The organizers of ExpoCasa 2012 are laying out a smorgasbord of domestic delights for current and nascent homeowners at the biannual home and garden exposition.
The 10th incarnation of ExpoCasa will run from Jan. 25-29 at the Centro de Eventos Pedregal in San Antonio de Belén, Heredia, and will feature more than 270 stands showcasing businesses that want to make your house a little homier.
Homeowners can browse through all manner of home improvement and decorating options from security systems to curtains and tile selections. Financial institutions, including BAC, Banco de Costa Rica, Banco General, Mutual Group, Banco Nacional, Banco Popular and Scotiabank will be on hand with specials on interest rates for mortgages and other financing options. There’s no word yet on specific packages, but in the past banks have offered special rates for down payments on homes and consolidation and refinancing packages for new home purchases or renovations – all with the aim of coaxing expo-goers into buying a home.
More than 50 homebuilders will demonstrate their offers at the expo.
The most recent ExpoCasa, held in August 2011, drew more than 30,000 visitors.
Mariela Rodríguez, commercial director of Grupo Nación, which for the second consecutive year is organizing the housing extravaganza, said the expo isn’t just a way to help many Costa Ricans achieve a dream of homeownership, but also, hopefully, a way to spur the national homebuilding market a bit.
“That was our reason for choosing all the categories associated with housing, and also why we’re offering a strong schedule of projects, talks and recreational areas for the kids, as part of the idea of the family experience that we wanted to bring to the activity,” Rodríguez said.
The kids’ area will include bouncy castles, clowns, performances by songwriter Juan Cuenta Cuentos and other shows. That should keep the little ones occupied while grown-ups peruse the various wares on display or attend lectures and demonstrations on themes like gardening, decorating trends, use of color and light and repurposing furniture. Live cooking exhibitions sponsored by Sabor will be held throughout the expo as well.
Expo-goers who fill out a raffle ticket will be entered in a drawing to win a Hyundai Accent Sedan.
The Centro de Eventos Pedregal is located in San Antonio de Belén, Heredia, 800 meters east of the railway station. Parking is available for ₡1,500 ($3) per day.
ExpoCasa 2012
What: ExpoCasa y Decoración 2012
When: Jan. 25, 1-10 p.m., entry is free. Jan. 26-27, 1-10 p.m., entry is ₡1,500 ($3). Jan. 28, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Jan. 29, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Entry for both days is ₡2,000 ($4). Entry is free for children under 12 and seniors (with ID). Entrance fee is cash only.
Where: Centro de Eventos Pedregal in San Antonio de Belén, Heredia. Located 800 meters east of the train station. Parking for more than 2,500 cars is available at the center. Buses stopping at the center depart from a stop beside La Merced Church in San José.
For more info, see www.expocasa.co.cr.
