By: KeyCrew Media

Register for free March 19th webinar: chordrealestate.com/investpanamasummit

Van Hohe traveled internationally extensively during his three-decade music industry career, managing major tours and festivals across continents. Despite this global exposure, he never considered international real estate investment until his business partners at CHORD Real Estate persisted in recommending site visits to Panama.

His first trip revealed market conditions he characterizes as comparable to Florida real estate pricing from 40 years ago, combined with undeveloped beachfront resembling Florida’s coastline from 70 years back.

“I say it’s like the prices of Florida 40 years ago, but the beaches are like Florida from 70 years ago. Like it’s unbelievable. Untouched whole miles and miles of beaches, untouched,” Hohe explains.

Pricing Creates Entry Opportunities

Hohe points to specific examples illustrating Panama’s current market positioning. Condos are available for “a few hundred grand” while small oceanfront cottages can be purchased in the $600,000 to $800,000 range.

“Where does that exist? And with all the amenities and all the safety and the great food and the amazing people,” Hohe asks, highlighting the combination of entry-level pricing with developed infrastructure and established amenities.

This pricing structure particularly appeals to American investors who missed earlier opportunities in markets that have since appreciated beyond accessible price points. The comparative framework suggests potential for substantial long-term appreciation as Panama continues to develop.

Untouched Coastline Represents Development Potential

The beach comparison carries investment implications beyond aesthetic considerations. Miles of undeveloped coastline near infrastructure and established cities create opportunities unavailable in mature markets.

Hohe’s observation about untouched beaches reflects the development potential that historically drives coastal real estate appreciation. Early investors in now-expensive beach markets benefited from positioning ahead of tourism and residential development that later transformed those areas.

Panama offers both Pacific and Caribbean coastlines with distinct characteristics and price points, enabling investors to align specific strategies with available inventory. Some areas near Panama City provide proximity to urban amenities, while coastal regions farther from the capital offer lower prices with longer development timelines.

Operational Advantages for American Investors

Beyond pricing and development potential, Hohe emphasizes operational factors that reduce barriers for American investors. Panama’s use of the U.S. dollar eliminates currency risk and exchange rate complexity.

“Part of it is that they use the US dollar. That’s a big part. So there’s not some confusion that that can bring,” Hohe notes.

Dollar-based transactions simplify accounting, tax reporting, financial projections, and ongoing property management. Investors avoid tracking currency fluctuations for tax purposes or managing foreign exchange exposure on rental income and operating expenses.

Cultural Accessibility Reduces Investment Friction

Hohe’s international experience provides context for assessing Panama’s investment environment. He characterizes the country as unusually welcoming regardless of visitor’s nationality.

“Everybody seems to be welcome. No matter what country you’re from, when you’re in Panama, you’re Panamanian,” Hohe describes. This inclusive atmosphere creates comfort for investors planning to own property or spend extended time in the country.

Cultural accessibility matters particularly for investors considering eventual personal use of properties beyond pure financial returns. Comfort with the local environment influences decisions about retirement destinations, vacation properties, or potential relocation options.

From Initial Skepticism to Active Advocacy

Hohe initially dismissed his business partners’ international investment suggestions. “I had never even considered any concept of leaving the state. Never even considered it,” he recalls.

His partners persisted for over a year before Hohe agreed to visit Panama. Direct exposure transformed his perspective completely. “I showed up nervous, because I flew in alone. I didn’t know what I was walking into. And I fell in love,” he says.

Post-visit, Hohe actively encourages friends and acquaintances to explore opportunities in Panama. “I’m telling all my friends, you have to come with me. We just have to go,” he explains, describing his reaction after experiencing the market firsthand.

This conversion from skeptic to advocate reflects a pattern CHORD Real Estate observes with clients. Limited or outdated information about international markets often prevents Americans from exploring opportunities that direct exposure reveals as accessible and compelling.

Market Access Through a Structured Approach

CHORD Real Estate created its Invest Panama Summit to provide the direct exposure that changed Hohe’s perspective. The three-day event, scheduled for May 28-30, 2026, in Panama City, includes expert presentations by local professionals, guided property tours, and optional coastal excursions to areas such as Playa Caracol.

Before committing to the Panama trip, interested investors can attend CHORD’s free webinar on March 19th at 6:00 PM CST. The virtual session covers Panama investment fundamentals, benefits for U.S. buyers, and details about the May summit experience.

Hohe’s journey from dismissive skeptic to enthusiastic advocate occurred through direct market exposure. CHORD’s structured approach through the webinar and summit aims to provide similar firsthand evaluation opportunities for investors considering international portfolio diversification.

Free March 19th webinar registration and May 28-30 summit details available at chordrealestate.com/investpanamasummit or contact RSVP@CHORDrealestate.com.

Disclaimer: All real estate pricing examples in this article are approximate and based on current publicly available listings and market data. Actual property prices may vary significantly by location, size, condition, and other market factors. Real estate markets change over time, and past or current prices are not indicators of future performance.