Retirees and others who is thinking of buying or selling property in Costa Rica should use the services of a real estate broker. Real estate agents normally collect a five or six percent commission on the sale of a home and up to 10 percent commission on the sale of raw land. This commission is paid by the seller of the property to the realtor. Here is why it is important to work with a good broker: 1. A broker can save you time and headaches by showing you just what you want. He will do this by pre-qualifying you. 2. Only a small percentage of properties for sale are in the newspaper. Many brokers have their own listings, which they don’t share with other brokers. 3. A good real estate agent will know all of the good areas and will not waste your time showing you undesirable neighborhoods. Any broker who knows you are working faithfully with him will go all out to help you find what you want. Be sure to tell your broker from the beginning if you are working with other agents. 4. A good broker can form a relationship with you and truly understand your specific needs. 5. Brokers offer a wide range of properties. They sell a little bit of everything.: houses, lots, commercial property, condos, and even fincas (farms). Therefore, it is best to find a broker who specializes in exactly what you are looking for. A broker specializing in homes and property at the beach cannot possibly be an expert in properties in the Central Valley. 6. A good broker can help you find a fair-priced property. 7. Good brokers have excellent contacts and will help you with every step of the process. Most of all they should ONLY represent you. 8. Working with a broker in Costa Rica is similar to working with a broker back home. If you are patient, loyal and have confidence in your broker, you will find what you want. One of the most infamous and inconvenient characteristics of the Costa Rican real estate market is that the law does not regulate real estate brokers (Although that may change soon). Anyone can sell you a property, and everyone will probably try to. Deals have been found through taxi drivers, but so have scams and endless run-arounds. Even if you’re looking to purchase something from a development with its own sales office, it’s a good idea to ask a broker to help you decide which development. Though picking a good one from the mass of mediocre ones seems difficult, but it’s doable. If you follow this advice you should be able to find the retirement home of your dreams.