Belinda MacNeil has had an amazing journey across the world. She was born and raised in South Africa, where she worked in the global travel industry, all while enjoying the beauty and diversity of her homeland. In 2008, she decided to explore new horizons and moved to Canada. She met her soulmate there (David) and they got married on the sunny beaches of Costa Rica. They fell in love with the country and decided to immediately change their lifestyle. Belinda and her husband moved to Playas Del Coco in 2019 into a beautiful 2 bedroom condo, in a development that many claim to be ‘the garden of Eden’ in a very popular area (within Playas Del Coco) called Las Palmas. They recently built their beautiful dream home in 2021. Their ‘baby’ (French bulldog) “Ruby” loves the Costa Rica lifestyle of hanging by the pool with friends just as much as they do.
Belinda and her husband live part-time in downtown Toronto, where they enjoy the big city life; concerts, walking, sightseeing, ball games, and enjoying their time with friends and family.
Belinda is always excited to share her stories and experiences with others.
Learn more about Belinda here.
Laura Gallaher has always loved travel. Visiting Costa Rica was added to her ‘bucket list’ when her long-time friend Tamara offered her a condo to rent in beautiful Playas Del Coco.
Laura and her husband (Bill) soon fell in love with Central America, with its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and rich culture.
Ten years later, Laura and Bill decided to make their dream come true. They bought a condo in Playas Del Coco, Costa Rica, sight unseen, trusting Tamara's recommendation. Laura and her husband packed their bags and flew to their new home, eager to start a new chapter of their lives.
They have since sold this first studio, and have purchased a 2 bedroom condo, where they were recently able to complete some renovations to make it their own!
Laura and her husband enjoy spending time with their children. Their son is in Winnipeg, and their daughter, son-in-law, and four grandchildren are in Australia. They also love renovating (although they won’t admit it), their supper club friends, and their 10 kilometers a day walks. (and what a better place to do it!)
Laura has worked in multiple facets of the real estate industry with over a forty-year career in lending.
She has worked for two of the mortgage insurers in Canada (CMHC and Genworth) and many different lenders and Credit Unions throughout her career.
She understands the ins, outs, and every direction in between relating to ensuring a smooth real estate transaction. From the start of the house-hunting journey to the possession date, she is amazing at laying out the foundation and discussing all the fine details.
Tamara Wandzura and her husband (Russ) had a dream of visiting Thailand, but during their 2007 planning, they learned about some political turmoil, and they quickly pivoted and decided to switch their destination to Costa Rica. It was the best decision they ever made. For 17 glorious days, they explored the diverse and beautiful landscapes of this tropical paradise, from lush rainforests to stunning beaches. They felt their love for Costa Rica grow stronger with each adventure and each sunset. They were so enchanted that they bought a condo in an upcoming development on their trip and vowed to return every year. And they have. Fast forward sixteen-plus years and they now own three more rental properties and spend more than half of the year in Playas del Coco, enjoying the sun, the sand, and the sea.
Since 2005, Tamara has been (and still is) a successful, top-producing mortgage broker in Canada, where she works with a small but thriving boutique brokerage (remotely since 2018).
She has spent more than twenty years working with current industry technology, creating systems that allow for a flawless client journey and experience.
She has brought those systems, knowledge, passion, and expertise with her to Bella Mar Realty.
Her goals include filling in the ‘knowledge gaps’ that clients have when house hunting in Costa Rica.
Each situation is unique. There is no ‘one size fits all, especially when buying in a foreign country.
Tamara is excited to continue exploring Costa Rica’s hidden beaches, waterfalls, and other ‘gems’.
Learn more about Tamara here.
You might be surprised to learn that there is no official regulation of the real estate industry here.
This means anyone can call themselves a realtor and offer their services to buyers and sellers of properties without any formal training and/or experience in the industry.
This obviously poses some risks and challenges for consumers who want to find reliable and trustworthy advice when purchasing (or selling) property in Costa Rica.
That's why we created Bella Mar Realty Group.
We are a team of experienced professionals who have been in the industry (lending/real estate) for a combined 50+ years.
Since we have owned (multiple) properties in Costa Rica since 2007 - we saw the gaps.
Being trained under strict North American lending and real estate guidelines, we understand the need and requirements for standard process, transparency, correct guidance, advice, and overall compliance…all while making the process straightforward, not complicated, and enjoyable for clients.
We are passionate about helping you find your dream home in Costa Rica.
Here are some tips to consider when buying in CR (or any foreign country):
(1) Make sure you are working with a solid real estate team
(2) Ensure you have a good quality and responsive (trustworthy) legal team
(3) Spend some time researching the areas you may want to consider investing into
(4) Research ‘what comes after’ you purchase
How does residency work (if that is something you are interested in)
How do you pay taxes?
How do you set up a bank account?
Do you need an accountant?
Purchasing property in Costa Rica is not “easy” but it’s not difficult or complicated if you are working with the right team.
COSTA RICA. REAL ESTATE. Simplified.
Many of us (ex: Bella Mar Realty) have spent years doing the research and or have learned from our very own mistakes. That is where we can assist and ensure your best interests are always the top priority.
We love this country, and we want to share its beauty and potential with you.
