Wide open spaces

At the beginning of this year, January 1, almost everyone I know had huge expectations. Business was booming, the economy was on fire, stock markets at an all-time high, unemployment at 50 year lows and the predictions were insane. Everyone was making more money than they ever had, their businesses were at peak performance, tourism numbers were through the roof and life could not be any better. It had been an absolute banner year, and the sky was the limit. Personally, I was planning on having the best 12 months I ever had and most of my agents had the same goals as well. The first 60 days, were record breakers for real estate in Costa Rica, and it looked like nothing could stop this bullet train. Then the conductor pulled into the COVID-19 station; the locomotive was put into park; the engines were shut down; and everyone had to get off and go home. The globe became silent.

Now here we are, 8 weeks later, and Costa Rica is one of the leaders in the world, in its handling of the virus. Countries all over the planet are pointing to us as the exception to the rule; how we have contained it and lowered the curve; at the astounding low numbers of active cases; as we start to reopen our economy. Most countries and or cities, with 3 to 5 Million inhabitants are seeing thousands of deaths, compared to our mind boggling number of only 10. People are taking notice, and we are flooded with inquires and phone calls. So many individuals rehashing the same comments; I should have bought; why didn’t we just come; why did we cancel our trip; why did I procrastinate; wish we were there! Well, hindsight is 20-20 they say, and it just happens to arrive in the year 2020.

Circle of Legends

Real Estate is a great business. I get to put paradise in your hands, and I make a very good living doing it. I am a lucky man. Over the years, I have made some amazing friendships, met some of the most incredible people, and had an absolute blast. I have changed lives and they have changed mine; for the better. I have tried, since the moment I arrived in Costa Rica, to give as much back to this fascinating country that I can, because I am well aware of what it has given me. I love what I do and people tell me that it shows. Because of this passion, I have gotten a lot of recognition and received a ton of awards, but I am a very humble person at heart, and it is hard for me to take compliments. I don’t like to pat myself on the back. So, you can imagine how surprised I was, when this huge FedEx box arrived at the office the other day. I didn’t order any ceiling fans on Amazon, did I?