International Real Estate Listings – My Podcast Interview

Joshua Kanter Discusses Real Estate in Dominical Costa Rica

by Taylor White +

The IREL Podcast by Taylor White > Dominical Costa Rica real estate > Joshua Kanter Discusses Real Estate in Dominical Costa Rica

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I had the pleasure to sit down and speak with Joshua Kanter from Properties in Costa Rica in Dominical Costa Rica – and we will get down and dirty with the Dominical real estate scene – and have you coming away wanting to investigate it’s local property market further – or, cross it off your short list entirely and continue listening.

Right now from Josh you will learn:

• Why he passed on the more well known expat communities of Jaco and Tamarindo – and why he believes you could do the same.

• What constitutes properties located inside the Maritime zone – and then how those are different than fee simple titled properties.

• Where the heck Dominical is even located on a map of Costa Rica – and what lies all around it.

• The exact types of properties Josh is recommending today – and explains what “suitcase ready” means and how you can profit.

• Breaks down strategies to get money together to buy Dominical real estate – and shares data on what percentage of buyers pay with cold hard cash.

Josh’s contact details:

• Website – http://www.propertiesincostarica.com
• Email – josh@propertiesincostarica.com
• Magic Jack – 843-608-6586

Listening options:

• Subscribe Via iTunes (right here)
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• Check out the YouTube video (right here)
• Or click here to get sent to the top of the page where the on-site player is.

Marcharmo

The “Marcharmo” is the annual minimum liability insurance you are required to pay for all vehicles, motorcycles, or ATVs in Costa Rica.  You can pay the Marcharmo from November 1^st to December 31^st each year and the value is based on the make, model, and year of your vehicle.

The Marcharmo is not cheap and for a 2008 SUV I will pay around $800 this year, ouch!  Even an older car, motorcycle, or ATV can pay around $200.  This is a requirement and no way around it.  In fact anyone caught after January 1^st without the new decal on their front windshield will be subject to hefty fines and even getting your car impounded and towed.  Best believe the “Traficos” / “Transitos” or Transit Police will be out in full force around the entire country stopping cars at various check point searching for current Marcharmo stickers.

You can pay your Marcharmo online, at any local bank, or insurance office.   You can check how much you owe for Marcharmo and pay for it on the INS website.  In order to pay your Marcharmo you have to have all traffic tickets and parking tickets paid and if not; they will be added to the total cost of your Marcharmo.  You also have to have a current Revision Technica Vehiculo (R.T.V.) inspection sticker, which is the annual inspection every car, motorcycle, and ATV must pass to prove it is worthy of the road.

So pay your Marcharmo on time, or else your New Year will not start out too well!

“Alguinaldo” – Christmas Bonus

Tis’ the season for “Alguinaldo” or Christmas Bonuses in Costa Rica.  Every December this mandatory payment for full time employees is due and many count on this for their holiday season expenses.

Often called the 13^th month of salary, the “Alguinaldo” is equal to one month’s average pay.  The easiest way to calculate your employee’s “Alguinaldo” is to take their weekly salary and multiply by 4.3; since on average there are 4.3 work weeks in each month.  Or you can add up all their annual pay and divide it by 12 to get the 1 month average.

These Christmas Bonuses could not come at a batter time because December is the most expensive month in Costa Rica with car and motorcycle “Marcharmos” (annual fee for vehicles), taxes due December 15^th, plus holiday festivities and gifts.

So make sure you pay your employee’s “Alguinaldo” on time because their family is surely depending on it for the holidays.

Costa Rica Real Estate Market Recovering

The Costa Rica real estate market was booming for years prior to the global financial crises and took a major hit as did the rest of the world.  Currently the market is recovering, prices have stabilized, and future outlook is extremely positive.  Joshua Kanter of United Country – Properties in Domincial discusses the current Costa Rica real estate trends and investment opportunities in the Southern Zone.

Playa Dominical, Costa Rica (PRWeb) November 30^th, 2012

Costa Rica has historically been a profitable real estate investment with 15%-20% year over year returns from 2000 to 2008, until the financial crises hit the U.S. and rest of the world. This once hot and booming market drastically cooled with a downward turn.  This has caused previously over inflated real estate prices to drop to realistic and fair market values over the past few years.  The result; prices are the most affordable they have been in years and investors once again are buying homes and property with the opportunity for future gains.

Foreign Direct Investment in Costa Rica 2006-2011

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Costa Rica reached record levels in 2011 and is expected to outperform those numbers for 2012.  *see graph from AM Costa Rica 

International Living’s Ronan McMahon ranked the Southern Zone of Costa Rica 3^rd of 27 on the list of “The World’s Best Real Estate Markets for 2012”.  The results were based on the following criteria:

“The top five places in this Global Real Estate Index are all fast-emerging beach locales. These are places on the up…where it’s still not too late to get in. Each offers outstanding natural beauty. Real estate prices are affordable. And something is happening that I believe will push prices higher. These are places where you can work with reliable contacts; your rights are enshrined in law and the costs of buying, selling, and holding real estate range from ridiculously low to affordable.”

Ronan McMahon’s conclusion for the Southern Pacific Zone of Costa Rica was as follows:

“…Costa Rica’s Southern Zone stayed off the radar, though. And it’s nicer than up north, the area most folks know.

Bright, thick, green jungle canopy rolls down to a coast of sandy beaches and rocky points. It’s truly stunning.  And, while prices in other parts of the country soared, prices here stayed low. It was difficult to get to. But a new, smoothly-paved coastal highway has changed that… 

…It’s very good value for money. Because of the new road, I expect prices will rise. And that makes the appreciation potential strong, too.”

Costa Rica has been ranked the best country for real estate investment for the upcoming 2013 year according to International Real Estate Investments Magazine.  Not surprising considering the stable government, property rights for foreigners, and close proximity to the U.S. and Canada.  Additionally, the Baby Boomer generation is beginning to retire with many looking for opportunities abroad and this trend will continue to propel the Costa Rica real estate market for years to come.  The Southern Zone is poised for the greatest potential increase and return on investment due to advances in infrastructure, increased worldwide recognition, and ideally tropical setting.

Joshua Kanter of Dominical Property, S.R.L. predicts a positive trend in the coming years, “We have seen an increase in inquiries and buyers on the ground this past year and are optimistic for the upcoming 2013 high season and beyond. Most of the ‘Fire Sales’ have been bought up, although there are still great deals depending on an individual seller’s financial position.  The Southern Zone is Costa Rica’s last frontier and the real estate market with the most potential upswing for investors.  If the planned International Airport for Southern Zone becomes a reality; that will be the ultimate game changer for this area as it was for the International Liberia Airport in the Northern Zone.”

Contact:
Joshua Kanter, Agent
United Country – Properties in Costa Rica
Website: http://www.DominicalProperty.com
Blog: http://www.DominicalProperty.WordPress.com/
Toll Free: 1-888-679-1227

FIRE SALE!! – Home in Lagunas, Dominical

REDUCED BY OVER $1,000,000 USD!!!!

Asking Price: $590,000 USD
Property Size: 7,584 m² / 0.75 hectares / 1.88 acres

The ultimate in luxury with top of the line finishes throughout the home and a large infinity pool with spectacular coastline views all the way to Manuel Antonio.

End of the road privacy within the exclusive community of Lagunas and only 15 minutes to Playa Dominical.  Property includes large home, huge pool, garage and garage apartment of 1,500 sq ft, plus another big home site ready to build.

The main house has an open living room and kitchen overlooking the pool and view and a there is a spacious master bedroom and bath with Jacuzzi tub.  Downstairs there is a self sufficient studio apartment with full kitchen as well.  The un-used flat area between the garage and garage apartment and the main house could be used to build an amazing dream home and the current main house could be turned into the pool/guest house.

The amazing view spans all the way to Manuel Antonio and enjoys breathtaking year round sunsets. There are also mountain, valley, and jungle views with daily wild life visits such as White-Faced Monkeys, Toucans, Parrots, Sloths and more.

The property also borders a 75 acre private nature reserve with trials for hiking and nature watching.  This is the perfect property for retirement residence, luxury vacation rental and second home, or family home in paradise.

The finished homes have top of the line finishes such as; ceramic tile roofing, granite everywhere, slate tile flooring, infinity pool, satellite TV, 3 full kitchens, high-speed internet,  handmade custom wood cabinets, and more.

Additional Options for Sale: 2 Homes with 30 acres of land for $1,750,000 USD | 2 Homes with 100 acres of land for $2,750,000 USD

How to Live a Self-Sustainable Lifestyle in Costa Rica

Living a more sustainable existence is a growing movement around the world; especially in modern times with so much wasteful pre-packaged goods and food products.  A self-sustainable lifestyle in Costa Rica is not the answer for all, but a select bunch will find their own piece of paradise and be able to virtually live off the land.  Joshua Kanter of United Country – Properties in Dominical discusses this eco-minded trend in the Southern Pacific Zone of Costa Rica.

Playa Dominical, Costa Rica (PRWEB) November 14, 2012

The planet’s population is growing at an alarming rate and there simply will not be enough resources for the future generations.  Therefore there has been a collective shift by many towards sustainability and causing less environmental impact.

-World population reached 7 billion on October 31, 2011 and is estimated to reach 8 billion by 2030 (wikipedia.org)
-Water scarcity affects one in three people on every continent of the globe (World Health Organization)
-The world’s richest countries make up only one-fifth of global population but account for 45% of all meat consumption, 58% of total energy use, 84% of paper use, and 87% of vehicle ownership. (United Nations Development Programme – undp.org)

Joshua Kanter of Dominical Property a local Costa Rica real estate and property management company, shares his perspective of this current and growing market:

Many of our clients today are looking for a home with acreage or large ocean view property with its own water source and land capable of providing fresh organic fruits and vegetables.  If a property can also support chickens or even some livestock, plus has an ample creek to make a Tilapia pond; then it becomes even more desirable among these types of customers.  We have even seen buyers on a budget create a sustainable lifestyle with an affordable home on a couple acres or turning some raw usable land into a personal producing farm

The Southern Pacific Zone of Costa Rica still has pristine rain forest and is teaming with wildlife, therefore eco-minded tourists and investors are logically drawn to this area.  This current trend is driving sustainable development projects such as; Osa Mountain Village which is a residential community that will have sharing of fruit and vegetable crops, as well as, poultry and Tilapia.  This model of development has potential in Costa Rica and around the world as resources become more and more scarce

Although escaping to Costa Rica’s tropical shores may not be for everyone; it is a realistic and viable option for those that seek a simpler life with less of an ecological footprint.

Contact:
Joshua Kanter, Agent
United Country – Properties in Costa Rica.
Website: http://www.DominicalProperty.com
Blog: http://www.DominicalProperty.WordPress.com/
Toll Free: 1-888-679-1227

Costa Rica Offers Baby Boomers a Second Chance at Retirement

This is Dominical Property’s first Press Release and it got a very positive response and even made Yahoo! News and many other online news outlets:  http://www.prweb.com/releases/costa_rican_real_estate/baby_boomers/prweb10102981.htm

Costa Rica is a natural choice for Baby Boomers due to its year round temperate climate, lower cost of living, advanced medical sector, and a short flight from most of the continental U.S. Joshua Kanter of United Country – Properties in Dominical discusses current retirement trends in Baby Boomer retirees.

Playa Dominical, Costa Rica (PRWEB) November 06, 2012

Costa Rica has historically been a retirement haven for ex-pats and will be one of the top destinations for Baby Boomers to retire. The Southern Zone and Playa Dominical area are fast becoming more popular with retirees due to unparalleled natural beauty, laid back healthy lifestyle, easier access, plus convenient hospitals and clinics. Dominical Property, S.R.L. is a local real estate and property management expert that specializes in making the transition to Costa Rica as smooth as possible.

Baby Boomers Facts
-76.4 million Baby Boomers born from 1946 to 1964 (U.S. Census)
-A Baby Boomer turns 60 every 8.5 seconds (U.S. Census)
-More than 10,000 Baby Boomers will retire every day for the next 19 years (Pew Research Center)

According to Mary Furlong’s book, Turning Silver into Gold the top 3 financial concerns of Baby Boomers are as follows:
1.) Having enough money to retire
2.) Overall financial well being
3.) Having enough money for health care

So what will Baby Boomers look for in a retirement destination? Basically somewhere they can make their savings last and enjoy an active lifestyle, while staying fit and healthy.

The quality of life in Costa Rica is some of the best in the World and it has been ranked #1 on the Happy Planet Index (New Economic Foundation) for two consecutive years. The medical care in Costa Rica is also some of the best in Central America; as many travel here specifically for medical tourism. Most all fruits and produce are grown locally; meat and poultry are fresh; and seafood is plentiful.

Costa Rica has many micro-climates, but more and more Baby Boomers are exploring the Southern Pacific Zone. This area is best known for Playa Dominical, which was 18th on CNN Go’s list of the “World’s 50 Best Beaches”. The Playa Domincal area offers some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, an abundance of wildlife, miles of secluded beaches, numerous waterfalls, and tons of outdoor activities from adventurous surfing, hiking, rafting, and zip-lining to more relaxing hobbies such as; bird watching, beach combing, fishing, and whale watching.

The Dominical-Uvita area, also known as Costa Ballena, has experienced recent growth and popularity due to the new Caldera Highway and paving of the Coastal Highway from Quepos; now only a 3 hour drive from San Jose. Also the Quepos Regional Airport is 30 minutes from Dominical and services daily commuter flights from San Jose.

Costa Ballena has all the amenities a retiree wants in casual and fine dining restaurants, banks, shopping, supermarkets, mechanics, pharmacies, and clinics. There are also 3 hospitals with in 30 to 45 minute drive in Quepos, San Isidro, and a new hospital in Cortes. The city of San Isidro is 40 minutes from Dominical and is one of the fastest growing cities in Central America. Modern conveniences mixed with a laid back lifestyle and lush rain forest surroundings make this one of the most desirable areas of Costa Rica.

Joshua Kanter of Dominical Property, S.R.L. (http://www.dominicalproperty.com/) says, “Our most common clients are those nearing retirement looking for a second home to eventually live here full or part time. Or those seeking ocean view property to build their dream home. Plus the Southern Zone still has very affordable real estate prices compared to other regions of Costa Rica real estate and this allows an investor’s dollar to go a long way.” He continues, “We have also seen an increased trend in retirees renting long term prior to a purchase in order to make sure the Costa Rica lifestyle is truly for them.”

Dominical Property, S.R.L assists Baby Boomers in retirement relocation with a wide array of Dominical real estate listings for sale and rent. The company can also manage a second home, recommend real estate and residency attorneys, and help facilitate the building process. The Southern Pacific Zone of Costa Rica is becoming a World class retirement destination and allows Baby Boomers a second chance at retirement.

Contact:
Joshua Kanter, Agent
United Country – Properties in Costa Rica
Website: http://www.DominicalProperty.com
Blog: http://www.DominicalProperty.WordPress.com/
Toll Free: 1-888-679-1227

Become a Luxury Rancher or Organic Farmer

Ever dream of becoming a farmer or rancher, but could not give up the amenities of a luxury home and being close to a city.  Well, now it is possible live this dream in a 6,000 square foot mansion on a 30 acre horse farm within 45 minutes to the city of San Isidro, Costa Rica.  Located in a rural area surrounded by coffee farms and cattle ranches this property offers private tranquility with tons of usable land, horse stables, caretaker house, pastures, creek with two cascades, and borders the river “Rio General”.  Here is a detailed video of the home and property for your viewing pleasure….

This estate home spared no expense in its solid concrete block construction and offers the finest finishes available.  Downstairs the home features a large office/study, great room with 30 foot high windows bringing in the views and natural light, and guestroom with an en suite bathroom.

There is also a huge open professional kitchen, living room and breakfast table, formal dining room, and an outdoor terrace and dining area.

You walk up Cristobal hardwood (a rare native hardwood) stairs to the two master bedrooms and baths.

The main master bedroom is very spacious and has bamboo wood floors, walk-in closet, and access to a wrap around balcony that enjoys the views and sounds of the cascade next to the house.

The en suite bathroom is literally the largest I have ever seen; and has a Jacuzzi tub for two, his and hers showers, his and hers vanities with granite counters, and even his and hers toilets!  The other master bedroom is just as spacious with bamboo floors and balcony access as well.  Across the hallway is another large walk-in closet and oversized master bathroom with its own Jacuzzi tub.

This property has potential for a retired couple or family that wants to live off the land and enjoy a country lifestyle.

The structures are in place to raise horses with a 6 stall stable, a coral, and plenty of pasture land to graze.

There is also Tilapia pond already built for a constant fresh fish supply.  You could raise free range chickens for laying eggs and for a food source.  Due to the extremely fertile soil near the river you could also transform this property in to an organic fruit farm and at the very least produce sufficient fruit and vegetables for your family or small community.   Could even get a couple dairy cows to produce your own milk and cheeses.  In just in case you cannot produce everything you need there are small markets close by and large supermarkets in San Isidro 40-45 minutes away.

There is an extraordinary amount of flat and usable land multiple additional homes could be built for a family compound or mini gated community.  Even numerous rental cabins and a Bed & Breakfast operation could be possible.  For more information click this link about this amazing Luxury Home on 30 Acres or visit www.DominicalProperty.com for more residential homes and farm listings.

Luxury Dominical Home for Sale

This is an incredible luxury home in Escaleras, perched above Dominical with open air design to optimize the tropical lifestyle of Costa Rica.  Panoramic vistas of the Dominicalito Bay and Punta Dominical with coastline all the way to Manuel Antonio offer an unsurpassed view.  Cool breezes off the ocean during the day and down from the mountains at night allows for indoor/outdoor living in absolute paradise.

Listed for $595,000 USD and was recently reduced from $685,000 USD.  This 2 bedroom and 2 bathroom home is 2,760 square feet with a 660 square foot covered indoor/outdoor living room.  The property size is 1.44 acres of land and has jungle along one side and the access road ends at this home for added privacy.

Poolside Terrace and Entertainment Area

Panoramic Ocean, Coastline, and Bay Views

660 sqft Covered Balcony for Indoor/Outdoor Living

Sunset from the Kitchen

Media Room with AC and Unique Cedar Ceiling

Master Bedroom with Open Air Design

Perfect End to a Day in Paradise

If you are looking for a finished high quality home for a second vacation home or place to retire in paradise, then this maybe the perfect fit for you!!  Costa Rica living at its finest in the coastal mountains of Dominical close to amenities, beaches, activities, and waterfalls!

Costa Rica is Once Again the Happiest Place on Earth

Once again Costa Rica has been determined the Happiest Planet on Earth in the annual Happy Planet Index (H.P.I.) by the New Economic Foundation.  The study ranks countries in terms of life expectancy, the amount of well being experienced by the local population, and environmental impact.  Costa Rica has been in the top 3 since the formation of the first H.P.I. in 2006 and has been #1 for the past 2 years.  No wonder so many people come from all over the world to experience the “Pura Vida” or “Pure Life” and immerse themselves in nature and stunningly beautiful scenery.   The top 10 results for 2012 are as follows:

2012 Happy Planet Index

Country	H.P.I.	Experienced Well-being	Life Expectancy	Ecological Footprint
Costa Rica	64	7.3	79.3	2.5
Vietnam	60.4	5.8	75.2	1.4
Colombia	59.8	6.4	73.7	1.8
Belize	59.3	6.5	76.1	2.1
El Salvador	58.9	6.7	72.2	2.0
Jamaica	58.5	6.2	73.1	1.7
Panama	57.8	7.3	76.1	3.0
Nicaragua	57.1	5.7	74.0	1.6
Venezuela	56.9	7.5	74.4	3.0
Guatemala	56.9	6.3	71.2	1.8

*New Economics Foundation’s annual Happy Planet Index (HPI) 2012

Costa Rica constantly scores high in the H.P.I. rankings for many reasons including high life expectancy, forward thinking in terms of environmental protection, genuinely happy local people, and it is a peaceful country with no military.  Life expectancy in Costa Rica is among some of the longest in the World and it was determined to be a “Blue Zone” country by Dr. Sanjay Gupta of CNN.  The country also actively protects its environment with 25% of its land mass dedicated to reserves or National Parks.  Plus Costa Rica has a goal to be the World’s first carbon neutral country by 2025.  The local people are very happy and you can see this walking down the street when they smile or nod at you for no particular reason.  Try smiling at someone as you walk down the streets of New York City and see if they respond so kindly.  Another contributing factor is that Costa Rica abolished its military in 1949 and remains neutral in global conflicts, thus its nickname the Switzerland of Central America.

So come see why Costa Rica is the Happiest Place on Earth and enjoy the “Pura Vida” in paradise!  If you are interested in purchasing a property, home, or just renting long term to try out the retirement lifestyle in Costa Rica, contact me at Dominical Property for more information.