How Do Find the right Property for me?

With the internet power of the twentieth century, comes the positive and negative of mass marketing. Certainly, the positive is that it is truly easy to publish your message and reach the public. The negative is that anyone can do so. This makes a real estate investor seeking information about properties in a foreign country, a little challenging. Who to trust? Whose information is up to date, helpful, and truly accurate? How can I tell? There are literally thousands of real estate sites for Costa Rica, all claiming to be "honest, professionals, working for you!"

In my experience (although I am a broker, I have purchased real estate and dealt with brokers/agents in many countries), there is no better way than picking up the phone. The phone is not a crystal ball, but engaging in a free conversation, with no predicted responses that can be easily manipulated in an email, is the best way to get to know your professionals. Ask tough questions. A good broker will not only know how to answer, but as opposed to getting frustrated as many novices would, he/she will respect that they are dealing with a serious client, who knows what he wants, and what is important to them with regards to their investment.

Make sure that the professional that are talking to understands the market...not just a specific property that you are inquiring about, but market trends, history, pricing, values, etc to ensure that the experience that they bring to the table is going to be an added value for you. A professional broker/agent understands that your investment is not only important in the short term, but that your long term success is vital not only to you, but to the success of their business. Look for a professional with a long term mentality, who wants to build relationships, as opposed to the short term profit. Sure, we are all here to make money, but building relationships with our clients is the key to long term success.

Once you have found that agent, let them do the work for you. Your job is to know what your criteria is (and of course, write the check :))....Other than that, your agent should be able to translate your criteria into 1) the right area 2) the right type of property 3) the right property

Be sure to work from this macro mentality to micro...If you are not familiar with the country, or the specific, don't jump ahead to look at a specific property (especially if this is more than an investment). You can find the dream property, but if you are not going to be happy spending time there, the investment will be about as good as your patience...Let your agent get to know you...The more he knows, the more he will be able to understand your profile and best fit you into the perfect property.

Just a few tips, but keep them in mind, and feel free to give us a call in Costa Rica and we can assist, www.2costaricarealestate.com, or if you are interested in other opportunities, stay tuned for opportunities in Panama, and Medellin, Colombia as well!