Undervalued Real Estate and a Booming Economy...

 
Economic Boom in Costa Rica - Video Clip
On The Real Estate Market in Costa Rica - Video Clip

Smart buyers realize that successful real estate purchases are based on solid knowledge, with limited uncertainties. They look at probabilities and evidence of trends developing in an area. Taking action is often what separates the wealthy from the rest of the herd. Knowing when to act should be based on sound analysis and strong indicators. Informed purchasers make their best decisions based on the probabilities and the evidence at hand.

What should you look for when buying property?
1.Look at the demographics and seek out areas of strong population growth.
2. Look at the economic conditions, is the area growing, are new businesses flourishing?
3. Identify areas where new infrastructure will positively effect value (roads, airports).
4. Look for strong retirement communities.  This affluent group positively effects values.
5. Identify undervalued local markets.  How are prices compared to other markets in the area?
6. Smart buyers focus on areas with strong potential for appreciation.
7. What is happening in the current market, is demand increasing or decreasing?
8. Look for rental markets with low vacancies and a tightening of available units to rent.
9. Are prices affordable and is financing available?
10. How does the value look when compared to alternatives elsewhere?

It seems like common sense
Look for strong growth in Population.  Look for increases in demand.  Look for improvements in infrastructure. Look at the indicators and what's driving them.

Who's moving there?
An area with a good mix of young and old including families, singles and retirees will support the strongest growth in the long run.  What is going on in the business environment?  Are businesses moving there?  Growth in services catering to the local population is a good sign.  Tourist related businesses including hotels, restaurants and activity providers indicate a growing market and strong opportunity.

What are the trends in the area?
The US population age 50+ has grown by 59% since 1999 and will continue to grow into the next decade.  Baby Boomers reaching retirement age will more than double over the next 10 years.  This group is the most affluent group on the planet and they are increasingly looking outside the US for living opportunities where the cost of living is low yet the quality of life is better than in the US.  They are also looking for accessibility and affordable health care.  Infrastructure improvements almost always result in higher property values.  Recent announcements from the Costa Rican government about locating the third international airport in Palmar Sur, just 20 minutes from our property, will cause upward pressure on prices. The near completion of the coastal highway to Quepos, a major tourist destination, will also affect property values positively.

Seek undervalued property markets
Smart buyers make educated decisions.  The boom in real estate in Costa Rica is just getting started.  Nearly 40,000 Americans now reside there and foreigners visiting Costa Rica increased by nearly 11% last year, to 1.7 million.  The tourist development bureau in Costa Rica predicts that the number of foreigners visiting Costa Rica will nearly triple by 2010 to 4 million visitors.  Prominent US publications like the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Kiplinger Magazine and Fortune Magazine  have all recently featured articles about the real estate opportunities in Costa Rica.  These publications note the low cost of living, the high quality of life, the tax advantages and the trends in appreciation.  

Vacancy Trends
Look to invest where the vacancy market is low and rents are rising, indicating a shortage of rental availability.  Renters typically look for new construction with modern amenities.  They want comfortable furnishings, washers and dryers, microwaves and accessories to make their visit more enjoyable.  Smart landlords provide accessories like coolers, boogie boards, binoculars, mask and snorkel gear and even basic fishing equipment in their rentals.  Your choice of furnishing may vary whether you choose to target the transient tourist market or longer term renters.  

Property Ownership
Costa Rica's national constitution guarantees the right to own property to anyone, with foreign nationals enjoying the same rights as Costa Ricans.  Land can be owned outright with a deed, allowing the owner to sell or pass it along to their heirs.  Homes, living expenses, insurance and property taxes are all significantly lower than in the US.  

The Opportunity
As an alternative to Florida, Arizona or California, Americans are increasingly investing in second homes, rental properties, retirement homes and land outside of the US.  Costa Rica's desirability and easy access has led to steady appreciation in prices, projected to continue well into the future.  Many US corporations as well as major hotel chains are locating here.  The fact is, our money goes much further here.    

Affordability
It's a key reason that so many people choose Costa Rica for property ownership, second homes, rental properties and retirement.  The low cost of construction and of general living, coupled with the incredible terrain, flora and fauna, and friendly people, is hard to find elsewhere.  As the number of tourists visiting Costa Rica continues to increase, prices will continue to rise.   Now is the time to stake your claim in this rapidly appreciating market.  Often compared to Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta or Monterrey, California, land prices and construction costs are still recognized as an international bargain.  Savvy investors are capitalizing on the great potential for continued rapid appreciation as we continue to witness steady price increases, with no end in sight.

Why Work with Us
We are the largest builder in the southern region of the country and the largest employer. We've got 18 years of experience, having developed thousands of lots, all with roads, water and electric at the lot line.  We build world class custom homes for our clients at only $90 per square foot and we have a long list of satisfied customers and excellent references.  We take care to protect the environment and a portion of all of our income goes toward that effort.  In a country where you don't need a license to sell real estate, our reputation speaks for itself.  We have hundreds of millions of dollars in assets and the resources and experience to insure your satisfaction.