In Costa Rica, the seller transfers land to the buyer by executing a transfer deed (escritura) before a notary public. Unlike common law countries, such as the United States and Canada, in Costa Rica the notary public has extensive powers. The notary public must be an attorney and may draft and interpret legal documents, as well as authenticate or certify the authenticity of documents.
In order to close on the property, the buyer and seller must select a notary/attorney who will draft the transfer deed and register the sale in the Public Registry (Registro Nacional). Locally it is customary for the buyer to select the notary/attorney who will draft the transfer deed if paying cash for the property.

If the purchase price is financed, there are 3 options for selecting the notary/attorney:

• If the seller is financing a large percentage of the purchase price and a mortgage needs to be drafted to guarantee payment, then the seller may request that her or his notary/attorney draft the transfer deed.

• If a property is purchased 50 percent cash and 50 percent financed, it is common for the buyer’s attorney and seller’s attorney to jointly draft the transfer deed and mortgage in a single document.

• Finally, the buyer may insist that his or her notary/attorney draft the transfer deed and let the seller’s notary/attorney draft a separate mortgage instrument. In this case, because the mortgage is being drafted separately, it carries a higher registration fee.
Thanks to www.costaricasalesrentals.com