I told Steve and Ashley they'd lost their minds when they suggested Panama real estate investment.
For over a year, they insisted I needed to visit. I resisted. I'm Van Hohe, Chief Experience Officer at CHORD Real Estate, and I had never considered international investment. After 30 years in the music business managing tours and producing festivals, I'd traveled extensively but saw no reason to invest abroad.
What Changed
Steve and Ashley brought Panama to Nashville. I met Jose and Ari, CHORD's real estate partners based in Panama. Their professionalism impressed me enough to finally book a solo trip. I flew in alone, admittedly nervous about what I'd find.
Landing in Panama City immediately challenged my assumptions. The skyline resembled Miami. Modern infrastructure was everywhere. But the beaches sealed my conversion.
The Value Proposition
Panama offers pricing I haven't seen elsewhere: "It's like the prices of Florida 40 years ago, but the beaches are like Florida from 70 years ago."
Condos start at a few hundred thousand dollars. Small oceanfront cottages run $600,000-$800,000. Miles of untouched white sand beaches with modern amenities at accessible prices simply don't exist in comparable markets.
Three Factors That Convinced Me
The Welcoming Environment: No matter your nationality, you're treated as Panamanian. This inclusive atmosphere creates comfortable investment climate. I stand out with my appearance, but experienced only good-natured recognition, never hostility.
Genuine Safety: I've traveled with bodyguards during my music career and experienced a kidnapping attempt in Bolivia. Panama felt immediately secure. I walked freely throughout Panama City, day and night, without safety concerns.
The Complete Package: Quality food, welcoming people, beautiful weather, evening music scene, and cafe culture create lifestyle supporting strong rental markets and property values.
Investment Fundamentals
Beyond lifestyle appeal, Panama offers solid fundamentals: dollar-based economy eliminates currency risk, Canal-driven economic stability, world-class healthcare infrastructure, and accessible residency pathways through real estate investment.
The combination of legitimate investment opportunity, pristine natural resources, and welcoming culture creates what I assess as a "no-brainer" for portfolio diversification.
Professional Assessment
After three decades creating experiences professionally, I evaluate opportunities based on authenticity and sustainability. Panama passes both tests. The infrastructure is real, the development is legitimate, and the cultural foundation supports long-term success.
I went from complete skeptic to active advocate in one visit. The gap between my expectations and Panama's reality was that significant.
Why This Matters
My conversion illustrates an important point: Panama's opportunity isn't built on marketing claims. Exposure to actual conditions, meeting real partners, and experiencing genuine culture creates conviction that promotional materials never could.
Steve and Ashley were right. I was wrong. The best investment decisions often start by challenging your own assumptions.
Learn more about Panama investment opportunities
Invest Panama Summit | May 28-30, 2026
[email protected] | 615.988.1001
