Sell Your Costa Rica Property Fast: Our Expert Tips

Published on October 30, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Selling a Property Quickly in Costa Rica

Selling a property quickly in Costa Rica may seem challenging, but with the right strategies, it becomes not only achievable but also profitable. In a real estate market as dynamic as Costa Rica’s, knowing how to showcase your property, understanding the expectations of international buyers, and effectively leveraging the local network are essential to making your sale a success.

Keys to a Successful Sale

Factors such as impeccable property presentation, a market-price valuation, and a targeted marketing strategy are key elements to master. Discover how to turn your sale into a stress-free and advantageous deal.

Optimizing Your Property’s Presentation to Attract Buyers

First impressions are crucial when selling a property in Costa Rica: a well-maintained visual appeal immediately catches the attention of potential buyers and influences their perception of the property’s value.

Essential Practices to Enhance Your Property’s Value:

• Depersonalize Spaces: Remove personal items (photos, souvenirs, collections) to help visitors envision themselves in the space more easily.
• Declutter: Eliminate unnecessary furniture and store non-essential items to create a sense of space and order.
• Use Neutral Colors: Opt for soft tones (off-white, beige, light gray) on walls and textiles to provide a calming and universally appealing environment.

Repairs and Maintenance, Especially in a Tropical Climate:

Fix all visible imperfections: cracks, broken handles, moisture stains, or peeling paint.

Maintain impeccable exteriors: mowed lawns, clear pathways, clean facades. The humidity and lush vegetation in Costa Rica require regular upkeep to prevent rapid material deterioration.

Tips to Maximize Visual Appeal and Local Charm:

• Highlight natural light: open curtains, clean windows, remove obstacles in front of glass doors.
• Add local tropical plants (palm trees, bromeliads, orchids) to emphasize regional identity and create a welcoming atmosphere.
• Incorporate a few Costa Rican artisanal decorative elements, while keeping it simple to avoid cluttering the space.

Best Practices Table for Preparing a Property for Sale:

Step	Recommended Action	Main Objective
Depersonalization	Remove personal items	Facilitate buyer visualization
Decluttering	Organize, eliminate excess	Highlight space
Neutral Colors	Paint walls, choose understated textiles	Create a universal backdrop
Repairs	Correct defects, maintain	Reinforce quality impression
Exterior Maintenance	Clean, mow, trim plants	Maximize curb appeal
Natural Light	Open curtains, clean windows	Make the space bright
Local Plants	Add tropical species	Accentuate regional charm

Professional Photography:

• Investing in a professional real estate photographer is essential to obtain high-quality images that highlight the property’s brightness, space, and key features.
• Well-composed, bright photos significantly increase online interest and distinguish your listing in a competitive market.
• Drone aerial shots and twilight photos can enhance appeal by showcasing the property from different angles and lighting conditions.

Impeccable presentation, both inside and out, combined with professional visuals, maximizes your chances of quickly attracting buyers in Costa Rica.

Effective Marketing Methods to Attract More Buyers

Online Advertising: Importance and Preferred Platforms

Online visibility is crucial for a quick sale. Use specialized websites, both local and international, to reach different buyer profiles:

• Local Platforms: Encuentra24, Costa Rica MLS, CasaTica.
• International Sites: Realtor.com International, Brevitas (which aggregates global listings and connects with local agents), Point2Homes.
• Also post on popular general portals like Facebook Marketplace or OLX Costa Rica.

Ensure all key information (price, precise location, unique features) is included in each listing.

Using Social Media

Social media allows you to quickly expand your audience and interact directly with potential buyers:

• Create a dedicated page for the property on Facebook or Instagram.
• Use LinkedIn to target an international professional audience.
• Share regular content (unique photos, virtual tour stories).
• Respond quickly to questions and private messages to build trust.

Creating Attractive Visual Content

Professional visuals enhance the real estate property:

Content Type	Objective	Practical Tips
High-quality Photos	Capture attention at first glance	Hire a specialized photographer
3D Virtual Tours	Facilitate remote visualization	Use Matterport or similar services
Drone Videos	Highlight the surroundings	Show beaches/nature proximity/amenities

Don’t hesitate to present each room from its best angle and incorporate local lifestyle elements (pool, tropical terrace…).

SEO Optimization for Real Estate Listings

To ensure good visibility in search engines:

• Consistently include relevant keywords (“ocean view house Costa Rica”, “eco-friendly property Nicoya”).
• Write catchy, SEO-optimized titles.
• Structure your text with clear lists/bullet points for easy Google scanning.
• Always add a unique description per portal.

Collaboration with Experienced Real Estate Agents in Costa Rica

Working with a well-connected agent offers several advantages:

• Access to an extensive network of national/international buyers not reachable online alone.
  • Example: Local agents often know active investors specifically looking for this type of property.
  • They can quickly organize private/group viewings based on the target buyer profile.

Always check their client references before any collaboration. Prefer those who have worked with international English/French-speaking clients if needed.

Incorporating Client Testimonials

Strengthen your credibility with positive feedback:

“We found our dream home thanks to the seller’s professionalism – a straightforward transaction even from abroad.”

Place these testimonials in written form, possibly accompanied by a short authentic video. Incorporate them into your main listings and on your dedicated social media pages.

Current Innovative Strategies Adapted to the Costa Rican Market

• Offer live streaming during a private virtual tour via Zoom/YouTube Live so multiple buyers can ask questions instantly.
• Organize hybrid open houses, combining local in-person attendance and online broadcasting.
• Highlight any sustainable/eco-friendly aspects of the property – a key selling point for the expatriate/digital nomad segment seeking “green homes”.
• Temporarily include certain ancillary fees (legal fees/inspections) as an incentive to speed up the decision.

Concrete example: Promoting a “solar-powered off-grid house near the beach” is particularly attractive since the digital nomad & remote work boom post-Covid; structure your communication around these current strong trends!

How to Choose the Right Real Estate Agent in Costa Rica for a Quick Sale

Key Criteria for Choosing a Real Estate Agent in Costa Rica:

• In-depth Knowledge of the Local Market
  An agent must have an excellent understanding of the local real estate market’s specifics, price trends, sought-after neighborhoods, and available property types. This expertise is essential, especially since there is no MLS (Multiple Listing Service) in Costa Rica, making property selection more complex and requiring genuine on-the-ground mastery.
• Reputation and References
  It’s important to verify the agent’s reputation with past clients or through online reviews. Asking for references helps assess their professionalism, integrity, and ability to protect your interests.
• Experience Selling Similar Properties
  Prefer an agent who has already sold properties of the same type, in the same price range, and in the same region as yours. This specific experience increases the chances of a quick sale at the right price.
• Network of Professional Contacts
  A good agent should be able to connect you with trusted professionals:
  • Lawyers specialized in real estate law
  • Notaries
  • Financial experts
  • Architects, contractors, property managers
  This network facilitates all transaction steps and ensures comprehensive support.
• Effective Marketing Strategies
  The agent should propose a solid marketing plan to maximize your property’s visibility to potential buyers:
  • Listing on specialized local and international portals
  • Social media presence
  • Organization of virtual tours and open houses
  • Use of professional photo and video materials
  The goal is to effectively target buyers and highlight your property.
• Transparency and Responsiveness
  Prefer an agent who communicates clearly, honestly, and regularly, keeping you informed at every step of the process. Their availability and quick response are essential to adapt the sales strategy and reassure potential buyers.
• Accreditations and Legality
  Ensure the agent holds all necessary accreditations to operate legally in Costa Rica. This includes affiliation with recognized professional associations and compliance with local legal requirements.

Criterion	Why is it Important?
Knowledge of Local Market	Helps identify opportunities and estimate property value
Reputation and References	Ensures trust and security
Experience with Similar Properties	Ensures better alignment with your expectations
Professional Network	Facilitates legal, tax, and administrative procedures
Effective Marketing Strategies	Increases visibility and speeds up the sale
Transparency and Responsiveness	Guarantees optimal follow-up and effective communication
Legal Accreditations	Secures the transaction and protects against fraud

Key Takeaway:
Before signing any agreement, take the time to meet with several agents, ask specific questions about their experience, methods, and past results, and verify their ability to support all transaction steps, from listing to final signing.