MLS in Costa Rica?

A multiple listing service (MLS) has always been the most efficient way to search for real estate. In the U.S. an official MLS is used by realtors, buyers and sellers to not just find property but get accurate information such as past sales, comparable pricing, time on market and much more[...]

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Unfortunately Costa Rica does not have an MLS system, which is what can make searching understanding and Costa Rica real estate very frustrating. Now you might be thinking, I’ve seen an MLS in Costa Rica online? What you have seen is just a website/office simply advertising an MLS for their system. Do NOT be mislead, there is NO official MLS in Costa Rica. Not to say though it won’t eventually change, and it could be coming soon. Yesterday I attended a class put on by a group, Tierra Max®, that is trying to lead the way.

Jaco realtors training for new MLS

Tierra Max® has worked very hard and invested a lot of money to put together the first official MLS in Costa Rica. While others might have somewhat attempted, Tierra Max® seems to have correctly set up the tools and standards to actually make this work. They are stringent with their regulations and standards are are currently going to every reputable and legal real estate office in the country to make sure everyone is on board. To be part of the system, realtors will need to have training, completed courses, and certifications, therefore creating a much more professional realtor network. An MLS in Costa Rica is going to require a lot of work, but more importantly it’s going to force realtors to work together much more. As a professional realtor I’m thrilled to see this. It’s going to be 4 months for all the realtors to become trained with using the system, but after that everything will be in order for the system to be in place. No doubt it will be a process, but good to see that real estate in Costa Rica is finally starting to grow up.