RDS Roadwork Continues!

This past season Costa Rica property developers have had their roads tested by heavy rains - the heaviest rainy season in decades. Monterra road builders have continued working thorough this entire season as it's the best way to identify areas that need improvement. After a recent inspection we see that our water management systems have performed as they were engineered too and our roads are dry and solid. Electrical plans have now been approved by government and we will begin its distribution by Nov. 29th 2010.

Why is this home unique? Designed for Monterra's Rios del Sol.

A Canadian client together with our CR Architect 'Leon de Leon' have come up with this unique mountain home design that will be built in Phase 1. This home is actually a duplex maximizing its investment function both as a private family retreat and dual rental income potential. Even when the owner is using the home it can still be rented - Great Idea! And a beautiful home too.

What the 'Heck' is happing to Rios del Sol Phase 2 and 3?

This is a popular question these days as we have not written much about these 2 projects for a while.

The RDS phases 2,3 are definitely taking more time then planned but they are well worth the wait, keeping in mind that these river and forested areas are as beautiful as they are protected. It takes a dedicated developer to make certain that they are planned just right and have the ability to build in these regions. It also takes government permissions and with this we have delays - normal for Costa Rica, frustrating for those who are waiting to build.

GOOD NEWS! These lots will be some of the last of their kind in Costa Rica and after this final title process any 5000Sq2m + size properties will be hard to find anywhere! CR's development future is small lots - so for those lucky few who own acre properties, hold on to them! Once the final plans have been approved we will be writing more about Rio's del Sol Phases 2 and 3.

Costa Rica's Lifestyle.

A question we hear regularly is "what's it like to live in Costa Rica"?

Playa Tambor was definitely on the itinerary but other locations including: San Jose, Escazu, Santa Ana, Salitral, Arenal, La Fortuna, Jaco, Puntarenas, Mal Pais and Montezuma were also visited.
Being in popular media circles Sandra'a hears a lot about CR and essentially wanted to see first hand what Costa Rica has to offer to women and families. This was Sandra's first time in Costa Rica and we're looking forward to her fresh point's of view on our unique country.

Rain, Rain and more Rain!

The mountains are green and the waterfall's are flowing - the Tambor area is vibrant and fresh with all this rain.

We're experiencing an unseasonal amount of rain in Costa Rica now. Normally this season is much dryer and we wouldn't really expect any heavy rain until late Sept. or Oct.
As we're continuing to cut roads and develop infrastructure the abundant water is putting every cut to the test. It's slows us down for road construction but also allows us to see trouble areas as we're working. Work continues in VDL Phase 1.

The Results Are In!

In October 2009 Monterra Developers met with Latinamerica Title Co., exclusive representative of CHICAGO TITLE and one of the most a acclaimed title insurance/appraisal companies in the world.

Our primary goal was for them to initiate a 5 year historical assessment on Costa Rica Real Estate which would include competitors and comparable projects located throughout the country. This information (never been done in CR) would be extremely valuable for any company in our business as it would help to give clear insight to the realities of these RE markets.

Why Follow Our BLOG?

At the top right of this page is a place to enter you email address and then 'SUBSCRIBE'. No other personal info is required, just your email and that's never shared with anyone or used for anything else.

Every time we create a new post an email is sent to you - that happens about 3 times per month. Every once in a while we post a skill testing question about Costa Rica and if you answer correctly we ship out a Monterra Developer's shirt & hat to the winner.

We like to keep everyone visiting our BLOG informed with the latest info as it happens. Our next skill testing question is Coming Very Soon!

Thank you,
Monterra Developers,

Our last question was: What is the only true way to tell the difference between a male and female Scarlett Macaw? HINT - not the eye color.

The Barcelo Resort located in Playa Tambor has one of the world's most successful Scarlet Macaw breeding programs. It's for this reason that the Tambor area has the largest population of Macaws in Costa Rica.

(This photo was taken on April 5th, 2010 in Playa Tambor)

Monterra's 'Rios del Sol' road construction progress.

RDS's Phase 1 road construction is going as planned. The process is quite extensive with our current focus being on mitigation (protection of soil) and terracing. Most of the water registers are now installed with large underground pipes and drainage systems.

In this image you can see our use of rock and concrete that surface areas with steep inclines. This is an important process and is only found in quality mountain developments in Costa Rica - this process is necessary for safe traction and proper drainage.

Shortly we will be starting the electrical service.

They even made time for Surfing!

This week Monterra's West Coast sales team made their quarterly visit to the developments.

It was a face-paced, whirl-wind trip that included visits to Costa Rica's National Registry and the Ministry offices to gather further information about Costa Rica's development processes.

The trip was not all business though and our sales team also spent some well deserved time on Isla Tortuga and found some cool waves just off the famous surfing beach of Santa Teresa.

Thanks for the great trip girls!!

Monterra's Details! The biggest difference in Quality, Value and Appreciation.

This is one of Valle de Luz's wells that will be supplying homes and the commercial area of the project. Please notice the attention to detail that we put into a simple well house.
These details are important for the overall value of the project and is an early demonstration of VDL's quality.

Valle de Luz Progress.

Costa Rica's New HWY is now Open! Driving time to our properties is now much, much faster.

The new Costa Rica highway from San Jose to Caldera on the central Pacific Coast opened, after 34 years of planning. This 77 kilometer highway cuts the time for the trip from San Jose to Caldera from 90 minutes to 45 minutes, a major time saver. Various sections are two lane, three lane and four lane, with shoulder lanes. This opening is long awaited good news for the area. We’ve driven on some sections of the new road and the positive difference is amazing! Excellent driving conditions and offering great views of the Costa Rican countryside.

Entrance for 'Valle de Luz' Palms have been planted! Roads have Begun.

Jan. 27th - Monterra's Valle de Luz's entrance photos.

Monterra's 'Valle de Luz' Entrance Starts to Take Shape!

Well into the rainy season the work continues on the impressive, grand front entrance of Monterra's largest project named 'Valle De Luz'. This year the rains continue to be lighter then usual allowing construction to continue into October.

Monterra Developer's Home Builders.

Time to start thinking about building.
Listed below are our recommended builders and their contact information. There are many builders available in Costa Rica but just like anywhere else you have to make certain who you are hiring. These individuals have worked with us in the past and we trust their knowledge and expertise. Their pricing is fair and their quality is exceptional. Feel free to contact them at your convenience.

Name: Jon Armstrong
Business Location: San Jose, Costa Rica
Nationality: Canadian
Language: English & Spanish
Phone Number: (506) 8320-5282
Email: marmdesco@gmail.com
Years in Costa Rica: 20

Description: Jon is a very accomplished builder who has built most of his homes in the San Jose and Santa Ana areas. His homes are traditional and very beautiful. Jon has lived in Costa Rica for more then 20 years and he brings his living experiences to his home designs and interiors.


Name: Mike Quinn
Business Location: Tambor, Costa Rica
Nationality: Canadian
Language: English
Phone Number: (506) 8856-3847
Email: mike@owncostarica.com
Years in Costa Rica: 2

Description: Mike is new on the scene for home building (He is also employed by Monterra) but his partners have more then 20 years in the industry. Mike is interested in bringing new ideas and technologies to our developments and we like they way he thinks. He has shown us that he can successfully manage building projects like our RE/MAX building and The Costa Coral Hotel. Mike is also preparing to start building model homes in Valle de Luz.

Name: German Tautiva
Business Location: Tambor, Costa Rica
Nationality: Columbian
Language: Spanish
Phone Number: (506) 8856-2381
Email: mgrupoandinosa@gmail.com
Years in Costa Rica: 15

Description: Large, spacious and considered Spanish modern, German's homes are considered some of the best in Costa Rica. He has built many homes in the Central Valley and some are available for viewing. His workmanship is exemplary and his finishes precise.
German is currently building our entrance for Valle de Luz.

More Progress as Monterra Continues Roads in Rios del Sol.

Now most of the planned areas of road work in Phase 1 have been cut. We are now in the process of widening the roads and installing concrete water drainage pipes.

Mitigation (protection of soil from erosion) has started. By using these green, perforated blanket-type cloths and by planting grass seed, the soil beneath has very little chance (in the near future) of eroding and will not once the grass really takes hold. The roads are looking great and we can drive our vehicles over most of the Phase.

Work Continues in Monterra's 'Valle de Luz'.

As work continues in Valle de Luz we can see the main entrance starting to take shape. Mike Quinn of Monterra says: "Since we have come out of the ground people from all over have stopped to look at the site and inquire about opportunities, property sales and jobs. It feels great to be at this stage and booming! when the global economy has clearly affected others. It's demonstrates that Monterra has the resources and experience to fully operate in times like these."

We've been a bit lucky too as the rains here have not been at their normal levels. This time last year it would not be possible to work at our current speed, as of this posting, the sun is shining and the temperature is 28 degrees. Our area is one of the sunniest in Costa Rica but we do expect heavy rainfall in October as usual.

Progress Continues! Monterra's Rios del Sol Phase One.

As the roads continue being developed in Phase 1 it's now time to start advancing with the water management. The rainy season will be underway soon with October having the most rain.
For the last few days trucks have been arriving on our site with our 'alcantarillas' (basically big pipes). The alcantarillas are now being installed to maintain water flows in selected areas of the rivers.

Monterra's Rios del Sol - Phase One Bridges.

There are 2 bridges needed for phase 1 RDS. The first bridge is at the entrance and will expand 12 meters. The second is 500 meters in the property and will expand 6 meters. The engineering and design plans for these bridges have been completed and approved. Bridge construction will begin as our roads advance and when the weather permits. In the meantime the property is still drivable without the bridges.

It's Easy to Do Your Own Title Search In Costa Rica! Here's How.

It's fortunate that the government of Costa Rica has made information concerning properties easily accessible to property owners over the Internet. A purchaser can rest assured that their financial interests can be authenticated.

You will first need the 6 digit number that identifies the property called the “Folio Real.” Then go to the National Registry's website http://www.registronacional.go.cr/

1. Click on “Bienes Inmuebles” (immovable property, real estate).


2. Click on the word “Consultas” (inquiry) on the menu bar at the top.
3. Click on “Por Número de Finca o Concesión” (by number of the property concession).


4. You then select the name of the Province. 1 - San Jose, 2 - Cartago 3 - Heridia 4 - Guanacaste 5 - Puntarenas 6 - Limon
5. Then type the 'Folio' number in the area called “Finca” and click on “Consultar” (get advice).
   

You now have the owners information (“Proprietario”) and you just verified that it's indeed a titled property.
Also, at the bottom of the screen is the word “Gravemenes” meaning encumbrances. If there are none, then "NO HAY" will show. If otherwise you should then consult an attorney who can perform a more extensive search and explain the facts surrounding the nature of the encumbrance.
Also, by clicking “Historia,” you can learn of the history of property transfers.