Being Prepared to Buy: Turning a Dream into a Done Deal in Costa Rica

Many people dream of moving to Costa Rica — they imagine themselves sipping coffee with toucans in the morning and watching the sunset from their jungle terrace at night. But between dreaming and doing lies a bridge called preparation.

At Osa Tropical Properties, we meet two kinds of clients every week: those who are dreaming about moving to Costa Rica, and those who are ready to make it happen. The difference isn’t luck or timing — it’s preparation.

From Fantasy to Foundation

Dreamers often arrive with enthusiasm, but without a plan. Their “vision board” is more a collage of possibilities than a path forward — a mix of ocean views, mountain vistas, and jungle sounds without a clear idea of budget, purpose, or lifestyle priorities.

Costa Rica is full of options — mountain homes, jungle villas, ocean-view retreats, off-grid farms — but it can’t fill in the gaps of a fantasy. Preparation turns vague dreams into tangible goals.

The clearer your vision, the smoother your path.

The Clients Who Get It Right

One of our agents, Rebecca Rowntree, recently shared a story about a client who was beautifully prepared. She’d been reading our blog for months, exploring listings, and refining her vision of life in Ojochal.

Before she even boarded the plane, she had narrowed her list from twelve possibilities down to seven homes that truly met her criteria. When she arrived, she was already clear on what she wanted — and it showed.

She toured three homes the first day and the remaining four the next. The last one, a listing with our agent Richard Owens in Chontales, clicked immediately. She walked in and said, almost instinctively, “This is it.”
That same evening, she made her offer.

Because she was financially ready, we were able to introduce her right away to the lawyer and escrow company we trust most. She even had time left in her trip to test-drive cars she’d already researched online and bought one before flying home.

Everything flowed — because she was prepared.

When you’re ready, Costa Rica meets you halfway.

How to Prepare Before You Arrive

Preparation doesn’t have to be complicated. It just requires intention and foresight.

• Talk to us early. Clients who reach out months ahead help us guide them with purpose. We can introduce them to trusted partners — from escrow and lawyers to builders and property managers — so that everything’s lined up when they arrive.

• Understand the buying process. Our agents, like Rebecca, share detailed outlines of the purchase process so clients can gather information and documents in advance.
  → You can also read our recent article on Preparing for Escrow to learn what’s required once you make an offer.

• Do your research. Our blog has over ten years of weekly content about buying, living, and investing in Costa Rica. The more you read, the more you’ll start to understand what fits your vision.

• Have your finances ready. The best opportunities go quickly. Being ready to make an offer — with funds and documents in order — means you won’t miss out on your perfect home.

• Know what you want. Even if it’s broad (e.g., “a modern home with ocean views under $800k”), having focus helps us show you properties that truly fit your goals.

Preparation turns possibility into opportunity.

When People Come Unprepared

We also see clients who come to Costa Rica with great intentions but leave without buying — not because there weren’t good options, but because the dream wasn’t aligned with reality yet.

Maybe prices surprised them, or they realized the house styles here are different from what they imagined. Maybe they didn’t have their finances ready or weren’t sure which community suited them best.

And that’s okay. But it’s also why preparation matters so much.
The more you understand the market, the easier it is to see the good that others see — the value in the land, the natural beauty, the sense of peace that defines life here.

Preparation brings clarity; clarity brings calm.

Get Ready for Flow

Buying in Costa Rica shouldn’t feel chaotic. It should feel intuitive — that moment when you walk into a home and just know.
That sense of flow happens when you’ve done your groundwork. You’re not distracted by what-ifs or missing steps — you’re present, connected, and confident.

When you prepare with intention, decisions feel effortless.

Your Journey Starts Now

If you’re dreaming about moving to Costa Rica, start preparing today.
Read our guides. Talk to our agents. Learn the process.
Because when you arrive ready — emotionally, financially, and mentally — the experience shifts from overwhelming to inspired.

And when you meet the right property, you’ll be ready to say yes — just like Rebecca’s client did.

Prepare with purpose, and your dream becomes your address.

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✳️ Ready to start your path?

Visit our blog to explore over ten years of resources on buying and living in Costa Rica, or reach out to one of our agents today. We’re here to help you prepare, connect, and find the place that feels like home.