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Tom Vose

  • Stability in Paradise

    How do you summarize 25 pages of research into a few paragraphs?

     

      To begin with, Costa Rica's government has held peaceful transitions of power every 4 years since 1948.  Essentially a 2 party system (conservative or liberal), over 90% of the population chooses to exercise their voting rights.

     

      It is an extremely literate society with less than 7% of the population not being able to read or write.  Their nature is to lend a helping hand, almost to a fault.  (If you ask for directions and they don't know, they will probably tell you something so you won't feel bad.)

     

       The healthcare system is every bit as good as that found in the US, but at about 1/3 the cost.  One example was an American who went to a clinic for chronic headaches and within 5 hours had several blood tests, been seen by 1 doctor and 2 specialists, scheduled and received an MRI and walked out with a bill of $250.00.

     

      It has the largest percentage of expatriates living there full-time.  Mainly because the cost of living is about 1/3 of the US.  Foreigners are allowed to own property with all of the rights of a native.  Property taxes are calculated at 0.25% of the property value.  It is possible to live very comfortably on $2500/month, and that would include a maid and gardener.

     

      There is no capital gains tax and neither is there an income tax on income generated outside the country.

     

      Unless you have an aversion to a warm climate, friendly people, low cost of living and a slower lifestyle, we high recommend taking a closer look at Costa Rica.

  • Changes to Costa Rica's Residency Law

    Key Changes To Costa Rica's Immigration Law:

    1. Pensionado income will be $1,000 per month, increased from the current $600 per month. The $1,000 applies to the family unit (applicant plus spouse and/or other dependants under the age of 18). So, the one pension covers both the husband and wife -- same as now.
    2. Rentista unearned income increased to $2,500 per month and applies to the family unit (applicant plus spouse and/or other dependants under the age of 18).
    3. No increased income requirement when renewing carnet. So, if your residency was approved based on a pension of $600+, or $1,000 rentista income, you will have no changes in your income requirements when you renew your carnet after the new law goes into effect.
    4. Mandatory membership in CCSS. Residents will have to join "La Caja". La Caja Costarricense del Seguro Social (La Caja) is the National Health Insurance System of Costa Rica. Membership in la Caja is mandatory for all Costa Rican employees, workers, managers, etc., but membership is currently voluntary for foreign residents. Membership fees (health insurance premiums) are very low compared to health insurance rates in the U.S. and other industrialized nations.
    5. Law goes into effect six (6) months after the approved law is published in La Gazeta, the official Costa Rican government newspaper. Therefore, any residency applications filed prior to the effective date of the law would be treated as filed under the "old" income requirements of $600 for pensionado and $1,000 for rentista.
  • Experience Costa Rica

    For those of you who are gasping to hear some bad news about Costa Rica, this

    will be a great disappointment to you because Costa Rica was just ranked the 8th

    most politically stable country in the world and first in the Americas!

    I think this is just amazing news!

    This is not a study done by a group of Costa Rica Realtors trying to sell you real

    estate, this is a comprehensive investigation done by The Economist Intelligence

    Unit which is a highly respected, full-service global research and advisory firm

    headquartered in London with offices in more than 40 cities worldwide.

    They have a network of 650 full-time and contributing analysts, covering more than

    200 countries in a March 2009 study, they identified the most politically stable

    countries amid the global economic meltdown.

    Using 17 measures that encompass social structures, economic statistics, political

    structure and history, the report was formed from a comprehensive study.

    The full report is entitled 'Manning the Barricades - Who's at risk as deepening

    economic distress foments social unrest' and, we've included a link to the full

    report in our brief article so you can download it for yourself.

    Other notable rankings include; USA in 56th position

    How much is political stability worth to you?

    Costa Rica is ranked 8th most politically stable country in the world and first

    in the Americas

  • Ranch For Sale in Conifer

    Southern Views
    Metro Close

    • 5,000 sq. ft., 3 bath, 3 bdrm ranch "Full - Walkout" - $1,890,000 - Horse Training Center

     -  Horse Lover's Dream!!
    Come home to the serenity of Flying E Ranch, an idyllic private equestrian estate located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountians adjoining a 3,000+ acre working cattle ranch. This turnkey equestrian facility offers a 5 stall barn, 39 acres of pasture and trails, a 5, 000 sqft main house & 1700 sqft Care Takers home, and unequalled privacy and panoramic views. Located only 30 minutes outside Denver, Colorado; the ranch is convenient to all the amenities of a metroplitain city.

    Owner's Residence
    The western ranch-style main residence features a luxurious 5,000-sqft professionally decorated living area with a spacious, open floor plan and hardwood flooring. The living room offers vaulted ceilings, a vent-free gas fireplace and custom designed windows. Adjacent to the dining area, the gourmet kitchen includes state-of-the-art appliances, triple window and breakfast counter. The residence includes a master bedroom with adjoining 5-piece master bath, private entrance to the 15' x 40' deck with hottub. There are 2 oversized guestrooms with walk-in closets privately located at the opposite side of the house on the mainfloor. The home is wired with an intercom and high speed wireless internet.

    Equestrian Facilities
    Professional equestrians will appreciate the turnkey equestrian facility with a 5 stall barn and a full range of amenities. The equestrian area features, a tack shed, large individual pens, and year-round water and utilities. Outside, the barn area includes a 50-foot X 150-foot riding arena with 3-rail fencing. Approximately 10 acres is an open grass field ideal for cross-country training or additional grazing pasture.

    Property information