HOME – SWEET – HOME
The place you call “Home. It’s where many special moments are created with friends, family, and loved ones that will be cherished memories forever! It’s that special place where you plan to live your life and design your future. It’s in your home that provides all the desired finishes, space and features giving you the lifestyle, ambience and tranquility for which Anthony Livoti passionately makes every effort to match you with the place you call Home Sweet Home!
LET’S FIND YOUR PERFECT HOME
Anthony’s knowledge of local communities, architectural designs, and lifestyle trends throughout Escazu, Santa Ana, the Central Valley or Costa Rica’s beaches can help you find the right home in the right community.
Reach out to Anthony by email or a phone call explaining all the features in a home you desire, all important necessities and the type of community you would like to reside in. Then Anthony will provide you with available options to explore.
THE SEARCH
Explore Homes Costa Rica website or our Mini- National MLS, the national agents’ network of homes for sale in Escazu, Santa Ana or throughout Costa Rica for your new home. Costa Rica does NOT have a “One- Stop Shop Multi Listing Service (MLS)” database. Although there are mini-clusters scattered around local communities, most buyers and agents find them to be insufficient for displaying all the properties for sale in local communities. That said many buyers spend hours to dozens of hours browsing through countless real estate and brokerage websites. But wait, you do not have to do that anymore. Anthony can make it easier for you by taking his personal time searching all the real estate websites, social media sites and Whatsapp chat groups to find you property options. Anthony works with numerous real estate agencies in Costa Rica to insure that you see EVERY property that fits your description, not just his exclusive properties. “Make a list of the homes you want to see and we’ll tour them together.” If you are not finding the property you desire, no worries! Contact Anthony by email or phone. Describe in more detail the home you’re looking for and he will find it.
THE OFFER
When you find your new home, you will need an agent to help you negotiate the purchase price. Anthony knows the local market values of homes and with both his knowledge & negotiating skills working for you, rest assured you will be getting the best price.
THE CLOSING
Purchasing a home can be a challenging process. It’s not always smooth sailing. However, you don’t have to do it alone. Team up with Anthony. He will help you with the preparation of a bank loan approval or introduce you to an efficient escrow company that can help you with international money transfers and lastly, all the legal processes of purchasing your new home. “I aim to make your home purchase a smooth, comfortable transaction.”
THE AGENT
It’s important to work with an agent that understands what “home sweet home” means to you. Choosing the right agent can help you find the right home, at the right price, with the least amount of worry. Having said that, take a moment to browse 16 Factors to consider when choosing an agent and discover why it’s essential to having the right agent.
- An agent that understands your lifestyle and needs of oneself, love ones or family.
- An agent that listens well to the characteristics of the home you seek.
- An agent that is relentless in your perfect home search.
- An agent that has a deep knowledge of the communities and lifestyle trends throughout Costa Rica or the Greater Metropolitan areas of San Jose, Alajuela or Heredia.
- An agent that knows all the great restaurants, outdoor activities, where to shop, location of parks, hospitals and schools.
- An agent that knows the quality of school districts and private schools.
- An agent that knows market values of homes and negotiate the best price.
- An agent that has a working relationship with accomplished reputable lawyers.
- An agent that has a working relationship with several loan officers or escrow services.
- An agent that has a good working relationship with other agents.
- An agent that is punctual.
- An agent that will investigate the home is free of any unpaid taxes or liens from credit holders.
- An agent that you can socially connect to with comfort and confidence.
- An agent that can prepare a purchase agreement with favorable terms and conditions.
- An agent that can assist in or offer home inspections.
- An agent that will do a final walkthrough before closing to make sure that everything agreed upon is in order.
- An Agent that can help you adapt to the society and connect you to skilled professionals.
“I am dedicated to finding the right home that puts a never ending smile on your face is my mission. Get in touch with me today!”
ARE YOU A FORIEGNER?
Follow my step by step guide on how to purchase a home in Costa Rica.
Funding The Purchase – If you do not have a local bank account here in Costa Rica or your relationship is a new one, than I highly suggest to use an escrow / title company. Reason being is that the bank could hold your funds up to 90 days while they perform due diligence in regards to where the origin of the funds have come from. This means lots of documents, paperwork and time to be dedicated. Convenient? Perhaps not. But using an escrow / title company can make the process and experience quicker to effortless. An escrow / title company is in the business of facilitating real estate transactions for foreigners that said they have recognition, compliance knowledge and the tools to make your real estate purchase within 2 weeks. My clients have had great success using Secured Title. I highly recommend them.
Due Diligence – There may or may not be possible debts. You want to make sure if there are any debts, that they are all settled before closing, transfer of the property. You definitely do not want to inherit any debts. Do your homework first. Verify who owns the property and if there are any debts. Have a CHECK LIST READY.
- Municipality Tax Receipts-have the seller provide you with a paid in full municipality property tax receipt for the quarter or the entire year. The Escazu municipality can provide that to you as well. Just bring the property ID number or Folio Real number.
- Home Owner Association Fees-have the seller provide you with a paid in full receipt from the Home Owners Association or the Condominium Management only if the home is under association management.
- National Registry-verify in the National Registry that the home or property does not have any liens or debts on the property. You can verify yourself at the National Registry or have an attorney verify for you.
The Offer – Transfer or Property
Once you have found your perfect home, verified who owns the property and lastly you are satisfied with your due diligence, a call to action would be to place an offer. Once your offer is accepted, have your real estate agent or lawyer prepare a purchase agreement also known as “opcion comprar de venta”.
All properties also known as “finca” are registered with the National Registry with a property title number also known as the Folio Real Number. The Folio Real Number must be in the purchase agreement. The property can be held in an individual’s name or a corporation. If the property is held by a corporation, then verify that the seller has the authority to sell the property or the corporation. If the seller agrees you can buy the shares of the corporation to obtain the property / home. The other option you have is to simply transfer the property to yourself or another corporation. An attorney can perform all due diligences and transfer of shares or properties.
If you plan on getting a mortgage loan, than the bank and their attorney will do all the due diligence and transfer of property or shares on your behalf.
Use IRA funds To Buy Real Estate In Costa Rica
Real estate can be purchased as an investment for an IRA account without incurring penalties or taxes before the legal retirement age. Whether it’s land, commercial or residential, it doesn’t matter, as long as the objective is for investing.
Increased exposure of Costa Rica & its lifestyle has captivated investors to acquiring real estate here for rental income, dividends or capital gains from sales. The robust tourism industry and free trade zones in Costa Rica have greatly increased the demand for rental properties. In addition, migration to Costa Rica has greatly increased the demand for homes or condos.
