Christmas Tamales Dennis J. Easters Dennis@pldatenasrealty.com +506-8854-7721 “When you get to Costa Rica, don’t forget to try the tamales,” Gerardo said as I was packing my suitcase. It was my first trip to his country, and he wasn’t coming with me. “Have one with an agua dulce,” he added, along
I Asked a Mortgage Lender to Prove Me Wrong. Here’s What Changed. Dennis J. Easters Dennis@pldatenasrealty.com +506-8854-7721 What Second Street taught me about financing property in Costa Rica—and why preapproval is still only the beginning. Several months ago, I wrote an article titled We’ve Been Pre-Approved: Why Those Five Words
The Morning Ritual That Changed Everything Dennis J. Easters Dennis@pldatenasrealty.com +506-8854-7721 Early mornings in Atenas are special. At 5 a.m., the first light begins to peek over the mountains. The sky shifts from charcoal gray to soft blue, then pink, then orange. Roosters announce the new day. Gardeners arrive for
“We’ve been pre-approved. Now it’s just a matter of finding the house.”
I could hear the excitement in Bill’s voice as he climbed into our car, ready for our first day of showings.
My stomach sank.
As I sit at my desk this morning, I’m finding it difficult to focus on the task at hand. My mind is still wandering back to the Osa Peninsula and the wonderful week we spent at Playa Cativo Lodge.
After 34 years in real estate—18 of them in Costa Rica—I know one truth that never changes: your home should rise up to meet you. Whether simple or grand, a home is more than four walls; it’s your sanctuary. It’s where you recharge, create memories, and simply enjoy being.
A few years ago, I was helping a client open a bank account in Costa Rica.
One of the biggest reasons people relocate to Costa Rica is its mild, tropical climate. Over the years, Gerardo and I have helped many clients find their own piece of paradise here in Atenas, and one of the first questions we’re almost always asked is simple:
What’s the weather like?
One of the best things about living in or visiting Atenas is how close you are to incredible nature. A few years ago, some dear friends of ours from Holland came to visit, and on their last day we set out to explore two of my favorite spots nearby: El
As anyone who’s spent time at the “University of Google” knows, searching for Costa Rica turns up thousands of glowing articles about this little Central American paradise. You’ll read all about the pura vida lifestyle, the incredible biodiversity, and the warm, smiling people.
Over the past decade, the way people travel has changed dramatically—especially when it comes to lodging. While hotels and large resorts once dominated the industry, more and more travelers are now choosing private vacation rentals for their stays.
Insider guidance, common pitfalls, and practical advice for international buyers
Buying a home in Costa Rica is one of life’s most exciting adventures. For many international buyers, it represents not only a financial investment but also a lifestyle shift toward a slower, healthier, and more fulfilling way of living.
Selling your Costa Rican home FSBO (For Sale By Owner) is one of the most misunderstood concepts in real estate. The main reason owners try to sell without professional help is the belief that they’ll save money by avoiding a real estate commission.
Dreaming of working remotely while enjoying Costa Rica’s beaches, mountains, and pura vida lifestyle? Thanks to the Digital Nomad Visa, you can! This program allows remote workers, couples, and even families to live legally in Costa Rica while continuing to work online for clients or employers abroad.
It was a fresh Atenas morning when I sat down with Vera Fouriau, then-owner of the charming Vista Atenas Bed & Breakfast, to talk about her remarkable journey from Belgium to becoming a successful business owner in Costa Rica. Over a cup of organic Costa Rican coffee, she shared how
One of the most common questions we hear is surprisingly simple:
“Where should I start?”
Not what should I buy, or how fast can we move—just where to begin.
And honestly, it’s a smart question.
Once you’ve settled into your new life in Atenas, it won’t take long before you’re ready to explore everything this dynamic little town and its surroundings have to offer. And believe me — you’ll quickly become the envy of friends and family back home.
DennisJEasters.com came about from thousands of client conversations and nearly twenty years of lived experience in Atenas, Costa Rica. While our clients have changed over the years, the questions they ask have remained remarkably consistent.
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.
Growing up in Florida, surrounded by water, it was only natural to develop a love for anything related to boating and water sports. Summers meant swimming in crystal-clear springs, skiing on the Alafia River, or snorkeling for lobster in the Florida Keys. Everyone I knew had a boat, and my
For some, a vehicle is simply a way to get from point A to point B. For others, it’s a gateway to freedom, exploration, and a lifestyle defined by both adventure and elegance. The Land Rover Defender has always embodied that spirit — uncompromising in capability, yet undeniably refined.
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.
