Grounding, by Ben Rutherford

Grounding

When someone mentions grounding, also known as “earthing,” what comes to mind for me is when my husband was planning the landscape design of our property - he asked, “Is there anything in particular you want?

“GRASS,” I replied! Grass was the one thing he definitely didn’t want to hear from me. “Grass is the most wasteful thing to plant,” I recall him responding.

There was something about standing barefoot in the green grass, wiggling my toes into the roots, and feeling the cool blades of grass between my toes, that I knew would be something I’d miss from Canada. So for us, as soon as we entered our property we knew this was the one. A farmers field with an ocean window view and land to plant and hike.

I see many people renting first, but that wasn’t for us. When you see exactly what you want, why chance waiting? Prices have risen over the past two years. In some cases up to 30% for homes. With the strong demand to live here in paradise, and have “room to breath,” and the past two years seeing many decide to not sell, there is a pressure on inventory. That usually means prices are only traveling in an upward motion. Rising interest rates in North America don’t affect a purchase here because sales are most often a cash purchase.

Properties that are a bit further from the beach are selling well, and are generally larger than in-town lots. Prices are still good. I’ve recently sold a 2 acre lot with forest and a lovely trail to a creek and small ocean window-view for just $140,000, and just an extra 15 minutes to the beach. The same lot closer to town would now be almost double that.

All this said, it is important to use a realtor. New buyers often get dazzled from the beauty of the country, but focusing on the importance of the due diligence process prior to closing will require your full attention to protect your investment. Once you chose the realtor you wish to represent you, be a good listener. We have a lot of information to offer, and remember that Costa Rica is a developing nation. Developing countries learn as they go, and can sometimes change laws and requirements. A real estate professional matched with an excellent attorney can advise you best so you can make the right decisions to reach the goal - so you can enjoy your version of “bare foot in the grass,” and create your grounding space.

SALES COMPARISON CALENDAR YEAR

2018

2019

2021 2020

Statistics provided by Blue Zone Realty

About the Writer

Ben Rutherford is a Senior Sales Associate with Blue Zone Realty International. He and his husband moved to the Costa Ballena area in 2013 and quickly started to enjoy a social lifestyle volunteering, playing beach volleyball, enjoying a good potluck, and hosting new friends at their home!