A LOCAL PERSPECTIVE. A PERSONAL APPROACH.
A place to put down roots, escape for a season, or bring your family together. Let’s find the property—and the community—that fit your life.
HI, I’M SHELBY. HERE’S MY WHY.
On paper, I had the successful life: the career, the nice things, the next goal always within reach. Behind the scenes, I was exhausted. I kept chasing the thing that might finally make me feel like I had “made it.”
A fishing trip first drew me to Costa Rica. A yoga retreat helped me imagine something different. In 2021, I moved here—and began figuring out who I was without the things I’d attached my identity to.
I learned the language. Built community. Started over professionally. Created my own business and bought my first home. Somewhere along the way, success stopped being about how my life looked and started being about how it felt to live.
“Everyone asks about return on investment. Almost nobody asks about return on life.”
Before I turned 30, I was taking seven prescription pills a day just to function. I would set an alarm early, take an Adderall, and go back to sleep until it kicked in. I was good at the rat race. But even if you win, you’re still a rat.
My life looks different now. I spend more time outside, eat differently, travel, and make time for the people I love. I’m no longer taking the pills I once thought would be part of my life forever. That’s my personal story.
Today I ask different questions: Am I right with God? Is my soul at peace? Am I serving my community? Does my work matter? A rich life can be dinner with friends, taking care of yourself, freedom to travel, and time to enjoy it.
I came here thinking I was taking a sabbatical from life. It turned out to be the start of building a new one.
Now I help others explore their next chapter—with more than a decade of luxury sales experience, a Florida real estate background, and local relationships across Costa Rica.
Tell me what a richer life means to you ↗WHY THE CENTRAL PACIFIC?
This is the part of Costa Rica I call home. I love the balance: the ocean and green hills, a mix of local and international neighbors, and the everyday conveniences that make a move feel more manageable.
Jacó has energy. Herradura has a different rhythm. Hermosa, Esterillos, and Bejuco offer their own versions of coastal living. Choosing well starts with how you want to spend an ordinary Tuesday—not just a vacation.
My home base is the Central Pacific. Your search doesn’t have to be. I can help you explore your options elsewhere in Costa Rica through my professional network.
The right view is only
part of the picture.
A NEW BEACHFRONT CHAPTER IN JACÓ
OFFICIAL LAUNCH · NOVEMBER 10
A pre-construction collection on titled beachfront land, bringing ocean-view condos and spacious penthouses into a new destination planned around residences, dining, shopping, and a central plaza.
The featured 15-level tower is designed for a more private coastal lifestyle, with four residences per typical floor, dedicated concierge service, and residents’ amenities.
Request launch details & availability ↗
THE CONDO COLLECTION
3 bedrooms · 2 bathrooms · Ocean-facing terraces
Two featured layouts offer approximately 108–114 m² of living space, plus one parking space in an automated parking system. Open social spaces and ocean views bring the coast into everyday life.
THE PENTHOUSE COLLECTION
5 bedrooms · 4.5 bathrooms · Private Jacuzzi
Two penthouses are planned for the featured tower, each with approximately 377.57 m² total area, including a 158.70 m² terrace and two automated parking spaces. Room for family, guests, and long evenings overlooking the Pacific.
YOUR RESIDENTS’ RETREAT
Planned private amenities include an infinity pool, children’s pool, Jacuzzi, BBQ area, sun deck, concierge service, private parking, and 24/7 security.
LOOKING AHEAD · PHASE 2
The wider community’s planned Phase 2 amenities include resort and lap pools, clubhouses, a gym, yoga deck, coworking space, playground, dog park, and vehicle charging.
LET’S TAKE A CLOSER LOOK
The official launch is November 10. Request the presentation, floor plans, current pricing, payment schedule, and availability directly from Shelby. Ask about investor discounts and whether additional incentives apply to buyers with previous pre-construction experience.
Images are architectural renderings, not photographs of completed residences. Project details reflect the developer’s presentation. Designs, areas, finishes, views, amenities, timing, pricing, discounts, and availability are subject to confirmation. Phase 2 amenities are planned for a later phase; ask Shelby for the current delivery schedule and terms.
YOUR FREE DOWNLOAD
A practical starting point for the decisions behind the dream. Explore the buying process, ownership costs, residency, financing, and what day-to-day life can look like.
When you’re ready to work together, I’ll help connect you with the right professionals. My personal contact network is shared with clients.
A CONVERSATION WORTH HAVING
Join me and host Richard Bexon for a candid conversation about Jacó, lifestyle-led buying, seller expectations, and the realities behind an investment.
Watch the full episode on YouTube ↗ · The player connects to YouTube when you press play. Market commentary reflects the recording date.
GOOD GUIDANCE MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Start with your lifestyle, budget, and timeline. We’ll narrow the areas and properties worth considering, discuss the trade-offs, and coordinate with the professionals you need along the way.
Presentation, pricing, and communication matter. My approach starts with understanding your property and goals, then building a plan to put its strengths in front of the right buyers.
IN THEIR WORDS
“After the sale, Shelby has been an invaluable resource for everything from restaurants to car repair. I feel like we have a ‘go to’ friend down here.”
“She had all the right connections with inspectors, attorneys, escrow, to make the process go smoothly.”
“Her communication is clear and consistent, and she operates with efficiency and precision.”
A LITTLE INSPIRATION
Explore properties on Shelby International Realty, then let’s talk about the ones that speak to you.
Browse properties ↗YOUR NEXT STEP
A 30-minute Google Meet call to talk through what you’re looking for, your timeline, and where to begin.
Have your budget range, preferred locations, bedrooms and bathrooms, financing needs, and any questions in mind. “Not sure yet” is a perfectly good starting point.
Choose a time with Shelby ↗Booking and intake are handled securely on Mixmax.
A FEW THINGS YOU MIGHT BE WONDERING
Yes. My home base is Jacó and the Central Pacific, and I can help you explore other parts of Costa Rica through my professional network. Tell me where you’re considering so we can discuss the right support.
No. It helps to have a rough budget, timeline, and reason for buying. We can use the call to clarify the rest.
Yes. Tell me whether you need financing early in the process. Seller financing, private lending, and other loan options depend on the property, borrower, and lender. The guide explains the questions to ask; no financing or approval is guaranteed.
The guide explains who you’ll need and what to ask. Personal introductions to my professional network are part of working together.
My House Hunters International appearance is upcoming. I’ll share the episode details when they’re available.