3 Reasons Why Buying A Home In Costa Rica Without A Realtor Is Not A Good Idea
So you want to buy a home in the beautiful Costa Rica? We happen to think that is a great idea!
But before you go house hunting – and especially before you put in any offers –you should meet with a local realtor.
In the long run, buying a home in Costa Rica without a realtor will cost you time and money. There is no need for that in the land of Pura Vida. Time is better spent lying in a hammock, sipping a cold beer, and watching the sunset.
Here are four reasons you should absolutely enlist the help of a realtor before buying a home in Costa Rica.
1. Realtors Know The Area
This is not your country… at least, not yet! You will never be as familiar with the lay of the land as an experienced realtor.
Even if you have vacationed to Costa Rica for 20 years in a row, you still won’t understand all tiny details about home value, future plans and zoning, or neighborhood culture.
Your realtor can take a list of everything you’ve been hoping for – and lead you to the property of your dreams. With the perfect house. On the perfect lot. In the perfect neighborhood. Within the perfect town.
2. Realtors Understand The Legalities
Just like every other country, Costa Rica has its own rules about buying real estate. Local realtors have done this time and time again. They know the ins and outs of the system.
Allow them to guide you through the process of owning a property in a foreign country. This way you can rest assured that not only everything will be legal, everything will also be set up without too much research or trial-and- error on your part.
3. Realtors Can Block Your From Scams
Whenever you are out of your element, your chances of accidentally falling for a scam shoot up. You may be a pro and buying property in your home country, but that does not mean you know what to expect about buying property in Costa Rica.
If an inexperienced gringo shows up with a bunch of money to buy a house and limited knowledge on the real estate practices of the country, that gringo could potentially be a prime target.
Your Costa Rican realtor knows exactly what to look for. They know how much property should cost. They know the history of homes and condominium complexes. They know who has a trustworthy reputation, and who to stay away from.
Make sure you choose a local realtor who has spent time in the country and knows the area well. Choose a realtor who prides himself or herself on connecting expats to their luxurious haven in Costa Rica. Contact Richard at Richard@cbtamarindo.com.
