ExpoCasa Makes House Hunting Easy

Looking to build, buy or finance a sprawling beach pad with a Pacific view? A secluded mountain or jungle retreat? A San José hideaway? Or do you just need some nice window blinds?

No matter what the scope of your search, this year’s ExpoCasa, the fifth annual home fair organized by the Costa Rican Construction Chamber, Century 21 and Stewart Title, just might hold the answer. From Aug. 8-12, a whopping 12,000 visitors are expected at the Hotel Ramada Plaza Herradura, west of San José, where all things home-related will be on display.

“The fair is a tool for anyone looking for a new or used home, condominium, apartment, or recreational properties,” said Evelyn Gómez, marketing director for the construction chamber. “The entire real estate and financial offerings for the country are there … the goal is that in one place, under one roof, you can find all your options.”

Gómez told The Tico Times that a host of developers and real estate firms will be in attendance, as in past years. So will every private and public bank in the country, and even the National Institute for Housing and Urban Development (INVU), whose services include a savings-and-loan program for housing.

Though the focus at this year’s event will be on homes, rather than what goes inside them, furniture and decorative items will also be for sale at the fair.

In the past, most visitors to ExpoCasa have been Costa Ricans, according to Gómez, but the organizers of this year’s edition have planned a new feature designed in part to attract the attention of foreigners: a special section called “Costas” (“Coasts”), where companies offering beachfront real estate will congregate. The chamber is even negotiating with travel agencies in the United States that may offer special packages to those interested in visiting Costa Rica for ExpoCasa and looking for their future beach home.

Though details of such a collaboration weren’t available at press time, Gómez said interested parties can call the chamber at 253-5757 for updates.

ExpoCasa will take place Aug. 8-12.

During the week, hours are 3-10 p.m. and admission is free; on the weekend, hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with a ¢1,500 (about $3) admission fee.

On all five days, entry will include participation in a raffle for a lot, Gómez said. Food service and parking with free transport to the hotel will also be available all five days.

For more information, call the number above or visit www.expocasa.co.cr.