Real Estate

Boston Real Estate News

2012-01-25T00:45:00.000+02:00

President Obama will give his State on the Union address tonight and he’ll reportedly claim that the economy is improving, but we need to do more. Bravo to that!

The unemployment rate has improved since last year. But one can argue that the slight improvement is due to the fact that people have stopped looking for work – they are as the Labor Department puts it “not in the labor market.”

If you were to include the individuals who have given up looking for work what would be the unemployment rate be? 20 percent? And why doesn’t the Labor Department include discouraged workers?

On a positive note, here in Boston we do have strong signs that the economy in improving. As noted in past blog posts, the unemployment rate in Massachusetts has been going down for a while now. The real estate market has been holding strong compared to most parts of the country. Boston condo inventory is near record lows, which indicates Boston condos are selling.

Luxury Property in Spain

2011-12-27T17:46:00.000+02:00

A luxury Spanish property in Spain like a castle. From its hidden entrance on a private residential development in Benissa, the beautiful Spanish property for sale, at first sight virtually concealed on a slope, unfolds, step by step, to the astonished beholder. The magnificent, surrounding exterior areas, with picturesque charm, exotic appeal and impressive expanse and flawlessness, provide the desired and unmistakable, lavish setting for the architectural elegance of the villa.

The superb pool-terrace, which is sun-soaked, level and extensive, portrays an exclusive wellness-paradise with a sea view and is completely secluded, while imposing walls, lush tree stock, idyllic resting spots, amidst abundant plant-diversity, an enticing fish pond and even more play their part too. The villa itself impresses by means of delightful architecture with gentle curves and sleek columns, an extraordinary build-quality and the exceptionally high-grade technical fittings of the house and exterior areas, which are seldom to be found in such perfection and finish.The property is also only 10 minutes drive to Moraira (see Moraira villa) and an even shorter distance to Calpe (see property for sale in Calpe).

Property in the South of France

2011-12-27T17:34:00.001+02:00

Many of RHFs clients fly in for a three or four day property viewing visit whereby we aim to show them the very best property at the time that fits the budget and the wish list of you the client.

Often this results in the ideal conclusion, i.e. you find the home of your dreams and get an offer accepted.

Often though it can also result in discovering that your budget maybe isn't quite enough to get exactly what you want and then comes the question of either compromising your wish list or increasing your budget.

Sometimes your visit can result in actually finding the perfect property, getting all excited about it and then when decision time comes and you end up walking away due to worries about the market or your ability to actually afford it.

This can be the worst possible outcome as you could easily miss out on all the plusses and pleasures of owning a property in this beautiful location...

Occasionally you might visit, view all the best available properties, and decide that nothing actually fits your requirements perfectly enough...

Real Estate Property Values - Ranked High

2011-12-15T20:29:00.000+02:00

Rob Norquist, a real estate agent admits that Newport Beach is as active as it used to be, with some good record sales. He also agrees with the fact that a property, should never be considered deprecated, and as a seller, you should never give up and use the low end price. It is true that, during a certain period of time, depending on the real estate market, client's desire, real estate auctions, there may be moments when a property's price drops, but not forever.

Other cities such as, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Irvine or Mission Viejo - are considered among other 25 cities as being the ones with the best real estate property values, with average values of $680,000 and more. The national average value in 2007 was $194,300.

However, some property values are based on subjective answers from residents living in a certain home, so the given numbers , and real estate evaluation may be hanging on a wishful thinking instead of a real appreciation . This is where real estate auctions come in picture, to inform potential clients about the property, and the investment possibilities, giving them a clear image of the real estate's worth.

Even though some buildings such as Orange County properties , dropped their values in 2007, but they recovered extremely well after. So this is another reason why as a seller, you should never fear if you observe a temporally value drop, because it is normal from time to time.

For instance, about 81% owners, sellers, agents, trusted in 2007 that their estate property values were over $1 million, against 75% in 2006. So things are for the best and it would appear that most of estate agents have finally understood what this business is really about. It takes a lot of patience and ability to maintain your property's value among top ones on real estate market.
But Norquist, trusts that many Newport Beach arguments are near the mark, sustaining that this city has survived the "housing slump" better than other locations. However, the unexpected surprise attacked more on sales, which he admits that they are on a falling edge right now, but there is still hope for better times.

Newport Beach is very well known for its highest-valued real estate properties in the U.S., being a perfect place for real estate business . It's location and proximity to the water, and the beach front view increase it's real estate value considerably. Auctions in this area are very interesting and those who are interested in real estate business domain should never miss them. You can learn a lot on such events.

Experienced real estate agents or even friends will surely advise you that as a buyer you are very likely to come across many real estate properties in foreclosure having perhaps no equity,being over priced . In such moments, lenders sometimes choose to accept a smaller amount than the initial.So you get in the negotiations process. As a hint, when you realize the over pricing phenomenon, you have to understand that this happens when the real estate agent , or seller is aware of the real estate property's value, and he tries his luck in a raising price. So watch out! The negotiation can become a difficult process especially when reasonable terms are not agreed by both sides: owner and buyer. Negotiations can occur privately or in public, where real estate auctions come in the picture. Of course, a real estate auction is safer and more trustful than a private one. Private negotiations occur especially when the agent is a close friend or relative to buyer's, and because of the friendly environment some details regarding even the real estate transaction may be skipped. So in situations like this be careful.

Even as a friend, for a real estate agent , money comes first, and friendship after. Of course, during such a negotiation, there can be all sort of problems, such as mortgage value, real estate market, all sort of official formalities, conflict of interests in a particular area etc. Moreover, time a very important issue when real estate auctions are involved. As a general rule, and as an advise for a potential buyer, negotiation process should not be extended on a long period of time, because, as I said before, in time, real estate properties drop their values, and the client's interest together with it. In this case, not only does the buyer loose, but the real estate agency as well. Why?Because if a property's value drops, the price must drop as well, if you ever want to sell it again. In this case the under priced phenomenon appears. This is why short sales are preferred. Many Realtors, and clients started using this strategy, because they faced the problem regarding their property's value.So they decided the selling process should not take too long.

Another important issue refers to the well known "acceleration clause" , which is an official word met in any mortgage document, meaning that the lender, after the real estate property is sold, can demand the payment of the remaining balance for the loan. Realtors can provide more information about this contractual right. If this clause is good or bad for a real estate transaction, it is hard to say, because it has its advantages and disadvantages. Buying a real estate property which has already a mortgage loan represents a pretty raised risk. Why? Because first of all, if the mortgage loan was contracted for many years, depending on the interest's rate, and marketplace evolution, you may come to pay the house's price 3 times more. However, if you have experience in monitoring the market place, and find a right moment when every interest's value drops, you could go for it. It's kind of a gambling in this business, and Realtors, or individual real estate agents know it best.

Realtors and real estate agents are here on the real estate market, to help clients understand how they can value their houses, what should they look for when trying to sell or buy a house, how to negotiate, and how to win a real estate transaction. Some may say that buying or selling a real estate property is easy, but the fact is that pricing a house is a very difficult process. Many real estate agents, brokers, have suffered many defeats before their first good business, so do not expect their job to be an easy one.

Unfortunately, a concerning price and sales gains of these past years have determined in many cases quitting the real estate business. Many real estate agents who have seen the future preferred to do something else than real estate business. The credit market is also in a critical position, as many Realtors have observed. Mortgage values are also a result of real estate market position right now. Real estate investors have diminished their participation number to real estate auctions, as a sign they have seen it too.

However, as we all know how media does it, you have to understand that reporters have latched onto these issues, focusing only on its negative effects, and they have succeeded in putting fear in anyone who is interested in real estate business. For more of this business go to [http://www.modfind.com] my real estate business specialized website.

3 Of The Top 9 Reasons That The Real Estate Bubble Is Bursting

2011-12-15T20:28:00.000+02:00

If you own real estate or are thinking of buying real estate then you better pay attention, because this could be the most important message you receive this year regarding real estate and your financial future.

The last five years have seen explosive growth in the real estate market and as a result many people believe that real estate is the safest investment you can make. Well, that is no longer true. Rapidly increasing real estate prices have caused the real estate market to be at price levels never before seen in history when adjusted for inflation! The growing number of people concerned about the real estate bubble means there are less available real estate buyers. Fewer buyers mean that prices are coming down.

On May 4, 2006, Federal Reserve Board Governor Susan Blies stated that "Housing has really sort of peaked". This follows on the heels of the new Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke saying that he was concerned that the "softening" of the real estate market would hurt the economy. And former Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan previously described the real estate market as frothy. All of these top financial experts agree that there is already a viable downturn in the market, so clearly there is a need to know the reasons behind this change.

3 of the top 9 reasons that the real estate bubble will burst include:

1. Interest rates are rising - foreclosures are up 72%!

2. First time homebuyers are priced out of the market - the real estate market is a pyramid and the base is crumbling

3. The psychology of the market has changed so that now people are afraid of the bubble bursting - the mania over real estate is over!

The first reason that the real estate bubble is bursting is rising interest rates. Under Alan Greenspan, interest rates were at historic lows from June 2003 to June 2004. These low interest rates allowed people to buy homes that were more expensive then what they could normally afford but at the same monthly cost, essentially creating "free money". However, the time of low interest rates has ended as interest rates have been rising and will continue to rise further. Interest rates must rise to combat inflation, partly due to high gasoline and food costs. Higher interest rates make owning a home more expensive, thus driving existing home values down.

Higher interest rates are also affecting people who bought adjustable mortgages (ARMs). Adjustable mortgages have very low interest rates and low monthly payments for the first two to three years but afterwards the low interest rate disappears and the monthly mortgage payment jumps dramatically. As a result of adjustable mortgage rate resets, home foreclosures for the 1st quarter of 2006 are up 72% over the 1st quarter of 2005.

The foreclosure situation will only worsen as interest rates continue to rise and more adjustable mortgage payments are adjusted to a higher interest rate and higher mortgage payment. Moody's stated that 25% of all outstanding mortgages are coming up for interest rate resets during 2006 and 2007. That is $2 trillion of U.S. mortgage debt! When the payments increase, it will be quite a hit to the pocketbook. A study done by one of the country's largest title insurers concluded that 1.4 million households will face a payment jump of 50% or more once the introductory payment period is over.

The second reason that the real estate bubble is bursting is that new homebuyers are no longer able to buy homes due to high prices and higher interest rates. The real estate market is basically a pyramid scheme and as long as the number of buyers is growing everything is fine. As homes are bought by first time home buyers at the bottom of the pyramid, the new money for that $100,000.00 home goes all the way up the pyramid to the seller and buyer of a $1,000,000.00 home as people sell one home and buy a more expensive home. This double-edged sword of high real estate prices and higher interest rates has priced many new buyers out of the market, and now we are starting to feel the effects on the overall real estate market. Sales are slowing and inventories of homes available for sale are rising quickly. The latest report on the housing market showed new home sales fell 10.5% for February 2006. This is the largest one-month drop in nine years.

The third reason that the real estate bubble is bursting is that the psychology of the real estate market has changed. For the last five years the real estate market has risen dramatically and if you bought real estate you more than likely made money. This positive return for so many investors fueled the market higher as more people saw this and decided to also invest in real estate before they 'missed out'.

The psychology of any bubble market, whether we are talking about the stock market or the real estate market is known as 'herd mentality', where everyone follows the herd. This herd mentality is at the heart of any bubble and it has happened numerous times in the past including during the US stock market bubble of the late 1990's, the Japanese real estate bubble of the 1980's, and even as far back as the US railroad bubble of the 1870's. The herd mentality had completely taken over the real estate market until recently.

The bubble continues to rise as long as there is a "greater fool" to buy at a higher price. As there are less and less "greater fools" available or willing to buy homes, the mania disappears. When the hysteria passes, the excessive inventory that was built during the boom time causes prices to plummet. This is true for all three of the historical bubbles mentioned above and many other historical examples. Also of importance to note is that when all three of these historical bubbles burst the US was thrown into recession.

With the changing in mindset related to the real estate market, investors and speculators are getting scared that they will be left holding real estate that will lose money. As a result, not only are they buying less real estate, but they are simultaneously selling their investment properties as well. This is producing huge numbers of homes available for sale on the market at the same time that record new home construction floods the market. These two increasing supply forces, the increasing supply of existing homes for sale coupled with the increasing supply of new homes for sale will further exacerbate the problem and drive all real estate values down.

A recent survey showed that 7 out of 10 people think the real estate bubble will burst before April 2007. This change in the market psychology from 'must own real estate at any cost' to a healthy concern that real estate is overpriced is causing the end of the real estate market boom.

The aftershock of the bubble bursting will be enormous and it will affect the global economy tremendously. Billionaire investor George Soros has said that in 2007 the US will be in recession and I agree with him. I think we will be in a recession because as the real estate bubble bursts, jobs will be lost, Americans will no longer be able to cash out money from their homes, and the entire economy will slow down dramatically thus leading to recession.

In conclusion, the three reasons the real estate bubble is bursting are higher interest rates; first-time buyers being priced out of the market; and the psychology about the real estate market is changing. The recently published eBook "How To Prosper In The Changing Real Estate Market. Protect Yourself From The Bubble Now!" discusses these items in more detail.

Louis Hill, MBA received his Masters In Business Administration from the Chapman School at Florida International University, specializing in Finance. He was one of the top graduates in his class and was one of the few graduates inducted into the Beta Gamma Business Honor Society.

Mr. Hill received his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida with a double major in Finance and Risk Management.

For the past several years he has been working in a South Florida commercial real estate lender that specializes in financing real estate developers. Mr. Hill has seen firsthand the challenges and pitfalls that real estate developers are experiencing, and how the real estate market has been deteriorating rapidly. He is also a professional consultant to professional real estate developers and investors.

Previously, he was in management consulting. Additionally, he was a professional trader in the stock market and witnessed the stock market bubble bursting in 2001 and now is concerned about the real estate bubble.

Homebuyers are thinking long-term

2011-12-13T15:59:00.000+02:00

The attitude of current homebuyers has come a long way since the housing boom. In the past, many homeowners thought of their houses as "credit cards" to borrow money against -- a mindset that caused many of the financial problems we see today. While most Americans still think buying a home is a smart financial move, they also realize that a house is more than an investment. Instead, today's buyers are looking for a home -- a place to provide shelter and security for a family. As a result, homeowners are planning on stay in their dwellings longer; first-time homebuyers want to own their homes for a decade, while repeat buyers want to own theirs for 15 years.

Luxury Real Estate Brand Strategy - The Unabashed Pursuit of Market Leadership

2011-12-13T15:45:00.000+02:00

If you have that entrepreneurial “gene” that compels you to be the best in class as a luxury real estate marketing professional then you can understand our slogan, “the unabashed pursuit of market leadership”. For, it is only within the context of market leadership that brand strategy has any meaning.

Brand strategy is the route to “top-of-mind status” in any category of business whether it is a product or service. What most luxury real estate marketing professionals do realize (because it may not be obvious) is just how much is at stake when your name or your company name vs. your competitor’s name comes to mind first to the majority of people in your marketplace or niche therein. What is at stake is the lion’s share of business. It is known as “mind share”. And, mind share converts to market share over time. Whoever has the most mind share wins, big time!

When you are ready to approach your luxury real estate marketing practice as an exercise in achieving top- of- mind status the entire “game board” or competitive field takes on an entirely new perspective. The very set of questions that you need to ask yourself is completely different than the questions that the majority of agents or brokers in your marketplace ask themselves. In fact, the questions required to achieve this status most likely do not even enter their minds.

The most important question to ask yourself if you decide to embark on the unabashed pursuit of market leadership is this: What can I (or we, as a team or company) do better than anyone else in the world (or in my marketplace)? To illustrate the importance of this question see how it played out when an entire country asked this question of itself and implement the answer.

Singapore’s Changi airport has been recognized as the best airport in the world winning over 370 ‘best’ awards worldwide. Their airport offers countless amenities to travelers who have deliberately chosen it as their connection hub to other parts of the planet. At Changi airport you can take a shower for $6. You can go swimming in the airport pool for $11. There are touch screens next to the sinks in the restrooms where you can rate your experience or get an immediate response if there is an issue.

Soothing music is piped in to reduce stress throughout the airport. There is over 750,000 square feet of shopping, concessions and entertainment facilities. 50% of revenues pays for amenities and also keeps costs down for the airlines. There are activities galore for travelers with time on their hands including movies and bus tours of the city if you have 5 hours in between flights.

Some travelers appreciate the quick baggage handling. Others find terrific entertainment for their kids who can be challenging to deal with on long flights plus stopovers. And, there are people who choose Singapore just because they can swim in between flights!

Ultimately, Singapore has created an international buzz-worthy news story by identifying what the country can do better than anyone else in the world and delivering on that claim. In the unabashed pursuit of market leadership Singapore not only generates over $1 billion dollars in annual revenue from its airport, it has proven that the economic development of an entire country can benefit by becoming known as the best in class in a specific market niche.

Oddly, the cost of adding most of these amenities is relatively low. Other airports could easily imitate this strategy. However, just like with the tablet computer, first to market earns instant top-of-mind status in an underserved or uncontested market niche rendering others simply as “me too” copycats. This is the power of great brand strategy!

What can you do better than anyone else in your luxury real estate marketplace? Is it time you became known for doing that and triggering positive buzz about you or company?

Luxury Boutique Hotel, Villa, & 10 Acres - Jungle Castle!

2011-12-13T15:38:00.000+02:00

Asking Price: $549,999 - $1,699,999 USD (Financing Available)
Rent It For: $300 - $350 USD per day
(Prices are negotiable)

Will finance with $550,000 DOWN!

Also looking to take on a partner for $700,000-$800,000 investment. Great opportunity to run your own boutique hotel and restaurant. Staff is extremely knowledgeable and will stay for new owners. Living in Costa Rica is relaxing and easy to do! This is your opportunity of a lifetime.

Small, yet manageable by off-site or on-site owner! Has a BRAND NEW $250,000 restaurant and kitchen, new teak ceilings in all rooms, new outdoor balcony and kitchen in Mezzanine suite, and gorgeous pool is in progress (will be completed for new owner).

The Castillo is on 1 acre of ocean view titled land with the river of Rio Claro as its most northern border, and 2 acres of concession along with Rio Claro River ($1,700,000) with Option to Purchase 5 additional acres with the same view at a price of $350,000 (licensed to build an identical hotel on the hill right next door-- double your revenue!). We also have an additional 9000 sq. ft. Villa for sale (4 acres) for an additional $899,999 (negotiable). Buy the whole package for a discounted price (no financing) and have 10 acres of titled land, river concession, one 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom, 2 kitchen villa, 1 hotel and restaurant, and plans for tree house construction. This is the deal of a lifetime.

Have you been looking for the best possible combination of Surf and Private Luxury Home or Surf with income producing Real Estate? Your search is over, come and discover this amazing property in Pavones, Costa Rica. This is the perfect estate for someone that wants ocean, river and bay at their door step. This property offers all... waves, fishing, white water rafting, canopy tours... all in the neighborhood!

Costa Rica is a land blessed by incredible natural wonders, and specially the incredible beaches on its gorgeous South Pacific area. You will be blown away with this unique 5 level ocean view estate home and resort tower overlooking the world´s longest left wave!

The National Geographic Society© identified the South Pacfic of Costa Rica as ''the most biologically intense place on earth''. The property is surrounded by the exquisite and unique flora and fauna where your neighbors will be monkeys, scarlet macaws, toucans, sloths and multicolor butterflies.

One of a kind, luxury boutique hotel opportunity. Don't pass up this opportunity to own a turn-key Costa Rican Castle hotel. The location and curb appeal are unbelievable. Come see the monkeys on the railing of the castle. The Scarlet Macaws will greet your guests every morning while they have breakfast on the terrace. You need to come see this property!

The Castillo has full earthquake insurance, CR INS full coverage insurance for structure and business.

All commercial licenses and business licenses are current. The S.A. or corporation owns a liquor license for the Castillo De Pavones Hotel. The ONLY hotel in the Southern Zone of Costa Rica with all 3 licenses-- liquor, hotel, restaurant.

Over 8,500 sf, 8 levels, 5 floors of extensive ocean view from all level. 360 degree views of Pavones and the famous point breaks, in the center of Pavones on the river of Rio Claro.

4 full bathrooms with 4 with rock-finished baths, all with 2 person ocean view hot tubs. 6 bathrooms total, 5 showers total including one amazing out door shower

One massive dry storage for laundry, tools, bikes surf boards, etc.

4 private rentable ocean view suites, including the presidential suite called "Mezzanine Suite" has two floors (1,200 sf with a private balcony)

Exotic 3 level restaurant, the top being a lookout tower and glassed in lounge level, with state of the art commercial appliances.

We have financials upon request (profit/loss, etc.), along with reservation calendar.

The hotel offers 5 star amenities, extra large suites, restaurant, bar and lounge... It also has a private walkway built to a reserved sandy beach on a natural crystal clear river with swimming pools right on the property!

If you are NOT interested in managing a hotel business but still would like to generate income, this home is excellent as a luxury vacation rental as it was design with the idea of comfort, entertainment and enjoying the beautiful nature that surrounds it!

This towering estate home and hotel business is elegantly perched on a mountainside with a direct view of the pointbreak at Pavones. The property is close to a preserve of tropical forest and it is just ten minutes away from the Pavones town where you will find stores, restaurants and more...

Property Amenities:

4 Large Suites:
1) The Mezzanine Suite: 1,200 . Ocean View Suite, two floors, Refrigerator, King Bed & 4 more Orthopedic Mattresses for your comfort, Sleeps 6, Satellite TV, Air Conditioning, Ocean View Hot Tub, Living & Dining Area, Private Balcony, Large Stone Bathroom

2) The Dungeon Suite: 800 . Ocean View Suite, Refrigerator, King Bed & 2 more Orthopedic Mattresses for your comfort, Sleeps 4, Satellite TV, Air Conditioning, Ocean View Hot Tub, Living & Dining Area, Private Balcony, large all stone bathroom

3) The Calle Suite: 800 . Ocean View Suite, Refrigerator, King Bed & 2 more Orthopedic Mattresses for your comfort, Sleeps 4, Satellite TV, Air Conditioning, Ocean View Hot Tub, Living & Dining Area, Private Balcony, large all stone bathroom

4) The Jungle Suite: 800 . Ocean View Suite, Refrigerator, King Bed & 2 more Orthopedic Mattresses for your comfort, Sleeps 4, Satellite TV, Air Conditioning, Ocean View Hot Tub, Living & Dining Area, Private Balcony with outside bar, large all stone bathroom

Restaurant with fine natural themed details
Balconies visited by the friendly jungle neighbors, macaws, monkeys and sloths.
Luxury furniture
Woodcraft ceilings
Satellite TV
Breathtaking sunsets!

Call (313) 952-3354 for inquiries.

Miami Real Estate Market

2011-12-11T15:35:00.000+02:00

Amazing Miami Florida is one of the hottest markets in the world. It has beautiful Beaches and is one of the best cities in the world.

In the past, Southern Florida was accepted to be a realtor’s dream of absolute acreage with great real estate value. During the year 2000, Florida noticed some rises in absolute acreage real estate. In best areas, including Sunny Isle Beach, the prices of absolute acreage went up as abundant as 199% in some areas.

While values in real estate grew dramatically during this time, Miami still was adding businesses, employment opportunities, and discretionary income. This never stopped and led to Miami becoming an featured city to live in.

Miami is very popular today and affordable due to the housing decrease. You may acquire a home that isn’t too expensive and still have the warm weather.

Although a lot of acreage has been purchased in Miami, there will always be a market for the average investor and homeowner. Homes, apartments, commercial property will consistently be available here. But some homes will sell a lot faster than others, there are some homes that stay on the market for months and months at a time.

Land for Sale in Rio Banano, Limón 547-7300 Limon

2011-12-11T15:31:00.000+02:00

Del MINAE 100E y 100N - Limón - Limon - Costa Rica
0 Bedrooms - 0 Bathrooms - 370800 ft2 - U$S685000
Property code: crrb39644

Within an area of lush and beautiful green vegetation, this 8.52 acres rural property is for nature lovers. It is mainly flat and has a good location for retirement country home, weekend retreat or a self sustainable farm. All utilities available. Tropical rainforests can be found nearby: only 20 miles (33km) south is CAHUITA National Park and at 38 miles (63km) in the same direction there is GANDOCA MANZANILLO National Wildlife Refuge. Between these parks you will find the famous PUERTO VIEJO, the largest tourist destination in Costa Rica's Caribbean coast. From Puerto Viejo 21 miles (35km) further is Sixaola, the border town with Panama. From there is easy to travel to the popular BOCAS DEL TORO. PRICE INCLUDES PROPERTY TRANSFER EXPENSES: (This Property is out of Maritime Zone) Description Cost Land-plot $662,500 Transfer tax 1.5% 9,938 Documentary stamps/duty land 5,412 Notary Fees 7,150 -------------------- TOTAL $685,000 USD ==================== PROPERTY SHOULD BE DULY REGISTERED AT THE COSTA RICAN PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE WITHIN 45 TO 60 DAYS AFTER PRESENTATION OF PURCHASE DEED. The above figures can change a little because of the exchange rate. Soil survey cost depends on the type of test. Average cost is about $800.00 USD. If you want to register the property as an anonymous corporation, the notary fees plus taxes will cost you an additional $500.00 USD. Please read the following helpful article taken from the TICO TIMES: "The cool thing about Costa Rica, a foreigner can buy real estate and pass that title down, unlike Mexico where foreigner can only lease, and cannot buy, which as caused numerous disputes when titles suddenly change and/or were fraudulently made. The best way to buy real estate is set up an anonymous corporation instead of putting the property in an individual name. You will need a good attorney. Ownership of recordable assets, such as real estate and motor vehicles, is now the main purpose of most of Costa Ricas registered corporations (S.A.). This method of indirect possession is the most highly recommended means of managing recordable assets. The advantages of having ones real estate owned by a S.A. rather than held in an individuals name are: An anonymous corporation, as the name indicates, provides a measure of privacy for its owner(s). It will be difficult to obtain information about who owns the shares, providing the discretion which many foreign investors desire. Personal liabilities are reduced by having your assets registered under individual Costa Rican corporations. If you own real estate in your own name, you will have to pay land transfer taxes every time a property is sold. As of this moment, if a Costa Rican corporation owns the property, land transfer taxes do not apply (although legal fees do) if you decide to sell your property or give it to a family member, because you simply transfer the shares of the corporation to the purchaser. There is no capital gains tax paid in Costa Rica when you sell a corporation owning a property, since the sale is a private transaction. Inheritance taxes in Costa Rica are high, but an anonymous corporation (S.A.) never dies. Your spouse or your children can indeed enjoy the fruits of your labor without having to worry about such taxes, as long as you leave them the shares of the corporation in your will. They can then appoint themselves to the Board of Directors of the corporation and carry on the tradition".

Single Family Residential - Las Vegas,

2011-04-09T19:15:00.001+03:00

Home Features
Apx. Sq Feet:		2,633
Apx. Lot Size:		6,400 sqft
MLS#:		1098339
Property Type:		Single Family Home
Year Built:		1979

Central Air		Formal Dining
Family/Great Rm		2 Car Garage
Living Room

Basics
Beds:		2
Baths:		2
Sq. Ft:		2,633
Lot Sq. Ft:		6,400
Lot Acres:		0.0000
Neighborhood/Area:		South
Subdivision:		LAS VEGAS INTL CNTRY CLUB EST

Queens Courtyard Dr Las Vegas

2011-04-09T19:00:00.000+03:00

Lake

Home Features
APX. Sq Feet: 4027
APX. Lot size: 5200 sqm
MLS #: 1124168
Property Type: Single Family Home
Year Built: 1984

Central Air formal dining
Family / Great Rm 2 car garage
Living Room Pool
Mountain / Hills View

Basics
Beds:		4
Baths:		5
Sq. Ft:		4,027
Lot Sq. Ft:		5,200
Lot Acres:		0.0000
Neighborhood/Area:		South
Subdivision:		LAS VEGAS CNTRY CLUB FAIRWAY E

2011-03-18T23:48:00.000+02:00

Montecito secretgarden.Charming ranch style home in desirable neighborhood. This3bd 2 ba dependent private has about 1808 m² of living space and sits on a plot of approximately 21,344 ft ² LG. Kitchen features beautiful granite countertops w / granitetile and appliances fell backsplash, stainless steel, including new refrigerator, oven /range, dishwasher and trash compactor. Bathroom has granite vanity and travertineshower and floor. Gorgeous master bath with large soaking tub, separate shower. Andtwo separate sinks. The living room has cozy fireplace and French doors leading to veryprivate courtyard with lush landscaping. Other features include hardwood floors, custompaint, family room or formal dining w / built ins, laundry room w / washer and dryerincluded and much more! Close to shops, restaurants, schools, golf course / countryclub. There is a short sale or REO. It will not last! Nearby private schools, crane, Lagunaand Marymount.

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