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Costa Rica Real Estate for rent: apartments, houses and vacation rentals in Costa Rica Quick Finder Exclusive Properties Gated Communities Luxury Rentals Beachfront Properties Ocean View Properties ------------- Beach Properties Farms and Mountain Homes for Sale Investment Opportunities Condos for Sale Vacation Rentals Long Term Rentals ------------- Hotels for Sale Land Development Bars & Restaurants Other Investments ------------- Conversion Table Contact Us Call us 1-888-607-6772 Costa Rica Apartment & House Rentals Contact Us Christmas and new year rental in Costa Rica available call now 1-888-607-6772 or in Costa Rica 844-54-31 click here! Below you will find a small selection of our Costa Rica rental homes, condominiums for rent and our special selection of Costa Rica vacation rentals. Each of our real estate rental listings of Costa Rica includes a brief description and a picture. You will also find in this section a variety of Costa Rica beach vacation rentals! Costa Rica's Central Valley is still the most popular place to live, for both Ticos and foreign residents in Costa Rica. Our rentals of residential real estate listings include Costa Rica homes for rent and condominiums for rent in the Central Valley. We combine desirable locations in West and East San Jose such as Escazu, Santa Ana, Rohrmoser, Sabana, San Antonio de Belen, Sabanilla, Montes de Oca and Moravia among others. You will also find attractive house and condominium rentals in the provinces of Heredia and Alajuela, where locations such as la Garita and la Guacima are very appealing because of their wonderful weather, nearby facilities, very nice neighborhoods and homes. If you are looking for relaxation and a good vacation in Costa Rica, we have beautiful beach houses and beach condominiums for short term rentals in Costa Rica. Our listing of vacation rentals in Costa Rica include desirable locations such as Guanacaste in amazing beaches like Famingo, Tamarindo, Playa Grande¸ El Coco, Ocotal, Playa Hermosa, Papagayo and others. Along the Pacific or West Coast of Costa Rica¸ we offer beach homes and beach condos for rent in places like Puntarenas, Manuel Antonio, Dominical, Jaco and more? If you prefer the exotic Caribbean or East Coast of Costa Rica, ask for our vacation houses and bungalows rentals in Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, Punta Uva, Cocles and others. Don't wait until the last moment to make your reservations... Contact us Price: US$450/Day US$1900/Week US$5000/month Enjoy your stay in San Jose in style: Deluxe House in Escazu Comfortable house with easy access to Escazu's finest shopping centers and restaurants More Information... Contact Us Outstanding 3 bedroom 2 baths in Los Suenos Golf Resort and Marina A perfect place under the sun! Impeccable 3 bedroom 2 baths unit (200m2 or 2,100sq feet) in the most outstanding vacation place of Costa Rica: Los Suenos Golf Resort and Marina.... Luxury home in a natural resort setting overlooking Los Suenos Golf Course and surrounding mountains in Herradura Bay area. Enjoy the privacy and peacefulness of beautifully landscaped grounds, swimming pool, gym and entertainment area just outside the door... More Information... Contact Us Weekly Rate $3,800 US per week or $600 US nightly (3 night minimum). Semana Santa (Holy Week) $6,500. Flamingo Beach House Rental This magnificent, five-bedroom home, that sleeps up to 10 people, has all the luxuries. Excellent, breathtaking, Pacific Ocean views and views of Flamingo Beach, a private swimming pool, jacuzzi, close to beach access, modern kitchen, and much more. There are granite countertops throughout kitchen and baths. More Information... Contact Us Size: 1400 m2 lot with 400m2 construction area Rent: US$2,500 per month Beautiful Escazu house for rent only 2 minutes from Multiplaza Mall Situated on the trendy side of Guachipelin, with nearby coffee shops and bistros and only 2 minutes from Multiplaza Mall, this spacious house has 3 bedrooms, with masterroom with Jacuzzi and walking closet, 2.5 bathrooms and maid's quarters with full bathroom. The living area and kitchen are very elegant, and a terrace with great view of the nearby Escazu mountains. The swimming pool and the ranch make it perfect for a nice Sunday Barbecue. The garage has space for at least 6 cars. More Information... Leased! Looking for similar properties? Contact Us Size: 325 m2 or 3,500 sq feet. Rent: US$3,500 fully furnished and equipped / US$3,000 unfurnished. Maintenance fee included. Luxury Condo for rent in heart of Escazu Tastefully decorated condominium in the heart of Escazu, walking distance to everything, fully furnished and equipped. 3 bedrooms, 3,5 baths, maids room, 2 terraces, 2 car covered parking spaces More Information... Leased! Looking for similar properties? Contact Us Costa Rica's Premier Destination Colina 2 bedroom condo, Los Suenos Luxury Rentals Colina 2 bedrooms luxury golf view condo in Colina, Los Suenos. Short walking distance to the beach, full access to beach club in Los Suenos, Marriott Hotel, Marina, Shops, Bars & restaurants. Maids service. Arrival and departure gifts. Unlimited concierge services. More information... Contact Us Los Sueños Luxury Rental Ocean View House Enjoy a private paradise while vacationing in this exotic luxury villa. Located on a mountainside within the beautiful Los Suenos Resort and overlooking Herradura Bay, you will enjoy absolute privacy while having the benefit of all resort amenities and security. More information... Contact Us Mansion for rent Los Sueños Luxury Mansion Rental Luxury beach mansion for rent at Los Sueños Resort Community near Playa Jaco. Luxury and sophistication define this beautiful house, a real tropical palace Spanish Mediterranean style, located in Los Suenos, just 1 mile from the world class sport fishing marina and casino. More information... More Information... Beach house rental Manuel Antonio Beach house rental This beautiful and unique house sits on a cliff overlooking Punta Quepos, the sea, and Manuel Antonio National Park. It was designed to provide stunning views from every window and terrace. The house is small and cozy (approx. 100 sq. meters or 1,000 square feet) and thus is suitable for no more than four adults. More Information... Contact Us Price: US$346,500 Area: 4,500 sq. feet const (418 m2) 10,205 sq. feet of land (948 m2) Chalé Style House in Rohrmoser Leased! Looking for similar properties? Contact Us Beautiful and spacious 3 level Swiss Chalé located in an exclusive peaceful residential area of West San Jose. Ample gardens make this home an absolutely private haven. This gorgeous home for sale or rent consists of tall coffered ceilings, large windows and two balconies. A beautiful park is located just crossing the street. This house for rent in Costa Rica: US$2,250/month (a minimum one year contract)7 More Info... Luxury Golf Condo Valle del Sol 3Bdrm 3.5 Bathroom Located in San Jose's most exclusive gated community with a world class golf course. Valle del Sol is close to shopping, downtown, dining and 5 minutes from Forum Business Center. Ideal for corporate managers, families and couples that want privacy, security and beautiful surroundings. More Information... Contact Us San Jose Mountain City Long Term Rental Villas / Vacation Rental Located in one of the most beautiful small cities, Heredia (known as the City of Flowers). Exclusive neighborhoods with amazing views of the Central Valley below and the mountains above, natural forest, country clubs and close to shopping and the airport. Villas Roma are perfect for your stay in Costa Rica whether for business or for travel, alone or with your family. More Information... Contact Us Condominium to rent in lovely San Antonio de Belen This condominium has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, nice living area with a spacious backyard. Garage for two cars and security 24 hours. More Information... Contact Us Find: Gated Communities Luxury Rentals Beachfront Properties Only Ocean View Properties Golf Residences Top Exclusive Properties - - - - - - - - - Vacation Rentals Long Term Rentals - - - - - - - - - Beach Properties Farms and Mountain Home for Sale Investment Opportunities Condos for Sale Conversion Table Contact Us Beach Properties | Farms and Mountain | Homes for Sale Investment Opportunities | Condos for Sale | Vacation Rentals | Rentals Top Exclusive Properties | Gated Communities | Luxury Rentals | Beachfront Properties Only Ocean View Properties | Golf Residences | Costa Rica Office Space Our Company | Listings | Info Request | Articles | San Jose Attractions | Faqs | Photo Gallery | Contact Us List your properties with us | Costa Rica Real Estate | Costa Rica Vacation Rentals CONTACT: Properties in Costa Rica www.propertiesincostarica.com info@propertiesincostarica.com Toll free USA and CANADA: 1-888-607-6772 USA: 1 (516) 869-4565 Costa Rica: + (506) 844-5431 * Fax: + (506) 289-0969 * * from the US & Canada dial 011 first Escazu, Centro Comercial El Cruce, 2nd floor, Suite 25 Across the street from ScotiaBank and next to Pops Postal Address: #SJO 72013, 1601 NW 97th Ave. Doral, Fl 33172-2853 Member of Costa Rica Real Estate Brokers Board Member of Fiabci Member of Costa Rica Chamber of Tourism Member of National Association of Realtors All photographs and texts in this site property of PCR Propiedades de Costa Rica SA (PCR) unless otherwise noted. Copying, reproduction or sending to third parties is allowed only with written consent of PCR Request travel information about Costa Rica Design, marketing and hosting by Amerisol Top Exclusive Properties Gated Communities Luxury Rentals Beachfront Properties Only Ocean View Properties Golf Residences Residential Lots Escazu and West Valley Real Estate Buying property in Costa Rica
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Sell House Home Sell a Home Buy a Home Services Mortgages City Profiles Appraisals -- Why sell your home by owner? Less hassle and frustration: When selling a home by owner, you don't have to leave the house because a Real Estate Agent wants to show it, or clean it every morning before leaving "just in case". You know when potential home buyers are coming, and can therefore prepare accordingly. And when a home buyer makes an offer, there's not all that frustrating back-and-forth telephone tag between real estate agents to reach an agreement. It can be done in minutes, and end with a friendly handshake and smile between the buyer and seller. "You can "sell your home" better than anyone else: You know your house best. The schools, the neighborhood, what is special about the area and the home, as well as other details about the house. A well-maintained, fairly priced home can virtually sell itself; your role is to simply provide additional information. Sell for a price on your terms; You're in control: Nobody is going to tell you what to sell for. You can advertise where and how you want to (not sit by in frustration because "they're not doing enough"), schedule showings when it's convenient for you, talk directly with prospective home buyers at your leisure, even take your home off the market for awhile if you can't find the right house for you. You aren't obligated to a 3, 6, or 12 month contract... you make your own rules. More $$$ in your pocket: Calculate 6-7% of what you think your house is worth, then ask yourself: is it worth paying this much to have someone else show my property, act as a go-between to negotiate the sale and coordinate the home's closing schedules with the lender, lawyer or titles company (dependent upon your area of the country). Sell your home fast: If you list your home with a real estate agent, you'll probably inflate the house's asking price to cover the cost of the commission. Two to four months later you'll come to the painful realization that no one is going to buy your home at that price, and you'll likely end up reducing the price (or accepting an offer) equal to the original amount you would have asked if selling on your own. Do it right the first time, and avoid taking the loss. Less uncertainty: Because you meet the prospective home buyers, you have a much better idea how interested people are, what they like about the house, how serious they are about buying and what their timeframe and situation is. The direct feedback is easier to live with than wondering how things are going, or worse, why no one has made an offer yet. It's easy: If you can sell your own car, you can sell your own home... it's that simple" said one of our home sellers. And he's right, once you find a buyer, lenders, lawyers or title companies take over (depending on your area of the country). And For Sale By Owner websites are now your best advertising resource for commission free home selling. Privacy & Disclaimer Partner With Us Career Opportunities Press Room Contact Us Terms and Conditions © 1997-2005 For Sale By Owner.com Site Map
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About Texas Land Trusts Maincontent Local Navigation print friendly search Regulations Publications Outdoor Learning Kids Game Warden Grants Get Involved Shop FAQ Calendar Español Experience Texas Fishing & Boating State Parks & Destinations Hunting & Wildlife Land & Water Doing Business Home Land & Water Land Private Tltc Trusts Texas Land Trusts About Texas Land Trusts Starting a Land Trust Texas Land Trust Directory Foreword Listing Regional Index About the Texas Land Trust Council ( TLTC ) TLTC Board of Directors and Honorary Council News 2004 TLTC Conference Speech Bulletin Board TLTC Publications Land Trust Resources Texas Land Trusts Top 1-Million Mark in Acres Conserved Texas has thirty-nine (39) not-for-profit land trust organizations operating at a statewide, regional or local level in the state. Land trusts are a creative answer to today's land conservation challenges. Land trusts provide local solutions to local needs: that might be the protection of a watershed, an archeological treasure, a prairie, farm and ranch land, or a portion of a larger ecosystem. 2003 Protected Land Inventory Summary Conservation Method Sites Acres Fee Simple Ownership 191 269,179 Conservation Easement 142 281,080 Transferred N/A 322,361 Other* N/A 435,061 Total N/A 1,307,681 * Includes conservation leases, management agreements, will donations, etc. Land trusts offer various conservation approaches - many of the organizations willingly hold conservation easements or provide technical assistance to landowners; they may buy or accept donated lands; many provide local conservation education and planning assistance. Land trusts in Texas help protect more than 1,300,000 acres in 86 counties. To learn more about Texas Land Trusts, view the Texas Land Trust Directory . Information: Did you know... Land trusts conserve 499 sites throughout the state? Contact Us | Help | Accessibility | Media | Site Policies | Complaints | Intranet | State of Texas | TRAILS Search | TexasOnline | Compact with Texans Texas Parks and Wildlife Department , 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744 Toll Free: (800) 792-1112, Austin: (512) 389-4800 Content of this site © Texas Parks and Wildlife Department unless otherwise noted. Last modified: July 29, 2005, 3:50 pm
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The Peoples Guide to Mexico: Real Estate in Ajijic and Lake Chapala, Mexico People's Guide Homepage Copper Canyon Live & Retire Carl's Notebooks Letters Favorite Books Visit our Sponsors Table of Contents The Best of Mexico: Favorite Places Live & Retire in Mexico Lake Chapala area Buying Property in the Lake Chapala Area by Tony Harries & Teresa A. Kendrick In the last decade or so, it is estimated that more than 10,000 foreigners have purchased property on the Northshore of Lake Chapala. Long prized as a weekend retreat by wealthy Guadalajarans, the villages from Lake Chapala to Jocotepec now boast an expatriate community said to be the largest in the world. Ajijic has become the prime location for foreigners because of its infrastructure of services, such as internet access, and the existence of the Lake Chapala Society, an English-speaking resource center for newcomers and residents. The Real Estate Climate on the Northshore At present, the Northshore has 20 real estate agencies. Their level of competency and expertise vary. In Mexico, the real estate industry is not regulated by the government. It is self-regulated. Two associations are responsible for training agents and policing the ethics of the agencies: AMPI (Asociacion Mexicana de Profesionales Inmobiliarios) is the national organization (with a lakeside chapter) and Gil (Grupo Inmobiliario del Lago) is the local organization. Many offices belong to one or the other, and some belong to both. They provide multiple-listing services that allow agents to show properties listed by other agencies, an advantage for both buyer and seller. The most professional agencies also provide their own in-house training for new agents. Several agencies have websites that will allow you to get a feel for the company, the houses that are available and the prices of property and land. The websites allow you to interact with the agency via email, and, if the site is good, will offer background information and answers to frequently asked questions. It can also provide you with the name of an agent. Choosing an Agent Good agents tend to work for well-run organizations. When walking into the office for the first time, take a look around. Does it look professionally managed? Are key personnel bilingual? Are listings photographed, detailed and organized so you can spend time reviewing available properties and evaluating how much your money will buy? Talk with several agents to find one you feel is knowledgeable, experienced, available, compatible, and upfront. Professional, reliable agents provide service before, during, and after a sale. If a problem or error arise, your agent should work hard to correct it. After your initial meeting, ask around about the reputations of various agencies and agents, but be aware that while gathering information, it is very likely you will also gather misinformation. One person can easily contradict another; this is human nature and common in a small communities. Being a Good Client/Firing an Agent Agent- and agency-hopping is an ethical no-no, but after viewing several properties reevaluate your agent. If you feel that the agent is not listening to you, tell him or her; they will appreciate you restating your requirements. Often clients are confused about what they want, or unrealistic about what their money can buy. Be clear about what you want. Buying a house is an emotional process, so be prepared to experience some unusual feelings and reactions and understand that an agent has the dual job of steering you through the process of buying property in another country and your own learning curve. If you are unable to work with your agent, graciously fire that agent and find another. You might use a simple, Thank you for your time and efforts. We feel we wish to expand our search and thought we might consult with another agency. If we feel you can be of further service, we will get back to you. Remember, the agent you are releasing is a member of the community in which you will live and diplomacy will save some feelings down the line. How to be a good Client If your first visit to the area is an exploratory excursion, tell your agent. He or she will guide you as you gather preliminary information. If you are not in a position to buy at the time, limit the time you spend with the agent as he or she has other clients to serve. If you have funds available to buy property, the agent will intensify the search for a suitable property and guide you through the process. Be clear about how much you can spend and when you plan to resettle. Remember agents often work for months without reimbursement for their out of pocket expenses. The Nitty Gritty At this time, prices for houses on the Northshore run anywhere from $22,000 US to 1.35 million US. The average home with the amenities sought by North American buyers are in the $100,000 US range. Location, as everywhere, is one of the most determining factors for setting the price. The further out from services you go, the lower prices will be. View, construction type, size and amenities determine the rest. Clients can choose from gated communities which offer security (a plus for residents who spend 6 months in Mexico and 6 months elsewhere), large country estates, and village living. Village homes are connected to one another by common exterior, and, occasionally, interior walls and allow residents to live within walking distance of most services and activities. Do not let any agent sell you ejido land. No matter what future promises anyone may make, you will not get a legal title. This is land set aside by the government for the indigenous people of Mexico and cannot be sold to foreigners. Also, there are a few places on the Northshore known for their instability due to soft soil or geothermal faults, and some places have water supply problems. Informed, wise agents will steer you away from these trouble spots. The Buying Process Purchasing a home or lot on the Northshore is primarily a cash transaction, but occasionally short-term owner financing is available. When you make an offer to the seller you must present a check for 10% of the value of the house. A photocopy is made of this earnest money and the check itself is placed in the agency safe. Once negotiations are completed under the supervision of the respective buying and selling real estate agents, and both parties have signed a purchase agreement, the check is deposited into the escrow account of the selling agency. The check is later applied to the balance of the purchase price at the notary publics office. (Note: The actual sale price of a property is not a matter of public record in Mexico, nor is it registered with the government. It is unethical for an agent to tell you the sale price of a property. He or she can tell you what the property was listed for, but not what was paid.) The Closing Closings take place in the office of a Notario Publico, or notary public. These are lawyers of very high standing who, after 5 years of legal practice, apply to the government for notario status and must undergo strict scrutiny to be awarded the title. With it comes many responsibilities and important legal functions. One of these is to preside over and ensure the legality of property transfer. The notary authenticates the sellers right to sell the property, scrutinizes the history of the property for any irregularities, and makes sure the deed is clear and free of liens through appropriate government offices. Since the buyer pays for the closing costs and notarys fees, it is his or her privilege to select the notary. The notary can advise the buyer which type of deed meets his needs: direct deed or bank trust deed. The notary will file with the Mexican government the application for the transfer of the deed from seller to buyer. His official signature on all documents finalizes the purchase and makes it a legal transaction under Mexican law. From purchasing to closing the norm is 30 to 60 days, but motivated parties can complete the process within 15 days. Differences in Home Construction There is no slab-frame construction in this part of Mexico. A home here is usually of concrete, glass, stone, brick, iron and rebar construction. Wood is expensive and used little except for design affect. Each wall is load-bearing and has its own foundation. Many houses have exterior walls and decorative metal work to ensure privacy and security. There are "aljibes" (cisterns) for water storage and in some of the newer homes, water purification and pressure systems are built-in. You will also find tanks for storing propane used for cooking and heating water as there is no infrastructure to supply natural gas. You will notice a lack of central heating and air conditioning, as its not essential. A fireplace on a cool evening or morning is charming and does the trick. There are no building codes so a good agent will provide you with information about levels of construction quality and what might be buried within the walls. Developers The north shore of Lake Chapala has recently seen a rise in new, speculative construction meant to appeal to buyers from the North. Much of this work is being done by young, Mexican architects from monied Guadalajara families with varying degrees of experience and dependability. There are also projects being developed by American, Canadian and European companies. Remodeling Many buyers purchase a home with the intent of upgrading and remodeling the existing structure. Craftsmen, laborers, architects and artisans abound in the area. If you are in the market for such services, perhaps your agent can help direct you to a general contractor who has a good reputation. Be sure to get a signed, witnessed contract stipulating prices and the quality of work and materials to be used. If language is a problem, get a translator to help you. Several translators are listed in the Lake Chapala Society directory, a members-only book that can be loaned to you by your agent. If, during the remodeling, you feel you have been financially abused, the government has an agency with an office in Chapala called PROFECO which helps consumers receive satisfaction. The pace of work is probably not what you are used to, but in Mexico, patience is required as distribution of materials, cultural standards, and community -- and family-based events interrupt building schedules. Real Estate Agencies/Developers/Internet Websites In Ajijic: Abode Realty: Adj Corporation Ajijic Developments: http://www.ajijicdevs.com Ajijic Real Estate, http://www.ajijic.com ; email: ajijic@infosel.net.mx Ambience Fine Home Builders: http://www.ambiance.com.mx America Mexico Builders Camilles Realty/Coldwell Banker Chapala Realty: http://www.chapala.com Continental Realty Chula Vista Norte Eager & Asociados: http://www.mexconnect.com/MEX/ea/ea.html Laguna Real Estate: http://www.mexconnect.com/amex/lgna/ Marnher Group RE/Max Ajijic: http://www.desconresorts.com In Chapala: Coldwell Banker/Chapala Realty (Chapala Office), http://www.chapala.com Sierra Vista: In Chula Vista: Century 21 Vistas: http://www.lagunanet.net.mx/c21vistas In Jocotepec: Semprex Realty In Riberas del Pilar: Sunset Realty: http://www.sunsetrealty.com.mx In San Antonio Tlayacapán: Re/Max Fenix About the authors: Tony Harries is a real estate agent who has been working in the Lake Chapala area since June 1997. He is an award-winning school teacher from Texas who retired after 31 years of service. Proficient in Spanish, he has developed a deep appreciation of Mexico following several decades of travel in Mexico before his retirement. He has helped clients from all over the world buy property in the area and this year became a top producing agent for one of the areas leading agencies. His email is tonyharr@prodigy.net.mx Teresa Kendrick is the author of the recently published book Mexicos lake Chapala and Ajijic: The Insiders Guide to the Northshore for International Travelers Highly detailed and up-to-date, the 208 page book boasts 143 color photographs, a well-organized table of contents and index, and information about nearly everything available on the Northshore of Lake Chapala for travelers and newcomers. The book is available with a full-color map of the Northshore for $26 US plus shipping and handling. The book will be available to purchase locally by calling 76-6-3163 or by ordering from her website: http://www.chapalaguide.com Teresa's email is ajijic@chapalaguide.com . Top of Page Homepage Table of Contents Site Map Write to us, Carl & Lorena http://www.peoplesguide.com ©1972-2001 by Carl Franz & Lorena Havens Copper Canyon Live & Retire Table of Contents Book Reviews Letters