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.