By Jules · March 2026
I'm a realtor with Coldwell Banker Vesta Group, and I also manage homes and live in Ojochal. That combination shapes how I think about buying and selling here: I don't just see a listing, I see the road in October, the roof in year five and the electric bill in April.
This is the honest guide I give buyers and sellers in Uvita, Ojochal and the rest of the Southern Zone. For the bigger picture, start with buying property in the Southern Zone.
For buyers
Know how real estate works here
Costa Rica doesn't have one shared MLS the way most of North America does, and agents aren't licensed the same way. Listings can be inconsistent, the same property can show up at different prices, and due diligence is on you. Working with an established brokerage and a good independent attorney protects you.
Do proper due diligence
Before you commit, your attorney should check:
- Title and the National Registry record
- Survey (plano catastrado) and that it matches the land
- Liens, encumbrances and easements
- Water availability or a water letter
- Zoning and any maritime zone or concession issues
- Permits for what's been built
I also look at what the paperwork doesn't show — drainage, road access in the rain, slope stability, how the house is holding up in the humidity.
Budget for more than the price
Closing costs, transfer taxes, attorney fees, repairs, furnishing, and a car if you need one. And think about who will look after the home when you're not here.
Visit in the rain
Seriously. A lot of property sells in dry season that would sell very differently in October.
For sellers
Get the house ready
Buyers here are often shopping from far away, so photos and first impressions do a lot of work. Fix the small things, deal with any mold or damp, tidy the garden and make the home feel easy. I offer home staging for owners who want it to really show well.
Have your paperwork in order
Clear title, survey, permits, water letter, utility history and any corporation documents. Organized paperwork builds trust and speeds up closing.
Price it honestly
Overpricing is the most common reason homes sit. I'll give you a realistic view based on what's actually selling in your area, not what someone hopes to get.
Why work with me
Because I live here and manage homes here, I can help with the whole picture — buying, setting up, renting or managing it, and selling when the time comes. Have a look at real estate or book a call and let's talk about what you're looking for.