Helping you confidently buy your home in Costa Rica with local expertise, honest advice, and personalized representation every step of the way.
Helping buyers from Canada, the USA & around the world find their place in Costa Rica.
Paradise has paperwork.
You enjoy the sunsets.
I'll handle everything else.
My story began in Guatemala and later took me to Ontario, Canada, where I built a career in real estate photography and videography. That experience taught me to see property differently, not just how a home looks, but how it feels and how it fits into someone's life.
After discovering Playas del Coco, my husband and I fell in love with Guanacaste and eventually made Costa Rica home. Today, I use both my real estate experience and my own experience relocating internationally to help buyers make that transition with clarity and confidence.
I specialize in Playas del Coco and the surrounding Guanacaste communities, working closely with international buyers who want honest advice, local knowledge, and someone they can rely on throughout the process.
It's about helping you find the place in Costa Rica that feels like home.
I live here, I know the right communities, and I track the properties.
Clear advice and answers so you can feel confident every step of the way.
Helping your home stand out with professional photos and videos.
From your first question to closing day, you'll work directly with me.
Proud to work alongside
Browse the full, up-to-date inventory of properties for sale on our brokerage site.
As a real estate advisor with Expat Properties | CR, I give my clients access to our brokerage's complete, real-time inventory of homes, condos, land, and investment properties throughout Guanacaste.
All properties are listed with Expat Properties | CR.
Accurate, up-to-date property availability you can trust.
I'll personally guide you from your first search through closing.
You'll be redirected to the official Expat Properties | CR website, where every inquiry comes directly back to me.
Five condos sold in Playas del Coco.
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You don't have to pay cash. I've partnered with Second Street so qualified U.S. and Canadian buyers can finance their Costa Rica purchase with a simple, familiar process.
A trusted international mortgage lender, built for U.S. and Canadian buyers financing property in Costa Rica.
From finding your property to closing day, I'm here to guide you through it all.
We'll find the perfect home that fits your lifestyle and goals.
I'll personally connect you with Second Street.
Quick and easy pre-qualification so you know your options.
Move forward with clarity, confidence, and my support.
The questions I hear most from buyers before we even get on a call. General information, not legal or financial advice. Always confirm specifics with a Costa Rican attorney. Information last reviewed: August 2026.
Yes. Costa Rica is one of the more foreigner-friendly countries in Latin America for property rights. Non-residents have the same legal right to own real estate as citizens. No local partner is required, there's no minimum residency period, and no restriction on property type, with one exception: land inside the Maritime Zone (see below).
If a property sits within 200 meters of the mean high tide line on the Pacific coast, special rules apply. The first 50 meters is public land that nobody owns. The next 150 meters is a "restricted zone" governed by a concession rather than standard title, and foreigners without at least 5 years of legal residency can't hold more than 49% of that concession. Not every coastal-adjacent property in Guanacaste falls under this rule; plenty is titled land outside the zone. Always confirm in writing which one you're looking at before you get attached to a property.
Budget roughly 3%–4% of the property value, made up of the property transfer tax (1.5% of the sale price or registered value, whichever is higher), documentary stamps (~0.5%), and notary/attorney fees (1%–1.5%). The transfer tax is usually the buyer's responsibility, though it can be negotiated. Your closing attorney (who also acts as the notary in Costa Rica, since the two roles are combined) typically withholds and remits it for you.
Financing is genuinely available; that "cash-only" idea is outdated. I work alongside Second Street, a U.S.-based lender offering U.S.-style 30-year fixed-rate mortgages in USD for U.S. and Canadian buyers, working off your existing U.S. credit and income. See the Financing section above for details.
Yes, and in Costa Rica, your attorney also acts as the notary public who legally executes the transfer, so the two roles are combined into one person. They verify clear title at the national registry, check for liens or encumbrances, confirm surveyed boundaries, and handle the actual closing and registration. This isn't optional; it's how every legitimate purchase gets done.
No, you can buy as a tourist, with no residency status at all. Residency is a separate decision for people who want to live here long-term. If that's you, the three main paths are Pensionado (a verified lifetime pension of at least $1,000/month), Rentista (proof of at least $2,500/month in passive income for two years), and Inversionista (a minimum $150,000 investment in Costa Rican real estate or a qualifying business). All three lead to permanent residency after three years and citizenship after seven.
Yes. Every property owner, foreign or local, pays an annual municipal property tax of 0.25% of the registered (cadastral) value, one of the lowest rates in the region. It's typically billed quarterly by the local municipality, and the registered value is usually lower than what you actually paid.
Separate from the regular property tax above, Costa Rica charges an annual "impuesto solidario" on homes whose construction value (not the land) exceeds a threshold recalculated every January. For 2026, that threshold is about ₡143 million, roughly $315,000 USD. Above that line, rates start around 0.25% and rise in tiers as the value climbs. It only applies to the building itself, and it's declared and paid every January 15.
Most purchases take 4–8 weeks start to finish: an Option to Purchase and Sale Agreement, a deposit (usually 10%) into a neutral escrow account, a 15–30 day due diligence period where your attorney verifies clear title and boundaries, and then closing about 1–2 weeks after due diligence clears.
Both are common. Buying in your own name is simple and direct, fine for a single home. Buying through a Costa Rican corporation (Sociedad Anónima) is more common for higher-value properties: it separates the property from your personal assets and can make a future sale easier, since you transfer company shares rather than the property itself. Forming an S.A. typically costs $500–$1,500 plus a modest annual corporate tax. It doesn't reduce closing costs; those apply either way.
Short-term rental is common and well-supported along this coast, a big part of why many buyers here treat their home as a hybrid residence and investment. If you want it fully hands-off, property management (bookings, cleaning, maintenance, guest support) is handled by the team at Expat Properties | CR, who currently manage around 40 vacation rentals across Coco and Ocotal.
Yes. Foreign buyers regularly complete purchases remotely through a Power of Attorney granted to their Costa Rican attorney, notarized and authenticated in your home country and legalized through Costa Rican consular services. Your attorney can then sign the transfer deed, complete the registry filing, and handle closing on your behalf, with no physical presence required.
I represent sellers as well as buyers throughout Playas del Coco, Ocotal, Playa Hermosa, Playa Panamá, and the surrounding Guanacaste beach towns. That includes pricing based on recent comparable sales, professional and drone photography (my own background), listing distribution, and negotiating through closing. Reach out through the contact section below and I can walk you through what your property could list for.
Professional photography that helps exceptional properties get the attention they deserve.
High-quality visuals that help your listing stand out and sell faster.
Reach out for pricing and custom packages.
From finding the perfect property to settling into your new life in Costa Rica, I provide end-to-end support and trusted local connections.
Finding the right property for your budget, lifestyle, and goals, from beachfront condos to family homes.
Ask me about buying →Pricing, presentation, and marketing your property to the right buyers, with a photographer's eye for detail.
Ask me about selling →Short and long-term rental options for visitors, snowbirds, and new residents settling into the area.
See a current stay: Casa Liro → Ask me about rentals →Guidance for expats settling in, from residency and banking referrals to finding your feet in Coco, Ocotal, and along the Guanacaste Coast.
Ask me about relocating →Handled by Expat Properties | CR, established Superhosts running about 40 vacation rentals across Coco and Ocotal, covering bookings, cleaning, maintenance, and guest support.
Ask me about property management →In-depth knowledge of the Guanacaste Coast market.
Strong connections with professionals you can rely on.
Tailored solutions to meet your unique goals.
Regular updates, no guessing games.
No matter where you are in your Costa Rica journey, I'm here to help you make informed decisions with confidence.
Based in Playas del Coco, I specialize in Costa Rica's Guanacaste coast, helping buyers find the community that fits the way they want to live.
Vibrant coastal town with beautiful beaches, dining and everything close by.
Explore Coco
Peaceful bay, stunning views and a relaxed expat community.
Explore Ocotal
Calm waters, a beautiful beach, and a relaxed residential atmosphere.
Explore Hermosa
Upscale neighborhood with ocean views and privacy.
Explore Panamá
A growing community with convenience, schools, and local charm.
Explore Sardinal
From beaches to mountains, I help you find the right place anywhere in the region.
Explore GuanacasteModern new homes surrounded by nature, just minutes from Liberia and Playas del Coco.
Discover Harmony Homes
Whether you're starting with your budget or deciding between two communities, I can help you narrow it down.
Notes on buying, selling, and living in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
A practical rundown of what to expect when relocating to Guanacaste: visas, cost of living, and getting settled.
Read More →
What's driving prices in Coco right now, and what to look for if you're buying or selling.
Read More →
How to think through the decision if you're not sure yet whether to commit to owning property here.
Read More →
A look at what's bringing so many buyers to this part of the country, and where the growth is heading next.
Read More →Every home has a story. Here are a few from the families I've had the privilege to help in Costa Rica.
After meeting with several agents, I decided to work with Juan. I trusted him immediately because he explained the purchasing process to me in detail, including the steps with the lawyer, the escrow company that secures the money, and the process with the bank. In short, Juan is honest, transparent, and trustworthy. He is very attentive to his clients' needs. I will definitely work with him again.
Working with Juan Pablo was an absolute pleasure from start to finish. He made the entire experience enjoyable and stress free. His professionalism and incredible knowledge of the market here in Costa Rica gave us complete confidence throughout the process. We snagged our dream getaway home and made new friends in the process.
Juan was the ultimate professional when helping me buy my first property in Costa Rica. I couldn't have done it without his help, knowledge and guidance. As a first time buyer (not just in Costa Rica) he was patient and understanding as I navigated the minefield of buying a property in another country. I had no idea what I was doing but together we made my dream come true. I have recommended Juan to many people and will continue to do so.
Juan Pablo made our dream of moving to Costa Rica a reality. As first-time international property buyers, we were nervous about the process and the language barrier, but Juan Pablo's fluent English and genuine patience put us at ease immediately. He answered questions at all hours, even while we were still overseas, and treated us like friends, not just a transaction.
Juan was amazing he paid attention to every detail even things we didn't know anything about. He went above and beyond to make sure we weren't getting ripped off and that we got the best for our money. He even picked us up from the airport and really treated us like family. We recommend Juan any day of the week, he's the best. Thanks Juan!
Juan is an excellent real estate agent. Thanks to him, I found exactly what I was looking for. He is very professional, attentive to my needs, and available at all times. He was there for every step of the acquisition process. I highly recommend him—he will find the home of your dreams.
We purchased our own little piece of paradise, thanks to Juan Pablo. The process was not only seamless but actually enjoyable. He shared his knowledge of the area and all things real estate when it comes to CR. Even after close, Juan Pablo was open and available if we had any questions or needed a resource. His advice and professionalism are elite.
Right when we met Juan Pablo and his husband, we knew he was the perfect realtor to help us navigate selling our business in Costa Rica. He is so knowledgeable and knows the area, its inventory, and speaks both perfect English and Spanish. He is our go-to guy for all things Costa Rica.
The best realtor in the Playas! Speaks perfect English as well as Spanish! Very attentive, courteous and always on time!
Not ready to talk yet? No pressure. Grab the free guide written for your home country — foreign ownership rules, real closing costs, financing, and the step-by-step timeline for buying in Guanacaste.
U.S. tax angles, financing, and the full step-by-step process — written for buyers coming from the States. Free, no obligation. Instant download.
Exchange-rate strategy, financing, and the full step-by-step process — written for buyers coming from Canada. Free, no obligation. Instant download.
I'm here to help you find your perfect place in Costa Rica.
