Frequently Asked Questions

Answers

What is the time frame on finishing the golf course?
The front 9 completed in July of '09
The back 9 completed in July of '10

What is the time frame on finishing the infrastructure?
This will be done by "phases" as it is a HUGE project. In fact the answer is 10 years. However, with respect to a lot that is currently available, we would be looking at 1 year to 18 months.

Is there a time frame that a structure has to built on the property by?
There is currently no "build by" date in the CC & Rs, but these may be added in the future. The concern we would have would be that all of the golf course community properties would sell without anyone building, resulting in a barren, "vacant lot" look. The planned number of villas and terraced casitas that we are going to be building, and also the building plans of the people already involved, we are confident that the community will be built up from early on in its development.

Is there a minimum or maximum value that the home has to end up being?
No, but there is an architectural review committee.
As the owner of a lot is there any other infrastructure that the homeowner is responsible for?
Power and water are provided by seller. Pumps, and transformers are included. Homeowners will need to drop the line to the house from the transformer.
Has every lot had a perc test and found acceptable for a septic system?
Due to our emphasis on conservation, we are not running the typical septic tank system that is seen in Costa Rica. There will be a community-wide treatment plant that treats the gray water from the entire community. Each house will have an aerobic holding tank for black water (raw sewage) that then expels gray water that will run into the community system. This in turn is treated in a natural treatment plant, the effluence of which will then be used for irrigating the golf course.

Which is coming first, the development or the golf course?
They are happening concurrently.

Does the development have any partnership or association with any builders?
A lot owner may use their own builder if they like. Additionally, we have the builders that we are using for the condos and villas and we will make them available to the property owners.
I read that there is financing available, could you give me some details about that, or any info on lenders in Costa Rica that deal with Americans?
As of this writing, there are no developer financing options, but we are working towards offereing a couple of such programs. As a broker here, I can help refer you to financing options for foreigners. One being Brianna Carrera. www.CostaRicaMortgage.net. Also, a number of Costa Rica banks are offering financing to foreigners now with reasonable terms. I am hearing around 8% annual interest and up to 70% Loan To Value.

The site says the prices are going up Feb 1, do you know how significant this is?
10% increase.
What does a course membership consist of?
The membership is attached to the property and not the individual. This membership is for the golf course and other resort amenities . This will be for the owner of the property or their guests.
Is this golf course community going to have a club house, restaurant,
pool and tennis courts?
Yes to all the above.
Will I get clear title to my property?
Yes, you will receive clear title on your property. At Dominical Dot Biz Select Properties, we have years of experience in land transactions in Costa Rica. We are available and more than happy to help with all aspects of the transaction.
Resources: "How to buy property in Costa Rica" :: "Overview of a Land Transaction"

Is there title insurance available?
Yes, there are several prominent title guarantors in Costa Rica.
Stewart Title :: 1st Costa Rica Title and Trust
How far is it to the nearest beach?
From the golf course to Playa Pinuelas and the nearby Ventanas, which is my personal favorite beach in the area, is about 15 minutes smooth, cruise control type driving.
Where is the nearest medical facility?
There is a hospital under construction about 10 minutes from the San Buenas Golf Resort. Medicine in Costa Rica is essentially socialized. This hospital will be of that type. It is new, so they will be offering the latest technologies in medical care, but the system will likely be different than what a North American is accustomed to. There are generally lines to wait in, and so on. Having the hospital so close is great for any emergency care that might be needed, but it is likely that most re-locators will want to get familiar with the private hospital in San José called Cima. This is about 4 1/2 hours from the golf course. Or you can drive 20 minutes down the highway to the existing regional airport and fly 40 minutes to San Jose and then pop over to Cima. Cima offers a hospital experience that rivals or bests the best that the States has to offer.

How far away is the closest grocery store?
The closest grocery store, per se, is in Cortez, which is down the smooth highway about 15 minutes. Within about 5 minutes from the home sites of San Buenas Golf Resort is what is known as a Pulpería, which is like a small neighborhood grocery store. Also, at the turn off into San Buenas, again about 5 minutes from the home sites, there is a great fruit stand that also has some vegetables. Mangos, bananas, etc... are there in force on a daily basis.
What is the distance to the closest city with a population of at least 100,000 people?
We are located about 1 1/4 hours from San Isidro de Perez Zeledon, which is the largest city in Costa Rica's southern zone and, incidentally, is reputed to be Latin America's fastest growing city.

How much are property taxes each year?
¼ of 1% of the registered property value.
What companies are available to insure my house and auto?
INS is the government's monopolized insurance company. So, you use them. They have an office in Uvita, and San Isidro. Rates on auto insurance are comparable to those found in the States.
Where are the nearest churches?
Costa Rica is predominately Catholic, so these churches are seen in every town. Cortez has a Catholic church and it is about 15 minutes away from the home sites of SBGR

San Buenas Golf Resort
Frequently Asked Questions