The international real estate market offers fascinating opportunities, but it also demands a solid structure to avoid unnecessary risks. When a buyer decides to expand their horizons to Central America, planning a cross-border real estate investment with the guidance of a professional with proven experience makes all the difference between a stressful process and a successful transition.
For this reason, we spoke with China Schmitz, founder of Grow Realty and a broker with over 25 years of experience in the industry[cite: 1, 2]. Her expertise is fundamental to understanding the evolution of the real estate market and other highly dynamic coastal regions. Throughout her career, she has guided numerous clients in purchasing assets outside their home countries. She agrees that driving sustainable development in Costa Rica represents the smartest long-term investment strategy. In this article, the specialist shares her strategic vision on how to secure a safe, ethical, and sustainable cross-border real estate investment in Costa Rican territory.
A Secure Bridge for Your Cross-Border Real Estate Investment
Moving from a highly regulated and systematic market to one with different local dynamics requires preparation. The founder of Grow Realty explains how her career in the United States allows her to structure overseas transactions:
“My Texas background has shaped me in a very practical way—I’ve been through multiple market cycles, managed large brokerages, and overseen thousands of transactions. That gives me a lens of risk awareness and structure that I bring into Costa Rica (and all international destinations!)”
To ensure success, it is essential to understand the differences in each legal and operating system without trying to impose the rules of your home country. The key lies in preparation and managing the buyer’s expectations correctly:
“In Texas, we operate with strong systems—contracts, disclosures, timelines, accountability. Costa Rica is different, and instead of resisting that, I help clients bridge the gap. I prepare them for what’s different while still anchoring them in what matters—due diligence, clarity, and expectations.”
In this way, cross-border real estate investment becomes an educational experience where the client not only acquires a property but also learns to navigate their new environment with confidence.
The Importance of a Specialized Team in International Transactions
Distance and unfamiliarity with local laws can generate uncertainty. Therefore, building a team of professionals is vital to simplifying every step of the way. According to the expert, the success of these processes does not rely on improvisation but on the coordination of qualified specialists.
As a Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS)[cite: 1, 2], she precisely defines the pillars for a seamless process:
“Clarity and the right team; those are everything. Cross-border transactions become stressful when expectations are unclear or when clients are trying to piece things together themselves. My role is to simplify the process and connect all the right people. That includes legal, escrow, property management—so the client isn’t carrying that burden.”
To achieve a rewarding result, it is not necessary for the rules of the game to be identical to those of the investor’s home country. The real value lies in constant guidance and the mutual trust built between all parties:
“A seamless experience doesn’t mean everything is identical to what they’re used to. It means they understand the process, trust the people involved, and feel guided from beginning to end. That’s what turns it from overwhelming into rewarding.”
Sustainability: The Value of a Cross-Border Real Estate Investment
Interest in eco-friendly features has ceased to be a passing trend and has transformed into a pillar of profitability and resilience. Especially in coastal areas, efficient design and the use of clean energy significantly mitigate future operating costs.
China Schmitz, who holds the NAR Green designation[cite: 1, 2], analyzes the landscape of cross-border real estate investment through this sustainable lens:
“What I’m seeing now is a shift—eco-friendly features are no longer just a ‘nice to have.’ They’re becoming part of long-term value. Investors are starting to recognize that sustainability impacts operating costs, durability, and even guest appeal in rental properties.”
In environments like Costa Rica, water efficiency and solar energy represent smart financial decisions that protect your assets. High-end buyers analyze material durability and the property’s overall performance against climate change:
“In coastal Costa Rica specifically, things like solar, water management, and energy efficiency aren’t just about being environmentally conscious—they’re about resilience and smart investing. The clients I work with are increasingly asking, ‘How does this property perform long-term?’ And sustainability is a big player in that answer.”
Financial Security in Cross-Border Real Estate Investment
Settling in a new country involves a commitment of respect toward the local community. For a cross-border real estate investment to generate a positive impact, the buyer must sync with the social and cultural environment that welcomes them. The specialist emphasizes that return on investment goes hand in hand with social responsibility:
“I always remind clients—you’re not just buying property here, you’re stepping into a community and a culture that already exists. Costa Rica has a rhythm to it, and respecting that matters. PURA VIDA is REAL!”
To achieve this harmony, it is advisable to work closely with local professionals, understand community norms, and prioritize decisions that do not disrupt the essence of the place.
On the other hand, financial security is the foundation of any successful transaction. The use of regulated and transparent custody accounts guarantees peace of mind for everyone involved. On this matter, Schmitz shares her point of view:
“It’s absolutely essential. When you’re moving funds internationally, you need structure, security, and transparency. A professional escrow service provides that neutral third-party protection that keeps everyone aligned and accountable.”
For a foreign buyer, knowing that their capital is protected drastically reduces anxiety and lays the groundwork for a successful, transparent business transaction.
Final Recommendations for the International Buyer
Acquiring a tropical retreat requires evaluating practical factors that go beyond the natural beauty of the area. According to the broker’s experience, lifestyle and long-term maintenance plans are decisive aspects before signing any purchase contract:
“People fall in love with the beauty of Costa Rica, and they should—but ownership comes with practical realities. Things move differently here. Maintenance, property management, and even utilities can be different than what they’re used to. So I always ask—how do you plan to use this property? Is it personal, rental, or both? And who is going to help you manage it on the ground?”
Finally, defining from the very beginning whether you will pursue legal residency helps outline a clear and hassle-free path during the acquisition of the asset.
China Schmitz
Texas & Costa Rica Real Estate Broker | CIPS | Global Consultant | Eco + Investment Specialist | Helping You Buy, Sell, and Invest Internationally
LinkedIn | Facebook | growrealtytx.com | dosplayashideaway.com
We deeply thank China Schmitz for sharing her valuable perspective and experience with our entire community of international investors. Her professional, ethical, and conscious growth-oriented approach continues to inspire the best practices within the region’s real estate sector.
