Tammy Lovell: Making Dreams Come True, One Home at A Time in Costa Rica

Raised in the picturesque coastal town of Fortune, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, Tammy Lovell embodies the warmth, humility, and strong sense of community instilled by her parents and hometown.

Their belief that anything is possible with determination shaped her life philosophy, guided her career in sales and real estate, and is the same philosophy with which she raised her two grown sons, Kyle and Nicholas.

Tammy’s fascination with real estate began at age 12, inspired by a Century 21 commercial. After a career in sales and marketing, she pursued her lifelong dream in her 40s, bringing focus and conviction to helping clients find their perfect homes.

Today, as the Founder and Broker of Tammy Sells Costa Rica, she brings together professional expertise, personal integrity, and a deep love for connecting people with places they can truly call home.

Take us through your professional journey spanning sales and real estate.

My journey in sales began at the age of 12, when I sold the Newfoundland Herald in my hometown. In my mid- 20s, I worked in hotel sales, where cold calling taught me how I could connect with others organically.

That led to a 12-year career with the Yellow Pages Group, where I was mentored by incredible individuals who helped me grow, won multiple sales awards, and develop a deep understanding that relationships and trust are the true keys to success.

Later, I entered commercial real estate under the mentorship of Jim Burton at RE/MAX Infinity and worked for Kevin King of K & K Capital, where my dream of real estate took shape. Further, in 2014, I made a bold move, from Canada to the tropics of Costa Rica. After gaining experience with two top firms, I took another leap of faith and founded Tammy Sells Costa Rica.

Work hard each day, but never lose the joy in what you do, because once the fun goes out of anything, it becomes just work

Introduce us to Tammy Sells Costa Rica and your role as the Founder.

At Tammy Sells Costa Rica, we are a close-knit team of six passionate professionals with one shared vision: to make buying real estate in Costa Rica a smooth, enjoyable, and truly personal experience. For most clients, it starts as a dream, and our job is to turn that dream into a reality.

We handle everything from planning trips and arranging stays to introducing trusted professionals, and even helping with decor and setup so clients can feel cared for at every step.

As Founder, my focus is on nurturing a positive, client-first culture where both our team and our clients feel supported and inspired. For me, real estate has never been just about properties or transactions; it’s about people building trust, creating connections, and guiding them through one of the most meaningful decisions of their lives.

Given the dynamic nature of the real estate industry, what are your current focus areas?

The world of real estate is more connected than ever today. Clients today are looking beyond borders for new opportunities. In Costa Rica, people come to us for many reasons- to relocate, invest, or find their dream getaway, and our goal is to make that journey seamless and stress-free.

We continue to evolve our one-stop-shop model, now introducing lifestyle real estate retreats that allow clients to experience Costa Rica in person while connecting with trusted local experts, from lawyers to property managers.

Tammy Sells Costa Rica is about people, not proper­ties. Our vision to help clients find not just a home, but a new chapter of their lives.

Looking back at your entrepreneurial journey, which milestones stand out for you? What is your ‘success mantra’?

For me, the most rewarding milestones in my entrepre­neurial journey are not trophies or titles; they are the mo­ments when hard work and genuine connection come together. It’s when a happy client refers a friend, shares heartfelt feedback, or when a business relationship grows into a real friendship, of which I have many.

My success mantra is simple: work hard every day, but never lose the joy in what you do. The moment the fun fades, it stops being meaningful. I have always believed that with focus, belief, and passion, anything is possible, and that mindset continues to shape not just my career, but the way I live my life.

How do you foresee Costa Rica’s real estate sector evolving?

I see a bright future for Costa Rica’s real estate sector. As the world changes, more people are searching for a simpler, more intentional way of living, one that feels peaceful and connected. Here, the local people have a saying, Pura Vida, “pure life”, this is more than just a phrase; it’s a mindset rooted in kindness, gratitude, and living in the moment.

Sustainability is becoming a defining trend, with growing interest in eco-friendly and minimalist homes. My personal dream is to create and market these tiny homes, a project I hope to bring to life both in Costa Rica and Newfoundland.

None of this would be possible without our incredible team, as their passion, teamwork, and heart are what make Tammy Sells Costa Rica so special, and together, we look forward to helping more people find peace, purpose, and home in this beautiful country. And of course, I would like to thank my husband, Kevin, who supports me through everything I do.

Tammy Lovell, Founder, Tammy Sells Costa Rica

Tammy Lovell, a proud Canadian from the coastal town of Fortune, Newfoundland and Labrador, is the Founder and Broker of Tammy Sells Costa Rica, a boutique real estate firm dedicated to making property ownership in Costa Rica seamless and personal. Today, she leads a close-knit team of six, offering a full-service, one-stop-shop experience from planning trips and touring properties to connecting clients with trusted lawyers, escrow agents, and property managers.