Private Household Management: Beyond Traditional Property Management in Costa Rica.
- Teresita Alfaro

- Oct 9
- 8 min read

Picture this: You arrive at your Costa Rica home after months away. The garden is pristine, the pool crystal clear, utilities running smoothly, and your favorite coffee waiting in the kitchen. The generator was serviced last month, the staff is prepared for your arrival, and that minor roof repair you mentioned casually six weeks ago? Already completed and documented.
This isn't magic. It's the work of a Private Household Manager — a professional dedicated to managing your family home with the same attention to detail you'd expect from your executive team, but focused entirely on your household operations and lifestyle.
What Private Household Management Is NOT
Let me be crystal clear from the start: I do not manage rental properties.
If you're looking for someone to handle Airbnb turnovers, vacation rental bookings, guest check-ins, or occupancy optimization, that's not my service. Those are valuable services — but they're fundamentally different from what your private family home needs.
Here's the distinction:
Traditional Property Manager | Private Household Manager |
Manages rental properties | Manages family homes exclusively |
Focuses on occupancy rates & revenue | Focuses on household excellence & lifestyle |
Guest turnover coordination | Staff & household operations |
Multiple short-term tenants | One family, long-term relationship |
Public-facing operations | Private, confidential service |
Transactional relationship | Trusted partnership |
My service is exclusively for luxury family estates that are never rented — homes where continuity, privacy, and impeccable standards matter more than income generation.
Beyond Property Management: A Different Philosophy Entirely
When most people hear "property manager," they immediately think of rental properties, guest reviews, booking calendars, and income statements. That entire framework doesn't apply to your private family home.
Your home isn't a business asset. It's your personal sanctuary.
As your Private Household Manager, I oversee residences owned and used exclusively by families who value privacy, discretion, and seamless operations. I don't chase bookings or manage guest complaints. I preserve your lifestyle, protect your investment, and ensure your household runs flawlessly whether you're in residence or abroad.
The distinction matters profoundly: I manage households that host family memories — not paying strangers.
The Role: Strategic Household Management Meets Thoughtful Stewardship
Private household management requires a unique blend of executive leadership, diplomatic finesse, and meticulous attention to every detail of home operations. Here's what comprehensive household oversight actually involves:
Household Staff Leadership & Coordination
Your domestic team — housekeepers, gardeners, chefs, security personnel, drivers — requires consistent leadership and clear standards:
Supervising daily household operations and long-term staff performance
Scheduling tasks, conducting reviews, and managing staff transitions
Training personnel in service excellence and confidentiality protocols
Ensuring continuity when you're away and seamless readiness when you arrive
Managing household schedules, family calendars, and staff coordination
Vendor & Service Provider Management
Quality service providers form the backbone of household maintenance:
Identifying, vetting, and hiring trusted local professionals
Overseeing home improvement projects and renovations
Managing multiple contractors and service providers simultaneously
Verifying work quality and completion standards
Negotiating fair pricing while maintaining long-term relationships
Coordinating specialized services (pool maintenance, HVAC, landscaping, security systems)
Household Systems & Property Oversight
A luxury home operates as a complex ecosystem requiring preventive attention:
Regular maintenance schedules for pools, HVAC, irrigation, and power systems
Seasonal readiness protocols (rainy season preparation, hurricane procedures)
Monthly property inspections with comprehensive photo documentation
Coordination of insurance renewals and service contracts
Emergency response protocols and trusted repair networks
Home technology management and security system oversight
Household Financial Administration
Transparent financial management protects your investment and provides clarity:
Household budget planning and expense tracking
Invoice processing and payment coordination for all household vendors
Detailed monthly financial reporting for your review
Liaison with accountants for tax compliance and legal requirements
Cost optimization without compromising service quality or standards
Annual budget forecasting and variance analysis
Family Lifestyle & Personal Support
Your household should enhance your family's life, not complicate it:
Travel coordination and household preparation before family arrivals
Household inventory management and specialty provisioning
Private event planning and guest accommodation coordination
Appointment scheduling and local concierge services
Special requests and personalized touches that make your house feel like home
Coordination with visiting family members or extended guests
Human Resources & Legal Compliance
Costa Rican labor law requires professional attention for household staff:
Employment contracts drafted and managed in full legal compliance
CCSS (social security) and INS (insurance) reporting and payments
Payroll preparation and wage law compliance
Performance evaluations and professional development
Conflict resolution and disciplinary procedures conducted professionally
Staff scheduling, vacation coordination, and replacement coverage
Security, Privacy & Risk Management
Discretion and protection are paramount for private families:
Private security coordination and monitoring system oversight
Access protocols for staff, vendors, and approved guests
Confidentiality agreements and privacy protection standards
Information security for sensitive family matters
Emergency preparedness and crisis response planning
Liaison with local authorities when necessary
Valuable Collections & Asset Management
High-value possessions require specialized household care:
Cataloging art collections, wine cellars, and valuable household assets
Insurance coordination and comprehensive documentation
Climate control and conservation protocols for sensitive items
Transport logistics and security for valuables
Coordination of appraisals and valuation updates
Maintenance schedules for luxury vehicles, boats, or equipment
Multi-Home Coordination (for families with multiple residences)
For families maintaining homes in multiple locations:
Multi-country household management and logistics coordination
International vendor and staff coordination
Travel scheduling and preparation across properties
Consistency in household service standards across all locations
Family liaison and communication for visiting members
Shipment coordination for personal items between residences
When You're Away: The Guardian of Household Continuity
Many expatriate families use their Costa Rica home seasonally — perhaps three to six months annually, or spontaneous visits throughout the year. During the months you're away, your household still requires professional daily attention.
This is where Private Household Management becomes invaluable.
While you're living your life in Texas, California, or Toronto, I ensure:
Preventive maintenance continues on rigorous schedules
All household bills are paid on time and utilities remain optimal
Storm preparation happens proactively before rainy season
Security protocols remain active, tested, and effective
Staff maintains your standards even without direct family supervision
Small issues are identified and resolved before becoming expensive problems
Your home is always ready for your arrival — whether announced weeks ahead or a surprise visit
You enjoy complete peace of mind knowing nothing falls through the cracks. I ensure your return to a flawless household that feels lived-in and loved, not abandoned.

For Full-Time Residents: Executive Household Operations
If you live in Costa Rica full-time, you didn't move here to spend your days managing staff schedules, coordinating contractor repairs, or handling household administration.
You moved here for the lifestyle, the beauty, the peace.
As your Private Household Manager, I handle all operational complexity so you can focus on enjoying the life you created. I become your household's executive director — overseeing daily operations, managing all staff and vendors, handling administrative duties, and ensuring everything runs with quiet efficiency.
Think of it as having a dedicated Chief Operating Officer — but for your home instead of a business.
Experience That Inspires Confidence
This level of household service requires a rare combination of skills — executive management, cross-cultural diplomacy, financial acumen, and hospitality excellence. My background provides exactly this unique combination:
British Embassy, Costa Rica | General Manager
Managed multiple diplomatic residences and complex household operations
Supervised international staff and coordinated local vendor networks
Handled HR, legal compliance, and financial administration
Managed complex logistics for diplomatic families and high-security households
Maintained discretion and security protocols at the highest levels
Dwellworks | Corporate Housing Manager
Managed 20-35 executive housing programs simultaneously for Fortune 500 families
Coordinated comprehensive household services for relocating executives
Handled emergency situations and sensitive family needs with discretion
Built and maintained trusted vendor networks throughout Costa Rica
Delivered white-glove household services for Shell, Starbucks, Citibank, Chevron, and other major corporations
Senderos Tamarindo | Customer Advocate
Served as dedicated liaison between high-net-worth families and construction teams
Managed luxury home construction projects from design through completion
Coordinated architects, engineers, contractors, and specialty vendors
Delivered comprehensive weekly progress reports with transparent communication
Solved problems proactively while fiercely protecting client interests
Providing personalized household and lifestyle coordination services
Managing guest experiences and household operations for luxury properties
Coordinating transportation, events, and specialized services
Building trusted networks of service providers throughout Guanacaste
This unique blend of diplomatic household service, executive support, hospitality excellence, and cross-cultural management creates a sophisticated approach you simply won't find among traditional property managers.

Why Families Choose Private Household Management
Confidentiality & Proven Discretion
My experience managing diplomatic households and serving high-net-worth executives means your family's privacy is protected by proven track record, not just promises.
Operational Excellence in Every Detail
Every household process — from maintenance schedules to staff payroll — is handled with executive-level professionalism, transparent communication, and meticulous documentation.
Personalized Household Approach
Every family has different rhythms, preferences, and emotional connections to their home. Your household management plan is customized specifically to your family's unique needs and lifestyle.
Long-Term Household Stability
My goal isn't just to "manage" tasks — it's to create a reliable, consistent household environment that serves your family seamlessly for years. I build systems and relationships that endure.
Cultural & Legal Expertise
Successfully navigating Costa Rican labor law, local vendor relationships, and cultural nuances requires someone who speaks both languages — literally and figuratively — and understands both worlds intimately.
Proactive Problem-Solving Philosophy
Household issues are identified and resolved before they ever reach your attention or disrupt your peace of mind. You receive solutions and updates, not problems requiring your valuable time.
Single Point of Household Coordination
Instead of managing relationships with a dozen different vendors, staff members, and service providers, you have one trusted professional coordinating everything on your behalf.

Peace of Mind: The True Luxury
At the heart of Private Household Management lies one essential promise: Complete Peace of Mind.
Because true luxury isn't about imported marble countertops or designer furniture — those are beautiful, but they're just things. Real luxury is knowing your household, your staff, and your family's comfort are in trustworthy, capable, professional hands.
It's arriving to find everything exactly as it should be — and even better. It's never worrying about what's happening at your home while you're traveling. It's having one person you trust completely to handle everything, so you're not coordinating a dozen different people from abroad or from your busy daily life.
That complete peace of mind? That's the service I provide.
Who This Service Is For
Private Household Management is designed exclusively for:
Luxury family estates that are never rented — homes used solely by the owning family
Seasonal residents who spend 3-6 months yearly in Costa Rica and need year-round household oversight
Full-time residents who want to enjoy their Costa Rica lifestyle without daily operational burdens
International families with multiple residences requiring coordinated household management
Busy executives and entrepreneurs who need their home sanctuary professionally managed while they focus on their work
Multi-generational families with visiting members requiring preparation and ongoing coordination
Privacy-focused individuals and families who value absolute discretion and professionalism above all else
This isn't a service for everyone. It's exclusively for families who understand that quality of life requires investment, that their time is genuinely valuable, and that peace of mind has real worth.
If you're looking for rental property management, vacation rental coordination, or guest services, I'm not the right fit. But if you're seeking sophisticated, discreet, professional management of your private family home, let's talk.
Ready to Elevate Your Household Management Experience?
If you're tired of coordinating multiple household vendors from abroad, worried about what's happening at your home while you're away, frustrated with inconsistent staff performance, or simply ready for a more sophisticated approach to managing your Costa Rica household, let's have a conversation.
Private Household Management brings calm, clarity, professional structure, and seamless operations to your residence — so you can focus entirely on enjoying the life you've built here, not managing it from a distance or sacrificing your valuable time.
Let's Discuss Your Household Needs
I offer complimentary consultation calls to discuss your specific household situation, answer your questions, and explore whether Private Household Management is the right fit for your family.
Contact Teresita Alfaro📱 WhatsApp: +506 7075-5307
📧 Email: info@expatseniorcr.com🌐 Website: www.expatseniorcr.com
Serving discerning families throughout Costa Rica's premier residential communities: Guanacaste, Central Valley, Papagayo Peninsula, and beyond.
Your home deserves more than management.
It deserves dedicated, professional household stewardship.
Private Household Management for luxury family estates that are treasured, never rented.




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