Monday 04
August 2003
Value properties and Networking
A very important part of my tours is to show people actual properties that I have found that give them a basis for comparing value. To do this in a totally objective manner, I DO NOT RECEIVE A COMMISSION ON ANY PROPERTIES I SHOW. From what I see, all other “Retirement/Relocation tours are selling something.
Value is made up of many components. These include: price, location, and suitability.
Price in Costa Rica is usually given in Dollars/square meter or Colones/square meter. The asking price is a function of the “perceived value” of the Seller; Tico or Gringo. I find that there are incredible variations in this “perceived value”. There are bargains in all areas of the country, including the upscale areas like Escazu and the Beach areas. My job is to find some of these bargains and give them to my guests as “bench marks”.
Most people coming here to look have no understanding of the many choices they have in the suitability of locations. They are frequently set in what they valued while in their home country. Part of my job is to free up their thinking about what they will be wanting in this new retired or semi retired setting. The view, climate, proximity of neighbors, existence of electric, phone, internet services, travel time to San Jose, the Beaches, and access to daily requirements all are factors in how desirable a location is. Resale potential is another factor that should be in the equation. In some cases, like mine, I intend to die here and do not put much importance on this.
My tour not only shows properties I consider to be values, I introduce my guests to Owners and Realtors who I know to be honest and will offer their experience in selecting a suitable location. Most importantly, of these contacts is my Attorney/Notary. He is so special he will be the subject of my next article. All of these contacts encourage my guests to rent for 6 months to a year in an area before they commit to purchase anything.
The good news is, most locations in this country are way more desirable to anything in the North. Here is a photo from a property that is within 15 minutes of San Ramon, one hour of San Jose, one hour from Jaco, at 4,000 feet elevation, views of Pacific and Central Valley. It has 7 acres, 1/3 protected Primal forest, 2 bdrm, 2 bath, 2 phone lines, electricity, private well, and pavement to front door. It is suitable for subdividing into at least 2 other very desirable properties. American owner is asking $135K.
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