At Pura Vida Escrow and Trust, our mission is to facilitate secure and transparent transactions in Costa Rica. That’s why we are excited to introduce Brooke Bishop, a key figure whose expertise goes beyond property sales in Costa Rica, particularly in the Grecia area. With over 15 years of experience, Brooke doesn’t just sell properties; she has become an essential guide for those looking to move to this country, helping hundreds of expatriates find their perfect place and adapt to their new life.

In this interview, Brooke will share her unique perspective on the real estate sector and the expat experience, offering us an intimate look at what it means to not just buy a house but truly find a home in Costa Rica.

Brooke, your story of arriving in Costa Rica is fascinating. Could you tell us how your experience as a volunteer in 1999 influenced your decision to stay and dedicate yourself to the real estate sector?

When I first came I lived in Sarchi and I loved it.  The small town atmosphere, friendly people, beautiful places to hike and perfect temperatures helped me to fall more in love with the area and the country.

You specialize in working with expatriate clients. What are the main challenges or concerns these individuals face when looking for properties in Costa Rica, and how do you help them overcome them?

I think looking for properties is lots of fun for my expat clients, part of the challenge is how the configuration of the towns in relation to the homes is very different than where they are usually coming from.

For example some clients would like to be in a quiet area walking distance from town.

That is tough here because in “town” is noisy and once you get to the outskirts there are not many sidewalks or safe places to walk into town. But there is excellent bus service and the little districts which are quieter and more peaceful have many more amenities than my clients expect.

Buying a property is a huge step for anyone. With your vast experience, what essential advice would you give a foreigner who is just starting their property search in the country?

I think time spent exploring the different areas it the most important step. All the towns and areas have different vibes, climates, levels of amenities and services available. Spending time in the different areas usually helps my clients come up with a general area to begin a more in depth search.

Grecia is known for its microclimates. Could you tell us how this factor influences your clients’ purchasing decisions, and how you guide them to find the perfect spot based on their needs and lifestyle?

Yes, it is very helpful to my clients that I am so familiar with the microclimates of not only Greica, but all of the small towns surrounding. The higher up you go the cooler it gets, but even the specific location on the mountain influences humidity. The east side of the mountain will have a different feel than the west side!

Once a client has found their ideal property, the purchase process begins. From your perspective, why do you consider it essential for a buyer, especially a foreigner who may not be familiar with the Costa Rican legal system, to use a neutral third party like an escrow service?

Escrow services are crucial to the safety of the purchase.

With all of the new laws I do not see how we could perform successful sales without using a responsible neutral escrow company.

Besides the transaction, the support you provide to your clients is key, even after the sale. What kind of assistance do you offer, and why do you consider this follow-up so important for a successful relocation?

Many of my clients see me more after the sale! I assist with opening bank accounts, transferring utilities into their names, finding gardeners and domestic help for them, taking them furniture shopping and generally getting them settled in. I firmly believe that the better beginning to the move the more successful the move will be.

What is the most rewarding success story you’ve had in your career—one where you felt you didn’t just sell a property, but you helped someone find the life they were dreaming of?

I am very fortunate that in my job I help people fulfill their dreams with every purchase. I love to see my clients enjoying their new lives, becoming healthier, happier and more relaxed.

Brooke Bishop

Broker at Bishop Realty Costa Rica

We sincerely thank Brooke Bishop for sharing her valuable experience and knowledge with us. Her passion for helping people find their place in Costa Rica is evident and makes the relocation process much more than a simple transaction.

If you are thinking of moving to Costa Rica and are looking for advice from a professional with deep market knowledge and a genuine focus on her clients’ well-being, we recommend getting in touch with Brooke Bishop.

Thank you for joining us, and we’ll see you in the next interview!