GoDutch's Recent Blog Comments

Comment on Learn basic Spanish before you move to Costa Rica by Henfling, Ivo

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 17:25:50 -0600

Antoinette Kelley comments: Kids do pick up languages so easily. My children 3 & 1 speak more Spanish than English. They have even taught me several things. My husband and I even learn from watching cartoons with them. Its a fun way to pick up a word or two while getting some quality time in with the kids. When my family moved here we knew only basic spanish and by basic I mean we knew our numbers to 10, hola, adios , ect. Nothing of substance really. We didn't want to go to classes or do Rosetta Stone, but we did want to learn Spanish. We learned via Alfredo! Alfredo is the gentleman who helps us around our finca and does not speak any English. We started communicating to him using a mixture of sign language and google translate. That progressed until we had a pretty good vocabulary. We would ask "what is the word for" and then do a nice little charade until we understood. Now We can get by pretty much anywhere. I find that even with our subpar Spanish people are more receptive to us. Tico's really appreciate the effort. We were so surprised to learn recently that one of Alfredo's daughters, her husband, and his youngest son have enrolled in classes to learn English. They said they were impressed with our effort to learn a new language and wanted to do the same. Awesome, huh?

Comment on How to pay the new Costa Rica corporation tax when out of the country by Henfling, Ivo

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 19:07:18 -0600

Today, on the 5th of May, there is no late fee nor a fine being charged by the tax department.

Comment on Learn basic Spanish before you move to Costa Rica by Henfling, Ivo

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 17:25:50 -0600

Thanx Ardon, great comment. I will follow your suggestion in my next blog and thanx for following every week.

Comment on Learn basic Spanish before you move to Costa Rica by Henfling, Ivo

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 17:25:50 -0600

Ardon Schambers comments: Yes the picture did catch my attention, but I have "shiney object" syndrome an are easily distracted. The article did give me a thought about learning the language. Your one word a day is a great idea. Perhaps since you publish once a week, you could add a new section called words of the week. Of course it would 7 words.Those words could be helpful words such as Casa, Comprar, Quero, Mucho, Dinero, Banco, Abogado, etc You get the point. Maybe just insert them in your usual blog.

Comment on How to pay the new Costa Rica corporation tax when out of the country by Henfling, Ivo

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 19:07:18 -0600

Thanx for your comment Walter. My blog explains we charge $80 to pay it for you. If you do not pay it, the person who has power of attorney over the corporation is responsible. If the corporation is empty (no car, no real estate owned), the government will dissolve the corporation in 3 years. But the POA is still reliable. So if the POA owns assets in Costa Rica, they can eventually confiscate those until the taxes are paid (plus fines). But like I say in all my blogs, I am not an attorney but a real estate agent. For any questions like that, you need to contact your attorney. If you don't have one, feel free to check with our recommended legal professionals: http://godutchrealty.com/Costa-Rica-Real-Estate-Attorneys-and-Business-Lawyers.html

Comment on How to pay the new Costa Rica corporation tax when out of the country by Henfling, Ivo

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 19:07:18 -0600

Walter Payne comments hola ,Please how would a person pay corp. tax when out of country ?? What about just not paying inactive corp tax,?? thanks Walter Payne

Comment on Annual tax on Corporations in Costa Rica approved by Henfling, Ivo

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 12:52:00 -0600

Hi Lauren I'm happy you like the blogs. First of all, only at the Banco de Costa Rica can you see if your SA is active or non-active. Not even the lawyers seem to be able to figure it out. Some attorneys charge $100 to pay it for you but you need to add the tax on top of that. That would be $134 if the SA is inactive and $267 if it's active. Another way is to transfer the car out of the SA.

Comment on Annual tax on Corporations in Costa Rica approved by Henfling, Ivo

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 12:52:00 -0600

Lauren wrote: Very interesting blogs. You seem to be very well informed, and deliver the information clearly and concisely. My dream was to live in CR. I moved down with my Fiance, 2 cats, and a dog. My cat is still there (23 yrs. old!) being taken care of by my American Friend and his lovely Tica wife. I am told this new tax is $350.00! I have a Mitsubishi Montero (that I would love to sell), in the Corp.. I had to come back for medical reasons...anyway, do you know where I can pay only $100.00 to keep this investment safe? Best, Lauren

Comment on To FSBO or not FSBO by American European Real estate Group, Webmaster

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 07:41:04 -0600

great advices thanks for posting this

Comment on Costa Rica bank loses harassment trial for pushing credit cards by Henfling, Ivo

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:14:33 -0600

Hi Dom, glad you're feeling homesick. You shoudl get out of Florida soon and get to paradise. The weather is awesome!! And teh strawberries even better. You can go to Arenal several ways. By Grecia is the long way, though a fun drive through Grecia and Sarchi, through Naranjo. Its easier to stay on the highway till you get to the turnoff to Naranjo an dthen go through Naranjo, Zarzero to San Carlos (Ciudad Quesada). You can also stay on the highway until you get to San Ramon and turn right through San Ramon. Hope to see you move back soon.

Comment on How NOT to look for property for sale in Costa Rica by Henfling, Ivo

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:53:36 -0600

Thanx Carlos, I appreciate it. And it's good to have such good friends in Florida even though you never even moved to that property in Santa Ana I sold you so many years ago. I'm glad you still read my blogs after all those years.

Comment on IRA Limitations when you buy Costa Rica real estate by Henfling, Ivo

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 17:33:54 -0600

Thanx for the question Shell. Foreigners who have a property in Costa Rica and also have residency, will need their DIMEX residency card to do their banking. Foreigners who are NOT residents, are tourists to immigration standards, so they can use their passport. You do NOT need to be a resident to be able to own property in Costa Rica. The banks allow you to keep a bank account even though you are not a resident, if you can show "arraigo" which means "foothold". If you own a proeprty in Costa Rica, you have "arraigo". I hope this answers your question.

Comment on Why purchase Costa Rica real estate with the help of a real estate agent by Henfling, Ivo

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 21:35:54 -0600

Thanx for that comment Chuck. Many expats have an ice maker and water dispenser on their fridge and hate to pay high price for these small bottles of water. In today's market there are many water containers that keep the water cold for a long time.

Comment on Why purchase Costa Rica real estate with the help of a real estate agent by Henfling, Ivo

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 21:35:54 -0600

Chuck commented: I have seen many instances of people walking around with a bottle of water/ice in their hands. That is, they freeze the water in the bottle overnight so that it stays cold for a while after they leave the house. A while ago, I read an article about the plastics used in the disposable water bottles. They recommend that temperature extremes be avoided, Water should not be frozen in the plastic containers nor should water be left in the bottles sitting in the sun. The temperature extremes apparently release a carcinogenic substance from the plastic that has been linked to cancer. The containers are supposed to be quite safe otherwise. Chuck

Comment on Living in Atenas can be a blast for less than $165k by Henfling, Ivo

Sat, 08 Oct 2011 16:00:21 -0600

Thanx for your comment Chuck. Though you are totally right about the reasons why Sala IV is throwing this out, its too easy to throw everything that is done to make the roads safe (along with a zillion other things that get stopped by Sal IV) every time someone has a good idea but because we don't have a way of acceptance of the ticket. I borrowed the car of a friend in Holland and he got 2 tickets in the mail after I arrived back in Costa Rica. He doesn't have a clue where I went and he is responsible for the tickets I got. But at the same time, I sold a car to someone 10 years ago and he quit paying and the car is in my name. Impossible to recover the car, even though I own it. So the guy who never paid me can get all the tickets he wants and I will have to end up paying them. It's all screwed up. But does that make it right to not to discipline the dangerous drivers? How do we discipline them?

Comment on Living in Atenas can be a blast for less than $165k by Henfling, Ivo

Sat, 08 Oct 2011 16:00:21 -0600

Comment by Chuck Shannon: Sunday PM, October 23, 2011 Read your blog on speeding. I, like you, have mixed feelings about the amount of the fines. There is no doubt whatsoever that the reckless driving habits in Costa Rica need to be reduced considerably (other than the fact that the highway deaths help to lessen global overcrowding). Altho' we don't have any cameras out here in the stix, I am apprehensive of making one of my infrequent trips into San José to run afoul of the cameras. One of the other complaints that I read about in the letters to the editor in la Nación is that speed limits are not well posted and, many times, the drivers don't know what the speed limit is, although the 20 kph over the limit for a ticket should take care of most of those complaints. Why I am actually writing this is for a different reason: As we all know, most people have no fixed address to receive notifications and the advent of the cell phone adds to the inability to locate people. An additional problem is that many vehicles on the roads have been sold and the new owner has failed to make the title transfer (mostly because it costs money). Since the cameras only capture an image of the vehicle tag, the ticket is charged to the owner of that vehicle who may or may not be the current owner or the driver (in the case of company vehicles). Add to this, the cases of "pirated" tag numbers (gemelos) + some errors in reading the camera image and you end up with a bit of a nightmare. It appears that the owner of a vehicle only has 10 days to protest the ticket after it is listed in the newspaper. One vehicle owner saw his tag number published strictly by chance and, because his vehicle was in a repair shop for that full week, knew that it was an error. He claimed that he lost work and paid a lawyer for something that was not his fault. In other words, errors occur. Now, in North American law and usually down here, silence can never be taken as acceptance of an agreement. In this case, the agreement is the acceptance of the ticket. The fact that the acceptance was never conveyed to MOPT, makes it a non-legally binding obligation of the vehicle owner. This is my interpretation of why Sala IV is throwing out the tickets, the driver MUST be apprehended in the deed. Just because the driver doesn't know of the existence of a ticket and he loses all right to object in 10 days is neither reasonable nor legal. I had predicted a fiasco for these cameras when they first were being considered because of the notification problem. Like many things in Costa Rica (and much of the world), the bureaucrats never think things thru before instituting "solutions". Your tax dollars at work! Chuck

Comment on Costa Rica punctuality, also known as Tico Time by Henfling, Ivo

Sat, 01 Oct 2011 17:03:47 -0600

Thanx Tee Tee, lots of people think that moving to Costa Rica is as easy as moving to another city within one's country, which is not. Most people don't realize that if they don't use a realtor when buying a property in Costa Rica, they do not only miss out on the expertise of an experienced realtor, they mostly miss out on the hand holding that you need to get going. The GoDutch realty clients do NOT go back within the two years of arriving here.

Comment on Costa Rica Retirement Dreams | get real by Bishop, Brooke

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 08:08:51 -0600

Very informative Ivo! Thank you! Brooke

Comment on But complaining does help sometimes in Costa Rica by Henfling, Ivo

Sat, 24 Sep 2011 15:57:26 -0600

A great comment from Chuck: Several years ago, there was a program on TV about the SW US Indian. I think the actual locale was Arizona. It seems that the local Indian agent who, among other things, is in charge of getting jobs for the Indians in an effort to integrate them into modern society and get them off the reservations. The Indian agent obtained a job for one Indian at a local lettuce packing plant and the Indian was to show up for work the next day. Later the next day, the Indian showed up at the Indian agent's office. He explained he had been fired but didn't know why. The Indian agent went to the packing plant to get an explanation from the boss. The boss explained that he had told the Indian to be there at 8:00AM to load the waiting trucks and he had shown up mid-morning. The Indian agent explained that in the Indian culture, the shortest unit of time was a day, so in the Indian mind if he turned up at any time during the day, he was on time. Must be a bit of that culture here in Costa Rica. I learned a long time ago that if a Tico says "Jueves", you need to ask if it is this Thursday or the next. Chuck

Comment on But complaining does help sometimes in Costa Rica by Henfling, Ivo

Sat, 24 Sep 2011 15:57:26 -0600

Thanx for those comments Tom. Tico's and other people who live in warmer countries, Italians, Spaniards, Brazilians, people from North Africa like Maroccans, are used to have the sun every day. The sun gives happiness, cordiality, pura vida. If you have the sun, you don't need much. You live the day and don't worry about cold winters and what you are going to eat and how to dress in those cold winters. This is what changes the punctuality of people to my opinion. When we live in the rat race, we want to slow down. And then suddenly, when we get to Costa Rica, time becomes important? Something is not right. Food for thought. And comments I hope!!

Comment on Parents in Costa Rica and their children by Henfling, Ivo

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 14:17:20 -0600

Isn't it a weird experience, not really to be able to describe the need to get back to Costa Rica? I'd love to hear the comments of others why they love Costa Rica.

Comment on Costa Rica and its natural resources used to fight the poor. by Henfling, Ivo

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 16:20:33 -0600

Chuck couldn't find the way to register and sent me this comment: Sunday PM, September 4, 2011 I have been in touch with the local Chamber of Commerce which is trying to ressurect itself here in Esparza. One of the projects that I have in mind is a retirement complex here in Esparza. I want to have a combination of self sufficient villa-type units + an apartment style building(s) which will serve meals to the residents. There is a property here in Esparza about 500 meters from centro which is a repo by a bank. The original plans can not be used because Esparza changed the plan regulador and the lots on the plans don't meet the new zoning. I'm trying to promote Esparza as a retirement destination. Same problem, no investors. Seems that people will throw their money at 10% per month promises but will not consider something that will give long term returns. Just a coincidence that you showed this. Chuck

Comment on How Sonesta One Jaco Resort looks like in August 2011 by Henfling, Ivo

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 17:41:02 -0600

I forgot to tell that Ticos get to be in a hurry as soon as they get a steering wheel in their hands. Thanx for your comment Shirley.

Comment on When you move to Costa Rica you tend to look for a known environment by Henfling, Ivo

Sat, 23 Jul 2011 08:40:25 -0600

Mr. Vinzenz Schmack was born in Germany but has lived in Costa Rica since 1981

Comment on When you move to Costa Rica you tend to look for a known environment by Henfling, Ivo

Sat, 23 Jul 2011 08:40:25 -0600

Mr. Rod Hughes sent us the following comment: I enjoyed the article from La Nacion but, unfortunately, I think the writer tends to overstate his case. In the first place, the history of The Netherlands is far different from that of Costa Rica. That European country is a tribute to man's industry and thought, stemming back from Roman times. Something like 2/3 of its territory comes from salvage from the sea and, if there was ever a self-made nation, the Dutch have it. But the Dutch are a thoughtful people who plan and supervise themselves--if they hadn't, fierce North Sea storms would have washed most of the nation away. Costa Rica, on the other hand, has had an abundance of natural beauty which it set about destroying systematically in the last half of the 20th century. Such seemingly boundless riches caused a lack of foresight that reduced the forests to less than half of what they were as recently as 1950. Then, logic took hold, the government incentivized maintenance of nature and private reforestation began. Perhaps some Ticos, like recent converts, are fanatical about saving the environment but they distrust, with reason, the government's ability to balance nature with exploitation. In petroleum drilling, their case was bolstered by British Petroleum's mistakes in the massive Gulf of Mexico oil spill. As far as Las Crucita mine is concerned, Ticos can point to the Bellavista mine that collapsed in July of 2007, despite ecologists' and residents' repeated warnings that the hillside on which its refinery was sited was unstable. The government did nothing discernible to supervise the development of the site or, later, to inspect it. Toxic chemicals used to refine gold are buried under tons of earth and rocks--whether the landslide will result in ground water contamination is still to be seen. The pendulum in the controversy between ecology and foreign investment tends to swing confusingly--but in general, the discussion is healthy and keeps business careful about environmental damage.

Comment on When you move to Costa Rica you tend to look for a known environment by Henfling, Ivo

Sat, 23 Jul 2011 08:40:25 -0600

a long time friend and someone I hope might still move to Costa Rica some day, though he's been thinking about it for 10 years, sent me a note about my wrong calculation of the amount of acres I translated the hectares into. It seems to be a Dutch mistake, as we think in hectares and not in acres. Thanx Marius for the note and yes, a realtor should know better.

Comment on The abusive buyer of Costa Rica real estate by Henfling, Ivo

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 09:44:01 -0600

Rod Hughes commented: Your story on directions/addresses was delightful and SO true! In my 40 years in this country, I've spend 20 of them lost or uncertain. And I needed no compass after only a year here.

Comment on Import your furniture or buy turnkey property in Costa Rica by Bishop, Brooke

Sat, 11 Jun 2011 20:42:12 -0600

Amen Ivo, Spanish is key, and remembering that we are not in our native country, of course things will be different, some better, some not. I am so happy to have come here in 1999, and cannot imagine any other place in the world I would be happier. I still learn about a new flower, fruit, word, or food nearly every day! Even simple things turn into an adventure in Costa Rica!

Comment on The perfect Costa Rica real estate seller by Henfling, Ivo

Sat, 28 May 2011 22:25:58 -0600

A incredible comment sent in by Sandor and I will do the whole article in a separate blog this week. This is about a hidden camera investigation by CBS reporters in Sacramento, CA : Walmart tops the list of Fortune 500 companies, bringing in the most revenue. Our hidden camera investigation uncovered a practice that may be adding to those profits. It has some customers and consumer advocates outraged. You give someone a gift receipt when you’re not sure if they’ll like your gift. It could be the wrong size, a color they don’t like or maybe they just want something else. For many, the gift receipt takes some stress out of gift giving. It doesn’t state how much you paid, but you give it to them so they can get the full value if they return the item. We’ve learned that doesn’t always happen at Walmart. Read the article next week.

Comment on Costa Rica immigration has way to go on making digital services happen by Henfling, Ivo

Sat, 21 May 2011 16:48:51 -0600

I just almost lost my PO box again, they don't even put an invoice in your PO box, telling you that you have to pay. If you don't they don't even warn you, they just take the PO box away from you. A client also sent me a check that never arrived because it was sent to my old PO box and it never occurred to them to just move it over to the new PO box. The check was lost.

Comment on Walmart US Caught Shortchanging Customers Using Gift Receipts by Bishop, Brooke

Tue, 31 May 2011 20:05:10 -0600

Thank you for the great blog Ivo! It seems so simple, but many people don't get it!

Comment on An Escazu home with a heart and a soul by Henfling, Ivo

Sat, 28 May 2011 20:51:00 -0600

Nikita also gave us a good solution to get the utilities without having residency: Get yourself an S.A. (LLC) with an attorney and yourself as the sole representative of the corporation, then all you need is the "personeria" and your passport and you can get everything hooked up. Thanx for these two great comments Nikita.

Comment on An Escazu home with a heart and a soul by Henfling, Ivo

Sat, 28 May 2011 20:51:00 -0600

Nikita, our affiliate partner in Jaco Beach just sent me an email saying that if you're within your 3 months tourist visa, then there is no problem with the driver's license. I have different info, so if you need your driver's license, please make sure you check. They change their minds all the time.

Comment on Costa Rica immigration has way to go on making digital services happen by Henfling, Ivo

Sat, 21 May 2011 16:48:51 -0600

Maybe they work better when you send something from here because you will be paying them? I have no clue how they will get paid when they are on the receiving end. Maybe they don't and that's the reason for the bad service? Anybody knows how post offices work worldwide?

Comment on Cariari residents enjoy exceptional leisure in the Cariari Country Club by Henfling, Ivo

Fri, 20 May 2011 17:46:11 -0600

Posted by Rod Hughes: Local tremors (minor earthquakes) are very common in Costa Rica and this one caused no damage. The Central Valley is a network of minor faults and many surround the active volcanos here. Local faults tend to shake briefly--the recent 5.9 that you're writing about lasted only about five seconds. It's this brevity, ignored in most news reports in favor of the Richter scale intensity, that I think keeps them from having a worse effect on structures. As you point out, construction is pretty good in this country generally speaking. My view has always been that even strong earthquakes do not often kill people--poor construction is the villain. Many houses are unfortunately built on unstable hillsides that can cave off with a relatively minor tremor. Most of the "adjustments" being made in our local faults are so minor that most people don't notice them--they only register below 4.0 on the scale on seismic instruments.

Comment on Are those earthquakes in Costa Rica scary or not by Henfling, Ivo

Fri, 13 May 2011 21:21:57 -0600

TM Vatan wrote: Shirley, I believe I met your husband once when we were looking at houses in Cariari a few years ago. My daughter's school is there, but we decided that we preferred living in the campo. Why live in a city just like the US - we could just move back to our house in OC, so we moved up to the hills of Heredia. Your spouse, Shell Johanson, was a gentleman among realtors - which is saying quite a bit.

Comment on Cariari residents enjoy exceptional leisure in the Cariari Country Club by Henfling, Ivo

Fri, 20 May 2011 17:46:11 -0600

Posted by Rosalind Stanco from Florida, who lives in Santa Ana now: Dear Ivo, Just want you to know how much I look forward to receiving your "blogs" and that I read every word. In this one where you talk about the earthquakes here and mention that people thinking of moving to CR may wonder why you bring up such a scary subject as it might discourage them, I tell everyone I meet if they are looking for a realtor to work with in terms of their considering moving here, to call Ivo Henfling because not only will he never apply any pressure to you but in addition and most importantly, he will be totally honest in terms of telling you all the "bad" as well as the "good" which Sam and I found totally unlike any realtors we ever dealt with in any part of the US, where generally all they care about is the comission they will earn if they can talk you into purchasing or renting something they show you.

Comment on Escazu main street is a mess by Henfling, Ivo

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 19:00:19 -0600

Thanx for your thoughts Rudy. Most of the time, we are like a year behind anything that happens in the US, therefore I expect a slow recovery. Prices have not adjusted much in Costa Rica to my opinion, because: 1. The Costa Rican economy is thriving with the bad US economy as outsourcing is a solution for many US companies. Costarican salaries are a lot lower and good education of the Ticos allows for strong competition. CINDE, Costa Rica's Investment Promotion Agency says "Costa Rica has positioned itself as a key destination for operations of multinational companies in a variety of industries, such as Advanced Manufacturing, Medical Devices and Services. Over 200 global companies have chosen Costa Rica as an establishment location." 2.Costa Rica did NOT have as many new real estate projects going during the boom, due to slow construction permitting. So when the bubble burst, many developers who were still in the permitting stage, stopped their projects. 3. Some developers saw the bubble bursting and changed their tactics to smaller apartments that can also be sold to the local professional with no children, in the price range between $100 - $200,000 like Condado del Country in Sabana and Vista Real in San Rafael de Alajuela. Ask your GoDutch realtors about those oportunities. 4. The Costarican banks did not make the mistakes the US banks and banks throughout the world made. For years, Costarican banks have been ordering their appraisers to under-appraise the values and loans were never made for more than 80% of the appraised value. So it was never possible in Costa Rica to purchase a property with $1 down. This is what made the US the promised land, but also brought it on its knees (even though they still don't believe it themselves). 5. Costa Rica is still attractive to those US citizens who have money sitting in their IRA or 401K and that money is not doing anything. So those who will be retiring soon, can invest that money in real estate in Costa Rica now, by using their IRA or 401K and rent the property out those those who already moved but don't have the money to purchase a property. You are not allowed to live on the property owned by your IRA, but you are allowed to rent it out and the income will go to your IRA. When you are ready to retire, you can buy it back from your IRA as soon as you have sold your assets back home. Ask your GoDutch realtor about this IRA issue.

Comment on Magnificent property for sale in Alajuela by Henfling, Ivo

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 13:12:02 -0600

Published on CostaRicaLiving Forum: From: CostaRicaLiving@yahoogroups.com [mailto:CostaRicaLiving@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of family_vs_world Sent: Monday, March 28, 2011 2:01 PM To: CostaRicaLiving@yahoogroups.com Subject: [CostaRicaLiving] Re: Expats in quiet Atenas rattled by home invasion there Sorry for the attitude Ivo, we have been taking it from all sides since the robbery. The part of your article that set me off on the wrong foot was the following: "...I would like to make you all aware that though it's no fun to be robbed, especially when you're with your family and they put a gun to your head. This is something that rarely happens unless you brag about what you have, invite the wrong people into your house, or frequent the places like bars and other fun places where you might meet the wrong people." I do not hold hard feelings, I've just been a bit defensive after all of this. I am not suggesting in any way that people should pack up and leave after an event like this, however looking out your window night after night is not a good solution either. I also agree that this can happen anywhere, and does.

Comment on Magnificent property for sale in Alajuela by Henfling, Ivo

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 13:12:02 -0600

Sorry, that link was a hassle Here is the link to click

Comment on Magnificent property for sale in Alajuela by Henfling, Ivo

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 13:12:02 -0600

And for those who are in doubt if we are greedy realtors and don't spend time and effort helping people when they need it, I would like to refer you to our testimonial page which gives you plenty of testimonial what we are all about http://www.godutchrealty.com/Testimonials-offered-by-sellers-and-buyers-of-Costa-Rica-real-estate.html I sincerely hope you take the time to read that page.

Comment on Magnificent property for sale in Alajuela by Henfling, Ivo

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 13:12:02 -0600

I insist that I feel bad for the victims and that I am not blaming the victims. I feel bad for them as it has happened to me too in the past, so I know how terrible it is. But that is not my point in my blog. My point is that it happens everywhere and that there are many ways to be cautious. That's all. In the Middle East people are dying, in Japan its a mess, its bad news everywhere and we are spending all this time over a home invasion. I sincerely apologize to all who I have hurt their feelings by saying things people don't want to hear. I hope everyone is happy now.

Comment on Magnificent property for sale in Alajuela by

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 13:12:02 -0600

I think that the comments have gotten out of hand. The point Ivo was trying to make is that although it is extremely unfortunate for the people who were invaded, statistically speaking, we are still better off in Costa Rica than in many other countries in the world. No Place is perfect, there is no doubt about that, and we are in a country where there is little police force, no welfare, and an average income of about $11,000 a year. There are basic precautions you can do to protect yourself, but sometimes these violent acts are just random. One other thing, just because we are Realtors does not mean that we are greedy liars who will say or do anything to make a sale. Remember, we live here too. We have the same issues with crime as everyone else. The only difference is that many of us have been here much longer than our clients, we can only give our advice that has helped keep us from being victims, it does not make us insensitive, only experienced.

Comment on Magnificent property for sale in Alajuela by Henfling, Ivo

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 13:12:02 -0600

Comment from aschambe@aol.com Ivo, I think you missed a critical point on your blog and the numbers you site. I think they need to be sized to fit Atenas. If this break in is a once in a while occurrence it is unfortunate for the individuals victims, by comparison to the US statistics this should have happened in Atenas 60 to 80 times. Maybe a direct comparison can't be made from larger cities to smaller ones, but certainly the number in cities the size of Atenas and the success of its people would bring more than one or two break ins per year in the US. I've has two instances in Costa Rica of theft in 5 years. I don't like it one bit and I don't think people should stand by and do nothing. They need to demand more of the authorities, take reasonable precautions and maybe add a home alarm. The last thing they should do is rant at the people who raise the visibility of the issue. Real estate people are just one of the many who have a stake in this game. Ardon

Comment on Magnificent property for sale in Alajuela by Henfling, Ivo

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 13:12:02 -0600

dear Robyn, You accuse me of being an insensitive person and everyone who knows me can assure you I'm not. I always help people when its in my power to do so. I feel terribly sorry for what happened to you and I understand you are angry. But you are angry at me for the all the wrong things. You show your hate for real estate agents and business owners. I don't know what a job has to do with this matter. I didn't do anything to you, your attackers did. You're attacking me for being a real estate agent, while you needed the help of a real estate agent in Jaco to help you because you never tried to learn Spanish while living in a Spanish spoken country. In my blog, I am not accusing anyone of anything, I am just trying to explain how most assaults and home invasions happen and to be careful and not to show off what you have. That doesn't mean that those who are attached have much or too much. In several private emails you have sent me, accusing me of being greedy, you show me you have nothing but anger to show for those who do not agree with your way of thinking. I can only recommend you go back to where you came from very fast and only home that this place is total secure and safe with lots of police to make sure that nothing will happen to you again. I feel sorry your adventure to Costa Rica was not what you expected. I DO exist that your attack and the home invasion in Atenas are things that happen anywhere in the word and don't have anything to do with Costa Rica and its people and that these happenings have been blown out of proportion. To me and many others, Costa Rica is the place we love, though we might not like every inch of it, but where we have the life we were looking for when we moved here. I hope you find a place on earth where you can be happy.

Comment on Horse Parade in Santa Maria de Dota by Henfling, Ivo

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 10:53:52 -0600

And the Platina fun goes on and on, now its the new concrete that is not holding. The pavement is falling apart. This story has been going on for like 5 years now. Who knows when they will try to fix it again.

Comment on Drug wars push deeper into Central America by Henfling, Ivo

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 08:17:01 -0600

check with the Naranjo Coop, they might have a similar program.

Comment on Who's afraid of Virgina Woolf in Costa Rica by Henfling, Ivo

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 09:17:17 -0600

thanx, I will take you up on that invitation as soon as we're roaming your area.....

Comment on Construction and housing tradeshow 2011 by Henfling, Ivo

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 14:23:33 -0600

Yes Grampy, thanx for your comment and let me explain a bit more about this issue, because we DO pay taxes for this. I totally agree with you but the matter is not so simple. In a third world country, things like this need organization and because there are different institutions involved, its difficult to make them work together. Let me explain: All cars pay at the end of the year what we call a "marchamo", more about this here: http://american-european.net/properties/page-what-is--95.html which is a road tax. On top of that, we pay a higher price for gas here than in some other countries, because the extra part is supposed to go to maintenance of the roads, which doesn't really happen because it gets lost between different institutions. The reason there is not enough money is that each rainy season, the weather gets worse and worse and damages roads and bridges throughout the country. So its an endless story. But, in the case of the road in Escazu in this blog, the story is a bit different. The old road from San Jose to Ciudad Colon (which is the road they are working on) is a provincial road. So its not the city (even though it runs right through the city) who is responsible. The responsible people for this are the water company ( A y A ) and the construction company hired by the water company. I don't think they even asked the people who are in charge of the roads in the province for permission to open up the road to lay the water pipes (which is exactly where the problem lies). As long as nobody complains, nothing will happen. But the great news is that my blog came to the attention of an alderman in the City of Escazu and he put it in the last council meeting. That's a start. Even though they don't have the power to do much about it, we shall hope the protest will get as far to the Province. On the 23rd of February 2011, the government of President Laura Chinchilla has signed a project of a law called "General Law on Transfer of Competencies from the Executive Branch to the Municipalities" which will hopefully soon be approved by the National Assembly and will give the Municipalities the power AND the funds to fix the problems as noted in this blog. Again, Grampy, I want to thank you for your participation in this blog.

Comment on Armed Home invasion in Atenas by Henfling, Ivo

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 14:38:20 -0600

glad you're all going soon. See you there then

Comment on Magnificent property for sale in Alajuela by Henfling, Ivo

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 13:12:02 -0600

Thanx familyvsworld for your comment and I totally agree with you that people should feel safe in their own home. But I don't agree with your "no matter what". We should all be able to leave our laptops on the table and I am not trying to justify a crime like this. You need to read my comments again. I am recommending that we should all be careful with what we do and not invite criminals into our homes or to forget to secure our homes as there is no safe place in the world anymore.

Comment on Magnificent property for sale in Alajuela by

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 13:12:02 -0600

Great Article Ivo, I think that a lot of people living here do not understand that any Costa Rican will tell you that keeping a low profile about your financial status is a good way to avoid being robbed. It is a real shame that this happened, but just the fact that it is on every website about Costa Rica means that it is not a common occurrence, in this country. These small towns, Atenas, Grecia, Naranjo, San Ramon, etc. all have less than 10 police to patrol, so on a world wide scale, we are not doing too bad. One of the great things about Costa Rica is that the government allows us to live freely, and take responsibility for our own safety and life. You cannot expect the police or the OIJ of Costa Rica to protect you, any Costa Rican will tell you that. Be smart, think of your security, and remember, we are responsible for ourselves.

Comment on Drug wars push deeper into Central America by

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 08:17:01 -0600

Thats Great! I hope other coop's follow their lead!

Comment on Dota will soon export the first coffee with Carbon Neutral Certification by Henfling, Ivo

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 17:41:53 -0600

This is the video of the Little Devil's or Los Diablitos en Bocas del Toro:

Comment on Annual Oxcart Festival in Escazu by Henfling, Ivo

Sat, 12 Mar 2011 13:18:51 -0600

Comment on Ethical Traveler puts Costa Rica on their list of Developing World 10 Best Ethical Destinations by Henfling, Ivo

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 08:13:35 -0600

And Norma Herrera commented: que excelente idea Ivo, un cafecito....

Comment on Ethical Traveler puts Costa Rica on their list of Developing World 10 Best Ethical Destinations by Henfling, Ivo

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 08:13:35 -0600

Lynn Cummings commented on Facebook: Really delicious breakfasts too! Great food!

Comment on Horse Parade in Santa Maria de Dota by Henfling, Ivo

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 10:53:52 -0600

For those who understand Spanish, this was done during the past Oscar Arias's government, making fun, as usual of the "Platina Bridge", an issue that has been going on forever. This Tico found a way to show that even Hitler had a hard time with the Platina bridge already, and that was 65 years ago.......

Comment on Exercising in Atenas by Henfling, Ivo

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 19:04:26 -0600

A small video taken By Brooke Bishop of GoDutch Realty - Grecia

Comment on Soon no more frustrated clients of Costa Rica services? by Henfling, Ivo

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 11:43:56 -0600

Thanx for this great comment Rudy. I find that in many things Costa Rica is at least 15 years behind the US and many other countries in the world. You have found one of those things that make the being behind so nice. But we have the best of both worlds here. The pictures in Rudy's blog were taken in San Antonio de Escazu,only minutes away from Walmart, Pricemart, Multiplaza and other 1st world countries.

Comment on Affordable Costa Rica Condo just remodeled by gringo owner by Henfling, Ivo

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 08:44:00 -0600

Andres just made a new presentation on this beautiful property for sale. Check it out here:

Comment on Costa Rica Palmares Civic Fiestas celebrate 25 years this year by Henfling, Ivo

Sun, 16 Jan 2011 09:50:36 -0600

Most real estate agents and real estate attorneys recommend the transfer of the title of a property to be purchased into a Costa Rica Corporation, called and S.A. or Sociedad Anónima, which is the equivalent of an LLC in The United States, a B.V. in Holland and Anonym Gesellschaft in Germany. This is mainly done to protect the property against liabilities. Over the years, most S.A.'s that were not used anymore by their owners (because the property owned by the S.A. was sold out of the S.A.) were not canceled. So there are thousands existing S.A.'s in the Property Register that will be canceled by their owners as soon as the $200 will be collected. The above article does not say as of when the taxes will be collected. I think the government has no idea how many of the thousands of S.A.'s are owned by people who have long left the country or passed away. We will keep you updated on any news on this front. If you know you own old S.A.'s that are not used by you anymore, contact your attorney to eliminate these S.A.'s before they start the collection process.