Costa Rica Real Estate and 'Real' Experience

Scott Oliver

Costa Rica is a dramatically different kind of real estate market for most people and because we insist on recommending experienced real estate professionals with impeccable references, I have been accused of being too 'finicky.'

I try to reply to as many emails as possible from people asking if I know a specific kind of professional in the real estate business in Costa Rica.

One of our members emailed me last week asking me if I knew a person who, according to their website; "has extensive experience in the real estate market in Costa Rica."

The site also mentions that the Managing Director "has worked hard to build an exceptional service in Costa Rica to assist overseas buyers in their pursuit of investment, relocation and vacation home opportunities."

It just so happens that I did know this person vaguely because on he came to visit me for advice on how to set himself up in the real estate business in Costa Rica.

He appeared to be a professional young man with excellent Spanish speaking skills but he has only been in the country for six months, so like most people, if I were buying a home, I would have a serious problem with someone that claimed to have "extensive experience" when it's limited to six months!

As a local and very seasoned expert explained to me: "My point is Costa Rica is different in its "rules." If you are prudent, diligent and respectful of them, you can get off on the right foot and not experience problems. If you are not, the cumbersome legal system can lead you to years of misery.

"There is a huge difference between theory and practice in Costa Rica. An Experienced professional knows this difference."

"It is EXPERIENCE that makes the difference. It is experience that makes the Expert. One who has treaded the business shores of Costa Rica will accumulate both good and bad experiences. Both are invaluable to doing business in Costa Rica. By far I have learned more from my bad experiences than my good ones, although I learn from both. However, it is persevering through the bad experiences that consummate a professional."

"Knowing the bad, he can keep his clients from making those mistakes as he is aware of the red flags that come up. In the fantastic book "Blink" the author refers to "thin-slicing." Thin-slicing is the ability to innately recognize value or problems instantly. This ability comes from years of experience."

"To me, an Experienced professional (with a capital E) has the ability to thin-slice, that is instinctively recognize potential problems and value without need of reviewing extensive documentation. Many so called experts are learning on their clients time and their client's dime."

"They may be professional because they are getting paid to do their job."

"However, the difference between an Experienced professional and a professional can be the difference between years of litigation and 100% to 1,000% return on investment (ROI) in a reasonable amount of time."

If you have a serious interest in buying real estate and would like a highly recommended and trustworthy Costa Rica Realtor to help you, please visit our free Help-U-Search service has helped thousands of VIP Members to find their dream home in Costa Rica.

Written by Scott Oliver, author of 1: How To Buy Costa Rica Real Estate Without Losing Your Camisa, 2: Costa Rica Real Estate Scams & How To Avoid Them, 3. Costa Rica's Guide To Making Money Offshore and 4. ¿Cómo Comprar Bienes Raices en Costa Rica, Sin Perder Su Camisa?

If you are serious about buying a home, apartment or land in Santa Ana or Escazu, then please telephone our Recommended Realtor Mayra Claveria on 506 8893-6262 (Blackberry PIN 27882813) or, contact Mayra using the simple form below: