Costa Rica Real Estate

Coldwell Banker Costa Rica in National Participation Agreement with Costa Rica Realtors

2012-01-20T15:18:00.000-08:00

Precedent-Setting Accord Between Coldwell Banker CostaRica and Costa Rica Global Association of REALTORS® Unites Both Organizationsfor Professionalism and Global Marketing

January 10, 2012 - Playas del Coco, Costa Rica: Anagreement between the Coldwell Banker Costa Rica Master Franchisor (CBCR),Coldwell Banker Costa Rica Master Franchise, and the Costa Rica GlobalAssociation of REALTORS® (CRGAR) will offer all Coldwell Banker professionalsand offices in Costa Rica special incentives for participation as CRGAR membersand Costa Rica MLS (CRMLS) users. In addition, all Costa Rica

listings from theCBCR property listing database will soon be syndicated to the Costa Rica MLS.Currently, there are dozens of professionals working in the CBCR network of 10offices across Costa Rica. This far-reaching agreement was the result of theefforts of Linda Gray, CBCR Master Franchise President, Jose DanielRodriguez, CBCR Manager, Alberto Triquell,

CRGAR Vice-President, and Allen Lungo, CRGAR President.

Linda Gray, CBCR Master Franchisor and Playas del CocoColdwell Banker Broker, commented, “we are pleased to align our network’sbusiness goals with those of CRGAR. Both organizations are emphasizingprofessionalism in the practice of real estate in Costa Rica, and globalnetworking to offer Costa Rica’s properties to investors around the world.”CRGAR members automatically get membership in the National Association of Realtors(NAR) in the United States, and a user account on the Costa Rica MLS.

“Our agreement includes the automatic syndication of CBCRlistings to the Costa Rica MLS”, added Jose Daniel Rodriguez, CBCR Manager,“which will connect CBCR listings and professionals to the CRMLS network ofover 400,000 worldwide realtors and websites such as World Properties”.

Linda Gray, Jose DanielRodriguez

and Allen Lungo (R-L)

The dream of Costa Rica property ownership is shared around the world

The Costa Rica MLS is built on the Proxio GlobalPlatform. Janet Case, Proxio CEO, offered, “We are pleased to see the continuedevolution of the Costa Rica MLS into the most professional national system inthe country. Partnerships, like this one with Coldwell Banker Costa Rica, areexactly what our platform is designed to support with ease and convenience.”

Costa Rica’s real estate professionals and franchisenetworks, interested in CRGAR’s programs and incentive plans, can get moreinformation by contacting info@crgar.com.

About CBCR

Coldwell Banker Costa Rica has 10 offices covering CostaRica from the beautiful north Pacific beaches of Guanacaste, through the NicoyaPeninsula, the Central Pacific Coast, San Jose, and down to the intriguing OsaPeninsula.

For a detailed online look at the CBCXR network:

• Coldwell Banker Costa Rica -www.coldwellbankercostarica.com

• Coldwell Banker Coast To Coast Properties, Playas delCoco - www.coldwellbankercr.com

• Coldwell Banker Beach Properties, Brasilito -www.coldwellbankerbeachproperties.com

• Coldwell Banker Tamarindo Realty -www.coldwellbankertamarindo.com

• Coldwell Banker Del Mar Realty, Nosara -www.coldwellbankernosara.com

• Coldwell Banker Samara Dreamland Properties -www.coldwellbankersamara.com

• Coldwell Banker Vesta Group Manuel Antonio (Quepos)& Coldwell Banker Vesta Group Manuel Antonio (Manuel Antonio) -www.cb-manuelantonio.com

• Coldwell Banker Vesta Group Dominical -www.dominicalrealty.com

• Coldwell Banker Curridabat Realty -www.curridabatrealty.com

• Coldwell Banker Occidental -www.coldwellbankeroccidental.com

About CRGAR

The Costa Rica Global Association of REALTORS® (CRGAR),is affiliated with the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) in the UnitedStates, and is the only such association in Central America to require itsmembers to become individual members of NAR, as well. CRGAR offers REALTOR®training classes, ethical enforcement, peer-licensing, internationalaffiliations, special events, and access to the Costa Rica MLS.

Costa Rica CIPS Institute Continues with Studies, Sunsets, Beach Club

2012-01-12T12:07:00.000-08:00

Intense training with excursions and guest speakers....

January 12, 2012, Tamarindo, Costa Rica - Days 2 and 3 of the 5-day training program leading to the NAR designation of "Certified International Property Specialist" continued in Costa Rica, highlighted by an oceanfront sunset reception and dinner at an exclusive beach club.

Attendee, Nancy from Arcadia, California, enthusiastically commented, "I am so glad this CIPS Institute is being offered here, and at this time. The content exceeds my expectations, the instructor (David Wyant) is terrific, and a January break in Costa Rica......is beautiful!"

Enjoy the photo gallery...

Full moon setting over the ocean each morning...

Class presentations are part of the courses.....

Sunset reception at Tamarindo Preserve Model Home

Dinner at Tamarindo Preserve Langosta Beach Club

The daily exam........

See you here next year?

2012 Costa Rica CIPS Institute "Designation Vacation" Kicks Off Today!

2012-01-09T13:22:00.000-08:00

Attendees Gather from Canada, the USA, and Costa Rica to Earn Prestigious NAR Designation...

January 9, 2012, Tamarindo, Costa Rica: The first CIPS Institute to be held on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica kicked off today at the Diria Hotel Conference Center in Tamarindo. This beach community is a global vacation destination which has emerged over the last 15 years around its world-class surfing beach.

Over 20 total participants are gathering in Costa Rica this week with instructor, David Wyant, to complete the class requirements to earn the NAR Designation, "Certified international Property Specialist" (CIPS).

The courses are being sponsored by the Costa Rica Global Association of REALTORS® (CRGAR), Costa Rica's only real estate association in which every member is a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in the United States. CRGAR also offers the Costa Rica MLS, Costa Rica's only property database built on the Proxio Global platform, offering the widest global syndication available to its local realtors.

CIPS attendees enjoyed lunch on the banyon-shaded terrace of the restaurant in the Diria Hotel.

The restaurant terrace faces the Main Surfing Beach in Tamarindo with ocean breezes adding to the dining experience

The luncheon guest and speaker was Donovan Garcia, a representative of CATURGUA - the tourism bureau of the Guancaste Province.

A Moment of Peace from Costa Rica to Start 2012!

2011-12-31T14:52:00.000-08:00

Dear Blog Followers:

We don't need many words when the world is as beautiful and peaceful as this. It was 7:00 AM this morning, on the north Pacific coast of Costa Rica, the Guanacaste province. I will be glad to help you explore it for yourself, whenever you are ready.

Best Wishes in 2012!

Costa Rica Global Association of REALTORS® Supports Guanacaste Tourism Board, CATURGUA

2011-12-17T17:26:00.000-08:00

Recognition of Importance of Visitors and Investors toCosta Rica’s Growth

Guanacaste, Costa Rica, November 4, 2011 –The Costa Rica Global Association of REALTORS® (CRGAR) has decided tosupport CATURGUA, Cámara de Turismo Guanacasteca, and its effortsto attract international visitors and investors to Costa Rica, particularly theGuanacaste Province. Both organizations understand the importance of tourismand real estate investment to Costa Rica’s economic success.

The first evidence of CRGAR’s support is theplacement of a full page advertisement by CRGAR in the latestedition of “Guanacaste – The Sunny Side of Costa Rica”, the free, seasonalCATURGUA magazine directed at visitors arriving during 2012. “CRGARmembers have a solid base of professional ethics, training, credentials, andthe Costa Rica MLS, to offer clients considering investments in Costa Rica”,shared Priscilla Solano, Board Fiscal of CRGAR. “We also recognize thatevery international investor was a visitor first, and we are proud to work withCATURGUA’s media resources to get our professional message to as many of themas possible, as they arrive.”

Tourism levels in Costa Rica have set successive yearlyrecords, since a decline in 2009 at the depths of the global financial crisis,and advance bookings for 2012 suggest the trend of new records willcontinue. “CATURGUA has focused on the needs of both visitors to CostaRica and its domestic travel industry, while seeking support from otherbusiness groups that share its interests”, according to Nadene Tipper, CRGARBoard Secretary. “CRGAR is proud to help CATURGUA with its important mission.”

Two new and important projects, both opening soon withsignificant implications for visitors and investors, will also receive theattention of CRGAR:

1) The new, state-of-the-art terminal at LiberiaInternational Airport (LIR) will soon receive its first passengers –along with new airlines, like JetBlue, already arriving in Costa Rica. This facility represents the biggest investment, by far, in the airport’sability to handle surging passenger volumes since it opened to scheduledinternational service in December, 2002.

2) In January, a satellite hospital of the private CIMAMedical Center in San Jose will open its doors near the Liberia Airport,giving Guanacaste its very first 21st century inpatient and outpatientfacility.

CRGAR will continue to support public understanding ofthese and other new projects in Guanacaste, as well as the work of CATURGUA.

About CRGAR:

The Costa Rica Global Association of REALTORS®(CRGAR) is the only professional real estate organization in Costa Ricathat requires its members to become individual members of the NationalAssociation of Realtors (NAR) in the United States and ofthe International Consortium of Real Estate Associations(ICREA), and offers The Costa Rica MLS – the only property databasein Central America built on the global Proxio platform. Forcontact:info@crgar.com.

Costa Rica Realtors Will Syndicate Listings from the Costa Rica MLS to New REALTOR.com/International

2011-11-22T15:07:00.001-08:00

CRGAR’s Participation Means Costa Rica Will Be One of theFirst Central American Markets to Be Featured!

NAR Convention, Anaheim, California – November 12, 2011 –The Costa Rica Global Association of REALTORS® (CRGAR) has signed an agreementwith Realtor.com to provide International property listings from Costa Rica.Listings from users of the Costa Rica MLS are planned to begin to appear on theRealtor.com International website by early next year. Realtor.com is oneof the world’s most recognized consumer property websites with over 17,000,000unique visitors each month.

“Realtor.com is happy to welcome CRGAR’s REALTORS® andtheir listings from the Costa Rica MLS. Adding the global dimension toRealtor.com has been under preparation for the past year, and we are proud tobe associated with CRGAR’s, NAR-Member REALTORS®”, stated Bob Greenspan,Realtor.com Vice President for Industry Relations.

Anaheim ConventionCenter

Signing Agreement - L-R – Standing: Jeff Hornberger andCarlos Fuentes (NAR),
Bob Greenspan (Realtor.com), Alberto Triquell (CRGAR),

Seated: Jennifer Wiziarde (NAR), Allen Lungo and LauraMurray (CRGAR)

“CRGAR has worked hard to implement the Costa Rica MLS,and to assure users that the data for each listing is accurate, timely, andreliable”, added Alberto Triquell, CRGAR Vice President and Costa Rica MLSinstructor. “We are pleased that Realtor.com will help offer our listings toglobal investors and real estate professionals.”

CRGAR received recognition for its participation from NARand Realtor.com during the opening sessions of the Global Alliance at the NARAnnual Convention in Anaheim, California, concluding Monday, November 14, 2011.

International Expo –Central AmericaSession L-R Alberto Triquell and Laura Murray(CRGAR)

Award Ceremony for Realtor.com Partners L-R Allen Lungo (CRGAR),

Janet Branton (NAR Senior VP), Errol Samuelson (Realtor.com)

CRGAR has maintained a bi-lateral agreement with theNational Association of Realtor (NAR) in the United States, and requires all ofits REALTOR® members to become individual members of NAR, as well. By doing so,all CRGAR REALTORS® are subject to NAR’s Code of Ethics and Standards ofProfessional Practice.

For more information, info@crgar.com

About CRGAR

The Costa Rica Global Association of REALTORS® (CRGAR),is affiliated with the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) in the UnitedStates, and is the only such association in Central America to require itsmembers to become individual members of NAR, as well. CRGAR offers REALTOR®training classes, ethical enforcement, peer-licensing, internationalaffiliations, special events, and access to the Costa Rica MLS. CRGAR willoffer a full CIPS Institute in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, January 9-14, 2011. Forinformation, email to info@crgar.com.

Diana Ross Concert Closes Realtor Convention

2011-11-15T22:54:00.001-08:00

Anaheim Convention Center, Sunday Night, November 13, 2011 - Diana Ross brought down the curtain on the 2011 Convention of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), attended by 20,000 global real estate professionals. She performed for almost 1.5 hours without a break, and completed 6 wardrobe changes. She apparently did not plan an encore, but the audience cheered her back out for more of her last song, "I Will Survive". She wowed everyone with a voice that sounded just like the Diana we have always known. Her music set included every decade of her long career starting with Motown. Enjoy the pics and remember the sound......

2011-11-01T20:23:00.000-07:00

Costa Rica REALTORS® Announce 2012 Golf Tournament andFundraising Weekend Events in Guanacaste

Expectations for Early Sellout of Teams at theTournament, Record Fundraising Results

Guanacaste, Costa Rica – October 20, 2011 – The CostaRica Global Association of REALTORS® (CRGAR) has announced that its next GolfTournament and Fundraising Weekend will be held April 6-7, 2012. The golftournament and awards luncheon will return to Reserva Conchal’s Golf Club, andBeach Club, respectively, on Saturday the 7th. The tournament will be precededby the Welcome Party on the night before at a location to be announced. Aportion of the funds raised will be contributed to local education programs.

“The recent CRGAR Golf Tournament and Awards Luncheon(June, 2011) was the most successful and well-attended in Reserva Conchalhistory. We look forward to 2012 and a full-capacity field of 104 golfers,”offered Reserva Conchal Golf Director, Carlos Rojas Soto.

CRGAR Board Member and Weekend Co-Chair, Lindsey Cantilloadded, “The Tournament and Welcome Party are also great opportunities for oursupporters to gain recognition by sponsoring holes, tees, golf achievement, theevents themselves, or by becoming the Named Sponsor for the entire weekend.”The sponsor program and support levels will be available at the beginning ofDecember.

“Because Reserva Conchal Golf Club is private, the CRGARGolf Tournament is one of the few times each year that non-member golfers getto enjoy its challenges and beauty”, remarked CRGAR Board Member and WeekendCo-Chair, Terry Wright. “The tournament has been purposely scheduled during theSemana Santa holiday period to attract golfers from all over Costa Rica, who traditionallycome to the beach during this time.”

The available tournament details include:

Course: Reserva Conchal Golf Club

Date: Saturday, April 7, 2012

Check In: Pro Shop

Tee Off: 7:30AM, Scramble Start

Format: 3-Person Teams (with 2 teams teeing off togetheron each hole)

Handicap: Must be registered in advance

Included: Continental Breakfast, Golf Cart,Ice/Beverages/Snacks (on the course), Free Mojitos (after), Awards Luncheon,Trophies

Golf Fee (including above): To be announced/incentivesfor early reservation

Luncheon Tickets: Non-golfers may purchaseseparately/price to be announced

To be sure to receive further details on the 2012 CRGARGolf Tournament and Fundraising Weekend, or to offer your support as a sponsoror volunteer, send an email to CRGARGOLF@gmail.com.

About CRGAR

The Costa Rica Global Association of REALTORS® (CRGAR),is affiliated with the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) in the UnitedStates, and is the only such association in Central America to require itsmembers to become individual members of NAR, as well. CRGAR offers REALTOR®training classes, ethical enforcement, peer-licensing, internationalaffiliations, special events, and access to the Costa Rica MLS. Forinformation, email to info@crgar.com.

Costa Rica Realtors Offer “CIPS Designation Vacation” in Tamarindo, January 9-14, 2012

2011-10-07T11:04:00.000-07:00

6 Course Schedule Offers Designation Training to AllGlobal Realtors Interested in a Costa Rica Visit, Too!

Guanacaste Gold Coast, October 6, 2012 –The Costa Rica Global Association of REALTORS® (CRGAR) haslicensed the authority to offer a Certified International Property Specialist(CIPS) Institute from the National Associationof REALTORS® (NAR). (The CIPS Program and Designation was developed andis supervised directly by NAR). The CIPS Designation has become oneof the most desirable of all NAR credentials in today’s challenging economicenvironment, in the context of simultaneous globalization. NAR’s studies haveshown that active CIPS designees increase client volume by an average of 20%after completing the credential.

Get your free copy of the Costa Rica 2012 CIPS Intitute Brochure by emailing cipscostarica2012@crgar.com.
(Sample images included here)

CRGAR has designed the CIPS Institute in Tamarindo as a6-day schedule to appeal to international REALTORS® from all corners ofthe world, as well as Costa Rica and Central America. The CIPS courses inTamarindo will include 1 mandatory prerequisite course, a choice of2 “core” training days covering international or US markets, and 3elective days focusing separately on business in the Americas, Europe, andAsia. Completing a total of 5 courses is required as anelement of receiving the CIPS Designation. The CIPS Institute in CostaRica is structured to enable REALTORS® from any corner ofthe globe to select a personal pattern of courses to learn aboutother, unfamiliar global markets and complete the full CIPS class instruction requirementsin a single week in Tamarindo.

“CRGAR has recognized the tremendous synergies between 1)Costa Rica’s proven appeal to visitors, 2) the country’s emerging1st world status in the international economy, and 3) NAR-sanctioned internationalmarket training for REALTORS®”, noted CRGAR President, Allen Lungo. “We greatlyappreciate NAR’s support in this venture, and look forward to futureCRGAR/NAR REALTOR® Institutes in Costa Rica.”

The instructor for CRGAR’s Tamarindo CIPS Institute isDavid Wyant (CIPS, ABR, AHWD, ePRO, GRI, TRC, SFR, RSPS, GREEN, CDEI) whois a past winner of NAR’s “Instructor of the Year Award”, a FloridaBroker/REALTOR®, and leads the Across Borders School for the real estateprofession. He added, “International credentials are among the mostimportant for any REALTOR®, anywhere, to earn in today’s world”, and “CRGAR’sapproach in attracting global REALTORS® to beautiful Costa Rica willcertainly enhance the class experience for all.”

CRGAR has also assembled a team to support attendees andtheir families in making travel arrangements. Travel advice, bookingaccommodations, pre- or post-Institute vacation days, and all other visitorsupport will be coordinated by the Tamarindo office of Costa Rica WelcomeCenters (CRWC). Preferred rates in rental condos and hotel rooms may onlybe reserved through CRWC.

A detailed brochure and travel assistancestaff are available for you at cipscostarica2012@crgar.com.

About CRGAR

The Costa Rica Global Association of REALTORS® is aNAR-cooperating association in Costa Rica, and the only professionalgroup in the country which requires all of its REALTOR® members tobelong to NAR on an individual basis, as well. CRGAR offers REALTOR® training,peer-licensing, ethical enforcement, NAR membership with accessto www.realtor.org, ICREA membership with access towww.worldproperties.com, and the new, national Costa Rica MLS basedon the Proxio global-standard database platform.

Costa Rica and Miami Realtors Agree to Marketing Alliance

2011-09-24T11:31:00.000-07:00

Miami Association of Realtors Signs Reciprocal Agreement with Costa Rica Global Association of Realtors
Associations Agree to Share Property Listings

Miami, Florida, and Tamarindo, Costa Rica – September 19, 2011 - The Miami Association of Realtors (MIAMI) has signed a reciprocal agreement with the Costa Rica Global Association of Realtors (CRGAR) that will generate business opportunities for members of both associations. Specifically, MIAMI and CRGAR will share property listings via Proxio’s internet data exchange platform and connect professionals through Proxio Pro’s professional network. The reciprocal agreement was signed at the Florida Realtors Convention in Orlando, Florida.

Miami, Florida Tamarindo, Costa Rica　　　　　

　
"We are proud to join hands with the MIAMI Association of Realtors, America’s largest local Realtor association, to attract international investors to our region and promote the growth of Proxio’s industry-leading real estate database," said CRGAR President Allen Lungo. This collaboration will strengthen international exposure for the Costa Rican and Miami real estate markets and enhance referral business for members of both associations.　

"MIAMI is pleased to partner with CRGAR, an organization committed to serving its members and Costa Rica, and to expanding global opportunities," said Teresa King Kinney, MIAMI Chief Operating Officer. "Costa Rica is a strong market for Miami and South Florida, and we look forward to a very successful relationship with CRGAR that will greatly benefit our respective members and regional real estate activities.

　
According to the 2011 Profile of International Home Buyers in Florida, 53 percent of international buyers in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Miami Beach are from Latin America. Florida is by far the #1 investment destination in the United States for foreign buyers, accounting for 30 percent, a nine percent increase compared to 2010, of all international sales in the country. In Florida, South Florida is the top destination for international buyers, accounting for 31 percent of international sales in the state.

　
MIAMI’s International Council has signed agreements with more than 65 foreign real estate organizations around the world - including the Russian Guild of Realtors in Moscow, Russia; Secovi-SP in Sao Paulo, Brazil; and FNAIM Paris – Ile de France in Paris, France. These agreements link MIAMI members to those of our worldwide partners and globalize the local real estate market.　　　

　
About the MIAMI Association of REALTORSThe MIAMI Association of REALTORS was chartered by the National Association of Realtors in 1920 and is celebrating more than 90 years of service to Realtors, the buying and selling public, and the communities in South Florida.　 Comprised of four organizations, the Residential Association, the Realtors Commercial Alliance, the Broward County Board of Governors, and the International Council, it represents more than 24,000 real estate professionals in all aspects of real estate sales, marketing, and brokerage.　 It is the largest local association in the National Association of Realtors, and has partnerships with more than 60 international organizations worldwide. MIAMI’s official website iswww.miamire.com.

About the Costa Rica Global Association of RealtorsThe Costa Rica Global Association of Realtors (CRGAR) has supported Realtor professionalism and the growth of Costa Rica as an international real estate investment destination for over 10 years. As the the only association in Costa Rica that requires its members to also belong to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in the United States, CRGAR is the most professional platform for realtors in the country. CRGAR’s growing national base of members and series of international partnerships led to the creation of the Costa Rica MLS (CRMLS). CRMLS is the only national property database with listings that are all legally-registered, entered by a NAR member, and have the association’s backing of referral relationships.

Costa Rica Realtor Association Offers New Real Estate MLS

2011-09-12T11:43:00.000-07:00

Costa Rica MLS Launches on Proxio’s Global Real Estate Networking Platform

Provides the Most Reliable Source of Property Listings in Costa Rica

CUPERTINO, Calif. – September 12, 2011 – Proxio, Inc., creator of ProxioPro, the Global Network for Real Estate, and the Costa Rica Global Association of Realtors (CRGAR) announced today that The Costa Rica MLS (CRMLS) has been launched as the first professional multiple listing service (MLS) in Latin America. The Costa Rica MLS operates in multiple languages and currencies, to serve Costa Rica’s diverse agents and their clients.

Costa Rica - Guanacaste Gold Coast View from Pacific Heights to Potrero, Flamingo and Playa Conchal

The Costa Rica MLS was initiated by CRGAR, one of Costa Rica’s leading professional realtor associations, to provide a single, reliable information source for properties in Costa Rica, with every property entered by a real estate professional. Utilizing Proxio’s technology platform, listings of all types are translated and promoted worldwide through Proxio’s global network of over 400,000 real estate professionals from more than 120 countries, and via syndication to partner websites, where listings are searchable by consumers in 19 languages.

“The Costa Rica MLS is the result of historic cooperation between the most professional realtors in Costa Rica, resulting in a stronger industry here,” said Allen Lungo, CRGAR Board President. “Proxio’s unique, multilingual platform makes it possible for us to bridge languages and create a single, trusted source of listings for the country, benefiting both agents and buyers.”

The Costa Rica MLS is the only online source of the country’s available properties where every listing in the system is globally marketed via the Proxio Network, and where all agents are members of a professional association and adhere to a code of ethics. CRMLS is managed by CRGAR, the only non-profit association of Costa Rica realtors requiring membership in the National Association of Realtors (NAR), with responsibility for training, supervision, and ethical enforcement.

“Working with forward-thinking real estate associations like CRGAR, to create a truly professional MLS is very satisfying for us,” said Janet Case, CEO and co-founder of Proxio. “We designed our innovative technology to help associations organize their real estate markets, increase the professionalism of their agents, and extend their reach globally—and Costa Rica is doing exactly that.”

In addition to participating in the Costa Rica MLS for property sharing, and the ProxioPro network for professional networking, CRMLS agents can further promote Costa Rica properties by utilizing a Proxio-powered widget on their own websites, so potential buyers can see all CRMLS listings in 19 languages, and all leads can be directed to the agent.

Real estate professionals interested in joining CRMLS can obtain information by contacting info@crgar.com

About Proxio
Proxio’s real estate marketing and networking platform delivers a quick and easy way for brokerages, agents, MLSs, and associations on any continent to extend their reach globally. Proxio’s proprietary technology and services operate in 19 languages, and enable professionals to better serve diverse clients, promote listings globally, increase sales through agent-to-agent networking, and instantly translate listings. The ProxioPro Global Real Estate Network currently hosts over 400,000 agents and 2.8 million listings from over 120 countries. Proxio is privately funded and based in Cupertino, California. For more information, visit Proxio.

About CRMLS
The Costa Rica MLS (CRMLS) is a service offered by the Costa Rica Global Association of Realtors (CRGAR). CRMLS was created for and by the most professionally qualified realtors in Costa Rica, and it freely offers access to all Costa Rica listings to global realtors, investors, and the general public. For more information, visit The Costa Rica MLS.

Contact:                                                               Contact:
Allen Lungo                                                           Kate Gerwe
CRGAR Board President                                      Chief Marketing Officer
CRMLS Chairman                                                 Proxio, Inc.
011-506-870-GO-MLS (8708-6657)                      001-408-806-9201
alungo@racsa.co.cr                                              k.gerwe@proxio.com

Costa Rica and Your 2011 Plans for Vacation, Investment, and Retirement

2011-06-06T09:55:00.000-07:00

Costa Rica is rebounding in 2011, ahead of the global curve, due to its unique global appeal to visitors, investors, and retirees. This year seems to be the right time to visit and explore your options, if Costa Rica has ever been on your mind for vacation, real estate investment, and individual retirement. Costa Rica has a rare combination of 1) natural beauty and temperate tropical weather, 2) a growing, diversified, and globalized economy, 3) status as one of the world’s top real estate investment destinations for high net worth individuals, and 4) an overall welcoming attitude to foreigners and government policies designed to attract retirees. The focus of activity and interest has been the on the country’s North Pacific coast with emerging coastal centers like Tamarindo and Flamingo, in the Guanacaste Province - Costa Rica's newest frontier for tourism and development.

Traditionally, the "high season" for travelers to Guanacaste and its dry, warm weather has coincided with winter in North America and Europe. Now, tourists, investors, and retirees have learned that the “Green Season” from the end of May to September offers equally pleasant weather, showers that are no more frequent than in the Midwest of the US in summer and turn the country into a lush paradise, and reduced rates for accommodations, tours, rental cars, etc. The Green Season has been a “best kept secret” that is leaking out as travelers discover it as a new summer vacation alternative.

Costa Rica has been on the minds of traveler’s for the last decade and it is rare to find someone who has not visited, not known someone who has, or is not dreaming to be able to go soon. Costa Rica regularly shares first place with Hawaii in global tourism surveys concerning the world’s most desirable vacation destinations. Both offer equivalent natural beauty, features like volcanoes, ocean sports headlined by surfing, and a climate that is very appealing for most months of the year. However, Costa Rica has a unique advantage in its closer proximity to North America and Europe, which in many cases saves several hours of travel time. Further, after arrival at its new international airport at Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR), its most popular tourist destinations (Arenal Volcano, Tamarindo beaches and surfing, and Ecotours) are within 1-3 hours by car.

The economy of the country has been increasingly diversified by the government’s encouragement of the relocation of high-tech industries, medical equipment producers, software companies, and distribution and call center services, among others. The number one export from Costa Rica is now Intel microchips, instead of a single agricultural product. Tourism is also back to setting new annual records for visitor volume, partially based on new interest in medical vacations and ecotourism.

Investors continue to favor Costa Rica real estate for all the above travel reasons, and the competitive aspects of low property tax rates (1/2 of 1% of value, per year) and the ability of foreigners to legally own 100% of properties, corporations, and other assets. The value of Costa Rica real estate has tracked with the rest of the world over the last 3-4 years, but it did not fall as far, and is already rebounding. Real estate prices in 2011 have actually started to trend upward in certain instances, and sellers who are enjoying higher rental incomes from higher visitor traffic, are starting to resist low offers. Investors, who may be holding back for “the moment” to return to the Costa Rica market, should consider visiting in the next few months before the prospects for a successful 2012 high season emboldens sellers any further.

Costa Rica is also in the process of introducing The Costa Rica MLS – the first truly national MLS system, which is being managed by the Costa Rica Global Association of Realtors (CRGAR). All CRGAR members are also members of NAR in the United States and ascribe to its Code of Ethics and Professional Practice. The real estate market is diversified and sophisticated with many options in homes, condos, view lots, development land, resorts, ranches, and even fractional ownership.

Retirees are being welcomed with increasingly open arms, as a recent national policy directive to encourage their relocation to Costa Rica, evolves into actual practice. Costa Rica estimates that each new foreign retiree generates 4 new permanent jobs in the national economy, which is a strong incentive to fashion policies to be more competitive with Florida, Mexico, Texas, and Arizona. Immigration and residency rules, in particular, favor any foreigner who may come to Costa Rica while receiving a pension from outside the country. Further, anyone investing at least $200,000 in Costa Rica real estate (retirement home?), can now use that investment as their application basis for permanent residency.

So, if you are a global vacationer, investor, and/or retiree, then you should strongly consider looking at Costa Rica in 2011. It is the moment to get involved, particularly if your interest may involve adding Costa Rica to your life for investment or retirement.

Send your questions…..

Allen Lungo

Mother's Day Moments from Costa Rica

2011-05-07T09:08:00.000-07:00

Many countries of the world are celebrating Mother's Day this weekend, and even though Costa Rica does not until August, we are offering these pictures of Central America's serenity to share with yours. From our blessed land of beauty and peace, we honor mothers close to you.

Bring her to see us. Experience this firsthand....

The sunset was yesterday (Fri) and the morning scene below was earlier today (Sat).

2011-04-13T22:30:00.000-07:00

Costa Rica Realtor Association Sets Professional Priorities for 2011-2012 The Costa Rica Global Association of Realtors (CRGAR) has reaffirmed its longstanding goal to become the most sophisticated professional platform available to Costa Rica’s realtors, and to support the government’s efforts to pass legal licensing legislation. Costa Rica’s real estate market is returning to life after the global financial meltdown, and CRGAR continues to shape the professional environment for the benefit of investors, developers, and realtors.

At its most recent Annual General Assembly, newly-elected 2011 CRGAR President, Allen Lungo, remarked that “an exciting professional future lies ahead for the evolution of Costa Rica’s real estate industry”, as the Board led members through the discussion and adoption of the following initiatives:

1) CRGAR will continue to implement the new national multiple (property) listing system (MLS), known as The Costa Rica MLS. The new MLS, based on the Proxio global platform, has its worldwide introduction slated for early May, 2011, and is targeting an audience of 3 million realtors.

2) CRGAR will continue to work with allied associations in a variety of projects designed to a) promote Costa Rica’s real estate to global investors, b) improve the educational standards for professional training, c) encourage ethical conduct among professionals, and d) pressure the government to maintain its momentum toward legal licensing.

3) CRGAR will initiate the first-ever national research into brand compliance among all professionals offering real estate services in Costa Rica - to confirm the accuracy of credentials and affiliations displayed in the market. This effort has the full support of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in the United States, and the International Consortium of Real Estate Associations (ICREA) worldwide.

4) CRGAR will work to maintain its leadership role as the only realtor association in Costa Rica offering professional and affiliate membership, peer-licensing, education, NAR membership, ICREA membership, access to The Costa Rica MLS, ethical enforcement, global marketing, governmental liaison, and a commitment to the growth of the country - all within one volunteer organization.

Investors and professionals interested in the Costa Rica real estate market and CRGAR’s professional program, including the upcoming introduction of The Costa Rica MLS, should send their questions and desire for future updates to info@crgar.com.

Global MLS Platform Comes to Costa Rica

2011-01-30T13:11:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, February 1, 2011, The Costa Rica MLS, will begin serving Costa Rica's realtors and connecting them to over 1.3 million real estate professionals who are part of the Proxio system worldwide. The Proxio MLS platform is quickly becoming the global standard for national, state, and regional real estate database systems. Globalization of the real estate business is well underway, and connecting worldwide realtors to Costa Rica's very desirable properties is a major goal of The Costa Rica MLS.

The impetus for selecting Proxio came from CRGAR, The Costa Rica Global Association of Realtors. CRGAR then invited its sister organization, CCCBR, Camara Costarricense de Corredores Bienes Raices to join in offering the Costa Rica MLS as the one true Multiple Listing Service for the country. Members of both organizations comprise the most well-trained, and ethically bound real estate professionals in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is again showing its leadership in the region by being the first Central or Latin American country to adopt a global MLS platform for its real estate profession. Most recently, the decision to select Proxio was also made by the realtor association representing 90% of the realtors in France.

Allen Lungo, CRGAR Board Member, Coordinator of its MLS software selection process, and Broker/Owner of Costa Rica Real Estate Store, said "Using the global platform metaphor, we see ourselves as building a 21st Century professional platform for Costa Rica's realtors, and adding the Proxio-based MLS is an important step. We are proud to do our part to assert that Costa Rica has truly become a "first world" nation - ready for global business."

The Costa Rica MLS will be available to the entire internet-connected population of the world on March 1, 2011, through its primary public portal, The Costa Rica MLS. Participating realtors may also offer access to the entire Costa Rica MLS from their individual websites. Look for the link on their own website homepages or in the directory of The Costa Rica MLS starting in March.

Costa Rica Sets “National Priority” to Attract Baby Boomers

2010-08-11T20:34:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year, the national government of Costa Rica declared it had a “national priority” to attract Baby Boomers to retire in the country. The order was signed by former President Arias, and it directs certain ministries to take action to implement this priority. The government understands that each new retiree brings an income stream and activity to Costa Rica, and is responsible for the creation of 4 new jobs. The first policy changes will help make it easier to relocate to Costa Rica.

Already, Immigration processing is being streamlined. If a foreign retiree can prove that they will have at least $1000.00 (USD) coming into Costa Rica each month and can pass other immigration screenings (mostly centered on past police records in their home country), then they can receive their approved “Pensionada/Pensionado” residency status within 6 months of application. Such status allows a retiree to stay within Costa Rica for an unlimited period of time, and possibly work under certain circumstances. The latter aspect will be clarified when the rules and regulations related to the new Immigration Law are published and implemented.

Costa Rica is already attractive to foreign investors and one of the principal reasons is that it allows them to take 100% control of real estate and business investments. (http://tinyurl.com/2ahgd4s) There is no requirement for local participation in asset ownership, with the exception of certain property zones in coastal areas. It also is a low tax environment, as the average property tax rate is ½ of 1% of recorded value, per year. Foreign retirees can add these investment advantages to easing immigration rules, as they consider Costa Rica.

The government estimates that 10,000 foreign retirees will make Costa Rica their home in 2010 and will increase national income by over $300 million (USD). This economic activity will come in many forms including house payments, food, medicine and recreation, and also from the wages of the new jobs that will be created. The capacity of the country to accept these new retirees each year is also the focus of the new national priority.
Future installments will address more dimensions of Costa Rica’s new national priority to attract Baby Boomers to make the country their new home. For perpsectives on adding Costa Rica to your life: http://www.yoursummerlandhome.com.

Costa Rica - 5 Star Fractional Value for $149,000

2010-08-07T15:55:00.000-07:00

Add Costa Rica To Your Life!

2010-07-26T14:09:00.000-07:00

Dear Costa Rica Real Estate bloggers, and those of you considering adding a foreign country to your life,

I am pleased to be a new source of experience and information about Costa Rica Real Estate Investment, especially for its newest zone of interest - The North Pacific Gold Coast of the Guanacaste Province. This entire region is accessible within one hour of landing on your international flight at Liberia, Costa Rica - the newest international airport in Central America.

I decided to move here 7 years ago and actually did it 6 years ago. I moved for a long-term life change that could include retirement someday. Costa Rica welcomed me with open arms and great karma. I have established a full life here, including real estate and business investments, and have a personal commitment to pass the good karma along to those that follow. Perhaps you?

In addition to all the good investment reasons to consider it, the weather, the beaches, the sunsets, and the casual lifestyle are exactly what I was looking for in my new life. When I used to live in Chicago, I dismissed people from tropical zones who were cold at 70 degrees. Now, I have become one!...and very glad for it.

I promise to add regular features about real estate investment and life in Costa rica - and lots of pictures. I am uploading a video next with all the first reasons you can come to Costa Rica - usually for a vacation. It doesn't take long after arrival to feel the spiritual connection, if you ever will, and then you will ask yourself if Costa Rica could be right for you.

And, if you already have made up your mind, post your questions, and check opportunities at http://www.costaricarealestatestore.com.

Allen