Prepare your Property

To maximize your property’s appeal in Costa Rica’s competitive real estate market, thoughtful preparation can make a lasting impression on potential buyers, particularly foreign investors, retirees, or vacation home seekers. Here’s how to get your property ready to stand out.

What to Do to Prepare:

Consider these key steps to enhance your property’s attractiveness and value in Costa Rica’s unique market:

Curb Appeal.

First impressions matter, especially in Costa Rica, where natural beauty is a key draw. Keep your landscaping well-maintained—trim tropical plants, mow lawns, and clear debris. Add vibrant touches like colorful native plants (e.g., heliconias or orchids) or decorative elements like stone pathways to highlight the property’s connection to Costa Rica’s lush environment. For coastal or rural properties, ensure access roads are clear and inviting to appeal to buyers seeking a tropical lifestyle.

Property Repairs and Upgrades.

Address minor repairs to make your property move-in ready, as many buyers in Costa Rica prefer low-maintenance homes. Fix leaky faucets, repair cracked tiles, or refresh outdoor areas like patios or decks, which are highly valued for outdoor living. A fresh coat of paint in high-traffic areas or updating fixtures like faucets and lighting can elevate the property’s appeal. For eco-conscious buyers, consider showcasing sustainable features like solar panels or rainwater collection systems, which are increasingly popular.

Cleanliness and Staging.

A clean, uncluttered, and inviting property is essential to attract buyers. Ensure the home is spotless, smells fresh (avoid heavy air fresheners), and is well-lit to highlight Costa Rica’s bright, tropical ambiance. Pay attention to details: store personal items, remove pet-related clutter, and add local touches like tropical flowers or Costa Rican artwork near the entryway. Staging outdoor spaces, such as terraces or pool areas, with furniture can help buyers envision the “pura vida” lifestyle. Your agent will conduct a pre-listing walkthrough to suggest staging improvements tailored to your property’s style and target market, such as vacation or rental investors.

Disclosures and Inspections.

In Costa Rica, transparency is critical, especially for foreign buyers unfamiliar with local regulations. We’ll guide you through preparing a thorough disclosure statement, covering details like property boundaries, environmental restrictions (e.g., for coastal or protected areas), or zoning limitations. We recommend pre-listing inspections, such as structural, plumbing, or electrical checks, and, if applicable, environmental or pest inspections (common in tropical climates). These steps build buyer confidence and prevent surprises during due diligence. Our team is well-versed in Costa Rican legal requirements and will work with trusted professionals to ensure compliance.

Showtime.

Presenting your property to buyers is a task we handle expertly. In Costa Rica, buyers—often international—prefer discussing the property with an agent who understands their needs, such as proximity to beaches, rental potential, or eco-friendly features. We’ll coordinate showings, virtual tours for overseas buyers, or open houses, ensuring your property shines. It’s best to leave showings to us, as buyers feel more comfortable sharing feedback with the agent. We’ll highlight your property’s unique strengths, like ocean views or access to national parks, and represent your interests to secure the best offer.