Why Costa Rica Real Estate?
Finding a Broker
Experience
When looking into finding the right broker for you, it is vitally important to find some one with experience. There are many legal steps in the process and a lot of your money involved. The property law is Napoleonic, not Common Law as the U.S. has. Your broker must know the ins and the outs of Costa Rican real estate law so that he or she can guide you through the process. There are complicated title transfer and notary fees and other taxes that can be minimized with proper legal workings and your broker should help you understand how to do those things. An experienced broker should have a strong relationship with a lawyer that they exclusively work with. A responsible broker will recommend that you seek your own legal counsel as well. An experienced broker will know all of the different financing options for a foreign buyer and the right broker for you will help you understand them.
The value of finding an experienced broker can be seen in their ability to help you find a fair-priced property and a good investment. To gauge experience some areas to look at are:
- Is their primary job/ source of income real estate?
- Do they have a large and diverse offering of their own listings?.
- Do they take the proper steps to ensure that your buying process is smooth?
A good broker will have travel partners, transportation help and professional
contacts to ensure a smooth "full disclosure" transaction.
- The right broker for you will form a relationship with you and truly understand your specific needs.
- They should demonstrate great knowledge of the area in showing you properties that meet the parameters you lay out and do not waste your time with those that are clearly not what you are looking for.
When looking for an experienced broker, go with your gut. Do they seem to be an expert and a guide in the process or are they frantic and under-prepared. A great broker will make the process fun and exciting and most of all informative. Working with an experienced broker with an excellent track record is a wonderful way to learn about Costa Rica.