Costa Rica Property | 8 things I wish I had known before I bought!

Richard is the owner/broker of Coldwell Banker Tamarindo, and the founder of the vacation rental company www.viptamarindo.com. Please get in touch if we can help.
If Costa Rica real estate is on your mind then you came to the right channel. Buying property in Costa Rica is a great life decision, but please watch this video first. I put together a few things that I wish I knew before buying property in Costa Rica. Moving to Costa Rica? I did it and it was one of the best decisions ever. Please watch to the end for a bonus thing which is one of my favorites!
Thanks for watching.
Please comment, like, and subscribe!
Tamarindo Rich
CONTACT BY EMAIL:
[e-mail]

[@jamesmazurstudios]

I am 8 years living here in CR. My advice: learn Spanish. The average time from when an expat arrives to when they get fed up and leave is roughly two years. Therefore you have a lot of grumpy expats running around CR. Learning Spanish gives you the ability to grow your friend circle and add in the locals, they are rarely grumpy and can offer so much.

[@alessandromorelli9412]

So true. Ticos are rarely grumpy, it's very pleasant to be around them for that

[@rosarioarauco4627]

the agencies of tourism do this videos ALL IS A LIE the agencies are fraud, they do not do tour but only do reservation in hotels and a car which will take you to one hotel and like a package they leave you in the hotel and you have to do ..nearly almost nothing because you need a car to take you to some places to visit I was there just 2 weeks ago I never have done awful place to visit , do you want to see nature? go to south America it is 1000 times much better than this country the companies the people try to squeeze you as more they can they think you are in the USA everything they charge in dollars, the national parks is a joke ...

[@TylerBigHead]

It honestly baffles me people try to move down to there without even attempting to learn Spanish

[@jeffnpatricia]

They do it in America all the time. It’s not so shocking really.

[@5050TM]

@@TylerBigHead It's grossly arrogant to do that.

[@johnkingsley9525]

Retired 20 years ago and cast the dock line off my sailboat and headed for around the world. I got as far a Playa del Coco where I met a wonderful tica, fell in love and got married. My home is on the beach, warm water, sunny days with beautiful tropical sunsets and I wake up each morning thanking God for another day in paradise. The information in your video is right on and should be followed and I might add getting a title insurance company to check property purchases is a good idea. My two Doberman Pincher’s work very well to protect our house.

[@macpony2571780]

Tica's make good wives been married for eighteen years and she keeps me very pampered.

[@sterlingwalter5971]

sound like a ahole

[@rastatafari7691]

I'm moving to Costa Rica in two weeks with my cane Corsos just had a litter of seven HMU up if you need one

[@JS-jh4cy]

How did you find her?

[@kim.7010]

Just walk outside, they arnt special,,, like finding a sea shell​@@JS-jh4cy

[@erichertzen3251]

I found a great Attorney, all large purchases I ask his advice. Car, utv then the house on 3 acres. He checked all paperwork, any liens and so forth. Great man. Speaks fluent English as well as Spanish. Andres Gomez out of Atenas.

[@monicaa1853]

Can you share his email?

[@wpn12341]

What is his website/email?

[@Shylockza]

@@wpn12341search his name and city, it's already been provided smh

[@jeanneackles7943]

Thank you very much for taking the time to offer your experiences in Costa Rica. We are, just now beginning to research as many aspects of travelling and purchasing land some where around Costa Rica and Micro climates are so important to us. We greatly appreciate any knowledge that is available before we spend some time travelling around in order to learn as much as we can of the country beforehand. Again, thank you for your advice.

[@6105636016]

Love the rainy season too! It's really not that bad. Just some rain in the after noon

[@barbaramarion4195]

I've been here for 25 years and actually became a citizen. I can't imagine NOT speaking Spanish. My life here has been made infinitely better by speaking Spanish. I'm pretty decent at it. I can navigate most everything, but sometimes still get frustrated. I honestly don't know how y'all get by not being at least at an intermediate level speaker. You avoid a lot of the Gringo Tax when you know the language, My advice for Costa Rica: Learn Spanish. Get a good attoney. Thanks so much for the video!

[@tylervikos6153]

Great video Richard, you pretty much hit the nail on the head here. Keep it up! Also, great editing

[@kimberlywise4103]

Spot on advice from one who lives here happily. Good job. Learn Spanish! The locals make this the best place for me. And then there’s my own garden of Eden! Win/win. Pura vida!

[@susannearmenta4758]

I’ve only visited, but I fell in love with the People! They have a great attitude, and are so positive and laugh often. They will also Laugh at you if you do something dumb but it’s all good.

[@FindYourFree]

this was nice. I am in Brazil but the draw to CR is truly the spirit of the people

[@sgschein]

The Weather Channel herein the US always shows rain for Tanarindo, so thx for that explanation.....I was put off thinking the sun never comes out.

[@monicakummerer2353]

I walked away. Came back to rewind ....and it shows what part you are talking about...as I scroll back ...very very clever and smart ...I wanna move there so bad ....thank you

[@homeincostarica914]

I can totally agree :) Especially the "learning Spanish" point. Your experience will be a million times better, if you learn at least the basics.

[@Yamilettlsg]

I was just in Costa Rica on vacation with my family, everyone was so friendly and helpful. We were welcomed with opened arms. We are considering making Costa Rica a yearly excursion.

[@bluerazor3]

Just watched this video, I lived in Jaco for 3 years and your 8 things to know are spot on. I learned quite a bit of Spanish while there and it made a world of difference, the locals will treat you much better when you learn their language. Good stuff!

[@trishlabar5176]

Thank you for your tips. I’m coming down for the second time but this time to Samara Beach.

[@exploringwithanxiety]

Love this video. I've been researching for a few years and I am definitely not rich but I am looking for peace of mind away from the country I live in.

[@puravidamjs]

#3 is very much true. Add that to trying to speak with the Costa Rican consultant in NYC and making sure you´re on the same page when going to the Tribunal in San Jose.

[@MilaDanceSport]

Really great advice. Thanks so much!

[@coryhollywood6021]

Great video with awesome advice

[@puravida5683]

I have lived in Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste for 7 years. You are right on point! The most important things I learned living in CR, patience and stay chilled and relaxed!

[@cbtamarindo]

Well said!

[@martyfoebell3]

@@cbtamarindo This is great news I am going to be selling my Condo in costa rica

[@jenniferwyatt8945]

Love guanacaste! I have been in Tamarindo- protected as it should be!

[@robinmunson9448]

Very helpful!

[@dirtywheeler5534]

Great video

[@briansbucket7011]

Great info. Thank you.

[@radpadradpad]

Where are you, Costa Rica Rich? I’ve watched your interview with yourself a couple times. Pretty much agree with everything you have to say. I found Galito and Dominical as my area of focus. I’m learning the long-term short term rental game. Hope you have a rad day wherever you are, and thanks for the videos

[@Mishamendicinodesigns]

Cant wait to visit!

[@cbtamarindo]

Come soon!

[@maximovoltaje4921]

#3 is for everyone, as a Costarrican who lived in the US the last 27 yrs, purchasing a home took quite sometime to provide proof of income and employment prior to wire funds to the bank. Have all documents apostille and translated first before sending. Cash is king. Like you said, experiences are unique to the individual, have your own network because people will try to make you work with theirs. Be patient, some rules a just suggestions, keep your charm. Be careful on the roads, it is another world there.

[@nicolecarpen]

Thank you for sharing all this information, it’s very useful!!

[@dr.julianataylor4312]

Totally Charming...

[@cherylg1746]

Thank you .

[@zenmaiden1]

thanks for the information Rich. I liked the explanation of the rainy season. For rentals what's the best source for maybe just outside Tamarindo, where you can enjoy the area and it being a developed area but not be in a throng of tourists?

[@dennisjames3232]

I've been to costa rica about 5 times both inland and the west coast. You forgot to mention that it is by far the cleanest country I've traveled to in central America and the Caribbean. The public rest rooms are spotless. Ever try to use one a service station in the USA ? Out for an early morning jog and watch people out at 7:00 am washing their windows !

[@erichertzen3251]

San Isidro del General is a large city. It's in the south towards Panama. Very friendly Tico's

[@casitypc]

Appreciate the video straight to the point!!!

[@riskyron1416]

The house I rent for $161 a month is for sale for $380,000 minus about 22.75 of the land. Been for sale at this price for the last 12 years. And if you offer anything less it won't work. Again that is CASH ONLY. I just can't justify buying It would be nearly 200 years before ownership would be better than renting. And doctors tell me not to expect to live more than anther 30 years or so. Being 73 stilll lots of time. I need add that one previous house I rented in Costa Rica, two I rented in Nicaragua all remain empty. One for the lasst 6 years, and all at least 2 years. Landlords will not budge on rent. The last in Costa Rica wanted to raise my rent $100 a month. He has been living in Miami way too long. Top anyone will pay might be 100,000 colones ($161) a month but seldom over 80,000. Ah crime. I simply scare off robbers by responding in Russian, German, Arabic or Vietnamese and they give up and go after someone else.Or they simply been beggars.

[@cathybowers4520]

I agree with everything you said until you're comments on crime.

[@tamlynvaga6626]

You guys should look at a channel; called Salty Palmtree adventures, a couple that building their surf bungalows in Nosara Costa Rica, great channel!

[@daviddavidaycock9328]

I live in pavones, rainy season is absolutely insane!!! It's every day, all night and includes washed out roads, mud slides, rivers overflowing the banks to include going over the bridges. Leaving the area for supplies takes hours negotiating the road conditions and keeping up with the mold is a job. Would I want to live somewhere else? no way, it's paradise!

[@paulwatt8634]

How many months would you say is it that rainy, David?

[@wardi2012]

I live near Montezuma. My dirt road gets pretty inaccessible when it rains. Electricity cuts of especially during the first rains. But I always have food, water and candles stored up.

[@alessandromorelli9412]

I pitch in about the crime issue. I agree 100% with you except for the break ins...hasn't happened to us (yet), but from what expats tell me it's more a matter of when than if.

[@cbtamarindo]

Break ins definitely happen here. You need an alarm and take common sense precautions

[@alessandromorelli9412]

@@cbtamarindo I was just adding to your info, no intention to criticize. I appreciate your efforts to share information here. It's been useful to me prior to coming. Cheers

[@cartayna]

So so true.. extremely friendly people. Although I disagree on the Caribbean, is undergoing a huuuge change.

[@tubbyrainbow111]

In what way is it changing? For better or worse?

[@cartayna]

@@tubbyrainbow111 better

[@ash_posh_omg]

Hi there! How is the public transportation? Is it safe and is it easy to use from San Jose?

[@livesimply_]

How to I transport my silver stack to CR? Question probably more related to the problems with stacking silver than CR.

[@tammy8044]

new subscriber here, love your videos , I can't wait to visit.

[@cbtamarindo]

see todays new video on COVID

[@micheleg.2244]

Interesting... do you think the forest is dangerous because of the fauna? I'd like the idea of buying a house in a place with beaches, scenery and vegetation like that... Point 8 concerns me the more.

[@devworlddaily]

what is the area called that is on dirt roads? I think id definitely learn spanish i think its respectful that youve cared enough to learn the language of the locals the culture

[@handaferguson]

Great Job!!! Thank You.. :-)

[@ericsaulsberry7374]

Do you have any advice on renting a car from the Liberia airport?

[@1227denden]

I wish you could help me find a ocean front house ? id like to buy there

[@michelefisher5171]

But you can take a small plane by Sansa to most places in Costa Rica.

[@collingafar1638]

A CPA?? Nice!

[@dr.julianataylor4312]

Latino hacles...lol-well done , great advise!

[@icysurfer1]

Subd. Truth is though, no one leaves their homes unattended at all for fear of burglary. The locals can be great, learn Spanish if you can. You'll be well liked.

[@brazah4987]

Thank you for your content. I'm moving from Austin, TX next February! You have been a BLESSING 🙏 I am thinking about driving my 4Runner safely (w.import) through Central America as a Dream trip.... Good or Bad idea ??

[@cartoonprofessor]

People say not to display any wealth. A 4x4 is a luxury car in these countries, so you would have to be very careful.

[@diane3340]

I want to know if there are horses in Costa Rica? Can you own horse property? Thank you

[@FredAmaya8]

Thanks for the tips Richard, A lot of it is common sense but again thank you....Its all very informative & with a smile . I'm the type of person that appreciates & can use informative advice and can certainly use friendly remainders. I truly can afford to be reminded daily, lol. We will try to look u up when we are down there, Cheers Mate...!

[@onlinevideos2618]

You lived in Spain..Do you prefer Spain or Costa Rica?

[@vigneshwarikuppurangam1248]

What is the average salary for IT jobs in costarica

[@Mattsfritz]

Thoroughly enjoying your videos. Question, why do you mention that Caribbean Coast is not a place for living? Puerto Viejo?

[@puravida5683]

To answer your question, I have lived in CR for 7 years, on the Pacific side. Drugs, crime and poor infrastructure.

[@Mattsfritz]

@@puravida5683 Thank you for the reply. I havent been to the Caribbean Coast for about 17 years but a friend of mine moved there in the last 2 years. Trying to convince me that is the place. Want to buy something within a year, to use part time and rent part time. Want to end up somewhere full time in next 4 years. Appreciate any advice I am given.

[@ricosuavecito4983]

Costa Ricans.... Ticos ;)

[@dhalmasuarez4220]

Do you have any recommendations as to how to pick a honest realtor, lawyer in CR? Do you have any recommendations?

[@1996eherrera]

Finding a reputable realtor and lawyer might require you to do some interviewing and asking about experience, location, and of course their licensing.

[@cbtamarindo]

[e-mail]

[@canadianloon6433]

Great video What's a reputable Real Estate company that you would recommend?

[@cbtamarindo]

Me

[@cbtamarindo]

[e-mail]

[@momsgrandkitties2259]

Excellent info, thank you. I plan to buy and live there part-time for a year or two --how can I keep my property safe and squatter-free when I am not there for several months? I have friends who lost their property (land) to squatters.

[@wardi2012]

Squatting became illegal several years ago, I'm not sure what year. What is registered remains to the owner no matter who moved there in the mean time.

[@JimmyFloridatube]

I am quite happy in North Florida and I love it here. I love all of Florida. I do fantasize living in a more tropical place in the winter, but I just don't see that Costa Rica, one of the few options I would consider, has better beaches than Florida or is worth all that extra hassle. For people who aren't happy in Costa Rica, Florida is really your only stateside option with any sort of a semi-tropical environment. I have been in Florida for over 27 years, coming from California and have been happy here ever since. I love all of Florida, but my favorite beaches are on Anastasia Island near St. Augustine. I used to think about retiring in Costa Rica because I love the tropical winters, but at 69, I have given up on that idea and resolved myself to just stay in Florida, because I really like it here.

[@rhondagrinalds3707]

Been to CR a dozen times. Decide there in 1993. I agree. Florida has the best climate, fauna etc and so much easier !! Love CR but it has its issues.

[@paulpantsoff6584]

people used to help you in blighty, many years ago now

[@katsii1]

This refusal to learn the language...hmmm...and Spanish is comparatively easy to learn compared to English....but I'm bothered because Brits and Americans are the first to freak out if immigrants don't or can't learn English...like immediately.

[@cbtamarindo]

True. No excuse to not learn. It is a bit disrespectful to the local culture

[@rhondagrinalds3707]

Yep. Spot on

[@brucegelman5582]

One of the most absurd things about all the videos on KZbin about Costa Rica is no one films in the rain.Puerto Jimenez gets 140 inches a year! Aquarium life!!!.Liberia is way more expensive to fly into.

[@johnboettcher1962]

can you recommend a realtor?

[@cbtamarindo]

Yes! me. [e-mail]. I own the Coldwell Banker Tamarindo office

[@joannajurewicz8327]

Sounds a bit like Poland 😂 they also love their admin 😅

[@Jopopopful]

3:30 Lots of things and lists... germans: Hey. only half paperwork to be done. Cool!

[@ayantuoluma6825]

Do you speak Spanish well and how did you learn?

[@cbtamarindo]

I do, i studied and took some courses, and made sure i made local friends and practiced lots. You could do a zoom course , one to one tuition for $13 an hour. That is a really good way to learn too

[@jeffnpatricia]

What kind of cash does it take to relocate to such a country ? House purchase price and monthly bills ?

[@wardi2012]

This is the most expensive country in Latin America. Definitely not for budget migrants.

[@markward7088]

I've read on the internet you must be able to read, write and speak Spanish to become a citizen in Costa Rica. Is that true?

[@nicolerogersgeisinger7456]

If you do not marry a citizen (then no test and citizenship after 2 years of marriage and constant residency) citizenship is only available after 7 years of full permanent residency and a civics test in Spanish (if you are under 65 y/o).

[@markward7088]

Ok, thanks for the information

[@calvandekolk3197]

60 for electric 40 water gas 30-40 /month

[@wardi2012]

I spend less than half of that. It all depends on your lifestyle

[@WilliamNeish]

What’s the putain situation done there ?

[@rafalfaro]

San Jose has rough edges is for people that like a little bit of danger.

[@nicolerogersgeisinger7456]

Chepe also has some great areas that are no more dangerous than other world cities.... If city life is what one seeks, there are many safe areas within city limits

[@bizzbuilder]

I had to change the video because of the echo way too bad don’t you watch your videos this one’s

[@cindygamboa7112]

Be aware Costa Rica law system encourages squatters. I have been fighting for my home for a year and the system have not help me at all. The system remove all owners rights and gives your home to the squatters. Contracts don’t have any value in this judicial system

[@robinmunson9448]

Is this true?

[@laureldakini9710]

Home break ins are terrible

[@cbtamarindo]

In some places

[@Vanessa-bk4nv]

@@cbtamarindo are the break ins when people are living there, or mostly empty vacation houses?

[@nicolerogersgeisinger7456]

OMG, where do I begin? Here is my opinion as a naturalized tica: .... ticos live on the carribean side, so if it is not for expats, STFW, live somewhere else. Learn Spanish, punto! If you want to belong here, it is necessary. If you do not care about being a part of Costa Rica, feel free to live here as if you never left your home country. Ticos do not love burocracia, we just deal with it and don't complain excessively. Adjust or leave!

[@buildingdreams2279]

😆Why not say,😆 "EHSHUA is Hamelech Yuhoodah, EHSHUA is King Judah!"💰💰💰💰💰💰💰

[@robertdavis5692]

Thank you for the video. I agree -- the Costa Rican people are wonderful. Pleasant, cheerful, friendly, helpful. I love the rain, but you obviously haven't spent any time in Jaco area during the rainy season. Several floods this year, road closures, and no system of storm drains, etc. Days with water above your knees on the main street through town. Just be prepared, make sure you have food in your home, and be happy you're lucky enough to live in Costa Rica. However, WARNING: "Wandering on the beach at 2 AM" as you say you do, is absolutely foolhardy. I believe 10 out of 10 Ticos will also agree on this point. Might as well wear a gold chain around your neck and walk around East L.A. or South Chicago or Philly or NYC at 2 AM. Not intelligent. And I don't know any expats or locals who would recommend driving in Costa Rica at 2 AM when you say no problem if you get a flat tire. There are many risks for driving in Costa rica at 2 AM. Nevertheless, it's a great place to live and enjoy life, but be careful about bad advice like this.

[@lissainkd2580]

Stay away from paragon property I got fu#ked

[@jonahcombs451]

Its pretty stupid to live in a country and not learn the language

[@cbtamarindo]

I agree. The experience is much richer if you speak Spanish. No excuse not to learn

[@mmay6621]

And yet America is full of non English speaking people.

[@jonahcombs451]

@@mmay6621 yeah, but to be fair, our forfathers screwed us in the idea of the usa being a english speaking country because there is no official language of the country. But yes I agree, the usa has alot of foreigners who dont even try to learn english or participate in american society at whole. Pretty hypocrtical when you examine that if you were to do the same thing in thier country of origin you would not be treated so nicely.

[@kim.7010]

Echo fool

[@JNO_JNO]

Way too expensive and full of Americans living in gated communities

[@TheRoguelement]

I'm truly amazed you had any at all ..Any rational person would have done there due diligence prior to actually buying ..it's obvious you didn't ...But any human being who buys property anywhere near the coast line has really not been paying attention to the earth and our lack of responsible stewardship ..

[@JS-jh4cy]

What about been deaf and can't do Spanish well

[@eringrennell5130]

i wish you didn't move to costa rica

[@kim.7010]

You put your audience through hell listening to this echo effect invest some money in a microphone. Like other professional KZbinrs . Worst quality of sound

[@Macaroni108]

The San Jose Airport is NOT in San Jose - it's in the city of Alajuela. I know this because I live in Alajuela Central and it's 10 min to the airport.