standard by which all other currencies are measured. Therefore, when Costa Rica wants to buy from a foreign country, it is typically the dollar that serves as the exchange medium. Costa Rican firms generally use colones to buy dollars from local banks to make their purchases. This, in turn, increases the number of dollars in circulation and devalues the colón.

    But when imports have plummeted by 25 percent and firms are buying fewer products from abroad, the demand and circulation of the dollar is decreased. This, in turn, causes the colón to appreciate and the coló then carries more value in the local marketplace. This is what has been occurring in recent months. During the last six months, the colón has appreciated by over ¢ 40.

    While Costa Rican consumers are enjoying the fruits of the unseasonably low exchange rates, economists do not expect their good fortune to last too much longer. As the worldwide economy works itself out of the recession, the level of imports is expected to recover, as will tourism, which is another sector responsible for the accumulation of U.S. dollars in Costa Rica.

    “Costa Rica, in the long term, is a country that relies on the import of goods, and that’s a fact that we can’t ignore,” said Jorge Baltodano, manager of investment strategy at Aldesa, in a presentation on Tuesday. “Because of that, the colón will again devalue in the later months of the year.”

    Central Bank Intervention

    Nearly every day exchange rate in Costa Rica changes. Over the course of a typical evening, a new value for the colón is established by the BCCR, together with “buy” and “sell” values, known as bands.

    The buy and sell bands, which are usually within ₡ 10 of each other, were established by the Central Bank in 2006 to limit daily fluctuations in the exchange rate. During a 24-hour period, if more dollars than colones have been purchased in the marketplace, for example, then the colón has devalued over the course of the day and its value is then adjusted for the following day. Lately, with less demand for dollars, the purchase of colones in Costa Rica has outweighed the purchase of the dollar and, thus, the bands have adjusted downwards, which means the colón has appreciated.

    On the other hand, when the presence of U.S. dollars is much stronger in the Costa Rican economy, the colón devalues on almost a daily basis. When this occurs, in order to assure that the daily depreciation of the colón does not exceed the ceiling limit of the established bands, the Central Bank must sell dollars to attempt to stabilize the exchange rate.

    “Though it seems difficult to understand at first, this volatility over the past few months was precisely the objective of the Central Bank when they created the bands system four years ago,” said Alberto Trejos, a former trade minister and an economist with the Economic and Financial Advisors S.A (CEFSA) firm during his presentation about the exchange rate fluctuations. “It is only when the market goes to the extremes of the band that the Central Bank has to intervene so that the exchange rate does not exceed the band. If it is going up, the BCCR has to sell dollars because the market has excess demand. If it is going down, the bank buys the dollars that nobody wants to buy so that the exchange rate does not fall below the low band.”

    At the end of each day, the adjusted exchange rate is created in response to the financial market activity of the day and the amount of intervention needed to keep the figure within the 10-colone band range.

    Low Exchange Rate Has Short Anticipated Lifespan

    While the unusual activity in the exchange rate during the first two months of 2010 has surprised economists, investors and national media, the slow devaluing trend is expected to return as the year moves along.

    “The abnormal behavior is actually quite normal,” said BCCR President Francisco de Paula Gutiérrez. “The exchange rate is an indicator of the international markets. As the markets fluctuate, so, too, does the exchange rate…As the economic crisis improves, the exchange rate will most likely return to behave as it did before the crisis.”

     

  • Sophia 11:38 am on February 18, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Protesters Help Prevent Shark Finning. 

    COSTA RICA MLS COSTA RICA MLS COSTA RICA MLS COSTA RICA MLS COSTA RICA MLS COSTA RICA MLS COSTA RICA MLS COSTA RICA MLS

    Activists Cutting a Shark Shaped Cake in Protest

    Shark attack: Randall Arauz, leader of the non-governmental Marine Turtle Restoration Program (PRETOMA), cheers outside the San José court along with protesters who are cutting into a cake shaped like a shark. Demonstrators called for court justices to finally rule on the activists’ law suit they said would help prevent shark finning.

    Pablo Franceschi | Tico Times

     

  • Sophia 10:44 am on February 9, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Costa Rica could strike free-trade deal with China by Wednesday 

    Source: Tico Times

    The Chinese Vice Minister of Trade Yi Xioazhun said he has a special wish  for the Chinese New Year, which will be celebrated Saturday, Feb. 14.

    “I think the signing of a Free-Trade Agreement with Costa Rica would be the  best New Year’s gift for all of us.”

    If negotiations go according to plan this week, Xioazhun should get his  wish, as trade officials from China and Costa Rica sat down on Monday  morning at the Palacio San José hotel in La Uruca, northwest of San José,  to iron out the final details in the pending free-trade agreement between the  two countries. Each side is hopeful they will complete the sixth and final  round of talks on Wednesday.

    “We are convinced that free-trade agreements are key for achieving better well-being and further development of the country,” said Marco Vinicio Ruiz, the Costa Rican foreign trade minister. “We hope that during these three days, we will be able to accomplish the necessary advances through open dialogue in order to complete this agreement by Wednesday.”

    Ruiz explained that trade talks this week will focus on amount of access and lowered tariffs each country will offer for specific products. He said representatives of the two countries will work to reach an agreement that achieves the “largest possible percentage” of products included in the agreement and made available for trade.

    Talks will also aim to finalize sanitary regulations for products traded between the two countries, standards on intellectual property rights and specific rules of origin attached to each product.

    If the free-trade agreement is finalized on Wednesday, the bill to pass the accord will be sent on to the Legislative Assembly for ratification in the upcoming months. The China free-trade agreement would be the second accord inked in 2010, as a free-trade agreement was finalized with Singapore in January.

     

  • Sophia 1:10 pm on January 22, 2010 Permalink | Reply
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    Island Sanctuary : Chira Island, Costa Rica 

    View from Chira Island

    CostaRica-MLS.Com

    Island Sanctuary Information | Click Here

    The new and exciting development “Island Sanctuary” comes from the same developers of Las Brisas Cielo, Ventanas San Mateo, and Peublo Escondido. The owners, who have been in Costa Rica the past eight years are ecstatic about their new development, saying, “We believe that our products represent the best that Costa Rica has to offer and the best values.  We believe that the island Sanctuary is the best offering we have ever assembled thus far.”

    It is located on an island in the bay of Nicoya… a 15 to 20 minute boat ride from the mainland.   Isla Chira is almost like stepping back in time, and is virtually unknown, even among locals.

    The island “feel” is like how Costa Rica must have felt nearly a century ago.   It is pristine, the surroundings are gorgeous and untouched, views are to die for, there are no traffic jams, no pollution, no crime, no casinos, no discos, and no tourist resorts.  In short, the island is a tropical paradise.

    Rendering of "Island Sanctuary" Bungalow

    It is large enough so that most will never be bored.  It has a 30 mile circumference with ten totally separate beaches and large stretches of land that have never been explored.   And, the inhabitants of the island make their living the same way that their fathers and grandfathers did, almost exclusively fishing or farming.

    The location of the sanctuary is on the top of a mountain with 360 degree views of surrounding mountains, the island and all of its bays, inlets, and small village, and of course the surrounding ocean with its other smaller islands.   The views are unequaled anywhere in Costa Rica.  Island living might not be for everyone, but it is for those seeking an escape and a haven from a world that has grown increasingly more frenzied, Chira is that refuge.  It is the space where nourishment and regeneration takes place.  Chira is peace, solitude and offers Costa Rica at its best and most unspoiled.

    Rendering of "Island Sanctuary" Bungalow 2

    The first phase of the “island sanctuary” project consists of 12 properties, with the phase itself being 5 acres total land.  It is located on the top of the island’s second tallest mountain and contains vistas that not only stretch for 360 degrees but contain a panorama of mountains, islands, bays and inlets, rivers and the surrounding ocean, that can literally not be duplicated anywhere else in the country.

    Each property contains 500 sq. meters (a meter being equal to approximately a yard plus 10%).   Common area per occupant will comprise of more than twice that amount per person.  The common area will ensure sufficient space between each property, and or bungalow.

    Property prices are $28,500 and financing is available with 50% down.  Purchasers must follow approved building plans although not required to use our builders.  Approval must be given before building can commence.

    There are three (at present) structures which can be chosen from.  All utilities with the exception of telephone are included in the pricing and gas (propane) will be used for cooking, hot water and wherever else appropriate, all other is electric and water is public.  The structures are hardwood and concrete (hardwoods will be primarily teak and pochote).   Roofs are metal, all wiring is standard gauge, septic is standard and built to Costa Rican standards as well.  There will be fans in each bungalow and screens on all windows and doors.  The price of the home and lot will initially be $62,500 and $67,500 for the A frame model.

    For more information and pictures CLICK HERE!

     

  • Sophia 10:49 am on January 21, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , , , costa rica life, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,   

    Costa Ricans Donate to Haiti via Text Messages 

    thecostaricanews.com

    Costa Rican Texters Aiding Haiti Victims

    CostaRica-MLS.com Your Guide to Costa Rican Real Estate

    The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) said it has raised 125 million for Haitian relief through a donation program via cellular text messages.

    Those interested in donating through text messages must send a text message to the number 5201 in order to donate 1.000, 5205 to donate 5,000 or 5210 to pledge 10,000.

    The Costa Rican Red Cross will be responsible for administering the funds.

    In addition, ICE does not keep a single colon of the donation.

     

  • Sophia 11:13 am on January 20, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , , , costa rica life, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,   

    Quake Disaster in Haiti Prompts Costa Rica Aid Efforts 

    ticotimes.net

    CostaRica-MLS.com Costa Rica’s Prime Real Estate Multi Listing Site.

    Haiti Survivors Aid Wounded

    The 7.0 magnitude earthquake that devastated Haiti on Tuesday afternoon has prompted aid responses from Costa Rican institutions and aid groups that have offices in Costa Rica. EFE | Radioteleginen haiti.com

    The National Emergency Commission (CNE) announced that it will send a relief team of 55 experts to Haiti. This commission will aid in rescue and relief efforts. Press officials said the team will include engineers, doctors and health care and disaster relief specialists.

    The Haitian Red Cross estimates that between 45,000-50,000 people may have died in the quake.

    The CNE is working out an agreement with global courier DHL to transport the relief team and their equipment to the Caribbean island. The CNE and DHL collaborated on a 4.8 ton d elivery of supplies to El Salvador after heavy rains provoked by Hurricane Ida in November of last year left at least 157 dead and hundreds homeless in the Central American country.

    Haiti Hillside After Earthquake

    The Costa Rican Red Cross announced late Wednesday that it will send rescue personnel and equipment to the battered nation. The Red Cross opened its bank accounts at Banco Nacional and Banco de Costa Rica (see box) for donations for victims of the earthquake.

    Red Cross Haiti on Wednesday afternoon reported that its teams in the country were “completely overwhelmed.” The Doctors Without Borders organization said none of its   three hospitals in Haiti are operable.

    Costa Rica’s National Police will send 20 officers who specialized in search and rescue missions.

    The best way to help Habitat for Humanity’s response to the Haitian disaster is by donation via their Web site: http://www.habitat.org.

    The Chilean-based Un Techo Para Mi País (A Roof for My Country), which helped rebuild homes after the Cinchona earthquake in Costa Rica in January 2009, announced plans to build 100 emergency shelters for families affected by yesterday’s earthquake. To collaborate, visit http://www.untechoparamipais.org.

    Costa Rican Foreign Minister Bruno Stagno said on Wednesday afternoon that he had gotten reports that nine Costa Ricans were in Haiti, including Herrera and her family, when the quake struck. However, he said there could be more.

    Three Costa Ricans were working in Haiti for the Coca-Cola Company. One was evacuated by helicopter, and the other two are secure, Stagno said. Tuesday’s earthquake is believed to have been the worst disaster ever to have struck the deeply

    Onlookers Evaluating Damage: Costa Ricans Aid Effort

    impoverished nation. Haiti was battered by four hurricanes in 2008 and officials had been hopeful at the time that the aid the country received after those storms would finally help the country get on its feet.

    The country’s poor infrastructure does not allow for quick disaster response. Streets and highways are lined with now-homeless citizens, including Haitian President René Preval. The runway at the Port -au- Prince airport is operable, but the air traffic control tower has been damaged, further complicating relief efforts.

     

  • Sophia 10:44 am on January 19, 2010 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , , , costa rica life, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,   

    How is the – Financial Meltdown – affecting Costa Rica? 

    Devastated Stock Trader

    CostaRica-MLS.com

    To get more information on Costa Rican developments go to: CR-Homes.com

    My sister lost 40% of her retirement funds last week. She has worked as a teacher for well over 30 years. She has always been conservative…her house is paid for, she has no debt, and both her and her husband will receive excellent pensions. She called me yesterday and asked “so… tell me again how much it costs to live in Costa Rica.” And this is a person who would never even think about “leaving the States”.
    How much will the credit crisis affect the real estate market in Costa Rica?? Well, we have already seen reductions…and in some cases, drastic reductions, in pricing along the pacific coast where purchases were funded primarily with home equity funds and discretionary income. Any situation which has been funded primarily with equity money and was leveraged with this type of credit arrangement has already been hit hard…and many projects have closed their doors. And in many cases, the projects will NEVER reopen or simply be taken over by someone else with deeper pockets.
    We have seen a dramatic surge in interest in our projects along the coast… http://www.azul-costarica.com and http://www.crventanas.com. Why? … In a nutshell…price point. The “lower priced” projects which are still quality are selling. We have had several (actually closer to 8-10 depending on status) sales and reservations take place in the past week…some through our newsletters and our own clientele and others through realtors in Jaco and surrounding area. We suspect the slowdown will continue but we also fully expect, especially as “buzz” increases about our projects, that they will sell out quickly. We have a group from Sweden that wants to exclusively represent us with regards to Playa Azul and we had a potential buyer yesterday for Ventanas who told us that he was “pleasantly surprised” at the beauty and professionalism of the project as the others he has seen in the area didn’t even come close. And this is someone who has lived in Costa Rica (relocated from the States) for ten years.
    I could give quotations and testimonials from several other people but I suspect that anyone who is interested would do their own due diligence…as they should. The most obvious questions are ( with regards to our projects) :

    New York Stock Exchange

    How low will prices go? …and… Can I get a better buy somewhere else?I could give glib answers but the only ones that will satisfy a buyer who insists upon due diligence is research and discovery for his or her self. Prices , if they are liquidation , can theoretically fall to zero or close to is. If they are development and sales are ongoing, take a look at price points and do your own calculations knowing what land and construction costs are. I suspect in the cases of both Ventanas and Pueblo Escondido you will arrive at the conclusion that we are offering at close to break even. Does your homework…ensure that the work is quality and that you WILL receive what you are paying for. And be sure to check out the competition.
    Las Brisas? … our development in the mountains overlooking Grecia? We are currently priced at substantially less than the competition and the competition has far less to offer. In the Grecia area, prices of nearby land are a minimum of $70,000 per manzana, or a little less than two acres. And that is without amenities and infrastructure. There is no comparison. If you want the perfect temperature, panoramic views, a decent amount of land and want everything except the house, already in place… ask us about Las Brisas. We will ensure that you receive the best possible price for the home that you build and are willing to work with you to make certain that you get the custom home that you have always wanted in Costa Rica.
    So then…what about prices in the Central Valley…Grecia and surrounding towns. Well, to date we have seen absolutely no slowdown. I predict that we will see some, especially with coffee prices now down. I think that we will be able to grab a few properties at prices less than today’s market and I think that the smaller properties with views that are currently around $40,000 … will drop. We need to be selective. Please trust that we will not overpay and will tell you what direction that we think the market is headed. We need to also remember that construction costs will not fall by more than a few percentage points. So… is it worth the gamble to save five grand on a property that you love? Maybe… but only you can decide that. I do not feel that we will see wholesale declines. Remember, where we are, most of the time we are dealing with coffee farmers and landowners who really have no idea of world events.
    So…go slow, be selective and do not be pressured into buying. If you think a price is a good one…ask questions and make certain that you are receiving value. The one thing that we at CR Home feel is inevitable? … That more and more boomers (and now, even more than before!) will continue to move to Costa Rica. There will be hiccups along the way…but it will happen. It is escape but, for Rhonda and I, it has been the best thing that has ever happened to us.
    Call us… ask questions…and know that we will be there for you.
    Randy and Rhonda… and all of us at CR Home

     

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