Post image for One option to make a sale is an owner-carry mortgage

One option to make a sale is an owner-carry mortgage

by Garland M Baker on December 9, 2024

In a market where buyers are scarce, sellers need to look at all the options to snag a sale. Owner financing is one option available to sellers, but many expats are scared to death of the courts and shy away from carrying a mortgage.
[click to continue…]

{ 0 comments }

Post image for Two groups try to professionalize real estate agents

Two groups try to professionalize real estate agents

by Garland M Baker on November 25, 2024

In a country where real estate or attorney used in the same sentence as ethics is an oxymoron, two organizations are trying very hard to bring some sanity to the real estate profession. There are two real estate associations here: CGGAR, the Costa Rica Global Association of Realtors, and CCCBR, the Camara Costarricense de Corredores de Bienes Raices (Costa Rica Chamber of Real Estate Brokers). [click to continue…]

{ 2 comments }

Post image for Real estate market shows signs of improvement

Real estate market shows signs of improvement

by Garland M Baker on September 16, 2024

Up and down the coast of Guanacaste, real estate circles are buzzing with talk that properties are selling again and that there are buyers in the market.

Linda Gray, vice president of Coldwell Banker Costa Rica, which includes 10 franchises said, “Real estate sales and activity since the start of the New Year 2013 has increased over 2012.” A representative of Century 21 Beach Area Properties in Tambor echoed this view: “Business is better this year than last.” He also said Ticos are in the market buying second homes.

[click to continue…]

{ 1 comment }

Hiring uncovered workers is asking for a nightmare

September 2, 2024
Thumbnail image for Hiring uncovered workers is asking for a nightmare

There is a popular adage in Costa Rica, Pide perdón, no permiso. Doing this can get an expat snagged into a big, expensive problem. The saying means “ask forgiveness, not permission.” It is a strategy used by Ticos and expats alike to get things done without going through the normal red tape. The scheme is […]

Read the full article →

Some expats find that mortgages can boost income

August 19, 2024
Thumbnail image for Some expats find that mortgages can boost income

Some expat retirees in Costa Rica are giving mortgages to others in order to supplement their retirement incomes. Generating a nice extra sum is possible if ones finds the right debtor because interest rates are high in Costa Rica. Finding the borrower is easier than it was in the past because there are numerous services […]

Read the full article →

How to get access to U.S. movies on TV the easy way

August 5, 2024
Thumbnail image for How to get access to U.S. movies on TV the easy way

Expats living in Costa Rica would love to watch U.S. movies, shows, and sports on their home televisions. Hotels and bed & breakfast owners would like to offer the same to their guests. Travelers would like to access their favorites from home while visiting the country.

Read the full article →

Turning likes into money by the (Face)book

July 15, 2024
Thumbnail image for Turning likes into money by the (Face)book

People engaged in business all over the world use Facebook and other social media services to reach customers. Facebook statistics are impressive indeed. Many are not aware that older people use Facebook, too. It is not just for the young. The numbers among retired people are growing rapidly as they start to use all the […]

Read the full article →