Awe inspiring

Imagine a developer who really cares. As one of the largest developers in Costa Rica, Ed Mercer takes you on a spectacular journey of Costa Rica and tells the story of he and his wife’s beginnings in this beautifully delicate country and how they made changes to protect the environment, the wildlife and the culture in this ever-changing world.

With the founding of “The Edward R. Mercer Foundation” we leave a legacy dedicated to the betterment of the Planet through ecological conservation and education. Considering Costa Rica his home for over 20 years, Mr. Mercer is an active philanthropist and member of Habit for Humanity, National Geographic, The World Wildlife Fund, Greenpeace and many other organizations, settings his sights on giving back to the community that welcomed him in so many years ago.

The flagstone of the foundation is Isla Garza, an island that the Mercer’s took over and transformed into a wondrous private reserve to protect the diminishing population of Scarlet Macaws, Sea Turtles and White-Faced Monkeys. All of which, were on the verge of being wiped out by poachers who hunted them for their beautiful feathers, eggs and to sell as pets.

From their giving-back philosophies and dedication to the environment, they have demonstrated how small changes can make huge differences in the betterment of the regions fragile environment and habitat. Through continued preservation of a land that has always impressed the rest of the world, as being one of the most bio-diverse places on the Planet, we now reach out to the rest of the world and ask for your help.

Considered the jewel of the Americas, Costa Rica has more natural wonders than most continents, setting aside 21% of its national territory as national parks, wildlife refuges, protected forest areas, wildlife sanctuaries, and national forests. Protecting more land than any other country in the world, containing 6% of the world’s species, it’s not hard to believe that…

… “Costa Rica embodies everything that the Planet Earth is and it’s never to late to help.”

Our Legacy

The purpose and goal of our foundation is to educate the world

in the subtleties of living in an eco-sensitive world.

By informing the world to the uniqueness of our foundation and

our like minded goals for sustainable growth though precise planning,

the eco-minded individual can learn how they can participate and

become part of this phenomenal movement.

Through continuing education of the people of our planet, they will

understand the need for sustainable, ecologically friendly developments,

as well as the preservation of one of the most pristine and

bio diverse places on Earth; The Rainforest and its Inhabitants .

We are their guests.

Ed Mercer

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It’s a matter of lifestyle

Many people asked me why I want to live in Costa Rica.  It is kind of hard to explain because you really need to experience it first.  The stress free environment, the simple good natured cultural lifestyle is the number one reason why Costa Rica is ranked so high in life longevity.  Top three to be exact.

U.S. to Push for Global Stimulus

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Bob Davis of  The New York Times writes — The U.S. will press world leaders to boost emergency government spending to lift the global economy, risking a rift with European nations more concerned with revamping financial regulation.

In President Barack Obama’s first foray into economic diplomacy, Washington will urge the shift at a summit next month in London, U.S. officials say, as markets look for a unified plan of action from the world’s most economically powerful nations.

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Washington’s focus is at odds with France, Germany and other European nations that want the Group of 20 summit on April 2 to focus on rewriting rules governing financial markets. These nations say lax regulation was a major cause of the financial crisis and want to tighten their grip on hedge funds and private-equity firms.

All sides are looking to avoid a breakdown at the summit that would roil markets, which are already wary about whether government leaders know how to stem the economic decline, say U.S. officials and international economists. Expectations of the summit are high: A coordinated response is seen as critical so each government’s efforts reinforce, rather than impede, the efforts of others.

***

This is all good news for international investors as it will resolve many of the financial dilemmas we may be experiencing.

Squatters

I was faxed an article from one of my clients about squatters in Costa Rica.  As usual it was designed to instill fear and devastation in the hearts of its readers…because that’s what sells.  So I thought I would clear the air about what squatters are and that squatting isn’t as easy to do as people make it out to be.

First of all, in order for a squatter to claim any kind of right to a person’s property they have to be “squatting” for a minimum of two years.  By “squatting” I mean they have to live on the property in some capacity for two consecutive years.  Secondly, in the foresaid two years, they have to have built a structure and lived there “without being noticed”.  Now if a person owns a piece of property and does not look in on it, or have someone look in on it for them, for two whole years….well maybe someone else should own it. 

The deal here is this; don’t make an investment in another country, or for that matter anywhere, unless you have a plan in place to cover these small, yet consequently huge details.

Another interesting tidbit is that people tend to get a lot of the laws confused and kinda lump all of the squatter problems, titling issues and zoning laws into one heap of  the “That must about squatters” file.  Much of this needs to be separated out and treated for what it is and not bunched together.  The thing to remember is that parts of the United States has old squatters laws and all parts have titling issues and zoning problems, so let’s put all this in perspective and not think that these problems are confined to Costa Rica or any other foreign country, it’s just not the case.

International Living wrote

“Some of the most amazing scenery in Costa Rica is in the southern zone, in an area that runs south of Quepos to the border with Panama. Landscapes here are dramatic–panoramic ocean views…lush   tropical rainforest…and sheer jungle-clad slopes, rising sharply away from pristine stretches of sandy beaches.”

This article which was published in International Living and is absolutely the true essence of what Costa Rica is.

“In a country with an established real estate market like Costa Rica, this sounds like just the type of place that would attract a lot of fervent investors. But it remains under the radar in terms of property development because it’s hard to get to.”

The Costanera Highway is unpaved between Quepos and Dominical and the airports are small, local affairs. The airport in Palmar Sur is a one-woman show–she issues tickets, checks baggage, and answers queries, all while you sit on a wooden bench overlooking the small strip, alongside your other co-passengers…all 11 of them. No duty-free or airport food here.

But these are exactly the kind conditions I look for when scouting for a good real estate opportunity as the property prices are low at the moment and infrastructure is set to improve.  Road improvements on the Costanera Highway are already underway and scheduled for   completion in two to three years. This should cut the 90-minute trip from Quepos to Dominical to 25 minutes. Combined with plans to construct an international airport in Palmar Norte, due to begin this year and to be completed in 2010 (funds have been allocated by the government), it all adds up to one thing: Property prices are almost certain to climb.

For now, pricing here is among the lowest in Costa Rica. A 1.25-acre-lot close to Ojochal is available for as little as $55,000. Construction costs are roughly $85 a square foot. So for $225,000 you can own your own piece of this tranquil setting in a custom-built, 2,000-square-foot house on a large lot.

That really is a good-value buy considering a 2,200-square-foot condo in Manuel Antonio (nearer Quepos) averages $595,000; and a 1.25 acre lot is listed for $325,000. Compare this to a quarter-acre lot in a development in Tamarindo for $400,000 with valley and lake views.

The climate in the southern zone is tropical, with a dry season from December to April, and rainy season, typically bringing heavy downpours in mid afternoon. The temperature does not vary much and averages 79 degrees Fahrenheit year round. Elevated properties in the area normally have refreshing sea breezes. This is the perfect spot for outdoor activities, from  surfing to diving, hiking to bird-watching, and whale-spotting to sport-fishing. The feeling is tropical, fresh, close to nature.

The reason I wanted to share this with you is because it flat out confirms my bias for the southern area of the country.  A true ground floor opportunity awaits any investor and home buyer alike.  In my opinion it doesn’t make sense to invest your hard earned dollars in areas where the growth and appreciation has already, or is near topping out.

Although most of my clients are looking to get the most value for their dollar, it’s important not to let them get too wrapped up in the emotion of the region.  The alluring beauty of the rainforests and the lovable cuteness of the monkeys and wildlife can be hard to resist.  So I try and find a compromise between the two and generally it works to everyones advantage.

Why Costa Rica?

People always ask me, “Why Costa Rica?”  As it may surprise you, I don’t answer “Why not?”  Although I’m usually very tempted. 

Years ago I worked in the corporate world ad was one of those guys who used the first 10 days of his two week vacation just to finally relax and enjoy myself, then I used the last two days tensing up getting ready to go back to work.  That’s a total of two days of enjoyable vacation time and frankly that sucks!

It was an incredibly beautiful day when our plane landed in Costa Rica.  The flight was amazing as far as views and weather were concerned.  When we landed, my wife and I deplaned and were a bit taken back by the high temperatures, myself not adapting to high temperatures as they make me rather miserable.  Originally I thought that what was wrong with me was either the heat or humidity, but I was wrong…way wrong.

Within an hour or two from landing, my wife asked me if something was wrong.  I said, “Nothing, I’m fine.  I mean, really fine.”  As a matter of fact I had never been so fine on vacation before.  What seemed to have happened is that I unknowingly decompressed and relaxed.  It was and is an amazing feeling, to be in a land that is so mellow and low key that a person instantly winds down within minutes of arriving.  I went on to have one of the most relaxing and enjoyable vacations of my life.  So began an incredible journey to share this magnificent experience with the world.

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