Ten questions to put to a realtor before you list your Costa Rica home: experience, network, marketing, reviews, Spanish, commission, pricing, references and communication.
Selling your home in Costa Rica is a significant undertaking, and choosing the right realtor is central to how it goes. When you engage a realtor, make sure you are well informed by asking these ten questions. If you are still deciding what to look for, start with our guide to choosing the right broker.
1. How many years of experience do you have in Costa Rica real estate? Is this your full-time profession?
A seasoned realtor with extensive experience in Costa Rica’s real estate market is better equipped to handle complexities and secure good outcomes. Make sure the realtor is dedicated to real estate full-time, for a comprehensive commitment.
2. What client contacts do you have, and how do you plan to market my property to them?
A reputable realtor should have a strong network of clients actively looking for properties. Being able to match your property with existing clients speeds up the sale. Assess the realtor’s visibility online and ask how they would use their existing client relationships.
3. Do you have a network of agents you collaborate with?
Costa Rica has no single national multiple listing service (MLS), so realtors rely on personal networks to promote properties. Understanding the realtor’s connections with other agents tells you how far your listing will reach.
4. What marketing strategies will you implement for my property?
Effective marketing is central to selling a property. Evaluate the realtor’s proactive approach to marketing, including strategies such as online listings with high search rankings and collaboration with other agents in their network. A proactive marketing plan raises visibility and attracts potential buyers.
5. Do you have reviews on the internet?
Online reviews offer useful insight into a realtor’s reputation and capabilities. Positive reviews indicate a track record of client satisfaction and successful transactions. Look at reviews on several platforms to gauge professionalism and reliability.
6. Do you speak Spanish fluently?
Bilingual proficiency, particularly in Spanish, is important for effective negotiation, legal assistance and clear communication in Costa Rica. A realtor who is fluent in both English and Spanish improves the transaction process and reduces language barriers.
7. How much will your service cost, and what is your commission structure?
Clarify the realtor’s commission structure and make sure the cost of the service is transparent. Experienced realtors often formalise commission agreements, with typical rates between about 5% and 7%, and VAT is added on top. Be cautious of unusually high commission rates and ask about any special circumstances that may affect the commission. Our guide to the costs of selling property in Costa Rica shows how commission, VAT and other costs add up.
8. How do you stay informed about market trends, and what is your approach to pricing properties?
A knowledgeable realtor keeps up with market trends and takes a strategic approach to pricing. Ask how they stay informed and what their pricing strategy is, to make sure it is in line with market realities.
9. Can you provide references or examples of past successful transactions?
Request references or case studies from the realtor’s previous transactions. This gives tangible evidence of their capabilities and insight into their approach to different property types and client needs.
10. What is your communication style, and how frequently will you provide updates on the sale?
Good communication matters throughout the selling process. Clarify the realtor’s communication style, including how often they will update you on viewings, offers and overall progress. A realtor who prioritises clear and timely communication contributes to a smoother transaction.
In conclusion
By asking these ten questions, you give yourself the knowledge you need to make an informed decision when choosing a realtor to sell your property in Costa Rica. Also ask how funds will be held at closing; we recommend a regulated escrow or an attorney’s trust account, explained in our escrow guide.
Thinking of selling?
We would be glad to answer these questions about our own approach. Tell us about your property and we will give you an honest view of the price and how we would sell it.
This is general information, not legal, financial or tax advice. Typical commission rates and market practice vary and change; confirm terms in writing and check them with a Costa Rican attorney before you sign a listing agreement.
