Costa Rica - One of Worlds Best Real Estate Markets

Costa Rica Recognized as one of the World’s Best Real Estate Markets

Cross-border or international real estate investment is a new driving force in real estate markets globally. In North America there is a growing trend for affluent Baby Boomers to buy properties in Central America for vacation and retirement and this trend is expected to see steady growth over the coming decade.
Real estate professionals in Costa Rica (and globally) are seeking efficient marketing channels to reach buyers who are searching for cross border/international investment properties, second homes, and vacation properties. And North American buyers are looking to countries like Costa Rica for these opportunities because of proximity, value, and life style choice.
Other international buyers are zeroing in on Central America as well. Chinese buyers alone are predicted to purchase US$50 billion of overseas property in 2012, more than US$40b of that outside the United States, so attracting international buyers is important for real estate professionals all over the world and even more important for countries like Costa Rica to advance promotion and PR to the global market.
International Living recently listed Costa Rica in ‘The World’s Best Real Estate Markets in 2012’, stating “These are markets on the upswing. The mainstream hasn’t heard of them yet. And in them today you’ll get excellent bang for your buck as well as great profit potential.”
Whether you are interested in income, short-term gains, long-term investment, a second home to live, or for vacation and enjoyment while it increases in value, Costa Rica offers many opportunities.
Regulation and oversight in the Costa Rica real estate industry has improved tremendously over the past few years, but it is still very important that buyers do their due diligence on their realtor choice(s). They should be registered in the centralized national database of properties (Registro Nacional). Also select an agent that specializes in the type property or investment you are looking for.
There is a growing trend now for real estate agency companies to be more consultants in that they will also help you with other aspects of moving and living in a foreign country.
In you want any information and/or recommendations on real estate, agents, property investment, second home, or general info on moving and living in Costa Rica.

Moran Real Estate - 60 Years of Tropical Real Estate Excellence

Victoria Deligit Praeparatio

Wine Tasting with U.S. Ambassador Anne Slaughter Andrew

California Wine Tasting with U.S. Ambassador Anne Slaughter Andrew at The Springs Hotel

Terry Moran, U.S. Ambassador Anne Slaugter Andrew, Eyal Ben Menachem and Shiela Villacorta attend a California wine tasting at The Springs Hotel in Fortuna sponsored by Pampa Distributors

The Springs Hotel and Spa

Moran Real Estate - 60 years of Tropical Real Estate Excellence

The Coming Biofuel Boom In Costa Rica

THE FUTURE OF COSTA RICA: LEADING BIOFUEL PRODUCTION

Over the years, terms like construction, development and real estate have failed to take into consideration the words sustainability and environmental well-being. In fact, so much so that infrastructural development tends to take place at the cost of natural resource depletion. Fast forward to 2012 and sustainable, eco-friendly development is at the forefront of modern day progression. Blame it on increased awareness of climate change or on the fact that humans have found this new appreciation for nature but biofuel production is the newest craze to hit Costa Rica! Renewable Energy Farms are by no means a new concept, what is new however, is their rapid growth in some of the world’s most naturally abundant locations. Based upon the ideals of the above concept, Multi-purpose Real Estate is the latest project to incorporate environmental productivity with economical benefit. The company offers a potential buyer a chance to not only be owners of a self-sufficient piece of property but also offers them an opportunity in making their contribution to reducing green-house gas emissions. With added bonuses of providing local farmers with further work and helping promote a healthier lifestyle choice, property owners would own a share in a global movement. Ultimately, the question that needs answering is, what has given rise to this sudden demand for this industry? Based on EU regulations of ensuring 10% of all fuel at European pumps being biodiesel by 2020, governments in other countries are becoming increasingly open to the idea! Central America is the ideal location for projects of this nature as there is a demand for emerging markets particularly in connection to the environment. Costa Rica, perhaps agriculturally the most prosperous of Central and South American countries has become the focal point of the bio fuel market. Combining the factors of real estate, low cost labour, biofuel markets and high yielding crop production gives way to the perfect formula for a successful business venture. UBA, formally known as United Biofuels of America have seized the opportunity and are based in Costa Rica permanently. Having joined forces with real estate developers, we have seen the birth of Multi-Purpose Real Estate. Michael Klein, Chief Development Officer for UBA was quoted stating that “Multi Purpose Real Estate is one of the newest and most promising programs that we have launched in this initiative. Essentially we offer investors that are already in or will be entering land banking market in Central America, the ability to turn land that would be otherwise sitting unused into a Bio-oil Field that generates income while their land continues appreciating.” Summarizing the project to a tee, the concept has a USP (unique selling point) that would capture the imagination of many prospective buyers. For the estimated price of $35,000, property owners would see returns of 30% or more each year! During the span of a 5 year contract, a prospective buyer could potentially make over $100,000 yielding almost three times their investment. The properties being located in ‘hot zones’ around Costa Rica have also meant that when it comes to re-sale, the land value would be much higher than the original purchase price. One could potentially argue the ‘what’s the catch’ aspect of the project but the reality of it is that there isn’t one! Buyers are entitled to opting out at any time by selling their land on and following a 5 year agreement will be permitted to build on the property. Now is the time to invest in the biofuel market for analysts predict a doubling of biofuel prices in as little as 5 years time! From an investment point of view, the current attraction is the substantial amount of return the buyer receives in the long term. With fuel resources estimated to run out during our lifetime, biofuel is the biggest investment out there. With fossil fuels fast depleting, biofuel production takes the lead. Costa Rica provides the biggest asset of the all, the crops themselves. Jatropha Curcas is a native crop originating in a town called Tempate. Exported in the 1700s, this plant has many extra uses pertaining to medicine, cosmetic surgery, latex and glycerin based products. Additionally, Costa Rica’s close proximity to major U.S cities, a stable government and currency and less stringent bureaucracy laws have made Costa Rica the perfect host to the perfect concept. Foreign buyers’ share the same rights as local citizens, making the actual process of buying fairly hassle free.

Costa Rica One of Worlds Best Places To Raise Children



Save the Children’s “State of the World's Mothers” report ranks Costa Rica 13th on list of less-developed countries.

A study released on Tuesday by nonprofit group Save the Children ranks Costa Rica 13th among a list of 80 countries based on conditions for raising children.

Following Costa Rica in the region is Panama (24th), El Salvador (37th), Belize (42th), Nicaragua (49th), Honduras (60th) and Guatemala (68th).

The list divided 165 countries into three categories: more-developed (43 countries), less-developed (80) and least-developed (42). Costa Rica appears on the less-developed countries list.

Norway, Iceland and Sweden top the more-developed list, while the United States ranks 25th. Cuba, Israel and Barbados are the top three among less-developed countries.

Rwanda, Bhutan and Malawi headed the least-developed list, while Yemen, Afghanistan and Niger ranked at the bottom.

The study also ranked factors such as mothers' health, education and economic status, as well as child indicators such as health and nutrition.

Save the Children called for more global action to tackle the cycle of maternal and child malnutrition when G8 leaders gather in Camp David, in the U.S., at the end of the month.

Moran Real Estate 60 Years of Tropical Real Estate Excellence

Ninety percent of all millionaires become so through owning real estate.”
-Andrew Carnegie

All Time Record For Property Sold At Lake Arenal

MARCH MADNESS - March was the month that set the all time record for property sold in a one month period at Lake Arenal. An entire new 30 lot residential sub division LAKE PARADISE was sold in 30 days.  And more than that MORAN REAL ESTATE sold 2 lots at The Preserve At Lake Arenal,  a lot at Vista Del Lago, a lot at Rainbow Bay, a lot at Lake View Estates and a 15 acre farm.

This is not a flash in the pan,  or a lucky one month, but an increasing interest and an awakening of the beauty and the uniqueness of Lake Arenal. It is my firm belief that Lake Arenal is growing to become one of the greatest, if not the greatest places to live in all of Central America.
The discovery/awakening is fueled in great part by our wonderful relationship with the largest Internet real estate company in the world International Living/Pathfinder International Living/Pathfinder and their readership of over 5 million.
This together with the worsening economic and dangerous direction the world is going is driving people to find  more affordable, peaceful places to live and Costa Rica ranks among the best in affordability, friendliness, health care, climate, pure abundant water, fresh food and clean air.

There are still many great bargains available, but this will not last forever, so if you are thinking of a retirement haven, a better more affordable place for you and your family, take a look at our web site at Moran Real Estate and give us a call, or plan one of our discounted DISCOVERY TOURS.

Looking forward to seeing you soon here at the Lake

2012 Marks The Beginning of The Best Year In Lake Arenal Real Estate History

2011 was an exceptional year for real estate at Lake Arenal, the best to date in the history of the Lake. 2012 looks like it will top 2011 if January is any indication of what is to come.

Inspite of the worsening world economy, political problems, record debts, rumors of war, which is in fact one of the prime factors driving this rush to find a safe haven before the situation worsens or even a total collapse, which many world renowned economists have prognosed.

Costa Rica and Lake Arenal in particular with the tremendous promotion and exposure Patthfinder/Internationa Living is giving us is one of the fastest growing areas in all of Central America and the activity is growing and will eventually develop into one of the greatest places to live in the Western Hemisphere.

All the ingredients are here, the perfect climate, no heating or air conditioning, the 50 square mile pristine Lake, the proximity to the Liberia International Airport and the beaches, the friendly people, the low crime rate, the neutrality of Costa Rica, the energy self sufficiency and all the benefits of being a resident of  Costa Rica.
Better than this is that the developers that are here are all concerned about how the growth occurs, not with an uncaring quick buck attitude, but all realizing that Lake Arenal is someplace very special and has to maintain its connection to the beauty and the nature of this jewel and not let it get swallowed up in a rush of unplanned development.

We here at Moran Real Estate are on the front lines to see that Lake Arenal stays the exceptional gem it is.
Now is the time, while prices are still low and while I can still say undiscovered, to find your place in this paradise.

We look forward to hearing from you and meeting you here soon.

Moran Real Estate
Shiela
Juan
Bob and Terry

Moran Real Estate Almost 60 Years of Tropical Real Estate Excellence

Pathfinder/International Living - The Greatest Name in World Real Estate Values

Blessed are those that can give without remembering and receive without forgetting.

Five Things to Do In Arenal

It's a dramatically beautiful setting with lots to do... and low-priced properties

Dear Reader,
Arenal's a little hidden corner of Costa Rica, with a dramatically beautiful setting. Lush green hills and mountains curl around a wide,deep-blue lake. The show-stealer sits lakeside. It's a cone-shaped volcano, with smooth purple slopes rising skywards, its peak ringed by clouds. The scale of the views- the huge lake, the high volcano, the impressive mountains- contrasts sharply with the small towns and little farms scattered across the landscape.
It's not just the setting that draws a growing number of expats and property buyers to Arenal. The serene, placid, unhurried pace of life attracts them, too. Factor in low property prices, and Arenal's appeal becomes obvious.
More on the low property prices in a moment. But first, five things you'll enjoy if you visit Arenal...
#1, Water Sports. At 26 miles long, Lake Arenal will win over water sports fans. You can try swimming, water-skiing, sailing, kayaking, wind-surfing or fishing. Close by, you can swim in waterfalls, or try your hand at white-water rafting.
If you prefer dry land, you can explore the cloud forest and national parks that surround the lake...go hiking, horse riding, or bird watching (you can spot hundreds of bird species here).
With warm sunny weather and cooling lake breezes year-round, you can spend a lot of time outdoors in Arenal.
#2, See the Sights. Aside from the obvious lure of the lake and volcano...
You can check out the gigantic ceiba tree, that's around 500 years old and 197 feet high, at Ceiba Tree Lodge. Draped with ferns and orchids, and truly massive, this ceiba was Costa Rica's national tree in 2006.
It's a nature walk that will take some beating, and a must-see in Arenal: The Hanging Bridges. It offers 3 kilometers of walking trails, and six hanging bridges, suspended between towers. You'll see all kinds of wildlife as you walk through this tropical rainforest reserve.
If you prefer cool, dark, and underground, Venado Caves formed 15-20 million years ago. A ninety-minute tour will let you see limestone rock formations and marine fossils.
The Maleku indigenous village (thirty minutes from Arenal) gives you a glimpse of the traditional way of life of Costa Rica's smallest tribe. One tour option takes you into the forest to show you the medicinal plants used by the tribe.
#3, Thermal Springs. If relaxing is more your style, try soaking in thermal springs. La Fortuna, a town in Arenal, boasts a range of resorts and spas that make the most of the area's heated mineral water springs. The best resorts offer a selection of pools, with the water varying from cool to very hot. Some offer pampering massages, swim-up bars and cleansing volcanic mud treatments.
#4, Good Food. In the town of Nuevo Arenal, try fresh-baked bread from the German bakery. Or a recently opened steakhouse, with burgers, barbecue and wings on the menu. Little sodas offer low-cost, local plates...and there's a choice of pizzerias and cafes. Food gourmets should make a beeline for the Gingerbread restaurant. You won't find better food in Costa Rica.
#5, Good Company. Arenal's expat community is small, but friendly and active. They get together regularly, and support each other in a way I haven't seen elsewhere. It's a major factor cited by many of the expats who move to Arenal or buy a vacation home here.
Of course, Arenal's low property prices help make it an attractive location. Here's a sample:

• Half-acre lake-view lots in a private community from $19,000
• A two-bed two-bath riverfront home for $75,000
• An 8.25-acre estate lot with volcano and lake views for $195,000
• 93 acres with forest, pasture and rivers for $93,000
• A new, two-bed, two-bath home with lake views, furnished, for $125,000

If you want to check out Arenal for yourself...contact Terry Moran here. Terry is a real estate agent we work with in Arenal. He'll help you with your travel arrangements and accommodation. And he'll show you a customized selection of properties... based on your budget and requirements. You'll see what you want to see, when you want to see it.
This is the easiest way to get a feel for Costa Rica's lake country, and immerse yourself in its charms for a few days. Contact Terry today...and discover this hidden corner of Costa Rica.
Margaret Summerfield

International Living The Greatest Name in International Real Estate

Moran Real Estate - Over 50 years of Tropical Real Estate Excellence

Nothing is predestined: The obstacles of your past can become the gateways that lead to new beginnings.