ExpoCasa Slates Show Next Week

User Rating: / 0
PoorBest 

ExpoCasa 2012 will offer solutions to those pondering about buying a new home or simply redecorating the old one. (We warn you, however, that what you might see may make you dissatisfied with your current castle.)

The 10th edition of the show will be held Jan. 25-29 at Centro de Eventos Pedregal in San Antonio de Belen. The ExpoCasa of last year drew 30,000 visitors and this year 50 home builders will be on hand to show their wares.

Besides home improvement options from security systems to tile and curtain selections, banks will be on hand with special offers on special interest rates if financing from mortgages to redecoration.

This year, one can talk turkey with BAC, Banco de Costa Rica, Banco Nacional, Mutual Group, Banco General, Banco Popular and Scotiabank. Terms and conditions vary from bank to bank, with standard loan terms being 15 or 25 years and rates starting 9.5% in colones.  Experts recommend taking a loan in the same currency as your income, in order to avoid any exchange rate risks, however US dollar loan rates are much more attractive.

Commercial Director Mariela Rodriguez of Grupo Nacion, the event organizer, said the event hopes not only to help Ticos achieve their homeowner dream but also to spur the construction trade, always the last to recover from an economic downturn.

So that parents can concentrate on this serious business, the sponsors are offering a children's recreational area as well as talks and other projects so the whole family may enjoy the event.

The kids may enjoy bouncy castles, clowns and the songs of Juan Cuenta Cuentos, as well as other entertainment. Adults, meanwhile, can browse among the exhibits, listen to talks on gardening, decor trends, use of color and light--even a live cooking demonstration by Sabor.

There will be an inevitable (in Costa Rica) drawing for a Hyundai Accent sedan. The event is held at the Center, 800 meters. east of the railway station in San Antonio de Belen. Parking is 1,500 colones (about $3). On weekdays the fair opens at 1 pm and closes at 10 pm, while Saturday hours are from 10 to 10 and on Sunday they will open from 10 am to 8 pm. On Wednesday there is no charge, on Thursday and Friday tickets are 1500 colones and on the weekend they cost 2000 colones.