Costa Rica Expertise

Property theft and usurpación

By Garland M. Baker
Special to A.M. Costa Rica

“Stick 'Em Up,” says the robber to the tourist. “Give me all your cash.”

“José, move the property marker 10 feet. The neighbor will never notice. They're always in the States,” says the new landowner to his surveyor.

Both are examples of stealing and punishable by imprisonment in Costa Rica.

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By Garland M. Baker
Special to A.M. Costa Rica

Most people believe selling a business in Costa Rica is like selling a piece of real estate. This is not true. There are other factors to consider and special rules that apply to the sale of a business.

Two different situations may arise: The business may or may not be part of a real estate transaction. However, the business sale part of the deal does not differ much between the two cases.

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By Garland M. Baker
Special to A.M. Costa Rica

Why do so many who come to Costa Rica get hoodwinked, bamboozled, hornswoggled or just downright screwed?

It is because they come to buy a dream and do not think or do the proper homework before jumping into a project or investment.

Yes, there are many good deals in Costa Rica. There are also many good real estate agents, attorneys, and advisers who can guide a newcomer in the right direction. However, there are also bad ones. Some people, without legal Costa Rican residency, move to Costa Rica, hang out a shingle, and start selling property and/or investment schemes.

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