INVESTING IN COSTA RICA

Considered the “Switzerland of the Americas,” over 25 of Costa Rica’s territory is protected habitat. Costa Rica’s pristine coastline and lush rainforests have established the country as a top travel destination. Now increased accessibility and infrastructure are driving explosive real estate growth, attracting investors, second home seekers, and retirees alike. Low property taxes and no capital gains are enhancing this growth, turning Costa Rica into a haven for major corporations, private real estate investors and world-class resorts.

Over the past ten years tourism has increased over 675. In 2004 just over one point two million tourists visited the country. Costa Rica is expecting over four million by the end of 2007. In 2002 over 759 million was invested in the tourism sector, last year over 876 million was invested, the majority of this investment taking place in the Guanacaste region.

World-class resort and hotel developers such as Marriott, Four Season, Melia and Barcelo have already established themselves in Costa Rica and between them, have eleven hotels open and operating. Hilton, Westin, Rosewood, and many others are in either the planning stages, presently building, or have built megadevelopments which include golf courses, hotels, marinas and residential developments all of which will boost the already rapidly growing tourism and real estate industries. Real estate values are just beginning to experience the inevitable collateral effects of this growth. Rapid appreciations are taking place in specific areas and property values will continue to rise. A very opportunistic real estate market exists for those that are able to take advantage of it.

The reinforcement of the political stability and the economic stability of Costa Rica are clearly illustrated through the selection of Costa Rica by INTEL as the location for their largest (and the worlds largest) microchip processor plant. INTEL opened their Costa Rican plant in 1998. Last year Intel selected their Costa Rican plant for further expansion and investment over two other INTEL plants located around the world. INTEL is investing an additional 150 million to expand the operations of their Costa Rican plant. Costa Rica has numerous multinational companies operating here and many choose Costa Rica for their Central and South American headquarters, companies such as Motorola, Del Monte, Siemens, Nortel, Dole, Proctor & Gamble, Pfizer and many others. .

Costa Rica is a hot destination for real estate, with beach-area property values increasing 25-30 per year. With Compass Properties, it is now easier than ever to own property in Costa Rica. We provide clients with exclusive listings at all price points, as well as a range of value added services, to simplify the process of buying a home in Costa Rica. Compass Properties works with Stewart Title to ensure a safe and secure transaction. We are currently listings homes from 30,000 to 4 million and lots from 25,000 to 30 million.

Compass Properties is a marketing and sales organization for real estate in Costa Rica. Headquartered in Newport Beach, California with Costa Rica-based offices in San José and Jacó, Compass Properties provides buyer clients with exclusive properties at all price points, as well as a range of value-added services, to simplify the process of owning property in Costa Rica.

At this time, we are working with developers in various locations throughout Costa Rica’s coastal and inland areas including Jacó, Guanacaste and the Central Valley/San José region . Our listings include lots, condos, single-family homes, and commercial properties. Most of our residential properties are priced from 100k to 500k and include amenities such as gated entry, 24-hour security, pools and clubhouses, and access and/or views of some of the country’s renowned beaches (coastal properties). We offer professionally-staffed, company-owned offices in North America and Costa Rica. NO franchise owners! All homes are located in gated communities, with 24hr security, and onsite American property management. Our value-added services include custom home-buying vacations and concierge services. Our concierge services help facilitate clients needs before, during and after purchase of property (banks, attorney’s, cell phones, residency, etc.)

We have a special “Fly and Buy” promotion going on now, so check out our website at www.compassproperties.net and give me a call at 214-416-1859, ask for Jamie.