July 2nd, 2009 | 
Author: Every time you thought of a home of your own, did you imagine it to be in the midst of greenery with birds singing sweetly all around? Did you imagine it to be as close to the sea as possible so that you can hear the melody of the waves rushing towards the shore? If you just said “yes”, then, I am sure you might have at one point at least considered looking for a house in the beautiful country of Costa Rica.
Costa Rica is a breathtakingly lovely country made up of a number of small islands, each with beauty and marvels of its own. Costa Rica is a Spanish name which when translated means “Rich Coast”. This country has been blessed by God and indeed has a rich and mythical coastline since it is located in the isthmus between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
Costa Rica has a mild and temperate climate throughout the year and is suitable for people from any country to stay. If ever you dreamed of owning a piece of paradise, then, you should find your home in this country. Finding a home is this country is on the list of top priorities for a lot of people, however, you must bear in mind certain important points so that you do not get duped in the deal. This article will throw light upon a few important points that will help you exert caution while finding your home on this soil.
A lot of homes in Costa Rica do not possess valid title documents. The main reason for this is, certain families have been occupying properties for generations and tend to call themselves the owners of the property. Such families are not aware of the actual owner of the property. It is preferable to ensure valid title documents of the house you want to by in order to avoid any confusion later on.
The people of Costa Rica speak Spanish. Not many of the locals are conversant in English. Hence, it is beneficial to know the language. Also, knowledge of the local laws and procedures is important in order to avoid any hassles while buying your house. If you are do not know the language well or are not aware of the laws and procedures, then, you should take help of a native of Costa Rica to help you buy the property.
Many homes in Costa Rica have been built years ago. And most of them have not been maintained very well. The owners who are interested in selling their properties just dab a fresh coat of paint in order to lure customers. It is always better to verify the age of the house properly before buying it. Also, make sure that the wood of the doors and stairways are not rotten in cases of houses that are years old.
If you have fallen in love with a house that was built long ago and want to purchase it, there is one more check that you will need to do before signing the deal. Request for a hydrostatic test to be done on the property in order to ensure that the sewage pipes are in order and there has been no damage caused to them.
If you are a foreigner, looking to find your home in Costa Rica, then it is recommended that you engage the services of a trusted local. This is because people in Costa Rica who are interested in selling their property quote different rates for the natives of Costa Rica and the foreigners who want to buy a house. Hence, if you are interested in getting a very good deal on the property then entrust the job to at trusted local.