It never rains in California, but it rains a lot in Costa Rica, right

Escazu, October 2010

It never rains in California, but it rains a lot in Costa Rica, right now

Welcome to our October 2010 newsletter.

With the rains, Costa Rica turns greener than ever and looks even lusher than you can dream of. But it's not all about beauty, it also brings some problems and you need to be aware of them. I hope you enjoy this month�s newsletter.

Ivo Henfling
President American European Real Estate Group

Rainfall in Costa Rica, the change in weather conditions and buying property in Costa Rica

by Ivo Henfling

Almost everyone who writes articles for the expat community in Costa Rica or for those baby boomers who plan to retire to Costa Rica soon, have already written about the rainfall in Costa Rica, published pictures about the mudslide in Santa Ana and other disasters in the rest of Central America.

This month, I would like to attack this issue from a different and unusual angle: a real estate agent's angle. I want to tell you what to look for and what to do when you're buying property in Costa Rica from now on.

The weather is changing everywhere in the world and rainfall has doubled over the past two years in Costa Rica. Third world countries don't think ahead, they fix the problem when it is too late. Read more.

Why Costa Rica?

By Rudy Matthews, our Costa Rica Home Specialist

If you love nature - Costa Rica is a great place to be. If you like a simple life - it is here. If you want an uncomplicated and less stressful environment - you have arrived. If you really enjoy a great cup of coffee in the morning, afternoon or both - that coffee is available.�If you like to visit the beach but enjoy mountains - here you have both within a short drive. Hiking, bird watching, horseback riding, white water rafting, zip lines or just sitting in the park and watching people pass- you can do it. Democracy, friendly people - affordable health care, no military and the list can go on and on.

All the above are reasons why many people have retired and re-located to Costa Rica. Those who stay have a bit of adventure inside and have the ability to adapt -- we are in a different country and culture. Read more.

Rewarding property investment opportunities in the Southern Pacific

By Daveed Hollander, our Southern Pacific specialist

The opportunity for investment in the southern pacific is not only limited to Dominical.

Nearby towns and beaches have experienced relatively slow expansion and development but with improved access the area�s true potential is only just starting to be realized.

The areas beautiful topography gives many properties views of the surrounding tropical greenery and Pacific Ocean. Several southern pacific towns offering unique prospects include Uvita, Ojochal and Puerto Jimenez. Smaller towns in the area include Read more.

Living in Florida vs Living in Costa Rica

By Rudy Matthews, our Costa Rica Home Specialist

I sometimes think that living in Costa Rica is like living in Florida was many years ago. Florida beaches are certainly some of the most beautiful in the world but are lined with condominium and commercial buildings. Beaches in Costa Rica still have that natural setting with palm trees, beautiful native flowers and a back drop of mountains that make the ambience much more "natural".�

Recently I had relatives visit and we went to the beach Read more.

The Rainy Season in Los Santos, Costa Rica

By Tony Warren, our Los Santos specialist

It's October, we're in the middle of the rainy season in Costa Rica and it the rainiest part of the year here in Los Santos. And if it's anything like the rest of the year, it will be rainier then normal. But since I'm an early riser (I'm usually up around 4:30 in the morning) and the rain doesn't usually start until the early afternoon, I can get the garden weeded, the orchard trimmed, the grass cut and a few other items on my to-do list before it starts and enjoy the beautiful weather outside.

The advantage of the weather in Costa Rica is that even though it rains, the temperature stays almost the same. The afternoons are great for Read on.

Quebradas and Miravalles, the "Escazu" of the South

By Mitch Kiwan, our Perez Zeledon Specialist

What appeal does Escazu have for Northerners?

One draw is the fact there are so many others in the region. Birds of a feather all flock together. There is great comfort knowing you can find other America/Canadian/European immigrants should you want or need to communicate with someone else who shares a lifetime of related experiences, which is common to those moving from a more developed nation to the beautiful, yet slower-paced lifestyle sought after in Costa Rica.

The Perez Zeledon region is commonly known for being one of the safest regions of the country due to its geographic isolation there are only three entrances to the valley Read more.

Read what clients have to say about our Perez Zeledon Specialist Mitch Kiwan:

Dear Mitch,

Just a note of appreciation for the time afforded during my recent visit to Costa Rica.Your knowledge of the real estate market, the who, and where to go to, in order to get things accomplished is very valuable to anyone interested in purchasing property in Central America.

Your integrity was evident, and your candor was refreshing and appreciated. Trying to evaluate real estate in another country is difficult enough without having to worry about being misled by someone in their pursuit of profit.

Best Regards,