Jacó seemed like the perfect destination for Maria Jimenez Bákit, her husband Neil, and her 3 children to quarantine for a couple of weeks. Fast forward to this day, and Jaco has become the home of this family. María is a Business graduate from the University of Costa Rica and has co-founded multiple successful businesses, including a shipping company and a gym chain. She also serves as a mentor for Vital Voices and is the Chairwoman for Junior Achievement Costa Rica.
Her academic and entrepreneurial background served as a natural bridge into the real estate market and has been key to her and her clients’ success, especially for those with expectations of investing in Costa Rica. María has collaborated and worked with professionals in the fields of technology, entertainment, hospitality, mentoring, and franchising. Want to know more about her? Read the full interview:
1. What Was Your Dream Job as a Child?
Hard to say, but being a business owner has always been one of my biggest passions. I love to see people accomplish their dreams.
2. Why Did You Decide to Become a Real Estate Agent?
I have seen the needs of many people, buyers, and sellers around me. Since we moved to the Central Pacific, I have realized the bigger need for foreigners to have good and first-hand advice on their investment in Costa Rica, not just to buy their dream property, business, or vacation rental investment, but to set up their business in a good way for the best and minimize future problems. I hope I can help many with my knowledge and give advice to future business owners since I have experience in several fields.
3. What Do You Love the Most About Being a Real Estate Agent?
Interacting with the clients, understanding their needs, and finding the right investment, at the right price, at the right place, and in good time.
4. What is the Biggest Challenge?
My biggest challenge is paperwork!! I love meeting with people and doing business, but not really going through the paperwork.
5. What is the Most Rewarding Aspect of Your Work?
Remaining friends with my clients is the best. The most rewarding thing is meeting with them after the closing and knowing that every part of the deal was done with everyone’s best interest at heart.
6. What Do You Do in Your Free Time?
Free time!! What is that?? There are lots of activities that I love to do. I spend time with my family; we love to hike, golf, fish, and paint. I also love to be with friends and go to my parents' farm in Escobal de Atenas, and I spend time learning; usually, I'm enrolled in a business or personal growth class. I also volunteer as a mentor for women with Vital Voices, and I have served as Chairwoman for Junior Achievement Costa Rica; both NGOs do work on leadership, entrepreneurial skills, and financial literacy, which are things I love. I'm also involved in the Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones in CR as part of the National Delegates Body, to help monitor the country's elections.
7. If You Did Not Live in Costa Rica, Where Would You Want to Live?
Difficult one, I used to live in San José and for some years wanted to move to live by the beach, so right now I'm living in one of my dream places, but if I had to choose, I would probably like someplace in Spain, I love Barcelona.
8. What is Your Most Ambitious Goal in Life?
To build a building! I'm a partner now. We are building a 9-story building in San José, which will have a commercial space, offices, 31 apartments, and 12 penthouses.
Tune in next Wednesday for more unique stories about our agents!