Building a home in Costa Rica has been a journey! The challenges of dealing with a different banking and legal system, the slower pace of life, and the absence of familiar regulatory frameworks were significant, but with the help of dedicated professionals such as our lawyer, accountant, and especially Michael Schatz, our real estate advisor, we were able to overcome these obstacles. He was not just an advisor; he was our lifeline in this exciting and challenging adventure. Michael was our guide, mentor, and problem-solver throughout our entire process. From the very beginning, he provided invaluable insights into the local real estate market and the intricacies of acquiring land and building a home in Costa Rica. Michael’s deep understanding of the local culture and business practices was evident in every interaction, and his ability to navigate these waters with ease was nothing short of impressive. Michael was always there to warn us about potential pitfalls. He kept our expectations realistic, ensuring that we were prepared for the slower pace of life and work in Costa Rica. This was crucial in managing our stress and keeping us focused on the end goal. To our great delight, Michael’s expertise extended beyond real estate; he was instrumental in helping us interview, then contract with a trusted attorney, accountant, builder, designer, landscaper, shipper, among many others, a process that was far more complicated than we had anticipated. Michael's comprehensive support and expertise were invaluable, and we could never have completed this project without him.