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

Recognition of Importance of Visitors and Investors to Costa Rica’s Growth

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

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



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

Two new and important projects, both opening soon with significant implications for visitors and investors, will also receive the attention of CRGAR:

1)  The new, state-of-the-art terminal at Liberia International 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’s ability to handle surging passenger volumes since it opened to scheduled international service in December, 2002.

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

CRGAR will continue to support public understanding of these 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 Rica that requires its members to become individual members of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in the United States and of the International Consortium of Real Estate Associations (ICREA), and offers The Costa Rica MLS – the only property database in Central America built on the global Proxio platform. For contact:info@crgar.com.

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

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

NAR Convention, Anaheim, California – November 12, 2011 – The Costa Rica Global Association of REALTORS® (CRGAR) has signed an agreement with 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 the Realtor.com International website by early next year.  Realtor.com is one of the world’s most recognized consumer property websites with over 17,000,000 unique visitors each month.

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

       

Anaheim Convention Center 
                                               

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

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

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

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

       

International Expo –Central America Session   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 the National Association of Realtor (NAR) in the United States, and requires all of its 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 of Professional 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 United States, and is the only such association in Central America to require its members to become individual members of NAR, as well. CRGAR offers REALTOR® training classes, ethical enforcement, peer-licensing, international affiliations, special events, and access to the Costa Rica MLS. CRGAR will offer a full CIPS Institute in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, January 9-14, 2011. For information, email to info@crgar.com.

Diana Ross Concert Closes Realtor Convention

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......

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

Expectations for Early Sellout of Teams at the Tournament, Record Fundraising Results

Guanacaste, Costa Rica – October 20, 2011 – The Costa Rica Global Association of REALTORS® (CRGAR) has announced that its next Golf Tournament and Fundraising Weekend will be held April 6-7, 2012. The golf tournament and awards luncheon will return to Reserva Conchal’s Golf Club, and Beach Club, respectively, on Saturday the 7th. The tournament will be preceded by the Welcome Party on the night before at a location to be announced. A portion 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 Conchal history. 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 Cantillo added, “The Tournament and Welcome Party are also great opportunities for our supporters to gain recognition by sponsoring holes, tees, golf achievement, the events themselves, or by becoming the Named Sponsor for the entire weekend.” The sponsor program and support levels will be available at the beginning of December.

“Because Reserva Conchal Golf Club is private, the CRGAR Golf Tournament is one of the few times each year that non-member golfers get to enjoy its challenges and beauty”, remarked CRGAR Board Member and Weekend Co-Chair, Terry Wright. “The tournament has been purposely scheduled during the Semana Santa holiday period to attract golfers from all over Costa Rica, who traditionally come 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 together on 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/incentives for early reservation

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

To be sure to receive further details on the 2012 CRGAR Golf Tournament and Fundraising Weekend, or to offer your support as a sponsor or 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 United States, and is the only such association in Central America to require its members to become individual members of NAR, as well. CRGAR offers REALTOR® training classes, ethical enforcement, peer-licensing, international affiliations, special events, and access to the Costa Rica MLS. For information, email to info@crgar.com.

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

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

Guanacaste Gold Coast, October 6, 2012 – The Costa Rica Global Association of REALTORS® (CRGAR) has licensed the authority to offer a Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) Institute from the National Associationof REALTORS® (NAR). (The CIPS Program and Designation was developed and is supervised directly by NAR).  The CIPS Designation has become one of the most desirable of all NAR credentials in today’s challenging economic environment, in the context of simultaneous globalization. NAR’s studies have shown 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 a 6-day schedule to appeal to international REALTORS® from all corners of the world, as well as Costa Rica and Central America. The CIPS courses in Tamarindo will include 1 mandatory prerequisite course, a choice of 2 “core” training days covering international or US markets, and 3 elective days focusing separately on business in the Americas, Europe, and Asia.  Completing a total of 5 courses is required as an element of receiving the CIPS Designation. The CIPS Institute in Costa Rica is structured to enable REALTORS® from any corner of the globe to select a personal pattern of courses to learn about other, unfamiliar global markets and complete the full CIPS class instruction requirements in a single week in Tamarindo.

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

The instructor for CRGAR’s Tamarindo CIPS Institute is David Wyant (CIPS, ABR, AHWD, ePRO, GRI, TRC, SFR, RSPS, GREEN, CDEI) who is a past winner of NAR’s “Instructor of the Year Award”, a Florida Broker/REALTOR®, and leads the Across Borders School for the real estate profession. He added, “International credentials are among the most important for any REALTOR®, anywhere, to earn in today’s world”, and “CRGAR’s approach in attracting global REALTORS® to beautiful Costa Rica will certainly enhance the class experience for all.”

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

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

About CRGAR

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

Costa Rica and Miami Realtors Agree to Marketing Alliance

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

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