SunnySoleil

Thanks so much, yes the time factor is relevant. I am hardly young (43) and saying we have "deep pockets" made my husband and me both chuckle, but I appreciate your input. It was fun to ask our local friends in our pueblo about their direct experiences. Heard mostly positive, some warnings. But this topic has definitely warned us to be aware and maybe even a bit vigilant, which I think is a good thing. I like this part: "My advice would be to have an eye that what you buy is rent-able."

What is happening on this thread in regards to negativity being more common than positivity is called the "Zeigarnik Effect". We remember emotionally unresolved, therefore negative events, much more readily than the positive. (I'm a psychotherapist and that's why I geek out on this stuff.) My guess is that it is skewed because people who have had wonderful experiences in Costa Rica are less likely to post here. I will add how wonderfully helpful all the info is....both positive and negative. Living here is probably a blend of both extremes. Leaving your home country to escape to *paradise* is just not realistic. Again, to use a psychological term, everyone and every place has a shadow side. I guess we all just have to assess if the cons of a specific place are fewer than the pros given our each person's unique personality.

I found this article to be interesting and helpful: http://amcostaricaarchives.com/2013/02/lawyer-gives-some-solid-tips-on-protecting-real-estate-here/ Also, an article on the increasing cost of living in CR: http://insidecostarica.com/2013/03/05/cost-of-living-in-costa-rica-increases-at-fastest-rate-in-eight-years/

Wow...how interesting. Not a single person recommended buying real estate in Costa Rica. Anyone out there recommend buying real estate here, other than disreputable realtors?

That aspect is definitely a very minor concern for me. Big sky, nature, time with my family and a community I love far outweigh material things for me, always have. I'm sorry if you got that impression about me from the previous comment.

Circa San Isidro de General in Perez Zeledon

We've moved to Costa Rica after spending many winters here and searching all over for what area suits us best. We are going to take the next year to slowly and cautiously look around and buy property to build a house upon. We love the Tico culture, the area we want to settle long term is a pueblo in which Ticos and Gringos intermix and mingle. We send our kids to school here with the Ticos and we have applied for residency. We have worked very hard to be here for 20 years, probably like many of you, and saved to buy our little slice of heaven. So we want to be cautious and smart. I am intimidated by all of the warnings I have received about buying real estate in CR. I have been warned about shady realtors, disreputable attorneys. We have been told horror stories about land that was purchased, but then the title was not in the "owner's" possession, etc. "Buyer beware!" seems to be all over the place. My understanding is there isn't a licensing agency for realtors, I've heard there's a Tico price and a Gringo price, and there is no definitive range of price comparisons. In contrast, we also have friends who live here, are easy-going hippie types, and tell us to just trust the Universe and all will fall into place. lol! I'm not sure whether to heed these dire warnings... or wonder if they're just spread out of fear by fearful Americans. (I also think the US can have a false sense of security in regards to buying real estate and people get taken there all the time!) We really don't know what to believe! Anyone have advice or links, recommendations for real estate attorneys that can set up the title transfer, and S.A. for the land? We also need someone who is an expert in both USA and Costa Rica tax law? Or how about a link to learn to research and learn the real story with buying real estate here?

Anyone have a specialist to recommend who is knowledgeable about these things?