|
Why should I buy a home in Boquete, Panama or Liberia, Costa Rica?
First, if you haven't been to either of these countries then you should certainly plan to go soon! Home prices are relatively lower, overall costs can be significantly less, healthcare is excellent in some areas and getting better every year and many other good things are happening so you should definitely consider this an excellent time to visit or find a new home.
We expect incredible changes during the next 1-15 years all over Latin America as witnessed in Panama and Costa Rica right now. The world is changing rapidly, don't let this opportunity pass by. Expect good things and make them happen today!
What is the average cost for a full-time housekeeper?
Most housekeepers in the popular these destinations often charge $140 - $160/mo. for 4-5 hours of work per day and work 4-5 days per week.
What is the crime rate?
Petty theft is common so be aware of this. Be as careful as you would if you went on vacation in Europe or Washington DC. You wouldn't walk around in dark places and you wouldn't flash a lot of cash or jewelry. This same logic applies in just about every major city and/or country in the world. What's a hectare?
A hectare equals 2.471 acres or you can also think of a hectare as an area of land 100 meters wide by 100 meters long.
Should I rent/lease first, before purchasing a home?
YES!! Absolutely! Many people are rushing into a new home. This can be a very costly mistake! Always get to know the neighborhood you are considering moving to. Get to know the local customs and traditions, learn where to do all of your shopping and make sure you can acclimate to such a significant change! You think you'll be happy in the city, but perhaps the countryside is a better fit. Always rent first, then make a decision in 6 - 12 months. Now that once you purchase a home in Latin America, it can be much more challenging to sell than you expect!
Have we mentioned a great quality of life? There are an endless list of discounts and things to do all over Panama and Costa Rica including golf, shopping, gardening, bird watching, beaches to relax on, dancing and much more. There are also very good hospitals with English speaking staff, many of whom were educated in the United States or Canada. The benefits of living in Panama or Costa Rica, as far as we're concerned, far out-weigh any difficulties you might imagine.
Can I bring a dog or cat?
Yes! This is usually a simple process. Make sure your pet's vaccinations are updated 3-9 days before your pets flight. Also make sure your pet has its rabies shot at least 30 days prior to traveling and you have the proper documentation from licensed Vet. Your pet will generally be inspected as soon as it arrives at your destination and a fee for paperwork and another inspection will be charged. (Expect to pay approx. $150 per pet after arrival.) Generally your pet can leave the airport that day. If for some reason your pet appears ill, you may have to pay a daily fee until the vet releases him or her. We recently sent our Black Lab from the U.S. to Panama and the total cost was around $800.00, including his ticket and the new - extra large kennel we purchased to ensure he had plenty of room to move around. If you’re fortunate enough to carry your pet onto the plane, then you can easily save $500-$600.
Can I take an RV to Panama or Costa Rica?
This is not recommended for many reasons. Roads, weather, cost of travel and lack of RV services are a few reasons why we do not suggest RVs in much of Latin America at this time unless of course you're on a guided tour.
How do I purchase real estate in Boquete or near the beach in Costa Rica?
To buy a home in Panama or Costa Rica is relatively simple - the process is similar to process in the U.S. or Canada. We strongly encourage you to work with a good real estate broker, good attorney and to purchase land which has been titled through the local government. Your real estate broker professional and attorney will be happy to walk you through the process. The key is to be patient as not everything moves as quickly as you're probably accustomed to.
Is it true most families in Panama or Costa Rica live on less than $1000/month?
Yes, even young professional couples are fortunate to earn $1000/month. However, with the increase in demand of services, especially in English, many opportunities exist today for bilingual professionals to earn this and more.
What is the price of a new home in Costa Rica or Panama?
Most residences expats buy in Boquete range from $125,000 - $275,000 for an attached home or $150,000 - $400,000 for detached homes. Because land in Boquete, Panama and beachfront property in Costa Rica are in relatively high demand, new home prices can easily exceed $1,000,000 in gated communities and on the beach, although not all gated communities are in these prices ranges. Talk your local real estate broker to find out more specific information.
How hot and humid are Boquete or Liberia?
The weather is much better in Boquete and around Liberia than most areas of Central America. First Boquete is in the mountains of Panama, where the air is cooler. For this reason, the weather is much more mild than say... Panama City. In the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica, the weather can also be incredibly nice, especially near the Pacific beaches. This said, it does get humid inland although this region is one of the most desired areas of Central America, due to it's relatively nice weather and beautiful scenery.
| 
