The Gringo's Quick & Dirty Free Video Guide - The four major problems you face in the Costa Rica real estate market.

Scott Oliver

Here are the major problems that you will face when searching for Costa Rica real estate:

1. Contrary to what some people might tell you, there is no Multiple Listing Service to speak of so trying to establish even a rough idea of what a property is worth is difficult. Take a look on the internet and you will often find the exact same property listed by different 'brokers' at dramatically different prices.
2. Half the population call themselves 'Realtors' because any 'Tom', 'Dick' or 'Jose' can freely call themselves a real estate 'broker' but few can call themselves a 'Realtor.' To be involved with Costa Rica real estate, you do not need any qualifications, training or experience whatsoever to call yourself a 'broker.' and... There is an organization of 'brokers' involved with Costa Rica real estate, however, very few people who call themselves 'brokers' have even heard of it never mind belong to it ... And nobody is regulating or watching over these people!

Knowing a few simple facts about buying real estate in Costa Rica could save you a fortune and prevent a lot of headaches. Scott Oliver

3. And you know the Costa Rica legal system is based on Napoleonic Laws and not Common Laws as they are in the US & Canada right? How much do any of us know about the Napoleonic legal system?
4. Although many people speak some English, Costa Rica is a Spanish speaking country and all legal documents will be in Spanish. If you can't read Spanish well then understanding contracts for example will be very difficult.

This means that when it comes to buying Costa Rica real estate which may be one of the biggest investments of your life...

More than likely, you will be listening to 'expert' advice coming from someone with zero qualifications or training in real estate, who is trying very hard to earn a sales commission selling you a property that could be dramatically overpriced...

To watch this short video, please click on the small black triangular Play button.

Sounds like a recipe for disaster and it can be!

There are a few excellent Costa Rica real estate professionals but finding them is a challenge because guess what? Some of these professionals have so much business they simply don't have the time to put up and maintain a website! So finding them on the internet just does not work!

So what can you do? How do you ensure that you're not going to 'lose your shirt' or get ripped off when you buy property here?

You must insist on working with real estate 'professionals' who are qualified, experienced, trustworthy, reference-checked and personally recommended.

Scott Oliver - Your Costa Rica Real Estate Consultant (The one on the left)

Written by Scott Oliver, author of How To Buy Costa Rica Real Estate Without Losing Your Camisa and Costa Rica's Guide To Making Money Offshore.