Costa Rica Investments, Real Estate & Relocation
A podcast about buying, building and owning property in Costa Rica, aimed at foreign buyers and people considering a move there. Each episode features conversations with experts on Costa Rican real estate, construction, relocation and residency. It also covers investment opportunities and businesses that can be run from or within Costa Rica. Listeners can reach the show by e-mail for questions and follow-up.
Episodios
EP-312 Residency, Legal and Vacation Rental Law updates with Bluezone Legal
Need any advice or information, message us.Today, we're joined by Cristina Guerrini, owner of BlueZone Legal, to talk about some of the biggest issues affecting foreigners, investors and business owners in Costa Rica right now. We’ll get into the latest changes around immigration and residency, what’s really happening with vacation-rental regulations, and how the current global economic envir
EP-311 Costa Rica Legal and Regulatory Updates in 2026 with Lawyer Paola Retana
Need any advice or information, message us.Today we’re joined by Paola Retana, lawyer and partner at Legal She. With 2026 bringing plenty of economic uncertainty, geopolitical tension and changing regulations, we’re digging into what’s actually happening on the ground and, more importantly, what property owners, investors, businesses and expats need to know. We’ll cover everything from real estat
EP-310 What nobody tells you about Costa Rica Taxes & Legal Structures with Gustavo Morales
Need any advice or information, message us.Today we’re sitting down with Gustavo Morales, Co-Owner of Accounting Services Costa Rica, to talk about the side of Costa Rican real estate and investing that doesn’t always make it onto Google—or gets explained correctly over a sunset cocktail. Gustavo and his team work with businesses, investors and foreigners navigating the Costa Rican tax, accounting
EP-309: The Truth about Tamarindo: Living, buying and what's changed with Lauren Mantey
Need any advice or information, message us.Today we’re heading to Tamarindo to find out what’s really happening in one of Costa Rica’s most talked-about beach towns. I’m joined by longtime Tamarindo resident and real estate advisor Lauren Mantey, who I’ve known for years, to talk about how the town has changed, who’s moving there and buying property today, what life is actually like beyond the bea
EP-308 Beautiful isn't enough: What makes a Costa Rica Development & property truly successful with Beth O'Brien.
Need any advice or information, message us.We talk to Beth O’Brien, owner of Beth Anna & Co, to explore what really makes a real estate development successful beyond beautiful buildings and Instagram-worthy images. We discuss how economic uncertainty is affecting Costa Rica real estate, where developers often get branding and marketing wrong, why the guest experience is at the heart of a stron
EP-307 Costa Rica Tourism & Real Estate: What 20 yrs on the ground has taught us with Casey Halloran
Need any advice or information, message us.We chat with Casey Halloran, CEO of Costa Rican Vacations and the Namu Travel Group, to get his take on the current state of Costa Rica’s tourism and real estate markets. They discuss how global economic uncertainty is affecting demand, where Costa Rica’s strongest tourism markets are coming from, whether the country is becoming too expensive, what makes
EP-306 The future of Costa Rica Real Estate: Wellness, Development and Opportunity with Daveed Hollander
Need any advice or information, message us.Today, we’re joined by Daveed Hollander, President and Master Franchisor of Coldwell Banker Costa Rica. Daveed has been in Costa Rica real estate for more than two decades and knows the market from both the business side and from living in the Southern Pacific around Dominical and Uvita. Today, we’re going to get his take on what’s really happening in Cos
Developer Diaries: Building Arenal Ridge - From Vision to Reality with Richard Bexon
Need any advice or information, message us.Richard Bexon, Developer of Arenal Ridge and Managing Director of Belong Costa Rica, sits down with Jake Alexander to talk about how the vision for Arenal Ridge came to life, what the project is all about, what makes it unique, and why he believes La Fortuna is the right place for such a significant investment. They also discuss the lessons learned from d
EP-305 The Business of Luxury Eco-Tourism in Costa Rica with Daniel Gehring
Need any advice or information, message us.We sit down with Daniel Gehring, owner of El Remanso Lodge in Costa Rica’s remote and spectacular Osa Peninsula. We discuss what’s really happening in Costa Rica’s tourism market in 2026, how global economic uncertainty is affecting visitors, and the unique opportunities and challenges of operating a high-end hospitality business in one of the country’s
EP-304 Developer Diaries: Manuel Antonio Villa 5 & 6 - Mistakes and lessons learned
Need any advice or information, message us.Richard Bexon, Managing Director and Head Developer of Belong Costa Rica, joins Jake Alexander to talk through the final stretch of developing the Manuel Antonio Tree House Villas — the triumphs, the setbacks, and the lessons learned along the way. They dig into what made these villas different, how the team cut development time by 25%, and what's ne
EP-303 The hidden investment opportunity in Costa Rica's Central Valley with Pilar Vargas
Need any advice or information, message us.We sit down with relocation, investment and real estate specialist Pilar Vargas to explore why Costa Rica's Central Valley is becoming one of the country's most attractive regions for investors, retirees and those seeking a better quality of life. Pilar shares her insights on how global economic uncertainty has influenced buyer demand, why areas
EP-302 Inside Costa Rica's most dynamic market Jaco with Shelby Dobreff
Need any advice or information, message us.We chat with Shelby Dobreff of Coldwell Banker Jacó to take a deep dive into one of Costa Rica's most talked-about real estate markets. We discuss how global economic uncertainty is influencing buyer behavior, whether Jacó is currently a buyer's or seller's market, who's investing in the area, and which property types are generating th
EP-301 Where the smart money is going in Costa Rica in 2026 with Scott Cutter
Need any advice or information, message us.Today I'm joined by Scott Cutter, founder of 2 Costa Rica Real Estate and one of the country's most experienced brokers. Scott has watched Costa Rica evolve over the past few decades from a relatively undiscovered destination into one of the world's hottest markets for investors, retirees, families, and lifestyle buyers. We'll dive int
EP-300 What is Really takes to develop in Costa Rica: Las Catalinas to Punta Cacique with Neal Herman
Need any advice or information, message us.Today, we're joined by someone who has spent decades turning ambitious ideas into reality in Costa Rica—Neal Herman. From helping shape Las Catalinas into one of the country's most recognized master-planned communities to leading Punta Cacique, home to the highly anticipated Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica, Neal has had a front-row seat to some of th
EP-299 The Ultimate Costa Rica Home Inspection Guide with Alex Stripe
Need any advice or information, message us.We chat with Alex Stripe, owner and chief inspector of Stripe Signature Inspections, to discuss what every buyer should know before purchasing property in Costa Rica. Drawing on years of experience inspecting homes across the country, Alex shares what he's seeing on the ground in 2026, why not all home inspectors are created equal, and how buyers can
EP-298 What nobody tells you about property management in Costa Rica with Joaquin Rodriguez
Need any advice or information, message us.We sit down with Joaquin Rodriguez, Co-Owner and Sales & Marketing Director at Stay in Costa Rica, one of the country's premier luxury property management companies. We discuss what the first half of 2026 has looked like on the ground amid global economic uncertainty, how Stay in Costa Rica grew into one of the most respected property management
EP-297 Playa Grande Real Estate Update, Opportunities, Risks & what's next with Richie Velasquez
Need any advice or information, message us.We sit down with Richie Velasquez from Playa Grande Real Estate to get a candid, on-the-ground look at what’s really happening in Costa Rica’s booming property market. Having lived across Honduras, Panama, and Costa Rica for more than 35 years, Richie brings decades of regional experience, local knowledge, and a unique perspective shaped by his passion fo
EP-296 Eco-Luxury Wellness & the future of travel in Costa Rica with Gabriel Saragovia
Need any advice or information, message us.We chat with Gabriel Saragovia, one of the visionaries behind Rio Perdido and one of Costa Rica’s leading voices in eco-wellness tourism. We dive into what’s really happening on the ground in Costa Rica tourism in 2026, how global volatility is impacting travel and development, and why wellness has become far more than just a marketing buzzword. Gabriel s
EP-295 Masterplanning, tropical architecture and cultural integration when designing in Costa Rica with Juan Diego Cardenas
Need any advice or information, message us.We chat with Juan Diego Cardenas, Owner and Chief Architect of Studio Anonima, an architectural firm here in Costa Rica that’s been pushing the boundaries of design while integrating projects into the natural environment and surrounding community. We’re going to get into what foreign developers often get wrong in Costa Rica, why designing in the tropics i
EP-294 Relocating and Investing in the Central Valley of Costa Rica with Pilar Vargas
Need any advice or information, message us.We chat with Pilar Vargas, Relocation and Buyers Rep to unpack why, despite a volatile start to 2026 globally, demand in Costa Rica’s Central Valley has remained resilient—if not increasingly strategic—as buyers shift toward lifestyle stability, value, and long-term livability. We dive into why the Central Valley is no longer just an afterthought to the b
EP-293 Why a US developer chose Playa Negra Costa Rica with Spencer Barber
Need any advice or information, message us.We sit down with Spencer Barber to unpack what’s really happening on the ground in Costa Rica as global volatility shapes investor behavior in early 2026. We dive into why developers are increasingly choosing Costa Rica over the U.S., and the specific opportunities Spencer saw early in places like Playa Negra that others overlooked. He shares the most com
EP-292 Why Grecia is exploding: Costa Rica's next Real Estate Hotspot?
Need any advice or information, message us.We sit down with Andrey Quesada to discuss one of Costa Rica’s fastest-growing regions. From booming demand driven by free trade zones and lifestyle appeal, to land prices, rental yields, buyer trends, and where the real opportunities lie in 2026, Andrey shares the kind of on-the-ground insights you won’t find online. If you’re curious about investing in
EP-291 From Manuel Antonio to the Southern Pacific - Opportunity or Risk with Ben Rutherford
Need any advice or information, message us.We sit down with Ben Rutherford of Bluezone Realty to unpack what’s really happening in Costa Rica’s Southern Pacific market in 2026. We cover how global volatility is impacting local real estate, why stopping at Manuel Antonio might mean missing key opportunities further south, and whether we’re firmly in a buyer’s market. Ben shares where prices are adj
EP-290: We started our own construction company! Developer Diaries: Villa 4 in Manuel Antonio
Need any advice or information, message us.In today’s episode of Developer Diaries, Jake and Richard Bexon break down the lessons learned from developing Manuel Antonio Tree House Villas 1–3—and how those insights shaped the build of Villa 4.They share why Richard and Belong Costa Rica ultimately launched their own construction company, how they delivered the project in record time, what it took t
EP-289 Own a piece of Paradise: How fractional Investing in Costa Rica really works
Need any advice or information, message us.Jake Alexander & Richard Bexon break down how fractional ownership is emerging as a hands-off way to invest in luxury property in Costa Rica.Similar to U.S.-style syndications, investors benefit from annual dividends while also enjoying personal usage of the property throughout the year—typically with a structured exit around year five.Free 15 min con
EP-288 Millions lost in Escrow: How to safely buy Real Estate in Costa Rica with Valeria Aguiluz of TLA
Need any advice or information, message us.We speak with Valeria Aguiluz from TLA Escrow about the recent news of an escrow company in Costa Rica disappearing with clients’ funds. In this episode, we discuss potential conflicts of interest in real estate transactions, the key questions buyers and investors should be asking, and how to ensure you are working with a reputable and trustworthy escrow
EP-287 Foreign Buyers, Market Shifts and 2026 Predictions: Inside Guanacaste Real Estate with Andres Murrilo
Need any advice or information, message us.Andres Murillo, Real Estate Agent for 2CR in Guanacaste, discusses what’s happening across the growing beach towns of Playa Grande, Avellanas, and Tamarindo. He shares his perspective on the current state of the market, whether we are truly entering a buyer’s market, what types of properties are moving quickly, and where he sees the biggest opportunities
EP-286 Development Diaries: Developing Manuel Antonio Tree House Villas 1-3
Need any advice or information, message us.Jake Alexander and Richard Bexon discuss the journey from discovering the land that would become the Manuel Antonio Tree House Villas to delivering the first three completed villas. They explore where the original idea came from, the market data that validated the concept, the architectural design process, and the challenges they faced along the way—parti
EP-285 Is Guanacaste now a buyers market: returns and opportunities with Dan Williams
Need any advice or information, message us.We talk to Dan Williams, top Real Estate Agent for Coldwell Banker Tamarindo about what's happening in the Guanacaste Real Estate Market, where it's a buyers market, where it's a sellers market and where he thinks the opportunities lie in Costa Rica Real Estate.Free 15 min consultation: https://meetings.hubspot.com/jake806/crconsultContact
EP-284 Expat Mortgages: 30 yr fixed rate mortgages with Second Street in Costa Rica
Need any advice or information, message us.We chat with Zach Kay, CEO and Founder of Second Street, a mortgage company offering fixed interest 30 year terms on Costa Rica mortgages. We discuss how their offering differs, what people need to understand about loans in Costa Rica and where he sees opportunity in Costa Rica's Real Estate and Investment market.Free 15 min consultation: https://m
EP-283 Do Costa Rican's (Tico's) hate Gringos with Pablo Arias
Need any advice or information, message us.We chat with Pablo Arias about the real conversations happening beneath the “pura vida” surface: are Ticos actually upset with foreigners, or with the speed of change? What earns genuine respect here, and what quietly fuels resentment? We explore the difference between contributing to Costa Rica versus extracting from it, what’s truly driving the rising c
Bonus: Casey Halloran interviews Richard Bexon about what will happen in investing, Real Estate and Costa Rica in 2026.
Need any advice or information, message us.I sat down with Casey Halloran on the Let’s Talk Tourism podcast to cut through the noise around Costa Rica investing in 2026. We talk candidly about who will thrive, who will struggle, where genuine opportunity still exists, and the hard truths most people miss about tourism investing in Costa Rica.Free 15 min consultation: https://meetings.hubspot.com/
EP-282 Costa Rica Real Estate, what investors get wrong with Bob Davey.
Need any advice or information, message us.We talk to Bob Davey, Principal of Christie’s International Real Estate Costa Rica and General Partner of Las Catalinas about what happened in 2025 and where he sees opportunity in 2026. Bob talks about Costa Rica being a lifestyle investment and gives his advice when investing into new developments in Costa Rica.Free 15 min consultation: https://meetin
EP-281 NO BS, what's happening in Costa Rica with Dan Chaput
Need any advice or information, message us.I’m joined by Dan Chaput for an unfiltered look at Costa Rica in 2026. From real estate marketing and investing to security, gentrification, and politics, we talk about what’s real, what’s hype, and what people aren’t saying out loud. Dan never holds back—and this episode is no exception.Free 15 min consultation: https://meetings.hubspot.com/jake806/crco
EP-280 From Boom to Bust to Boom again, Costa Rica Tourism Explained with Rolando Campos of Chayote Lodge
Need any advice or information, message us.We sit down with Rolando Campos, owner of Chayote Lodge and a 30-year tourism veteran, to unpack what really happened in Costa Rica’s tourism sector in 2025. Rolando shares his outlook for 2026, where he sees the best investment opportunities, and the realities facing boutique hotels amid the continued evolution of luxury tourism in Costa Rica.Free 15 min
EP-279 Developer Diaries - Inside the Development of Arenals' most luxurious 5 bedroom villa — Challenges, Tears & Triumphs with Richard Bexon
Need any advice or information, message us.Developer and CEO of Belong Costa Rica, Richard Bexon, joins us to break down the journey behind creating Arenal’s #1 luxury vacation rental. We dive into why he chose Arenal, the data and experience that informed the investment decision, and the real-world challenges of taking a project from concept and design through construction and delivery.Free 15 mi
EP-278 Luxury Travel, Real Assets and Investing in Costa Rica in 2026 with Namu Travel CEO Casey Halloran
Need any advice or information, message us.As we step into 2026, we’re joined by Casey Halloran, CEO of Namu Travel, Costa Rica’s largest luxury travel company. We reflect on how tourism evolved in 2025, the ripple effects on real estate and investing, and Casey’s outlook for 2026 based on the data and signals he’s seeing on the ground.Free 15 min consultation: https://meetings.hubspot.com/jake8
EP-277 Designing interiors that drive value in Costa Rica with Sarahy Flores
Need any advice or information, message us.Today, we chat with Sarahy Flores, interior designer and founder of Sarhy Flores Interior Design. We dive into what’s trending — and what’s not — in Costa Rican home design. Sarahy shares when to bring an interior designer into your project, how they can elevate both style and function, and where homeowners should prioritize their investment to get the be
EP-276 Los Reyes, La Guacima Unpacked: Growth, Opportunity and what Investors should know with Crissy Jones
Need any advice or information, message us.I chat with Crissy Jones from We Are Costa Rica to talk all things La Guácima, San José. We unpack how the area came to be, what’s driven its growth over the last year, and why more families—both expats and locals—are choosing to call it home. We also zoom in on Los Reyes, the landmark development putting La Guácima on the map, with its golf course, inter
EP-275 Multi Million Dollar beachfront homes in Costa Rica + 2025 wrap up with David Karr
Need any advice or information, message us.We sit down with David Karr, Broker for Coldwell Banker Jacó, to break down what really happened in Costa Rica’s real estate market in 2025, where he believes things are heading in 2026, and where the biggest opportunities may lie. We dive into the surge of multimillion-dollar beachfront homes in Jacó—why this trend is accelerating and what it means for t
EP-274 What happened in 2025 and what will happen in 2026 for Costa Rica Investing with Jake Alexander
Need any advice or information, message us.Jake Alexander and I review the key trends of 2025—what performed well, what didn’t—and highlight where we believe the strongest investment opportunities lie for 2026. We also share our tourism forecasts for the coming year.Free 15 min consultation: https://meetings.hubspot.com/jake806/crconsultContact us: info@investingcostarica.com
EP-273 Real Estate & Investing update on the best climate in the world: Atenas with Andrew Partain
Need any advice or information, message us.We talk to Andrew Partain of Remax Atenas about what is happening in the Atenas market. We discuss the current state of the Atenas market, where he sees opportunities currently and where he thinks the opportunities will be in the future. Atenas is a unique market, as it caters more to individuals aged 55 and above and has a strong expat community. Free
EP-272 8% returns in Costa Rica's Central Valley with Mariel Gracia
Need any advice or information, message us.In this episode, we sit down with luxury real estate expert Mariel Gracia to unpack what’s really happening in Costa Rica’s Central Valley. Mariel shares where she’s seeing the strongest growth, the trends shaping the market, and—if you’re chasing an 8%+ return—exactly where she’d be putting her money today. We also dive into the rapid rise of Grecia and
EP-271 Relocating your family to Costa Rica & Investing in property with Jake Rieke
Need any advice or information, message us.We sit down with property investor and life coach Jake Rieke, who made the bold decision to relocate his family — including two teenage daughters — to Costa Rica in 2024. Jake shares what inspired the move, how the transition has unfolded, the challenges they’ve faced, and what the education system is really like for expat families. We also delve into the
EP-270 Everything you need to know about building in Costa Rica with Director of Construction Erick Corrales
Need any advice or information, message us.We sit down with Erick Corrales, Director of Construction at COBE Construction and Belong Costa Rica. We dive into the realities of building in Costa Rica—how the construction process really works, the different types of contracts you’ll encounter, the most common pitfalls that derail a project, and the key steps you can take to ensure your build is deliv
EP-269 Investing and running a successful retreat center in Costa Rica with Kim Flynn
Need any advice or information, message us.In this episode, we talk with retreat leader and owner Kim Flynn about her journey to buying and remodeling a beachfront retreat center in Sámara, Guanacaste. Kim shares the challenges she faced along the way, how she came to own the property, and her insights and advice for anyone considering a similar path — plus, what’s next for her growing retreat bus
EP-268 Politics, Security and Community Building when investing in Costa Rica with Lawyer Raquel Moya.
Need any advice or information, message us.We sit down with lawyer Raquel Moya for an in-depth update on Costa Rica’s market — what’s thriving, what’s slowing down, and what investors should keep an eye on. We also explore the vital role of community involvement when developing and investing in Costa Rica.Free 15 min consultation: https://meetings.hubspot.com/jake806/crconsultContact us: info@inv
EP-267 30 years running some of the countries top hotels with Mario Mikowski
Need any advice or information, message us.In this episode, we chat with Mario Mikowski, a 30-year veteran and board member of some of Costa Rica’s most iconic hotels and brands. Mario shares his perspective on the current state of tourism in Costa Rica, the opportunities and challenges ahead, and how the upcoming 2026 elections could shape the country’s future. He also opens up about his concerns
EP-266 Santa Teresa & Mal Pais market update with Dina Tochluk
Need any advice or information, message us.Today we sit down with Dina Tochluk to explore what’s really happening in one of Costa Rica’s hottest real estate markets — Santa Teresa. Dina shares her perspective on where the market stands right now, whether it’s leaning toward buyers or sellers, and where she believes the best investment opportunities are. She also offers valuable insight into the ty
EP-265 Developing advice in Costa Rica from the Alethea project in Playa Junquillal - Dave Matt
Need any advice or information, message us.Today we sat down with Costa Rica developer Dave Matt to hear about his journey and what he’s learned so far building in the country. We explore why having the right team is crucial, which key players you need in place, and the practical advice he’d give to anyone thinking about starting a development project in Costa Rica.Free 15 min consultation: https
EP-264 Presidential Candidate Juan Carlos Hidalgo: Future of Investing in Costa Rica
Need any advice or information, message us.We chat with Presidential Candidate Juan Carlos Hidalgo of the PUSC party to talk about Costa Rica’s present and future. We dive into what the country is doing right, where it’s falling short, and the changes he believes are needed to move forward. Our conversation covers security, the role of free trade zones, investing in rural communities, and much mor
EP-263 Developing & Building mistakes with Engineering Project Manager Luis Fernando Rojas
Need any advice or information, message us.We chat with Luis Fernando Rojas, owner and Chief Engineer/Project Manager, to break down the fastest ways to subdivide land in Costa Rica. We explore the key differences between condominio developments and agricultural parcel projects, what every developer should know before investing in these opportunities, and dive into the realities of Costa Rica’s co
EP-262 Running a non Profit in Costa Rica & US501 C 3 corps
Need any advice or information, message us.We sit down with Nicole Brose from Guayabo Animal Rescue & Sanctuary to explore what it’s really like to run a nonprofit in Costa Rica. Nicole shares her journey of setting up and operating across two countries, with practical insights on structuring in the U.S. for smoother operations. We also dive into the cultural differences every nonprofit leader
EP-261 24% ROI investment property in Jaco and Jaco + Costa Rica Market Update with Beth Beaird
Need any advice or information, message us.I sit down with Beth Beaird, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Jaco, to discuss the latest trends shaping Costa Rica’s real estate market. We explore how these shifts are influencing the Jaco area specifically and highlight some of the standout properties Beth believes offer strong investment potential - one offering 24% ROI - self-managed.Free 15
EP - 260 My journey so far in development and recommendations on what to do and what not to do with Richard Bexon
Need any advice or information, message us.Richard Bexon, developer with Belong Costa Rica, takes us inside his journey in the world of real estate development. In this episode, he shares the story behind the Manuel Antonio Tree House Villas project—covering the vision and design, the challenges of infrastructure, the realities of construction, and even a glimpse into what it takes to rent them ou
EP-259 How investors can give back in communities throughout Costa Rica - Lifting Hands
Need any advice or information, message us.We speak with Mariola Fumero from Lifting Hands about how investors can positively impact the communities where they live and invest—helping to address gentrification and uplift communities across Costa Rica.Free 15 min consultation: https://meetings.hubspot.com/jake806/crconsultContact us: info@investingcostarica.comLifting Hands: https://www.liftinghan
EP-258 US style loans being offered in Costa Rica with Volo Loans
Need any advice or information, message us.We chat with Ben Pack, CEO of Volo Loans, about what he is seeing happening in the market, where he is seeing demand in the country and where he would be investing his money (he already is). We discuss how Volo Loans offers US style loans over 30 years at competitive interest rates and how the US market is impacting Costa Rican Real Estate.Free 15 min co
EP-257 Investing, Operating a hotel in Costa Rica plus market update with Onda owner Bill Graf
Need any advice or information, message us.Today, I talk with Bill Graf, the owner and visionary behind Onda Hotel Group. We dive into the current landscape of the Costa Rican hospitality market—both the headwinds and tailwinds—and explore where Bill sees the biggest opportunities. He shares the Onda story so far, how he chooses his hotel locations, and the hard-won lessons along the way. We also
EP-256 Things to look out for when buying and investing in a property in Costa Rica with home inspector Alex Stripe.
Need any advice or information, message us.On this episode, we’re joined by Alex Stripe — veteran home inspector and founder of Stripe Signature Inspections. Alex shares his insights from years of inspecting homes for buyers and investors in Costa Rica. We dive into what to look out for, where hidden issues often lurk, and how to choose the right home inspector to protect your investment.Free 15 m
EP-255 Podcast and Market Update with Richard Bexon
Need any advice or information, message us.Richard Bexon provides a market update while we record more podcasts and get back to our normal weekly update.Free 15 min consultation: https://meetings.hubspot.com/jake806/crconsultContact us: info@investingcostarica.com
EP-254 Environmental justice and gentrification in Costa Rica + Pavones Update with Walter Brenes
Need any advice or information, message us.We talk to Environmental and Sustainability Lawyer Walter Brenes about the current cases he's fighting in Costa Rica, what is really happening in Pavones as the town is knocked down by the municipality and what he thinks will happen in other beach towns as municipalities and money pours into Costa Rica. Free 15 min consultation: https://meetings.hu
EP-253. Understanding land use and regulations in Costa Rica with lawyer Jose Maria Pacheco.
Need any advice or information, message us.Lawyer, José María Pacheco, and I dive into all things land in Costa Rica. We break down the different types of land use, what you can and can’t do with each, and the key risks to watch out for. José also shares insight into common land investment pitfalls and highlights the areas he believes offer solid investment potential across the country.Free 15 min
EP-252 Whatsapp Translation for Expats and Market Update with Jake Alexander
Need any advice or information, message us.I sat down with Jake Alexander, founder of tucanchat.io—a WhatsApp translation tool designed to help expats and locals bridge the language gap between English and Tico Spanish. We discussed how the idea for tucanchat.io came about and the ways it’s helping expats navigate daily communication in Costa Rica. Jake also shared his thoughts on current market c
EP-251 Escrow in Costa Rica - not all are equal and this is how they work - TLA Escrow
Need any advice or information, message us.In this episode, we sit down with Valeria Aguiluz to break down how escrow works in Costa Rica. We cover the key options available to investors, the critical questions to ask your escrow provider, and the advantages of using escrow in real estate transactions. Valeria also shares what sets TLA Escrow apart from other providers in the country.Free 15 min c
EP-250 Everything you need to know about US tax on a Costa Rica Investment with US CPA Alex McGowin
Need any advice or information, message us.Alex McGowin joins me to break down everything you need to know about taxes when investing or owning property in Costa Rica. We cover how income is taxed, strategies for deferrals and depreciation, capital gains considerations, and what expenses you can deduct. We also explore the most tax-efficient ways to structure your assets in Costa Rica.Free 15 min
EP-249 Financing Options available in Costa Rica with loan advisor Catherine Palacios of Done Deal CR
Need any advice or information, message us.I sit down with Catherine Palacios from Done Deal CR to break down everything you need to know—from navigating the buying process to understanding the technical details of financing in Costa Rica, including loan terms, interest rates, LTV ratios, and more.Free 15 min consultation: https://meetings.hubspot.com/jake806/crconsultContact us: info@investingco
EP-248 How Real Estate transactions go wrong in Costa Rica with Lawyer Paola Ratana
Need any advice or information, message us.We sat down with Real Estate Lawyer Paola Retana to discuss why real estate transactions often go wrong in Costa Rica. She breaks down the role each party plays—lawyers, escrow agents, realtors, and engineers—and shares real examples of what can go wrong and how to avoid it.Free 15 min consultation: https://meetings.hubspot.com/jake806/crconsultContact u
EP-247 Costa Rica by the Data Trends, Truths and Takeaways - Data, Data, Data!
Need any advice or information, message us.We sit down with James Neale, Data Analyst at Costa Rica Investments, to break down the latest trends in the vacation rental market. He shares insights on where occupancy remains strong, where average daily rates are slipping, and where he still sees promising investment opportunities across Costa Rica.Free 15 min consultation: https://meetings.hubspot.c
EP-246 Buyers Market: Up and Coming beach and mountains towns to invest in 2025
Need any advice or information, message us.We sit down with Gina Briguglio, a real estate consultant based in Guanacaste and Arenal, to dive into what's really happening in Costa Rica's property market. Is it a buyer’s or seller’s market? It depends—and Gina breaks down where the opportunities lie. From emerging beach towns to mountain hotspots, she shares where she’s investing over the
EP-245 Architects in Costa Rica - what you need to know and understand with Esteban Ossenbach
Need any advice or information, message us.I caught up with Esteban Ossenbach, a young and passionate architect and the founder of Selva Architects and Design. We chatted all things architecture in Costa Rica—from the red flags to watch for when hiring an architect, to the must-ask questions and the big no-no’s when it comes to designing in the tropics. If you’re building, dreaming, or just curiou
EP-244 Water, Wells and Investing wisely in Costa Rica with Hydrologist Jorge Suarez
Need any advice or information, message us.In this episode, we sit down with Jorge Suarez, a seasoned hydrologist and owner of Geohydro, to explore one of the most critical—and often overlooked—aspects of buying land in Costa Rica: securing a legal water source. Jorge breaks down what it means to purchase property without legal water, the complications it can create, and the strategies to overcome
EP-243 Tourism Trends & Hidden Gems: Real Estate Insights from the Inside with Costa Rica's #1 Travel Company CEO
Need any advice or information, message us.We sit down with Casey Halloran, CEO of Costa Rica’s largest luxury travel company, to explore the state of tourism today and where it's headed in 2025. Casey shares how these trends are shaping real estate, development, and investment opportunities across the country. From where he’d put — or avoid putting — his own money, to what he’d do with a $50
EP-242 Market Update and Opportunities for Investment with Investment Specialist Jake Alexander
Need any advice or information, message us.Jake Alexander, an Investment Specialist and long-term resident of Costa Rica, chats to us about the current state of the BUYERS market, where he sees an opportunity to invest in Costa Rica, and where and what he would NOT invest in in 2025.Free 15 min consultation: https://meetings.hubspot.com/jake806/crconsultContact us: info@investingcostarica.comGues
EP-241 2 years of living in Costa Rica: what you need to know with Kvon Tucker
Need any advice or information, message us.Two years ago, Kvon Tucker made the move to Costa Rica with his wife and young daughter. We caught up with Kvon to hear about his journey so far—what surprised him, what turned out to be easier than expected, and his advice for anyone considering making Costa Rica their full- or part-time home. Kvon also reflects on how life has changed for him and his fa
EP-240 Costa Rica perpetual tourist, residency and Vacation Rental legal requirements with Cristina Guerrini
Need any advice or information, message us.Cristina Guerrini joins us from Bluezone Legal to break down some critical updates for anyone living in—or thinking about moving to—Costa Rica. We dive into the proposed bill targeting perpetual tourists, explore the different residency options available, and take a look at how the Costa Rican government and local municipalities are stepping up efforts to
EP-239 Guanacaste Broker Report - where and where not to invest in with Becky Clower
Need any advice or information, message us.We chatted with Becky Clower, Broker at Bluewater Properties—one of the largest independent real estate firms in Guanacaste. Becky gives us the latest updates on the market, sharing insights on what’s selling, what’s not, and where smart investors should be looking right now. She also highlights areas that may be cooling off. Free 15 min consultation: ht
EP-238 - Real Estate Investing in the Central Valley of Costa Rica with Mariel Gracia
Need any advice or information, message us.Mariel Gracia, Real Estate Consultant in the Central Valley of Costa Rica (San Jose, Heredia, Alajuela), and I chat about what is happening in the Central Valley and how it acts and performs compared to the coastal areas of Costa Rica. We chat about where she believes the opportunity is and why families love to live in this area of Costa Rica.Free 15 min
EP-237 Feng Shui when developing, designing and building in Costa Rica with Laurent Langlais
Need any advice or information, message us.In this episode, Feng Shui expert Laurent Langlais joins us to explore how Feng Shui principles can transform your approach to choosing land, designing and positioning properties, and creating inviting interiors. We delve into what makes Costa Rica truly unique—from its remarkable topography and vibrant energy to the areas set to thrive in the next decade
EP-236 Understanding current water issues in Costa Rica and your options with Sonia Aragon from Quatro Legal
Need any advice or information, message us.In this episode, we sit down with lawyer Sonia Aragon to discuss Costa Rica's water challenges—especially in the Guanacaste region. Sonia breaks down the pressing issues, explains how they came about, and shares insights on what options are available for anyone considering construction or property investments in Costa Rica. We also learn about the ev
EP -235 How to avoid a construction disaster in Costa Rica with Belong Director of Construction, Erick Corrales.
Need any advice or information, message us.In this episode, we sit down with Erick Corrales, Director of Construction & Engineering at Belong Costa Rica, to uncover the right way to build in Costa Rica. Erick shares expert insights on choosing the right builder, setting a realistic budget, understanding timelines, and navigating cost per square foot. Plus, we break down common pitfalls and how
