Hello! Another update from Justagirl and not because I have the time but because I honestly hope and pray that less and less people throw their life savings and life dream into a garbage disposal. It is a painful grind.
selling lots and a dream is big business. It can easily generate several million dollars in assets and cash. There are enough people that hold fast with heels dug in to make IT happen that when it doesn't they cut and run to save themselves. But, for those who don't, it brings change, lessons and constant redirection. Three things cause change- discomfort, learning and receiving enough resources to do so. That's all. Avoid discomfort where possible. In Costa Rica that is actually easier than you think. It is a simple lifestyle that strives to be one with the surroundings and leave it as they found it. However, this simple lifestyle is prey to greed, power and corruption. When something is so enjoyable and satisfying many want to own it, sell it, control it.
It is going on the 7th year since the purchase of our “affordable luxury home” in Guanacaste Costa Rica. We are almost done. That is our mantra. “How is the house coming?” You say. We say, with a smile we've learned to force “we are almost done”. Manana, manana.
I've raised six perfect kids who are an incredible blessing. I have 5 grandchildren that fill me with hope for the future and have surrounded myself with the best people on earth. Long suffering and hold me up. I follow the model of Christ and seek justice but love mercy. I am a satisfied and happy traveler in this life in spite of it all.
The home is amazing. A constant reminder of the years of loss, legal battles, meeting with politicians, begging newspapers to run a story to no avail, and meeting with and talking with potential and actual homeowners/lot owners. The stories fill my heart for the plight of man. We all just want to find peace, tranquility and a likeminded community. One day, we will.
The home we have is in a gated community, with guards and an HOA. We are grateful for the guards. Locals who live a different code. The HOA is a pass to harass and charge homeowners. It has caused several to just walk away. Water issues, road blocks and ridiculous rules to attend meetings that produce nothing. So so terribly sad after all they have already endured. While the principals sit in Belgium, Canada, the US (which hough he took the fall as he should), and right across the street from us the rules are never followed by them. Our neighbors run a construction business from their home (the last remnant of the company). They planted the largest bushiest tree they could in front of our view of the ocean and show zero neighborly grace. They sit in waiting to “fix” something the company they worked for as construction foreman failed to do, and charge us all for- guaranteed income for them.
We have in our fight been able to push out as much of the company as able and allow Costa Rican companies to come in. Builders, pool cleaners, gardeners and rental management. So, after losing on the first round some have managed to start over and we've seen 4 more houses go up. They are beautiful but many are jaded and cautious and we haven't developed a community of people yet. Everyone has been taken advantage of by lawyers, managers, and the company. We even had to spend $1500 US to change our electric meter from commercial (set up by company) and o residential which cut our bill almost in half. We were paying $300 a month while not here for a 2 bedroom villa. Their attorney set it up originally. So much taking advantage and sticking it to ya. Many are still entangled in legal problems- taxes never paid by company attorney. All of the principals own lots and some homes. Including the company attorney who did not move the tax money from his pocket to the government of Costa Rica.
what saddens me most is the amount of taxes never received by the municipality for the amount of money exchanged from buyer to seller over the ten year ordeal. We know it is great just based on what we pay and paid when we legally removed the company from our transaction. That fee from just the legal representation was $24000 US. To get what we bought in title. We replaced all of the furniture that was stolen as the insurance company said there was no violence therefore it wasn't covered. The company changed our locks and cleaned out our home. Even things we brought from US. We've rebuilt the entire home and still are finishing final cosmetics after $15000 to soil test and soil nail our land to avoid our house sliding down the cliff. The final bill could have sent all 6 to IVY league schools. Twice.
so, the lesson? If it sounds too good to be true, it is. Period. You're not an exception and you haven't found the fountain of youth. If you're going to build something in Costa Rica it takes one year- give or take. So come down once or twice a month and manage the progress. No work, no pay. No work, terminate and hire someone else. Never, ever, ever buy in a gated community that has no infrastructure and no Costa Rican company on the dotted line. Research The company you are signing with.
Hire an attorney from the start and don't pay for no results. If they don't communicate promptly and have results, you are wasting your money. We found the best, after going through 4. You get what you pay for. $500 an hour for results is so much cheaper than $200 for none.
Build a community of people from your own country and some from CR. Proceed cautiously because both have maybe suffered at the hands of the other. Don't move too fast or give to much and by all means no matter what anyone tells you, people only do what you let them. Period. Period.
I have been lied about, threatened, ostracized by my husband, suffered violence on my child, and put my husband through alcohol rehab in the journey to tell the truth. In the end, it was worth saving others the same fate though there are many I couldn't assist. Seek justice but love mercy.
I pray you all enormous blessings in your expat journey, wisdom and favor and a square of friends- not circle- so you may always find a friend in whatever corner you find yourself in.
many thanks for those who held me up. I am in your debt. 🙏. Happy holidays and blessed Christmas.
