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The Insider: Ana Portillo, Chair of the MAR International Council
10/27/2009
Understanding multicultural clients can be a significant means for growing your business. And then, using your skills in the booming international markets can be that much more rewarding.
I believe Costa Rica is one of the most attractive and safest countries in Latin America for real estate investment and it is currently rated as the third hottest real estate market in the world.
Although tourism remains a leading economic indicator of Costa Rica’s potential development, its economy is already emerging into one driven by technology—Intel makes Pentium chips there. With its large  English-speaking population, Costa Rica is also one of the biggest centers for
Internet commerce and high-tech telecommunications services.
According to the World Bank, Costa Rica possesses “one of the most stable and robust” democracies in Latin America and praises its “healthy economic growth rate” and social indicators. And the Costa Rican government, its ministries, and financial institutions maintain a decidedly pro-US stance with regard to financial security and tax laws.
Retirement will be another driver of growth in Costa Rica. The wave of US Baby Boomers hitting retirement will be looking for places in the sun with
congenial communities that have all the amenities, including good, affordable health care.  Europeans are also seeking sun and sophistication. Demand for
luxury in Costa Rica is strong and growing, so there is plenty of upside ahead. For people seeking a financial safe haven, Costa Rica’s stability is also a big draw.

In late September, Mike Torino, Sales Manager of Del Pacifico, a new luxury development, made a presentation to the MAR International Council.
 
Del Pacifico is located on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast at Esterillos,
a short distance from Jaco, one of the most famous surfing beaches in the world. It is a 700-acre master-planned community, designed by  internationally known architects and integrated with the fabric of Costa Rica’s cultural heritage and natural beauty offering several residential
choices. If you have not yet introduced your clients to the economic benefits of investing in international real estate, this is a promising opportunity.
Del Pacifico hosts “Gatherings” several times a year specifically for real estate agents. A year ago, Del Pacifico led its first crew of REALTORS®
(35) to visit, including Peter and Annie Blatz and Ana Portillo from Massachusetts. Gatherings provide a good opportunity to experience Costa Rica and to learn about the project and investing in Costa Rica. The next one is scheduled for January 19-22, 2010. This is a “You Fly—We Buy” program— you pay your way to Costa Rica and Del Pacifico pays the rest
including lodging, meals, and entertainment.
If you have an interest in developing opportunities in the international real estate, including taking this trip or joining the MAR International Council, contact Ana Portillo at  AnaPortillo@GlobalGatewayRG.com.


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