Spec Home Building, San Ramon, Costa Rica

A Fresh Look at Costa Rica for Retirement & Investment

organicpropertiescr — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 04:06:25 +0000

See article here:

http://www.escapeartist.com/OREQ26/Fresh_Look_At_Costa_Rica.html

SPEC HOME BUILDERS WANTED IN SAN RAMON!

organicpropertiescr — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 23:11:45 +0000

There is significant demand for American-style resale homes in San Ramon (Province of Alajuela) but few are available at prices most expats/retirees can afford. We have the solution.

Join us in this great opportunity to build spec homes in San Ramon for an ever-increasing expat/retiree community. You don’t need spec home experience.

Great land financing is available, with no interest, with substantial lead time to build on already very reasonably-priced home sites, all with ocean views, and within minutes of the center of town. Lots are fully titled and clear of any liens, mortgages, etc.

We want you to do well and help us continue to create a special communities–communities you would want to live in. All projects are organic, have all services and an local farmer can offer organic fruit, vegetables and coffee.

We have a great, reasonably-priced, high-quality builder and can help market your spec home nationally and internationally.

Read about the opportunity in this blog and contact us for full details.

Only a limited number of home sites are available so please contact us today to schedule a property viewing and to learn more about this terrific opportunity.

Please contact us today at organicpropertiescr@gmail.com. Include your phone number, location, and a good time to call you.

Pura Vida!

Why build spec homes in San Ramon?

organicpropertiescr — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 23:28:10 +0000

Demand, demand, demand! There are very few quality, American-style homes for resale in San Ramon, but because of the low cost of living, great climate, nearby services, and proximity to San Jose and the beaches, North American retirees and expat continue to flock to San Ramon. While many people buy lots and build, many retirees in particular want a quality home from 1500 to 2000 square feet that they can just move into.

Value. Both land costs and building costs in San Ramon are lower than other Central Valley towns including Atenas, Grecia, Naranjo, all of the close-in suburbs of San Jose, and of course, the Pacific Coast. This means you can sell a reasonably-priced house to a retiree or expat couple and still do well, very well–it’s a “win-win” for clients and investors. Want proof? Come see for yourself. Look at competitors’ trying to sell homes for $300,000, $400,000 and even over $500,000, and they aren’t moving because they are simply OVERPRICED for San Ramon. This market doesn’t attract clients who will pay an half-million dollars or more for a home. They want value–not cheap–but value, and we offer that. At $50-$60 per square foot to build a quality, North American-style home, and lot prices in the $55,000 to $68,000 range, think about what you can buy and build at, and sell at….

Turn-key home construction. We will link you up with an high quality, very reasonably-priced home construction team in San Ramon. We’ve seen builders in San Ramon charge between $75 and $120 or more per square foot to build here. That’s OVERPRICED. Our builder can do the same quality work for $50-$60 per square foot–to North American standards. These aren’t cheap “Tico homes” but homes of the same quality you would expect in the United States, Canada, or Europe. This team can do it for less because they are efficient, highly knowledgeable and manage their home-building teams so you save time and money. And, they don’t see huge dollar signs when a gringo comes along. Now that’s refreshing! They are not only builders but certified architects so they can handle everything you need. See their homes and meet their very happy clients.

Marketing. Through our company, various tours that come through town, and word-of-mouth, San Ramon is well-promoted. This means you’ll be able to flip your spec home quickly. Work with us to help you put in place a plan for land acquisition, home construction, marketing, and sales.

Financing. Great financing terms on lots are available for spec home builders. You’ll be amazed–ask us!

Honesty & Integrity. We’ve been working in real estate in San Ramon for six years and own the town’s leading development company. We know who’s honest and who’s not and we’ll share with you REAL prices–not inflated gringo prices–for land, construction material, and labor. We want you to make a nice return on your investment and ensure clients’ expectations are exceeded–it’s how we’ve always operated.

Contact us:

For more information, please contact us at organicpropertiescr@gmail.com.

Our values

organicpropertiescr — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 22:37:35 +0000

There are many real estate developers in Costa Rica offering thousands of lots and homes for sale, particularly on the Pacific Coast, but most are simply sellers of land and do not care about your investment objectives, particularly quite a few in San Ramon! We do. We strive to act on our values everyday, including:

Honesty is the cornerstone of our work.
Integrity can never be compromised.
We work in your best interest.
Knowledge makes for successful investors.
Long-term partnerships reap more rewards than do short-term sales.

Contact:

For more information, please contact us at organicpropertiescr@gmail.com.

San Ramon for investment

organicpropertiescr — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 21:54:08 +0000

We are based in San Ramon, a quaint mountain town about 35 minutes from the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) near San Jose, about one hour from downtown San Jose and about 35 minutes to the Pacific Coast.
San Ramon provides easy access to other parts of the country. One route runs north out of town directly to the popular destination of Arenal Volcano, and the Pan-American Highway runs just past the city’s southern edge granting easy access to all other north-south points in the country, as well as linking San Ramon to the Pacific Ocean and the rest of the Americas.
All of our real estate investments are in San Ramon so we can closely monitor them and continue our work with the local community in the areas of environmental protection and education.
The close-in suburbs of San Jose are becoming over crowded and very pricey. And, as in the US, people continue to move farther out from these suburbs to take advantage of San Ramon’s great climate, slower pace of life, services and cultural/outdoor activities.
San Ramon is still being discovered by foreigners and most developments are small to medium (12 to 60 lots) and owned by relatively less capitalized investors.
San Ramon has not yet attracted large-scale developers capable of driving up prices rapidly.
Prices remain reasonable for land. Lots with mountain or ocean views are often $50,00 0or more less expensive than in nearby towns such as Palmares, Grecia, or Atenas.
San Ramon offers a great combination of location, climate, services and affordability, which will continue to attract baby boomers interested in retirement here.
Land in San Ramon, particularly in the Magallanes and Berlin sections, offer some of the most stunning ocean views in the entire country, and for now, can be purchased at reasonable prices.
San Ramon is beginning to attract upper middle class and upper class professionals and executives who see the value of investing in the area. Some examples of these people include CFOs, travel executives, business owners, attorneys, management consultants, Wall Street brokers, and senior-level government officials–all of whom just want to have an enjoyable and peaceful retirement.
Because San Ramon boasts the only branch of the University of Costa Rica outside of San Jose, and is the home to four ex-presidents and the country’s most well-known poets and writers, it has people with diverse interests. This “city of Poets and Presidents,” also attracts a good number of creative people including artists, writers, photographers and chefs.

Contact:

For more information, please contact us at organicpropertiescr@gmail.com.

General tips for real estate investment

organicpropertiescr — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 21:44:52 +0000

Retain a attorney who has an impeccable track record you can verify.
Have your attorney conduct a thorough title search.
Check to see if the survey of a property is recent and no border issues exist, which is a common problem in Costa Rica.
If you intend to purchase developed land, such as a lot, confirm appropriate infrastructure (roads, water, electricity, etc.) is made available to your property at closing by the developer. Also understand on-going maintenance fees for the community and for your lot, particularly if you intend to hold it.
If you are buying raw land, get several estimates for infrastructure work and factor in these expenses as you consider your ideal return on investment.
Determine that the area is not facing any short- or long-term water supply issues.
If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Remember, even in Costa Rica you get what you pay for.

Contact:

For more information, please contact us at organicpropertiescr@gmail.com.

Strategies for investing in Costa Rica real estate

organicpropertiescr — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 21:41:58 +0000

Build a network of people you can trust. This is the most important strategy for real estate investing in Costa Rica.
Consider trends in your home country (i.e., the US). Nearly 80 million baby boomers will reach retirement age in the US within the next 20 years. While this represents significant wealth as a group, the average buyer who is considering Costa Rica will be looking for moderately priced real estate in areas with a reasonable cost of living and good services. While the Pacific Coast is currently a hot market, prices are already expensive and real estate appreciation is limited due a much smaller long-term pool of retail buyers. The Central Valley, where most people live, is a better bet.
Location! Focus on the broad retail market such as Baby Boomers. These customers are more likely to purchase land that is in close proximity to a major town, has good infrastructure, and offers restaurants, stores, and medical facilities nearby.
Consider spec home building. With property prices still appreciating and construction costs low compared to the US, it is possible to buy a lot and build a home to flip. While the price of the lot will likely just below the retail level, you get the convenience of the having the infrastructure of a planned community for which foreigners feel safe living in and most likely will be offered an advantageous financing deal from the developer. Plan to spend no more than $200,000 for a lot and to build a home in order to sell it to the middle- to upper-income baby boomer or retiree. Again, focus on the larger middle income market and in locations offering services, a short distance to a major town and land characteristics such as ocean or mountain views. If you do not want to build, buying a lot and sitting it on it for few years has good payoff potential, particularly if you purchase it in the Central Valley, which is most attractive to baby boomers and retirees.

Contact:

For more information, please contact us at organicpropertiescr@gmail.com.

Who’s buying in Costa Rica?

organicpropertiescr — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 21:37:32 +0000

Retirees relocating from North America
Part-time residents wanting a vacation home during North America’s winter months.
Baby boomers who are retiring early or dropping out of the U.S. “rat race,” and are searching for new careers and businesses.
Investors looking for large-scale development opportunities.
Investors interested in creating reasonably-priced spec homes for foreign retirees.

Contact:

For more information, please contact us at organicpropertiescr@gmail.com.

Why invest in Costa Rica real estate?

organicpropertiescr — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 21:34:04 +0000

Easy access to North America—no more than six hours flying time to most destinations.
A long-time politically and economically stable government.
Lower cost of living—according to an IMF study, about $1,000 in purchasing power in the U.S. equals about $2,030 in Costa Rica.
Strongest tourism destination in Central America with over 1 million visitors and $1.7 billion spent annually.
A study by the World Trade Organization indicated that tourism is growing in Central America at about 16% annually, the strongest in the world, with tourism and retirement living inexorably linked.
Nearly 80 million US baby boomers will retire in the next 20 years and many will require less expensive living options. Costa Rica provides a great combination of qualities sought by this group.
Many foreigners, particularly North Americans, already live here.
Ease of purchase for foreigners and a highly transparent legal system.
Low property taxes, at .25% of a property’s value, and low cost for a variety of services, make carrying costs very reasonable.
Good infrastructure.
Outstanding climate year-round.
Excellent and inexpensive health care services.
Highest literacy rate in Central America at 96%.
Incredible natural beauty.

Contact:

For more information, please contact us at organicpropertiescr@gmail.com.

Why San Ramon?

organicpropertiescr — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 21:16:50 +0000

When people think about where to live in Costa Rica, they are often drawn to the white-sand beaches of Guanacaste or the party atmosphere of Jacó and Manuel Antonio. Others like the hustle and bustle of San José’s tony suburbs such as Escazú, Heredia, and Santa Ana. Through the work of various travel agencies, the Costa Rican government, real estate developers, and personal references, these areas have become havens for foreign professionals, retirees, and investors.

In recent years, particularly with a huge number of U.S. baby boomers beginning to retire and prices on the rise in the more traditional ex-pat areas, people are discovering the country’s smaller cities and towns. As they approach retirement and consider their options in Costa Rica, more people are looking to return to a less-hurried pace of life. They value close-knit communities, a clean environment, and less crime. After a sometimes stressful life in their home countries, people want to live the “rich” lifestyle they’ve earned, while not breaking the bank. With a year-round springtime climate, stable infrastructure and variety of important services, several smaller towns in the Central Valley are attracting the attention of those considering retirement today or in the next few years.

San Ramón, located in the province of Alajuela about 45 minutes northwest of San José, and 35 minutes from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), is one such town. It is growing in popularity among expats but is still largely untouched by the foreign masses. Its proximity to the “Pacific slope” requires only a 35-minute drive to the coast. Residents enjoy a very comfortable climate all year, but may still take advantage of the beaches for day-trips or overnight adventures. While barely noticed just a few short years ago, San Ramón has become the “up-and-coming area” for North American and European retirees who wish to experience the real Costa Rica but do not want to give up the activities and services important to them.

San Ramón has an historic past with some of this country’s most well-known political and literary figures having grown up or residing here. Four ex-presidents are from this formerly sleepy town and the modern Costa Rican democracy was born here through the work of the country’s most famous statesman, Jose Figueres Ferrer (Don Pepe).

With roughly 70,000 people in and around this “City of Poets and Presidents,” at 3,400 feet above sea level, it is the economic and commerce hub for the western Central Valley, producing sugar cane, coffee, and a wide variety of fruit and vegetables. San Ramón boasts a shopping mall, modern movie theatre, cultural center/museum, and many supermarkets and restaurants. It also has one of the largest outdoor markets in the Central Valley which comes alive on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings with vendors selling many types of food and farm-fresh produce.

There is a major hospital, many doctors’ offices, and the only branch of the University of Costa Rica outside of San José. At night, particularly on the weekends, the city comes alive with a number of restaurants, bars and discos. If the loud music of the club scene is not your thing, you’ll probably enjoy strolling through the town’s quaint park which is across the street from the imposing Gothic-style church. While the park often serves as the central venue for a variety of annual events, it is also just a short walk from San Ramón’s museum that tells the story of the important role played by leading residents in the political and cultural development of the country.

San Ramón’s best-kept secret is its awe-inspiring views in some areas that are like no other in the Central Valley. Because of the town’s high altitude and westward-facing position towards the Pacific Coast, a number of very close-in suburbs offer views that encompass a huge swath of coastline, all the way south to Jacó and north to Puntarenas and beyond. Of course, with a direct view of the ocean, sunsets are stunning and the lights of several coastal cities come alive at dusk.

The expat population generally lives in communities surrounding San Ramón, primarily to its north and west, with a few more city-oriented people preferring downtown. The vast majority of foreign retirees are purchasing land and building homes in two areas, one called Magallanes and the other called Berlin, that offer mountain, valley or ocean views—and all three in many cases—while only a short drive to the center of town. These areas are quickly becoming the “place to be” in San Ramón where expats are now building higher quality homes. And, because San Ramón is still largely undiscovered by foreigners—there are perhaps 60–80 full-time retirees—real estate with “million dollar California” views is still available at a fraction of the cost in the U.S. or Europe.

Large tracts of land can still be found in the San Ramón area for reasonable prices if a hobby farm, horse farm, or investment in creating a residential development is of interest. Currently, the inventory of North American-style homes in San Ramón is not keeping up with demand, although there are a number of land/lot options for building custom homes.

Premium building lots with Pacific Ocean and mountain views are located in the Magallanes and Berlin sections of San Ramón, ranging from less than $50,000 to about $80,000. Not many nearby Central Valley towns can make this claim for 1.25 acre lots.

For the active retiree, there are plenty of options in San Ramón for meeting other people, getting involved in activities, and visiting local attractions. Many expats head to Café Delicias, a 10-minute walk northwest of the town square for a hearty breakfast or an afternoon coffee. A number of groups regularly meet in the restaurant’s spacious dining area to catch up on local gossip or participate in a number of volunteer groups. In the evening, things really get going at Mirador Los Poetas, a bar and restaurant offering nightly karaoke along with stunning views of the city below. Other terrific restaurants include Café Aromas, known for its dessert crepes (try the one with nutella!), and Mario’s Restaurant, known for steaks of the same quality found in Argentina or Brazil.

San Ramón has a terrific water park with multiple pools, water-slides, and a towering natural waterfall. Las Musas, about 15 minutes west of town, is an inexpensive and great place to spend a sunny day with your family and friends—and its restaurant is a hidden gem.

For those wanting a “Monteverde-type” rain forest adventure, it’s not necessary to drive three hours to get a very similar experience—with many less tourists. The Los Angeles Cloud Forest, only about nine miles north of town off the main road to the Arenal Volcano, is a terrific way to spend the day. Due to the air coming in from the northern plains along with the humidity of the Caribbean basin clashing in this area, the result is a nearly constant cloud cover. Beneath the clouds you’ll find a huge variety of plant and animal life that has adapted well to this climate. You’ll see all types of plants including mosses, orchids and even wild blueberries. With over 250 species of birds, it’s a bird watcher’s paradise. You may also be lucky to see howler monkeys, sloths and tapirs living in the trees of this dense forest. There are number of activities available here including hiking, horseback riding and canopy tours. Expert guides supervise all activities and oftentimes you may have one these friendly guides all to yourself. When your activities are over, consider having lunch or dinner at the upscale VillaBlanca hotel and resort, just a short drive directly up the road from the cloud forest. It’s a great way to end your day.

If you need a place to stay in San Ramón, a variety of small hotels downtown serve tourists and business travelers, however, they tend to be in somewhat noisy areas. For an alternative, consider Casa Amanecer B&B, a quaint and reasonably priced four-room hotel in San Juan, just a short drive from downtown.

It’s nearly impossible to describe in a brief essay all that San Ramón has to offer. With its friendly people, stunning environment, peaceful lifestyle, numerous activities, and affordable cost of living, it is worth exploring the area and finding out more about this undiscovered gem.

Contact:

For more information, please contact us at organicpropertiescr@gmail.com.