About us

Property Management

Peace of mind knowing your property is in good hands. From daily maintenance to rental management to concierge services--we do it all

Capital Improvements

From minor repairs to full blown renovations let our 50 years of construction expertise handle your next property improvements

Real Estate Consulting

Exclusive buyer's agency and MLS listing services. We represent our clients with more than 40 years of award-winning Real Estate excellence

Project Marketing

Whether you've got a small boutique B&B in mind, or a $100M resort development, we'll guide you through the process and ensure your success

Construction Management

Chosen a local builder? Let us stay on top of your construction costs and timeframes for you, taking the worry and stress off the table

Referral Services

From Sale to Closing, our vetted professionals take the hassle out of buying in Costa Rica. Attorneys, accountants and tradespeople

The most Experienced Team in Costa Rica

With over 40 years in international real estate brokerage experience, we’ve partnered with local Tico Realtors, attorneys, accountants and architects to provide unparalleled service to our clients seeking to invest in, relocate to/from or develop properties in the northern Guanacaste area of Costa Rica. We designed CostaRicaNido.com to provide MLS listings in the area and help our clients market their properties. “Nido” means “Nest” and that is precisely what we help find for our clients.. their nest here in paradise. We work alongside licensed Realtors throughout Guanacaste and welcome cooperation between agents and brokerages.

How did we get here?

Originally from Canada, we’ve spent 17 years in International Real Estate with RE/MAX, with brokerages spanning 15 years on the Caribbean Island of Roatan, as well as developing both residential and commercial projects. Having earned almost every award RE/MAX offers, my almost 40 year career culminated in being recognized as the No.6 Top Producing Agent in the world for the RE/MAX brand. (out of 120,000 agents)

After semi-retiring and moving back to Canada for 10 years, it was time to move back to the tropics once again. Done with the ever tightening grip of the controlling governments and always longing for a simpler life filled with sunny, sandy beaches, we decided that the laid back Pura Vida lifestyle of Costa Rica was calling us to be our forever home.

While scouring the country bottom to top, visiting the beaches and the rugged mountains in the rainforest, we discovered the hidden gem of El Jobo, La Cruz. With more than a dozen beaches within a 4-5 minute drive of each other—all completely different and unspoiled—the lure of endless brilliant orange sunsets, fresh daily seafood, tranquil morning swims, and smiling, friendly locals was all we needed to decide to settle here permanently.

“With my extensive background in real estate and development in the Caribbean isle of Roatán, I see this area as ripe for investment and relocation. Having been one of the top 10 realtors in the world, it’s no wonder I have discovered the hidden gem of El Jobo as my next adventure.” -TJL

Real Estate Services

We use unique, custom-built Real Estate tools to give us the edge

Without a formal MLS Listing Service in Costa Rica, we developed our own, showcasing local listings from various agents and providing the best properties and information available so you can make a sound decision without the hassles of culture differences.

Real Estate Consulting

We provide a comprehensive range of services to assist clients in buying, selling, renting, or managing property. These services are designed to streamline the transaction process, leverage market expertise, and ensure legal and financial compliance. Key services include marketing properties through professional photography, virtual tours, and digital platforms to attract potential buyers, pricing properties competitively using comparative market analysis and local trend assessments , negotiating offers on behalf of clients to secure favourable terms, and coordinating inspections, legal checks, and settlement procedures.

We also offer guidance on financing, appraisals, and property management, and may provide access to exclusive or off-market listings only available through our local agents

Marketing and Advertising

Our partner agents create tailored marketing strategies, including high-quality photography, drone videography, detailed descriptions, and search-optimized listings on platforms like CostaRicaNida.com and Social Media platforms to maximize visibility and attract serious buyers. We also have extensive email campaigns available to potential buyers

Pricing and Valuation

Agents conduct in-depth market research, including Comparative Market Analysis (CMA), to set competitive prices that reflect current demand, inventory levels, and property value, aiming to maximize profit and minimize time on the market

Transaction Management

We manage the entire transaction process, from initial client consultation and property viewings to contract negotiation, coordination with inspectors and attorneys, and ensuring all legal and compliance requirements are met before settlement

Buyer and Seller Representation

We act as trusted intermediaries, representing clients’ interests throughout the process, providing market insights, scheduling viewings, and offering expert advice on buying or selling strategies.

After 40 years we are well-versed in the art of negotiation, as it can often make or break deals.

Negotiations aren’t simply about the price of a home—they’re about closing dates, costs, inspections, repairs, or even dealing with multiple offers!

Property Management

As property managers, we provide a comprehensive range of services to oversee the day-to-day operations of rental properties on behalf of owners. These services are designed to maximize property value, ensure tenant satisfaction, and generate consistent income while minimizing the owner’s involvement and stress.

Tenant Management: We handle all aspects of tenant interaction, including advertising vacancies, conducting tenant screenings (credit and criminal background checks), approving applicants, preparing and enforcing lease agreements, and managing move-ins and move-outs. We also serve as the primary point of contact for tenant inquiries, complaints, and maintenance requests, helping to maintain positive tenant relations and reduce turnover.
Financial Management: Our Managers are responsible for setting competitive rental rates based on market analysis, collecting rent through various payment methods, tracking income and expenses, and providing regular financial reports to owners. We can also handle the payment of property-related bills, including utilities, insurance, taxes, and maintenance costs.
Property Maintenance and Repairs: We coordinate routine and emergency maintenance and repairs, using our network of pre-vetted contractors to ensure timely and cost-effective service. This includes regular inspections, servicing utilities and air conditioning systems, and managing services like gutter cleaning, pest control, and landscaping.
Marketing and Leasing: Property managers create targeted advertising campaigns using professional photography, 4K Drone videography, and online listings to attract qualified tenants. We organize property showings and manage the entire leasing process from vacancy to occupancy.
Legal Compliance and Risk Management: We can also ensure your property adheres to all local, state, and federal regulations, including local municipal laws and safety standards. We handle eviction proceedings in accordance with legal requirements and manage documentation to mitigate legal risks.
Administrative Operations: This includes maintaining detailed records of leases, tenant files, financial transactions, and maintenance history, often using property management software for transparency and efficiency. We can also manage security, handle utility transfers, and file necessary municipal certifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most frequent questions and answers

how difficult is it to buy property in costa rica?

It is not necessary to be a resident to own property here in Costa Rica. The laws and constitution of Costa Rica, with the exception of property located in the Maritime Zone, affords foreign investors the same rights as nationals in property ownership; as long as the proper procedures are followed.

Your Realtor negotiates the deal with you and the Seller in an English contract, and once signed off by both parties, is handed over to the attorney to complete the Spanish paperwork and the transaction requirements.

Are Realtors required to by licensed?

Yes, there is licensing in Costa Rica for real estate agents; unfortunately, it is not a requirement by law, but we are working very hard to change that. The government of Costa Rica does not force real estate agents to be licensed, but they are very lax about most requirements in business.

Hair stylists don’t need a license and neither do massage therapists, personal trainers or most contractors. It is up to each industry to take control of their own destiny and change it, just like the USA did 50 or 60 years ago.

What are the Closing costs to Buy Property?

The fees for the property transfer, paid by the BUYER including everything, are as follows:

Transfer tax – 1.5% of the purchase price or the registered value at the Municipality, whichever is higher
Registration stamps – .84% of the purchase price or the registered value at the Municipality, whichever is higher
Legal fees – 1.25% of the purchase price
New Corporation $650ish
Escrow services $550ish
If you are getting a mortgage then the fee is 1.64% to register the mortgage on the property.
In addition, the registry requires a certified declaration from the municipality stating that the seller’s property taxes and assessments are current through to the date of closing. (Paid by the SELLER)

Buying a Home vS. Building one

If you can find an existing home that fits your needs and works with your budget than BUY IT! After all, the reason you are coming down to Costa Rica is to slide into the hassle-free lifestyle and enjoy your time in Pura Vida land.

That being said, there were very few built homes to choose from in the El Jobo area and single family lots are abundant so you would have to most likely purchase a lot and build your dream pad in paradise.

We can assist you through the entire process of purchasing a lot, finding the right architect, designing a house, interviewing builders, getting your building permit, controlling costs, shopping for materials and choosing finishes.

You must also be careful to buy a lot where the zoning allows you to build what and where you want. This is why it’s essential you find a qualified real estate agent to help you, so you can avoid hidden costs – but more on that later.

What are the Fees to Sell property?

The real estate commission in Costa Rica is very similar to North America. It is 6% to 10% and is split 50/50 between the Listing agent and the Buyer’s agent. Also, by law, there is a VAT sales tax of 13% on the whole commission. That brings the total cost of selling property in Costa Rica to 6.78% to 11.3%

As of July 1 2019, there is a capital gains tax in Costa Rica. If you purchased prior to July 1, then you have the option of paying EITHER 15% of the gain, OR 2.25% of the sale price, whichever is less. After July 1, 2019 you must pay 15% of the gain. If it is your personal home, and you can prove it, you are allowed to sell it with NO Capital Gains tax. You can do this once every year.

How is Land value and Listing prices calculated?

Just like back home, as Realtors assess properties value based on comparative recent sales, current market conditions, location and upside potential.

Often locals wish to sell their large farms and acreages and use a dollar amount per square meter. This can be anywhere from $4 to $100/meter. Although asking and getting are usually quite different, and our job is to ensure you get the best value possible and everyone wins.