1. Be as positive as possible that the AREA you are choosing is the right one for you. It feels good”?

2. Medical… if you need to be close to medical facilities or other professional services, be sure of your location. Don’t assume that the specialist you need will be available at a medical clinic.

3. Shopping. If you like to browse, window shop or just kill time “looking”… are there stores and products near your location?

4. Restaurants. For some people this doesn’t matter… for others it does. If it does, check around.

5. Types of people in the area. Don’t assume there are gringos or like-minded people in your area. Know who your neighbors will be BEFORE you move.

6. Access to the airport. If this is important, how long is the drive from your “home” to the nearest airport?

7. Banks. Is there a bank nearby? Is it a national bank that has the services you need?

8.Internet. Don’t assume that the Internet is available everywhere. Often it is not. And high-speed Internet is NOT available in about 99% of the country.

9.Utilities. Don’t assume they are available. Obtain positive confirmation from the nearest municipality. In many affluent areas along the beaches, homeowners are often surprised to find that phone service may be literally unavailable for years. Ask about electricity and the type of water available in your area. DO NOT ASSUME ANYTHING regarding utilities.

10. Construction permits. Even if you see other houses in your chosen area, don’t assume you can get building permits. The bureaucracy regarding construction in Costa Rica can be maddening. This is also not a certainty.

11. Infrastructure. Talk to the locals. Find out if there are problems with electricity or water. Often a community grows too quickly, resulting in a poor support system or even, as in some cases, the cessation of building permits altogether. Santa Ana and Escazú, two of Costa Rica’s most affluent suburbs, are experiencing serious infrastructure problems with almost daily water and electricity outages. Poor planning? Maybe, but avoid the problem if you can.

12. If you are buying property and intend to build, be sure to check construction prices in your local area. What is standard in San José will be completely different in Guanacaste.

13. Schools. If you have children attending secondary or primary school, make sure the schools meet your satisfaction. Don’t assume that schools will be adequate in your area. Most of the time they are not.

14. Hobbies. If your hobby or special interest requires special materials or equipment, try to make sure they are available in your area.

15. Remoteness. This is hardly worth mentioning except for the large number of gringos who choose to live in remote and isolated areas… and soon after, find that too much isolation is unbearable. BE SURE! Isolation is great when you daydream, but it’s different in reality.

16. Climate. Make sure you fully understand what the weather will be like in your area ALL YEAR ROUND. Being in the beach area in the overwhelming heat of the summer months is different from the winter months. And the rainy season is completely different from summer.

17. Highways. A large number of ticos and gringos complain about the conditions of the roads. The sad reality is that changes in the country’s infrastructure are slow in coming. Don’t trust the local or real estate agent who says “a new road will be installed next year”. The reality is more like five years or never. If the roads drive you crazy when you visit them, think about what they will be like after you’ve been here for a year.

18. If you plan to build on your property in the near future, make sure there is a reliable builder in the area or at least one that is available…in your price range. Many people who assumed they could find a low-priced builder in Guanacaste in recent months have been surprised to discover that they are trading between $80 and $100 per square meter. football.

19. Many people come here and shop and assume they will be able to find a job to supplement their income. DO NOT ASSUME YOU WILL BE ABLE TO FIND A JOB. It is difficult and you will most likely have to create your own work. Being employed in Costa Rica is extremely difficult.

20. Make sure you understand what types of insects and animals will inhabit your land with you. Sound stupid? If you’re petrified of spiders, scorpions, snakes and more… ask.

21.Security. self explanatory? Not really. Many people assume that there is too much crime everywhere and assume that they have to live in a gated community OR they believe that there is no crime here and that Costa Rica is the second coming of Shangrila. They are both wrong. Check with the locals. Talk to the local police. Talk to people who live in the area.

22. What are the zoning laws and building codes in your area? Most likely, there will be no problems, but it is better to make sure.

23. Do you speak Spanish? If not, you may not want to fully immerse yourself in a community where you’re the only gringo…just because it sounds romantic. You may want to consider renting first.

24. If you have any doubts about the buildability of your property, hire an architect or better yet, an engineer. Soil tests and possibly a contour map will confirm buildability…or not.

25. If you’re buying an existing home…don’t expect the owner to fix problems that may arise in the future. Have someone examine the structure with a fine tooth comb.

26. If possible, spend a night or two (or more) in your future neighborhood. You may be unpleasantly surprised by smells, sounds, and activities. Know what you’re getting into. This list can’t tell you values ​​and whether you’re getting a “good deal” or not. It can prevent a great deal of headache and heartache. It is important not to assume that any aspect of real estate is the same as in your home country. It definitely isn’t.

And remember, be careful who you trust…and always do your due diligence. Pure Life

And for more useful tips about Costa Rica, its beauty AND its dangers, visit us at http:www.cr-home.com