tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18801284.post-1133975852149015222005-12-07T09:17:00.000-08:002007-05-29T15:28:38.066-07:001. Get good legal advice.<br /><br />Buyers should either deal with renowned real estate companies or use their own lawyer. Because Costa Rica has a unique, legal system, buyers should use a trustworthy lawyer to research liens, encumbrances, boundary lines, name of the title holder, and other things that would affect the title or subsequent construction. <strong>Buying a home or property </strong>is an important investment, and one should take the necessary precautions to ensure the process goes smoothly.<br /><br />Additionally, it is important that the buyer have her or his own attorney conduct an independent title search and investigation rather than rely on the seller’s attorney. Stewart Title (<a href="http://www.stewarttitlelatinamerica.com/" target="_blank">http://www.stewarttitlelatinamerica.com/</a>) offers these services, and can help point you in the right direction.<br /><br />2. Understand Costa Rica before buying.<br /><br />Avoid the Paradise Syndrome. Many vacationers are quickly enamored by <strong>Costa Ricas </strong>breath taking scenery and charming people. But real life is not a permanent vacation. There are bills, chores, work and cultural adjustments. We recommend that people live here for a while or visit a few times before investing in a home and moving here. One should get a feel for what the country is really like and talk to those who have made a similar move.<br /><br />3. Research Location<br /><br />Concentrate on your needs. Do you want modern conveniences like internet, cable TV, public power grids and shopping? Or would you prefer to live deep in the rainforest, with only monkeys as neighbors?<br /><br />Costa Rica has a wide variety of climates, from <strong>Guanacastes </strong>dry pampas to Heredia’s alpine mountains to the tropical rainforests of the Caribbean coast. Once you’ve found your climate, make sure that you’ll be close to what you find important, whether that’s great surfing beach of first class shopping.<br /><br />Be sure to look at everything that surrounds the <strong>property</strong>. How close is to town? Are there banks and schools nearby? Does the property have water and electricity? These are questions one must ask before purchasing.<br /><br />Finally, take a look at the type of community you’ll be living in. Places of such as Manuel Antonio and Escazu, for example, have large expatriate communities, where you can still experience the tastes and sounds of home. Alternatively, you can enter a mainly <strong>Costa Rican </strong>area, for total cultural immersion.<br /><br />4. Compare and contrast<br /><br />Once you’ve seen a variety of properties, make a list of the pros and cons of each one. Carefully consider market conditions, quality of construction, surrounding neighborhood and amenities. After a detailed analysis, your decision will be easier.<br /><br />5. Once you’ve bought enter the culture<br /><br />Moving to a new country isn’t easy, but it can be exciting and rewarding. Take the time to learn conversational Spanish. Your experience will be infinitely richer if you can communicate with your neighbors. Also, try a Latin dance or cooking class. Go to the farmer’s market. Live like a Tico. The more effort you put into learning about your host culture, the quicker the assimilation process will be.First Realty Costa Ricahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14720969334383593348noreply@blogger.com