Costa Rica Real Estate Agent Who Works Only for Buyers
Mark Savoia is an English-speaking Costa Rica real estate agent who works for buyers only. He lives in Uvita on the South Pacific coast and has helped thousands of people from around the world buy residential and commercial property in Costa Rica. He runs your property search, films and live-streams walkthroughs, and supports you through due diligence and closing, whether or not you ever fly down.
Buyer's agent vs listing agent
Sellers always have an agent looking out for them. A listing agent's job is to get the seller the best price and terms. A buyer's agent sits on your side of the table. Mark's team works with buyers only, so there is no listing of their own to push you toward.
This matters more in Costa Rica than at home, for two reasons:
No MLS and no closed-sale data. You can't look up what the house next door sold for. Overpaying is easy without someone on your side who knows the market.
Agents are unregulated. There is no license to tell a professional from an amateur. Anyone can call themselves a realtor.
Who this is for
North Americans and Europeans buying their first property in Costa Rica.
Buyers who can't spend weeks touring and want to search from home.
Families relocating who need the property to fit schools, healthcare and daily life.
Investors looking at hotels, rentals, land or commercial property.
What Mark does for you
Search: filters hundreds of listings across Uvita, Dominical, Ojochal, Manuel Antonio, Quepos and beyond down to the ones that fit.
Shortlists: a short, reasoned list, not a link dump.
Eyes and ears on the ground: photos, videos and live-streamed walkthroughs, including roads, neighbors and what the listing photos leave out.
Offer support: helps you frame the offer based on what he knows about the area and the property.
Due diligence: refers you to a Costa Rican real estate lawyer and flags what to check: title, liens, water, access, zoning and maritime zone status.
Closing: keeps the process moving through escrow and the notary, including remote closings.
How it works
Intro call. You share budget, timeline, areas and must-haves.
Search and shortlist. Mark's team pulls matching properties and sends a shortlist.
Walkthroughs. You tour in person or by video and live stream.
Offer and agreement. A letter of intent, then a purchase agreement drafted by your lawyer, with a deposit into registered escrow.
Due diligence and closing. Your lawyer checks title at the National Registry, liens, zoning, water and access. You close before a notary, in person or remotely.
What the buying process looks like in Costa Rica
Foreigners can own titled property with the same rights as Costa Ricans. You don't need residency to buy. The main exception is the maritime zone: the first 50 meters from high tide are public and the next 150 meters are concession land with limits on foreign ownership.
Plan on these costs above the price: a 1.5% transfer tax, about 1.5% in notary fees, plus legal, escrow and registry costs. After you own, municipal property tax is 0.25% of the registered value, which resets to your purchase price when the sale is registered. Due diligence usually runs 30 days, and Mark pushes for 55 to 60 days for foreign buyers.
Why buyers choose Mark Savoia
Mark is a North American expat with ten years of experience who has helped thousands of people from around the world buy property in Costa Rica. He lives in the Southern Zone and his Google Business Profile is in Uvita. His free Costa Rica Playbook guide has been downloaded more than 10,000 times. From Google reviews:
"Mark has helped me out so much, buying a property in uvita, costa rica." (Google review)
"His expertise of the different areas of Costa Rica is unmatched." (Google review)
Frequently asked questions
What is a buyer's agent in Costa Rica?
A buyer's agent represents you, the buyer, instead of the seller. Mark's team works with buyers only, so they are not trying to sell you their own listings.
Does Mark speak English?
Yes. Mark is a North American expat and works with clients in English.
Do I have to be in Costa Rica to buy?
No. Many of Mark's clients search, make an offer and close without ever setting foot in the country. His team provides photos, videos and live-streamed walkthroughs.
Are real estate agents licensed in Costa Rica?
No. Agents are unregulated, and there is no license that separates professionals from amateurs. That is why it pays to have an agent working for you.
Which areas does Mark cover?
Mainly the South Pacific: Uvita, Dominical, Ojochal and nearby, plus Manuel Antonio and Quepos. Costa Rica Playbook also lists property in other parts of the country.
Does Mark handle the legal side?
No. Your own Costa Rican lawyer handles contracts and title checks, and a notary handles closing. Mark can refer you to professionals he trusts.
Related
Ready to start your search? Talk to Mark about buying property in Costa Rica.