Ivo’s Blog by Godutch Realty

a Costa Rica real estate blog

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15 Tico Driving Habits – Driving in Costa Rica is different

Estimated Reading Time: 6 Minutes Driving habits are different because most drivers in Costa Rica probably don’t have the discipline you might have. Learn about Costa Rican driving habits before you move to Costa Rica. In my opinion, the reason is that the Latin-American mindset when driving is different. Some might think I’m trying to…

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How to Boost Air Quality in Costa Rican Office Buildings 

While Costa Rica is often known for its amazing air quality, the country still experiences pollution in some areas. This pollution exists mainly in the cities and is largely due to emissions from transportation. Therefore, the quality of the air inside office buildings should be a priority for anyone looking to install their new business in…

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Have a good look at affordable Grecia home rentals

Estimated Reading Time: 5 Minutes The word is out! Grecia home rentals are among the most affordable in the Central Valley. It seems like lots of US citizens are running from something. YES, you can find Grecia home rentals for around $500 – $600/month already. Our agents don’t make much money on it, but you…

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Fish tacos and more in Taco Bar

I just updated this blog about Taco Bar that I published in November 2012. Taco Bar now offers 4 locations: Playa Jacó, Escazú, Santa Ana, y Pinares. They are open during the Coronavirus emergency but check on their Facebook if you’d like to order. Every time I go to Jaco Beach, I need to stop…

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What is Bajarse los Pantalones in Costa Rica

Bajarse los Pantalones is to give in on a dishonorable negotiation. If someone has lowered his pants when he accepts conditions that are clearly unfavorable to him. Now, that we’re in a tremendously difficult market right now. But don’t feel bad. Is there a lot of competition in your price range? Or is your property…

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The Tica Zone

The Tica Zone, by author Allen Dickinson, was published in El Residente recently. I wanted my readers to also enjoy this beautiful story. Thanks Allen, for allowing me to share it. “You’re traveling through another dimension, a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind. A journey into a wondrous land whose boundaries…

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All About U.S. Tax When You Retire in Costa Rica

Estimated Reading Time: 4 Minutes For many retirees and soon-to-be retirees, the idea of retiring in Costa Rica, although appealing, can often get complicated because of the U.S. tax implications. So, before you say goodbye to your neighbors, take into account these vital U.S. tax considerations: 1. Pension Income How will your move abroad affect…

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Using Ceramic Tiling in Costa Rican Home Designs Creatively

A very affordable way of updating your older home in Costa Rica is using ceramic tiling. Selling a 40-year-old home in Costa Rica is not as easy as some think it is.  The younger generations want to live in a condo. Either way, you are likely to consider renovations to enhance style and functionality, depending…

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Articles about Costa Rica – A Writing Gig during Corona Virus?

Estimated Reading Time: 6 Minutes   The Covid-19 outbreak obliges some of us to re-invent ourselves and writing articles can be an option. Do you enjoy writing and do you have lots of interesting information about Costa Rica to share with others? Maybe this is the time to get started. Why? Link building is an…

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Dealing with home financing in Costa Rica

Estimated Reading Time: 6 Minutes Are you dealing with home financing in Costa Rica or will you be soon? Then you will find this a very useful blog. Purchasing a home is a huge responsibility, especially if you think you can afford it but can’t find any home financing. Often, future expats start shopping for…

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How to write an application essay for a Costa Rican college

Are you moving to Costa Rica so you can go to a Costa Rican college? An application essay is a crucial part in the admission of students a Costa Rican colleges as well as it is in other parts of the world. The importance of the essays is well known and it proves to be…

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40 Smart Steps to Take before Renting a Home in Costa Rica

Estimated Reading Time: 11 Minutes Now you probably say “40 smart steps to take before renting a home”? Why so many? You would think that renting a home in Costa Rica is easy. It is when you already live in the country, and if you speak Spanish, it’s a piece of cake. But when you’re…

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The 10 things I hate most about bad landlords

Estimated Reading Time: 5 Minutes A reader suggested I should do a blog about bad landlords. Recently, I did a blog on the 9 things I hate most about tenants in Costa Rica. Thanks, Molly for your suggestion. The fact is that no matter if you rent in Costa Rica or elsewhere, you’ll find bad…

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How to Write a Resume for the Company from Costa Rica

Do you know how to write a resume that hits a home run? I bet you don’t! Getting a job in another country can be a daunting task. When the country in question is Costa Rica, it becomes twice as hard. However, working in Costa Rica promises one an encounter with an intriguing culture and…

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What is amarrar el perro in Costa Rica

Amarrar el perro is to tie down the dog. But in Costa Rica, amarrar el perro is something that might happen to you if you’re not careful: Someone you know asks for a loan but will never pay it back. There is a good reason for not making that loan.  The reason is that you…

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23 Awesome Mortgage Tips for a Property Purchase in Costa Rica

Estimated Reading Time: 6 Minutes If you are looking to make a property purchase you’ll love the mortgage tips. In fact, using these mortgage tips will save you time, money, and effort. When you go to view houses on sale, the seller’s agent may make the buying process seem easy and straightforward. If the price…

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