Estimated Reading Time: 4 Minutes Should you look to purchase a beach home in Costa Rica close to a Blue Flag beach? And what about cities far away from the beaches? What is a Blue Flag and why would you want to live in a community that was awarded one? The F.E.E. (Foundation for Environmental…
Estimated Reading Time: 4 Minutes Costa Rican beachfront property is located in the Maritime Zone, or ZMT (Zona Maritima Terrestre), and you should know about certain restrictions before purchasing. We have very little titled beachfront property, so this is very important information if you want to live on the beach. When buying a beachfront home,…
Let me explain why you should relocate to Atenas to escape the rat race. You have spent countless hours searching the internet for the ideal location for your retirement, second home, or investment. You have narrowed your list and have decided Costa Rica is the country for you. This decision is probably based on its…
What is included in Costa Rica condo fees or HOA fees? Buyers often get scared when they see they must pay a condo fee but don’t realize what is included. Costa Rica’s lifestyle is changing, and people travel more than ever. Security is more critical than ever when looking for a vacation home, a retirement…
Estimated Reading Time: 4 Minutes As most of you know, I’m not into politics at all, and I’m even less into U.S. politics. Politics is usually not good for business, especially if you choose sides. But I do take clients’ happiness seriously; the reason why I make my living in real estate. And it seems…
Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes Now and then, you will read that an expat or a local property owner lost their property rights to squatters or thieves. Unfortunately, the Costa Rican judicial system is a bit slow in resolving property rights issues. The system has loopholes allowing the bad guys to get away with squatting…
Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes There are hundreds of articles online about financing property in Costa Rica. Most articles are outdated, and few have the correct information. That’s why you should do your own homework by calling around if you’re looking for a mortgage to purchase property in Costa Rica. Financing property is very easy…
Estimated Reading Time: 4 Minutes We found a new place to live – expats will love it. Property is much cheaper than many other locations in the Central Valley. Santiago de Puriscal (most Ticos call it Puriscal – but the locals call it Puris) is a small town of about 13,000 people, and businesses fulfill…
Estimated Reading Time: 5 Minutes The first offer syndrome can create huge havoc during the buy-sell process. Often, a listing stays on the market way too long and unnecessarily. Again and again, our affiliate agents see sellers reject the first offer they receive and not even come back with a counteroffer. Some take low offers…
Estimated Reading Time: 6 Minutes Picture starting your days with the gentle sound of waves breaking on the shore, surrounded by lush tropical jungles teeming with wildlife, and the option to explore majestic volcanoes or immerse yourself in the serenity of green valleys. Costa Rica, the Central American jewel, not only fulfills these idyllic images…
Let the buyer beware or “caveat emptor” when building or buying a house in Costa Rica. It’s incredible how so many buyers do not hire an expert to make what could be the most significant investment of their life. Would you hire a cardiologist to see if your teeth need repair? Would you hire a…
Estimated Reading Time: 11 Minutes Do you want to know everything about taxes in Costa Rica? We’re now in 2024, and the information below is updated. In this article, I will cover what type of taxes the local government charges and when they must be paid. You must pay taxes when you work, own a…
Estimated Reading Time: 5 Minutes Did you know that every Costa Rica property owner must present a property value declaration every 5 years? Probably not, eh… In most countries worldwide, property owners receive notice from the tax authorities that they have to pay their property taxes. Not in Costa Rica, though! Like many other things…
Estimated Reading Time: 5 Minutes Do you know where and how to pay the Costa Rica corporation tax, or “Impuesto a las Personas Jurídicas“? The Costa Rica corporation tax was approved in January 2012 and went into effect on April 1st, 2012. Many foreign buyers own property in a corporation, which is a practice that…
Estimated reading time: 4 Minutes Cooking with Croz is an adventure you can’t miss. Because so many Easy Times readers look forward to what’s new this week on the Easy Times, I have created a section for chefs in Costa Rica. Our members sell lots of luxury vacation homes and luxury vacation rentals. Those clients…
Estimated Reading Time: 6 Minutes Be well-informed about the free trade zone and its locations before renting or purchasing a warehouse or office space in Costa Rica. In this article, you will find the advantages and disadvantages of being in a Free Trade Zone or “Zona Franca” in Costa Rica. Let’s first tell you what…