I am looking to purchase real estate in the Central Valley, or along the Pacific coast. What issues should I be aware of regarding:

a.    Legal advice
b.    Closing costs
c.    Listing price and final negotiations
d.    Finding a reputable realtor
e.    Sales taxes

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Cooking in the Sun

First find yourself a good real estate attorney, Second  find yourself a good real estate attorney, third find yourself a good real estate attorney. Real Estae attorneys in CR are called Notaries. A Real Estate purchase in this country is a legal minefield. Title companies are a last choice. When I came here  Thought I would wait a year and then buy. I will probably rent forever. Mobility and the fact it seems very difficult to sell existing homes are 2 factors in my decision. Most acceptable property on the Pacific is overpriced. and last but not least find yourself a good real estate attorney,

 

 

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Trying to retire

Like anywhere else you hope to find honest people to help you, Many properties are

now overpriced and have a local price and a "gringo" price. Be aware that if it seems too good to be true, IT IS.  

We had some friends that got advise from the taxie driver that took them into San Jose just after they arrived.  The attorney he know would give them a "deal" with finding property, setting up a corporation, getting their residency. Well not to make the story too long, his deal for setting up a corporation was $850, the fair charge is from $250 to $400. They though it was a great deal because of the cost to do this in the States.

Find someone you trust and get a reference for the real estate broker and the attorney.  I do not believe there is any regulation for "real estate brokers" so there are many people who sell land in CR.  It is not that difficult to find out who owns a piece of land at the registro, but you can be given the information on a piece of land that is not the one you are looking at.

 I believe that there are still areas that are not overpriced, but they are not where all the action is right now.  

 

Good luck

 

luis 

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Costa Rica - A Place to Relax and enjoy Nature

I have a complimentary report that will help you understand all the details involved with acquiring land and building a residence in CR.
In addition to answering questions regarding general information that most investors want to know, the Land Acquisition and Home Building Report provides the planning and detailed analysis needed in order to determine all costs involved when purchasing real estate in Costa Rica.
The following subjects are discussed in detail:
CONSTRUCTION PERMITTING PROCESS
LAND TITLE AND REGISTRATION
PROPERTY INVESTIGATION
SURVEY
APPRAISAL
FINIANCING
TAX STAMPS
CLOSING COSTS
TRANSFER TAXES
REAL ESTATE COMMISSION
ATTORNEY AND NOTARY FEES
ESTABLISHING A CORPORATION
PROPERTY TAXES - LAND AND MUNICIPAL
OFFSHORE CORPORATIONS - BANKING PRIVACY
If you would like a copy of the report simply e-mail me and request that I send you the text version. Good luck! Tom@costaricahomebuilder.com

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Experienced Builder with CR residency since 94