Costa Rica today: what I love, and what I tell every buyer
Costa Rica is still green, beautiful, and full of good people, and it has real problems too, like any country. I tell every buyer the same thing: choose the area with care, visit before you buy, use a good local attorney, and never rush.
Why do I write about this?
Everybody knows I am from Costa Rica, and I carry the name of my country with pride. People talk about the education, the green, no army, the food. All of that is true.
In 2018 I wrote a post asking "What happened?" I was worried about crime, trash in the streets, slow paperwork, and prices that keep going up. I was writing as a daughter of that country, with my heart.
What has changed since then?
To be honest, many things have changed. The economy has hit hard, and now that we have more global access to everything, it has changed the way we Ticos are, our idiosincrasia. But I believe that deep inside we are the same. That spark of strong, fair fighters is still there. It only needs to wake up again.
What do I love about Costa Rica?
What I love most is the people. The vibe, the energy of a country of peace, a country that wants to move forward and, even with its problems, always believes in itself and wants to take care of it above everything.
Nothing is better than a walk on the beach or in the forest, a visit to a volcano, a drive up the mountain on a clear day, or watching the sunrise. And sharing a boca with friends to recharge.
What do I tell every buyer?
- Visit first. Stay a few weeks before you buy.
- Choose the area with care. Every town is different.
- Use a good local attorney to check the title in the National Registry.
- Never send money without your attorney.
- Check the travel advice from your own government before you go. For U.S. citizens, that is travel.state.gov.
- Take your time. A good property will still be good next month.
Then and now
In 2018 I asked, "What happened to my country?" Today I still ask questions, and I help buyers ask the right ones too.
Questions people ask
Can foreigners own property in Costa Rica?
Yes. My free guide explains how. Message me on WhatsApp with COSTARICA.
Is Costa Rica safe for buyers?
Like anywhere, it depends on the area and on doing things the right way. Visit, ask, and use a good attorney.
I am Costa Rican, and I'm happy to help you. Just let me know.
This post updates my earlier post "Que paso??" (Feb. 3, 2018)
