Caretakers For Properties

[Liz]

I am considering buying a property in Costa Rica (I live in the US) and I have heard that burgulary is high.  Is it necessary to hire a caretaker for a property?  If so, what is the cost?

[Ivo]

Great question Liz, that depends a lot on the area you are going to live. We have no welfare here, so they have to find a way to feed the babies! That's the reason there are so many condominiums, gated communities, guarded residential areas etc. So look to buy or rent in a secure area and you'll save yourself the money for a caretaker. Condos and gated communities generally charge a fee to the residents, ranging from $50/month to $500/month, depending on how many homes are there, amenities, gardening etc. If you plan to buy a property outside either one of these, you can have the gardener or the maid stay while you are away or sometimes you can share a caretaker with neighbors. But it's easier to just find a secure area to live, any American-European Network Realtor will help you with that with pleasure.