Pure Life Development Atenas Realty Blog

Talking about taxes isn’t exactly the most uplifting way to start the new year — but it is a necessary part of responsible homeownership in Costa Rica. Our goal is to simplify the process and give you a gentle, organized reminder of what to plan for so you begin the

When educating clients about real estate in Costa Rica, there’s always a list of common questions that surface during the process of finding the perfect property.

Every year, Costa Rica seems to attract a younger and younger crowd. Many people still think of it as either a tropical retirement haven or the ultimate destination for adrenaline-packed adventures. While both are true, Costa Rica is also an incredible destination for families.

By late October, the Christmas season begins to take hold in Costa Rica. Across the country, homes fill with decorations and shops sparkle with lights, tempting shoppers to spend their hard-earned colones.

August is full of big birthdays and celebrations in Atenas. On Aug. 7, the town and county of Atenas celebrated its 156th birthday. Officially founded on Aug. 7, 1868, Atenas was once the strategic meeting and resting point for Costa Rican merchants traveling by oxcart with goods and coffee from

Building a custom home is one of the most exciting things you can do—but it’s also one of the easiest ways to go over budget. In Costa Rica, just like anywhere else, small changes, finish upgrades, and “little extras” add up fast. The good news? With the right preparation and

What’s a Blue Zone? It’s a question I first asked myself not long after moving to Costa Rica in 2007. Around that time, I saw an interview with Dan Buettner, the researcher who coined the term after studying communities around the world where people live exceptionally long and healthy lives.

Topping my list of favorite things about living in Costa Rica is the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables that are available all year round. Everything grows to Jurassic proportions in this tiny Central American country.

In some areas of the world, the real estate market is showing signs of slowing down and adjusting, especially in many areas of the United States. However, second home markets, like that in our idyllic hillside town of Atenas, Costa Rica, the market is hotter than ever. Let’s face it,

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been working with two different clients from Europe. They are younger families with children and both happen to have very similar needs in terms of location and housing options.

The title of this article offers up a rather subjective question. There are as many factors as there are opinions about what is the best or ideal climate in the world. What every individual considers to be the best varies greatly.

So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and buy your dream home in Atenas, Costa Rica. With emotions running wild and butterflies in your stomach, you’ve gone over all the pros and cons of the purchase and the subsequent move. With the help of Gerardo and me, you’ve found the

Taking in the view from where I sit, high in the mountains above the village of Atenas, I know I have everything I could ask for. To the west, I have a view of the Pacific Ocean. To the east are San José and the Central Valley. Directly in front

No matter where you are from or where you might go in the world, every culture has its own slang. Whether you use it or not, slang has its place and, in some instances, can be quite humorous.

In many ways, the system for buying and selling real estate in Costa Rica is similar to that back home in the United States or Canada.

If you were to ask any number of people on the street to describe a luxury home, most likely you would hear them elaborate about an over the top mansion, much like the ones that grace the covers of Architectural Digest magazine or that are featured in the Instagram feeds

PLD Atenas Realty, the premier real estate agency for luxury living in Atenas, Costa Rica, is pleased to announce the launch of its strategic alliance with JamesEdition, the world’s largest luxury marketplace. This new partnership gives PLD Atenas Realty access to the exclusive benefits that only JamesEdition can offer, providing

In 2005, my family and I made our first trip to Costa Rica. The trip was labeled as a family vacation/exploration expedition to see if we liked the country.

Costa Rica consistently ranks among the top international retirement destinations, and Atenas stands out as a prime location thanks to its year-round spring-like climate and convenient proximity to both San José and the Pacific coast.

But how far will your dollar stretch in Atenas’ real estate market? Whether you’re

Relocating to a new country is never a simple decision. It requires research, trusted advice, and most importantly, a connection to a place that feels right.

For us, Atenas was the perfect blend of natural beauty, close-knit community, and unparalleled quality of life. If Costa Rica is calling you, keep

When buying or selling property abroad, finding the right attorney can make or break your experience. In this post, we introduce you to Pablo Arias, a highly respected real estate attorney in Atenas, Costa Rica.

Selling your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO) is a tempting idea for many homeowners in Costa Rica.

The main motivation? Saving on real estate commissions, which can range from 5% to 10% of the sale price.

But while skipping the realtor may seem like a cost-saving measure,

When considering a move to another country, healthcare is often one of the biggest concerns for expats.
Costa Rica, consistently ranked among the top countries in the world for healthcare quality, offers a range of options tailored to different budgets and needs.

For most North Americans, the idea of buying a home without a thorough inspection seems unthinkable.

But in Costa Rica, home inspections haven’t always been part of the process.

When you’re relocating to Atenas, understanding the role of home inspections can save you money, stress, and surprises down

It seems a bit cliché to say, but Costa Rica is a magical destination, a nature lover’s paradise. Lush, rainforest covered mountains, breathtaking vistas, clear mountain streams, palm lined beaches, and an abundance of wildlife, are just a few things you can expect from this bio-diverse paradise.

If you’re considering relocating to Costa Rica, understanding the residency process is key because having legal status lets you live, invest, or retire in Costa Rica without constantly renewing visas.

Many investors focus on properties in their local market, but adding international real estate, like in Costa Rica, can provide unparalleled benefits and long-term growth potential.

Time and time again, I’m reminded by clients that Costa Rica doesn’t use addresses—at least not in the Western sense. While surprising at first, this cultural quirk has become second nature to me after 18 years of living here.

Many clients are surprised to learn that their investments and retirement funds can be leveraged to purchase their dream home or investment property in Costa Rica. If you’ve assumed your hands are tied due to pension fund rules, regulations, or traditional financing limitations, think again.