Amazing weather, friendly people, stunning scenery, simpler lifestyle, by now you have heard all of the many reasons why someone would want to make the move to Costa Rica. In fact you might have be saying “I’ve always dreamed of moving and living in Costa Rica.” Obviously that is a big step that takes effort and time to research, and while many may think the first step in making their dream come true is finding a home in Costa Rica I’m here to say that they are dead wrong!

The first step in making the move to Costa Rica is to VISIT COSTA RICA. It amazes me the amount of time people spend in their real estate search, prior to ever even visiting the country. Costa Rica offers several different climate zones, many different types of areas. Rural, city, beach, mountain, it’s hard to really know which area is right for you if you have not traveled and taken the time to discover for yourself. My best advice to clients who are serious about making their dream of Costa Rica come true is to simply plan a vacation to Costa Rica, if you fall in love like most do, you can then take the next steps in your pursuit to making Costa Rica your new home.

If you are ready to plan a trip to Costa Rica and would like guidance in finding the right area for you to live or retire let me know and I’ll be happy to assist.

jaco beach condo for sale

In any sort of business transaction it’s important to deal with trustworthy people, but when purchasing property in Costa Rica one of the most important decisions you will make is who you rely on to guide you with your search and with the sales process. Welovecostarica

has gone to great lengths to help warn people about some of the common pitfalls made in Costa Rica real estate, and I wanted to provide some additional tips to watch out for when choosing a realtor in Costa Rica.

Working for the Developer
One of the most common mistakes I see people make when looking at Costa Rica real estate is dealing directly with a developer’s sales office. Many times a developments sales team will label themselves as “realtors” when in fact they are simply sales agents for the developer. They work for the developer, period. That often creates bias and conflict for buyers, as someone working for a developer is typically going to protect his/her interest and perhaps push certain listings over others. Developer sales staff are also going to always paint the perfect picture and often not disclose some of the negatives that could be associated with the project. Any sales staff for any development in Costa Rica collaborates with a reputable realtor. By having an outside realtor provide you with buyer representation does not cost you anymore as commissions are simply shared between him/her and the developers sales office. Maybe there are re-sales at a lower price, maybe there is an upcoming assessment, maybe there is a similar project that is simply better, a realtor working for YOU will help answer all of this.

Working for Themselves
In Costa Rica there are many realtors who simply look out for themselves and soley promote their own listings so they don’t have to co-broke and share commission with another office. If you are searching for real estate in Costa Rica your realtor should be collaborating with other realtors and to show you other listings. If you go look at 10 properties and all of them are the agent’s own listings, then you should probably start to wonder. It is important to note however, in some of the more isolated areas of Costa Rica where offices are limited it would not be uncommon for one realtor to control a majority of the listings.

Long Term Commitment
Does your realtor have residency in Costa Rica? I would not suggest buying real estate from someone who is simply here as a tourist. Those who are committed to living here and staying in Costa Rica are who I would suggest working with. It’s also an important part of you having assistance after the sale. I have clients who I assist with favors years after they purchased, a realtor living here fulltime is a great resource for buyers after the sale.

Honest Feedback and Info
If you don’t feel comfortable being honest and upfront with your realtor about your thoughts, your finances and other personal info, then you aren’t dealing with the right person.

If you are looking at real estate in Costa Rica feel free to let me know how I can assist you more. Call me anytime direct at 707.962.4482 or in Costa Rica at 8718.7216

buy real estate in costa rica blogspot com

Following its hit production of “A Christmas Carol,” Teatro Jacó on the central Pacific coast is now presenting “17 Border Crossings,” an entertaining and thought-provoking collection of dramatic and humorous monologues woven together from real adventures of international border crossings.

The show is the creation of multitalented U.S. director, writer and actor Thaddeus Phillips, artistic director of Lucidity Suitcase Intercontinental, a theater team based in the U.S. city of Philadelphia and Bogota, Colombia, that develops original theater works using creative structures, objects, found and original texts and extensive travel.

The internationally acclaimed “17 Border Crossings” comes to Teatro Jacó directly from Madrid on a world tour. The Tico Times caught up with Phillips prior to opening night, Jan. 19. Excerpts:

TT: You are now on a world tour and your next stop is Costa Rica. Why have you chosen to perform at Teatro Jacó? Is this your first visit to Costa Rica?

TP: This is my first visit to Costa Rica and the Central/South American premiere of our work. Teatro Jacó invited us to bring our work here, and I am personally very interested in finding new venues – and Teatro Jacó is a complete adventure.

After graduating from Colorado College in the U.S., you studied at the DAMU (Theatre Faculty of the Academy of Performing Arts) in Prague. What did you study there?

Mainly the definition of what I studied is called “action design,” a form in which the stage design is a movable and integral part of theater. This process will be seen full swing in “17 Border Crossings.”

“17 Border Crossings” is based on your experiences and adventures at international border crossings over the past 15 years. Did these situations just happen during your extensive travels or did you go to specific borders that you knew could be dangerous?

The situations really just happened. When I went to visit a friend in Croatia during the civil war there, I felt it would be risky, but checked with the U.S. State Department and they said it was calm at that time. It was not.

The play starts with the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and spans the time period until 9/11/01. You then resumed writing again after the protest and suicide of Mohamed Bouazizi (the Tunisian fruit vendor who set himself on fire in 2010 and became a catalyst for the Tunisian Revolution and the Arab Spring). Why that particular incident?

I was looking at events surrounding the border crossing stories I was collecting, and noticed that certain ones were really linked to the fall of the Berlin Wall, like the war in the Balkans. And many other crossings were colored by the world after 9/11 – the increased security and suspicion of all things Arab and Muslim. The story of Mohamed Bouazizi and the Arab Spring marks another shift in the world order that could potentially bring forth a newly conceived and more free Arab world.

You use a mix of physical theatricality, humor and political critique to describe the situations you encounter, but with a bare stage or minimal set and virtually no props?

Yes. But the minimal set is full of surprises and visually stunning, and what our design team has come up with in terms of light and sound are a major part of “17 Border Crossings. Touring with the show to Jacó is Maria Shalpin, one of the best young light designers working in the U.S. right now, and she has created borders, scenes in bathrooms, on trains, etc., using just lights that are attached to a bar that ascends and descends in the space. Spencer Sheridan has created a soundscape that amplifies the themes in the work and uses old speakers, a mini-fender amp and microphones.

You have performed in many different countries. How many languages do you speak?

Really, one and a half – English and Spanish. I can speak parts of many languages quite well – I could make one think I speak Spanish fluently, and even Serbian, Czech, Italian and French. I love languages and how they work and communicating with people in other languages, so I dive into unknown languages and then just pretend.

Tell me more about Lucidity Suitcase Intercontinental’s shows, particularly “The Earth’s Sharp Edge”; did it have any influence on “17 Border Crossings”?

“17 Border Crossings” is actually a “greatest hits” playlist of almost all of Lucidity’s work. Each scene has something from another show, from “Henry V” to “The Earth’s Sharp Edge,” where the same scene at Newark Liberty Airport is recreated in “17 Border Crossings. The first scene at the airport in Havana, Cuba, is also lifted from a show we did called “Lost Soles.”

Do you think Lucidity Showcase will be coming to Costa Rica in the future?

Darren [Lee Cole], the artistic director of Teatro Jacó, and I have an idea to try to bring a very technically complicated work about a Colombian doorman to Costa Rica in the future.

“17 Border Crossings” runs through Jan. 29 at the new Teatro Jacó, inside Oceans Center on Avenida Pastor Díaz in the Central Pacific beach town of Jacó. Performances are Thursday through Sunday at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday evening shows are performed in Spanish. Ticket prices are $35 for main floor seating and $20 for balcony, with a special locals’ price of $17.50 for Sunday’s Spanish-language performances. For more information, call 2630-9811 or visit teatrojaco.com

Originally posted here

One of the most significant changes I have seen in Costa Rica vacation rentals is the emergence of sites like HomeAway and VRBO.  If you have not already heard or used these two sites, chances are you will soon enough.  HomeAway and VRBO are two very popular sites that allow property owners to list and market their properties as vacation rentals.  For owners, it’s a great opportunity to aggressively seek renters with minimal effort, as the two sites handle all of the marketing.  Renters love the sites because they can often negotiate better rates as they are usually working directly with the owner.  Not to say these sites are perfect, while insurances are offered by the companies to ensure a safe transaction, the properties might not always be as advertised, and in many cases customer service is just not the same as when dealing with a more established company.

What is important to note is just how these sites are effecting the vacation rental market in Costa Rica.  As popular Costa Rica tourist destinations like Jaco Beach, Hermosa, Los Suenos, Guanacaste, and Manuel Antonio have developed new homes and condos, Costa Rica now has numerous vacation rentals competing with hotels.  More and more tourist are searching to rent a home or condo in Costa Rica.  This naturally is not good news for hotels, who will have to most likely work harder to compete for the tourism business.  Competition always leads to more marketing and typically promotions or discounted rates.

The good news is Costa Rica real estate owners are in prime position to truly capture a still young and growing tourism market.  If you have more questions about owning real estate in Costa Rica or vacation rentals in Costa Rica please contact me here.

Beach Home in Costa Rica

Los Suenos Costa Rica

Shuttles Airport to Jaco Beach

One of the law offices I trust most in Costa Rica helped provide this latest update on the new corporate tax.  Below you will find a complete breakdown.  If you need assistance or have additional questions regarding real estate and/or corporate taxes in Costa Rica.  Please contact and I’ll assist more.

In the latest days of December a new tax applicable to legal entities such as corporations (S.A.) and Limited Liability Companies (S.R.L. or LLC) as well as to any Branch of International Companies or its representative has been approved by the Costa Rican government.

Tax amount:

According to this new law, taxes are based on a basic salary of a government employee. Active legal entities (registered before the Taxes Authorities) which are currently registered as tax payers are subject to a yearly tax of 50% of such basic salary, which as of this date is approximately US$357. Inactive legal entities (not registered before the Taxes Authorities) will pay 25% of said basic salary, which as of this date is approximately US$179.

Tax payment:

Taxes have to be paid during January every year. When registering a new legal entity the tax will be paid at the moment of submitting the documents to the Public Registry. This year (2012) taxes will be paid on April in a proportion to the months left in the year (approximately 75% of the tax).

Liability:

This new law makes the legal representatives joint and severally liable for the payment of this new tax. Therefore, it is very important to keep all legal entities up to date.

Actions that can be taken:

The new tax law provides several temporary actions for people who own many companies and/or corporations or wish to make changes in them:

• Dissolving or terminating the legal entities.
• Resigning of their officer positions.
• The law allows transferring assets to other legal entities or individuals exempt of the transfer tax, for a six month period starting on April 1^st, 2012.
• Legal entities can also be merged with others.

All these actions have to be made with the assessment of a Notary Public and duly recorded at the Public Registry.

Consequences of not taking action:

The non-payment of the tax has several consequences:

• Automatic dissolution of the legal entity.
• Should the legal entity has any assets, the government may put a mortgage lien against those assets for the taxes owed.

·         If there is any payment pending pursuant to this tax changes or modifications  on those legal entities cannot be made in the Public Registry nor get certificates issued by the latter.

costa rica legal entity tax,costa rica new tax on legal entities,new corporate tax law in costa

After visiting family over the holidays in Washington State, I was reminded of one important thing, just how damn cold it gets there!  Lucky for me I returned to warm and sunny Costa Rica.  Costa Rica has so much to offer, but I feel the warm temperatures and beach life are perhaps the greatest parts of living here.  For those who are looking for a beach home in Costa Rica, this is one of the nicest I’ve seen.

Listed at $345,000, the Spanish/Mediterranean architectural styling of this home offers great curb appeal while the open and spacious floor plan lends itself well to everyday living or entertaining house guests!  The quality of finishes and construction of this home is one of the finest I’ve seen in Costa Rica.  This custom floorplan is approximately 2600 sq ft and includes many interior upgrades. The home features a large dining and living room, 3 bedrooms/3 Full Baths, 2 1/2 Car Garage, very spacious covered patio with outdoor kitchen, along with a gorgeous private pool with outdoor palapa bathroom and rancho.  The backyard is a tropical oasis, filled with fruit trees and gorgeous landscaping.

The current owners practically live outside, spending most of their time there taking advantage of the areas everyday warm temperatures.  The home is just a short 300 yard walk from one of the most pristine beaches in the country.  Located in the Central Pacific, just 30 minutes south of Jaco Beach, and about 40 minutes to Manuel Antonio.  The Costa del Sol development features underground utilities, common area pools, tennis court, gated security, and is just yards from an award winning blue flag beach.  Learn more about other homes for sale in Bejuco.

If you would like more information on this or other properties for sale in Costa Rica, please contact here or call me direct at 707.962.4482

Originally posted here

Although it doesn’t always seem like it, Costa Rica is still very young when it comes to tourism. Jaco Beach, one of the most visited beach destinations in Costa Rica has really just developed over the past 5-6 years. Since so many people still have never made the visit to Costa Rica and are often tying to plan tours and vacations online, I thought it would be great to share these videos that really help provide a better feel of what Jaco Beach and the Central Pacific is like and has to offer. Please take a look at the videos below and if you have questions on real estate or vacations in Costa Rica feel free to contact me at 707.962.4482 or email here for more assistance. View additional videos of Costa Rica here

Great footage of Jaco Beach

What the Central Pacific is all about right here.

jaco costa rica,jaco costa rica videos

All of us in the Jaco community are excited about our new theater, providing first run plays and entertainment to the Central Pacific. Teatro Jaco recently opened on December 20th and featured “A Christmas Carol”, a warm and uplifting musical adaptation of the classic Dicken’s tale. The cast was a mix of foreigners and locals, allowing everyone a chance to participate. Teatro Jaco was founded by Darren Lee Cole, co-owner of the SoHo Playhouse in NYC and producer of hundreds of theatrical productions worldwide.

Following the enormously successful play during Christmas, Teatro Jaco has announced the second production of its inaugural season: 17 Border Crossings. This internationally acclaimed play arrives at Teatro Jaco directly from Madrid on a world tour. 17 Border Crossings will be performed January 19 through January 29th, Thursday through Sunday at 7:30 pm at Teatro Jaco in Jaco Beach. Sunday evening shows will be performed in Spanish. Ticket prices are $35.00 for Main Floor seating, $20.00 Balcony, Sunday’s Spanish language performances are specially priced at $17.50.

The Jaco community continues to grow and improve, now with a Jaco movie cinema, performing arts, and more restaurants. If you are interested in retiring or investing in the Jaco area please contact me today at 707.962.4482. Or view properties here

17 border crossings jaco,17 border crossings teatro jaco,is the jaco costa rica residential area inproving for 2012,teatro jaco

Three Spectacular Opportunities in the Los Suenos Resort

As high season approaches I thought it would be a good time to re-visit the Los Suenos Resort and hightlight some of the best values currently. Los Suenos is one of the most sought out vacation destinations and real estate in Costa Rica. Click here to learn more about the Los Suenos Resort.

Lowest listed Bay Residence is this 2nd floor unit, at $759,000
For those who love the sound and feel of the beach, you’ll love the Bay Residences, an exclusive enclave of 30 waterfront condominiums located within the Del Mar community, located along the 16th fairway and Cañablancal Creek. The west-facing units afford spectacular views of Los Sueños Marina, the turquoise waters of Herradura Bay and the signature sunsets of Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast. These 2,000 square foot, three bedroom, two bathroom residences are an invitation to live in harmony with the tropical outdoors and the sea. Wrap-around terraces provide the perfect vantage point from which to enjoy the peaceful landscape and the soothing sound of waves gently rolling onto the beach.

This 3 bedroom, 2 bath corner Del Mar on the third floor features beautiful ocean and golf course views an is a tremendous value at $485,000.Del Mar Condominiums feature a striking contrast between Mediterranean architectural design and the delicate landscape that characterizes this community. Del Mar is a haven for recreation and active living within Los Sueños.

While similar condos in this community are listing in the $1.8-2.2 million range, this unit has been reduced to $1,250,000!For those wanting large and lavish, you won’t beat this luxurious Terrazas residence, fully furnished, 3550 square foot 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath features tropical-colonial design with traditional clay-tile roofs, Old World wrought iron detailing and exposed wood accents. Extended terraces highlight amazing views of the marina, Herradura Bay and the Pacific Ocean. With only two three bedroom, three and a half bathroom units per building, Terrazas de Marbella offers the utmost in privacy.

For more condos for sale in Los Suenos or vacation rentals please contact me here.

bay residences at del mar

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Jaco, thanks go to the energetic and enthusiastic group of young ladies over at Jaco Living! A special event held in Jaco’s Central Park on the eve of December 8th was an overwhelming success! Complete with face painting, dancing, Christmas carols and colorful mimes on skates, stilts and bouncing shoes the children were thrilled by the visit from Santa Claus (Known as Papá Noel in Costa Rica) accompanied by Mrs. Claus. They all took a turn on his knee to share their secret wishes for what they would like him to bring to them for Christmas.

I’m very proud of my wife and her partners who volunteered to organize this entire event. The group raised funds from the Thanksgiving Cup, a charity golf event that took place in November in Los Suenos. See the video slideshow below!

This is the first time the town of Jaco has held a community event for Christmas, the Christmas lights in the park are lit throughout the month of December.

christmas at jaco beach