3 naive approaches when buying in costa rica

Like in any game, knowing the rules matter.

Just like learning how to play a new game, you need to first own the instructions sheets, or at least know someone who has had plenty of experience playing with it.

“Even if you want to rely on chat GPT´s "expertise", you need someone to translate the instructions for you and your specific need.”

Read about the three worst approaches done by amateur investors, from real life experiences in Costa Rica. #realestateattorney #realestaeexpert #realestatecostarica #constructiveanswers

1. understand what you are buying.

As champion you may be in your home country in chess, rules not always apply the same in all parts of the world. So even the most experienced chess player can be fooled by a local basic move. You need to take into account that when buying in foreign land, different rules and costumes may apply and as much as you would like to bring your own set of rules, they won´t neccesarily work everywhere. Your first step is to understand that you are literally walking in foreign land and you need to have someone holding your hand.

2. TRUST YOUR EXPERT

Just like finding the right golf club, not all lawyers are the same. Specialization is your new key to open the best doors. Think of the legal world like a complex strategy game. Not every player owns the same role—and trying to do everything usually means losing, so find the specialized attorney for your specific purpose and once you do TRUST HIM. So often I see cases of attorneys following their client´s advise because their clients think "they know best". Just as the coach of a team, not only your real estate lawyer owns the experience but also knows the strategy to follow best for your unique case. Remember legal insight is most valuable and effective when it informs the strategy—not simply when it validates it. That’s where we create real value. #reallegalvalue

3. save in legal fees

Trying to save money on legal fees is like entering a high-stakes game and refusing to invest in the right equipment or players. You might think you’re being efficient—saving coins at the start. But when the real challenge begins, you realize you’re underprepared. You miss key moves. You overlook hidden risks. And by the time you understand the rules, you’re already losing. In the end, the cost of losing the game is far greater than what you “saved” at the beginning. Also experienced attorneys know tricks and have heavy teeth on advising you how to save on costs. That is how you find the real gold. Also so often I receive second time cases from past attorneys that left the case unattended because the "deal" was to bad to continue working on it or "wasn´t worthy". Just like investing in a good goal keeper, make sure your expert is well taken care and sufficiently motivated.

“Saving on legal fees is like playing a strategic game without the right players— you may spend less upfront, but you risk losing everything when it matters most.”