Costa Rica Roadshow
The Cost Rica Roadshow Mission
Our mission is to introduce Engel & Völkers advisors and their clients to the realities, opportunities, and lifestyle of living and investing in Costa Rica. Through in-person events and virtual experiences, we bring together a trusted, bilingual team to provide clarity and transparency in a market that can feel complex from afar.
This initiative is education first and relationship driven, designed to strengthen collaboration and referrals within the Engel & Völkers network. Beyond real estate, it expands perspective and creates a seamless, white glove experience for those exploring Costa Rica, guided by professionals who understand the market, the culture, and the process firsthand.
Global Webinar Series: Living, Investing & Real Estate in Costa Rica
This April, I am hosting a live global webinar series for Engel & Völkers advisors, their clients, and anyone exploring Costa Rica as a place to live or invest.
Each session is designed to be practical, engaging, and clear. We will cover what life in Costa Rica looks like today, how buying and investing works, and what to understand before making a move. I will be joined by trusted legal, residency, and lending professionals so attendees hear directly from experts working on the ground every day.
Each webinar is one hour, live, and conversational with time for questions. Advisors are encouraged to share this with clients, friends, or referrals who are curious about Costa Rica or actively considering it.
Upcoming Live Webinar Dates (Eastern Time):
- Thursday, April 16 at 9:00 AM
- Thursday, April 23 at 1:00 PM
- Thursday, April 30 at 5:00 PM
Registration is required to maintain an interactive format.
If Costa Rica has been on your radar or someone in your world has been asking about it, this is the right place to begin.
One Man's Journey
I came to Costa Rica with the intention, not to escape life but to experience it differently. From the beginning, the pace, the land, and the connection to nature shifted my perspective. It was grounding and clarifying.
Over the past four years, Costa Rica has been my home. Living there full time allowed me to understand the culture, the rhythms, and the responsibility that comes with building and investing in a place so connected to nature. I am deeply grateful for what those years provided, clarity, balance, and perspective. I now split my time between Costa Rica and Chicago, bridging both markets with lived experience.
Opportunity in Costa Rica exists, but it requires respect. Where and how you build matters. The land is not simply scenery, it is a living system. That awareness shaped every investment I made and every client I have advised. Building here teaches stewardship, patience, and gratitude.
What began as a personal journey became a professional mission, to guide people through Costa Rica thoughtfully and responsibly. I immersed myself in the process as an investor and builder, designing homes, completing large renovations, and managing custom projects from start to finish. That firsthand experience allows me to guide clients with clarity, transparency, and respect for both the opportunity and the place itself.
About Costa Rica
Costa Rica is known for political stability, strong democratic institutions, and clear legal protections for foreign property ownership. Buyers can own property outright with the same rights as citizens, supported by a reliable judicial system and a history of peaceful governance.
The country’s biodiversity is extraordinary. Protected rainforests, volcanoes, and both Pacific and Caribbean coastlines create an immersive natural environment. Daily life is closely connected to nature, and long standing environmental protections help preserve value in key regions.
Culturally, Costa Rica encourages balance and well being. The spirit of Pura Vida reflects presence, simplicity, and community. Many find that living here fosters greater clarity and a healthier pace of life.
At the same time, Costa Rica offers modern infrastructure, excellent private healthcare, international schools, and a mature ecosystem supporting foreign residents. Strong tourism, limited prime inventory, and consistent international demand continue to support long term investment fundamentals.
Costa Rica represents a rare alignment of lifestyle, stability, and opportunity where real estate is not only a financial decision, but a life decision.
Pura Vida, Longevity, and Conscious Living
Pura Vida is more than a phrase, it is a lived philosophy centered on gratitude, presence, and simplicity. It influences daily life, relationships, and the way people approach work and well being.
Costa Rica is home to one of the world’s recognized Blue Zones, particularly in the Nicoya Peninsula, where longevity is supported by natural movement, fresh food, strong community bonds, and a clear sense of purpose known locally as plan de vida. Health is integrated into everyday living rather than pursued separately.
The country has also become a global destination for wellness practices such as yoga, meditation, breathwork, and holistic therapies. Surrounded by jungle and ocean, many people experience a deeper connection to nature and themselves.
Together, Pura Vida culture, Blue Zone longevity, and a wellness oriented lifestyle create an environment that supports mental, physical, and emotional well being, offering more than a place to invest, but a way to live.
A Trusted Team, Working in Alignment
Living and investing in Costa Rica requires experienced legal, residency, and financial guidance. I work alongside independent professionals who specialize in these areas and understand the nuances of the country.
Each operates within their discipline while collaborating seamlessly to support clients. They are bilingual, experienced with international buyers, and committed to transparency and professionalism. Together, we create a coordinated structure that allows clients to move forward with confidence and clarity.
Professional Team.
Michael Schatz
Engel & Volkers Chicago North Shore, Engel & Volkers Costa Rica, Investor
312.961.4450 | [email protected]
michaelschatz.evrealestate.com
Michael Schatz is a licensed real estate advisor in both Chicago and Costa Rica, helping clients explore residential and lifestyle driven investments. After living in Costa Rica for four years, he now splits his time between Costa Rica and Chicago, offering firsthand perspective on both markets. His experience includes building multiple homes, managing large renovations, and overseeing a custom design build, all grounded in deep respect for the land and the local Costa Rican community. Working within the Engel & Völkers global network, Michael provides a clear, transparent referral process and guides clients thoughtfully, responsibly, and with genuine care.
Arián Obando
Cresco Legal
[email protected] | +506 6051-4028
www.crescolegal.com
Cresco Legal Costa Rica, led by Adrián Obando, provides legal guidance for international clients navigating real estate and investment in Costa Rica. With deep experience in due diligence, property acquisition, and foreign investment structures, Adrián and his team help ensure transactions are grounded in clarity and compliance. Their approach emphasizes education, transparency, and thoughtful risk assessment, giving clients confidence in every step of the process.
Henley & Partners is the global leader in residence and citizenship planning, with over 25 years of experience advising high-net-worth individuals and families worldwide. Through more than 60 residence and citizenship programs, Henley & Partners helps clients explore long-term mobility, security, and lifestyle solutions that align with their personal and investment goals. Their expertise adds a strategic layer to the conversation around living and investing abroad.
Volo Loans provides U.S.-structured mortgage solutions designed specifically for Americans and Canadians purchasing property in Costa Rica. Led by interim CEO Nate Smith, Volo offers financing that mirrors the familiarity of U.S. lending—using North American credit standards, English documentation, and predictable loan structures. This approach removes one of the largest barriers to international real estate ownership and creates a more seamless buying experience.
A Taste of Costa Rica
Café de Altura de San Ramón
High in Costa Rica’s Central Valley, Café de Altura de San Ramón reflects the country’s connection to land, community, and intention. Grown in rich volcanic soil and cultivated at elevation, this small-batch coffee embodies patience, sustainability, and respect for nature. Each cup tells a story of place and process.
For me, this coffee represents Costa Rica’s spirit. It’s a daily ritual and a reminder to slow down, connect, and appreciate what’s grown thoughtfully. Sharing it is a way to offer a tangible piece of Costa Rica’s culture—one that can be experienced, not just described.
Find Me at EVX for Coffee Samples!
In the News
Costa Rica has been making headlines across a variety of international publications, spotlighting its growing appeal as a destination for lifestyle, wellness, and real estate investment. From its stunning beaches and vibrant jungles to its stable political climate and investor-friendly policies, the country continues to capture attention as a place to live, invest, and explore new opportunities. These features have positioned Costa Rica as one of the most talked-about and sought-after markets in the Americas today.
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