Guide to Real Estate in Costa Rica

SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA – For close to a decade, Costa Rica has been building a reputation as a reliable place to invest in property. In fact, in 2006 Costa Rica was one the hottest real estate markets in the world according to CNBC News.

The dollar is weak and will continue to spiral downward; the current world financial mess, wars, record deficits and more will keep the pressure on. Furthermore, the U.S. government will be staring at a colossal tax increase in just a few years to fund the bail out, social security, universal health coverage and Medicaid benefits for the flood of retirees. Some say that under under the current plan, federal income taxes will increase dramatically. New tax rate would possibly give the United States one of the highest tax rates among developed countries.

Where is the end of the huge financial burden the government is placing on every taxpayer? Diversifying out of a falling currency and into hard assets outside the U.S. just might be the only way to protect your hard-earned wealth—and enjoy and preserve the lifestyle you might consider. The super rich have been doing this for years to protect their wealth and educe liability. They safeguard their money and diversify their investment portfolio by investing in international assets. Now the average Joe can protect what he has left from the world economic fall out by using the same strategy.

But in these difficult economic times, those who invest in real estate anywhere in the world feel the need to do so safely.

That’s why Christopher Howard, author of many titles on living abroad, has published his latest tome, Christopher Howard’s Guide to Real Estate in Costa Rica. At 544 pages, the book is the result of many years of research and personal experience, and the most comprehensive guide to the topic to date.

Written by professional journalists Lindsay Whip and Peter Krupa, the book includes carefully researched chapters on permitting, finding property, due diligence, and financing, among others. Another lengthy section gives an overview of the country’s various geographical regions and architectural styles, while a resource directory offers an extensive list of contacts, from lawyers and environmental engineers, to private bilingual schools.

“I wanted to make this book essential for one-time home buyers and developers alike,” Howard said. “Doing business in Costa Rica doesn’t have to be complicated and people should research things so they have the right questions to ask when they move forward.”

Howard stressed that co-authors Whip and Krupa wrote the book as professional journalists and are not involved in any aspect of the real estate business in Costa Rica. Whip has worked as a financial journalist for Bloomberg News and the Financial Times, while Krupa lives in Costa Rica and spent several years freelancing and working as the business and real estate reporter for English-language weekly the Tico Times.

The book is available through Amazon.com, in most bookstores through Baker & Taylor, and the eBook version from Escape Artist and review copies can be sent to members of the media. Both Howard and Krupa are available to comment to the media on the book. To request a review copy or set up an appointment for an interview, see the numbers above.

Costa Rica Books
Guide to Real Estate in Costa Rica website
Call TOLL FREE 877-322-4690, 877-884-2502 or 800-365-2342 (afternoons)
E-mail to christopher@costaricabooks.com