Medical Tourism in Costa Rica Is Flourishing





Medical tourism in Costa Rica is a popular choice for Americans looking for lower cost dental treatment and quality surgery abroad.

“The reason Americans prefer medical tourism in Costa Rica is simple”, stated Pam Brammann, President of IHT World.

“Costa Rica is only a short airline trip away, plus Costa Rica offers highly accredited hospitals with American quality treatment for around half the cost.”

Brammann also commented that another attraction is the fact that Mother Nature generously blessed Costa Rica with naturally beautiful landscape, tropical rain forests, and white sand beaches. "People get to enjoy a scenic, relaxing atmosphere while healing before returning home', says Brammann.

Americans also seem to prefer medical tourism in Costa Rica because the price of care is typically half the cost demanded in the United States. Even when you add in the cost of travel for two and medical tourism insurance that offers financial protection in the rare event of complication, Americans still typically save thousands of dollars.

Since medical tourism in Costa Rica has become popular, hotels have sprung up to meet the demand of convalescing patients that have been discharged from the hospital after surgery. Some of the hotels offer medical services such as nurses checking in on patients, and help may be available for patients receiving physical therapy before they return home.

Concerning patients that have no activity restrictions, Costa Rica also offers popular activities such as surfing, fishing, hiking, zip lining and more.



           The secret to staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age.”

          - Lucille Ball

Moran Real Estate - 60 Years of Tropical Real Estate Excellence

Costa Rica Once Again Ranked # 1 On Happy Planet Index

Over one hundred years ago on 3rd March 1909, the headlines for a newspaper article
written by Frederick Palmer and published in the New York Times was:
"Happy Little Costa Rica The One Real Republic in Central America Civilized, Prosperous,
Orderly and Most of Its People Whites."
Needless to say that kind of a shocking news headline would never be published today...
Over fifty years ago on the 1st January 1945 Time Magazine published an article entitled
Costa Rica: Happy Land.
Three years ago on the 4th July 2009 the New Economics Foundation, a British think
tank that promotes ecology and sustainable economics came out with the results of
their most recent survey of 143 nations:
The results announced were simple: "Costa Rica comes top of the Happy Planet Index"
"Costa Ricans report the highest life satisfaction in the world, have the second-highest
average life expectancy of the Americas (second only to Canada) and have an ecological
footprint that means that the country only narrowly fails to achieve the goal of 'one-
planet living': consuming its fair share of the Earth's natural resources."
On the 14th June 2012 once again Costa Rica was ranked at the top of the Happy
Planet Index.
Costa Rican girls rank culture, personality, good health and a liking for home life (in
that order) among the traits they want in their husbands. Faithfulness they rank,
fifth: good looks, 24th. Said one: "I don't think there is a faithful husband in Costa
Rica."
Although the U.S. is not the most popular nation in Costa Rica (ranking below Mexico,
Argentina, Spain, France, El Salvador), Costa Rican girls fancy Americans as
husbands: half of those questioned (56) would like to marry Americans. One reason:
"Americans are more considerate, faithful and helpful, and less jealous." Costa Rican
men never dry dishes."
Today in 2012 it would appear that the more things change, the more things stay
the same...
Costa Rica still has a very high standard of living, the ravishingly pretty Costa Rican
women - the Ticas - are still looking for men with "culture, personality, good health
and a liking for home life," and the Costa Rican men are still unfaithful and never
dry the dishes...
In the investment world, we are accustomed to seeing the disclaimer that says
"past performance is no guarantee of future results" but after seeing these headlines
about Costa Rica for over one hundred years, you can't help but think maybe - just
maybe - Costa Rica really is an extraordinarily happy place in which to live and retire.

Scott Oliver - We Love Costa Rica

Moran Real Estate - Over 50 Years Tropical Real Estate Excellence

Believe in your dreams and they may come true; believe in yourself and they will come true.

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