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 of Santa Cruz & Skip the Expat) Skip’s Viewpoint “Ah, mi amor, you have no idea what true happiness is until you’ve tasted Gallo Pinto con alma! ” Teresita says proudly, standing in her colorful kitchen in Santa Cruz. The air smells like heaven! It's a mix of cilantro, onions and a splash of Lizano sauce that could wake up an entire neighborhood. “My abuela,” she continues, eyes twinkling, “could make Gallo Pinto thirty different ways. Thirty! And that was just be

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

(Free Complimentary In-Person Consultation) How cutting corners on property management turns a $1,500 monthly "savings" into a $47,000 disaster—and why professional estate management protects your investment instead of draining it I'll never forget the phone call that came in October 2019, right in the middle of Costa Rica's brutal rainy season. The voice on the other end was panicked, desperate even. "Tere, I need help. I think I made a terrible mistake with my property." Da

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

Moving to a new country for retirement is a big step, especially when you want to enjoy your golden years in peace and comfort. Costa Rica has become a favorite destination for many seniors looking for a warm climate, friendly people, and a relaxed lifestyle. If you are considering making this beautiful country your new home, this guide will help you understand what to expect and how to thrive as an expat senior in Costa Rica. Embracing expat retirement in Costa rica: What to

Picture this: You arrive at your Costa Rica home after months away. The garden is pristine, the pool crystal clear, utilities running...

The eternal struggle: Tico Time  Tica: “Relax. If the party starts at 7, show up at 8:30.”   Expat: “I arrived RIGHT ON TIME and ended up...

The Way Skip See's the Rainy Season. . Through the Lens of an Expat! If you’ve ever visited Costa Rica, you know the locals smile...

Legal Disclaimer:  This article expresses opinions based on professional experience and anonymized examples. It does not refer to any...

(Skips's point of view) When you first land in Costa Rica from your home country, friendship seems so easy. Everyone smiles. Everyone...

Pura Vida is magical… until it’s not. It’ll smooth over a late arrival, turn a line-cut into a laugh, and make a fruit-stand hello feel...

Picture this : You're scrolling through Instagram, seeing those perfect photos of people working from hammocks on Costa Rican beaches,...

Independence Day is a cherished occasion in many countries, and for expats living in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, it’s a chance to unite,...

Imagine this: It's Wednesday, 10:59 AM. You're relaxing on your porch in Flamingo, sipping that second perfect cup of coffee when...