Everything Real Estate in Costa Rica
Whether you are looking to leverage the equity in your Canadian home - allowing you to purchase a property in paradise, OR are just starting your epic house-hunting journey in Costa Rica, we are here to help.
Welcome to Bella Mar Realty
Purchasing your dream property can be straightforward with the correct advice and guidance.
The speed at which things move is different in Costa Rica.
Communication styles and language are different.
With over 65 years of combined industry experience and experience in purchasing (or building) property in Costa Rica since 2007, we are excited to assist you in making your dreams come true.
We work with fantastic industry colleagues (lawyer, escrow), and we will monitor every step.
We are following up to keep the transaction moving.
This ensures your deposit is safe, and the due diligence is completed promptly and explained thoroughly.
Take the guesswork out of the next steps from the day you start house hunting to the possession date.
Communication is key.
Our process allows you to make “quick” and very INFORMED decisions without feeling rushed or confused.
The process of purchasing property in Costa Rica is extremely EXCITING.
We are here to help.
Costa Rica. Real Estate. SIMPLIFIED.
Get your financing in place
We can help.
As an award-winning, top-producing, Mortgage Broker in Canada, my team and I have access to the best lenders and the lowest rates.
Accessing your equity (in your Canadian home) to purchase in Costa Rica is one of the most affordable ways to consider purchasing if you do not have the cash available.
Getting your financing in place (or considering where the cash flow will come from BEFORE your trip is important, allowing you to make quick decisions without feeling rushed.
LEARN more on HOW to finance property in Costa Rica.
Remember: Property is sold in USD.
Having funds available for the purchase of the home (including a deposit), escrow fees, and legal fees (closing costs) will be required to close your purchase.
Our entire mortgage approval process is done online.
*NOTE: We can only assist Canadian Home Owners
Visit my website today to apply online
OR call us at 306.933.3386 (Office) or 306.227.8646 (WhatsApp)
Hire a Realtor
We can help.
We are BUYER’s agents.
There is no MLS system in Costa Rica. Properties are listed on individual realtor websites and the realtor partnerships between each other (allowing them to know what is available) are key.
Hiring a realtor with experience and knowledge when purchasing a home in another country is important.
Bella Mar Realty is our Costa Rica Real Estate division.
Contact us today for any of your CR real estate needs.
WhatsApp: 306.227.8646
Email: bellamarrealty@gmail.com
Due Diligence - Hire a Lawyer
We can help.
It is important to have a trusted lawyer who can complete the due diligence process for you once you have found a home.
This will include searches to ensure permits are in place and other mandatory search requirements to ensure you are making a sound investment. They will set up your hydro accounts and any other utility accounts (wifi etc) that you need.
Request a quote for your legal fees. This will differ depending on your purchase price and the status of the property. (EX: title vs share)
Need a referral? (we have been through many lawyers in our 15+ years in CR) We would be happy to refer and lead you in the right direction.
ESCROW
Escrow is part of the due diligence process and intended to ensure that funds being used to purchase property in Costa Rica, are legal funds (anti-money laundering)
An Escrow company will work with you and advise you of the documents you need to provide (in a timely manner). Some of these documents will include ID, Proof of funds in your account or availability to legitimate funds, Proof of income etc.
The Escrow process is much like the process of qualifying for a mortgage in Canada.
We can refer you to a fabulous Escrow Company.
If you have worked with our office to prepare your mortgage, we can assist in sending any duplicate needed documents direct to your Escrow company on your behalf.
RESIDENCY
Once you have purchased a property in Costa Rica, you may want to consider what permanent residency looks like long term.
You can NOW spend 180 days in Costa Rica, after which time you are required to leave (doing a quick trip elsewhere or what locals call a border run).
(please review the NEW laws relating to this and ensure your country or origin is on the list of visitors that can stay the 180 days)
As a resident, you are not required to leave the country.
When purchasing a property (if residency is a future goal) find out if the property is titled or in a share. Either is traditionally acceptable in Costa Rica, but depending on the type of residency you are applying for (retiree vs investor etc.) the share does not hold as much value in the eyes of the immigration process.
Need more information on residency?
Contact Marcela Gurdian - President (lawyer) of Immigration Experts.
HIRE a PROPERTY MANAGER
My biggest advice to new homeowners in Costa Rica.
Hire a property manager.
This is the cost of owning a property in another country and will ensure the integrity of your new home is kept up and maintained.
The cost ranges on the services you need (typically $70-$100/m)
They pay bills (hydro, internet, condo fees etc)
They assist your guests to check in and out (if you are using it as a rental)
It is important your unit is checked in during low season for security reasons and for touch-up cleans to keep the tropical mold growth under control.
We have learned that leaning on friends to take care of our properties is never ideal.
Need a referral? We have worked with many property managers and they are not all created equally.
We are happy to pass on a referral.