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For those of you thinking of building in CR, or engaging in other business activity in the country, you should be aware of how the professional associations work. The “Colegio de Ingenieros” (Engineer’s Association), as well as other professional associations, have fixed prices that their members are required to charge for their services. Demonstrated failure to comply puts their membership at risk, and without it they can’t legally exercise their profession.
This doesn’t mean they never under or overcharge, many do. But they have to do it under the table so they don’t get caught.
Getting overcharged is easy. Just be a foreigner, don’t speak Spanish, misunderstand the culture so you’re insulting, and make sure you hire an unscrupulous professional. Getting undercharged is much harder. You have to have “patas”.
“Pates” means connections. All Costa Ricans have patas, because their extended family members work in government, professional and business sectors where they can offer “special” perks. Unless you live there long enough to develop your own patas, or marry into them, you will forever be pata-less.
To make sure you’re not being gouged, check the pricing guidelines of the appropriate association (“Colegio”).
Over the weekdn I was speaking to someone who told me his attorney charged about 5% in closing fees – WHICH IS WAY HIGHER THAN IT SHOULD BE – when he bought a big chunk of land…
In addition to the 5% he paid in sales commissions, that adds up to some serious money.
The attorney that drastically overcharged him has done this on quite a few occasions and he still seems to be able to get away with it …
That’s why we only ever recommend people that we know well and trust on this site.
Scott Oliver – Founder
WeLoveCostaRica.com
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