Costa Rica Real Estate Newsletter April 2008
Kalia: Featured Home

Aerie
Nestled into a steep down slope, Aerie’s main floor ramps down from entry to living room to kitchen and dining area ending high above the lush jungle. An elegant glass stairway from the main level leads downward to luxurious guest rooms softly echoing the tranquility outside. Two levels up, perched high in the tree canopy, the master quarter consists of a spacious sleeping area with infinite views, a massive bath, floating gardens and a roof deck that’s on top of the world. Vast Pacific and jungle vistas, inviting gathering spaces inside and out and incredibly comfortable private accommodations – Aerie is a state of the art tree house situated in the beautiful Costa Rican jungle.


Kalia: Financing News

Costa Rica Financing: Q2 2008 Overview
By Marc Schweitzer, President, Costa Rica Mortgage

The boundaries defining Costa Rica’s foreigner financing industry have shifted quickly in early 2008. US lenders are finally piloting programs, while heated competition among Costa Rica banks is driving product transformation.

Costa Rica’s favorable market characteristics are driving fundamental change as several major lenders are actively competing for foreigner mortgages. Local banks are eliminating many loan conditions which have historically frustrated foreign borrowers . A key example is eliminating the historical requirement for Life Insurance, no longer mandated by multiple leading lenders (the legal requirement was retired in November, 2006). The maximum age limit of 64 is being revisited as well, in response to the growth of the retiree market. Most programs have additionally been expanded to accommodate foreigners from all over the globe. Programs have generally been historically limited to US citizens and Canadians. The financing options available to Kalia Modern Eco-Living customers have never been more attractive.

Though the market has not evolved to a point where exotic products routinely appear to capture niche opportunities, the last two years have witnessed its progression from inception to early maturation. Competition for financing foreigners has yielded numerous mortgage products to address all residential financing transactions.

Not only are there multiple products available for home, condo and land acquisition, “Construction to Permanent” programs are offered by almost every lender servicing the market. Borrowers seeking to finance land acquisition and home construction, with a single mortgage, can choose between products with terms to 25 years, LTV’s to 75% and fixed rate periods up to 15 years. Those seeking to finance the construction of a Kalia home have several programs from which to choose and terms are increasingly more attractive.

US lenders have finally launched their initial Costa Rica foreigner programs. These pilot programs are quite targeted in terms of borrowers and property types, however, program advancements are expected quickly. Coupled with the arrival of additional international lenders, the dramatic change we’ve witnessed thus far in 2008 should continue at a brisk pace. Costa Rica Mortgage is currently offering 30 yr mortgages from a major US lender for finished homes.

At Costa Rica Mortgage, our mission is to pair every client with the best financing alternative available to satisfy their individual needs. We look forward to assisting those seeking financing for their home or home site in a Kalia community. Please let us know if you’d like to receive our monthly newsletter with the latest information on financing real estate in Costa Rica.

More info available at: www.CostaRicaMortgage.net
Email: KaliaLiving@CostaRicaMortgage.net
Phone: 310-694-8435


Kalia: Fly & Buy Tour

One of the most enjoyable parts of our Fly & Buy Tours is the visit to the magical town of Nosara just 15 minutes from some of our eco-villages. It was about 35 years ago that a community of foreigners was established in the area. Today, Nosara is one of the green zones of greatest beauty in all of Costa Rica. Thick rich forest grows in areas that were once razed for the benefit of cattle. A large number of homes exist in the area yet the first time visitor can still feel total isolation and surround himself with nothing but a pristine tropical environment.

Nosara serves as a perfect example of planned growth that is the model for development in other areas of Costa Rica. A civic association was established to jealously guard the interests of the people in the zone as well as the environment. As a result Nosara enjoys the cleanest water table in Costa Rica, clean ocean water with no dumping of gray or black water into the streams or beaches, regularly scheduled refuse collection, and excellent health and educational services for the townspeople.

Activities in Nosara

Surfing

Famous around the world for its consistency and year 'round pristine warm waters, Nosara has become a popular surfing destination. Kilometers of beach break, with a number of peaks insure that the crowds are never a problem. This is the perfect longboard/shortboard wave with plenty of medium size (playful overhead to exciting double overhead) surf. Perhaps the most consistent spot on the coast, Nosara delivers waves 95+ percent of the time, and often while the rest of the coast is flat, Nosara is still pushing through some fun sets. A number of nearby hotels and house rentals serve as the perfect headquarters for extended surf sessions. The surf is good to excellent throughout the year, though it is decidedly more popular from December through March. The local's tip is: avoid the crowds and surf classic waves to yourself from May to November, when the most consistent and largest swells hit and most mornings you have glassy and/or offshore conditions.

Sports Fishing

Costa Rica is famous for its world-class offshore fishing. International tournaments are held in the Pacific coast throughout the year, with a number of world records held by local and visiting fishermen. Nosara is the perfect gateway for an exciting adventure.

Horseback Riding

Guided daily horseback riding tours take you along the several beaches of Nosara, to watch the sunset, on a moonlight ride along the ocean, in the jungle and mangrove, along the river, to waterfalls, or in the countryside. Non-riders of every age can get riding lessons. The tours are led by experienced guides who are able to speak English, German and Spanish. They are pleased to point out the wildlife, birds, flowers, and plants and explain them to you.

Kayaking / Canoeing

Starting right at our doorstep, paddle down the Nosara river and up the Montaña river. Here you can observe the large diversity of birds, reptiles, monkeys, and beautiful untouched mangrove. You can also take along a rod and go fishing for snook or red snapper. Of course, an experienced guide can lead the tour and explain the spectacular nature, and there a number of options available.

Snorkeling

The beaches in the Nosara area are known for their pristine waters, tide pools, offshore reefs, even a cargo ship sunken over fifty years ago! There are a number of nearby places so be sure to bring your snorkeling gear.

Equipment Rental

Nosara has a variety of equipment available for your use. From bicycles to surfboards, Fishing to Snorkeling equipment. Many things are available at Coconut Harry's Surf Shop or at Hotel Café De Paris.

Yoga

Nosara has a world famous Yoga education center dedicated to professional training and advanced career development for teachers and practitioners in the field of Yoga and Bodywork. Perched on a knoll overlooking the white sandy beaches of the Pacific, the Nosara Yoga Institute is surrounded by a natural wildlife preserve.

 

 

Kalia: Testimonials

“The whole process has been incredibly easy. The Kalia folks are always immediately available with any help I’ve needed.”

Doug Minnick – Ruby Sky  Eco-Village

 

Kalia: Customer Loyalty Program

Share the Kalia opportunity to your friends and family and have them attend one of our Fly & Buy Tours and receive a weekend trip for two to Tabacon Resort & Spa in Costa Rica. Invite them to one of our scheduled live webinars below. If your referral closes on a purchase with us receive $10,000 in upgrade options on your Kalia home. Call or email Zack Cohen in our Sale Department for details. His email address is zcohen@kalialiving.com.

Kalia: Costa Rica in the News

Costa Rica Aims to be "Carbon Neutral" by 2021
By AFP, Apr 16, 2008 - 5:59:31 AM

Government Decrees Controls on N. Pacific Growth
By AMCostaRica.com

An Inside Look at Costa Rica’s Unique Real Estate System
By Roger Petersen

The information contained in the news articles above is based upon information believed to be reliable by Kalia Modern Eco-Living. No warranty can be made as to the accuracy of such information or that circumstances have not changed since the information supplied. Readers of these articles are not to construe the contents as fact without proper due diligence.

The drawings and specifications, renderings, plans, concepts, ideas, designs and arrangements embodied herein are and at all times shall remain the sole and exclusive property of KALIA MODERN ECO-LIVING LLC (“KALIA”): no part thereof shall be copied, published, transmitted or used in connection with any work or project or publication (of any kind and description) other than the specific project for which they have been prepared, without the express written consent of KALIA. KALIA, and its licensees, reserve the right to make changes in plans, terms, specifications, features, and/or special offerings at any time without prior notice. All renderings and floor plans are artist conceptual drawings and may vary from the actual plans, designs and homes as may be built. Square footage/meter numbers are approximate and may vary depending on the standard measurement and method used. Copyright © 2008 KALIA MODERN ECO-LIVING LLC., HSBC, Stewart Title and TACA logos are copyright their respective owners. All rights reserved.

WARNING: UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, INCLUDING THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF REAL ESTATE AND ALL OTHER FEDERAL AND STATE AGENCIES, HAVE NOT EXAMINED THIS OFFERING, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE CONDITION OF TITLE, THE STATUS OF BLANKET LIENS ON THE PROJECT (IF ANY), ARRANGEMENTS TO ASSURE PROJECT COMPLETION, ESCROW PRACTICES, CONTROL OVER PROJECT MANAGEMENT, RACIALLY DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICES (IF ANY), TERMS, CONDITIONS, AND PRICE OF THE OFFER, CONTROL OVER ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS (IF ANY), OR THE AVAILABILITY OF WATER, SERVICES, UTILITIES, OR IMPROVEMENTS. IT MAY BE ADVISABLE FOR YOU TO CONSULT AN ATTORNEY OR OTHER KNOWLEDGEABLE PROFESSIONAL WHO IS FAMILIAR WITH REAL ESTATE AND DEVELOPMENT LAW IN THE COUNTRY WHERE THIS SUBDIVISION IS SITUATED.