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Insider Secrets
Real talk from the ground — written by someone who lives here, speaks both languages, and has navigated Costa Rica's systems for over a decade. Insider Secrets covers what expat seniors actually need to know: how healthcare really works here, what it costs to live well, how to find trustworthy providers, and how to protect yourself from the things nobody warns you about. No tourist fluff. No generic advice. Just honest, practical information from someone who's been in the room.
Tamales in Costa Rica: Two viewpoints Tere and Skip!
Skip: Every December, I watch Costa Ricans gearing up for tamal season like it’s the culinary Super Bowl. I still don’t understand what triggers the frenzy. One minute everyone’s calm and living Pura Vida… the next minute they’re boiling pork at dawn and hoarding banana leaves like the apocalypse is coming. Teresita: Skip, you need to stop acting like tamales are some cute little snack. This is Christmas engineering. Making tamales is basically our version of NASA launch prep
Skip and Tere
Dec 7, 20252 min read
Governance for Private Homes: Quotes, Original Invoices & Evidence (Costa Rica)
The era of mystery margins and vague vendor summaries has officially ended. Today's luxury property owners demand transparency that matches their business acumen—they want original invoices with tax IDs, comparable quotes for every project, and photographic evidence that work actually happened. After discovering hidden mark-ups of 30-50% buried in "bundled concierge charges," owners are revolutionizing how their Costa Rica estates are managed. The old system of trust without
Teresita Alfaro
Oct 24, 202511 min read
Anti-Mold & Salt-Air Playbook for Private Homes in Costa Rica
The tropical paradise of Costa Rica harbors a silent destroyer that strikes luxury estates with devastating precision. Hidden moisture and salt-air corrosion systematically destroy finishes, infiltrate closets, compromise HVAC systems, and fry electronics—particularly when owners travel abroad. While budget property checks might cost less upfront, they consistently miss root causes, transforming minor moisture issues into five-figure restoration bills that shock returning own
Teresita Alfaro
Oct 21, 20257 min read
Guest Expert Article: Consequences of the Expiration of Law No. 9996's Benefits & What It Means for Future Investors
One of the most common questions I receive from potential clients considering relocation to Costa Rica involves residency requirements and tax benefits. With the upcoming expiration of Law No. 9996's benefits in July 2026, understanding the legal implications has never been more important. I'm honored to share this expert legal analysis written by Lic. Oscar Andrés López Hernández , Attorney-at-Law with Expat Legal Advisors , a law firm specializing in immigration, real esta
Lic. Oscar Andrés López Hernández Attorney-at-Law
Oct 17, 20257 min read
How to Interview Household Staff in Costa Rica (And Actually Find Good Ones)
The $50,000 Mistake Maria seemed perfect. She smiled warmly during the interview, had glowing reference letters, and claimed over 5 years of experience. She didn't speak English, but she seemed to understand the basics through hand signals and simple gestures—and she was such a sweet person. The expat couple felt great about their decision to hire her as their full-time housekeeper for their beachfront home in Guanacaste. Like most domestic workers in Costa Rica, Maria spoke
Teresita Alfaro
Oct 14, 202532 min read
Private Household Management in Costa Rica: The Complete Guide to Protecting Your Luxury Home Investment
Luxury homes in Costa Rica aren't just beautiful architectural achievements—they're living, breathing ecosystems that demand constant attention, expert coordination, and sophisticated management systems to maintain their value and functionality. Your pristine villa in Guanacaste, elegant mountain retreat in Escazú, or beachfront sanctuary in Nosara requires far more than occasional maintenance visits. These properties breathe through their carefully designed ventilation syste
Teresita Alfaro
Oct 11, 202511 min read
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