Expat Community > Costa Rica

pato23
Joined 2002
Posts: 765

The TRUTH about buying Real Estate in Central America

13 years ago

http://www.guatemala-times.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=567 and

http://central-america-forum.com/forum-topic/some-pitfalls-be-aware-buying-real-estate

The worst persons to ask for advice, anywhere in the world, are Realtors, in Central America they are generally young Residents (or unlicenced non residents on tourist visas) from US/Canada making commissions on sales, if any legal problems arise with your land purchase after you have paid the Realtor, do not expect any assistance at all. Travel personally to the area in the country or region in which you wish to settle, rent first, even a tiny little apartment if need be, that suits your budget, look around and make contacts, don't believe hype the land or condo will be gone in a few days, or the price will double in 2 weeks, many residents, newer and old are leaving CR now and many will sell to you directly with no Realtor as a middleman, ask around quietly, never buy land from the Internet, an El Salvadoran friend 7 years ago bought a 'beautiful automobile' online auction, the vehicle was shipped by boat, when teh car arrived the body was beautifu, the motor was ruined, no va!!!!!!! 'showing up in person is 80% of life' 'a fool and his or her money are soon parted'
My best advice, after arrival hire a local driver/owner who does not sell Rea Estate him/herself, make friends with locals and ex pats who know land owners selling directly, avoid paying huge commisions to hustlers. Have a good New Year. Relocate smart. Avoid pitfalls and PS learn as much of the local language as possible, if not English, or you pay double prices from arrival on!!!!!

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The TRUTH about buying Real Estate in Central America

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