May 13, 2023 in Tips for Buyers, Real Estate in Costa Rica

It has been a long time since South Pacific Costa Rica has witnessed a seller’s market and it looks like we are on our way to possibly seeing one in 2021. Buyers contacting us today are more and more often finding themselves too late to capture their first love dream property. Those who are unable to get here - whether they feel unsafe to travel or simply cannot because of restrictions or otherwise - are finding that they are losing out on the properties that they have been watching this past year. Even those who finally make it here are finding that the properties they like are no longer available.  These last two months in Costa Ballena real estate have clearly been about the bold buyers. These are the ones who decided not to wait out the pandemic or the ones who have bought or made offers based on their confidence in a virtual tour and many conversations with their local realtor. This is true for all types of properties in Ojochal, Uvita, Dominical, Tres Rios, and Chontales - all of which are benefitting from their spectacular coastal beauty, their proximity to important services and amenities, and, most critically this year, the relative tranquility and privacy, away from the madness of the world.

Underdog properties gaining popularity

For a long time, riverside properties were low on the priorities list for new buyers. People wanted ocean views because they saw this as an investment that would grow over time or make for good rental income and they weren’t wrong. But 2020 as a year changed a lot of priorities for regular people who now see the value in privacy, sustainability, and life in an environment that inspires joy. Riverside properties offer an abundance of wildlife sightings, consistent, soothing sounds, a free location to refresh yourself in natural spring water, and a source for the life-giving liquid. Osa Tropical Properties’ broker, Kevin Champagne, has recently been working with a number of clients who are looking for great river properties in and around Ojochal. What they’ve found is that all of the ones that his buyers want to look at have sold in the last few weeks. The real estate market in Costa Rica is moving and it’s moving to sustainable, ambient properties.

Placing offers without stepping foot in the country (yet)

It may seem like the worst advice in the world and honestly, we don’t feel comfortable suggesting it, either. Regardless, buyers today have such a passion for wanting to invest in Costa Rica that they are legitimately putting in offers - without actually seeing the property first hand. The reason we understand this to be happening is that people have been in lockdown for such a long, chaotic year and as their priorities have shifted, they have realized that they want to get out of where they are or to secure an investment in a safe location. And now that international tourism is slowly opening up, those who are able to get here are snagging the great properties for sale. This has left those who are unable or unwilling to travel right now to have to resort to more immediate measures. New OTP agent, Katherine Apsey, was wondering how to help her client from New York who is unable to travel for the moment. He really wants a riverside acreage property currently for sale but hot on the market. Fellow agent, Marcia Oro, suggested the option of letters of intent to purchase for some recent clients, which are conditional upon the client coming to see the property at their earliest ability. Without these letters of intent, the hopeful buyers could have lost their deals to higher offers that came afterwards. Both sets of buyers secured the properties when they were able to visit. In the meantime, they had transferred money into an escrow account that could be refunded if the conditions of the offer were not met. In both of these cases, virtual tours of the property over WhatsApp and long conversations helped these buyers get a feel for the property and gain enough confidence to place a conditional offer that the sellers would accept.

Recent solds are skyrocketing

Looking at the past 8 weeks compared to the same time last year (pre-pandemic border closures) and 2019, we can see that interest in Costa Ballena real estate is overwhelmingly increasing. Although it is hard to compare year-on-year in Costa Rica, which is so dependent on the state of larger economies around the world, we can still take note of the fact that even though we are in a global pandemic with many border restrictions, there are more new properties coming to the market, meaning that sellers are likely catching on to the trend of more eager buyers, and vastly more listings are being sold in this 2 month period this year as well.

Investors looking for wealth security in Costa Rica

Real estate can be a great asset to hold, especially in a high-income rentals market. Solely judging on the amount of existing rentals and those available right now, out of hundreds of vacation home rentals in Costa Ballena, there is almost nothing that you can rent this month or next. Some might think that this is surprising but we who live here know the value of the tranquility of a private ocean view home tucked into the pristine mountainside forests that this region is known for. We’ve also witnessed a rise in Costa Rican nationals visiting this region for the first time. Because borders were closed for much of the year, city-dwelling Ticos took the opportunity to visit more remote parts of their own country - and they were pleasantly surprised when they witnessed a stunning place like they’ve never imagined in their own backyard. Marcia’s client is one of these investors who had her eye on an incredible income-potential property in Ojochal. She was not able to visit until November because of her Florida driver's license. She put in a conditional offer in September and on visiting, she knew her intuition was correct and secured her investment. She fell in love with this region and wanted to invest because she knows that it’s up-and-coming. Marcia also helped her to secure a long-term renter, which gives her added security not having to worry about vacancies.

Speeding up the move to Costa Rica

Another client working with Osa Tropical Properties has been visiting the Costa Ballena for many years. He and his wife fell in love with the area and looked at a number of properties, even going so far as to make an offer, they couldn’t quite commit and backed out at the last minute. Being from Arizona, 2020 was an especially big change to their lives and their home in the US. As the year progressed, they noticed more and more people from out of state moving over and changing the home that they were so reluctant to leave. The couple had predominantly visited Chontales when in the Southern Zone as they always felt so comfortable here. The neighbors were pleasant, nature was peaceful, the development was new. All of a sudden it clicked for them that this was where they wanted to be. They remembered a home that they saw being built on their last visit in 2019 and asked their agent if it was for sale. Lucky for them, it was just listed this year. Our office was able to show them drone videos, a 360-camera walkthrough with a voiceover, a video about the Chontales development, professional listing pictures. These assurances from Marcia plus the couple’s passion for a change in environment helped spur them to taking a leap of faith and making a big move to Costa Rica.

You snooze, you lose

Keith Richman’s buyer had been looking at a home all year. He had tried twice to make an offer on the property but could not come to an agreement with the seller. Together, they looked at other, similar properties (via virtual tours, photos, and more). As the year progressed, many of these properties went off the market - either because sellers decided not to sell right now or because of accepted offers. By the time Keith’s buyer was able to make it into the country, he had no other option but to return to the original listing for which he could not get an accepted offer. This time, the deal was a success, although it must be noted that the pressure of a dwindling market definitely helped. Rebecca Rowntree's sellers of a multi-home property benefitted from the thirst in the market. She received a conditional offer from a potential buyer who hesitated and pulled out to think it over. In the meantime, Rebecca's client received another offer that was accepted and the original buyer regretted their choice. There used to be time  in the market to think things over but that time has passed. If you see a property you love, now's the time to make an offer. Would you like to look at homes in Costa Ballena but you are not yet ready to travel? Contact our team of expert agents who will be happy to send you a personalized walkthrough video tour of any property you are interested in the Dominical, Uvita, Ojochal, Tres Rios, and Chontales regions. 

May 13, 2023 in Life in Costa Rica, Real Estate in Costa Rica

Although we are still deep in pandemic times around the world, borders have opened for travel to Costa Rica and people are flying in. There is much precaution being taken but Costa Rica, amongst other tourism-dependent nations, has chosen to reopen borders to help their struggling economy. Cases continue to plateau, remaining concentrated around the greater metropolitan area of San Jose. And those who are not afraid to travel to Costa Rica are taking their chances in the hopes of a much-needed getaway in our quiet corner of the world called the Southern Zone.

What you need before traveling to Costa Rica in November-December 2020

1) Buy travel insurance. You need $50,000 medical, $2000 housing budget in case of quarantine, and Covid-19 must be covered.  2) 48 hours before your trip, fill out the ‘Pase de Salud’ Costa Rican Health Pass. It takes 5 minutes and you will need to upload your insurance policy information. That day or next they will tell you if you need anything else. When you finish applying for your health pass, you will be sent a black QR code. Once your insurance policy is verified to have the correct coverage, you be sent another QR code (now green) which means your policy is acceptable. 3) If your QR code is green, you still may or may not be asked to show insurance at your departure airport so have it printed or saved in your phone just in case. If your QR code is black, you will definitely be expected to show more information about your insurance policy. It is best to get the green QR code before arriving.

Landing in Costa Rica 

Those traveling to Costa Rica in November 2020 are reporting that customs are quick and easy with the smaller amount of flights arriving. Airplanes landing at SJO are well-spaced out to avoid a sudden rush of people arriving at the airport.  It is rare that those arriving in Costa Rica have to line up for very long before getting through customs. But if you are worried about landing at a busy airport, check the SJO website before booking your flight so that you can see what other flights are scheduled to arrive around the same time as your planned flight. There are times of the week when multiple planes arrive in close succession and clients have reported some wait times, even for residents of Costa Rica, as well as being asked for their passports, not only cedulas. Customs agents will ask to check your passport and insurance information multiple times so it helps to keep it handy to speed up the process for everyone. Americans, Canadians and Europeans arriving in Costa Rica are reporting short wait times and very little hassle with customs—as long as all of their paperwork is in order.

Tips for ensuring a smooth customs process

1) The insurance verification process may include questions about what your policy specifically covers. 2) If you received a green QR code, you will likely have a quick and effortless customs process. 3) When you submit the ‘Pase de Salud’ (Health Pass), it will only let you upload one document. Once they email you your black QR code, you can email them back whatever else you want to show, such as a list of what your plan covers, to aid in your process of obtaining the green QR code. 4) You don’t need to buy expensive insurance unless you prefer their policy. Your at-home insurance provider can give you a letter saying they cover Covid-related illness. 5) Some insurance plans do not have accommodations coverage. However, some clients have reported that they had a Costa Rican local sign, date, put their address on, and send a copy of the front and back of their government ID showing that they would allow you to quarantine in their home should the need arise.  6) Almost all insurances are refundable within 15 days of purchase. If by chance you don’t get the green cod,e you can always return that one and buy another. This is all easy to do online and people are reporting that it takes about 5 minutes to accomplish. 7) Read between the lines on policy. Some policies not use “ housing” as a stated benefit. They instead show that they cover "trip interruption" and quarantine should it be ordered by a doctor.  8) Some people collate their insurance coverage proof as screenshots pasted together on one page and upload that to the Ministry of Health's website when applying for their health pass. 9) Have a screenshot or print-out of your QR code that has your name on it as well. 10) Be prepared to show your QR code at your departure airport as well as on arrival in Costa Rica.

How to purchase insurance and which type to get

Purchasing insurance is an easy process. Choosing your provider is the more involved part. Get onto their website and pay by credit card. It is best for travelers to verify their international policy information information before flying through Costa Rica by making sure that they get a green QR code from their Health Pass entry. If not, they will have to go through a special desk at customs where they will have to prove that their policy meets Costa Rica’s minimum pandemic insurance coverage. Americans are choosing Travelex and Trawick International for inexpensive options. Travelex and Trawick International have recently changed their policy and now include coverage for accommodations, treating Covid-19 like any other disease in their policy. Purchasing through Travelex, retired couples are paying around $180 for 7 months and singles around 50 years old using Trawick International are paying around $60 for 6 months. Canadians are using insurance providers like Blue Cross Blue Shield or Sun Life, which are of the few providers that offer $3000 CND of accommodations—enough to cover the requirement. This Covid-acceptable policy is about $60 CND for 3 weeks. Some Canadians are however reporting that they are only able to find more expensive policies—around $150 for two weeks. It is worth investigating to try to find a less expensive provider if you are staying for a longer duration.  The two local Costa Rican insurance options are INS and Sagicor. Both of these providers are able to meet the minimum requirements. Local providers cost about $11 per day and international providers are just over a dollar per day or less if you are getting a longer coverage period.  The above guidelines are based on the personal experiences of our clients visiting during the month of November 2020 and is not official information. Please confirm all details with your country's embassy in Costa Rica: U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica Canadian Embassy to Costa Rica E.U. Embassy in Costa Rica 

May 13, 2023 in Discover Costa Rica, Tips for Buyers

Costa Rica’s nature economy is a central part of its economic regeneration plan in 2020 The response to the COVID-19 pandemic has shown the world's ability to diverge from business-as-usual to protect public health and safety. Costa Rica wants to carry that momentum forward to address the threats of climate change and environmental degradation while also rebuilding the economy stronger than ever. It plans on doing this by putting nature at the heart of its recovery plan. Ambitious and diverse action is being undertaken by Costa Rica to demonstrate that solutions exist and that the world should not go back to "business-as-usual". The COVID-19 pandemic has unleashed a global health and economic crisis that has exposed the fragility of the world’s systems — including the natural world — on which people rely for food, water, and air. Decisions made by governments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic will determine the future health, wellbeing, and resilience of people and the planet.

Costa Rica’s pledge to regenerate the environment and the economy

The World Economic Forum’s new policy recommendations are offering Costa Rica and other governments around the world the chance to maximize the economic opportunities that lie in nature. They aim to do this by delivering 395 million new green sector jobs by 2030 while protecting the natural capital needed for public health, food, and societal resilience. For this reason and many more, Costa Rica has decided that protecting and restoring nature is economically beneficial.  Green investments have a longstanding history in this country. Costa Ricans believe in nature-based solutions for everyday life. It's natural that nature would be a central theme to their economic revival. Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, Costa Rica’s Minister of Environment and Energy, says that Costa Rica’s new strategy is to view nature not as an unlimited resource but as the foundation of economies designed for greater resilience, equity, and human health. “First we need to understand the direct relationship between pandemics and zoonosis (transmission of animal-human diseases),” says Rodriguez. “Only by establishing a balanced relationship with nature can we see key benefits such as improved quality of jobs, food, and water security, as well as improved human health.” Rodriguez believes in “building a circular economy that grants longer periods of regeneration to ecosystems” and “societies in which we can capitalize on nature without destroying it”. Bold policy ambition and political leadership are needed to realign the Costa Rican economy and society with climate neutrality and with a way of life in harmony with nature. This will make the economy and society more resilient. The coronavirus crisis has shown how important forests and green spaces are for human wellbeing. And the country's open spaces, fresh air and water, and lots of forested areas are what is attracting more and more people to Costa Rica. Geoffrey Okamoto, First Deputy Managing Director of the IMF, said that despite the coronavirus continuing to claim lives around the world, in economic terms the global situation is “less bad” than initially feared, particularly in advanced economies. But the picture is not homogeneous. Ecuador, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, and Mexico have been very affected economically by the COVID-19 crisis, while others, such as Costa Rica and Uruguay, “have been able to weather this quite well from an economic perspective,” he claimed. This is likely due to the two Latin American countries’ disproportionate focus on eco-conservation and nature-based tourism.

Costa Rica’s history of change

Costa Rica has been championing nature-positive actions, as a backer of forest conservation, renewable electricity, and biodiversity protection. Starting from the 1980s, the country stopped and reversed forest loss, while the economy grew 2.5-fold in real terms. Costa Rica has committed to be fully decarbonized by 2050, including measures for transportation, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, waste management, and forest management — increasing forest cover to 60% by 2030. With major policy changes such as restricting logging permits, paying landowners who conserve their land, and attracting overseas investment in eco-tourism, Costa Rica reversed its decades-old trend of deforestation. It has doubled its forest cover, which covers more than half of the country and continues to grow as the government creates more national parks to preserve natural ecosystems, from highlands and cloud cover to mangroves and rainforests. And by tying the need to preserve biodiversity to the economy, Costa Rica has gotten citizens involved. Minister Rodriguez says: “if nature becomes a driver for growth and the economy — economic development — people won't want to destroy nature. So, in a matter of a generation — over one generation — we went from people destroying the forest to produce food, particularly livestock, to protecting nature, restoring nature, and using it as a way to bring tourists to the farms and the parks. And that has been tremendously successful.”

Costa Rica is leading the way to rebalance our troubled relationship with a nature economy

This year has revealed the extent to which nature underpins our human health, security, and prosperity. The warming climate and rapid loss of biodiversity are sounding a planetary emergency alarm. Costa Rica’s goal is to help us improve health and well-being by nurturing nature. Healthy ecosystems can provide clean water, clean air, protect against natural disasters, furnish life-saving medications, and ensure long term food security. The World Economic Forum estimates that nature provides $125 trillion in assets to humanity, but more than half of global GDP ($44 trillion) is potentially threatened by biodiversity loss. This September, Costa Rica’s President Carlos Alvarado Quesada joined leaders from 70 countries and the EU in endorsing the Leaders’ Pledge for Nature, which is committing to decisive action on nature to protect human and planetary health. Never before has such a large number of heads of states come together at the highest level and agreed on common language clearly stating the importance of responding to the interconnected crises for people and the planet and jointly committing to action. On October 1, world leaders from the five continents pledged to put the protection of nature at the heart of their recovery plans from the COVID-19 pandemic during the first-ever UN Biodiversity Summit at the 75th UN General Assembly. Absent from that pledge were countries including China, India, Brazil, and Australia. The U.S. failed to participate in the summit altogether, and Russia sent a representative in the place of the president. Germany, the UK, France, Canada, and New Zealand were among the signatories, as well as Colombia, Costa Rica, Kenya, and Mexico.

The future of tourism in Costa Rica

Pandemic-related lockdowns, flight cancellations, and border closures may be putting a crimp on vacation plans. The precipitous drop in tourism will have an outsized impact on countries that rely on foreign travelers with potentially large-scale effects on their economies’ national accounts. Costa Rica appears to be getting something right, though. The Central American country of stunning beaches, rainforests, and biodiversity is also known for its stable democracy and educated population. President Carlos Alvarado Quesada, said at Davos 2019: “Seventy years ago, Costa Rica did away with the army. This allows for many things. Eight percent of our GDP is invested in education because we don't have to spend on the army. So our strength is human talent, human wellbeing.” A highly educated population, Costa Ricans appear to have learned from their mistakes and become one of the most environmentally forward-thinking populations on the planet. “We saw in the eighties that the forest coverage was reduced to 20% due to animal farming and timber. We've managed to recover all this and we’re back to forest coverage of 50%. By this, we are combating climate change,” said President Alvarado. Forests are of crucial importance to the country’s biodiversity, which hosts more than five percent of the world’s species, despite a landmass that covers just 0.03% of the planet. President Alvarado said these efforts have helped boost Costa Rica’s economy. “Many people say that to protect the environment goes against the economy. Whereas it’s the complete contrary. Our tourism has grown precisely because of this.” As a result of past, current, and likely future efforts, Costa Rica is consistently voted as the happiest and most sustainable country on Earth, according to the Happy Planet Index (HPI). This index, which has been published four times since 2006, takes the wellbeing and longevity of a population; measures how equally both are distributed; then sets the result against each country's ecological footprint. And Costa Rica has topped the poll three times out of four.

Final thoughts on Costa Rica’s future

In spite of the hardships caused by the coronavirus pandemic, we are living through a moment of great opportunity to rebuild our world in a way that will have a lasting and positive impact. The pandemic has demonstrated that businesses have a conscience and are willing and able to work for the greater good. Now is the time to prioritize sustainability and the protection of our planet for future generations. Costa Rica is ready to commit to better business practices in order to create a more sustainable and inclusive world for all.   

May 13, 2023 in Real Estate in Costa Rica, Life in Costa Rica, Buying Process

Searching for properties in Costa Rica from the comfort of your current home is a common task. It is not quite like shopping on Amazon but it can surely be done with almost as much ease. Except that it is not a delivery that is expected at your current home, but your arrival at your newest palm-lined address. The Covid-19 pandemic has put a stopper on a lot of people's plans that had been simmering away for months if not years. Buying property in Costa Rica is typically not something done on a whim and many of the hundreds of buyers we've worked with over the years have taken plenty of time to visit on multiple times and stay in different areas. Their goal was to really get to know if, when, and where they would like to make their tropical stay permanent. Working with the right real estate team is the trick to taking the next step with plenty of confidence and support in your journey. With a bit of patience, persistence and luck, it is possible to find the perfect tropical home that meets your budget and lifestyle needs. It's our job to show you how when you are ready. Our Costa Ballena real estate market is palpably shifting in 2020. Until this year, thousands of people were purchasing properties in Costa Rica from all over the world each year. US expats living at least part time in Costa Rica number around 70,000 with likely another half that from Europe and Canada. But global shut downs have stopped many in their tracks who were basically already en route to starting their new lives. Many more are piling up at the door, ready to begin their search on foot as soon as they are allowed in. And those who are the most serious and ready to make a commitment before the floodgates reopen are contacting us about buying now, even before they can get back into the country. Whether you're just beginning your venture into the unknown or you know that Costa Rica is meant to be your next home, here are six tips for making your long distance property hunt in Costa Rica a successful experience.

1. Research what it's like to live in Costa Rica

To begin searching for properties in Costa Rica, it's a good idea to determine what type of lifestyle you think you might want to lead in your tropical experience. This tiny Central American nation offers many diverse styles of living for all ages and expectations. Even within the same region like in our coastal mountain landscape called Costa Ballena, a difference of 10 minutes' drive in any direction will bring you to a different type of community in a different ecosystem. Wealthy retired expats, young families, international and local mixed neighborhoods, and the everyday surf crowd are friendly to one another but also like to live in proximity to their closest lifestyle companions and the habitats most conducive to the activities they like to practice regularly. To get to know more about the different regions in Costa Rica and what their expat communities are like, read some guide books or blogs about Costa Rica. Look at maps that highlight the geography of each region and why people choose to live in them. Do you want rivers? Fresh mountain breezes? Life as close to the beach as possible? It's all available in this area in different combinations. It's up to you to figure out how you want to live and we can show you which places will bring you those qualities. Keep up with local news and views by joining online community pages and blogs. Most community pages will accept prospective buyers who want to know more about the area before deciding to buy. Search through topics that have been covered before or post your unique questions and receive a community of answers. Don't forget to reach out to your relatives and friends who have already moved to Costa Rica, or your great realtor, to ask your more personal questions about living in the area.  

2. Figure out your wants and needs

Having a strong understanding of your wants versus your needs is essential when buying assets anywhere in the world. If you are considering buying property in Costa Rica, ask yourself the following helpful questions and consider what your must-haves are in comparison to your really-wants (things that are more negotiable):

• • Do I want to live in a rural or urban environment?
  • What style of house/property do I want?
  • What is my ideal budget?
  • Do I want to live in close proximity to certain amenities?
  • Do I want an ocean, mountain or jungle view property?
  • How many bedrooms and bathrooms do I need?
  • Do I want more living space indoors or outdoors?
  • Is it important that I live near an airport? Hospital?
  • Do I want an already furnished home?
  • Do I want to live in a gated community?

There are many more questions to consider and the more you can go over, the better. The point is to get a head start thinking about all of the facets of everyday life so that you can narrow down your search to what you really need while we do our best to fulfill your wants. It is our expertise to be able to ask you the questions that we know will come up over time about life in the Costa Ballena as we've done for many others.

3. Decide on a (realistic) budget and/or how you will earn an income

There are many expat destinations in Costa Rica and each community has its own average prices. Even within our Costa Ballena region, we have different price points on properties that depend on location and amenities. Cost of living must be built into your budget and the considerations here are quite different. Having a good realtor on hand is important because they will share information with you about average local monthly expenses. Car maintenance costs, home owner’s associations costs, taxes, food, going out, childcare, rental rates, etc., are all important considerations. Many investors have been contacting our office over the years about buying investment properties in Costa Rica. Most of these buyers have been coming here for years and seeing the growth in tourism in the region. They may not be ready to move to Costa Rica full time but they like to be here at least a couple of months out of the year and then make their property work for them in the meantime. This has been a relatively easy ask in recent years with vacation home rentals being the primary form of accommodations available in the region. And there are many new investors betting that as soon as the borders reopen, those great vacation homes and properties with small cabins for hire will hold great value in their portfolios.

4. Plan at least one visit to your favorite locations for hunting for properties in Costa Rica

We know that you may be feeling like you are ready to make a change right now but researching a place online can only be so revealing. We strongly recommend that you visit the Costa Ballena before considering to buy here. It's easy to fall in love with an idea on paper but it's a whole other thing to tackle the reality of the idea affecting everyday life. As much as we love it here, it may not be as ideal for someone else. Everyone has their own combination of preferences for their desired climate, views, amenities, and absolute no-nos. Plan a trip for when your current country's borders re-open so that you can experience the various ways of life available in each location. Your goal should be to get a feel for your comfort in each of them. Spending time in your top community choices will allow you to familiarize yourself with the area so that you make a more informed home buying decision. The best way to do this is to rent a home and stay in each of your locations of interest. We also suggest dining out at local restaurants, exploring the transportation options and shopping at nearby stores and markets. Every area in Costa Ballena has its own individual feel and we believe that there are many wonderful living experiences on offer for a wide range of people.

5. Use a top-notch realtor in Costa Rica

When you know exactly where you want to spend your time from now on, having an expert agent on your Costa Ballena property hunting team is essential. You will want someone local as your guide, who will show you the ins and outs of each community in their region of service. It helps to learn about more than just properties for sale in your search process. With the help of a seasoned and trustworthy agent by your side, you will be armed with the knowledge that will help you avoid making a costly mistake that may not have been easily predictable. Choose an agent with excellent contacts and client reviews, who is good at proactively communicating with clients and easy to reach. A great buyer's agent should be ready to go see a new listing in-person as soon as it comes on the market or to send you a personalized virtual tour as you peruse properties from a distance. Your agent should be able to judge—based on their knowledge of the area, experience in the property, and understanding of your needs—if a property you are interested in is worth your time to consider or if you should move on it quickly. Our Costa Ballena region can be a fast-paced market for the best positioned listings. You want an agent who is on the ball and ready to show you the best listings as soon as they go on market.

6. Overcome remote home buyer jitters

You may be nervous about making an offer from overseas. Moving long distance is a fresh start in a new country with a new culture, new people, and new experiences. No matter how many properties you’ve bought and sold before, we know that the process is different (and a little scary) when it’s in a new country. Ask us any and all of the questions that you have—we are here to answer them all. We understand your nerves and our team of agents are friendly, helpful and open to conversing with you about our own lives in Costa Rica. We have coached hundreds of buyers and sellers through the processes of Costa Rica real estate and we'll be thrilled to do it again with you. Get in touch with us today... It’s never too early to start your search for that special property in Costa Rica!   If you want to stay in the know about new property listings, sold properties, price reductions, news developments and property walkthrough videos with our team, sign up to get our weekly newsletter below.

May 12, 2023 in Discover Costa Rica, Discover Costa Ballena, Life in Costa Rica

As of the beginning of September, select tourists from the United States will be permitted to enter Costa Rica with certain stipulations. Tourists have been coming into Costa Rica from the European Union, Canada, parts of Asia and Oceania since the start of August, 2020. To protect the health of their people, the Government of Costa Rica has established sanitary control measures for all passengers upon arrival in the country. 

Select U.S. Citizens Permitted To Enter Costa Rica

As of September 1, 2020, U.S. residents of the states of New York, New Jersey, Maine, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. may enter Costa Rica as tourists. On September 15, Colorado, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts may enter Costa Rica. Tourists from the U.S. must have a valid driver's license from one of the nine soon-to-be permitted states to prove that they are residents. No other form of documentation proving residency is acceptable for this process at this time. Accompanying minors are not required to have a driver’s license.  

Airlines Flying to Costa Rica

Those who meet the Ministry of Health’s criteria for travel to Costa Rica are able to do so from any commercial designated flight departure point, which currently include Frankfurt, Germany and Madrid, Spain. However, they must demonstrate they have remained at that designated departure point for 14 days prior to their flight. As of September 1, 2020, Commercial flights from the United States to Costa Rica will resume on a limited basis from New York’s JFK and LGA airports, as well as Newark ERW airport. Citizens from States that are approved for entry into Costa Rica may fly indirectly thru non-approved U.S. States as long as they do not leave the airport during their layover.

Stipulations for Tourists Entering Costa Rica

To enter Costa Rica, tourists must complete a digital epidemiological health pass upon entering the country. This involves visiting this website and inputting your individual information. Each passenger must answer this health pass individually for each entry into Costa Rica. If the passenger is a minor or a dependent person, the health pass survey must be completed by the legal guardian. This form can be filled out several times to enter relatives traveling with you. After completing the health pass questionnaire, travelers will receive a QR code and an alphanumeric code that they must carry on their mobile or printed on paper to go through customs. Tourists must also obtain a negative PCR-RT coronavirus test from within 48 hours of their departure from the United States. On September 1st, the time limit will extend to 72 hours. If their tests return negative, tourists and non-residents of Costa Rica do not need to quarantine upon entering Costa Rica. If any tourist is diagnosed with COVID-19 during their trip to Costa Rica, they will receive a quarantine order upon diagnosis, which will be for at least 14 days.  Travel insurance must also be purchased by tourists prior to entering Costa Rica. Travel insurance must be obtained from one of the authorized insurers in Costa Rica, or another international provider that offers coverage for accommodation and medical expenses generated by COVID-19. The travel insurance must cover a minimum of $50,000 USD for medical expenses in cases of COVID-19 in Costa Rica and a minimum of $2,000 USD for extended lodging expenses due to the pandemic. If the purchased international travel insurance doesn’t meet the requirements, the tourist then must purchase travel insurance offered by one of the authorized Costa Rican insurers. Costa Rica’s two sanctioned providers include INS Group and Sagicoa. 

Residents of Costa Rica Returning To The Country

Costa Rica has changed their entry requirements to now allow Costa Rican residents who left the country after March 25, 2020 to return. Residents of Costa Rica may enter the country regardless of which U.S. state or country they are coming from. They are required to present:

• Their passport
• Valid DIMEX
• Evidence that Caja payments are up to date for each person entering
• A completed health pass

Costa Rican residents can enter from any country via air and they will be required to quarantine 14 days. If the residents enters from an authorized country, the quarantine requirement is waived as long as they have a negative PCR coronavirus test within 48 hours of the flight (72 hours on September 1) and have been in the departing country for at least 14 days without showing symptoms. 

Testing Positive Or Displaying Symptoms of COVID-19 When Entering Costa Rica

Anyone arriving who displays COVID-19 related symptoms will be tested at the airport. If you are required to get tested for COVID-19 while in Costa Rica, tests are available in select hospitals in San José for a cost of about $100. Results should be available within 48 hours and anyone required to be tested must quarantine until a negative result is obtained. If the person being tested receives a positive result, they will be required to quarantine for 14 days. The Ministry of Health will be following up with all quarantining individuals.

Visa Extensions for Residents and Tourists

The Costa Rica Directorate of Migration has announced that tourists who entered the country after December 17, 2019 have been granted an extension of stay on their tourist visa until November 18, 2020.

Current Restrictions For Residents and Tourists In Costa Rica

Although Costa Rica continues to see a rise in the number of COVID-19 cases, the government of Costa Rica has implemented a series of measures to curb the number of new infections. These restrictions vary in intensity depending on the designation of each geographic zone.  Areas under Orange Alert are restricted by the type of businesses that are allowed to operate, as well as their hours. There are tighter restrictions on vehicle operating days and hours. In Yellow Alert locations, most businesses are allowed to continue operating, although with restricted hours. Visits to beaches and open-air tourism are allowed with restricted hours. All beaches open from 5am to 2:30pm daily regardless of location. National Parks continue to operate in Yellow and Orange areas throughout the month. All outside, open air activities are allowed.  There are no inter-city or inter-province travel restrictions and no curfew, only driving time and license plate restrictions. The current driving restrictions for Yellow and Orange Alert zones are:

• Driving is permitted 5 AM to 9 PM Monday through Friday (with the correct license plate)
• Driving is permitted 5 AM to 7 PM on Saturday and Sunday (with the correct license plate)
• Monday – Vehicles with last license plate digit ending in 1 and 2 can’t drive.
• Tuesday: Vehicles with last license plate digit ending in 3 and 4 can’t drive.
• Wednesday: Vehicles with last license plate digit ending in 5 and 6 can’t drive.
• Thursday: Vehicles with last license plate digit ending in 7 and 8 can’t drive.
• Friday: Vehicles with last license plate digit ending in 9 and 0 can’t drive.
• Saturday: Vehicles with last license plate digit ending in an even number can’t drive
• Sunday: Vehicles with last license plate digit ending in an odd number can’t drive.
• Rental cars are exempt from driving restrictions.

Costa Rica’s National Emergency Commission makes frequent updates to their website on business and vehicle restrictions in the different colored zones. The Government of Costa Rica has mandated the use of masks while waiting at bus stops and on public transportation. Masks are also mandated in all public and private establishments, except within your own home or accommodations. Any individuals who violate a mandated sanitary order or restriction will be subject to a fine between 450,200 to 2,300,000 colones depending on the violation.

May 12, 2023 in Life in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is present in the minds of potential tourists from all around the world. In these weeks of sanitary confinement, our Costa Rican paradise stands out as being on top of the wish-list for all its natural attractions and biodiversity, the fullness that is experienced when feeling the experience of being in a rainforest, the incomparable beauty of the coasts, the exquisite coffee quality, amazing fauna, healthy local gastronomy with a variety of fruits and vegetables. And, above all, the warmth of the 'Ticos'. “Costa Rica has earned with decades of work a highly respected place in the world as a tourist destination that we must take care of while we plan how to reactivate our tourism sector to get it out of this unprecedented crisis,” explained María Amalia Revelo, Minister of Tourism. The minister added that the tourism public relations and advertising teams have developed strategic actions to maintain a connection with the main issuing markets. These efforts include sharing videos about Costa Rica and articles promoting local gastronomy, well-being, and activities to do with the family during confinement.

President’s Recent Nationwide Address

Costa Rica’s President Carlos Alvarado admitted in a nationwide address this week that the measures to contain the COVID-19 contagion have had “very severe” impacts in terms of unemployment and loss of family income. However, he highlighted Costa Rica’s success in reducing the spread of the coronavirus as positive in comparison to most other countries. President Alvarado called for unity in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, even as he acknowledged Costa Rica will endure a difficult economic recovery. “A lethal enemy is causing pain and destruction across the world,” President Alvarado said. “I say it frankly, which you deserve: We will face many difficult months to come.” 

Tough Economic Times

“Costa Rica has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic,” the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said in a report on the country. This is evident in the projected 3.6% drop in GDP as opposed to the 2.5% growth originally anticipated. “The results that were being generated before the pandemic showed that we were progressing well,” President Alvarado said. Instead, tourism revenues, which account for 6% of GDP, have collapsed due to the closure of borders, while other exports have declined due to a drop in demand from their trading partners. “The COVID-19 pandemic puts our health and way of life at risk,” President Alvarado said Monday. “It has caused unemployment and loss of income. It has damaged production and the economy. Let’s not deceive ourselves: We are facing the greatest challenge of our generation.”

International Aid For Costa Rica

The IMF board last week approved $504 million in emergency financing for Costa Rica to help deal with the economic damage inflicted by the coronavirus pandemic. The funding will “support essential COVID-19-related health spending and relief measures targeted to the most affected sectors and vulnerable populations.” The IMF noted the government has eased spending controls, announced moratorium on tax payments and approved a package of measures to mitigate the impact of the lockdowns. “The resources will allow the government to finance the attention to the health and economic crisis under very favorable rate and term conditions,” said the president of the Central Bank of Costa Rica, Rodrigo Cubero, in a government statement.

Easing Coronavirus Restrictions

Costa Rica began easing some coronavirus measures on May 1st in an effort to gradually reactivate the country’s economy without provoking a health crisis. Theaters, cinemas, gyms and athletic centers, which had been closed since mid-March, are now permitted to operate under strict sanitary guidelines. Gyms can now operate during the week at 25% of their rated capacity. They must also offer reservations and special hours for at-risk populations. Likewise, movie theaters can open during the week so long as they guarantee two meters (6.5 feet) of separation between guests and implement electronic ticketing. The priority is that collaborators are safe, working in a suitable and clean environment. In addition to the gym- and cinema-specific guidelines, the Health Ministry says all open businesses must adhere to a list of general directives that include revamping cleaning standards and guaranteeing social distancing. Restaurants must keep to a maximum of 50% of their capacity. Businesses must ensure that bathrooms are properly equipped with soap dispensers, paper towels or air dryer, toilet paper and trash cans that open with the use of a foot pedal. Hand sanitizer must be made available especially in the cashier area and at the entrance for clients to use when they come in and out. Signs must be visible reminding clients to disinfect their hands. Barber shops, beauty salons and aesthetic centers must increase all sanitary measures, disinfecting all equipment, tools and surfaces that clients touch with more frequency than usual. If Costa Rica continues its relative success in controlling spread of the coronavirus, more businesses will be given the go-ahead to work toward their own reopening, according to the government. Costa Rica’s population of 5 million registered 742 cumulative cases of SARS-CoV-2 through May 5th, including 399 recovered and six dead. These numbers are relatively very low and Costa Ricans want to keep it that way. This is a country that is prepared for testing, emergency care, and to inherently accept the measures needed to keep everyone safe.

May 12, 2023

With plenty of optimism, we are happy to report that continued vigilance is proving helpful in maintaining a steady decline in active cases of COVID-19 in Costa Rica. Costa Rica’s daily new case rate is hovering in the single digits, with 713 total known cases of COVID-19 since early March. The death toll has remained at 6 for the last ten days. In the United States, the total number of coronavirus cases has already exceeded one million. And Central America as a whole has seen more than 8,300 infections and 260 deaths from COVID-19, most of which are in Panama, which has more than 6,000 cases alone. Honduras has experienced a particularly high fatality rate with more than 60 deaths in 700 known cases. About half of Costa Rica’s known coronavirus cases are located in the province of San José, the country’s most populous. In the Southern Zone of Costa Rica, we have had 5 total reported cases and no hospitalizations or fatalities.  Costa Rica has processed more than 13,000 diagnostic tests for COVID-19 and can conduct up to 2,500 tests each day. Over the past five days, Costa Rica has processed an average of 155 tests per day. Costa Rica tests everyone who qualifies as a suspected coronavirus case, according to Health Minister Daniel Salas.

Relaxing coronavirus restrictions

Thanks to this slow rise in cases, Costa Rica has begun lifting some of its coronavirus restrictions as of Friday, May 1st, which also happens to be Labor Day in Costa Rica. If the country continues avoiding a rapid rise in cases, it will further ease measures in mid-May. The Costa Rican government will increase or further roll back social distancing measures every 15 days after evaluating the spread of the coronavirus. Theaters, gyms and athletic centers — which have been closed since March 18 — will be permitted to reopen during the week with special limitations. But some of the country’s most impactful restrictions, including a ban on arriving tourists, will continue until at least May 15th. Beaches and national parks remain closed and mass gatherings, including religious gatherings and in-person learning, remain suspended.  “I think Costa Rica has the ability [to slow the coronavirus] and is demonstrating it,” Salas said. “This is not only due to the actions we’ve taken as a government but also from a population that understands that we’re not in an April, almost May, like any other year.” 

Protecting the economy

Although it is expected that tourism will rebound when pandemic prevention measures are relaxed and borders reopen, people are finding ways to help the ailing industries in Costa Rica through donations and volunteering. Many of the world’s biggest media outlets are encouraging people to think about Costa Rica, even during global pandemic lockdowns. And most tourism businesses in Costa Rica are encouraging those who missed out on their vacation to rebook rather than cancel their plans. The Costa Rican government is also working to protect foreigners who chose to shelter within its borders. Valid tourist visas from after December 17, 2019 have all automatically been extended until July 17, 2020. And tourists with a valid foreign driver’s license can legally operate a vehicle in Costa Rica beyond the typical three-month limit, the Public Works and Transport Ministry (MOPT) has announced this week. If you would like to receive weekly updates like this about Costa Rica real estate into your inbox, please subscribe to our newsletter below! 

May 12, 2023 in Real Estate in Costa Rica, Tips for Buyers, Buying Process

Many of our clients, both near and away, have realized that Costa Rica is the best place to be before, during, and after this pandemic.

May 12, 2023 in Life in Costa Rica

As someone who moved to Costa Rica to get away from the many conveniences of modern society, I am at a loss for what to think about this time of self-isolation. The things that I was having the hardest time with living in North America were the congested roadways, the lack of genuine interpersonal communication, and the lack of true green spaces away from the din of overpopulation. Here, in the small village community I live in in South Pacific Costa Rica, there are generally none of those issues, and now even less so. I love animals, wildlife, and life’s simple pleasures, like walking on a forest path or greeting my neighbors. Costa Rica has been fantastic for accessing these everyday treasures, even during this time of social isolation. What I am having the hardest time with is being away from my social groups. I think that almost everyone living in my small village of Ojochal misses socializing in their respective preferred venues. It is one of the major reasons why people fall in love with this seemingly sleepy community that is home to a number of lively people who are filled with verve. Some of us typically get together on the beaches, catching waves during sunrise or cracking beers during the glittering sunset in the late afternoon. Some of us gather in the many bars and restaurants that populate our community (there are more than twelve amazing restaurants and more sodas and bars in our small area) where we share stories about our day and rejoice in the thought that we all get to share our lives in this amazing part of the world. Even more of us invite friends over to our homes to share in the bounty of our gardens, cooking together and relaxing poolside with a cocktail. As with most places in the world, none of the above social gatherings are able to take place at the moment. All of us Ojochalians, and people all over Costa Rica, have been mandated to maintain the typical protocols of social distancing. Driving restrictions have been implemented to keep traffic down, which can only be essential as there are only essential services open until at least the end of April. Typically, I would be meeting friends and neighbors during my morning exercise routine of jogging up and down the dirt roads in my mountainside neighborhood. Smiling and waving at the same human and dog faces I see every day and the occasional newcomers or visitors and stopping for a chat is an enlivening way to start the day. Driving down the mountain, through the village in Ojochal, and picking up people who are walking to work or the bus station and practicing my Spanish. Going for lunch in a soda around the corner from my office space. Meeting friends at the local cantina after a day of writing and chatting about the weather and anything else that comes up. Spending weekends going on road trips with friends. And, of course, hugging! But in this time of forced tranquility; of slowing down our movements; and of turning inwards, I have realized that the things I need in life are actually a lot simpler than even I originally thought them to be. Because my work as a travel and real estate writer is related to tourism and investment, it has slowed down significantly. But instead of despairing about earning much less, I have found that spending less of my check equity and more of my sweat equity on tasks around the home to be incredibly rewarding. Things like fixing holes in the grouting, sanding and varnishing wood beams, and building a shade house for my vegetable garden are things that I would have traditionally paid to complete. Instead, I am learning new skills and exercising my body and mind while I save money and spend effort. It feels great to me to be productive in a time of uncertainty. As someone who has chosen to live in rural Costa Rica -- a place that already has less certainty than the predictable 9 to 5 world of North America -- I am ready to embrace this time of crisis by making a more self-sufficient life that I can feel proud to cultivate for myself.

May 12, 2023 in Buying Process, Selling Process, Real Estate in Costa Rica

In these times of social distancing, Osa Tropical Properties offers you our innovative digital client services So much of our lives are digital these days – and right now more than ever.  Did you know that much of the Osa Tropical Properties real estate experience can be fully digital too? Our services offer you a full digital experience of properties and life in Costa Rica. If you have been considering investment in Costa Rica real estate, our team can help you carry out your search for your ideal property. And you can close on your investment right from the comfort of your home. Owning a property in Costa Rica can be closer than it may appear. Continue reading to learn how our Osa Tropical Properties is working hard to make investment in Costa Rica easy for you. Read more about how to use our digital client services here

Beginning your remote real estate experience

In response to our client requests for digitization, we at Osa Tropical Properties are launching some tech-friendly initiatives that will help us engage with you better online through our website, mobile video chats, and on our social channels. Our online spaces play a critical role in how you perceive our brand. This is why we use high-quality interfaces like our uniquely client-friendly website that features the best property search in all of southern Costa Rica according to client reviews. Our online channels are filled with content that our page visitors want to see. On YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, Osa Tropical Properties features property walk-through videos, 360 virtual tours, drone videos showing a bird’s eye view, and plenty of answers to all of your frequently asked questions. We know that this level of service is a prerequisite for a successful digital business relationship with you.

Touring properties from a distance

With digitization, it’s easy to book a free virtual consultation with one of our expert realtors from the Osa Tropical Properties team. Our agents are available to answer all of your questions about investing in Costa Ballena real estate. We have all been living and working in the South Pacific region of Costa Rica for many years and we are happy to chat with you about the nitty gritty details of everyday life and investing in this country. Our new tech-friendly resolution begins with promoting efficiency and cost reduction for our clients. You won’t need to make several trips for scouting out properties throughout the year. We want to create an immersive experience for our clients to really get to know this area from a distance and all of the properties that meet your criteria. And you can complete the entire transaction remotely with the help of our digital closing process. Our team is made up of some of the most amazing agents in Costa Rica. We work to provide the best real estate experience; one where you walk in and instantly realize that we are here for the purpose of serving, not selling. Our office has always been a gathering place with an important role in the community and now we want to extend that level of service into the digital realm.

Giving back to our community

Osa Tropical Properties appreciates client loyalty and we reward those who give us successful referrals. By inviting friends, family, and colleagues to connect with your agent you may be eligible to receive a percentage of our commission from a successful transaction as a thank you for referring our office. This can happen from anywhere around the world so if you know someone interested in Costa Rica real estate, tell your Osa Tropical Properties agent and await your fruitful reward that comes from a simple phone call or email. There are no second chances to make a first impression, which is why we respond quickly to questions and feedback. Consistency is key and we make sure to share this information across platforms to our whole sphere of influence. We know that if one person has a good question, others will be excited to know the answer, too. This is why we put out so much content every week and are constantly inviting you to get in touch with us and use us as a resource for helping you on your journey. Osa Tropical Properties’ goal is to not make the fatal mistake of waiting for stability. We are embracing continuous development and actively look forward to new opportunities. Social media managers, data analysts and growth hackers are some of the new job titles that are lining our team. The whole of the purchase and sale process for real estate Costa Rica can be completed digitally so don’t let your remoteness stop you if you feel like now is your time to consider investing in Costa Rica real estate. Our clients’ lives are digital -- so our client care also has to be. If you know a way that we can better serve you digitally from a distance, please contact us at sales@osatropicalproperties.com and share with us your requests and/or your insight. We know that you, our clients, know us best and we are endlessly grateful for all of your input. Wishing you well and looking forward to connecting with you soon! 

May 12, 2023 in Life in Costa Rica, Discover Costa Ballena

We have entered into week four of self-isolation in Costa Rica and our third installation of the Osa Tropical Properties' ‘Coronavirus Chronicles.’ What a time this is to be living in Costa Rica! From speaking with friends over the phone or with clients online, we have come to determine that pretty much all expats who are in Costa Rica right now appear to be grateful to have made the choice to stay. Although we are facing daily restrictions to our everyday lifestyles, we have seen these measures keep our coronavirus graph fairly flat -- which is a much different direction than we’ve seen in other countries, including those we typically call home. People believe that Costa Rica is safer than the US, Canada, or most of Europe right now. And although there are still a few flights available to travel out of Costa Rica, most expats are not sure if they’d want to go back to their home countries because of how quickly the numbers of those testing positive are growing.

Flattening The Curve in Costa Ballena

On the other hand, Costa Rica’s COVID-19 coronavirus cases are spreading significantly slower than in most other countries, with only 16 new cases in the last 24 hours. Since the start of the crisis, there has only been 1 diagnosed case in our Osa province and 3 cases in the nearest major city, San Isidro. Sadly, though, a 45-year-old man became the third person with COVID-19 to die in Costa Rica. He was hospitalized in intensive care for 10 days prior to his death, despite not having any pre-existing conditions The two other deaths were both 87-year-old Tico men. Health experts around the world initially questioned whether the novel coronavirus would go away with warmer, more humid weather. But countries like Costa Rica have consistently warm and humid weather and we have seen that coronavirus still continues to spread, though there are only 539 registered cases as of April 9. What has helped us flatten the curve -- and to mostly keep the virus out of Costa Ballena -- have been the strict, self- and government-imposed measures of social distancing.

COVID-19 Closures in the Costa Ballena

Heading into the biggest holiday of the year, Semana Santa, Costa Rica’s Southern Zone and other beach regions are typically the busiest they are all year. This year, with coronavirus’s threat looming over the country and the globe, the Costa Ballena’s three main towns, Dominical, Uvita, and Ojochal, are all deserted. Beaches are closed, restaurants are open only for pick-up (if at all), and even churches have shut their doors for the highest feast day of their calendar. Everything apart from gas stations, supermarkets, and pharmacies are closed. The government has also ordered all short-term accommodations to close for this holiday season. Neighbors are urging each other to not accept reservations for their rental homes (a grey area in the government closures). Many of the current cases of coronavirus in Costa Rica are located in the San Jose area, which is the most densely populated in the country. There are hundreds of rental properties in the Costa Ballena that are missing out on peak income from those who would normally travel to the coast from San Jose. Instead, we find ourselves fortunate that the virus has not really reached our area. Other businesses that must close during this week's holiday period include: theatres, restaurants, sodas, food courts, cafes, and malls. Police are stopping vehicles at the highway intersection in Dominical, asking drivers where they are going and checking that they are not traveling past the ‘75 km from home’ restriction. Beaches and National Parks will remain closed until at least May 1. For a more personal insight into the current pandemic times in Costa Rica, read Osa Tropical Properties agent Rebecca Rowntree’s take on life during self-isolation. And stay tuned for more to come from our Osa Tropical Properties Coronavirus Chronicles: realtor Marcia Oro is taking zumba class online and planning her next big real estate moves; broker Kevin Champagne is in quarantine with three women (one a baby!); and realtor Keith Richman is taking this forced down time to force himself to do all of those jobs around the house he's been neglecting. 

May 12, 2023 in Discover Costa Rica, Life in Costa Rica

Although we have no reports of official cases of Covid-19 in Costa Ballena, the effects of prevention are taking their toll on our local communities. A vast number of businesses and all of the beaches have been closed in our region and many are going without employment or access to their usual services. But people in Costa Ballena are coming up with creative ways to help out in our communities.

Managing the Effects of Covid-19 in Costa Ballena

So many of our Costa Ballena businesses are reliant on tourism. And right now, in the height of local tourism's high season, there are almost no tourists left. All tourists left behind in Costa Rica will be required to stay for an indeterminate amount of time while borders are closed. But all of us cannot cover the needs of the owners of hotels, restaurants, tour activity centers, non-essential stores, and all of their staff. The Costa Ballena Disaster Relief is an organization that was created during the disaster fallout of Tropical Storm Nate in 2017. Currently, they are collecting food, money, and more, which they are distributing these items directly to families who have applied to receive aid. In collaboration with the Costa Ballena Disaster Relief Team and SOMOS Foundation, the Family Support Center of Ojochal is working to ensure families across Costa Ballena are protected from the impact of this global health event. For more than 5 years, the Family Support Center of Ojochal has provided food support to families in Ojochal. They have since expanded that support to address this crisis by collecting financial donations. These are to be distributed as food vouchers to local families without work on a bi-weekly basis for the duration of this crisis (pending sufficient donations - you can donate here). HELPCA is another volunteer organization that offers efficient and free delivery of fresh and completely organic food and supplies from the local farmers who sell in the Uvita Feria. HELPCA was originally created to assist a private school group but has generously been expanded to assist all people in our beach areas. This greatly minimizes grocery store visits and allows us all to stay as healthy and healthy eating as possible while staying socially distant.

Businesses Staying Relevant in Times of Crisis

Virtual tours are being offered by a number of businesses who want to carry forth their connection with their client base, even in these distant times. Realtors are showing lots and homes by live video feed, personal trainers are giving out free lessons by way of live video posts, tourism companies are giving tours by video, and rental homes are giving tours of their properties and facilities. One personal trainer in the area has started a free fitness challenge intended to inspire and motivate people to benefit their lives while in self-isolation. Local stores that sell essentials and food items are doing their best to keep the spread of coronavirus at bay. Hand washing stations have been set up at the entrance of each of Ojochal’s three supermarkets. And Uvita’s BM chain has greeters offering sanitizer for your hands and your cart. Local restaurants all over the Costa Ballena that have chosen to stay open are offering free delivery to those who cannot or should not pick up their to-go orders. And then there are the outstanding gems like Los Gatos Locos and Bamboo Room in Ojochal whose owners continue to pay their employees while they close shop for precautionary measures.

Community Members Standing Up To Help

Many people have heard the call of those in need and have stood up to volunteer their time, efforts, and often personal funds to help their fellow community members in need. Some, like Lia in Ojochal, have taken it upon themselves to support the farmers in the region who would normally sell their produce at the weekly farmer’s markets in our Costa Ballena region. Since our ferias have been cancelled, a few good samaritans are picking up from farmers and delivering around our communities while maintaining safety standards and sanitation protocols.  Others, like Marla in Uvita, are taking grocery and pharmacy orders from those who feel unsafe to go into public spaces. She and others like her are making sure that those in the highest-risk categories can still have access to essentials. People who already volunteer their great services are heeding the call to help further in this crisis. Sandy is one community member who already donates the proceeds of her weekly Zumba class to both DAWG and El Refugio animal shelters. She is now doing an online Zumba class to keep the donations coming, even during isolation. Those who can are continuing to pay their housekeepers and gardeners if they cannot continue to work. Others are continuing their services while staying separated at a safe distance. Our community is also being mindful of not hoarding the necessities. As a result, the widespread shortages seen elsewhere are not occurring here. People have begun fostering more pets to combat the loneliness and boredom of these times. With social distancing protocols, it is quite difficult for volunteers to continue in their usual manner when caring for these animals. People are temporarily fostering more animals so that the need for in-house staffing at the shelters is reduced. We feel so blessed to be a part of this bright community of caring people from all around the world. Locals and expats are working together to stay safe and to care for the most vulnerable in our communities however we are able to. And the above bright lights show that we are able to do a lot together in times of crisis. We love living in the Costa Ballena!

Costa Rica's Current Government Response

Costa Rica has instituted new immigration rules as a response to the threat of coronavirus COVID-19.  As of Tuesday, March 23, 2020, President Carlos Alvarado decreed that:

1. All beaches are closed to everyone
2. All churches are closed (any religion)
3. Non-emergency vehicles are restricted from using any roads between 10:00 pm to 5:00 am
4. Foreigners with residence leaving of the country will lose their immigration status

The loss of residency status appears to be only temporary, lasting the duration of Costa Rica’s emergency measures. That is, once the emergency is over, status is restored. This specific measure intended to keep residents within Costa Rica’s borders, not leaving and coming back, bringing in further contamination. As a result of these and other measures, the United Nations has officially congratulated Costa Rica for its “exceptional and innovative” response to the Covid-19 Pandemic. The country has set the bar for all global institutions combating the spread of this coronavirus. Various institutions are working together to develop an inter-institutional response. Health department authorities offer daily press conferences to inform Costa Ricans about new cases and the measures that need to be taken to prevent a growth in cases. Authorities continue to insist that citizens do not leave their homes unless for urgent needs. Among the provisions that have been taken as a result of the pandemic, there is the suspension of classes until April 13th, the cancellation of large public gatherings, the suspension of sports activities and the closure of discos, bars, and casinos. Also, as of this Thursday, all borders are closed for the arrival of foreigners, while nationals and residents entering the country will be placed in mandatory quarantine. For its part, the bank system will prioritize the adjustment of debts for those affected by the virus, and the National Rehabilitation Center (Cenare) was designated as the exclusive hospital to attend patients with Covid-19. Costa Rica’s official message to the population about the novel Coronavirus is specifically focused on more vulnerable groups such as indigenous peoples, children and adolescents, senior adults and people with disabilities to ensure that no one is left behind.

May 12, 2023

Dear Friends and Clients, In these trying times, we’d like to forego our usual weekly article about real estate in Costa Rica and focus on the important issues at hand. On behalf of our Osa Tropical Properties team, we would first like to extend a warm greeting to all of our readers and our sincere wishes for your good health and that of your loved ones. This is not an easy time in our collective lives but it is an opportune moment for a long reflection on what is most significant: our health. Our Osa Tropical Properties office is closed and our team are working remotely to answer client queries and to update our database on real estate market developments in the Costa Ballena. We are not currently showing properties in person and we are urging clients already in Costa Rica to remain in a self-imposed quarantine where possible. We are proud of the swift response that the Costa Rican government has taken in closing its borders to foreigners. International visitors make up our real estate office's client base and we will struggle without you. But we recognize the importance in playing our part to mitigate the effects of this virus on our people in Costa Rica and the people of the world. The goal of Costa Rica’s government is to keep the universal healthcare system from becoming overwhelmed by asking us to socially engineer our behavior so that we act like a social vaccine by not getting infected and not infecting others. Most people in our Costa Ballena region have adopted these measures, meaning that stores and restaurants are mostly empty. Yet we are grateful that there has not been any hoarding or depletion of general supplies. We are also grateful to be living in Costa Rica, especially in our Costa Ballena region. We are, of course, not immune to viruses here. But in this hot climate, colds, flus, and viruses are not as persistent as in much of North America. This is largely due to our smaller population density, as well as having access to healthier foods, well-stocked pharmacies and universal healthcare, should we need it. The Costa Rican government's response comes with no cost for treating any person affected -- foreigner, resident, or citizen -- regardless of financial status or insurance. Social assistance is also available to people and businesses in the face of this crisis.  This might now be what most people would expect from a so-called "third world country." Costa Rica's response instead mirrors the best of what the first world countries have offered their people.

A Timeline of COVID-19 in Costa Rica

In preparation for coronavirus inevitably reaching Costa Rica, the government pre-ordered lab kits to test for COVID-19 that arrived on February 26, 2020. The real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test kit allows Costa Rica to confirm or rule out potential coronavirus cases without having to send samples outside the national territory. On March 6, Costa Rica confirmed the first case in Central America, brought by a tourist from the United States. As the most popular tourism destination in the region, this was an expected outcome that the Costa Rican government prepared for and was ready to enact strong measures of response. University classes were suspended in early March and other schools deemed to be at risk have been closed until at least April 14, 2020. These closures have affected all schools in our South Pacific region. On March 15, the Costa Rican government ordered the closure of all bars and discos to combat the spread of coronavirus. This has involved the Ministry of Health sending representatives all over the country to ensure that any establishments left open are predominantly serving food and are respecting the 50% capacity limit. Specific protocols suggested by the Costa Rican government include:

• All businesses, schools and religious centers must have signage indicating proper hand-washing, sneezing and coughing methods. Businesses should disinfect door knobs, washbasin handles, toilets, telephones, keyboards and computer devices at least twice daily.
• Similarly, bus and train operators must regularly disinfect surfaces touched by riders. Bus and train terminals should have signs advising travellers to avoid touching their faces if they have not washed their hands.
• Churches should deliver the Eucharist to the hands — rather than directly to the mouths — of churchgoers. Similarly, the congregation should avoid physical contact when sharing a greeting of peace.
• Anyone feeling ill is recommended to stay at home and avoid large-scale gatherings. Citizens are recommended to minimize physical contact when greeting others.
• Both of Costa Rica’s international airports and major ports have developed specific steps in the event of a possible coronavirus case.

Costa Rica closed its borders to foreigners on March 18 at 11:59pm and only Costa Rican citizens, residents, and foreign diplomats can continue to enter until April 12, when the country’s borders are expected to reopen. Foreigners in Costa Rica on a tourist visa who arrived after December 17th, 2019 have been granted an extension of their 90 day tourist visa until May 17, 2020. This means that tourists in Costa Rica can choose not to fly home in these most vital times for slowing the spread of COVID-19. Those returning from overseas legally obliged to enter into a mandatory 14-day isolation in their residence. The first death due to COVID-19 was reported on March 18 of an 87-year-old man who had been hospitalized west of the capital, San Jose. Costa Rican President Carlos Alvarado wrote in a post on Twitter. “We stand in solidarity with his family... Only together and with solidarity will we pass through this national emergency.” As of Thursday, March 19, 2020, there are 87 documented cases of coronavirus in Costa Rica. The second coronavirus victim in Costa Rica died on Thursday. Update: Friday, March 20, 2020, there are now 113 cases in Costa Rica with none still in the Osa region. However, beaches have been closed all over the Pacific Coast effective immediately and National Parks close on Monday. We will continue to update our database with information about the progression of COVID-19 in Costa Rica, as well as any changes in border policy. It is our pleasure to serve you, even in difficult times, so please reach out to us with any questions or concerns that you may have: sales@osatropicalproperties.com