Why it is so easy - Our People

Robert Shannon, designs all the marketing strategies to identify people from afar that have a serious interest in retiring, relocating or investing in Costa Rica. Once the client is in contact with us, he carefully profiles them, identifies lifestyle, personal needs and budget. From this he identifies the areas and product best suited to them, polls all associates for product in the area of interest and sets up an itinerary for a thorough Lifestyle Property Tour. He is in constant contact with all clients in country and assists in the offer, guiding the client in how to take title and closing. His services go far beyond that and too numerous to mention here. Be assured you are in good hands and he does everything in his power to make newcomers to Costa Rica buy only in the path of growth and development and to do it easily and securely.

Christopher Howard is retained by our company to be present for clients who wish orientation. He has been a resident in Costa Rica for 25 years. His knowledge of Costa Rica is a most valuable asset to our clients. Most people that arrive to Costa Rica for retirement, investment or relocation, have already read his best selling, most popular in Costa Rica, THE GOLDEN DOOR TO RETIRING AND LIVING IN COSTA RICA. He has written for National Geographic along with a number of notable publications. He speaks Spanish fluently and even has anew Spanish book that is worth a look because of the way he dishes it up. Chris is one of the most sought after people in Costa Rica when people from abroad seek CR information. We are most honored to have him consult to our program.

Karla Shannon the hostess with the mostest. A terribly infectious smile and personality. She is totally sincere and will be there for everyone and make you feel you want to live in Costa Rica immediately.

Karla will take you to the shops that most tourists and even a lot of residents don't know much about where you can experience the economic benefits of Costa Rica. She is very refreshing to be around. Be careful as she will be practicing her English on you and you may have to listen a little more intently as the Spanish enunciation is still apparent.

When you write for testimonials, just ask about Karla and see what you get.

Kathia Shannon is our work in progress. She is 23 years of age and studying law here in Costa Rica. Her desire is to be fully qualified in Law, Marketing and Economics relative to Costa Rica and real estate.

Currently, she manages the listings and is studying all the properties in our data base to familiarize with the markets we serve.

She is an A plus student and speaks English. Even part time, she is a real asset to our team and we expect to grow significantly with her input down the road.

If you have a listing you wish to put up with us, feel free to call her a 2293 2446 and she will handle it for you if it meets our criteria.

Carol ODonnell, She discovered Costa Rica when she came to Costa Rica to explore nature with her son. One of Carol's trips to CR was with a Christopher Howard Tour when she found herself comparing notes with our southern office people. After a short time, she realized she was a perfect fit for our organization and decided to come on board.

Her varied background ranged from entrepreneur, aviation and real estate. Her high energy and client satisfaction attitude made us realize that she was what we needed to round out Costa Rica Retirement Vacation Properties assets.

We decided it was necessary to open an office in the very popular and hot central Pacific area of Jaco and Hermosa and Esterillos. After a short training bout in our southern office, Carol became our obvious choice for that position. In the time we have had Carol with us, her client satisfaction rate has exceeded all expectations. Her understanding of our commitment to Client care and excellence has made her an immediate asset to our marketing program.

Once you meet her, you will understand our pride in having her as our marketing director of the central Pacific area of Costa Rica.

Steve Martinez
Marketing associate, central valley area of San Jose

Steve is a native Costa Rican with a Bachelors degree in Business Administration. He graduated from Universidad Hispanoamericana university. His background includes a number of customer service positions. He has worked in international sales, customer satisfaction surveys, business administration, publicity and editorial. This experience has given him a good grounding for Costa Rica Retirement Vacation Properties as our business is very client oriented.

He is perfectly fluent in English and Spanish.

Steve will form part of our Central Valley, San Jose area marketing and is specializing in our lifestyle Property Tours. His puts special emphasis on profiling clients, selection of properties to view, detailing their itineraries and choice of extra activities for familiarization to Costa Rica.

We are pleased to have Steve and he will serve you well.

Annie Drake is our resident associate in the Southern Zone, she may show you property, show you around the area or both. You will meet all kinds of folks that live in the area, hear the good and the bad, speak to people who have done this already and you can get current with their thinking. You will probably have to share your ride with Buffy, (her small adopted Lora that becomes friends with all our clients). If no one is home to care for her, it is not an option, she comes along and even to the office and restaurants alike. You will probably be in awe of the fine cuisine found in the jungle restaurants or the old Paddle Boat that takes dinner cruises on the Terraba river (the largest in Costa Rica) and Annie can guide you to them all. Most of all, Annie is a special person and clients love to be with her and we are proud to be associated.

William Morales handles all webmaster responsibilities as well as technical support. He has a wide background in web design and marketing and is one of our most valuable assets to the marketing effort.

Andres Zamora is independent and is one of our prized associates in the central valley of Costa Rica. His background not only is varied but very impressive and important to quality Real Estate marketing. We have many ongoing projects in which share marketing and sales efforts and we work very closely with his office. Our large database of property listings coupled with his nicely facilitates our Lifestyle Property Tours.

Andres is a Member of the of the Costa Rican National Association of Realtors, (NAR- US), as a Certified International Property Specialist as well as of the Costa Rica Real Estate Brokers Board where also he was instrumental in the formation of the Ethics Committee.

His background in banking and business consulting due to his formal business management studies and the fact of been a certified accountant have given him the position to write for the number one website of the world. www.realtor.com the Costa Rica Country Profile.

Also he is one of the approved realtors for the U.S. Commercial Service and also has been the first speaker in an International Remax Convention for Costa Rica real estate issues. Andres also has been selected and interviewed by Channel 7 Costa Rica for the special report on Real Estate “Metros de Oro” and for the NBC UNIVERSAL AND CNBC on the latest special on Economy Trends on Real Estate. Foreign markets investments in Real Estate: Costa Rica.

John Marquand is along time resident and is our northern associate with Emerald Shores. He knows the area intimately, works well with the other realtors in the area and will give you a really good show of properties. He covers, Tamarindo, Flamingo, Playa Grande and areas surrounding. We feel very good about having Jim as our associate and look forward to years of association.

Adolfo Garcia is retained by our company to assist in the orientation with our clients. He is a native Costa Rican, spent many years in the US and has practiced law here for many years. His impeccable English and Spanish makes clients feel very comfortable when explaining the intricacies of transaction. When he sets out to advise you on matters of title, costal properties, concession law, self directed IRA's and even homestead land you realize that reading for the last year isn't enough to get it done properly and safely. He is one of a number of attorneys we use and in his areas of expertise, we wouldn't even think about anyone else.

Joseph Gimenez is our newest addition. He is native to Puerto Rico, long time resident of Costa Rica. He is well traveled and fits well in our client services program that we like to include in the retirement and relocation end of the business. Joe speaks four languages and worked in the USA for many years. He is now retired but teaches new residents who are relocating to Costa Rica.

You will find him a most accommodating gentleman in every way including the cost. He will travel to your home (within limits) and in one month you will be pleasantly surprised at your progress in speaking Spanish. If you wish, you may write directly to Joe here josegbianco@yahoo.com.es or call him atTelephone (506) 8845-8539

Miguel Guardia Miguel is a native Costa Rican residing in Limon. He has a vast knowledge of the area and rules of constructions and development. His local knowledge has been invaluable in finding value properties.

Miguel is always right on top of all the new developments surrounding the new Marina and port growth that has resulted from the Atlantic coast popularity for 235 Cruise ship arrivals annually.

We anticipate tremendous growth in the next five years throughout this area. Considering Miguel's experience, we are both very lucky and pleased to have Miguel on our team to serve this area and identify viable properties.

Gustavo Odio is a fully experienced and qualified Real Estate professional with many years of business background. He is native Costa Rican. His family is very prominent in the Construction industry which also affords him a very good insight into today's markets and what is selling.

His background with us in large and small development properties is a great asset to investors wanting to develop projects. The process can be painful without his type of expertise. He is very valuable to our group because of his connections to quality developers offering projects that are marketable in this economy.

His love for meeting new people and relocating them comfortably in Costa Rica is a large asset for our Retirement market as well.

We are pleased an fortunate that he is part of our team

Mike Paulin is from France and is a long time resident of San Ramon and intimate with the area. His background is that of an international Chef. He is well travelled and chose Costa Rica for it's beauty, friendly people and comfortable cost of living for his early retirement years.

His activities in Costa Rica include working with indigenous people here to assist them in their lifestyle. Recently he decided to take advantage of his many languages and experience with people of all walks of life. He felt his investigation process and choice of Costa Rica as a retirement destination could serve him well with our firm.

Further, he is a dyed in the wool San Ramonian and can be very informative for people seeking a rural lifestyle in an area that has many amenities for a great and comfortable life. Michel rounds us out nicely and we are very pleased to have a person of his caliber with our team.

Brenda Bombard

Brenda relocated from California in 1998 with her family, She made Nosara their permanent home. She has more than 12 years of experience and active participation in native-animal protection, resort management, real estate and property management in the Nosara are. Brenda’s warm and helpful personality will help you relax and feel right at home as you work together to find the perfect property for you.

Brenda founded Refugio Animales de Nosara which is Nosara's leading Local wildlife protection and rehabilitation facility helping protect the local Howler population. She also assists in the rehabilitation of all kinds of animals here in Nosara. Brenda began working in Real Estate & Property Management here in Costa Rica in order to create funding to assist in financing the local Refuge and wildlife preservation.

We are pleased and proud to have Brenda as part of our Costa Rica Retirement Vacation Properties Alliance.

Brian Bombard

Originally from Santa Catalina Island, California Brian moved to Costa Rica to join the family business and to enjoy the beautiful environment of Costa Rica, Nosara and Guanacaste.

As a Surfer and Diver he has been not only enjoyed so many of the amazing surf spots and dive locations around Nosara, he now knows them all intimately..

Brian worked in Reef Realty’s Property Management business for a number of years. He completed his studies and became a Licensed Real Estate Broker in 2008.

He now specializes in Property Management, Project Management and Real Estate Sales.

We are pleased to have such a person as part of our team as new first time buyers in Costa Rica need a lot of service and advice. He can answer all of your questions about moving to Costa Rica, shipping companies, finding the proper designer or furnishings for your home, contractors or local Architects.

If it’s a property rental your looking for, he knows the market and what is currently available in town.

Costa Rica Retirement Vacation Properties couldn't be more please with his addition to our growing Alliance across Costa Rica.

Jorge Andrés Solís, also known as George, is a native Costa Rican. He is from Orotina. a small town 30 minutes away from Jacó Beach. His compassion for computers took to the University of Costa Rica where he studied Computer Sciences. After graduating, he decided that he would follow his father’s footsteps who had 20 years in the Real Estate business in Orotina. George grew up with it and liked it as he is a people person and loves the interaction.

He is fluent in English and Spanish and has a very positive attitude

He’s fluent in English, with a positive attitude and a desire to please, always trying to provide a friendly service to his clients. If there’s anything you wish to know about this area ask him, he knows everywhere and everybody.

Larry Graziano initially came to Costa Rica in search of waves almost 12 years ago. Four years and many trips to Costa Rica he found his love of his life in Playa Negra. The rest is history.

He moved on to Costa Rica, built a home, family, small business, and has been a pivotal member of various local real estate agencies.

He is now specializing in the area surrounding Playa Negra where he resides on the “Gold Coast”. Larry was very much taken by the famous beautiful beaches, wonderful people, amazing sunsets, the perfect climate, warm water, sunshine almost every single day, and the amazing biodiversity.

He is a refreshing experience for our clients seeking properties in his area as his emotions are rekindled when he is educating people to the area and it shows.

His own experiences in Costa Rican life lend themselves to helping people have the smoothest transition possible from one country to another.

As always when Costa Rica Retirement Vacation Properties finds this kind of emotion and sincerity, we welcome him with open arms and enthusiasm as part of our growing Costa Rica alliance.

Trevor was born in New Orleans and raised in Hayward, Wisconsin.  He has always enjoyed the outdoors, small friendly communities and anyone with an adventurous spirit.  He has been speaking Spanish since he was 13 and is fully fluent. 

Trevor has a great love of people and a desire to share this wonderful place with like-minded individuals.  This makes him exceptional in what he does

Trevor has also worked hard to develop a network of professional contacts to handle all aspects of purchasing, building and developing properties in our region.  He is a well known figure at the local Municipality and friends with many local officials, lawyers, and other professionals..  He has earned his role in the community as an upstanding business leader, always treating both the buyer and seller fairly.  He will have you feeling at home in the Osa in no time. These qualities are what makes Costa Rica Retirement Vacation properties proud to have part of our  Alliance.

Chelsea first visited Sierpe in 2006 while she was living in Costa Rica studying Spanish.  After graduating from her hometown university, California State University, Chico, with a Bachelor’s Degree in English Education she followed her heart to Sierpe to work full time in Real Estate.  Her ability to understand clients needs is one of her biggest assets.  Chelsea’s passion for teaching also keeps her active in lives of children in Sierpe.  Her goals include bringing a library to the area, organizing community service projects and striving to help people protect Costa Rica while enjoying it.  Chelsea also enjoys SCUBA diving, jungle hikes, days at the beach and forging bonds with locals.  Her friendliness is a mirror of Sierpe’s most prominent quality. 

This all translates into a wide range of people skills that are required in Real Estate service and we welcome her as part of our Costa Rica Retirement Vacation Properties Alliance.

We are very pleased to have of Patricia Ugarte added to our central Valley marketing team.  Patricia has the background experience and talent that matches up nicely with our client care policies.  She is an attorney and has a Masters Degree in Business Administration with emphasis in Management and Human Resources.  She graduated from the University of Costa Rica and from the Interamericana University.

Her background includes working in a number of major multinational corporations located in Costa Rica in areas such as Real Estate and Human Resources.  She is perfectly bilingual. She will be handling clients in the central valley.

Her people skills, which are so important to the handling of newcomers seeking retirement or investment in Costa Rica is a very big asset and will serve our clients in a very special way. Costa Rica Retirement Vacation Properties couldn't be more content with her choice to join our operation which is expanding rapidly throughout Costa Rica.

Heinz Otto Pflug, a native Costa Rican with German descendants,who hold on to good values and ethics in every part of  lives, which especially in our profession. Heinz has been working in real estate and property rentals for over 12 years in Costa Rica.Committed to providing you with the best customer service whether you are investing or selling property in Costa Rica. 

Hand in hand with the best attorney’s, and escrow companies in the area to insure that you are protected and advised in every aspect of a real estate transaction. Honest, straight forward and hard working for you and no games with the pricing of properties. We earn our money at the successful closing of each transaction by helping buyers and sellers come together.

Heinz is also a specialist in Teak. He is very talented and knowledgeable in every facet of finding the right Teak farm for our clients. We have a large inventory of  1000’s of acres of varying ages of good Teak that he has put together for our market.

Heinz will be working in the areas, Playas Del Coco,Ocotal, Potrero, Flamingo, Brasilito, Playa Grande, Tamarindo, Langosta, Avellanas, Marvella Samara,Carrillo y Camaronal All of these wonderful Beaches. 

Nova Noelia is the perfect match for our Costa Rica Alliance in the Tamarindo Flamingo areas. She has been specializing in Condos and home sales in the area for some time and has amassed a wealth of good properties along the way.

She has over 6 years of solid Real Estate experience in Costa Rica and in the USA. She is committed to providing you with the best customer service whether you are investing or selling property in Costa Rica. Over the last 4 years Nova has built up good relationships with the best attorney's, and escrow companies in the area and is perfectly matched with our client responsibility as a Buyer's Agent".

Nova and her husband enjoy living in a spectacular beach and surf area called Playa Grande in the Northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica.  She has made Homes and Condos from Flamingo to Playa Langosta her specialty. The complete Gold Coast area she covers includes Flamingo, Playa Grande, Tamarindo, and Playa Langosta.

Nova is very proactive studying the market every day, and searching out the best deals.  She speaks English and Spanish fluently and is very knowledgeable about the laws regarding foreign ownership of property and businesses in Costa Rica. In her free time, Nova likes to surf, golf, and have fun enjoying the Pura Vida (Pure Life) in Costa Rica.  We are most pleased and excited to welcome Nova to our group.