Price Reductions Across the Board

ISSUE #666: July 2-8, 2017

2017-07-10

Brian Timmons, Newsletter Author
Brian Timmons

Dear friends,

When I started Residencias Los Jardines, I started writing a weekly newsletter -determined to tell all the good, bad, and the ugly. I knew some readers would be interested in the construction process. I expected others might be interested in the lifestyle of two people who had decided to live outside the box. For others, the adventures of Lita, the parrot and the cat took on an entertainment saga all its own.

Residencias Los Jardines is finished. We periodically have re-sales and rental availability. Some readers may be interested in this information.

Brian Timmons
Developer / Property manager
Residencias Los Jardines

Web: https://www.residenciaslosjardines.com
Emails: info@residenciaslosjardines.com
ResidenciasPropertyManagement@gmail.com

Featured
rentals & sales

Paradisus Condos / Rohrmoser
FOR SALE / RENT
Visit our website

Paradisus Condos - click to visit

Each of the units consists of two bedrooms / two bathrooms, and a large living/dining/kitchen area. The floor plan of each of these units has eliminated the optional "den / office" divider. The result is a larger area offering more flexible furniture arrangements while still maintaining the option of including an office area. At 105m2 plus two parking spots each and storage locker, they offer a great opportunity for someone seeking views, security, central location, and first class, all round living...

PRICE REDUCTION
Semi furnished unit: For sale: $235,000
Fully furnished unit: For sale: $245,000
Floor 12 -west view

Market activity
sales & rentals

Sales: Los Jardines: Units #106A, #114, #123, #124 and #125

Rentals: Paradisus: nothing available.
Los Jardines: Units #106C, #114, #106D, #112 and #123 are available for rent

Upcoming vacancies: Los Jardines: Unit #102 end of June / Unit #118 end of May

Residencias Los Jardines
property management, rentals & re-sales

FOR SALE
Unit #106A: $ 165,000 / See Unit
Unit #114: $ 189,000 / See Unit
Unit #123: $ 189,500​ / See Unit
Unit #124: $ 135,000 / See Unit
Unit #125: $ 135,000 / See Unit

FOR RENT
Unit #106C: $ 1,050 mo / Available Immediately / See Unit
Unit #106D: $ 1,150 mo / Available Immediately / See Unit
Unit #112: $ 1,150 mo / Available Immediately / See Unit
Unit #114: $ 1,300 mo / Available Immediately / See Unit
Unit #123: $ 1,450 mo / Available Immediately / See Unit

For sale

UNIT #106A
FOR SALE
$ 165,000

Total Area (Sq Ft): 1250
Total area (Sq M): 120
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2
Floor(s): 1
Type: Apartment
Furnished: Yes

This is a fully furnished 2-bedroom unit situated in a 2-story building, which has two units on the ground floor and two units on the 2nd. floor. Each unit is the same size (1,250sf) divided into 800 sf of interior space and 450 sf of covered front and back terraces. Units 106A and B are on the ground floor; Units 106 C and D are on the 2nd. Floor. The solid masonry demising wall (common wall) as well as the 5" concrete slab prevent sound transference.

UNIT #114
FOR SALE
$ 189,000

Total Area (Sq Ft): 1290
Total area (Sq M): 120
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2
Floor(s): 1
Type: Semi-Attached
Furnished: Yes

This 2 bedroom/2bathroom,1,290 sf single floor end unit home includes a 150 sf front terrace plus parking for one car. This house is fully air conditioned and has recently been professionally decorated by international decorator Alcides Graffe and has undergone a complete renovation—new modern furniture, finishings, window coverings, and art work by Carlos Gambino. It is arguably the nicest furnished unit at Residencias Los Jardines and only steps from the pool

UNIT #123
FOR SALE
$ 189,500​

Total Area (Sq Ft): 1516
Total area (Sq M): 140
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2.5
Floor(s): 2 story
Type: Detached
Furnished: Yes

This two story, detached 1,423 sf home + parking for one car has two bedrooms, 2 ½ bathrooms and a 2nd floor covered terrace.
The open railed wrought iron cement stair case leads to the 2nd level where the master bedroom with en-suite master bathroom as well as 2nd bedroom and en-suite bathroom are located. Also accessed from the 2nd floor hallway is the covered terrace.
This is a very nicely furnished home with a good floor plan for those wanting two floors.

UNIT #124
FOR SALE
$ 135,000

Total Area (Sq Ft): 662
Total area (Sq M): 61
Bedrooms: 1
Bathrooms: 1
Floor(s): 2nd Floor
Type: Semi-Detached
Furnished: Yes

This 662 sf, + covered parking for one car, is a one bedroom home on the 2nd floor overlooking the large pool. It is ideal for a single person or couple.

UNIT #125
FOR SALE
$ 135,000

Total Area (Sq Ft): 662
Total area (Sq M): 61
Bedrooms: 1
Bathrooms: 1
Floor(s): 2 floor
Type: Semi-Detached
Furnished: Yes

This 662 sf, + parking for one car and 33sf locker is a one bedroom home on the 2nd floor overlooking the large pool. It is ideal for a single person or couple—or investment property.

For rent

UNIT #106C
FOR RENT
$ 1,050 mo.
Available Immediately

Total Area (Sq Ft): 1250
Total area (Sq M): 120
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2
Floor(s): 1
Type: 4-plex
Furnished: Yes

This is a fully furnished 2-bedroom unit situated in a 2-story building, which has two units on the ground floor and two units on the 2nd. floor. Each unit is the same size (1,250sf) divided into 800 sf of interior space and 450 sf of covered front and back terraces. Units 106A and B are on the ground floor; Units 106 C and D are on the 2nd. Floor. The solid masonry demising wall (common wall) as well as the 5” concrete slab prevent sound transference.

UNIT #106D
FOR RENT
$ 1,150 mo.
Available Immediately

Total Area (Sq Ft): 1227
Total area (Sq M): 113
Bedrooms: 1 + den (bedroom possible)
Bathrooms: 2
Floor(s): 2nd Floor
Type: apartment in 4 plex
Furnished: Yes

This 2nd story, 1,227 sf (113 m2 + one parking space) )is a georgous home with one of the best views at Los Jardines. The very large front covered terrace faces west and is suitable for entertaining; the off-bedroom covered terrace faces east for sun sets. This very tastefully furnished and fully equipped home offers a lifestyle envied by many. The owner offers financing if desired.

UNIT #112
FOR RENT
$ 1,150 mo.
Available Immediately

Total Area (Sq Ft): 1290
Total area (Sq M): 120
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2
Floor(s): 1
Type: Attached
Furnished: Yes

This 1,290 sf single floor home includes a 300 sf front terrace plus parking for one car. It is attached on two sides by a 6 inch cement demising (common) wall, which prevents sound transfer.

UNIT #114
FOR RENT
$ 1,300 mo.
Available Immediately

Total Area (Sq Ft): 1290
Total area (Sq M): 120
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2
Floor(s): 1
Type: Semi-Attached
Furnished: Yes

This 2 bedroom/2bathroom,1,290 sf single floor end unit home includes a 150 sf front terrace plus parking for one car. This house is fully air conditioned and has recently been professionally decorated by international decorator Alcides Graffe and has undergone a complete renovation—new modern furniture, finishings, window coverings, and art work by Carlos Gambino. It is arguably the nicest furnished unit at Residencias Los Jardines and only steps from the pool

UNIT #123
FOR RENT
$ 1,450 mo.
Available Immediately

Total Area (Sq Ft): 1516
Total area (Sq M): 140
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2.5
Floor(s): 2 Story
Type: Detached
Furnished: Yes

This two story, detached 1,423 sf home + parking for one car has two bedrooms, 2 ½ bathrooms and a 2nd floor covered terrace.

The open railed wrought iron cement stair case leads to the 2nd level where the master bedroom with en-suite master bathroom as well as 2nd bedroom and en-suite bathroom are located. Also accessed from the 2nd floor hallway is the covered terrace.

This is a very nicely furnished home with a good floor plan for those wanting two floors.

Our Lives

Weather: Partly overcast, normal rainy weather, no wind, temperatures 25C / 78F -beautiful​.

Reflections / Aging / Health: I was a little light on my cancer numbers. I should have included an additional 6 -breast cancers (2), throat cancers (2), prostate cancer (2)

Rentals:

Los Jardines: we have seen some interest this past week. Two of our lowest priced units were rented. Owners have agreed to reduce their asking price by $100. We have had one additional looker who is suppose to return Tuesday. This past week has to rank as one of the laziest weeks I've ever spent... at this rate, the hammock won't last very long... (I have two back ups so I'm not worried). No social life, no motivation for anything, nothing... nothing... nothing... wonderful!!!! I wonder how long I an do "nothing"... I even got cooking down two two times and then left overs...

Parrots: Lita loves her parrots... we have two... (Vicka) an Amazon (the Moron) and another smaller guy (Tommy) -who comes up with these names?????), same coloring but much smaller, and he (?) is a bugger--he is very lively. He comes and goes from his cage but mostly hangs around the Vicka's cage, sleeps hanging on to the sides of the cage, wants to be with Vicka ALL the time, get's in Vicka's cage... sometimes the fight... sometimes not... both are biters... Lita fusses, and fusses over them... me, I can't be bothered but am brought in to resolve fights!!! thanks... leave me out of it!!!

Lindora Bridge: It is under construction... so far, only minor hold ups...

Hospital Metropolitan: they have an out patient program which gives substantial discounts on clinical tests, visits, and various other things. We bought a year's membership... my card was issued. The system broke down, LIta doesn't have a card... nothing get's done in one go in CR!!!. All the info. / explanations are in Spanish... a problem for us... but supposedly we will get an English speaking doc and will go from there... I have yet to work on that... this will be a challenge... but one we need to work on...

Scotiabank CR: how I hate them... had another run in with them this week. These guys have NO concept when I tell them that for 40+ years I have had an account in Canada and not once has a check not been processed, a statement not received, never a hold on the account, never a request for more personal information, NEVER, NEVER, NEVER... and at TD Bank I can actually get a VISA statement from as many months as I want within 15 seconds..... none of this is possible here... it is like teaching quantum physics to a 3 yr old... nothing registers!!!!!! trouble is, I have not heard of any others been much better... or else I would be HISTORY real fast from Scotia...

News Items of the Week

Comments

1. Moin Port Terminal: the newly created island looks very impressive in the picture but construction errors will delay it's opening.

2. Bank Rate: for some reason, they are changing the method of calculation... and while not in this article, are opening up a different venue for trading... but that has been put on hold for some reason... they can't get it right... The rate at Scotiabank is now 566 / 579 ​

3. AIR France: Direct to Paris... woopie!!!

1. Opening of Moín container terminal postponed to 2019

The container terminal in the Caribbean port of Moín will open in February 2019, 13 months later than originally agreed, Dutch concessionaire APM Terminals confirmed Wednesday.

General Manager Kenneth Waugh said at a press conference that the company has informed the government that the new $1 billion project will not be ready as expected in January 2018.

The company notified the National Concessions Council in April that it had encountered unexpected, adverse situations that forced them to rethink the construction plan of the cargo terminal.

“We are at 70 percent of the work, but unexpected events force us to rethink the timetable, and force us to make changes in the sequences of the tasks,” Waugh said.

Construction problems

The unexpected situations relate to the surface compaction of the 40-hectare artificial island for the port, repairs in the breakwater, and problems with the angles of 20 piles.

The arrears will represent additional costs for the contractor ranging from $50 to $60 million, Waugh said.

These costs include fines for the delay, for losses for each day that the terminal is not in operation, and for additional construction time, among aspects. The company estimates that, in fines alone, it will have to pay some $900,000.

Technical Secretary of the National Concessions Council Sylvia Jiménez said in a public statement that the council cannot yet specify an exact figure for the fines that APM will have to pay.

She said preliminary estimates indicate that the economic impact on revenues for APM Terminals would be approximately $480 million. They based the calculation on lost traffic from some 2 million containers at a rate of $240 each.

Public Works and Transport Minister Germán Valverde said that the delay will not affect the country’s commercial sector, as the Atlantic Port Authority will continue offering import and export cargo mobilization services at its terminal.

Business sector react

For the most part, business groups in the country accepted APM Terminals’ announcement and its arguments, because the company confirmed that it will assume full costs of arrears.

Director of the Costa Rican Chamber of Industries Francisco Gamboa said in a public statement that APM Terminals’ position regarding the delays “shows a responsible and realistic attitude.”

Gamboa described as positive the fact that costs of the delay will not have an economic impact for either companies or consumers.

The Costa Rican-American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) said that the delays are understandable, as the new port terminal is a complex project.

Regarding APM’s position of assuming all costs, AmCham President Dennis Whitelaw said the company’s action highlights the advantages of doing public works projects through concessions. He also said that it is necessary to strengthen this financing model for other public projects here.

President of the Costa Rican Union of Private-Sector Chambers and Associations Franco Arturo Pacheco said that delays in the project will not affect local businesses.

He noted, however, that the news should not cause delays at related projects, such as the construction of Route 257.

The new two-kilometer highway is a project that the government pledged to build to connect the terminal with Route 32, the main route between Limón and San José.

Work on the Moín Cargo Terminal launched in January 2015 with the construction of a 1.5-meter-heigh (5-feet) breakwater and the dredging of 16 meters (52 ft) from the ocean floor.

2. Costa Rica enforces new methodology for calculating dollar exchange rate

The Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR) has enforced a new methodology to calculate the reference exchange rate of the US dollar, and it has already showed results.

The bank confirmed in a news release that during the first day of the new methodology, applied on Tuesday, the exchange rate differential — the difference between the buy and sell price — fell by â‚¡5.95. On Monday, the exchange rate differential closed at â‚¡13.02 and on Tuesday, it closed at â‚¡7.07.

The reference exchange rate is the weighted average of the buy and sale prices from all financial intermediaries. The BCCR calculates the rate every evening and the resulting value applies for the next day.

The change in the calculation methodology is possible since the BCCR now has online information on all exchange transactions performed each day.

The bank explained that the new methodology also increases the benchmark’s coverage by taking into account figures and prices of transactions at all banking intermediaries. The new calculation considers exchange rates effectively traded over a longer period of time, and therefore higher traded volumes.

Previously, the BCCR used as reference all daily transactions conducted between 2 – 5 p.m. Bank officials now use all transactions between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Another change is that in the previous formula, the bank weighted the exchange rate based on the transactions made during the previous five days. Exchange rates now are calculated every day, according to all buys and sells traded daily.

Historic highs

The exchange rate of the Costa Rican colón against the dollar reached a historic high of â‚¡600 in various private banks in late May, the highest since January 2010.

The behavior forced the Central Bank to intervene in the foreign exchange market in order to curb the sustained hike in the exchange rate of the dollar.

BCCR officials at the time said the behavior of the exchange rate “introduced risks for both price stability and the financial system.” The bank then approved a plan to intervene in the foreign exchange market with up to $1 billion over the following days.

In addition, bank officials also approved a one-point increase in the monetary policy rate that the bank applies to bank transactions. The increase aimed to reduce the pressure on the foreign exchange market in order to stimulate more savings in colones.

3. Air France will operate permanent flights between Paris and Costa Rica as of April 2018 and not just for the winter season

Air France started operating the Paris-San José route back in November or 2016 and the service so far was only offered during the European winter from October through March, the airline had already announced in March of this year that thanks to the success they’d had the operation would add a third flight for the 2017-2018 season.

Now, the airline has confirmed they will continue to operate two weekly direct flights starting on April 1st, 2018, on Wednesdays and Sundays.

AirFrance only waited two seasons before launching the permanent service to Costa Rica which speaks of the positive results the company has had.

“Thanks to the great reception of the route offered by Air France to Costa Rica and the increasing demand of the market, Air France and KLM will be expanding their offer in the country. During the European winter 2017-2018 we will add a new flight to offer three direct flights between Paris and San José and we will inaugurate the KLM route between Amsterdam and San José with two weekly flights; once the season is over, as of April 1st 2018 we will have two Air France flights, this way Costa Rica will be permanently connected to France”, explained Pía Lackman, General Manager of Ari France KLM for Central America and Panama.

The Amsterdam – San José route will begin operating in October 31st, 2017 with a Boing 787 of 294 seats.

Air France also offers weekly flights going through Panama, one daily KLM flight and six weekly Air France flights.

FOR RENTAL OR SALES INFORMATION
ON ANY OF THE ABOVE, CONTACT:

Brian C. Timmons
Property Manager RLJ and Newsletter Author

Costa Rica:
Cell: (+506) 8305-3965
Land line: (+506) 2282-4142 Ext. 101

Canada:
VOIP: (+416) 461-2203

Web: https://www.residenciaslosjardines.com
Emails: info@residenciaslosjardines.com
ResidenciasPropertyManagement@gmail.com

 
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