Finding the Right Real Estate Agency in Costa Rica

Published on October 30, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

In a booming real estate market like Costa Rica’s

Distinguishing a competent agency from others can prove crucial for making a good investment. Nestled between paradise beaches and lush forests, Costa Rica is attracting more and more international buyers, hence the importance of choosing an agency capable of navigating this dynamic environment.

Five essential characteristics for a real estate agency in Costa Rica

This article highlights five essential characteristics that guarantee the quality of an agency in this vibrant market:

• In-depth local knowledge
• Excellent customer service
• International market expertise
• Transaction transparency
• Strong network of local professionals

These elements will help you avoid common pitfalls and secure your real estate project in this fascinating country.

Understanding the signs of a reputable real estate agency in Costa Rica

Transparency in real estate transactions

A reputable real estate agency in Costa Rica stands out first through its transparency at every stage of the transaction. This involves:

• Providing clear, detailed, and legitimate contracts, drafted in compliance with local laws.
• Precisely explaining procedures, costs, and client rights before any signing.
• Recommending, when necessary, an independent attorney to assist the buyer or seller and ensure the legality of the operation.

Verification of accreditations and affiliations

It is essential to verify whether the agency has accreditations or affiliations with recognized organizations in the Costa Rican real estate sector, such as:

Organization	Role and Recognition
CCCBR	Costa Rican Chamber of Brokers
NAR (National Association of Realtors)	International standards
Local associations	Regional certifications

Reputation and client reviews

The reputation of an agency is a key indicator of its reliability:

• Consult recent client reviews on specialized platforms or local forums.
• Prefer agencies recommended by locals or expatriates who have already conducted transactions in Costa Rica.
• Consider the frequency of positive testimonials, particularly regarding professionalism, availability, and quality of support.

Knowledge of the local market

A competent agent must demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the local real estate market, which translates to:

• The ability to provide accurate information on market prices, developing neighborhoods, current trends, and future prospects.
• The capacity to compare different types of properties and advise according to the client’s objectives (investment, primary residence, rental).
• Concrete experience in the target region, illustrated by successful sales and a lasting presence.

Customer service and communication

Quality customer service is recognized by:

• Real availability (quick responses to inquiries, support throughout all project stages).
• Clear and regular communication, tailored to the client’s needs, regardless of their location.
• Providing a dedicated contact person and transparency on the progress of the file.

List of signs of a reputable agency in Costa Rica:

• Clear contracts and processes explained transparently.
• Accreditations or affiliations with recognized bodies.
• Positive client reviews and local recommendations.
• Excellent knowledge of the Costa Rican real estate market.
• Responsive customer service, fluid and personalized communication.

Choosing a real estate agency that meets these criteria significantly increases the security and success of your project in Costa Rica.

How to avoid pitfalls of unscrupulous real estate agents

Common practices of unscrupulous real estate agents in Costa Rica

• Property overvaluation: Some agents artificially inflate the sale price to increase their commission.
• Lack of transparency in contracts: Absence of clear details on conditions, hidden fees, or ambiguous clauses.
• Absence of license or registration: Many present themselves as agents without any mandatory certification or registration.
• Pressure to sign quickly: Encouragement to conclude the sale without allowing time for reflection or thorough verification.
• Provision of incomplete information: Deliberate omission of information on the property’s condition, charges, or legal status of the title.

Key steps to verify a real estate agent’s background

1. Verify SUGEF registration
   • Any agent handling funds must be registered with SUGEF (Superintendencia General de Entidades Financieras).
   • SUGEF registration implies:
     • Permanent residency or Costa Rican citizenship.
     • Background check by OIJ (judicial police) and, for foreigners, by the FBI.
     • Regular monitoring of bank accounts.
2. Verify professional affiliations
   • Membership in recognized associations such as CRGAR or CCCBR, a guarantee of training and professional ethics.
3. Request licenses or certificates
   • Even if a license is not mandatory, a serious agent will have completed recognized training.
4. Check reputation
   • Search for client reviews online.
   • Ask for direct recommendations from previous clients.

Questions to ask an agent before committing

• Are you a permanent resident or citizen of Costa Rica?
• Are you registered with SUGEF?
• Are you a member of a professional association (CRGAR, CCCBR)?
• Have you ever bought or sold a property for yourself in Costa Rica?
• Can you provide references from recent clients?

Tips for contract management

• Read each contract clause carefully, especially those regarding deposits, deadlines, and contingency conditions.
• Never sign under pressure.
• Consult an independent attorney specialized in real estate law before any signing.
• Verify that the security deposit is entrusted to a recognized third-party escrow company.

Recourse in case of dispute with a real estate agent

Type of recourse	Description
Professional associations	Appeal to CRGAR or CCCBR for mediation or formal complaint
SUGEF	Reporting in case of illegal fund management or non-registration
Judicial authorities	Filing a complaint with OIJ in case of fraud or serious dispute
Specialized attorney	Assistance to initiate civil action or negotiate a settlement

Tips for identifying a reliable agency

• Total transparency on fees, procedures, and property condition.
• Physical presence: established office, accessible team, verifiable contact details.
• Reputation: numerous positive reviews, recommendations, and clear history of successful operations.
• Respect for procedures: insistence on using an escrow account, request for supporting documents (source of funds, identity, etc.).
• Affiliation with recognized organizations: CRGAR, CCCBR, visible SUGEF registration.

Always take the time to verify each step and surround yourself with independent professionals: caution remains your best ally in Costa Rican real estate.

Essential elements of a power of attorney contract in Costa Rica

Legal definitions of involved parties

Party	Definition
Principal	Natural or legal person who entrusts another with the power to act on their behalf for certain legal acts. The principal gives instructions and bears the legal consequences of actions performed by the agent.
Agent	Natural or legal person (for example, the real estate agency) who acts on behalf of the principal according to the received mandate, with the obligation of loyalty and accountability for their management.

Main obligations of the real estate agency

• Inform the principal about all essential conditions related to the real estate transaction.
• Actively promote the property subject to the mandate to potential buyers.
• Faithfully present all received offers.
• Respect the confidentiality of information provided by the client.
• Execute the mission within agreed deadlines and according to terms specified in the contract.

Remuneration mechanisms: commissions

The commission generally constitutes the main form of remuneration for the real estate agency. In Costa Rica:

• The commission is usually a fixed percentage of the final sale price (often between 3% and 6%).
• It is only due in case of effective completion of the sale thanks to direct or indirect steps taken by the agency.

Other points:

• Specific terms (rate, payment timing, possible sharing with another agency) must be clearly indicated in the contract.

Contract duration and termination conditions

List of essential elements regarding duration:

• Fixed term: mandatory explicit mention (example: 6 months renewable).
• Possibility of notice to terminate the contract before term according to contractual agreements.
• Automatic termination in case of complete execution (sale completed) or expiration of the fixed period.

Typical conditions leading to early termination:

• Serious non-compliance with contractual obligations by one party
• Unilateral motivated decision according to provided conditions

Clauses protecting client rights

Key points providing legal protection to the principal:

• Right to clear information on any received offer
• Transparency on all commissions or additional fees
• Express ability to authorize, limit, or prohibit certain commercial steps

Abusive clauses are void; any clause unduly restricting the client’s future freedom must be expressly justified and proportionate according to Costa Rican legislation.

Specificities related to Costa Rican legislation on real estate transactions

• Obligation for any real estate intermediary to be registered with competent local authorities (SUGEVAL, Costa Rican Chamber of Real Estate Brokers).
• Necessity of a written power of attorney detailing precisely granted powers, duration, exact/maximum possible fees, and missions entrusted to the agency;
• Mandatory compliance against any act assimilable to money laundering—strict verification of identity of involved parties;
• Contracts must respect both general civil provisions and specific rules for local land transactions: authenticity of land documents (Registro Nacional) required;

How do these elements help identify a reliable and competent agency?

• Mandatory professional registration = minimal institutional seriousness guarantee
• Detailed written contract = transparency on roles/fees/responsibilities/enhanced legal protection
• Presence of protective clauses = priority respect for client interests
• Clear commission/termination terms = absence of hidden risks/abusive requirements
• Rigorous compliance with national standards = procedural conformity & legal transaction security

Summary table – Key points identifying a reliable agency

Observed element	Positive sign	Negative sign
Professional registration	Yes	No
Complete written contract	Yes	Verbal/vague contract
Clear duration/remuneration clause	Yes	Vague/omission
Explicit client rights protection	Yes	Absent
Compliance with national regulations	Yes	Omission/non-compliance

A compliant contract protects both the economic and institutional interest of the client while promoting an ethical climate between real estate professional and consumer in Costa Rica.

The advantages of choosing the right agency for your real estate investment

Collaborating with a well-established and reputable real estate agency in Costa Rica presents numerous advantages for real estate investors, thanks to local expertise, access to a strong network, and in-depth market knowledge.

Main advantages of collaboration with a recognized agency:

• Local expertise and market knowledge:
  An experienced agency knows neighborhoods, price trends, growth opportunities, and potential risks specific to each region perfectly. This mastery guides investors toward the most attractive and profitable properties.
• Access to an extensive network of local contacts:
  Thanks to their presence, these agencies have privileged relationships with attorneys, notaries, architects, construction companies, banks, insurers, and administrative services. This facilitates all steps, from visits to post-purchase management.
• In-depth understanding of local regulations and laws:
  Local professionals master purchase procedures, legal requirements, taxes, permits, and specificities related to foreign investment. This limits error risks and secures each step.
• Identification of profitable real estate opportunities:
  Their constant market monitoring and experience allow them to spot properties with high appreciation potential, off-market opportunities, and objectively evaluate construction quality and rental profitability.
• Personalized support and tailored advice:
  A reputable agency offers complete and individualized support, from project definition to installation, through negotiation and administrative follow-up.
• Facilitation of the purchase process:
  Procedures are simplified: handling paperwork, coordination with various stakeholders, translation, assistance with bank account creation, etc.
• Legal, administrative, and after-sales support:
  Legal advice, verification of document compliance, property management, insurance assistance, post-transaction follow-up, and additional services (rental management, maintenance, etc.).

Key advantages	Benefits for the investor
Local expertise	Security, informed choice, investment optimization
Extensive network	Facilitated access to all sector stakeholders
Mastery of laws and procedures	Secured transactions, legal compliance
Opportunity identification	Access to exclusive and profitable properties
Personalized support	Tailored follow-up, simplified management
Legal and administrative advice	Risk limitation, time savings
Post-purchase support	Management, maintenance, asset valorization

To remember:
Using a recognized real estate agency in Costa Rica allows optimizing investment profitability, securing all procedures, and benefiting from professional support at every step, for a serene and effective purchase.