Blogs

Is buying a fixer-upper in Guanacaste and renovating it a good idea? Thousands of people--both professionals and amateurs--do it every day in North America. Some convert an outdated house in need of care into their custom living space, and their hard work saves them thousands of dollars. Others pick up bargain houses, renovate them, and sell them at a profit. Does the same formula work in Costa Rica? It may, but it’s not simple or guaranteed to be profitable.

Imagine sitting at your desk in a spacious, luxurious office. You look up from your computer to admire the amazing ocean view. The green, tropical mountains out the side window ease the tension of the deadline you have to meet. You decide to finish your project before taking a dip in the refreshing pool that beckons you from a few steps away.

Moving to Costa Rica is an exciting prospect. On the other hand, moving an entire household of goods to Costa Rica is not. What does it cost to ship things to Costa Rica? How long will it take for my things to arrive? Are there importation taxes? On what items and how much? Will my possessions get stuck in customs? These troublesome questions regarding shipping lead many to the fundamental issue of which is better--shipping items to Costa Rica or buying them there.

Where should I invest money in a bad economy? It’s a question we’re forced to face now that the world economy is officially in recession. But the business slowdown isn’t bad news for everyone. Some see the financial downturn as an opportunity to invest at bargain basement prices. But where should you invest? In what?